System and methods for stabilizing subsea pipeline
AssigneeChevron U.S.A. Inc.
InventorsAntonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Robert L. Foster, Jr., Michael J. Quinney
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Abstract
Systems and methods are described for controlling axial, lateral and/or vertical movements of subsea pipelines which reduce the need for expensive pipeline anchoring or other mitigation solutions. The pipeline is connected to a stabilizing structure generally adjacent to the pipeline using a plurality of load-bearing members attached to the pipeline and the stabilizing structure at a plurality of predetermined locations. Also described are systems and methods for monitoring operating parameters of the pipeline over time.
Claims11
A method for stabilizing a subsea pipeline without the use of spikes for anchoring the primary pipeline to the seabed, comprising:
- connecting a primary pipeline having a length and conveying fluids from a hydrocarbon production well at a temperature from about 60° C. to about 200° C. to a stabilizing structure generally adjacent to the primary pipeline at a plurality of predetermined locations along the length of the primary pipeline such that movement of the primary pipeline is restrained with respect to the stabilizing structure in at least one of the axial, lateral and vertical directions;
- wherein the primary pipeline is connected to the stabilizing structure by attaching to the primary pipeline and the stabilizing structure a plurality of load-bearing members selected from tethers, cables, and chains, the load-bearing members each having a first end and a second end and wherein the first end comprises a first attachment means adapted to attach to the primary pipeline and the second end comprises a second attachment means adapted to attach to the stabilizing structure;
- wherein the load-bearing member further comprises a load cell used in series with the load bearing member and capable of at least one of measuring, recording, storing, and communicating data related to movement of the primary pipeline over time.
A system for conveying fluids on a seabed, the system comprising:
- a. a primary pipeline located on the seabed conveying fluids from a hydro carbon production well at a temperature from about 60° C. to about 200° C.;
- b. a stabilizing structure located generally adjacent to the primary pipeline;
- and
- c. a plurality of load-bearing members selected from tethers, cables and chains, the load-bearing members each load-bearing member having a first end adapted to attach to the primary pipeline and a second end adapted to attach to the stabilizing structure;
- such that when the plurality of load-bearing members are attached to the primary pipeline and the stabilizing structure, movement of the primary pipeline is restrained with respect to the stabilizing structure without the use of spikes for anchoring the primary pipeline to the seabed;
- wherein the load-bearing member further comprises a load cell used in series with the load-bearing member and capable of at least one of measuring, recording, storing, and communicating data related to movement of the primary pipeline over time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.