Nl Industries

Fssl, Inc.

Keith R Hazelrigg

James L Dean

Edward W Locheed, Jr

Strap-type securing device

The invention pertains to apparatus for making up fluid connections in association with an underwater wellhead structure. The apparatus comprises a pair of matable bodies including a female body having a generally laterally inwardly facing wall defining a receptacle and a male body adapted for insertion into and removal from the receptacle by movement in a generally longitudinal directional mode. The male body has a generally laterally outwardly facing wall for disposition adjacent the wall of the female body when the male body is inserted therein. Each of the bodies has a respective fluid passageway, and each of these passageways has a port opening through the laterally facing wall of the respective one of the bodies, the two ports being generally in register when the bodies are matingly engaged. A check valve is disposed in the port of one of the bodies, the check valve being biased to a position closing the respective port and having an actuator movable in a generally lateral directional mode to open said port.

Wellhead connector with check valve

Apparatus for making up underwater fluid connections comprising first and second connector assemblies each comprising at least one conduit connector member, the connector members of the two assemblies being matably connectable by movement of the assemblies toward each other. A pair of levers carried by the first assembly are pivotable about a first axis transverse to the direction of movement in connecting the two assemblies, the two levers further being generally parallel and spaced apart along said first axis. The levers have force transmitting arms engageable with the second assembly to urge it toward the first assembly, and are interconnected for joint pivotal movement. The levers have a terminal position engaged with the second assembly when the connector members are connected, and lock bars carried by the first assembly retain the levers in the terminal position. The levers, lock bars, and second assembly are interconnected in the terminal position such that attempted movement of the assemblies away from each other tightens the engagement between the lock bars and the levers.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Keith R Hazelrigg