System and method for controlling a blowout location at an offshore oilfield

Abstract

A system for controlling a blowout location at an offshore oilfield comprises: a support construction that is movable next to a blowout location in an offshore oilfield and that can be set to rest in seabed, the support construction comprising: a) a first foundation part and a second foundation part that are located at a distance from each other; b) support members that are located at a distance from each other; and a funnel structure that is movable along the support members, the funnel structure comprising connecting members that are form-locking with the support members. The first foundation part, the second foundation part and the support members are so configured that the blowout location can be restricted a) between the first foundation part and the second foundation part and b) between the support members. The funnel structure a) is movable along the support members from a side position to above the blowout location and b) is dimensioned to restrict the blowout by redirecting flow from the blowout into an exit pipe. The funnel structure and the support construction are so dimensioned that when the funnel structure is located on top of the blowout location, the system remains substantially stable to enable restricting the blowout. Includes an independent patent claim for a method for controlling a blowout location at an offshore oilfield.

1 . A system for controlling a blowout location at an offshore oilfield, comprising:
 a support construction that is movable next to a blowout location in an offshore oilfield and that can be set to rest in seabed, the support construction comprising:
 a) a first foundation part and a second foundation part that are located at a distance from each other; 
 b) support members that are located at a distance from each other; and 
   a funnel structure that is movable along the support members, the funnel structure comprising connecting members that are form-locking with the support members;   and wherein:   the first foundation part, the second foundation part and the support members are so configured that the blowout location can be restricted a) between the first foundation part and the second foundation part and b) between the support members;   the funnel structure a) is movable along the support members from a side position to above the blowout location and b) is dimensioned to restrict the blowout by redirecting flow from the blowout into an exit pipe; and   the funnel structure and the support construction are so dimensioned that when the funnel structure is located on top of the blowout location, the system remains substantially stable to enable restricting the blowout.   
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: at least one of the first foundation part and second foundation part comprises at least one compartment that is fillable with ballast. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: the support members are rod-like members around which the funnel structure are form-locked. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: the support members run between holders at the first foundation part and the second foundation part. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: the support members are elongated guide members which form-lock with the funnel structure. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: each of the support members are arranged to run along the first foundation part or the second foundation part. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: the funnel structure comprises a vertically movable funnel. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein: the system further comprises adjusting members to adjust the height of the support members from the seabed. 
     
     
         9 . A method for controlling a blowout location at an offshore oilfield, comprising the steps of:
 bringing a system according to preceding  claim 1  to an offshore oilfield;   positioning the first foundation part and the second foundation part of the system to rest in seabed at opposite positions around the blowout location;   attaching a funnel structure in a form-locked manner to the system at an away position from the blowout location;   moving the funnel structure along support members of the system until the funnel structure is on top of the blowout location; and   controlling the blowout location by redirecting flow from the blowout with the funnel structure into an exit pipe.   
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising the step of: adjusting the height of the funnel structure. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising the step of: lowering the funnel structure to the blowout location. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising the step of: increasing inertia of the system by adding ballast to the system. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising the step of: anchoring the system to seabed. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising the step of: adding at least one extension to the first foundation part or to the second foundation part. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising the step of bringing the funnel structure together from different sides of the blowout location.