Wells – Submerged well – Means removably connected to permanent well structure
Patent
1994-03-10
1995-05-30
Schoeppel, Roger J.
Wells
Submerged well
Means removably connected to permanent well structure
166358, 166365, 175 7, E21B 7132, B63B 3544
Patent
active
054193982
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for turning a swivel that forms a rotating connection between one or more risers and a piping system on a production vessel, a platform or the like for the production of oil or gas, and including a stationary part connected with a rotary drilling rig or the like on the vessel and one or more parts pivotally mounted in relation to the stationary part and connected to the vessel.
Systems for turning such a swivel aboard a production vessel for oil extraction at sea are known, but are of relatively small dimensions and weights, and have low operating pressures. Such a conventional system is furnished with a single drive arm attached to a lower part of the swivel and controlling rotary motion between the stationary part and the lower, rotating part of the swivel and transmits motion to other parts of the swivel by means of shear stress connections. Such system works well at relatively low production pressures and fluid volumes, in calm waters and at shallow to medium sea depths, but has disadvantages at high production pressures, high fluid volumes and in turbulent waters. In such conditions the swivel weight may be 100-150 tonnes and operational safety requirements are very high. For such large, heavy swivel systems the conventional turning systems are not suitable because the dimensions of the drive arm and the shear stress connections are very large and interfere with other equipment on the rotary drilling rig.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a system for turning heavy swivels aboard oil extraction vessels at sea, such that even at high production pressures in turbulent waters, the handling risks involved in replacing such a swivel will be substantially reduced. A further object is to obtain stable, direct transmission of rotary motion of the vessel ("yawing" movements) to the various rotating parts of such a swivel in order to reduce the load on rigid pipe connections between the swivel parts and the frame, but at the same time to retain flexibility with respect to relative movements in the x and y axes. A still further object is to provide a drive solution which will permit sideways replacement of a swivel without affecting rotational stability during normal operations.
In accordance with the invention, a solution has been devised wherein the rotating part or parts of the swivel are connected to a frame structure via a drive mechanism, the frame structure being fixed to a rigid overhead frame which extends over the rotary drilling rig and is fixed to the vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following will describe an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevation view of part of a ship with a rotary drilling rig with an overhead frame and frame structure in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram representing the principle of the arrangement of the frame structure in relation to the arrangement of various rotating parts of a swivel;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the construction of the frame structure with the placement of the swivel therein;
FIG. 4 is a section along line 4--4 of FIG. 1 of the frame structure at a lower edge of the overhead frame;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a gate in the frame structure shown in a closed state; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a drive mechanism and connection between an outer, rotating part of the swivel and the frame structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a rotary drilling rig 3 in a hull 17 of a production vessel, and a lifting device 12 for removing a swivel 1 which normally stands on a base 6 of the rotary drilling rig 3, or for placing a spare swivel 13 on the base 6. The swivel lifting device 12 runs on rails 10 which are mounted on the underside 11 of an overhead frame 7 such that the swivel lifting device 12 can move between a first position at the center of the rotary drilling rig 3 and a second position at the backup swivel 13, which is stored on
REFERENCES:
patent: 712002 (1902-10-01), Packard
patent: 972192 (1910-10-01), Hoff
patent: 3602175 (1971-08-01), Morgan et al.
patent: 3857450 (1974-12-01), Guier
patent: 4200054 (1980-04-01), Elliston
patent: 4436451 (1984-03-01), Anderson
patent: 4557332 (1985-12-01), Denison et al.
patent: 4617998 (1986-10-01), Langner
patent: 4694909 (1987-09-01), Stephenson et al.
patent: 4841895 (1989-06-01), Brewerton
Norsk Hydro a.s.
Schoeppel Roger J.
LandOfFree
Drive system for turning a swivel does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Drive system for turning a swivel, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Drive system for turning a swivel will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-356380