Lateral buckling mitigation apparatus, methods and systems for use with subsea conduits

US8721222B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CHEVRON U.S.A. INC. · US

Inventors

• Sid A. Mebarkia · Sugar Land, US
• Antonio C. F. Critsinelis · Kingwood, US
• Dane Ryne Drew · Houston, US
• Michael J. Quinney · Bellville, US
• Lynn Wang · Jerusalem, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 4, 2011
• Grant date: May 13, 2014
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16L3/20
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time.