[0001] The present invention relates to the field of repositories for waste material, in
particular nuclear waste material, and relates to a waste disposal system, blowout
preventer and method for disposing a waste into a drilled borehole in a subtending
tectonic plate.
[0002] US 4.178.109 discloses a method for permanent disposal of nuclear or toxic waste materials by
placing these materials in a descending tectonic plate at the edge of a subduction
zone. The waste material is placed in a borehole made in a basement rock of an oceanic
plate. The descending tectonic plate carries the waste material into the centre of
the earth. A re-entry tower is used that is centred over the borehole for disposing
the waste material into the borehole. The waste material is stored in an elongated
waste cylinder which is to be introduced into the borehole. A revolving cylinder is
housed in the re-entry tower and has a plurality of cylindrical openings for receiving
a plurality of waste cylinders. The revolving cylinder is rotatably mounted in an
offset position in the re-entry tower such that an innermost opening is positioned
directly in a centre of the tower and is directly over the borehole. The revolving
cylinder can be rotated by the drill string to bring another waste cylinder above
the borehole. The waste cylinders are released one by one into the borehole.
[0003] A problem to the disclosed method is that it is difficult to relocate a drilled borehole.
Once, the drilled borehole opening is found, it is difficult to bring the revolving
cylinder or a hopper at a tip of a drill string exactly at a position of the borehole.
Depositing waste material would require manipulation of the waste by an apparatus
located on the seabed to position the revolving cylinder on the borehole and to fill
the borehole. In an accident during such a positioning operation, the waste material
might scatter radioactive debris over the seabed, which will cause an environmental
disaster.
[0004] The general object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the
above mentioned drawback and/or to provide a useable alternative. More specific, it
is an object of the invention to provide a method and system which increases safety
during a disposal of waste into a drilled borehole.
[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for disposing a waste
into a drilled borehole in a subtending tectonic plate according to claim 1.
[0006] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of drilling a borehole in
a tectonic plate. The borehole is drilled in a conventional manner by a deep sea drilling
method. The drilling method comprises a step of installing a wellhead at a seabed
of the tectonic plate. The wellhead comprises a borehole channel. The borehole channel
extends in an axial direction. The borehole channel has a lower end and an upper end.
The lower end faces the seabed. The borehole channel extends away from the seabed
in an upwards direction. The upper end faces upwards to a sea surface. The wellhead
is provided with a subsea blowout preventer, also called a BOP, to be able to close
off the borehole channel in case of an emergency.
[0007] The drilling method comprises a step of connecting a riser to the upper end of the
borehole channel of the wellhead. In a step of the drilling method, a drill string
is guided from sea level through the riser and through the borehole channel of the
wellhead. The drill string is used for drilling the borehole into the tectonic plate.
After drilling the borehole, the drill string is removed and taken out of the riser.
After removing the drill string, preferably, a liner is introduced into the borehole
via the riser to prevent the borehole from collapsing.
[0008] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of providing a docking station
on the wellhead. The docking station may be integral with the wellhead, in particular
integral with the blowout preventer, or mounted as a separate component. The docking
station is arranged for docking a carrier to the docking station. The docking station
has a docking member for docking the carrier to the docking station. In an assembly,
the docking member is positioned alongside the upper end of the borehole channel of
the wellhead, such that the upper end of the borehole channel remains free for maintaining
a connecting of the riser in alignment with the borehole channel. The docking member
is positioned radially with respect to the borehole channel. The borehole channel
further comprises a waste inlet opening which is positioned in between the lower and
upper end of the borehole channel. Preferably, the waste inlet opening is positioned
in between the blowout preventer and the upper end of the borehole channel. The docking
station comprises waste displacement means for taking out a waste from the carrier,
moving the waste in a radial direction and introducing the waste from aside into the
waste inlet opening of the borehole channel of the wellhead.
[0009] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of lowering a carrier from
sea level to the docking station. The carrier is arranged to store at least one waste.
The carrier comprises at least one storage for storing a waste. Further, the carrier
comprises a shutter which can be moved in an open or closed position for unloading
a waste from a storage.
[0010] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of docking the carrier to
the docking member of the docking station.
[0011] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of opening the carrier at
the docking station and unloading a waste from the carrier. The waste is handled by
the waste displacement means. The waste displacing means places the waste into the
borehole channel via the waste inlet opening. While displacing the waste towards the
borehole channel, the waste moves in a radial direction. Preferably, the riser remains
connected to the upper end of the borehole channel during the introduction of the
waste into the waste inlet opening.
[0012] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of lowering the waste from
the borehole channel into the borehole.
[0013] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of sealing the borehole by
a stopper. A stopper may be a plug, a so called packer, or a seal may be provided
by introducing a hardening substance into the borehole. The hardening substance is
e.g. a cement material.
[0014] The method according to the invention may provide several advantages.
[0015] The method according to the invention allows the waste to be disposed in a safe manner.
Waste is transported from sea level to the seabed by a carrier and introduced into
a drilled borehole by using a docking station. The presence of the docking station
and the waste inlet opening in the borehole channel allows a riser to remain connected
to the wellhead during the introduction of the waste into the borehole. Herewith,
a closed system is provided in that the riser shuts off the borehole channel at the
upper end and the docked carrier shuts off an opening to the borehole channel which
is formed by the docking member at the docking station which increases operational
safety. Advantageously, the riser can be used as a guidance for the carrier. Additionally,
the riser can be used after introducing the waste e.g. to seal the borehole or to
introduce a dart to push waste further into the borehole.
[0016] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the waste displacement
means comprises a waste passageway. The waste passageway is preferably a pipe-conduit
for guiding a waste. Preferably, the waste passageway pipe-conduit has a closed conduit
wall, such that a waste is wholly enclosed during a transport from the carrier to
the borehole channel. Preferably, the waste passageway is shielded to prevent an emission
of nuclear radiation. The waste passageway extends from the docking member to the
waste inlet opening of the borehole channel. The waste passageway extends under an
acute angle with respect to the axial direction of the borehole channel. Preferably,
the acute angle is at most 45°, but preferably at most 30°. Herewith, the waste passageway
advantageously allows an introduction of a waste into the borehole channel by gravity,
which may advantageously make driving components to actively handle the waste redundant.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, the waste
displacement means may comprise at least one robot arm. At a distal end, the robot
arm has a grip which is arranged to grip a waste. After gripping the waste, the waste
is radially moved by the robot arm and introduced into the borehole channel. Subsequently,
the waste is released, such that the waste moves down into the borehole.
[0018] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the drilled borehole is
drilled along a curved path. The curved path includes a part of section which extends
in an imaginary plane. The imaginary plane is substantially in parallel with a dividing
plane in between the sub tending tectonic plate and a continental plate. In this context,
the wording 'in parallel' and 'substantially in parallel' means 'in parallel' seen
from a technical point of view and not from a pure mathematical point of view. From
a technical point of view some tolerances are foreseen, e.g. an angle of deviation
of about 10° from pure parallel in a mathematical sense. Advantageously, in comparison
with vertical drilling, a curved path allows a longer borehole which provides more
available space to dispose waste. In particular, the curved path includes a slanted
section. Preferably, the curved path comprises a path section which extends in a direction
under an acute angle with respect to a horizontal reference of most 45°, in particular
at most 30°, and preferably at most 15°. A horizontal reference is for example defined
by a plane substantially in parallel with a sea surface. Advantageously, in comparison
with vertical drilling, horizontal drilling may provide a longer borehole which provides
a larger disposal for waste.
[0019] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the drilled borehole is
drilled along a curved path which at least partly extends in the imaginary plane in
parallel with the dividing plane, wherein a path section extends in a horizontal direction
along at least 5 km, more in particular at least 10 km.
[0020] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, a plurality of boreholes
is drilled, wherein said plurality of boreholes comprise a plurality of borehole sections
which extend in parallel with each other. The plurality of borehole sections form
a borehole matrix. Advantageously, the borehole matrix provides a large space for
a disposal for waste.
[0021] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the waste is unloaded
from the carrier by opening the shutter by a remote control. Advantageously, the waste
can be maintained in a shielded space inside the carrier to protect an environment
from a radiation. In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier
is lowered from sea level by a hoisting line. In comparison with an underwater vehicle
which can be used to lower the carrier, the hoisting line provides a more safe transport
of the carrier to a great depth of e.g. 2000 m in that a risk of losing contact with
the carrier is minimised.
[0022] Preferably, the riser is connected to the wellhead during the lowering of the carrier,
such that the carrier can be lowered along the riser.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier engages the
riser during to the step of lowering the carrier. Advantageously, the riser guides
the carrier to the docking station at the seabed.
[0023] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the borehole is sealed
by introducing the hardening substance into the borehole through the riser. The presence
of the riser allows a reliable introduction of the hardening substance. Advantageously,
no reconnection of the riser is necessary. The riser is connected during a drilling
operation and may remain connected during a step of introducing a waste into the borehole.
[0024] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the borehole is drilled
by a deep sea drilling method. In the deep sea drilling method, the wellhead is installed
at a seabed at a depth under sea level of at least 2000 m, in particular at least
3000 m. Typically, a conventional deep sea drilling method is available to install
a wellhead at a seabed at a depth of at most 4000 m. Preferably, the borehole is drilled
by a horizontal drilling method.
[0025] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
[0026] Further, the invention relates to a waste disposal system for disposing a waste into
a subsea drilled borehole. To carry out the above described method according to the
invention, the waste disposal system according to the invention comprises several
devices.
[0027] The waste disposal system according to the invention comprises a wellhead to provide
an entrance to the borehole. The wellhead includes a borehole channel which extends
in an axial direction. In operation, the borehole channel of the wellhead is in alignment
with the drilled borehole. The borehole channel has an upper end which is connectable
to a riser. The borehole channel is connectable in fluid communication with the riser
via the upper end of the borehole channel. The borehole channel has a lower end which
is in operation in fluid communication and aligned with the drilled borehole.
[0028] The waste disposal system according to the invention comprises a riser which is connectable
to the upper end of the borehole channel.
[0029] The waste disposal system according to the invention comprises a subsea blowout preventer,
a so-called BOP, for closing the borehole channel in an emergency situation. In an
embodiment, the blowout preventer may be mounted on top of the wellhead as a separate
component. The blowout preventer provides an extension of the borehole channel. The
blowout preventer is positioned in between the riser and the wellhead. Alternatively,
the blowout preventer may be incorporated in the wellhead.
[0030] The waste disposal system according to the invention comprises a carrier for underwater
transporting at least one waste form a sea level to the wellhead at a seabed. The
carrier comprises at least one storage which are each arranged to store a waste. Further,
the carrier comprises a shutter to open or close a storage and to unload a waste from
the carrier.
[0031] The waste disposal system according to the invention comprises a docking station
including a docking member for docking the carrier to the docking station. The docking
member is in an assembled condition with the wellhead radially spaced apart from the
borehole channel. The docking member is positioned at a radial position outside the
borehole channel, such that a docked carrier is eccentrically positioned at a position
outside the borehole channel. Advantageously, a carrier can be docked at a position
beside the riser. Advantageously, the riser can remain connected to the wellhead during
a step of introducing a waste into the borehole. The docking station comprises a waste
displacement means for displacing a waste in a radial direction from a docked carrier
towards the borehole channel of the wellhead, which borehole channel is aligned with
the riser.
[0032] In an embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the invention, the docking
station is connectable to the wellhead. The docking station may be connectable to
the blowout preventer on top of the wellhead to connect the docking station to the
wellhead. In an alternative embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the
invention, the docking station and the wellhead are integrated as a one piece item.
In a further embodiment, the docking station may be incorporated in the blowout preventer
which can be installed in between a riser and a wellhead.
[0033] In an embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the invention, the waste
displacement means is a waste passageway which is arranged to guide a waste by gravity.
The waste passageway extends in an inclined direction with respect to the axial direction
of the borehole channel. The waste passageway is a passive device without driving
components. The waste passageway may be trough-shaped, but is preferably formed by
a pipe-conduit with a fully closed circumferential wall which is in fluid communication
with the borehole channel.
[0034] In particular, the waste passageway is a branched off passageway of the borehole
channel. At an intersection, the waste passageway and the borehole channel together
define a Y-connection. In an embodiment, the waste passageway is a pipe-conduit and
the borehole channel is a pipe-conduit, wherein the waste passageway pipe-conduit
is connected, in particular welded, to an outer wall of the borehole channel pipe-conduit
under an acute angle.
[0035] Preferably, the borehole channel extends in a linear axial direction, in particular
in a substantially vertical direction. In particular, the waste passageway extends
in a linear direction under an acute angle with respect to the axial direction of
the borehole channel.
[0036] In particular, at an intersection of the borehole channel and the waste passageway,
the waste passageway extends in a direction under an acute angle of at most 20°, in
particular at most 10° with respect to the axial direction of the borehole channel.
Advantageously, such a small acute angle allows a smooth and reliable introduction
of waste from the waste passageway into the borehole channel.
[0037] In an embodiment of the method and waste disposal system according to the invention,
the waste is packaged in a container, a so-called waste container. The container may
comprise a box or cylinder with sidewalls including lead or other radiation shield
material. The container may be a glass container. In an embodiment, the waste container
comprises an elongated body including at least one flexible body section to allow
the waste container to curve when guided along a curved waste passageway. Preferably,
the waste container further comprises at least one roller e.g. a ball bearing at an
outer circumference of the body. Preferably, the at least one roller is provided at
a tip of the body. Advantageously, the at least one roller reduces a friction of the
waste container when guided along the waste passageway.
[0038] In particular, the waste is a nuclear waste. In an embodiment of the waste disposal
system according to the invention, the carrier is arranged for transporting at least
one nuclear waste container. The carrier comprises a nuclear shield for shielding
emitting nuclear radiation.
[0039] In an embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the invention, the carrier
comprises at least one storage, preferably a plurality of storages for storing each
a volume of waste.
[0040] In an embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the invention, the carrier
comprises an elongated carrier body, which carrier body has a front end and a back
end. The front end of the carrier body is arranged for the docking the carrier to
the docking member of the docking station. The front end comprises a shutter for opening
and closing the carrier body for unloading a waste.
[0041] In an embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the invention, the system
further comprises a riser which is connectable to the upper end of the wellhead. Advantageously,
the riser can be used to seal off the borehole after introducing at least one volume
of waste.
[0042] In an embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the invention, the riser
of the system comprises an external rail which extends along an outer surface of the
riser which is arranged to guide a carrier along the riser.
[0043] In an embodiment of the waste disposal system according to the invention, the wellhead
comprises a blowout preventer for closing the borehole channel in an emergency situation.
In particular, the blowout preventer is mounted in between the wellhead and the riser.
Advantageously, herewith, the waste disposal system according to the invention is
arranged to be used in a deep sea drilling method.
[0044] Further, the invention relates to a blowout preventer which is arranged to close
a borehole in case of an emergency situation. The blowout preventer is configured
to be installed in between a wellhead and a riser. The blowout preventer comprises
a blowout channel which extends in an axial direction and a blowout shutter to close
the blowout channel in case of emergency. According to the invention, the blowout
preventer further incorporates a docking station comprising a waste passageway and
a docking member. The waste passageway is configured for guiding a waste. The waste
passageway is connected to the blowout channel, such that a waste can be supplied
from the waste passageway into the blowout channel. Subsequently, the waste can be
lowered into the drilled borehole which is aligned with the blowout channel. The docking
member is configured for docking a carrier which carrier stores at least one waste.
The docking member is connected to and arranged in communication with the waste passageway,
such that a waste which is released from the carrier can be transported by the waste
passageway into the blowout channel. Advantageously, the blowout preventer according
to the invention can be installed as a separate item onto the wellhead and incorporates
a docking station for receiving a carrier and for transferring the waste to the borehole.
[0045] The above-mentioned features of the waste passageway embodied in the wellhead can
in a same manner be embodied in the blowout preventer. For example, the acute angle
in between the borehole channel and the waste passageway can be equally arranged in
between the blowout channel and the waste passageway.
[0046] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings.
The drawings show a practical embodiment according to the invention, which may not
be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Specific features may also
be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader
context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common
feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, in which:
Fig. 1 shows in a schematic view a location with a subduction zone;
Fig. 2 shows the subduction zone of fig. 1 in further detail, wherein a waste disposal
system according to the invention is arranged at a location nearby;
Fig. 3 shows the waste disposal system of fig. 2 in further detail, wherein a carrier
carrying at least one waste is lowered from a vessel to a wellhead with a docking
station at a seabed;
Fig. 4 shows the wellhead of fig. 3 in further detail, wherein a waste passageway
provides an interconnection between the docking station and a borehole channel of
the wellhead and
Fig. 5 shows the wellhead of fig. 3, wherein the carrier is embodied as a toroidal
carrier including a ringshaped inner space for storing waste.
[0047] Fig. 1 illustrates in a schematic view a location for a permanent disposal of a waste.
The location is situated at a subduction zone 6. The subduction zone 6 is characterised
by a spot of compacting sediment 9, which is positioned in between a continental tectonic
plate 7 and a subtending tectonic plate 4. A sediment layer 3 is situated on top of
the subtending tectonic plate 4. A top surface of the sediment layer 3 provides a
seabed 2 under a sea level 1 of an ocean surface.
[0048] The subtending tectonic plate 4 moves on earth mantle 5 towards the continental tectonic
plates 7 and is forced downwards into the earth between the mantle parts 5 and 8.
This movement forms a more or less steep trench while the sediment layer 3 on top
of the plate 4 is at least partly stopped by the continental plate 7 and compacted
near the spot indicated 9. A distance in between the ocean surface 1 and the top surface
2 of the sediment layer 3 is mostly about 3000 m in case of normal subduction zones.
The trench itself could be more than 6000 to 8000 m deep. A preferred location to
carry out the method according to the invention for disposing a waste at a subduction
zone 6, has a depth of at most 4000 m, preferably at most 3000 m which allows a conventional
subsea drilling method to be carried out.
[0049] Fig. 2 shows the location of fig. 1 in further detail and further illustrates a waste
disposal system according to the invention. The waste disposal system is arranged
to dispose at least one waste into a subsea drilled borehole. The waste disposal system
is positioned close to, but outside the region of the compacted sediment 9. Advantageously,
the method according to the invention is carried out in a region near the region of
the compacted sediment 9, because in this region, the hardness of the sediment is
relatively low. In this region, the sediment is not yet compacted to a soft rock.
A boundary of the region of compacted sediment 9 is provided at a foot of the rising
sediment. Preferably, the method according to the invention is carried out in a region
at a distance of at most 100 km away from the boundary of the region of compacted
sediment 9.
[0050] As illustrated in fig. 2 and in further shown in detail in fig. 3, the waste disposal
system is installed from a vessel 10. The vessel 10 is floating at the ocean surface
1. The waste disposal system comprises a wellhead 13 which is installed at a conventional
manner at the seabed 2. The waste disposal system further comprises a riser 11 which
extends from the wellhead 13 in an upwards direction to the vessel 10. Borehole 14,
15, 16 is drilled underneath the wellhead 13 at a conventional manner. The borehole
is drilled along a curved path. The curved path comprises a substantially vertical
first section 14, a curved intermediate section 15 and a substantially horizontal
end section 16. The curved intermediate section 15 is curved to an angle of at least
75° to at most 85° with respect to a horizontal reference, such that the following
substantial horizontal end section 16 has an inclination under an acute angle of about
15° to 5° with respect to the horizontal reference. Practically, a sea surface defines
such a horizontal reference. Preferably, the end section 16 extends in an imaginary
plane which is in parallel with a dividing plane in between the subtending tectonic
plate 4 and the continental plate 7. Preferably, the end section 16 extends in a direction
in the imaginary plane under an acute angle with respect to the horizontal reference.
Herewith, the end section 16 extends in a direction transverse of the cross section
which is illustrated in figure 2.
[0051] The wellhead 13 provides an entrance to the borehole 14,15,16 by a borehole channel.
The borehole channel of the wellhead 13 extends in a linear direction. The borehole
channel defines an axial direction. The borehole channel is aligned with the borehole.
The borehole channel has a lower end which is centred on top of the borehole. The
lower end of the borehole channel provides an access to borehole. The borehole channel
has an upper end which is connected to the riser 11. The upper end of the borehole
channel provides access to the borehole channel.
[0052] Further, the wellhead 13 comprises a blowout preventer. The blowout preventer is
arranged as a safety device to shut off the borehole in case of an emergency situation.
The blowout preventer is mounted on top of the wellhead 13. The blowout preventer
is mounted in between the wellhead 13 and the riser 11.
[0053] Further, the waste disposal system comprises a docking station 12 to dock a carrier
17. The carrier 17 is lowered by a hoisting line 18 from the vessel 10 at the ocean
surface 1. The carrier 17 engages with the riser 11, such that the riser 11 pilots
the carrier to the wellhead 13. The riser 11 comprises a rail at an outer surface
to guide the carrier 17.
[0054] Fig. 4 shows the wellhead 13 including a docking station 12 in a schematic view in
further detail. The wellhead 13 has a borehole channel 131. The borehole channel 131
extends through the wellhead 13. The riser 11 is connected to an upper end 138 of
the borehole channel 131. The borehole channel 131 is aligned with the borehole 14.
A lower end 137 of the borehole channel 131 is centrally positioned above the borehole
14.
[0055] The docking station 12 comprises a docking member 120. The docking member 120 is
positioned radially at a distance away from the upper end of the borehole channel
131. The docking member is positioned at a radial position alongside the borehole
channel 131. The docking member is positioned besides the riser 11. The borehole channel
131 has a waste inlet opening which is positioned in between the lower and upper end
137, 138. The waste inlet opening is arranged to provide an entrance of waste into
the borehole channel. The waste inlet opening is located in a circumferential wall
which defines the borehole channel. The docking station 12 further comprises a waste
passageway 121 to displace a waste about a radial distance from the docking member
via the waste inlet opening 139 into the borehole channel. The waste passageway 121
is a pipe-conduit which extends from the docking member 120 to the borehole channel
131. The waste passageway 121 is connected under an acute angle to the borehole channel
131 at a position in between the upper end and end the lower end. A waste can be loaded
from a docked carrier 17 and transported through the waste passageway to the borehole
channel 131. Subsequently, the waste can be further lowered into the borehole 14.
After sealing the borehole 14 by inserting a plug or supplying a hardening substance
through the riser 11 into the borehole 14, the waste is deposit in a safe manner in
the subtending tectonic plate 4.
[0056] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the carrier 17 in which the carrier comprises a ringshaped
carrier body 171, in particular a toroidal carrier body. The carrier body 171 is ring
shaped. The carrier body 171 has a through pass which is arranged for allowing the
riser 11 to pass through. The trough pass is centrally positioned at a carrier body
171.
[0057] The carrier body 171 includes a storage for storing waste during a transportation
of the waste from the vessel 10 to the docking station 12. Preferably, the storage
extends along a full circumference of the carrier body 171 in which the storage is
ring shaped. The storage circumvents the centrally positioned through pass. Particularly,
the storage comprises at least one storage compartment.
[0058] The carrier 17 is lowered by at least one, but preferably a number of hoisting lines
18 from the vessel 10 at the ocean surface 1. The carrier 17 engages with the riser
11, such that the riser pilots the carrier to the wellhead 13. Preferably, the riser
11 comprises at least one external rail connected at an outer surface of the riser
11 for guiding the carrier 17.
[0059] The invention includes an aspect in that the borehole is drilled along a curved path
as defined in dependent claim 3, 4 and 5 which aspect is considered also to be advantageous
in combination with other waste disposal methods, e.g. prior art methods, than currently
claimed in claim 1.
[0060] Thus, according to the invention a method and waste disposal system is provided for
disposing a waste into a drilled borehole in a subtending tectonic plate which allow
to dispose waste in a safe manner. The waste is transported from sealevel to the seabed
by a carrier and introduced into a drilled borehole by using a docking station. The
docking station allows a riser to remain connected to a wellhead during the introduction
of the waste. Advantageously, the riser can be used in a first instance as a guidance
for the carrier. Additionally, the riser can be used after introducing the waste into
the bore hole, e.g. to seal the borehole or to introduce a dart to push waste further
into the borehole. A further advantage provided by the invention is that at least
one borehole is drilled along a curved path including a substantially horizontal section
which in comparison with a vertical drilling method increases a maximum length of
the borehole which advantageously allows an increase in storage of waste.
1. Method for disposing a waste into a drilled bore hole in a subtending tectonic plate
(4) which preferably moves towards a subduction zone (6), comprising the step of:
- drilling a bore hole (14,15,16) in the subtending tectonic plate (4), including
the following steps:
- installing a well head (13) at a seabed (2) above the subtending tectonic plate
(4), which wellhead (13) has a borehole channel (131) comprising a lower end (137)
and an upper end (138), which borehole channel extends in an axial direction, wherein
the borehole channel further comprises a waste inlet opening (139) which is positioned
in between the lower and upper end (137,138);
- providing a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) to be able to close off the borehole
channel (131);
- connecting a riser (11) to the upper end of the borehole channel (131) of the well
head (13);
- guiding a drill string through the riser (11) and through the well head (13) and
drilling the bore hole into the tectonic plate;
- removing the drill string out of the riser;
wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
- providing a docking station (12) on the well head, wherein the docking station is
adapted to dock a carrier, wherein the docking station comprises a docking member
(120) for docking the carrier to the docking station (12) which docking member is
radially positioned with respect to the upper end of the borehole channel (131) of
the wellhead and wherein the docking station has a waste displacement means (121),
preferably a waste passageway, for radially displacing the waste and introducing said
waste into the borehole channel (131) of the well head;
- lowering a carrier (17), preferably along the riser (11), from sea level (1) to
the docking station (12), wherein the carrier (17) comprises at least one storage
for the waste and a shutter to unload the waste from the at least one storage;
- docking the carrier (17) to the docking member (120) of the docking station (12),
such that the carrier is positioned radially outside the borehole channel (131);
- opening the shutter of the carrier (17) at the docking station (12);
- unloading a waste from the carrier (17);
- radially moving and placing the waste into the borehole channel (131) via the waste
inlet opening (139) by the waste displacement means;
- lowering the waste from the borehole channel (131) into the bore hole (14,15,16);
- sealing the bore hole (14,15,16) by introducing a stopper, e.g. a hardening substance
or a plug, into the bore hole.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the waste is transported through the waste passageway
(121) via the waste inlet opening (139) into the borehole channel by gravity.
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drilled bore hole is
drilled along a curved path which curved path includes a path section which extends
in an imaginary plane which is substantially in parallel with a dividing plane defined
by the subtending tectonic plate (4) and a continental plate (7).
4. Method according to claim 3, wherein said path section, which is in particular an
end section (16), extends in a direction under an acute angle with respect to a horizontal
reference of at most 45°, in particular at most 30°, and preferably at most 15°.
5. Methods according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a plurality of boreholes is drilled, wherein
said plurality of boreholes comprise a plurality of borehole sections which extend
substantially in parallel with each other to define a borehole matrix which serves
as a disposal for waste.
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the waste is unloaded from
the carrier (17) by opening the shutter by a remote control.
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (17) is lowered
from sea level (1) by a hoisting line (18) and, wherein in particular the carrier
engages the riser (11) during the step of lowering the carrier (17), such that the
carrier is guided by the riser to the docking station.
8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the borehole is sealed by
introducing the hardening substance through the riser (11) into the borehole.
9. Waste disposal system for disposing a waste into a subsea drilled bore hole (14,15,16)
comprising:
- a wellhead (13) for providing an entrance to the borehole, which well head (13)
includes a borehole channel (131) which extends in an axial direction and which borehole
channel (131) includes an upper end (138) which is in operation in fluid communication
with a riser (11) and a lower end (137) which is in operation in fluid communication
with the drilled borehole, in which the borehole channel (131) is in operation in
alignment with the borehole (14,15,16), wherein the borehole channel further comprises
a waste inlet opening (139) which is positioned in between the lower and upper end;
- a riser (11) which is connectable to the upper end of the borehole channel (131);
- a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) for closing the borehole channel (131) in an emergency
situation;
- a carrier (17) for underwater transporting at least one waste from a sea level (1)
to the wellhead (13) at a seabed (2);
- a docking station (12) comprising a docking member (120) for docking the carrier
(17) to the docking station (12), wherein the docking station comprises a waste displacement
means (121) for displacing a waste in a radial direction from the carrier (17) towards
and into the waste inlet opening (139) of the borehole channel (131) of the wellhead
(13).
10. Waste disposal system according to claim 9, wherein the waste displacement means comprises
a waste passageway (121) for guiding a waste, wherein the waste passageway (121) is
in communication with the borehole channel (131) of the well head (13) and extends
from the docking member (120) to the waste inlet opening (139) in an inclined direction
with respect to the axial direction of the borehole channel, such that a waste can
be guided and supplied to the borehole channel (131) via the waste passageway (121).
11. Waste disposal system according to claim 10, wherein the waste passageway is a pipe-conduit
for guiding the waste, wherein the waste passageway pipe-conduit is connected to the
borehole channel (131) of the wellhead (13) under an acute angle with respect to the
axial direction at a position in between the upper and lower end of the borehole channel
(131).
12. Waste disposal system according to any of the claims 9-11, wherein the carrier (17)
comprises a nuclear shield for shielding an emission of nuclear radiation from the
waste.
13. Waste disposal system according to any of the claims 9-12, wherein said riser (11)
comprises an external rail for guiding the carrier (17) along the riser (11), which
rail is connected to an external surface of the riser.
14. Waste disposal system according to any of the claims 9-12, in particular according
to claim 13, wherein the carrier (17) comprises a ring-shaped carrier body (171) including
a through pass to allow a riser (11) to pass through.
15. Blowout preventer system arranged to shut off a borehole in case of an emergency situation,
wherein the blowout preventer is a subsea blowout preventer which is configured to
be installed in between a wellhead (13) and a riser (11), wherein the blowout preventer
comprises a blowout channel which extends in an axial direction and which blowout
channel forms an extension for a borehole channel of the wellhead (13) and wherein
the blowout preventer further comprises a blowout shutter to close the borehole channel
in case of emergency, wherein the blowout preventer further incorporates a docking
station (12) comprising:
- a waste passageway (121) for guiding a waste, wherein the waste passageway is connected
to the blowout channel, such that a waste can be supplied from the waste passageway
via a waste inlet opening (139) into the blowout channel;
- a docking member (120) for docking a carrier (17) which carrier is arranged for
storing at least one volume of waste, wherein the docking member is connected to the
waste passageway (121), such that a waste which is released from the carrier can be
transported along the waste passageway via the waste inlet opening (139) into the
blowout channel.
1. Verfahren zur Entsorgung von Abfall in einem Bohrloch in einer abtauchenden tektonischen
Platte (4), die sich vorzugsweise in Richtung einer Subduktionszone (6) bewegt, umfassend
den folgenden Schritt:
- Bohren eines Bohrlochs (14, 15, 16) in die abtauchende tektonische Platte (4), einschließlich
der folgenden Schritte:
- Installieren eines Bohrlochkopfes (13) an einem Meeresboden (2) oberhalb der abtauchenden
tektonischen Platte (4), wobei der Bohrlochkopf (13) einen Bohrlochkanal (131) aufweist,
der ein unteres Ende (137) und ein oberes Ende (138) umfasst, wobei sich der Bohrlochkanal
in axialer Richtung erstreckt, wobei der Bohrlochkanal ferner eine Abfall-Einlassöffnung
(139) umfasst, die zwischen dem unteren und oberen Ende (137, 138) positioniert ist;
- Bereitstellen eines Blowout-Preventers (BOP), um den Bohrlochkanal (131) verschließen
zu können;
- Verbinden eines Steigrohrs (11) mit dem oberen Ende des Bohrlochkanals (131) des
Bohrlochkopfes (13);
- Führen eines Bohrstrangs durch das Steigrohr (11) und durch den Bohrlochkopf (13)
und Bohren des Bohrlochs in die tektonische Platte;
- Entfernen des Bohrstrangs aus dem Steigrohr;
wobei das Verfahren ferner die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
- Bereitstellen einer Andockstation (12) am Bohrkopf, wobei die Andockstation angepasst
ist, um einen Träger anzudocken, wobei die Andockstation ein Andockelement (120) zum
Andocken des Trägers an die Andockstation (12) umfasst, wobei das Andockelement radial
in Bezug auf das obere Ende des Bohrlochkanals (131) des Bohrkopfes positioniert ist,
und wobei die Andockstation ein Abfallverdrängungsmittel (121), vorzugsweise einen
Abfallpassageweg, für ein radiales Verschieben des Abfalls und Einbringen des Abfalls
in den Bohrlochkanal (131) des Bohrkopfes aufweist;
- Absenken eines Trägers (17), vorzugsweise entlang des Steigrohrs (11), vom Meeresspiegel
(1) zur Andockstation (12), wobei der Träger (17) mindestens ein Depot für Abfall
und einen Verschluss zum Entladen des Abfalls aus dem mindestens einen Depot umfasst;
- Andocken des Trägers (17) an das Andockelement (120) der Andockstation (12), so
dass der Träger radial außerhalb des Bohrlochkanals (131) positioniert ist;
- Öffnen des Verschlusses des Trägers (17) an der Andockstation (12);
- Entladen von Abfall von dem Träger (17);
- radiales Bewegen und Platzieren des Abfalls über die Abfall-Einlassöffnung (139)
mit Hilfe des Abfallverdrängungsmittels in den Bohrlochkanal (131);
- Absenken des Abfalls aus dem Bohrlochkanal (131) in das Bohrloch (14, 15, 16);
- Abdichten des Bohrlochs (14, 15, 16) durch Einbringen eines Stoppers, z.B. eines
Härters oder eines Stopfens, in das Bohrloch.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Abfall durch den Abfallpassageweg (121) über
die Abfall-Einlassöffnung (139) in den Bohrlochkanal durch Schwerkraft transportiert
wird.
3. Verfahren nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das gebohrte Bohrloch
entlang eines gekrümmten Weges gebohrt wird, wobei der gekrümmte Weg einen Wegabschnitt
beinhaltet, der sich in einer imaginären Ebene erstreckt, die im Wesentlichen parallel
zu einer Teilungsebene ist, die durch die abtauchende tektonische Platte (4) und eine
kontinentale Platte (7) definiert ist.
4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei sich der Wegabschnitt, der insbesondere ein Endabschnitt
(16) ist, in einer Richtung unter einem spitzen Winkel in Bezug auf eine horizontale
Referenz von höchstens 45°, insbesondere höchstens 30° und vorzugsweise höchstens
15° erstreckt.
5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, wobei eine Vielzahl von Bohrungen gebohrt wird,
wobei die Vielzahl von Bohrungen eine Vielzahl von Bohrlochabschnitten umfasst, die
sich im Wesentlichen parallel zueinander erstrecken, um eine Bohrlochmatrix zu definieren,
die als Entsorgung für Abfälle dient.
6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Abfall vom Träger (17)
entladen wird, indem der Verschluss durch eine Fernbedienung geöffnet wird.
7. Verfahren nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Träger (17)
durch eine Hubleine (18) vom Meeresspiegel (1) abgesenkt wird und wobei insbesondere
der Träger während des Schrittes des Absenkens des Trägers (17) das Steigrohr (11)
greift, so dass der Träger durch das Steigrohr zur Dockingstation geführt wird.
8. Verfahren nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Bohrloch durch
Einbringen der härtenden Substanz durch das Steigrohr (11) in das Bohrloch abgedichtet
wird.
9. Entsorgungssystem zum Entsorgen von Abfall in ein Unterwasser-Bohrloch (14, 15, 16),
umfassend:
- einen Bohrlochkopf (13) zum Bereitstellen eines Zugangs zum Bohrloch, wobei der
Bohrlochkopf (13) einen Bohrlochkanal (131) beinhaltet, welcher sich in axialer Richtung
erstreckt und welcher Bohrlochkanal (131) ein oberes Ende (138), das im Betriebszustand
in Fluidverbindung mit einem Steigrohr (11) ist, und ein unteres Ende (137) hat, das
im Betriebszustand in Fluidverbindung mit dem gebohrten Bohrloch ist, wobei im Betriebszustand
der Bohrlochkanal (131) in Ausrichtung mit dem Bohrloch (14, 15, 16) ist, wobei der
Bohrlochkanal ferner eine Abfall-Einlassöffnung (139) umfasst, die zwischen dem unteren
und dem oberen Ende angeordnet ist;
- ein Steigrohr (11), das mit dem oberen Ende des Bohrlochkanals (131) verbindbar
ist;
- einen Unterwasser-Blowout-Preventer (BOP) zum Schließen des Bohrlochkanals (131)
in einer Notsituation;
- einen Träger (17) zum Unterwassertransport mindestens eines Abfalls von einem Meeresspiegel
(1) zum Bohrlochkopf (13) am Meeresboden (2);
- eine Andockstation (12), die ein Andockelement (120) zum Andocken des Trägers (17)
an die Andockstation (12) umfasst, wobei die Andockstation ein Abfallverdrängungsmittel
(121) umfasst, um Abfall in radialer Richtung vom Träger (17) und zur und in die Abfall-Einlassöffnung
(139) des Bohrlochkanals (131) des Bohrlochkopfes (13) zu verschieben.
10. Abfallentsorgungssystem nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Abfallverdrängungsmittel einen
Abfallpassageweg (121) zum Führen eines Abfalls umfasst, wobei der Abfallpassageweg
(121) mit dem Bohrlochkanal (131) des Bohrlochkopfes (13) in Verbindung steht und
sich vom Andockelement (120) zur Abfall-Einlassöffnung (139) in einer geneigten Richtung
in Bezug auf die axiale Richtung des Bohrlochkanals erstreckt, so dass Abfall geführt
und über den Abfallpassageweg (121) dem Bohrlochkanal (131) zugeführt werden kann.
11. Abfallentsorgungssystem nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Abfallpassageweg ein Rohrkanal
zum Führen des Abfalls ist, wobei der Abfallpassageweg mit dem Bohrlochkanal (131)
des Bohrlochkopfes (13) unter einem spitzen Winkel in Bezug auf die Axialrichtung
an einer Position zwischen dem oberen und unteren Ende des Bohrlochkanals (131) verbunden
ist.
12. Abfallentsorgungssystem nach einem der Ansprüche 9-11, wobei der Träger (17) eine
nukleare Abschirmung zum Abschirmen einer Emission von nuklearer Strahlung aus dem
Abfall umfasst.
13. Abfallentsorgungssystem nach einem der Ansprüche 9-12, wobei das Steigrohr (11) eine
externe Schiene zum Führen des Trägers (17) entlang des Steigrohrs (11) umfasst, wobei
die Schiene mit einer Außenfläche des Steigrohrs verbunden ist.
14. Abfallentsorgungssystem nach einem der Ansprüche 9-12, insbesondere nach Anspruch
13, wobei der Träger (17) einen ringförmigen Trägerkörper (171) mit einem Durchgang
umfasst, durch den ein Steigrohr (11) hindurchgehen kann.
15. Blowout-Preventer System zum Absperren eines Bohrlochs in einem Notfall, wobei der
Blowout-Preventer ein Unterwasser Blowout-Preventer ist, der konfiguriert ist, um
zwischen einem Bohrlochkopf (13) und einem Steigrohr (11) installiert zu werden, wobei
der Blowout-Preventer einen Ausblaskanal umfasst, der sich in einer axialen Richtung
erstreckt und welcher Ausblaskanal eine Verlängerung des Bohrlochkanals des Bohrlochkopfs
(13) bildet, und wobei der Blowout-Preventer ferner einen Ausblasverschluss umfasst,
um den Bohrlochkanal im Notfall zu schließen, wobei der Blowout-Preventer ferner eine
Andockstation (12) umfasst, die umfasst:
- einen Abfallpassageweg (121) zum Führen eines Abfalls, wobei der Abfallpassageweg
mit dem Ausblaskanal verbunden ist, so dass Abfall von dem Abfallpassageweg über eine
Abfall-Einlassöffnung (139) in den Ausblaskanal geleitet werden kann;
- ein Andockelement (120) zum Andocken eines Trägers (17), wobei der Träger zum Speichern
mindestens eines Abfallvolumens ausgebildet ist, wobei das Andockelement mit dem Abfallpassageweg
(121) verbunden ist, so dass Abfall, der von dem Träger freigesetzt wird, entlang
des Abfallpassagewegs über die Abfalleinlassöffnung (139) in den Ausblaskanal transportiert
werden kann.
1. Procédé pour déposer des déchets dans un trou de forage percé dans une plaque tectonique
sous-jacente (4) qui se déplace de préférence vers une zone de subduction (6), comprenant
les étapes consistant à:
- percer un trou de forage (14, 15, 16) dans la plaque tectonique sous-jacente (4),
ce qui comprend les étapes de:
- installer une tête de puits (13) sur un fond marin (2) au-dessus de la plaque tectonique
sous-jacente (4), laquelle tête (13) présente un canal de forage (131) comprenant
une extrémité inférieure (137) et une extrémité supérieure (138), lequel canal de
forage s'étend dans une direction axiale, dans lequel le canal de forage comprend
en outre une ouverture d'entrée de déchets (139) qui est positionnée entre les extrémités
inférieure et supérieure (137, 138);
- fournir un bloc obturateur de puits (BOP) sous-marin pour pouvoir fermer le canal
de forage (131);
- connecter une colonne montante (11) à l'extrémité supérieure du canal de forage
(131) de la tête de puits (13) ;
- guider un train de tiges à travers la colonne montante (11) et à travers la tête
de puits (13) et percer le trou de forage dans la plaque tectonique;
- retirer le train de tiges de la colonne montante;
dans lequel le procédé comprend en outre les étapes consistant à:
- fournir une station d'accueil (12) sur la tête de puits, dans lequel la station
d'accueil est adaptée pour accueillir un transporteur, dans lequel la station d'accueil
comprend un élément d'accueil (120) destiné à accueillir le transporteur à la station
d'accueil (12), lequel élément d'accueil est positionné radialement par rapport à
l'extrémité supérieure du canal de forage (131) de la tête de puits et dans lequel
la station d'accueil comporte un moyen (121) de déplacement de déchets, de préférence
un passage pour déchets, pour déplacer radialement les déchet et introduire lesdits
déchets dans le canal de forage (131) de la tête de puits;
- descendre un transporteur (17), de préférence le long de la colonne montante (11),
du niveau de la mer (1) à la station d'accueil (12), dans lequel le transporteur (17)
comprend au moins un stockage pour les déchets et un volet pour décharger les déchets
du au moins un stockage;
- accueillir le transporteur (17) à l'élément d'accueil (120) de la station d'accueil
(12), de telle sorte que le transporteur soit positionné radialement à l'extérieur
du canal de forage (131);
- ouvrir le volet du transporteur (17) au niveau de la station d'accueil (12);
- décharger des déchets du transporteur (17);
- déplacer radialement et placer les déchets dans le canal de forage (131) via l'ouverture
d'entrée de déchets (139) en utilisant le moyen de déplacement de déchets;
- descendre les déchets du canal de forage (131) jusque dans le trou de forage (14,
15, 16);
- sceller le trou de forage (14, 15, 16) en introduisant un obturateur, par ex. une
substance durcissante ou un bouchon, dans le trou de forage.
2. Le procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les déchets sont transportés par
gravité à travers le passage pour déchets (121) via l'ouverture d'entrée de déchets
(139) dans le canal de forage.
3. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le trou
de forage percé est percé le long d'un chemin incurvé, lequel chemin comporte une
section de chemin qui s'étend dans un plan imaginaire qui est sensiblement parallèle
à un plan de division défini par la plaque tectonique sous-jacente (4) et une plaque
continentale (7) .
4. Le procédé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ladite section de chemin, qui est
notamment une section d'extrémité (16), s'étend dans une direction sous un angle aigu
par rapport à une référence horizontale d'au plus 45°, en particulier d'au plus 30°,
et de préférence d'au plus 15°.
5. Le procédés selon la revendication 3 ou 4, dans lequel une pluralité de trous de forage
est percée, dans lequel ladite pluralité de trous de forage comprend une pluralité
de sections de trous de forage qui s'étendent sensiblement parallèlement les unes
aux autres pour définir une matrice de trous de forage qui sert de stockage pour les
déchets.
6. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les
déchets sont déchargés du transporteur (17) en ouvrant le volet à l'aide d'une commande
à distance.
7. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le transporteur
(17) est descendu du niveau de la mer (1) par une ligne de levage (18), et dans lequel,
en particulier, le transporteur engage la colonne montante (11) pendant l'étape de
descente du transporteur (17), de telle sorte que le transporteur est guidé par la
colonne montante jusqu'à la station d'accueil.
8. Le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le trou
de forage est obturé en introduisant la substance durcissante à travers la colonne
montante (11) dans le trou de forage.
9. Système d'élimination de déchets destiné à évacuer des déchets dans un trou de forage
sous-marin (14, 15, 16) comprenant:
- une tête de puits (13) destinée à fournir une entrée au trou de forage, laquelle
tête de puits (13) comprend un canal de forage (131) qui s'étend dans une direction
axiale, lequel canal de forage (131) comprend une extrémité supérieure (138) qui,
en cours de fonctionnement, est en communication fluidique avec une colonne montante
(11) et une extrémité inférieure (137) qui, en cours de fonctionnement, est en communication
fluidique avec le trou de forage percé, dans lequel le canal de forage (131) est,
en cours de fonctionnement, en alignement avec le trou de forage (14, 15, 16), dans
lequel le canal de forage comprend en outre une ouverture d'entrée de déchets (139)
qui est positionnée entre les extrémités inférieure et supérieure;
- une colonne montante (11) qui peut être connectée à l'extrémité supérieure du canal
de forage (131);
- un bloc obturateur de puits (BOP) sous-marin pour fermer le canal de forage (131)
en cas d'urgence;
- un transporteur (17) pour transporter sous l'eau au moins un ensemble de déchets
du niveau de la mer (1) à la tête de puits (13) sur un fond marin (2);
- une station d'accueil (12) comprenant un élément d'accueil (120) pour accueillir
le transporteur (17) à la station d'accueil (12), dans lequel la station d'accueil
comprend un moyen (121) de déplacement de déchets pour déplacer des déchets dans une
direction radiale du transporteur (17) vers et dans l'ouverture d'entrée de déchets
(139) du canal de forage (131) de la tête de puits (13).
10. Le système d'élimination de déchets selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le moyen
de déplacement de déchets comprend un passage pour déchets (121) destiné à guider
un déchet, dans lequel le passage pour déchets (121) est en communication avec le
canal de forage (131) de la tête de puits (13) et s'étend de l'élément d'accueil (120)
à l'ouverture d'entrée de déchets (139) dans une direction inclinée par rapport à
la direction axiale du canal de forage, de sorte qu'un déchet puisse être guidé et
amené au canal de forage (131) via le passage pour déchets (121).
11. Le système d'élimination de déchets selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le passage
pour déchets est un conduit pour guider les déchets, dans lequel le conduit de passage
de déchets est raccordé au canal de forage (131) de la tête de puits (13) selon un
angle aigu par rapport à la direction axiale à une position située entre les extrémités
supérieure et inférieure du canal de forage (131).
12. Le système d'élimination de déchets selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à
11, dans lequel le transporteur (17) comprend un blindage nucléaire pour bloquer une
émission de radiations nucléaires provenant des déchets.
13. Le système d'élimination de déchets selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à
12, dans lequel ladite colonne montante (11) comprend un rail externe destiné à guider
le transporteur (17) le long de la colonne montante (11), lequel rail est connecté
à une surface externe de la colonne montante.
14. Le système d'élimination de déchets selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à
12, en particulier selon la revendication 13, dans lequel le transporteur (17) comprend
un corps de transporteur en forme d'anneau (171) comprenant un passage traversant
pour permettre à une colonne montante (11) de passer à travers.
15. Système obturateur de puits agencé pour fermer un trou de forage en cas d'urgence,
dans lequel l'obturateur de puits est un obturateur de puits sous-marin qui est configuré
pour être installé entre une tête de puits (13) et une colonne montante (11), dans
lequel l'obturateur de puits comprend un canal d'obturation qui s'étend dans une direction
axiale, lequel canal d'obturation forme un prolongement pour un canal de forage de
la tête de puits (13) et dans lequel l'obturateur de puits comprend en outre un volet
d'obturateur de puits pour fermer le canal de forage en cas d'urgence, dans lequel
l'obturateur de puits comprend en outre une station d'accueil (12) comprenant:
- un passage pour déchets (121) pour guider un déchet, dans lequel le passage pour
déchets est relié au canal d'obturation, de sorte qu'un déchet puisse être introduit
depuis le passage pour déchets via une ouverture d'entrée de déchets (139) dans le
canal d'obturation;
- un élément d'accueil (120) pour accueillir un transporteur (17), lequel transporteur
est agencé pour stocker au moins un volume de déchets, dans lequel l'élément d'accueil
est relié au passage pour déchets (121), de sorte qu'un déchet qui est relâché du
transporteur peut être transporté le long du passage de déchets via l'ouverture d'entrée
de déchets (139) dans le canal d'obturation.