Apparatus, methods, and systems for storing and managing liquids in an offshore environment

摘要

A storage tank for storing liquids on the seafloor in a subsea environment is disclosed. The storage tank includes a protective enclosure having a removable cover. The storage tank has at least one compartment therein within which is a container including an outer flexible bladder and an inner flexible bladder within the outer flexible bladder. The inner flexible bladder is capable of containing an inner liquid. The space between the inner flexible bladder and the outer flexible bladder is capable of containing an outer liquid. The inner flexible bladder has a liquid inlet capable of connecting to a source of the inner liquid. The inner flexible bladder has a liquid outlet capable of connecting to a line for conveying the inner liquid to a desired location. The storage tank further includes a recirculation loop for circulating the outer liquid in the space between the inner flexible bladder and the outer flexible bladder. A system for managing liquids in an offshore environment is disclosed, the system using the storage tank, a first conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder liquid inlet of the storage tank for supplying the inner liquid from a topside location, a second conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder liquid outlet, and a pump connected to the second conduit for pumping the inner liquid to a desired pressure for conveying the inner liquid to a desired location.

主权项

1. A storage tank for storing liquids in a subsea environment, comprising:
a. a protective enclosure for positioning on a seafloor wherein the protective enclosure comprises at least one compartment therein and a removable cover; b. a container within each of the at least one compartment of the protective enclosure wherein each container comprises an outer flexible bladder and an inner flexible bladder positioned within and spaced a distance from the outer flexible bladder; such that the inner flexible bladder is capable of containing an inner liquid and a space is provided between the inner flexible bladder and the outer flexible bladder capable of containing an outer liquid; c. an inner flexible bladder liquid inlet capable of connecting a source of the inner liquid to the inner flexible bladder; d. an inner flexible bladder liquid outlet capable of connecting the inner flexible bladder to an inner liquid line external to the protective enclosure; and e. a recirculation loop for circulating the outer liquid in the space between the inner flexible bladder in the outer flexible bladder, comprising:
i. an outer liquid line external to the protective enclosure having an outer flexible bladder liquid inlet and an outer flexible bladder liquid outlet; andii. a pump located in the outer liquid line between the outer flexible bladder liquid inlet and the outer flexible bladder liquid outlet for circulating the outer liquid from the outer flexible bladder liquid outlet to the outer flexible bladder liquid inlet.