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BR-102024017815-A2 - DEVICE FOR INSPECTION OF FLEXIBLE PIPES AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING FLEXIBLE PIPES

BR102024017815A2BR 102024017815 A2BR102024017815 A2BR 102024017815A2BR-102024017815-A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device, operated by an ROV, for inspecting flexible pipelines used in the oil and gas field, and, more specifically, to a device capable of identifying flooded sections in the annulus of flexible pipelines. The device for inspecting flexible pipelines comprises: a marine-grade electronic assembly; a traction and displacement system; a sensor module comprising a plurality of sensors for non-destructive inspection; wherein the sensor module is connected to a radial displacement system; and at least one handle capable of performing vertical and horizontal rotation of the device. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for inspecting flexible pipelines.

Inventors

  • MARIO LUIS PIRES GONÇALVES RIBEIRO
  • BRUNO MARTINS AMARAL TUDEIA
  • RICARDO BARBOSA CALDEIRA
  • MARCELLA FERREIRA MATHIAS
  • NATALIA DA COSTA RAMALHO RIBEIRO
  • GABRIELA TURANI
  • Rodrigo Carvalho Ferreira
  • Daniel Almeida Camerini
  • RAMON FONSECA FERREIRA
  • JORGE WANDERLEY RIBEIRO
  • CLEUBER JOSÉ DIAS

Assignees

  • PETROGAL BRASIL LTDA.
  • ATIVATEC TECNOLOGIA E DESENVOLVIMENTO LTDA.
  • ISQ BRASIL INSTITUTO DE SOLDADURA E QUALIDADE LTDA

Dates

Publication Date
20260310
Application Date
20240829

Claims (14)

  1. 1. Device for inspection (100) in flexible pipelines (1), said device operated by ROV (300), characterized in that it comprises: a marine-grade electronic assembly; a traction and displacement system; a sensor module (131) comprising a plurality of sensors for non-destructive inspection; wherein the sensor module (131) is connected to a radial displacement system; and at least one pan-tilt handle (120) capable of performing vertical and horizontal rotation of the device (100).
  2. 2. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises clamping claws (140), wherein each clamping claw (140) comprises at least one clamping arm (141), a rotating wheel (142) and a hydraulic actuator.
  3. 3. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible ducts (1) can be ducts in injection lines or ducts in production lines.
  4. 4. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the marine-grade electronic assembly comprises at least two watertight control electronics vessels, at least one main vessel and at least one secondary vessel (124), wherein the at least one main vessel is installed in the ROV (300) and the at least one secondary vessel (124) is installed in the inspection device (100).
  5. 5. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement traction system comprises an electric traction motor (110), a traction track (111), a gearbox (112) and traction motor control electronics.
  6. 6. Device (100), according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a 4-function hydraulic hot-stab (122) that can be connected to and disconnected from the device (100) in emergency situations.
  7. 7. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial displacement system comprises at least one electric motor (130), a transmission box (132) and a handle for manual turning (126) or turning by the robotic manipulator (310) of the ROV (300).
  8. 8. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one pan-tilt handle (120) comprises at least two hydraulic actuators through which vertical and horizontal rotations are performed.
  9. 9. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one side lifting handle (121) and at least one rear handle.
  10. 10. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible duct (1) to be inspected may comprise external diameters in the range of 200mm to 420mm.
  11. 11. Device (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a visual monitoring system, which comprises at least one video camera, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least four video cameras; and further comprises at least one spotlight, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least four spotlights.
  12. 12. Method for inspecting flexible ducts (1) using the inspection device (100) defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: i- lowering an ROV (300) equipped with the inspection device (100) to the section of the flexible duct (1) to be inspected; ii- positioning the inspection device (100) adjacent to the flexible duct (1) using the robotic manipulator (310) of the ROV (300); iii- fixing the inspection device (100) to the flexible duct (1) using its fixing grips (140); iv- bringing the sensor module (131), comprising a plurality of sensors, close to the outer wall of the flexible duct (1); v- rotating the sensor module (131) 360 degrees along the perimeter of the cross-section of the flexible duct (1) in order to acquire data from the sensors; vi- moving the inspection device (100) along the flexible duct (1) by the traction and displacement system of the inspection device (100); vii- repeat steps v and vi, in order to acquire sufficient data for the inspection; viii- after completing the data acquisition, open the fixing clamps (140) in order to detach the inspection device (100) from the flexible duct (1); ix- rest the inspection device (100) on the skid (200); ex- raise the ROV to the surface.
  13. 13. Method, according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises the definition of a digital twin, comprising the steps of: analyzing technical data of the flexible ducts (1) to be inspected; feeding a numerical simulation model of sonic propagation analysis with said data; defining data ranges for extraction of ultrasonic signals and patterns by the inspection device (100); defining classification criteria and standards to identify whether the annulus is dry or flooded.
  14. 14. Method, according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the data acquired by the inspection device (100) are collected and analyzed by an algorithm, which extracts the data in the intervals delimited by the digital twin; wherein the algorithm generates graphs that are compared with the graphs generated for the digital twin, allowing the conclusion of the state of the flexible duct (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of oil and gas, and more specifically, to the field of inspections in injection and production pipelines through the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). [002] The present invention relates to a device, operated by ROV, for inspecting flexible pipelines used in the oil and gas field, and, more specifically, to a device capable of identifying flooded sections in the annulus of flexible pipelines. In addition, the invention also relates to a method for inspecting flexible pipelines. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION [003] Flexible pipelines are used in a variety of applications, including production, injection, export and service lines, facilitating the transport of oil, gas, condensate, water and chemicals. In static applications, they function as flow lines, while in dynamic applications, they act as risers for offshore loading systems and connections between floating production facilities and subsea equipment. Flexible pipelines play a crucial role, connecting production wells to, for example, a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO). [004] The main components of these flexible ducts are the casing, the inner pressure cover, the pressure and tensile armor layers, the duct annulus and the outer pressure cover. [005] The annulus of the flexible duct is delimited by the internal and external polymeric sealing layers, where its main metallic structures are located, that is, the pressure and tension reinforcements. The duct annulus is a crucial area that requires monitoring. [006] However, the service life of these flexible pipelines is significantly affected by CO2 stress corrosion cracking (SCC-CO2). This problem arises due to the presence of water in the annular region, combined with the permeation of CO2 from fluids, creating a corrosive environment that leads to structural degradation and eventually rupture. [007] To trigger the SCC-CO2 failure mechanism, the starting point is the presence of water inside the pipeline annulus. This water can originate from the ocean and enter through various routes, such as damage to the outer covering, assembly problems, and valve malfunctions. Flooding can also occur due to condensation from fluids passing through the pipeline. Subsequently, the ideal corrosive environment is established when the water mixes with gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). After this stage, chemical reactions occur, initiating corrosion of the structural layers of flexible pipelines. [008] In addition to the high concentration of CO2, the severe ocean conditions also contribute to increasing the stresses applied to the flexible pipelines. [009] Consequently, there is a favorable context for triggering the SCC-CO2 failure mechanism in flexible pipelines installed on FPSOs. SCC-CO2 can lead to serious consequences in flexible pipelines, ultimately culminating in their rupture. [010] In order to avoid incidents with pipelines in operation, it is crucial to consider the irreparable consequences that may occur in social, environmental and economic aspects. Given the large volume of pipelines already installed in the fields, alternatives have been developed to regularly monitor and inspect flexible pipelines. [011] Patent BR102018069242 discloses a flood detection system in a flexible duct from a flexible duct connector comprising an ROV comprising an arm element adapted to move an ultrasonic sensor until the ultrasonic sensor comes into contact with the flexible duct connector; and means for performing ultrasonic measurements with respect to the state of the flexible duct annulus from a chamber in the flexible duct connector in contact with the flexible duct annulus. The invention further provides a method for detecting flooding in a flexible duct from a flexible duct connector comprising the steps of: moving an ROV to a region near the flexible duct connector; activating an ROV arm element to move an ultrasonic sensor until the ultrasonic sensor comes into contact with the flexible duct connector; and perform ultrasonic measurements with respect to the annular state of the flexible duct from a chamber in the flexible duct connector in contact with the annular state of the flexible duct. [012] Document BR102018075029 discloses a system that allows the detection of leak tightness or flooding in flexible pipeline annuli using a connector comprising: a piston and cylinder assembly interconnected by a rod to a chamber that functions as a pilot valve, connected directly to the outlet of a PSV valve of a flexible pipeline connector, into which they are fitted using a sealing and locking system, the operation of which is controlled by commands sent to the ROV, which contains an arm and which controls the system via a manipulator. This document also describes the operating method of the device and how the results obtained lead to a pre-programmed conclusion of leak tightness or not of the annulus. Other methods foresee