BR102017026526B1 - MODERNIZATION METHOD OF A FLEXIBLE FLUID TRANSPORTATION LINE, CONNECTOR JOINT AND INTERCONNECTION MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

MODERNIZATION METHOD OF A FLEXIBLE FLUID TRANSPORTATION LINE, CONNECTOR JOINT AND INTERCONNECTION MODULE. The invention proposes a method of modernizing a flexible conduit line (50), in which the modernization method comprises the following steps carried out in at least one joint of connectors (11, 12, 13), namely, removing a valve from retainer (16) or a plug (17) of at least one outlet port (15) of a connector (111, 121, 131), remove a check valve (16') or a plug (17') of at least an outlet port (15') of an adjacent connector (111', 121', 131'), installing a tubular line (90) in an external position to establish fluid communication between said at least one outlet port (15) of the connector (111, 121, 131) and said at least one output port (15') of the adjacent connector (111', 121', 131'). The invention also proposes a joint of connectors (12) comprising a connector (121) and an adjacent connector (121'), the joint of connectors (12) comprising a tubular line (90) positioned externally to the connectors (121, 121'? ) in order to establish fluid communication between at least one output port (15) of the connector and at least one output port (15') of the adjacent connector (121'). The invention also proposes an interconnection module (80) connectable to a first connector (121) suitable to be installed in a first segment (...).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The invention relates to a flexible conduit line used to transport fluids in offshore oil and gas extraction systems. Particularly, the invention relates to the exhaustion of gas that permeates into the body of the flexible conduit, said gas coming from the fluid, such as oil, water or gas, which is being conveyed by the flexible conduit.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] A flexible conduit line comprises a plurality of flexible conduit segments, each segment typically manufactured in a length of 500 to 1000 meters. Due to a need for the flexible conduit line to reach a certain length, the different flexible conduit segments are connected together by means of connector joints. A connector joint comprises a connector installed at one end of a flexible conduit segment, said connector being connected to an adjacent connector installed at one end of an adjacent flexible conduit segment. Each connector comprises a cylindrical body followed by a neck terminated in a connecting flange having a connecting face. The connection between a connector and an adjacent connector consists of a face-to-face union of the connection faces of the connection flanges of both connectors and fastening by passing bolts through both connection flanges.

[003] When the flexible conduit line is installed in an offshore environment, the plurality of flexible conduit segments and connector joints are arranged so that the flexible conduit line is extended from a region submerged in water to a region above of the surface of the water. For example, the flexible conduit line may include a portion called the flowline, which comprises at least one flexible conduit segment, in whole or in part, resting on the seabed, connected to a portion called the riser, which comprises the at least one segment of flexible conduit that extends to a region above the surface of the water present in a floating facility, such as a ship or an oil rig.

[004] Each flexible conduit segment comprises a flexible conduit body formed by multiple layers, of different shapes and materials, in order to establish an appropriate internal channel for the transport of fluids. The flexible conduit body includes a first fluid retention layer and at least one additional fluid retention layer, which act as sealing layers to prevent radial flow of fluid through the flexible conduit body. For example, the first retention layer can be an internal retention layer that serves to retain the fluid being transported within the internal channel of the flexible conduit and the additional retention layer can be an external retention layer that has the function of preventing the sea water enters into the flexible conduit. The retention layers are polymeric or composite material and have a high degree of impermeability.

[005] The inner retention layer and the outer retention layer define an annular region, within which structural layers of the flexible conduit segment are contained, including at least one pressure armature responsible for providing resistance to the flexible conduit, in special in relation to the pressure of the fluid being transported, and at least one pair of traction armatures, one of which is an internal traction armature and an external traction armature, which are responsible for supporting the traction efforts incident on the flexible conduit. Pressure and tensile armor are usually made of metallic or composite material.

[006] In operation, a production or injection fluid is transported through the internal channel of the flexible conduit segment. The fluid may be gas or it may be liquid containing gas. Even though the internal retention layer has a certain degree of impermeability, over time the gas contained in the production or injection fluid slowly permeates through the internal retention layer and enters the annular region. Thus, gas which permeates through the inner retention layer tends to accumulate in the annular region. If this gas is not discharged, there will be gas pressurization in the annular region, which may cause the flexible conduit to fail. In addition, the gas permeated into the annular region can comprise water vapor (H2O), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), among others. In the presence of certain gases and electrolytes, the metallic components contained in the annular region, such as pressure reinforcement and tensile reinforcement, are subject to the corrosion process, which can lead to the failure of these structural layers and, consequently, of the conduit flexible.

[007] In this context, connector joints are known in which each connector comprises outlet ports in fluid communication with the annular region of the flexible conduit segment in which the connector is installed, each outlet port being equipped with a check valve configured to open when a pressure differential is reached, so as to allow a gas exhaust from the annular region to an external environment in relation to the flexible conduit segment. Each check valve opens only when the internal pressure coming from the annular region is greater than the external pressure, for example, with the pressure differential set around 2 bar. Typically, the gas is discharged directly into the marine environment surrounding the connector.

[008] US9546751 discloses a flexible conduit segment comprising an intermediate fluid retention layer, in addition to the inner fluid retention layer and the outer fluid retention layer. The inner fluid retention layer and the intermediate fluid retention layer form between them an inner annular region, within which the pressure armature is contained. The intermediate fluid retention layer and the outer fluid retention layer form between them an outer annular region, within which the tensile armatures are contained. US9546751 also discloses a connector suitable to be fitted to one end of the flexible conduit segment. The connector comprises a first exhaust path that establishes a fluidic communication between the inner annular region of the flexible conduit segment and an outlet port of the connector, in order to discharge the gas contained in the inner annular region of the flexible conduit segment outwards, and a second exhaust path that establishes fluid communication between the outer annular region of the flexible conduit segment and an outlet port of the connector, in order to exhaust out the gas contained in the outer annular region of the flexible conduit segment. Each outlet port is equipped with a check valve configured to open when a pressure differential is reached, that is, only when the internal pressure coming from the annular region is greater than the external ambient pressure, at the defined pressure differential value. through the check valve. With two annular regions, the gas contained in the production fluid first permeates into the inner annular region. A portion of this gas is discharged through the first exhaust path and another portion can permeate into the outer annular region, to then be discharged through the second exhaust path. Although US9546751 describes the possibility of transporting the gas released in each connector through an external tubular conduit to a flare system present on the surface of the water, in practice submerged connectors normally discharge the gas directly to the marine environment that surrounds the connectors.

[009] Alternatively, US6039083 discloses a connector joint in which each connector comprises an inner tube having an inlet opening in fluid communication with the annular region of the respective flexible tube segment in which the connector is installed, each inner tube extending - it goes inside the neck of each connector and ends in a circumferential groove present on the connection face of the connection flange of each connector. As in the joint of connectors the connection face of the connector and the connection face of the adjacent connector are in intimate contact, the inner tubular conduit of the connector is in fluid communication with the inner tubular conduit of the adjacent connector, so that the annular region of the flexible conduit segment is in fluid communication with the annular region of the adjacent flexible conduit segment. In a flexible conduit line where all connector joints are configured per the connector joint of US6039083 there is a fluid interconnection between the annular regions of all flexible conduit segments. Thus, the gas that permeates into the annular region of each flexible conduit segment can travel the flexible conduit line to be discharged through an outlet port present in a top connector installed in a region above the surface of the water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] The invention aims to provide a solution related to the exhaustion of gas that permeates into the annular region of the flexible conduit segments of a flexible conduit line as an alternative to the solutions present in the prior art.

[011] The invention also aims to provide a method of upgrading a flexible conduit line to upgrade the flexible conduit line, from a configuration in which the gases that permeate to an annular region of a flexible conduit segment are dischargeable into the marine environment through check valves present in the connectors, for a configuration in which the gases that permeate into an annular region of a flexible conduit segment are discharged through a fluidic interconnection between the annular regions of at least two segments of flexible conduits.

[012] The invention proposes a method of modernizing a flexible conduit line, in which the modernization method comprises the following steps performed on at least one connector joint, namely, removing a check valve or a plug of at least an outlet port of a connector, remove a check valve or plug from at least one outlet port of an adjacent connector, install a tubular line in an external position to establish fluid communication between said at least one outlet port of the connector and said at least one adjacent connector output port.

[013] Advantageously, the modernization method proposed by the invention makes it possible to update a used flexible conduit line already installed in an operating position or a new flexible conduit line about to be installed in an operating position, from a configuration in which the permeate gases to an annular region of each flexible conduit segment are dischargeable to the marine environment through check valves present in the connectors, for a configuration in which the permeate gases to an annular region of a flexible conduit segment are discharged through a fluid interconnection established by the tubular line between the annular regions of two adjacent flexible conduit segments, without the need to install a new appropriate connector for both at each end of each flexible conduit segment, such as the connector described in US6039083. As part of the modernization of a used flexible conduit line, advantageously, the modernization method proposed by the invention makes it possible to save time in which the flexible conduit line will be out of operation, bearing in mind that the installation process of a new connector on a flexible conduit segment is labor intensive and time consuming, and there is a financial savings relative to the cost of this new connector.

[014] The invention also proposes a joint of connectors comprising a connector and an adjacent connector, the joint of connectors comprising a tubular line positioned externally to the connectors in order to establish fluid communication between at least one output port of the connector and the at least one output port from the adjacent connector.

[015] The invention also proposes an interconnection module comprising a cylindrical body having a longitudinal internal channel, a first end terminated in a first connection flange connectable to a connection flange of a first connector suitable to be installed at one end of a first flexible conduit segment, and a second end terminated in a second connecting flange connectable to a connecting flange of a second connector suitable for being installed at one end of a second flexible conduit segment. The interconnection module further comprises a tubular line in an external position configured to establish fluid communication between at least one output port of the first connector and at least one output port of the second connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[016] The invention will be better understood with the following detailed description, which will be better interpreted with the aid of the figures, namely:

[017] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a flexible conduit line installed in an offshore environment.

[018] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an end of a flexible conduit segment.

[019] Figure 3 shows a front view of a conventional connector joint, such as, for example, from region "A" indicated in Figure 1.

[020] Figure 4 shows a front view of a connector joint according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[021] Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the connector joint according to the first embodiment of the invention, in partial section according to the E-E section plane shown in Figure 4.

[022] Figure 6 shows a view equivalent to Figure 5 of a connector joint according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[023] Figure 7 shows a front view of a connector joint according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[024] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of region "B" indicated in Figure 7.

[025] Figure 9 shows a front view of an embodiment of an interconnection module proposed by the invention.

[026] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view according to the C-C section plane shown in Figure 9.

[027] Figure 11 shows a front view of the interconnection module installed in association with a connector joint.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[028] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a flexible conduit line (50) installed in an offshore environment. The flexible conduit line (50) comprises a plurality of flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54) connected together by means of connector gaskets (11, 12, 13), due to a requirement of the conduit line hose (50) reach a certain length. A joint of connectors (11, 12, 13) comprises a connector (111, 121, 131) installed at one end of a segment of flexible conduit (51, 52, 53), said connector (111, 121, 131) being connected to an adjacent connector (111', 121', 131') installed at one end of an adjacent flexible conduit segment (52, 53, 54).

[029] In the example illustrated in Figure 1, a first flexible conduit segment (51) is connected to a second flexible conduit segment (52) by means of a first connector joint (11) comprising a connector (111) installed at one end of the first flexible conduit segment (51) connected to an adjacent connector (111') installed at one end of the second flexible conduit segment (52), which is connected to a third flexible conduit segment (53) by means of a second joint of connectors (12) comprising a connector (121) installed at the other end of the second flexible conduit segment (52) connected to an adjacent connector (121') installed at one end of the third flexible conduit segment (53) ). Furthermore, the third flexible conduit segment (53) is connected to a fourth flexible conduit segment (54) by means of a third connector joint (13) comprising a connector (131) installed at the other end of the third conduit segment flexible conduit (53) connected to an adjacent connector (131') installed at one end of the fourth flexible conduit segment (54). A top connector (141) is installed at the other end of the fourth flexible conduit segment (54).

[030] When the flexible conduit line (50) is installed in the offshore environment, the plurality of flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54) and connector joints (11, 12, 13) are arranged so that the flexible conduit line (50) extends from a region submerged in water (2) to a region above the surface of the water (3). In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the flexible conduit line includes a portion called flowline, which comprises at least one flexible conduit segment (51), in its entirety or in part, resting on the seabed (4), connected to a portion called riser, which comprises at least one segment of flexible conduit (52, 53, 54) that extends to a region above the surface of the water (3) present in a floating installation (5), such as, for example, a ship or an oil extraction platform. Particularly, the top connector (141) is connected to the floating installation (5). Although Figure 1 illustrates the flexible conduit line with four flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54), it should be understood that the present invention applies to a flexible conduit line comprising at least two flexible conduit segments connected together by means of a joint of connectors.

[031] Each flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54), as can be seen in Figure 2, comprises a flexible conduit body formed by multiple layers, of different shapes and materials, in order to establish an internal channel (501) suitable for transporting fluids. The flexible conduit body includes a first fluid retention layer (520) and at least one additional fluid retention layer (560), which act as sealing layers to prevent radial flow of fluid through the flexible conduit body. In the case of the example illustrated in Figure 2, the first retention layer (520) is an internal retention layer that serves to retain the fluid in transport within the internal channel (501) of the flexible conduit body and the additional retention layer ( 560) is an external retaining layer whose function is to prevent seawater from entering the flexible conduit body. The retention layers (520, 560) are generally polymeric or composite material and have a high degree of impermeability.

[032] The adjacent fluid retention layers (520, 560) define an annular region (60) between them, as can be seen in Figure 2, within which structural layers of the flexible conduit segment are contained, including an armature of pressure (530) responsible for providing resistance to the flexible conduit, especially in relation to the pressure of the fluid being transported, and an internal traction armature (540) and an external traction armature (550), which are responsible for supporting the tensile stresses incident on the flexible conduit. The pressure armature (530) and tension armature (540, 550) are normally made of metallic material, the pressure armature (530) being formed by helicoidal winding, at short pitch, of a metallic wire, while the internal tension armature (530) (540) is formed by long pitch helically winding a plurality of wires and the outer tensile armature (550) is formed by long pitch helically winding another plurality of wires. Alternatively, the pressure armature (530) can be a layer of polymeric or composite material.

[033] Alternatively, according to other flexible conduit embodiments, the flexible conduit body may further comprise an intermediate fluid retention layer positioned between the inner fluid retention layer and the outer fluid retention layer, wherein the inner fluid retention layer and the intermediate fluid retention layer form an inner annular region therebetween, and the intermediate fluid retention layer and the outer fluid retention layer form an outer annular region therebetween. In this case, normally, the tensile reinforcements are contained within the outer annular region and the pressure armature can be contained within the outer annular region or within the inner annular region. Examples of these types of flexible conduit segments are described in US9546751 and BR 10 2017 014626, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[034] In the embodiment shown, as can be seen in Figure 2, the flexible conduit body comprises layers of anti-friction tapes (503), which act to prevent friction between adjacent layers. In the depicted embodiment, there is an anti-friction tape (503) between the pressure armor (530) and the inner traction armor (540), another anti-friction tape (503) between the inner traction armor (540) and the outer traction armor (550), and another anti-friction tape (503) over the external tensile armor (550). The flexible conduit body further comprises a housing (510) contained internally to the first fluid retention layer (520). The housing (510) has a structural function, being responsible, for example, for supporting the other layers in case of depressurization of the internal channel (501). The flexible conduit body further comprises an abrasion layer (505) positioned over the outer fluid retention layer (560). The abrasion layer (505) is responsible for providing mechanical protection, preserving the external fluid retention layer (560) against shocks and wear in general. The flexible conduit body may further comprise other layers, such as, for example, a thermally insulating layer contained within the annular region.

[035] When the flexible conduit line (50) is in operation, a production or injection fluid is transported through the inner channel (501) of the flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54). The fluid may be gas or it may be liquid containing gas. Although the inner retention layer (520) has a certain degree of impermeability, over time the gas contained in the production or injection fluid slowly permeates through the inner retention layer (520) and enters the annular region (60) . Thus, gas that permeates through the internal retention layer (520) tends to accumulate in the annular region (60) of each flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54). If this gas is not discharged, there will be gas pressurization in the annular region (60), which may cause a failure in the respective flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54). In addition, the gas permeated into the annular region can comprise water vapor (H2O), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). In the presence of these gases, together with electrolytes, the metallic components contained in the annular region (60), such as the pressure armor (530) and the traction armor (540, 550), are subject to the corrosion process, which can lead to the failure of these structural layers and, consequently, of the respective flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54).

[036] Figure 3 illustrates a detail view of the second connector joint (12) according to region "A" indicated in Figure 1. The following description is based on said connector joint (12), however, it is applicable to the other connector joints (11, 13) present along the flexible conduit line (50). Each connector (121, 121') of the connector joint (12) comprises a cylindrical body (40, 40') followed by a neck (30, 30') terminated in a connection flange (20, 20') having a face of connection. The connection between a connector (121) and an adjacent connector (121') constitutes a face-to-face union of the connection faces of the connection flanges (20, 20') of both connectors (121, 121') and fastening by screws (26) passing through both connection flanges (20, 20').

[037] Considering the problem of gas permeability for the annular region (60), each connector (121, 121') of the connector joint (12) comprises at least one outlet port (15, 15') in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52, 53) in which the connector (121, 121') is installed. More particularly, the outlet ports (15) of the connector (121) are in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52) through a respective exhaust path present internally to the connector (121), and the outlet ports (15') of the adjacent connector (121') are in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the adjacent flexible conduit segment (53) through a respective exhaust path present internally to the adjacent connector (121' ). The exhaust paths present internally to the connectors (121, 121') can be configured, for example, as described in US9546751 or BR 10 2017 014626. If the flexible conduit segment comprises an inner annular region and an outer annular region, each connector being able to understand a first path of exhaustion in fluidic communication with the internal annular region and a second path of exhaustion in fluidic communication with the external annular region.

[038] The outlet ports (15, 15') are equipped with a respective check valve (16, 16') configured to open when a pressure differential is reached, in order to allow gas exhaustion from the region annular (60) to an environment outside of the flexible conduit segment (52, 53). In operation, each check valve (16, 16') opens only when the internal pressure coming from the annular region (60) is greater than the external pressure, for example, with the pressure differential set around 2 bar. Typically, the gas is discharged directly into the marine environment (2) surrounding the connector (121, 121'). Not all outlet ports (15, 15') of connectors (121, 121') are equipped with check valves (16, 16'), and some outlet ports (15, 15') may be equipped with a check valve. respective cap (17, 17').

[039] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, each connector (121, 121') comprises four longitudinal output ports (15, 15') circumferentially distributed and equidistant on a front face of the cylindrical body (40, 40'), which faces the respective connection flange (20, 20'), four longitudinal outlet ports (15, 15') circumferentially distributed and equidistant on a rear face of the cylindrical body (40, 40'), which faces the respective flexible conduit segment (52, 53), each of these outlet ports (15, 15') being equipped with a respective non-return valve (16, 16'). Each connector (121, 121') further comprises four radial output ports (15, 15') distributed equidistantly around a lateral surface of the cylindrical body (40, 40'), each of these output ports (15, 121') 15') being equipped with a respective plug (17, 17').

[040] The present invention proposes a method of modernizing a flexible conduit line (50), in which the modernization method comprises the following steps performed in at least one joint of connectors (11, 12, 13), preferably in each connector gasket (11, 12, 13), namely, remove the check valve (16) or plug (17) from at least one outlet port (15) of the connector (111, 121, 131), remove the check valve (16') or the plug (17') of at least one outlet port (15') of the adjacent connector (111', 121', 131'), install a tubular line (90) in an external position to establish fluid communication between said at least one output port (15) of the connector (111, 121, 131) and said at least one output port (15') of the adjacent connector (111', 121', 131' ).

[041] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a detail view of the second connector joint (12) from the region "A" indicated in Figure 1, in which said connector joint (12) is represented in a final configuration after application of the modernization method according to a first embodiment of the invention. The following description is carried out based on said connector joint (12), however, it is applicable to the other connector joints (11, 13) present along the flexible conduit line (50). The modernization method can be carried out on a flexible conduit line (50) already installed in an offshore environment, such as, for example, on the flexible conduit line (50) illustrated in Figure 1. For this purpose, for example, first the line of flexible conduit (50) is removed from its operating position in the region submerged in water (2). Then, the modernization method is applied and then the flexible conduit line (50) is reinstalled in its operating position in the region submerged in water (2). Alternatively, the modernization method can be carried out on a new flexible conduit line (50), before said flexible conduit line (50) is installed in the submerged operating position in water (2).

[042] From the modernization method proposed by the invention, the tubular line (90) installed in an external position starts to establish a fluidic communication between the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52) and the annular region (60 ) of the adjacent flexible conduit segment (53). In a flexible conduit line (50) in which all connector joints (11, 12, 13) are modernized, according to the method proposed herein, there will be a fluid interconnection between the annular regions (60) of all segments of flexible conduits (51, 52, 53, 54). Thus, when the modernized flexible conduit line (50) is in operation, the gas that permeates into the annular region (60) of each flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54) can travel through the flexible conduit line (50) to be discharged through an outlet port present in a top connector (141) installed in a region above the surface of the water (3). The gas discharged through the top connector (141) can then be led to a flare system or to a storage location present in the floating installation (5). For example, the outlet port of the top connector (141) can be subjected to atmospheric pressure, so whenever the pressure of the gas contained in the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54) exceeds at atmospheric pressure, there will be a tendency for gas to travel through the flexible conduit line (50) to be discharged at the top connector (141).

[043] Advantageously, the modernization method proposed by the invention makes it possible to upgrade a used flexible conduit line (50) already installed in an operating position or a new flexible conduit line (50) about to be installed in an operating position , from a configuration in which the gases permeated to an annular region (60) of each flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54) are discharged into the marine environment (2) through check valves (16, 16') present in the connectors (121, 121'), for a configuration in which gases permeated to an annular region (60) of a flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54) are discharged through a fluidic interconnection established by the tubular line (90) between the annular regions (60) of two adjacent flexible conduit segments, without the need to install a new appropriate connector for that purpose at each end of each flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54), like the connector described in US6039083. As part of the modernization of a flexible conduit line (50) advantageously used, the modernization method proposed by the invention enables a saving of time in which the flexible conduit line (50) will be out of operation, considering that notoriously the The process of installing a new connector in a flexible conduit segment is laborious and time-consuming, in addition to financial savings related to the cost of this new connector.

[044] The invention also proposes a connector joint (12) comprising a connector (121) suitable for being installed at one end of a flexible conduit segment (52), an adjacent connector (121') suitable for being installed in a end of an adjacent flexible conduit segment (53), the connector (121) being pluggable into the adjacent connector (121'). Each flexible conduit segment (52, 53) is of the type which, as described above, comprises a first fluid retention layer (520) and at least one additional fluid retention layer (560), the fluid retention layers adjacent sections (520, 560) defining between them an annular region (60), each flexible conduit segment (52, 53) further comprising a pressure armature (530) and at least one tensile armature (540, 550). Each connector (121, 121') is of the type comprising at least one outlet port (15, 15') configured to be in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52, 53) in which the connector (121, 121') will be installed.

[045] According to the invention, the joint of connectors (12) comprises, as can be seen in a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a tubular line (90) positioned externally to the connectors (121, 121') establishing a fluidic communication between at least one output port (15) of the connector (121) and at least one output port (15') of the adjacent connector (121').

[046] In general, the following description includes characteristics of the invention relevant to the modernization method and the connector joint, and whenever appropriate, any particularities of the modernization method or the connector joint are described.

[047] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, each connector (121, 121') of the connector joint (12) comprises a cylindrical body (40, 40') followed by a neck (30, 30') ended in a connecting flange (20, 20') having a connecting face. The connection between a connector (121) and an adjacent connector (121') can be realized by means of a face-to-face union of the connection faces of the connection flanges (20, 20') of both connectors (121, 121') and fastening by screws (26) passing through both connection flanges (20, 20').

[048] Preferably, the tubular line (90) includes a first opening and closing valve (91) and, more preferably, a second opening and closing valve (91') installed in series, which can be used to interrupt the fluid communication between the annular regions (60) of the flexible conduit segments (52, 53), for example, to perform some maintenance operation. Preferably, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') are of the type operable by a remotely operated underwater vehicle - ROV. Advantageously, the opening and closing valves (91, 91 ') also allow a more efficient installation of the flexible conduit line (50) in the marine environment (2), avoiding possible flooding of the annular region (60) of all segments of flexible conduit (51, 52, 53, 54). For this purpose, before starting the submersion of the flexible conduit line (50), the opening and closing valves (91, 91') are closed in order to interrupt the fluid interconnection between the annular regions (60) of flexible conduit segments adjacent. After submerging the flexible conduit line (50), it is possible to identify whether the annular region (60) of any of the flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54) has suffered flooding, for example, due to the ingress of water from the sea due to an eventual fault present in its external fluid retention layer (560). If any of the flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54) has been flooded, advantageously, the flooding will be restricted to this flexible conduit segment, in view of the closed position of the respective opening and closing valves (91, 91 ') associated with this flexible conduit segment. If no flooding has been detected, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') can be opened in order to establish fluid interconnection between the annular regions (60) of all flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54) present in the flexible conduit line (50).

[049] Preferably, the tubular line (90) includes at least one monitoring, control or safety element (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') used to monitor parameters of the fluid passing through the tubular line (90), or to carry out a fluidic control of the tubular line (90) or to guarantee the operational safety of the tubular line (90). The monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') may include at least one hot stab device and/or at least one pressure gauge and/or at least one check valve and/or at least one disk of rupture and/or at least one sensor, such as, for example, a thermocouple or a flow meter, among other elements. Preferably, the monitoring, control or security elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') are accessible and/or operable by a remotely operated underwater vehicle - ROV.

[050] A hot stab device makes it possible to take a sample of the fluid contained in the tubular line (90) from the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segments (52, 53) and/or allows the injection of some cleaning fluid or protection, which acts to mitigate the corrosion process, into the tubular line (90) and consequently into the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segments (52, 53). A pressure gauge makes it possible to check the fluid pressure contained in the tubular line (90). A check valve may be configured to open when a pressure differential is achieved to allow fluid to be exhausted from the tubular line (90) to the outside environment. The check valve works as a redundant safety element, preventing excessive pressurization of the annular regions (60) in the event that the tubular line (90) becomes blocked in order to interrupt the fluid interconnection between the annular regions (60) of the different segments of flexible conduit (51, 52, 54, 54). Furthermore, the check valve provides an operational option of returning the flexible conduit line (50) to a configuration in which gases permeate into the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54) are discharged directly into the marine environment (2). For this purpose, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') are closed in order to interrupt the fluid interconnection between the annular regions (60) of adjacent flexible conduit segments. Note that this operational option can be carried out by a check valve present in the tubular line (90) and/or by a check valve (16, 16') present in some outlet port (15, 15') of the connectors (121, 121'). A rupture disk may be configured to rupture when a pressure differential is reached to allow fluid to escape from the tubular line (90) to the outside environment. The rupture disk works as a redundant safety element, preventing excessive pressurization of the annular regions (60) in case the tubular line (90) eventually becomes blocked, and, when there is a check valve, in case it eventually also becomes blocked. A sensor can be used to monitor some parameter of the fluid that passes through the tubular line (90), such as, for example, temperature through a thermocouple and/or flow through a flow meter.

[051] Preferably, the modernization method comprises the steps of removing the check valve (16) or plug (17) from at least two outlet ports (15) of the connector (121), removing the check valve (16 ') or the cap (17') of at least two outlet ports (15') of the adjacent connector (121'), install the tubular line (90) having a respective converging conduit (93) that extends from said outlet ports (15) of the connector (121) to one end of a main conduit (94) and having a respective converging conduit (93') extending from said outlet ports (15') of the adjacent connector (121) ') to an opposite end of the main conduit (94). In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the four check valves (16) of the longitudinal outlet ports (15) present on the front face of the cylindrical body (40) of the connector (121) were removed and four converging conduits (93) were installed ) extending from said outlet ports (15) of the connector (121) to one end of the main conduit (94), and the four check valves (16') of the longitudinal outlet ports (15') were removed present on the front face of the cylindrical body (40') of the adjacent connector (121') and four converging conduits (93') were installed that extend from said outlet ports (15') of the adjacent connector (121') to the opposite end of the main conduit (94).

[052] Preferably, the tubular line (90) of the connector joint (12) comprises a converging conduit (93) extending from an outlet port (15) of the connector (121) and at least one converging conduit ( 93) extending from another outlet port (15) of the connector (121), said converging conduits (93) being connected to one end of a main conduit (94), and comprising a converging conduit (93' ) extending from an outlet port (15') of the adjacent connector (121') and at least one additional converging conduit (93') extending from a further outlet port (15') of the connector adjacent (121'), said converging conduits (93') being connected to an opposite end of the main conduit (94). In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tubular line (90) comprises four converging conduits (93) that extend from four longitudinal outlet ports (15) present on a front face of the cylindrical body (40) of the connector ( 121) to one end of the main conduit (94), and comprises four converging conduits (93') extending from four longitudinal outlet ports (15') present on a front face of the cylindrical body (40') of the connector adjacent (121') to the opposite end of the main conduit (94).

[053] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') are installed in the main conduit (94). Preferably, the monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') are installed in the main conduit (94), preferably in a position contained between the opening and closing valves (91, 91'). The monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') can be installed in parallel with each other and/or in series with each other and/or in branches coming from the main conduit (94 ).

[054] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the tubular line (90) is installed and/or is contained in an annular space comprised between an internal diameter (d) and an external diameter (D), in which the inner diameter (d) corresponds to a smaller diameter outer surface of the neck (30, 30') of the connector (121) or adjacent connector (121') and outer diameter (D) corresponds to a larger diameter outer surface of the cylindrical body (40, 40') or the connection flange (20, 20') of the connector (121) or the adjacent connector (121'). Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the annular space is comprised between a front face of the cylindrical body (40) of the connector (121), which faces the connecting flange (20) of the connector (121), and a front face of the cylindrical body (40') of the adjacent connector (121) '), which faces the connecting flange (20') of the adjacent connector (121'). According to the first embodiment of the invention, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the tubular line (90) is installed so as to circumvent the connection flanges (20, 20') of each connector (121, 121') .

[055] The tubular line (90) may comprise circular and/or helical sections in association with longitudinal sections. The embodiment of the tubular line (90) illustrated in Figure 4 comprises a first circular section around the neck (30) of the connector (121) and a second circular section around the neck (30') of the adjacent connector (121'). These characteristics make it possible for the tubular line (90) to be equipped with two identical monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b'), each one arranged in a different angular position with respect to the other. For example, it would be possible for the tubular line (90) to be equipped with a first hot stab device and a second hot stab device 180 degrees out of phase around the neck (30, 30') with respect to the first hot stab device. This is advantageous when the flexible conduit segments (52, 53) are resting on the seabed (4). In this case, one of the hot stab devices could be facing the seabed (4) and, therefore, inaccessible to the ROV, however, in this condition, the other hot stab device would certainly be accessible to the ROV.

[056] Figure 6 illustrates a connector joint (12) in a final configuration after applying the modernization method according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 also illustrates a second embodiment of the joint of connectors (12) proposed by the invention. The second embodiment of the invention is identical to the first embodiment, except that, as can be seen in Figure 6, the tubular line (90) is installed so as to pass through a hole (22, 22') made in the flanges of connection (20, 20') of each connector (121, 121').

[057] Figure 7 illustrates a connector joint (12) in a final configuration after applying the modernization method according to a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 also illustrates a third embodiment of the joint of connectors (12) proposed by the invention. The third embodiment of the invention is identical to the first embodiment, except that the tubular line (90) is installed so as to pass inside at least one groove (45, 45') present in an external lateral surface of the cylindrical body ( 40, 40') from the connector (121) and/or the adjacent connector (121').

[058] More particularly, within the scope of the modernization method, the four plugs (17) of the radial outlet ports (15) present on the outer side surface of the cylindrical body (40) of the connector (121) were removed, four grooves were machined (45) longitudinally on the external side surface of the cylindrical body (40) and four converging conduits (93) were installed that extend from said outlet ports (15) of the connector (121) to one end of the main conduit (94) , each of the converging conduits (93) passing through one of the grooves (45). Also, the four plugs (17') of the radial output ports (15') present on the outer side surface of the cylindrical body (40') of the adjacent connector (121') were removed, four longitudinal grooves (45') were machined on the external lateral surface of the cylindrical body (40') and four converging conduits (93') were installed that extend from said outlet ports (15') of the adjacent connector (121') to the opposite end of the main conduit (94 ), each of the converging conduits (93') passing through one of the grooves (45'). Within the connector joint (12), the connectors (121, 121') are manufactured with the respective grooves (45, 45').

[059] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, the tubular line (90) can be installed from output ports (15, 15') present on the rear face of the cylindrical body (40, 40') of the connectors (121, 121'), said rear face facing the respective flexible conduit segment (52, 53) in which the respective connector (121, 121') is installed. Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') and/or the monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') can be positioned next to the rear face of the cylindrical body (40, 40') of each connector (121, 121'), for example, with the aid of a respective support clamp fixed around the respective segment of flexible conduit (52, 53) in which each connector (121 , 121') is installed.

[060] For example, the tubular line (90) may comprise stainless steel tubes and appropriate connections. The tubes may comprise anti-corrosion coating.

[061] The connectors (121, 121') also comprise other known technical characteristics. The following description is made based on the connector (121), but also applies to the adjacent connector (121'). Particularly, in the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cylindrical body (40) of the connector (121) is formed by independent parts fixed together, including an external sealing assembly (74), an external casing (41) in tubular format , an intermediate flange (44) and a closing portion (46). The closing portion (46) is integral with the neck (30), which is integral with the connection flange (20), forming a single component having an internal channel (301).

[062] The outer sealing assembly (74) cooperates with a rear end (43) of the outer casing (41) and with the outer fluid retention layer (560) of the flexible conduit segment (52), in order to practice a seal from the external environment to said flexible conduit segment (52). The intermediate flange (44) is attached to a front end (42) of the outer casing (41) and receives an inner seal assembly (72). The internal sealing assembly (72) acts on the internal fluid retention layer (520) of the flexible conduit segment (52), so as to practice a seal in relation to the internal channel (501) of said segment of flexible conduit (52). The outer seal assembly (74) and the inner seal assembly (72) can be configured as described in WO2015027304.

[063] The intermediate flange (44) and the outer casing (41) form an annular chamber (48) within which extend a portion of the wires of each traction armor (540, 550). During the installation process of the connector (121) in the flexible conduit segment (52), the annular chamber (48) is filled with a filling material, such as, for example, an epoxy resin, in order to anchor the reinforcements pulleys (540, 550) next to the connector (121). The closing portion (46) is attached to the intermediate flange (44) and the outer casing (41).

[064] The output ports (15) of the connector (121) are in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52) through a respective exhaust path (76) present internally to the connector (121) ).

[065] The invention also proposes an interconnection module (80). An embodiment of the interconnection module (80) can be seen in Figures 9 to 11. The interconnection module (80) comprises a cylindrical body (82) having an internal longitudinal channel (823), a first end terminated in a first flange of connection (821) connectable to a connection flange (20) of a first connector (121) suitable to be installed at one end of a first segment of flexible conduit (52), and a second end terminated in a second connection flange ( 822) connectable to a connection flange (20') of a second connector (121') suitable to be installed at one end of a second flexible conduit segment (53). Each flexible conduit segment (52, 53) is of the type which, as described above, comprises a first fluid retention layer (520) and at least one additional fluid retention layer (560), the fluid retention layers adjacent sections (520, 560) defining between them an annular region (60), each flexible conduit segment (52, 53) further comprising a pressure armature (530) and at least one tensile armature (540, 550). Each connector (121, 121') is of the type comprising at least one outlet port (15, 15') configured to be in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52, 53) in which the connector (121, 121') will be installed. The interconnection module (80) further comprises a tubular line (90) in an external position configured to establish fluid communication between said at least one output port (15) of the first connector (121) and said at least one output port (121). output (15') from the second connector (121').

[066] In the embodiment shown, as can be seen in Figure 11, each connector (121, 121') is of the type comprising a cylindrical body (40, 40') followed by a neck (30, 30') ending in a connecting flange (20, 20') having a connecting face. The connection between the interconnection module (80) and the first connector (121) can be carried out by means of a face-to-face connection of a connection face of the first connection flange (821) of the interconnection module (80) with the face of connection of the connection flange (20) of the first connector (121) and fixation by screws (27) passing through both connection flanges (821, 20). The connection between the interconnection module (80) and the second connector (121') can be made by means of a face-to-face connection of a connection face of the second connection flange (822) of the interconnection module (80) with the face connection of the connection flange (20') of the second connector (121') and fixation by screws (28) passing through both connection flanges (822, 20').

[067] Preferably, the tubular line (90) of the interconnection module (80) includes a first opening and closing valve (91) and, more preferably, a second opening and closing valve (91') installed in series, which they can be used to interrupt the fluidic communication between the annular regions (60) of the flexible conduit segments (52, 53), for example, to perform some maintenance operation. Preferably, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') are of the type operable by a remotely operated underwater vehicle - ROV. The functionality and application of the opening and closing valves (91, 91') of the interconnection module (80) can be the same as those of the opening and closing valves (91, 91') present in the connector joint (12) described above.

[068] Preferably, the tubular line (90) of the interconnection module (80) includes at least one monitoring, control or safety element (92a, 92b) used to monitor parameters of the fluid passing through the tubular line (90), or to carry out a fluidic control of the tubular line (90) or to guarantee the operational safety of the tubular line (90). The monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b) may include at least one hot stab device and/or at least one pressure gauge and/or at least one check valve and/or at least one rupture disk and/or at least one least one sensor, such as, for example, a thermocouple or a flow meter, among other elements. Preferably, the monitoring, control or security elements (92a, 92b) are accessible and/or operable by a remotely operated underwater vehicle - ROV. The functionality and application of the monitoring, control or security elements (92a, 92b) of the interconnection module (80) can be the same as those of the monitoring, control or security elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') present in the connector joint (12) described above.

[069] The tubular line (90) of the interconnection module (80) comprises a main conduit (94) having a first end connected to at least two converging conduits (93), each of these converging conduits (93) being connectable to a respective output port (15) of the first connector (121). In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the first end of the main conduit (94) is connected to four converging conduits (93). The main conduit (94) also has a second end connected to at least two converging conduits (93'), each of these converging conduits (93') being connectable to a respective output port (15') of the second connector (121' ). In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the second end of the main conduit (94) is connected to four converging conduits (93').

[070] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 9 to 11, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') are installed in the main conduit (94). Preferably, the monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b) are installed in the main conduit (94), preferably in a position contained between the opening and closing valves (91, 91'). The monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b) can be installed in parallel with each other and/or in series with each other and/or in branches coming from the main conduit (94).

[071] Preferably, the tubular line (90) is contained in an annular space comprised between an internal diameter (d) and an external diameter (D), where the internal diameter (d) corresponds to an external surface of smaller diameter of the neck (30, 30') of the first connector (121) or the second connector (121') and the external diameter (D) corresponds to an external surface of greater diameter of the cylindrical body (40, 40') or of the connecting flange ( 20, 20') of the first connector (121) or the second connector (121'). According to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the opening and closing valves (91, 91') and/or the monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b) are contained in an annular space comprised between the flanges connector (821, 822) of the interconnection module (80). These characteristics are favorable for the complete manufacture of the interconnection module (80) and its tubular line (90) in a manufacturing unit, leaving only the final connections of the tubular line (90) to the output ports (15, 15') of the connectors (121, 121') to be performed at an installation site.

[072] The tubular line (90) may comprise circular and/or helical sections in association with longitudinal sections. The incorporation of the tubular line (90) illustrated in Figures 9 to 11 comprises a circular section around the cylindrical body (82) of the interconnection module (80). These characteristics make it possible for the tubular line (90) to be equipped with two identical monitoring, control or safety elements (92a, 92b), each one arranged in a different angular position with respect to one another. For example, it would be possible for the tubular line (90) to be equipped with a first hot stab device and a second hot stab device offset by 180 degrees around the cylindrical body (82) with respect to the first hot stab device. This is advantageous when the flexible conduit segments (52, 53) are resting on the seabed (4). In this case, one of the hot stab devices could be facing the seabed (4) and, therefore, inaccessible to the ROV, however, in this condition, the other hot stab device would certainly be accessible to the ROV.

[073] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, the first opening and closing valve (91) is contained in a first annular space comprised between a front face of the cylindrical body (40) of the first connector (121) and the connection flange (20) of the first connector (121), said front face of the cylindrical body (40) facing the connection flange (20) of the first connector (121), and the second opening and closing valve (91') is contained in a second annular space comprised between a front face of the cylindrical body (40') of the second connector (121') and the connection flange (20') of the second connector (121'), said front face of the cylindrical body ( 40') facing the connection flange (20') of the second connector (121'). These characteristics are advantageous because they allow interrupting the flow of fluid through the tubular line (90) and allow the interconnection module (80) to be disconnected from the adjacent connectors (121, 121') for eventual maintenance, while guaranteeing a fluidic isolation of the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segments (52, 53) in which the connectors (121, 121') are installed.

[074] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the tubular line (90) surrounds the connection flanges (20, 20') of each connector (121, 121') and the connection flanges (821, 822 ) of the interconnection module (80). Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, the tubular line (90) passes through a hole present in the connection flanges (20, 20') of each connector (121, 121') and in the connection flanges (821, 822) of the interconnection module (80).

[075] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, the tubular line (90) passes through at least one existing groove on an outer side surface of the cylindrical body (40, 40') of the first connector (121) and/ or the second connector (121'). This configuration is advantageous for connecting the tubular line (90) to radial outlet ports (15, 15') present on the external lateral surface of the cylindrical body (40, 40') of each connector (121, 121') and/or in longitudinal outlet ports (15, 15') present on the rear face of the cylindrical body (40, 40') of each connector (121, 121'), said rear face of the cylindrical body (40, 40') facing the respective flexible conduit segment (52, 53).

[076] Preferably, the tubular line (90) is configured without fluid communication with the internal channel (823) of the cylindrical body (82) of the interconnection module (80).

[077] For example, the tubular line (90) may comprise stainless steel tubes and appropriate connections. The tubes may comprise anti-corrosion coating.

[078] The interconnection module (80) can be used in association with the modernization method described above, both in a flexible conduit line (50) already installed in an offshore environment, and in a new flexible conduit line (50) , before said flexible conduit line (50) is installed in the operating position submerged in water (2). The interconnection module (80) can also be used in association with the connector joint (12) described above.

[079] The preferred or alternative embodiments described herein do not have the power to limit the invention to the structural forms described, and there may be constructive variations that are equivalent without, however, escaping the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. METHOD OF MODERNIZING A FLEXIBLE CONDUCT LINE FOR FLUID TRANSPORT, the flexible conduit line (50) comprising a plurality of flexible conduit segments (51, 52, 53, 54), where each flexible conduit segment (51 , 52, 53, 54) comprises a flexible conduit body formed by multiple layers, radially spaced and of different materials, in order to establish an internal channel (501) suitable for transporting fluids, the flexible conduit body including a first layer of fluid retention layer (520) and at least one additional fluid retention layer (560) for preventing radial flow of fluid through the flexible conduit body, the adjacent fluid retention layers (520, 560) defining therebetween an annular region (60), the flexible conduit body including a pressure armature (530) and at least one tension armature (540, 550), at least one connector gasket (11, 12, 13) comprising a connector (111, 121 , 131) installed at one end of a flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53), said connector (111, 121, 131) being connected to an adjacent connector (111', 121', 131') installed at one end of an adjacent flexible conduit segment (52, 53, 54), where each connector (111, 111', 121, 121' 131, 131') comprises at least one output port (15, 15') in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (51, 52, 53, 54) in which the connector (111, 111', 121, 121' 131, 131') is installed, the outlet port (15, 15 ') being equipped with a non-return valve (16, 16') configured to open when a pressure differential is reached, in order to allow a gas exhaustion from the annular region (60) to an external environment in relation to the segment flexible conduit (51, 52, 53, 54), or the outlet port (15, 15') being equipped with a plug (17, 17'), characterized in that the modernization method comprises the following steps carried out in at least one connector joint (11, 12, 13), preferably on each connector joint (11, 12, 13): remove the check valve (16) or plug (17) from at least one outlet port (15) of the connector (111, 121, 131) remove check valve (16') or plug (17') from at least one outlet port (15') of adjacent connector (111', 121', 131'), install a tubular line (90) in an external position to establish fluid communication between said at least one outlet port (15) of the connector (111, 121, 131) and said at least one outlet port (15') of the connector adjacent (111', 121', 131'). 2. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized in that each connector (121, 121') comprises a cylindrical body (40, 40') followed by a neck (30, 30') terminated in a connection flange (20, 20'). 3. METHOD, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular line (90) includes a first opening and closing valve (91) and, preferably, a second opening and closing valve (91') installed in series. 4. METHOD, according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the tubular line (90) includes at least one monitoring, control or safety element (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b'). 5. METHOD, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of removing the check valve (16) or the plug (17) from at least two outlet ports (15) of the connector (121), removing the check valve (16') or the plug (17') of at least two outlet ports (15') of the adjacent connector (121'), install the tubular line (90) having a respective converging conduit (93) that extending from said outlet ports (15) of the connector (121) to one end of a main conduit (94) and having a respective converging conduit (93') extending from said outlet ports (15' ) from the adjacent connector (121') to an opposite end of the main conduit (94). 6. METHOD, according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the monitoring, control or security elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') include at least one hot stab device and/or at least one manometer and/or at least one check valve and/or at least one rupture disk and/or at least one sensor. 7. CONNECTOR JOINT, obtained by the method defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, the connector joint comprising a connector (121) suitable for being installed at one end of a flexible conduit segment (52), an adjacent connector ( 121') suitable for installation at one end of an adjacent flexible conduit segment (53), the connector (121) being pluggable into the adjacent connector (121'), each flexible conduit segment (52, 53) being of the type that comprises a flexible conduit body formed by multiple layers, radially spaced and of different materials, so as to establish an internal channel (501) suitable for transporting fluids, the flexible conduit body including a first fluid retention layer (520) and at least one additional fluid retention layer (560) to prevent radial flow of fluid through the flexible conduit body, the adjacent fluid retention layers (520, 560) defining therebetween an annular region (60), the fluid retention layer (60) flexible conduit including a pressure armature (530) and at least one tension armature (540, 550), each connector (121, 121') comprising at least one output port (15, 15') configured to be in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52, 53) in which the connector (121, 121') will be installed, characterized in that the connector joint comprises a tubular line (90) positioned externally to the connectors (121, 121 ') establishing fluid communication between at least one output port (15) of the connector (121) and at least one output port (15') of the adjacent connector (121'). 8. CONNECTOR JOINT, according to claim 7, characterized in that each connector (121, 121') comprises a cylindrical body (40, 40') followed by a neck (30, 30') terminated in a connection flange ( 20, 20'). 9. CONNECTOR JOINT, according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the tubular line (90) includes a first opening and closing valve (91) and, preferably, a second opening and closing valve (91') installed in series. 10. CONNECTOR JOINT, according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the tubular line (90) includes at least one monitoring, control or safety element (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b'). 11. CONNECTOR JOINT, according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the tubular line (90) comprises a converging conduit (93) that extends from an outlet port (15) of the connector (121) and at least one additional converging conduit (93) extending from a further outlet port (15) of the connector (121), said converging conduits (93) being connected to one end of a main conduit (94), and comprising a converging conduit (93') extending from an outlet port (15') of the adjacent connector (121') and at least one additional converging conduit (93') extending from another outlet port (15') of the adjacent connector (121'), said converging conduits (93') being connected to an opposite end of the main conduit (94). 12. JOINT OF CONNECTORS, according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the monitoring, control or security elements (92a, 92b, 92a', 92b') include at least one hot stab device and/or at least one manometer and /or at least one check valve and/or at least one rupture disc and/or at least one sensor. 13. CONNECTOR JOINT, according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the tubular line (90) is contained in an annular space comprised between an internal diameter (d) and an external diameter (D), in which the internal diameter (d) corresponds to a smaller diameter external surface of the neck (30, 30') of the connector (121) or adjacent connector (121') and the external diameter (D) corresponds to a larger diameter external surface of the cylindrical body (40, 40') or the connecting flange (20, 20') of the connector (121) or adjacent connector (121'). 14. INTERCONNECTION MODULE, for carrying out the method defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, the interconnection module characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical body (82) having an internal longitudinal channel (823), a first end ending in a first flange connector (821) connectable to a connection flange (20) of a first connector (121) suitable to be fitted to one end of a first flexible conduit segment (52), a second end terminating in a second connection flange ( 822) connectable to a connecting flange (20') of a second connector (121') suitable to be installed at one end of a second flexible conduit segment (53), each flexible conduit segment (52, 53) being of the type comprising a flexible conduit body formed by multiple layers, radially spaced and of different materials, so as to establish an internal channel (501) suitable for transporting fluids, the flexible conduit body including a first fluid retention layer (520 ) and at least one additional fluid retention layer (560) to prevent radial flow of fluid through the flexible conduit body, the adjacent fluid retention layers (520, 560) defining therebetween an annular region (60), the flexible conduit body including a pressure armature (530) and at least one tension armature (540, 550), each connector (121, 121') being of the type comprising at least one outlet port (15, 15') configured to be in fluid communication with the annular region (60) of the flexible conduit segment (52, 53) in which the connector (121, 121') will be installed, a tubular line (90) in an external position configured to establish communication between said at least one output port (15) of the first connector (121) and said at least one output port (15') of the second connector (121'). 15. INTERCONNECTION MODULE, according to claim 14, characterized in that each connector (121, 121') is of the type comprising a cylindrical body (40, 40') followed by a neck (30, 30') ending in a connecting flange (20, 20'). 16. INTERCONNECTION MODULE, according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the tubular line (90) includes a first opening and closing valve (91) and, preferably, a second opening and closing valve (91') installed in series. 17. INTERCONNECTION MODULE, according to claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that the tubular line (90) includes at least one monitoring, control or security element (92a, 92b). 18. INTERCONNECTION MODULE, according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the tubular line (90) comprises a main conduit (94) having a first end connected to at least two converging conduits (93), each of these conduits main conduit (93) being connectable to a respective output port (15) of the first connector (121), the main conduit (94) having a second end connected to at least two converging conduits (93'), each of these converging conduits ( 93') being connectable to a respective output port (15') of the second connector (121'). 19. INTERCONNECTION MODULE, according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the monitoring, control or security elements (92a, 92b) include at least one hot stab device and/or at least one pressure gauge and/or at least one valve retainer and/or at least one rupture disc and/or at least one sensor. 20. INTERCONNECTION MODULE, according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the tubular line (90) is contained in an annular space comprised between an internal diameter (d) and an external diameter (D), in which the internal diameter (d) corresponds to a smaller diameter outer surface of the neck (30, 30') of the first connector (121) or the second connector (121') and the outer diameter (D) corresponds to a larger diameter outer surface of the body (40, 40') or the connecting flange (20, 20') of the first connector (121) or the second connector (121').