Referring to
As shown in
A flowline jumper 27 connects tree 11 to manifold 19, and a similar flowline jumper 27 connects tree 15 to manifold 19. Flowline jumpers 27 have lengths sized for the spacing between trees 11, 15 and manifold 19. Each flowline jumper 27 has an upstream end 29 and a downstream end 31. Both ends 29, 31 comprise legs that face downward in this example. Also, a connector 33 is connected to each end 29, 31 for engagement with one of the outlets 13, 17 or inlets 21, 23. Preferably, each connector 37 is hydraulically actuated, which may be with the assistance of a remote operated vehicle (ROV).
In this example, flowline jumper 27 has a straight generally horizontal section 35 connected between two “U-shaped” expansion joints or sections, defining an overall “M” shape. Alternately, the U-shaped sections on the ends could be eliminated, providing a general downward facing U-shaped configuration for the entire flowline jumper 27 rather than an “M-shaped” configuration.
Each flowline jumper 27 contains an electrical submersible pump (ESP) 37 within straight section 35. ESP 37 boosts the pressure of the fluid flowing into flowline jumper 27 from tree 11 and delivers the fluid to manifold 19. A similar ESP 37 boosts the pressure of the fluid flowing into the flowline jumper 27 connecting tree 15 with manifold 19.
Referring to
Gas separator 45 is connected to a centrifugal pump 51. Centrifugal pump 51 contains a large number of stages, each stage containing an impeller and a diffuser. Motor 41 rotates the impellers to cause fluid to flow from gas separator 45 or the pump intake into pump 51 and out through a discharge tube 53. The discharge pressure is isolated from the intake pressure. In this embodiment, the isolation is handled by a discharge tube 53 that extends sealingly into a flange or cap 55. Flange 55 bolts to a collar 57 that is secured to the end of flowline jumper straight section 35. The downstream end 31 of flowline jumper 27 bolts to flange 55 in this embodiment. Other devices to isolate discharge pressure from intake pressure could be used.
A gas outlet 59 extends through flange 55 for the removal of separated gas from flowline jumper 27. Gas outlet 59 optionally may lead to manifold 19 (
In this embodiment, a power cable 61 has a penetrator that extends sealingly through flange 55 to motor 41. Power cable 61 will be connected to a source of power, preferably subsea, such as in a wet mate connector system located at manifold 19 or other subsea equipment. When running or retrieving flowline jumper 27, an ROV may be used to connect and disconnect the wet mate connector on manifold 19. If multiple flowline jumpers 27 and ESP's 37 are employed, manifold 19 or other subsea equipment could have a power distribution system.
Preferably, the penetration of power cable 61 through flange 55 is a dry penetration system that is installed and disconnected while flowline jumper 27 is on the platform, not subsea. Optionally, straight section 35 of flowline jumper 27 is inclined a few degrees relative to horizontal, as indicated by the angle a in
In operation, ESP 37 will be installed within flowline jumper 27 on a vessel or at a dock-side. The entire assembly is then lowered into the sea with a lift line or cable and a spreader bar. With the assistance of an ROV, ends 29, 31 of flowline jumper 27 will land on outlet 13 of tree 11 and on manifold inlet 21. Hydraulic connectors 33 are actuated to complete the connections. The same procedure is followed to connect the other flowline jumper 27 between tree 15 and manifold inlet 23.
When trees 11, 15 are producing, the well fluid will flow into flowline jumpers 27. The ESP 37 in each flowline jumper 27 boosts the pressure and discharges the fluid into manifold 19. If gas separator 45 (
For maintenance or repair, the entire flowline jumper 27 will be released from outlet 13 and inlet 21 and the assembly brought to the surface with a lift line. The ESP 37 contained therein can be readily withdrawn on the vessel at the surface and serviced or replaced.
The invention has significant advantages. The pump assembly can be retrieved for repair or replacement by using a lift line and an ROV to retrieve the entire jumper. A gas separator can be mounted either in the same or a separate flowline jumper. Pumps can be mounted in parallel flowline jumpers so as to be independently retrievable.
While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to provisional patent application 60/789,821, filed Apr. 6, 2006.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60789821 | Apr 2006 | US |