Subsea intervention with compliant guide

Abstract

A technique improves the capabilities and performance of subsea intervention operations. An intervention vessel is coupled with a subsea well system via a compliant guide. The structure and arrangement of the compliant guide enables passage of a variety of intervention tools and a variety of conveyance mechanisms to facilitate performance of intervention operations.

1 . A method for subsea intervention, comprising:
 coupling an intervention vessel and a subsea well system with a compliant guide;   conveying intervention tools through the compliant guide with a cable-type conveyance; and   utilizing the intervention tools to perform an intervention operation.   
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein utilizing comprises utilizing the intervention tools to perform an intervention operation in a subsea well. 
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein utilizing comprises utilizing the intervention tools to perform an intervention operation in a subsea flowline. 
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising deploying a fluid into an interior of the compliant guide; and maintaining the fluid separate from well fluids. 
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising applying pressure to the fluid. 
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising changing the cable-type conveyance to another type of conveyance for movement through the compliant guide. 
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein changing comprises changing the cable-type conveyance to a coiled tubing conveyance. 
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein changing comprises changing the cable-type conveyance to a coiled rod conveyance. 
   
   
       9 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising arranging the complaint guide in a generally S-shaped pattern. 
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising temporarily moving the intervention vessel to change the configuration of the compliant guide for facilitating passage of intervention tools. 
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising performing grease injection operations on the surface. 
   
   
       12 . A method for subsea intervention, comprising:
 coupling an intervention vessel and a subsea well system with a spoolable compliant guide extending untethered between the intervention vessel and the subsea well system;   isolating an interior of the spoolable compliant guide from well fluids; and   arranging the spoolable compliant guide to accommodate passage of a plurality of conveyance types.   
   
   
       13 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein arranging comprises accommodating passage of cable-type conveyances, coiled tubing, or coiled rod. 
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising filling the spoolable compliant guide with a fluid separated from well fluids. 
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising enabling swiveling of the spoolable compliant guide. 
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising temporarily moving the intervention vessel to change the configuration of the compliant guide for facilitating passage of an intervention tool 
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising connecting a lower end of the spoolable compliant guide to a subsea lubricator. 
   
   
       18 . A system, comprising:
 a deep water subsea well system;   a compliant guide coupled to the deep water subsea well system, the compliant guide being arranged to accommodate passage of a variety of intervention tools and conveyance systems; and   a seal positioned to limit incursion of well fluid into the compliant guide.   
   
   
       19 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the deep water subsea well system comprises a subsea lubricator and a blowout preventor. 
   
   
       20 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the deep water subsea well system comprises a disconnect device to enable an emergency disconnect. 
   
   
       21 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a swivel connection positioned to enable swiveling of the compliant guide. 
   
   
       22 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a buoyancy device positioned to facilitate placement of the compliant guide into a desired configuration. 
   
   
       23 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a bend restrictor coupled to the compliant guide. 
   
   
       24 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the compliant guide is coupled to an intervention vessel located at the surface. 
   
   
       25 . The system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a conveyance system and an intervention tool coupled to the conveyance system for movement through the compliant guide. 
   
   
       26 . The system as recited in  claim 24 , further comprising a return hose coupled between the intervention vessel and the deep water subsea well system. 
   
   
       27 . A method for subsea intervention, comprising:
 locating a subsea well system in deep water;   coupling a compliant guide between an intervention vessel and the subsea well system; and   passing an intervention tool through the compliant guide via a conveyance system of the type unable to transmit a pushing force.   
   
   
       28 . The method as recited in  claim 27 , wherein locating the subsea well system comprises engaging the subsea well system with a subsea well. 
   
   
       29 . The method as recited in  claim 27 , wherein locating the subsea well system comprises engaging the subsea well system with a subsea flowline.