Device for storage of tubulars, apparatus for handling tubulars and a method for disassembling a pipe string

• US 7,814,992 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2005
• Issued: 10/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fred Olsen Energy ASA
• Original Assignee: Fred Olsen Energy ASA
• Inventors: Olsen, Fred
• Primary Examiner(s): Beach; Thomas A
• Application Number:
  US11/793,915
• Publication Number:
  US 20080149342A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,763 Days
• Field of Search: 166/358, 166/359, 166/380, 166/341, 414/22.68, 414/22.63, 175/58, 175/85, 175/5, 175/8, 175/10, 175/52
• US Class Current: 175/85
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/143 specially adapted for underwater drilling

Abstract

An apparatus for storing tubulars on a floating semi-submersible drilling or production vessel. The apparatus comprises a storage device for storing tubulars in a submerged position, essentially below a splash zone. The storage device is generally open to the surroundings so that the tubulars are externally exposed to surrounding water. It is also described an apparatus for transporting tubulars between a storage and a derrick on an offshore drilling and/or production platform having a platform deck. The apparatus is situated below the platform deck and is adapted for movement under the platform deck. A method for disassembling a pipe string is also described.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing tubulars on a floating semi-submersible vessel, comprising a storage device for storing tubulars in a submerged position, essentially below a splash zone, wherein

the storage device is generally open to the surroundings so that the tubulars are externally exposed to surrounding water,

the storage device is substantially vertically moveable relative to the floating vessel, and

the storage device is moveable on a track that is fastened to the floating vessel.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is adapted to receive the tubulars divided into relatively short lengths of pipe.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is coupled to a lower part of the floating vessel.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is liftable by wires.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is adapted to be lowered to a position substantially below the bottom of the floating vessel, to increase stability of the floating vessel during bad weather.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a retrieving apparatus for lifting tubulars from the storage device to a position close to or above a deck on the floating vessel.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the retrieving apparatus comprises a shield, through which shield a tubular is conveyable through the splash zone.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the retrieving apparatus is adapted for coupling to the storage device when positioned for retrieving or putting back a tubular.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tubulars are capped at the ends thereof to prevent water from exposing the interior of the tubulars and optionally the sealing surfaces.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars between a storage and a derrick on an offshore platform having a platform deck, and wherein the apparatus is situated below the platform deck and is adapted for movement under the platform deck.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars into and out of a drilling axis below the platform deck.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars into and out of an under water storage.

13. An apparatus for storing tubulars on a floating semi-submersible vessel, comprising a storage device for storing tubulars in a submerged position, essentially below a splash zone, wherein the storage device is generally open to the surroundings so that the tubulars are externally exposed to surrounding water;

and a retrieving apparatus for lifting tubulars from the storage device to a position close to or above a deck on the floating vessel, wherein the retrieving apparatus comprises a trolley equipped with grippers for gripping one or more tubulars, the trolley being moveable between a position close to or above the deck of the vessel to a position close to the storage device.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars between a storage and a derrick on an offshore platform having a platform deck, and wherein the apparatus is situated below the platform deck and is adapted for movement under the platform deck.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars into and out of a drilling axis below the platform deck.

16. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars into and out of an under water storage.

17. An apparatus for storing tubulars on a floating semi-submersible vessel, comprising a storage device for storing tubulars in a submerged position, essentially below a splash zone, wherein the storage device is generally open to the surroundings so that the tubulars are externally exposed to surrounding water;

and a retrieving apparatus for lifting tubulars from the storage device to a position close to or above a deck on the floating vessel, wherein the retrieving apparatus is moveable in a horizontal plane by at least one traverser carriage.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars between a storage and a derrick on an offshore platform having a platform deck, and wherein the apparatus is situated below the platform deck and is adapted for movement under the platform deck.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars into and out of a drilling axis below the platform deck.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transporting tubulars into and out of an under water storage.

21. Method for disassembling a pipe string on an offshore platform having a deck and a derrick, comprising:

hanging off a lower part of the string at a level below the platform deck,

disconnecting the string above the hang off level,

moving the lower part of the string away from the drilling axis,

bringing a retrieving apparatus into the drilling axis,

transferring the upper part of the string to the retrieving apparatus,

moving the retrieving apparatus and the upper part of the string away from the drilling axis,

moving the lower part of the string into the drilling axis,

lifting the lower part of the string into the derrick, repeating the previous steps until the string has been disassembled.