Fmc Corporation

Charles E Horn

Lionel J Milberger

Glen E Lochte

Marvin H Kluttz

Method and apparatus for hydraulically controlling subsea well equipment, such as valve operators, connectors, and other hydraulically actuated devices, with a significantly smaller number of hydraulic pressure source lines from the surface to the subsea location of said well equipment and for providing return signals to indicate the state of operation of said well equipment using the same hydraulic lines. The apparatus includes a plurality of hydraulic AND-gate logic elements and a plurality of hydraulic valves mounted near the well equipment. A pair of hydraulic lines between the hydraulic valves and a surface vessel or other surface facility provides control for the various valve operators, connectors and other hydraulically actuated devices, while a third hydraulic line provides power to operate the various devices. The same pair of control lines can be used to transmit signal information from the various devices on the sea floor to the surface vessel to indicate the operating status of these devices.

Method and apparatus for hydraulically controlling subsea equipment

A swivel joint for incorporation in a pipe network maintains flow path integrity at the joint for both swivel and rigid connection modes. A butt flange and a connector body having aligned flow paths therethrough are coupled together by a bearing which provides rotational movement between the butt flange and the connector body. A dynamic seal is disposed between the butt flange and the bearing. A retainer between the bearing and the connector body allows axial movement therebetween when the connector body is urged toward the butt flange, but restrains such axial movement when the connector body is urged away from the butt flange. A static seal carried by the butt flange and axially spaced from the connector body in the swivel mode is engaged by the connector body when the latter is moved axially toward the butt flange, thereby establishing the rigid connection mode. The apparatus includes diverse structure for moving the connector body axially and thereby obtaining engagement between the static seal and the connector body.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Charles E Horn