Abstract: A system for controlling functions of a subsea structure, such as a blowout preventer, has a plurality of actuators respectively affixed to a plurality of controls of the subsea structure, and an acoustic signal generator positioned remotely from the plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators has a transponder connected thereto. The acoustic signal generator produces an acoustic signal so as to actuate at least one of the plurality of actuators. Each of the actuators is an electrically-powered torque wrench having a battery affixed there to so as to supply power thereto. An induction generator can transmit an electromagnetic wave along the tubing associated with the blowout preventer so as to recharge the batteries of the torque wrenches.

Abstract: There is provided a device and method for high speed hydraulic actuation. The method includes adjusting a position of an actuator using a hydraulic pressure regulator. Adjusting the position of the actuator includes increasing pressure on the hydraulic pressure regulator to open the actuator using a first solenoid, or decreasing pressure on the hydraulic pressure regulator to close the actuator using a second solenoid.

Abstract: A system for capping a blowout preventer has a capping stack with a connector suitable for connection to the blowout preventer, a flowing stack, and an intervention blowout preventer connected to a connector of the flowing stack. The capping stack has a fluid passage extending from the connector. The capping stack has at least one diverter line in communication with the fluid passage. The flowing stack has an interior passageway extending to the connector at an upper end thereof. The flowing stack has at least one pipe in communication with the interior passageway. The pipe is connected with the diverter line of the capping stack such that a flow fluid passing through the diverter line passes through the pipe into the interior passageway of the flowing stack.

Abstract: A method of forming a field joint for a subsea pipeline includes the steps of positioning an end of a first pipe adjacent to an end of a second pipe, welding the end of the first pipe to an end of the second pipe, and applying a coating material over an exterior surface of the first pipe, over the welding, and over an exterior surface of second pipe such that the coating material is in sealing relationship therewith. The coating material has air-filled glass spheres therein. A mold is placed over the adjacent pipe sections and the coating material is injected under pressure into the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus from repairing a subsea pipeline has a pile with a receptacle on a top surface thereof, a frame having a pair of pins extending outwardly on opposite side of the frame and received within the receptacle of the pile, a length of pipeline affixed to the frame. The pipe support is affixed to an end portion of the length of pipeline. The receptacle has a pair of slotted members extending upwardly from a top surface of the pile. Each of the slotted members has a tapered opening with a hole formed below and communicating with the tapered opening.

Abstract: A subsea structure flowline connection assembly has a subsea structure with a flowline therein, a junction plate affixed to the subsea structure so as to support a flowline connector thereon, a receptacle affixed to or adjacent to the junction plate, and a fly-in connector assembly having a connector thereon. The connector of the fly-in connector assembly being engaged with the flowline connector of the junction plate. The fly-in connector assembly having a flow passageway in communication with the connector of the fly-in connector assembly. The receptacle has at least one slot formed therein. The fly-in connector assembly has an insert member slidably received by the slot. The fly-in connector assembly has an actuator coupled to the connector thereof so as to allow an ROV to rotate an end effector so as to move the connector of the fly-in connector assembly toward the flowline connector.

Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged section of a subsea pipeline has the steps of cutting the damaged section at a first location on the subsea pipeline, cutting the damaged section of the second location on the subsea pipeline, removing the damaged section, affixing a first messenger line assembly to the subsea pipeline at the first location, affixing a second messenger line assembly to the subsea pipeline at a second location, and connecting a jumper line to the first messenger line assembly and to the second messenger line assembly so as to establish a continuous flowway between the first and second locations. Lift frame assemblies are positioned around the subsea pipeline at the first and second locations so as to elevate the subsea pipeline.

Abstract: A method of repairing a subsea pipeline has the steps of positioning a pile onto a subsea floor in a location adjacent to the subsea pipeline, cutting a section of pipeline from the subsea pipeline so that the subsea pipeline has a first cut end and a second cut end, moving a length of pipeline to the pile so as to hingedly connect the length of pipeline with the receptacle on the pile, pivoting the length of pipeline about the hinged connection so as to move the length of pipeline from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation, connecting the first end of the length of pipeline to the first cut end, and connecting the second end of the length of pipeline to the second cut end.

Abstract: A system for remediating hydrates has a heat storage box with an interior volume, a heater for heating fluid flowing into the hot fluid inlet of the heat storage box, a heat exchanger positioned in the interior volume of the heat storage box so as to be in heat exchange relationship with heated water from the interior volume of the heat storage box, and a line connected to a heated water outlet of the heat exchanger so as to be manipulated toward a location of the hydrates for the purpose of delivering the heated water toward the hydrates. The heat exchanger is piping extends in a serpentine pattern within an upper portion of the heat storage box. The line can be connected to a hot stab suitable for a manipulation by an ROV.

Abstract: An anchor pile apparatus for placement in subsea soil has a tubular member has an interior passageway, a support structure affixed to the upper end of the tubular member, a shaft rotatably mounted in the support structure and extending downwardly through the interior passageway of the tubular member, and an auger connected to the shaft. A suitable hydraulic torquing tool can be connected to the shaft so as to cause the shaft to rotate for the purpose of rotating the auger. The auger is rotated so as to draw the tubular member into the subsea soil. The tubular member has a plurality of fins extending radially outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A diverter system for a subsea well has a blowout preventer and a diverter affixed to an outlet of the blowout preventer. The blowout preventer will have an interior passageway with an inlet at a bottom thereof and an outlet at a top thereof. The diverter has a flow passageway extending therethrough and communication with the interior passageway of the blowout preventer. The diverter has a valve therein for changing a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow passageway. The diverter has at least one channel opening in valved relation to the flow passageway so as to allow the fluid from the flow passageway to pass outwardly of the diverter. At least one flow line is in valved communication with the flow passageway so as to allow fluids or materials to be introduced into the flow passageway.

Abstract: A grease accumulator apparatus for use in subsea applications has a bottle with an internal chamber, a plunger positioned within the internal chamber and slidable therealong, and an end cap assembly affixed to one end of the bottle. The end cap assembly has an indicator member slidably connected thereto. The indicator member is cooperative with the plunger such that an end of the indicator member moves outwardly of the end cap assembly as the plunger moves in the bottle toward the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly has a body with a housing affixed to one end thereof. The housing has a hydraulic fluid inlet and a hydraulic fluid outlet. The indicator member is movable between a position in which the inlet and outlet are fluidically connected in a second position in which fluid flow is blocked between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: An anchor pile apparatus for placement in subsea soil has a tubular member has an interior passageway, a support structure affixed to the upper end of the tubular member, a shaft rotatably mounted in the support structure and extending downwardly through the interior passageway of the tubular member, and an auger connected to the shaft. A suitable hydraulic torquing tool can be connected to the shaft so as to cause the shaft to rotate for the purpose of rotating the auger. The auger is rotated so as to draw the tubular member into the subsea soil. The tubular member has a plurality of fins extending radially outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly responding to and regaining control of uncontrolled flow from offshore hydrocarbon wells, comprising a subsea containment assembly, optionally including a capture caisson assembly installed around the assembly, riser systems for production of hydrocarbons to capture vessels on the surface of the sea, and modularized subsystems facilitating communication between and fluid flow from the subsea containment assembly through the riser to the capture vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus having a hot stab having a fluid conduit connector thereon, a hydraulic hose having a connector assembly at an end thereof suitable for joining to the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab, and a sleeve affixed to the hot stab and to the hydraulic hose so as to extend over and surround the fluid conduit connector and the connector assembly. A jam nut is affixed to the tubular portion of the fluid conduit connector. The sleeve is threadedly connected to the threaded exterior surface of the jam nut. A crimp fitting is secured to an end of the hydraulic hose. A hose swivel extends around a crimp fitting and is affixed around the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab.

Abstract: A system for prevention of hydrate formation has a manifold, a production piping communicating with the manifold, a chemical injection line positioned in heat exchange relationship along the production piping, and a fluid delivery system connected to the chemical injection line for passing a heated fluid through at least a portion of the chemical injection line. The chemical injection line has a first portion affixed to a surface of the production piping and a second portion extending outwardly therefrom. The fluid delivery system is in communication with the second portion of the chemical injection line. The chemical injection line extends in a U-shaped pattern or in a spiral pattern around an outer surface of the production piping.

Abstract: An apparatus having a hot stab having a fluid conduit connector thereon, a hydraulic hose having a connector assembly at an end thereof suitable for joining to the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab, and a sleeve affixed to the hot stab and to the hydraulic hose so as to extend over and surround the fluid conduit connector and the connector assembly. A jam nut is affixed to the tubular portion of the fluid conduit connector. The sleeve is threadedly connected to the threaded exterior surface of the jam nut. A crimp fitting is secured to an end of the hydraulic hose. A hose swivel extends around a crimp fitting and is affixed around the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab.

Abstract: A connection is disclosed which is particularly applicable to subsea wellheads. A female receptacle end is provided on the wellhead which has connections on it to an umbilical or a flowline. The male end has an orientation lug for rough orientation. Once rough orientation is made, the male end is advanced into the female end and the shaft rotated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for alignment of lugs with a detent. Once the lugs advance past the detent, they are rotated so that a segment of the shaft on the male end of the connection can no longer turn. Further rotational movements by the ROV on another portion of the shaft advances a plate which makes up the connection, either for the umbilical or the flowline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter which is useable in conjunction with subsea hydraulic control circuits. The filters incorporated in a housing which can be stabbed in or out of a control unit to become part of one or more fluid control circuits. The stab-type housing can be inserted with a remotely operated vehicle. Other configurations involve long, slender housings for use with subsurface safety valve control lines as well as with tubing hanger housings. The slender design allows mounting right on the production tubing. A rupture disc feature is available so that if excessive pressure differential is obtained due to clogging, the filter unit within the housing can be bypassed to allow continuing operation.

Abstract: A junction plate assembly for a subsea structure having a first junction plate with a plurality of control connections contained therein, a second junction plate with a second plurality of control connections contained therein, and a connector extending generally centrally of the first junction plate for engaging a receptacle of the second junction plate. The first junction plate has an umbilical cable connected to the control connections. The connector is a shaft which extends through the first junction plate and has one end extending into the receptacle of the second junction plate. The end of the shaft has an external acme thread in mating engagement with an internal acme thread of the receptacle. A handle is connected to an opposite end of the shaft for rotating the shaft. The control connections may be either hydraulic or electrical connections.