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

Abstract

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.