Subsea device and method for installing a seal

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a subsea device for installing a seal and a corresponding method. More precisely, the seal referred to in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an elastomeric seal temporarily installed, until a definitive repair is possible to solve the leak of fluids, such as oil, identified, for example, in large-sized vessel structures.

1 . A subsea device for installing a seal, and to be operated by a remotely operable equipment, the subsea device comprising:
 a chassis structure comprising a handle, whereby the remotely operable equipment handles the subsea device;   two magnets arranged in parallel on the chassis structure;   a sealing element positioned in the subsea device together with a plate, wherein a movement of the plate is caused by the rotation of a spindle through torque by the remotely operable equipment, the movement causing the positioning of the sealing element on an identified damage to the hull of the vessel.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the remotely operable equipment comprises a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , further comprising:
 two rods adapted for the ROV and for activating the magnetization and demagnetization of the magnets.   
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the plate is arranged in a central region of the subsea device and is positioned opposite a threading portion plate. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the threading portion plate comprises four parallel sticks, distributed two in its upper region and two in its lower region, and wherein the four parallel sticks prevent the plate from rotating in the operation of the torque executed by the remotely operated device. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising, in a central region:
 (1) two first structural elements, in the shape of a “C” mirrored and arranged parallel to each other, and located between the plate and the threading portion plate;   (2) a torque tool reaction stop arranged on the threading portion plate;   (3) a second central structural element, positioned between two structural elements, and supporting the plate on the spindle structure;   (4) a fixing plate of the sealing and support element of a first bearing; and   (5) a second bearing in which the spindle rotates.   
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the chassis structure comprises a U-shaped metallic structure, and wherein each of the tips of the two ends of said U (larger U) opens into a new smaller U, for fixing the magnets. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the magnets are supported by screws attached to the chassis structure, by the addition of a plate also fixed by screws. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the chassis structure further comprises an eyelet. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein the sealing element comprises vinyl acetate material (EVA), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or rubbers of varying hardness, having measurements close enough to the measurements of the plate, fitting firmly into the plate with the four parallel sticks. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein a glue is applied between the plate and the sealing element. 
     
     
         12 . A method for installing a seal in a subsea environment, through a subsea device for installing a seal, according to  claim 1 , the method including at least the steps of:
 a) locating a point of damage;   b) installing an auxiliary magnetic base;   c) defining and preparing the location to receive the sealing device;   d) positioning of the sealing device, and   e) applying torque.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the origin of the identified leak is defined. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the positioning of a magnetic base occurs, whereby the remotely operated device is capable of docking and maintaining its stability. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the cleaning of any scales and marine life present in the place to receive the seal is carried out. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising:
 (1) centralizing the device over the damage, wherein the device is positioned with one of the rods adapted for a remote operated vehicle (ROV) activated and the other of the rods non-activated;   (2) rotating the device to achieve the centralization; and   (3) activating the rod adapted for the ROV.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein a glue is applied to the sealing element prior to centering the device over the damage. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein a torque wrench is connected to a 10.0 m hydraulic jumper when executing the torque.