WO2016200275A1

WO2016200275A1 - Pneumatic control system for discharging particulate material generated in oil and gas exploration and production operations

Info

Publication number: WO2016200275A1
Application number: PCT/NO2016/050122
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Thore Eia
Original assignee: Esea As
Priority date: 2015-06-10
Filing date: 2016-06-10
Publication date: 2016-12-15

Abstract

A pneumatically controlled device (I) for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations comprises a cabinet (II), the top portion of which has a chute (3) for in flow of particulate material. Below the chute (3) the cabinet (II) has a cylindrical tank (4a) having a hopper (4b) at its lower portion. This hopper (4b) can vibrate and discharge particulate material into an evacuation unit (5) beneath it. The device has a pneumatic control (1) operatively connected to it which is equipped to cause in flow and out flow of material to and from the evacuation unit (5). A pneumatically controlled method for discharging such particulate material is also disclosed, by application of the device.

Description

PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DISCHARGING PARTICULATE MATERIAL GENERATED IN OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general, relates to a pneumatic control system for discharging particulate material generated, particularly during offshore exploration and production operations.

Particularly, the present invention relates to a device having a pneumatic control for discharging particulate material more efficiently and rapidly out of the evacuation unit such as a blower.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a pneumatically controlled device for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for discharging material by applying such pneumatic control according to the preamble of claim 8.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that during off shore drilling operations, drill wastes such as drill cuttings, chemicals, metallic wear materials, petroleum residuals and the like are generated. All these are generally particulate material, sometimes paste-like, heavy and sticky.

The environmental regulations have these days made it mandatory, for disposal of such material commonly known as drill cuttings. Hence, there is a need for efficient disposal of these drill cuttings. Disposal of such drill cuttings by filling up boxes or skips on the rig and thereafter crane lifting and dropping on boats for transportation and final disposal are known. Attempts have been made to overcome the above disadvantages by causing drill cuttings to move through a conduit applying pneumatic fluids so that such cuttings can be conveniently carried to a proper separation/disposal apparatus. For example PCT patent application published under no. WO/2004/083597 discloses applying positive pressure through a pipe by means of pneumatic fluids, for moving drilling fluids to a separation apparatus. However, this technology is not only time consuming, it involves the step of drying the drilling cuttings first prior to application of positive pressure through the pipe/tube through which the drill cuttings have to move. This is a bit cumbersome.

US 5964304 A describes a pneumatic control device for controlling valves and other components in a system for transfer and discharge of drill cuttings generated during exploration and production operations, comprising a cabinet or frame, where the upper part has a chute for inflow of drill cuttings and a cylindrical tank having a receptacle underneath which can vibrate and move particulate material into an evacuation unit below.

GB 2430451 A relates to a drill cuttings storage and conveying system comprising a pressure vessel for containing drill cuttings and having a plurality of drill cuttings outlets. The outlets are in selective communication with a drill cuttings conveyor for carrying drill cuttings from the vessel. All valves and switches in this system can be pneumatically operated. The system can be adapted for operation and control from a local control panel.

GB 2329178 relates to a storage and discharge means for particulate material comprising a movable storage assembly releasably mounted on a stationary discharge assembly. The storage assembly comprises a storage container with a flexible lower portion leading to a discharge opening controlled by a valve, e.g. a slide valve. The discharge assembly comprises a second frame and a vibration unit arranged such that vibrations, for preventing bridging of the particulate material upon unloading, are transmitted to the flexible lower portion. A seal can be provided between the two assemblies.

US 2008/0135300 A1 describes a drill cutting handling apparatus comprising a cyclone cuttings hopper, a vacuum pump, an engine and a solids pump. This publication also describes a control system for remote control of valves and/or pumps.

US 4834587 A describes a pneumatic conveying system for particulate material comprising a transfer vessel and a dispensing vessel. This publication also teaches a pneumatic control system.

US 2013/037140 A1 describes a storage apparatus comprising a plurality of silos with a lower conical portion and silo port controlled by a knifegate valve. This publication also describes a pneumatic control system for operating the apparatus.

US 6213227 B1 describes a cuttings disposal system with continuous vacuum operation for sequentially filling disposal tanks. The publication also describes use of a pneumatic or hydraulic controller to operate the system.

US 2006/102390 A1 describes drill cuttings conveyance systems and methods, comprising where the systems comprises a vessel for receiving material, several conduits for air, and a metering screw for moving the material from the vessel. The system also comprises a control apparatus for automatically controlling the metering screw in response to a pressure sensed by a pressure sensor.

Hence, smaller land based and movable offshore drilling installations have variable operational challenges and there is a need for a more simple technology which is simultaneously more technically perfect and which also does away with the requirement for electrically regulated large and heavy components which need to be welded to the deck, thereby reducing deck space.

The present invention meets these needs by providing a pneumatically controlled device and a method for quick disposal of such drill cuttings by applying the device in a reasonably economic and simple manner by providing a pneumatically controlled blower which can be filled up and emptied by timers actuated by in flow of air from a compressor/compressed air source into the blower. The timers are sequence according by means of specially designed circuits to perform specific functions as described hereinafter.

In this invention, pneumatic actuation is combined with a simple pneumatic engineering design for functioning of different components in a very simple and effective manner. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a pneumatically controlled device for efficient discharging of particulate material generated from exploration and production operations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pneumatically controlled method for efficient discharging of particulate material generated from exploration and production operations which is not only rapid and cost effective, but also simultaneously efficient.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pneumatically controlled device for discharging particulate material which has a simple construction and mode of operation. All through the specification including the claims, the words "vessel", "tank/container", "particulate material/drill cuttings", "evacuation tank/blower", "storage tank", "valve", "frame", "vibrations", "flat/cylindrical", "conical hopper" are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items/devices/methods in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art.

Restriction/limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention. Further, the terms "chain stopper unit" and "mooring system/unit" have been mentioned to refer to the same features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a pneumatically controlled device for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations. It comprises a cabinet, the top portion of which has a chute for in flow of particulate material. Below the chute, the cabinet has a cylindrical tank having a hopper at its lower portion. The hopper can vibrate and discharge particulate material into an evacuation unit beneath it. The device has a pneumatic control operatively connected to it which is equipped to cause in flow and out flow of material to and from the evacuation unit. Preferably, the evacuation unit is a cyclone separator such as a blower and the pneumatic control is operatively connected to the device by means of a branch tube.

More preferably, the pneumatic control has at least a first timer for filling the blower and a second timer for emptying the blower, each timer being electrically connected to filling units and to emptying units by means of suitable circuit designs. Both the first timer and the second timer are adapted to be actuated by in flow of air into the blower by means of a compressed air source operatively connected to the device.

The present invention also provides a method for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations, by applying the device as described herein. The method comprises sequencing the first timer and the second timer of the pneumatic control panel in such a way so that during filling of the blower the first timer actuates vibration of the hopper with simultaneous opening of a first knife valve for emptying material from the lower portion of the hopper into the blower. Then the first timer switches off after a pre-determined time interval to cause stopping of hopper vibration and closing of the first knife valve. For emptying the blower, the second timer simultaneously switches on with switching off of the first timer and actuates the butter fly valve and pumps air into the blower through the butter fly valve by means of compressed air source and simultaneously, it actuates opening of a second knife valve for ejecting material forcibly out of the blower, through a tube connected to the blower.

Preferably, the pneumatic control also actuates outflow of material from the blower into two or more containers through a tube attached to tube coming out of the blower and the pneumatic control simultaneously actuates respective handles of diverter valves, meant for diverting materials into one or more of the receiving containers .

The second timer remains on for the desired duration so as to actuate diversion of materials from the blower into the receiving containers. After a pre-determined time, the second timer switches off to shut the butterfly valve) and the second knife valve and simultaneously the first timer switches on and the process is repeated for desired duration.

More preferably, the receiving containers have frames connected with tube and quick release couplings and fixed to the deck with locks, such that one or more of the frames with the respective receiving containers, can be lifted quickly when required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described the main features of the invention above, a more detailed and non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the drawings is provided below. Figure 1 is a perspective t view of the device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described.

Figure 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of figure 1. Figure 4 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 5 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 6a is a side view of the device connected with three disposal containers according to the present invention.

Figure 6b is a perspective view of the arrangement in figure 6a. Figure 6c is another side view of the arrangement in figure 6b which shows that the entire device can be lifted when required.

Figures 7a and 7B are block diagrams showing an example of a pneumatic control system and the diverter valve control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following describes the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figures 1 to 5 and in figures 6a, to 6c. The preferred embodiment is purely exemplary for the sake of understanding the invention and non-limiting.

In all the figures, like reference numerals represent like features. Further, when in the following it is referred to "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "above" or "below", "right hand side " or "left hand side" , "upper portion", "lower portion" and similar terms, this is strictly referring to an orientation with reference to the sea bed, where the sea bed is considered to be horizontal and at the bottom. However, the seabed and other features associated with a hydrocarbon drilling/production unit are not shown, as those are not consequential to the present invention. It should also be understood that the orientation of the various components and their numbers may be otherwise than shown in the drawings, without deviating from the principle of the invention. Figure 1 is a perspective of the device I. The device is in the form of a cabinet II bounded by frames.

At the top portion there is a chute 3 through which the drill cuttings are fed. Beneath the chute 3 is a cylindrical tank 4a which ends in a conical hopper 4b. There is a compressed air source/ compressor 2 connected to the device.

The front portion of the device has the door of the cabinet on which is placed a pneumatic control 1 (best shown in figure 3). This pneumatic control 1 has a first timer and a second timer with operating lever valves, (not shown). The functions of these have been explained later, while discussing how the device functions.

Referring to the side view in figure 2, the blower 5 can be seen located at the bottom portion of the conical hopper 4b. There is a knife valve 6 at the lower portion of hopper 4b for emptying drill cuttings into the blower 5. The blower 5 also has another knife valve 7a which plays a role to eject out drill cuttings from the blower 5. In that view of the matter, the tube 8 in figure 3 is important which is attached to the blower 5 for leading the drill cuttings out of the blower 5.

The front view in figure 3 clearly shows the control panel 1 , which is, connected to the device I by means of a branch tube (not shown). The rear view in figure 4 also shows that there is another butterfly valve 7b which opens into the blower 5.

The functioning of the valves and other features as discussed, have been again taken up vividly, a little later, while explaining the working of the device. However, it should be understood to persons skilled in the art that the valves could be otherwise than what is illustrated and this is within the scope of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top view of the device. It clearly shows the chute 3 through which the drill cuttings are fed into the conical hopper 4b down through the cylindrical tank 4a atop the hopper 4b.

Figure 6a is a view of an arrangement where the tube 8 attached to the blower 5 is further connected to an elongated tube 11 which connects to three different containers 13, 14, 15 meant for receiving the drill cuttings, ejected out of the blower 5. For this purpose, two diverter valves 9a, 10a can be actuated by means of respective actuating handles 9b, 10b (best shown in figure 6b, that being a perspective view of the arrangement shown in figure 6a) such that the diverter valves 9a, 10a direct the drill cuttings to one of the receiving containers 12, 13, 14. It can be seen from the perspective view in figure 6b in particular, that the receiving containers 13, 14, 15 have frames 15 connected with tube and quick release couplings and fixed to the deck with locks (not shown in details), such that one or more of the frames with the respective receiving containers can be lifted quickly when required.

From figure 6c when construed with figure 1 and 5, it would be clear, that since the device most often, but not necessarily, is placed on a drilling rig, the whole device is placed in a frame II in order to hoist the whole device onto or from a deck. The compact embodiment is to achieve as little "footprint" as possible on the deck, due to space limitations. Figure 6c is a view of the device in hoisted condition.

Now the entire functioning is explained sequentially and for that purpose all the figures are again referred to.

Referring to figures 1 to 5 in general and to figures 2, 3 and 4 in particular the blower 5 is fed with drill cuttings (indicated by down arrow in the figures ) from above through the chute 3 on the top down to the cylindrical portion 4a and then into the vibrating hopper 4b.

The compressed air source/compressor is put on simultaneously so as to inject compressed air. This pneumatically triggers a first timer (not shown) on the control panel 1.

The first timer circuit is so designed that once this timer is actuated by means of actuation of the compressed air source, It triggers an air vibrator (not shown ) for vibration of the hopper 4b and simultaneous opening of the first knife valve 6 for emptying drill cuttings from the lower portion 4b of the hopper into the blower 5 . The timer is set to remain active/on for a pre-determined time.

The first timer then stops and the knife valve 6 closes and the air vibrator stops simultaneously. The second timer now simultaneously gets activated by the compressed air from the compressor via actuator 2 which keeps on flowing to open the knife valve 7a and the butterfly valve 7b. Air is injected into the blower 5 under compression through the butterfly valve 7b and cyclonic air movement takes place inside the blower 5. Since the second knife valve 7a is now open, the drill cuttings are forced out through the tube 8 connected to the blower 5, as indicated by side arrows in figures 3 and 4. Referring to figures 6a, and 6b, the drill cuttings then are ejected out through the elongated tube 11 to three (or more) different filling stations 13, 14, 15 by use of two (or more) diverter valves 9a, 10a which are controlled by two handles 9b, 10b and thereby directing the cuttings to one of the three (or more) receiving containers 12, 13, 14. During all these operation, the second timer remains on/ activated. Thereafter, after a certain pre-determined time the second timer gets deactivated and simultaneously, the knife valve 7a and the butterfly valve 7b closes. Instantly, the first timer gets activated and the entire process, as described hereinbefore is repeated.

The circuit of the first timer is so designed such that the first timer switches off after a pre-determined time interval to cause stopping of hopper vibration and closing of the knife valve 6. The circuit of the second timer is so designed, such that the second timer simultaneously switches on with the switching off of the first timer, to actuate the butterfly valve 7b for pumping air into the blower 5, through the butter fly valve 7b by means of the compressed air source activated by the butterfly valve actuator and simultaneously it actuates opening of a second knife valve 7a for ejecting material forcibly out of the blower 5, through a tube 8 attached to the blower 5.

The second timer remains on for the desired duration, so as to actuate diversion of drill cuttings from the blower 5 into the receiving containers 12, 13, 14 as explained before. The circuit design ensures that once the second timer stops, the first timer is activated and vice versa.

Both the timers are actuated by air in flow from the compressor. Hence the timers are pneumatically actuated. The circuit design ensures perfect functioning of the timers. In this invention, pneumatic actuation is combined with a simple electrical engineering design for functioning of different components in a very simple and effective manner, on being actuated by the timers.

It should be understood that unlike electric/electronic control system that have to be placed in explosion proof cabinets and all connections and equipment have to be gas tight in order not to ignite possible flammable gases/vapors. These pneumatic components are carefully selected and can be installed in a safe cabinet and timers have to be protected with a plastic cover.

Preferably, the timers are sequenced so as to have one filling sequence and two emptying sequence with respect to the blower.

Figures 7a shows an example of a pneumatic control system that can be utilized in the system according to present invention. Figure 7b shows an example of a control system that can be used for control of the diverter valve. From the description hereinbefore it would be clear to persons skilled in the art that all objectives of the invention have been achieved. Further, only one device has been illustrated and described. In reality, there can be many such devices all functioning in the same way and the present invention embraces such arrangement as well.

It should also be clear to persons skilled in the art that several devices can also be fed directly from cuttings separation equipment like shakers and similar or indirectly via mechanical augers or similar. The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment and some drawings for the sake of understanding only and it should be clear to persons skilled in the art that the present invention includes all legitimate modifications within the ambit of what has been described hereinbefore and claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

Patent claims P4843PC00-B6C

1.

A pneumatically controlled device (I) for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations comprises a cabinet (II), the top portion of which has a chute (3) for in flow of particulate material and below the chute (3) the cabinet (II) has a cylindrical tank (4a) having a hopper (4b) at its lower portion, which can vibrate and discharge particulate material into an evacuation unit (5) beneath it, said device has a pneumatic control (1 ) operatively connected to it which is equipped to cause in flow and out flow of material to and from the evacuation unit (5), said evacuation unit is a cyclone separator such as a blower (5) and the pneumatic control (1 ) is operatively connected to the device by means of a branch tube, the pneumatic control has at least a first timer for filling the blower (5) and a second timer for emptying the blower (5), each timer being pneumatically connected to filling units (4b, 6) and to emptying units (2, 7a, 7b, ) by means of suitable circuit designs and i n that both the first timer and the second timer are adapted to be actuated by in flow of air by means of a compressed air source (2), operatively connected to the device and the pneumatic control comprises a panel (1 ) located on the door of the cabinet (II).

c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that the first timer is equipped to get actuated by means of actuation of the compressed air source (2) and to trigger an air vibrator for vibration of the hopper ( 4b ) and simultaneous opening of a first knife valve (alternatively dome valve) (6) for emptying material from the lower portion (4b) of the hopper into the blower (5) .

2.

The device according to claim ^ c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that the circuit of the first timer is so designed such that the first timer switches off after a pre-determined time interval to cause stopping of hopper vibration and closing of the knife valve (6) and i n that the circuit of the second timer is so designed such that the second timer simultaneously switches on with the switching off of the first timer, to actuate a butterfly valve (7b) for pumping air into the blower (5) through the butter fly valve (7b) by means of the compressed air source (2) and simultaneously it actuates opening of a second knife valve (7a) for ejecting material forcibly out of the blower (5), through a tube (8) attached to the blower (5).

3.

The device according to claims 1 to2ch a racte ri sed i n that the cabinet (II) comprises movable frames for incorporating the filling unit (3, 4a, 4b) and the emptying units (5), such that the entire unit can be disconnected and lifted quickly when required to allow for other more needed equipment.

4.

A method for discharging particulate material generated during exploration and production operations, by applying the device as claimed in claims 1 to 3 is c h a r a cte ri se d by sequencing the first timer and the second timer of the pneumatic control panel (1) in such a way so that during filling of the blower (5) the first timer actuates vibration of the hopper ( 4b ) with simultaneous opening of a first knife valve (6) for emptying material from the lower portion (4b) of the hopper into the blower (5) and then the first timer switches off after a p re-determined time interval to cause stopping of hopper vibration and closing of the first knife valve (6) and for emptying the blower (5) the second timer simultaneously switches on with switching off of the first timer and actuates the butter fly valve (7b) and pumps air into the blower (5) through the butter fly valve (7b) by means of compressed air source from a typical air compressor and simultaneously, it actuates opening of a second knife valve (7a) for ejecting material forcibly out of the blower (5), through a tube (8) connected to the blower.

5.

The method according to claim 4 c h a r a ct e r i s e d i n that the pneumatic control (1) also actuates outflow of material from the blower (5) into two or more containers (12, 13, 14) through a tube (11) attached to tube (8) coming out of the blower (5) and i n that the pneumatic control (1) simultaneously actuates respective handles (9b, 10b) of diverter valves (9a, 10a), meant for diverting materials into one or more of the receiving containers (12, 13, 14).

6.

The method according to claims 4 and 5 characterised in that the second timer remains on for the desired duration so as to actuate diversion of materials from the blower (5) into the receiving containers (12, 13, 14).

7.

The method according to claims 4 to 6 ch aracteri sed i n that after a predetermined time, the second timer switches off to shut the butterfly valve (7b) and the second knife valve (7a) and simultaneously the first timer switches on and the process is repeated for desired duration.

8.

The method according to claim 6, ch a racte r i se d i n that the receiving containers (13, 14, 15) have frames (15) connected with tube and quick release couplings and fixed to the deck with locks, such that one or more of the frames with the respective receiving containers, can be lifted quickly when required.