Method of active struggle with iceberg danger and device to this end. RU patent 2484209.

FIELD: process engineering.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method comprises detecting iceberg by observing the defined area of water, affecting the iceberg for its localization, changing the ice from solid phase into liquid phase. Said phase transition is triggered by forcing water jets to iceberg at 80-90°C. Water jets are fed by pipeline equipped with distribution pipeline with sprinklers to be descended from aircraft and located at iceberg top. Proposed device comprises active means consisting of helicopter, water intake tank, heater, outboard water intake pipeline and that to feed hot water to iceberg. Pipeline feed hot water to iceberg incorporates extra adapter composed of distribution pipelines with sprinklers. Water intake tank is composed of air-hydraulic tank.

EFFECT: higher safety of arctic oil-and-gas deposits operation.

2 cl, 1 dwg

The invention relates to ensuring safe operation of production platforms in the Arctic seas, and more specifically to methods and means of influence on icebergs in order to prevent their collision with the fixed or floating mining complexes.

Currently offshore oil and gas deposits of the Arctic region is very difficult because of difficulties caused by ice formations. The existing international practice of protection of such objects is limited to work in shallow water, domestic and virtually no experience.

These conditions to enhance the development and safe operation of offshore fields in the Arctic zone requires the development of modern technologies of protection of objects of exploration, production and Maritime transportation of hydrocarbons from the direct physical and erosive impact of ice formations (ice floes and icebergs).

Taking into account the prospective plans for development of hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic shelf of Russia proposed solution seems to be important.

There is a method of towing of the iceberg with the help of floating synthetic rope [1]. The method is implemented in the following sequence. When approaching to the iceberg with the release the vessel floating polypropylene rope length 1200 m and a diameter of 15-20 cm, withstand 60 tons of load in the vessel Then makes a turn around of the iceberg and picks up the end of the marked buoy. After fixing the formed loops from the vessel to weight () synthetic channel release approximately 100 m of a steel cable. Preparing thus tug vessel gradually increases stroke and is in a pre-selected direction. For large icebergs task of towing is to change the direction of the drift of the iceberg of a few degrees from its original course. Time of deployment and installation of the entire system is on average 0.5 to 2 hours. The process of towing was lengthy and can take many hours - until the appears confidence that the threat of collision with the platform passed. The main disadvantages of this method is the possibility turning of the iceberg and slipping of the rope, as well as limits on use when the sea is rough with the wave height is about 4 meters, in poor visibility due to the risk of crossing a rope and coiling it on screws and in the presence of the drifting ice.

Also known way of the iceberg towing two vessels [2], which consists in the fact that the first vessel is next to an iceberg, and focused in the wrong direction, which will be towing. The second vessel pulls section of the tow rope to the first vessel, which picks him and increases it to its tow rope. The second vessel turns around the tip of the iceberg, after which both ship begin to tow the tip of the iceberg in the selected direction. In this method, use a wire rope instead of synthetic, two steel rope and respectively two vessels, developing significant traction. Along with the disadvantages of this method [1] there are also additional, namely the complexity of sync «breakthrough» of the courts and balance loads of traction effort by courts), which is expressed in the propensity to oscillatory movements of vessels around the tip of the iceberg towing, as well as the difficulties of monitoring the depth of finding a towing rope.

Also known method of towing icebergs using a double wrapping of the iceberg [2], used mainly to tow small unstable rounded icebergs prone to capsizing. The free end of the towing cable etched into the water, and the vessel (being it a fixed end) makes a half turn around the tip of the iceberg. Then from the water caught loose end of the cable and the result is the double loop distributing the traction force (or force applied to the iceberg) around the perimeter of the iceberg. This is the preferred method to use, but when visibility is poor and there is a probability of a winding rope screws when re-crawls the tip of the iceberg.

Also known method of towing icebergs using nozzles (braces) with spikes [3], in which the star-shaped head with thorns, wearable intervals for the rope used to reduce his slip on the ice. Its use may be problems associated with weighted rope, and also with the challenges of fixing these nozzles on the rope.

Also known method of towing two vessels, one of which pushes the iceberg squirt screws [4]. For realization of this method requires two vessels, one of which tows the iceberg, located in the loop, formed by the tug (the length of each side of the loop is equal to approximately 400 m) of the standard tow end. Another ship to attach its tow to the loop on the other side of the iceberg and being next to an iceberg, pushes the iceberg squirt her screws, or, having etched his tow, controls the depth of the location of the tug, which is the iceberg. In addition to the two courts to implement the method also requires two floating rope and two steel towing rope. The operation requires a significant amount of time. Two vessels at a short distance from the tip of the iceberg and from each other requires extreme caution in order not to confuse the screws synthetic rope.

Also known method of towing the iceberg using the cable with negative buoyancy [1], in which the tow rope with a negative buoyancy is wound around the tip of the iceberg in some depth (or at water edge), thus allowing you to make traction closer to the center of buoyancy (center of magnitude) of the iceberg. At the same time, some buoyancy towing cable is achieved by attaching floats attached to the rope on segments of files and towing carried on the wind, reducing the chance of overturning the iceberg and slipping of the rope.

However, for the successful tow rope should be located so that the tipping point, would be minimal, which requires a precise knowledge of the shape and size of the iceberg and adjust the immersion of the rope.

Also known method of towing the iceberg using network [5]. Due to the fact that the towing of small and rounded icebergs complicated by their tendency to capsizing and slippage of a rope, to reduce these unwanted effects instead of towing rope use the network with a floating rope, steel wire rope and winch drum. When properly designed network fits the iceberg and distributes traction effort above and below the center of the resistance, reducing the possibility turning of the iceberg and sliding off the network. Disadvantages are difficulties institutions network around the tip of the iceberg, the possibility of its twisting, freeze network in ice, which virtually eliminates its lifting, the opportunity of winding on the ship's screw, and provide the necessary precision positioning the network relative to the tip of the iceberg. Also known way towing icebergs using anchor (hydraulic auger) [6], consisting of steel pipe with meats containing the drill bit with water jets, which is cooled by the anchor, which is set in iceberg through a remotely controlled device, equipped with a television camera, which is drilling anchor with connected towage rope to the iceberg on a distance of 100 to 120 m from the working of the vessel at a depth of 15-30 m under water. Drilling is carried out with the help of ultra-high pressure water jets and a rotating head, driven in rotation small hydraulic motor. When the anchor is entirely the iceberg, Bur off, and anchor the iceberg by the evaporation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), fed through the hose from the vessel. After the anchor is securely , remotely controlled device is detached from him and returned to the ship. Propylene rubber rope attached to an anchor attached to a steel cable, which is etched with the vessel at a distance up to 1500 m from the tip of the iceberg and then begins towing. Due to the fact that the vector towing force closer to the axis of turning the iceberg shrink problems associated with the possibility of turning the tip of the iceberg. Way burdened by the high cost, complexity and technologically challenging.

An alternative way of single-point fastening of anchors is known way to tow the iceberg using anchors, fused iceberg in [7], in which the anchor consists of three elastically stressed beams, stipulated by the triangular frame so that when it is fixed on the iceberg in a helicopter or a crane with a support ship, the pulled it through electrochemical heaters powered by a three-acid battery is installed on the frame. The orientation of the beams is chosen so that when you install they formed a triangular pyramid. Application of the method is limited only by favourable weather conditions.

Also known method which consists in cutting hot wire a certain mass of the iceberg, mainly to reduce the precipitation of the iceberg [10]. Heated electric wire, laid in the selected direction on the surface of the iceberg begins to melt the ice from the top surface of the iceberg and stretches to the bottom by gravity. The main problem lies in the possible re-freezing of water into the cracks. To eliminate this drawback using pipes of small diameter, through which is passed a liquid under pressure [7], which distributes heat along the tubes and prevents the formation of local zones of heating and following burnout segments of the pipe. This liquid contains antifreeze and issued through a small hole in the tube. To implement the method, you must ship wire (tube)source heat pump, antifreeze, and the system of corrosion monitoring. To create a cut 100 m depth would require 16 hours. Because while the ship should be near the tip of the iceberg, in case of his sudden turning there is a danger for the vessel and crew.

Also known methods of destruction of icebergs using termite and explosives [2, 6, 11], which are used to reduce weight or precipitation of the iceberg. Methods include placing thermite charges on an iceberg, their burning within 2 days. Destruction, thus, of the iceberg may increase blocks of ice, resulting in a collision blocks of ice platform may increase.

Dropping from the plane to the iceberg explosives has a similar effect, and for ice are practically ineffective. The disadvantages are also factors such as environmental damage and danger of working with explosives, especially under adverse weather conditions.

Also known way to deviations by means of a jet bubbles [8], which is formed by the release of air from the hole in underwater pipeline system, resulting in some of the iceberg will be raised above the surface of the water, which will increase the pressure on one of its sides, and he begins to move in the other direction. For the formation of bubbles is proposed to use the associated gas, which accompanies the extraction of hydrocarbons on the shelf. The effectiveness of this method depends on how quickly the bubbles can slow down the movement of the iceberg or reject it with a dangerous line of motion. Technical implementation is very labour intensive and requires significant expenses.

Also known method of destruction of the iceberg using directional radiation energy [7]. The form narrow beam (laser, microwave radiation, water under pressure), directed from the vessel. The beam is used for melting or evaporation of ice along the narrow lines. Ray also causes rapid heating of the ice or steam over a small area on the surface of the iceberg, that causes the calving of ice chunks with this surface. The main advantage of using laser is the ease of long distance transfer of large amounts of energy. From the point of view of environmental impacts and safety it also has benefits. The negative side is the large size of the equipment, high power consumption and high cost. In addition, the laser beam scattered over the water (loss of energy), i.e., its application is limited to only the above-water part of the iceberg.

Microwave radiation, aimed and focused on the icy surface, causing her intense heat, with its sizeable portion is a few inches above the surface. However, high doses of microwave radiation is hazardous to health and may have a negative impact on the environment.

Also known way of cutting the ice using high pressure water jets [7] with the formation of a narrow water beam. The effective range of their usage is several tens of meters, and their installation on an iceberg is problematic. Equipment for realization of this method is very complicated, and its installation on an iceberg problematic and its use is directly next to an iceberg dangerous.

The main disadvantage of the beams of all kinds is the problem of accuracy beam pointing to a crack in the ice with a moving ship and its high energy intensity, which in marine conditions provide almost impossible.

There are known ways of transporting ice icebergs [13-18], which are related to water transport and related technology for the transportation of icebergs for drinking water.

The main areas of the iceberg formation is the glaciers of Antarctica, Islands of the Canadian Arctic Islands and Greenland.

In the known method [17] the transport of parts of the iceberg by towing vessels to destinations that requires the technological operation of the destruction of the iceberg to a size suitable for loading onto a ship for further transportation.

In the known method of transportation ice iceberg that is what they choose the required parameters of the iceberg, cover with its waterproof membranes, United with towed ropes of the ship, and tow destination [16]. However, the transportation of ice iceberg by a vessel using a waterproof membrane leads to the fact that the shell is often broken and transportation makes the most irrational forms for wrapping why energy costs grow 3-5 times. Known method of transportation ice iceberg for getting water from him [18] is that carry out selection of the iceberg by the flight for the evaluation of mass and size parameters of the iceberg, spend a landing on the surface of the iceberg brigade for control points determine the anchor wells with anchor devices, which place anchor device. To their couplings secure the cables connecting the anchor device with -sailing system prepared for iceberg transportation to the place of destination, by filling in the light gas balloons, bringing in suspended condition sailing system. The course of the iceberg support remote control sailing system, implemented with a support ship. Upon arrival of the iceberg to the place of destination in the continental part of southern or Northern tropics start cutting of the iceberg, portable part, delivered on site, where thermal mode of the environment changes the solid phase state of the iceberg in drinking water, which is then through the pumping system is transported under pressure through pipes placed in the continental shelf for distribution to consumers on the continent. The technical result consists in accelerating the delivery of ice icebergs to the place of destination, to use them as a source of fresh clean water.

Transportation of the iceberg by using -sail system with remote radio or laser-controlled without the use of additional power units.

For the implementation of a known method of transporting ice icebergs carry out selection of the iceberg by the flight for the evaluation of its mass and size parameters. Spend a landing on the surface of the iceberg brigade to identify locations anchor points anchor wells for accommodation anchoring devices, the couplings which krepjat cables connecting the anchor device with -sailing system prepared for iceberg transportation to the place of destination. Then fill light gas balloons, which displays the sailing system in suspended condition. The course of the iceberg support remote control sailing system, implemented with a support ship. Upon arrival of the iceberg to the place of destination in the continental part of southern or Northern tropics start cutting of the iceberg on portable parts delivered to the sites where thermal mode of the environment changes the phase state of the solid ice iceberg in drinking water. Through the pumping system under the pressure of the supplied water is transported through pipes placed in the continental shelf for distribution to consumers on the continent. The choice of the iceberg is performed with the use of an aircraft, for example, a helicopter or a plane. Towing of the iceberg carry out -sailing remote control system, such as radio or laser-controlled. Implement phase transition ice iceberg from solid to liquid on the cutting site, supplied with energy plant operating at a temperature difference of a solid phase ice and the heated surface of the coastal zone. For transportation of produced water with iceberg installed conduit. Sailing system is made from section type defensive installation, and the sails are made with protection from icing. For the organization managed icebergs drifting use of wind energy flows with speed in Antarctic waters reaches on average up to 30 m/S. At medium speeds, the air flow and the corresponding choice of square sails wind energy can be converted into momentum, reaching several hundred tons, which is sufficient for the movement of the tip of the iceberg with optimum speed.

However, to achieve a technical result associated with transportation of icebergs, negative impacts may render the following factors:

- no wind (no wind), which virtually eliminates the process of transportation;

- significant complexity of the implementation of the method, due to the installation of -sailing system of the iceberg, including the arrival in the area of location of the iceberg support vessel, on Board of which is placed a folded sailing system, Bay sailing cables, helicopter or the plane, the system remote control sails, drilling installation for spudding anchoring devices sailing cables, execution by flight airplane, helicopter) and aerial choice indicators of the iceberg to prepare it for transportation, and the landing brigade specialists from a helicopter to the surface of the iceberg for the control points determine the anchor wells and their designation as a reference by colouring certain sites (diameter of 2-3 m), the installation of anchor devices by spudding anchor wells in the array of the iceberg on the depth of 10-50 m according to on the value of the transported iceberg and the number of wells and connecting cables -sailing system to anchor devices via the coupling, and filling light gas balloons, the maintenance of control in the process of transportation, depending on the midsection transported iceberg resistance when moving its largest midsection and flow velocity of ocean waves, transported iceberg.

In addition, this method is only possible transport of icebergs large volumes with a large surface area surface part, allowing the possibility of hosting -sailing system.

It is also known technical solutions aimed at improving the safety of operation sea terminal of oil and gas fields in the seas of the Arctic basin (patent RU №2425929, 10.08.2011 [19]), in which the problem is solved by the fact that the method of active struggle with iceberg hazard, which includes detection of the iceberg by observing the water area of impact the iceberg for localization, including covering it with a waterproof liner implementation of the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase, the implementation of the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase is performed by the impact of the iceberg water jets at 80-90 degrees and device for implementing the method, including the ship security, equipped with high-pressure water jets, additionally equipped with tanks for the adoption of the water, a heating device, a high-pressure water cannons are connected by pipelines, articulated with water-resistant shell covering the iceberg.

Novel features lies in the fact that the implementation of the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase is performed by the impact of the iceberg water jets at 80-90 degrees, and the device for realization of a way of further provided tanks for the adoption of the water, a heating device, a high-pressure water cannons are connected by pipelines, articulated with waterproof membrane that encloses the iceberg, to increase the security of exploitation of the sea terminal of oil and gas fields in the seas of the Arctic basin.

However, for the seas of the Arctic basin the size of icebergs can reach the size of 190 x 430 x 20.8 m (see, for example: Scientific research in the Arctic. Vol. 3. Remote sensing of sea ice the Northern sea route: the study and application / O.M. Johannessen, Alexandrov V.Y, I.E. Frolov and other - SPb.: Science, 2007, .212-214)that can be a barrier for the technical implementation of this method is in part due to the availability of time shortage destruction of the iceberg under adverse weather conditions, taking into account the use of the vessel. Under adverse weather conditions it is difficult to provide collaborative coordination of the helicopter and vessel that can compromise system integrity ship-helicopter-iceberg.

Objective of the proposed technical solution is to increase the safety of operation of offshore oil and gas terminal deposits in the seas of the Arctic basin, and also to improve safety during the work on localization of icebergs and simplify the implementation of the method and design of the device for its use.

The problem is solved by the fact that the method of active struggle with iceberg hazard, including the discovery of the iceberg by observing the water area, the impact of the iceberg for localization, implementation of the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase, when this implementation of the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase is performed by the impact of the iceberg water jets at 80-90 C, in which, unlike the prototype [19], water jets served through the pipeline, provided the distribution pipeline sprinkler, the descent from the aircraft and placed over the top of the iceberg, and a device for the active control of iceberg hazard, including means to ensure consisting of a helicopter, a tank for the adoption of the water, the heating device, pipelines for the adoption of the sea water and for hot water supply PA iceberg, unlike the prototype [19] the pipeline for submission of hot water on iceberg additionally provided with a nozzle made in the form of distribution pipelines, sprinkler, a reservoir for the adoption of the water is in the form of tank.

The essence of the method and device for its implementation is explained in the drawing.

Device for performing the method includes aircraft 1, which can be made in the form of a helicopter or a dirigible. Aircraft equipped with 1 tank 2 for the adoption of the water, a heating device 3, pipe 4 for the adoption of the sea water, the pipeline 5, provided with a nozzle 6, made in the form of distribution pipelines, 7 sprinkler 8. Tank 2 for the adoption of the water is in the form of tank and is connected with the pipeline 5, available over the iceberg 9.

The method is implemented as follows. At detection of the iceberg in the areas adjacent to the location of the marine terminal of oil and gas deposits in the seas the Arctic basin through the ice reconnaissance satellite, aircraft and shore-based observations, in a geographical point of location of the iceberg goes flying machine 1 fitted with tank 2 for the adoption of the water, a heating device 3. Upon arrival at the location of the iceberg through regular onboard means, such as side-scan sonar and radar station, perform examination of the iceberg in order to establish its mass and dimensions. Side-scan sonar and radar can also be used to control the mass and dimensions of the iceberg in the process of its thawing.

With aircraft 1 having a mode of hang-UPS, such as a helicopter, through the pipeline 4 for adoption outside water fill outboard water tank 2 and descend over the iceberg line 5. When reaching the point of freezing the pipeline over 5 iceberg 9, sufficient to ensure maximum coverage of the iceberg water jets, in the tank 2, filled with sea water, by means of a heating device 3 water is heated up to 95-98°N Under the influence of pneumatic-hydraulic devices heated water is supplied through the pipeline 5 in the distribution pipeline, 7 sprinkler 8. Streams of hot water, filling the upper horizontal part of the iceberg and there is a realization of ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase phase. As the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase, the volume of the iceberg will decrease, starting from the top surface part.

For the filling of the tank 2 provides a pump, receiving water from the pipeline 4.

The pressure in the tank 2, made in the form of tanks, supported by a cushion for the replenishment of which provides for special compressor.

The heating device 3 consists of electric heating elements with a capacity of 54-156 KW.

For the implementation of the proposed technical solutions can be used are in operation, for example, aircraft, equipped with necessary standard equipment, for example, designed to fight forest fires.

Use of the proposed solution will improve the operational reliability of objects of production and marine transportation of hydrocarbons in the development of offshore oil and gas fields in the Barents and other Arctic seas of Russia.

The determinants of economic effect are:

- prevention of emergency situations;

- expansion of development of proven fields with severe ice conditions;

- increase of terms of operation of objects of production and sea transportation of hydrocarbons.

7. Gammon P. and J. Lewis Methods for the Fracturing of the Iceberg // ESRF Report. 1985, №011.

8. Anderson K., McDonald D. and Mitten P. Management of Small Ice Masses // ESRF Report. 1986. no 042.

9. Warbanski G. and E. Banke Evaluation of a Modified Water Cannon System to Control Small Iceberg Masses // ESRF Report. 1987. №081.

10. Weeks W. and M. Mellor Some elements of Iceberg Technology // Iceberg Ulitization. New York: Pergamon Press. 1977, p.45-98.

11. Diemand D. Iceberg Fragmentation by Thermal Shock // Iceberg Research. 1984. №8, p.8-10.

12. US patent No. 4640552.

13. AC SU # 1274954 A1, 07.12.1986.

14. Patent RU №95110718 A1, 29.06.1995.

15. US patent No. 4178872 A, 18.12.1979.

16. Patent DE №2810153 A1, 19.10.1978.

17. AC SU # 1127799, 1984.

18. Patent RU №2281878, 2006.

19. Patent RU №2425929, 10.08.2011.

1. The method of active control of iceberg hazard, including the discovery of the iceberg by observing the water area, the impact of the iceberg for localization, implementation of the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase, implementation of the ice phase transition from a solid to a liquid phase is performed by the impact of the iceberg water jets at 80-90°With, wherein the water jets served through the pipeline, provided the distribution pipeline sprinkler, with the descent aircraft and placed over the top of the iceberg.

2. Device for active control of iceberg hazard, including means to ensure consisting of a helicopter, a tank for the adoption of the water, the heating device, pipelines for the adoption of the sea water and to supply hot water iceberg, characterized in that the pipe for hot water supply for iceberg additionally provided with a nozzle made in the form of distribution pipelines, sprinkler, a reservoir for the adoption of the water is in the form of tank.