Abstract: A stab for a gas-lift injection line is disclosed which includes a built-in check valve to exclude seawater as the stab is being delivered to the subsea manifold. The check valve can be a spring-loaded poppet which can be pressure-balanced with the surrounding hydrostatic forces, or alternatively, preloaded with the use of a pressurized chamber working in conjunction with a biasing spring to hold the check valve in the closed position during delivery. After insertion of the stab into the subsea manifold, the gas flow begins in the stab, which overcomes the forces of the spring and/or pressurized compartment to push the check valve into the open position to allow gas-lift flow through the manifold and down the annulus into the gas-lift valves in the well. Bypass flow passages are incorporated into the plug to provide an additional force to hold the plug in the open position once the gas-lift pressure is applied so as to prevent chattering of the check valve component in the stab.

Abstract: System and method for joining together two assemblies which can move one with respect to the other, especially in underwater installations, comprising a remote-operated vehicle (17) comprising propulsion means (21) and at least one equipment item (19, 20) including hauling means (20) which attach to the assembly considered as being fixed (2) during connection, means of attaching to the other assembly considered as being mobile and which has to be connected to the said fixed assembly, means (19) of winching the said hauling means, the said equipment item being at least partially housed in a skid (18), characterized in that the remote-operated vehicle (17) further comprises a front chassis (22) that pivots about a pivot axis, the said pivoting chassis comprising the said means of attachment to the mobile assembly, the pivoting of the said front chassis being controlled in such a way that as the mobile assembly is moved towards the fixed assembly, the said vehicle is kept constantly in an approximately horizonta

Abstract: A subsea connector system and method utilizing a skid (18) on the sea floor (F) four coupling a subsea conduit (16) carried by the skid (18) to a subsea conduit (12) on a relatively fixed subsea structure (10). A lift line device or structure (24) has an upper lift line (36) connected by a spreader bar (40) to a pair of lower guide lines (38) which are directed from a vertical position to a generally horizontal relation by J-tubes (30). The ends of the guide lines (38) have anchor members (42) thereon which are anchored to guides (46) on the subsea facility (10). Upon raising of the upper lift line (36), the skid (18) moves in a combined pulling and lifting motion to engage a side (52) of the subsea facility (10) for being guided into a docked position with aligned guides (46) on the subsea facility (10). In this position, an ROV (26) secures the skid (18) into a releasably locked position by insertion of retainer pins (not shown) into aligned openings (35, 51) of the skid (18) and subsea facility (10).

Abstract: There is disclosed a connector for releasably connecting tubular members connected to adjacent ends of riser pipes in end-to-end relation. The tubular members have locking grooves about their adjacent ends, and a split lock ring surrounds the adjacent ends of the tubular members, when in end-to-end relation, and has upper and lower teeth thereabout for fitting tightly within the grooves to hold the ends of the tubular members in end-to-end relation. The lock ring is moved between locking and unlocking positions by means of a cam ring having tapered conical cam surfaces thereabout for slidable engagement with follower surfaces about the lock ring. A support plate extends laterally from each tubular member, and pipes, which may be choke and kill/lines, one mounted on the plates to sealably interfit with one another upon movement of the tubular members into end-to-end relation.

Abstract: A tool for the remote-controlled pulling, aligning and connecting of a subsea conduit to a subsea installation. The tool includes a framework, a pulling wire with a pulling head which can be releasably attached to the end of the subsea conduit and also optionally aligning means which bring the ends of the conduit which are to be connected in line with one another. The tool has a frame pivotally mounted on the framework around a substantially horizontal axis oriented substantially at right angle to the axis of the conduit and at almost the same height at which the conduit will finally lie, said frame including a grip elevator which can grip and hold the pulled conduit and manipulate the end of the conduit between a slanting pulling position and a final substantially horizontal connecting position.

Abstract: A two-part connector for use in connecting and disconnecting fluid carrying conduits includes male and female connector parts each having sets of non-radially disposed fluid carrying bores therethrough. A rotatable valve member extends across each set of bores therethrough and is adapted to align with the bores in the connector part in which the valve member is mounted. Each of the bores in the male connector part is aligned with a respective bore in the female connector part when the two connector parts are assembled together. Each valve member is rotatable to a first position in which the holes therein are aligned with the bores in the connector parts to permit fluid flow and to a second position in which the body of the valve member obturates the bores so that no fluid flows therethrough. Releasable clamping means retain the two connector parts together in sealing engagement.

Abstract: The bore selector includes a housing with an upper end having at least a first bore and a lower end with at least second and third bores. The housing includes a central bore extending between the upper and lower ends. A tube has its upper end connected to the first bore and its lower end adjacent the second and third bores. A yoke having an aperture therethrough for passing the tube, is reciprocably mounted within the bore of the housing. The yoke includes cam slots receiving guide lugs projecting from the sides of the tube. A hydraulic actuating means is also mounted in the lower end of the housing for reciprocating the yoke whereby as the yoke is reciprocated within the housing, the guide lugs move within the cam slots to shift the lower end of the tube between the second and third bores. A cage is mounted within the lower end of the housing to ensure alignment and sealing engagement between the lower end of the tube and the face of the housing around the second and third bores.

Abstract: A subsea production system effects line connections between a manifold and adjacent satellite wells. The radial distance between each well (37) and a central manifold (38) is reduced to an operational minimum. The manifold is provided with connection terminals (45) including at a lower portion, a hydraulic type connector (47), and at an upper portion a reentry mandrel (50). A supporting structure (53) of the connection terminal (45) consists at the lower portion of a mud mat (54) centrally of a waiting mandrel (55). A lateral structure (56) is provided at an upper portion with eyelets (57), and the upper portion mounts a reentry funnel (58). Various methods are effected for completing line connections between such a manifold (38) and adjacent satellite wells (37).

Abstract: A diverless and guidelineless method to connect two subsea flowlines by a jumper assembly is provided. Pivotable stabs and fluid connection means are provided on each end of the jumper assembly. The stabs mate into receptacles located on the subsea flowline connections. The flowline is preferably lowered vertically and hinged over while sequentially landing the two pivotable stabs into their respective stab receptacles.

Abstract: An angular and radial self-aligning coupling includes a first support block having a flow bore therethrough with an enlarged counterbore around one outlet of the flow bore. The enlarged counterbore forms a convex annular surface. A spherical seal plate also having a flow bore therethrough includes a concave surface on one side which matingly engages the convex annular surface of the support block. The spherical seal plate also has an annular bearing surface on its other side which engages a bearing face on a radial seal plate. The radial seal plate includes a stab counterbore on its other side. A second support block includes a flow bore therethrough and includes a piston which may be hydraulically actuated to an extended position. Upon actuation of the piston, the piston enters the stab counterbore and the radial seal plate and spherical seal plate automatically adjust for any radial or angular misalignment to allow the piston to stab within the stab counterbore.

Abstract: This invention refers to a wet Christmas tree (20) utilized particularly in subsea production systems, including at the bottom a connector (22) for purposes of locking to the wellhead, a guide structure (24) consisting of a central ring attached to said connector (22), supporting arms (26) and guide funnels (28), a valve block (30), a reentry mandrel (32), gate-type lateral valves (46, 48, 50, 52) with metal/metal sealing and hydraulic driving with spring-type return flow lines with loops (54, 56, 58) and piping for the crossover line, hydraulically adjustable chokes (60, 62), a flow line terminal (36), a reentry pole (42) and a control system.

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.

Abstract: A subsea production system effects line connections between a manifold and adjacent satellite wells. The radial distance between each well (37) and a central manifold (38) is reduced to an operational minimum. The manifold is provided with connection terminals (45) including at a lower portion, a hydraulic type connector (47), and at an upper portion a reentry mandrel (50). A supporting structure (53) of the connection terminal (45) consists at the lower portion of a mud mat (54) centrally of a waiting mandrel (55). A lateral structure (56) is provided at an upper portion with eyelets (57), and the upper portion mounts a reentry funnel (58). Various methods are effected for completing line connections between such a manifold (38) and adjacent satellite wells (37).

Abstract: A remotely operable horizontal connection apparatus apparatus and method for establishing an annulus access connection with a wellhead housing using the weight of the valve connection apparatus to aid in positioning and securing the valve connection apparatus to an annulus access port disposed on the wellhead housing. The apparatus comprises a wellhead housing with a substantially horizontal annulus access port, a valve with a remotely operable collet connector for sealingly engaging the access port, a guide base for maintaining the wellhead housing in a substantially vertical position with an inclined ramp extending laterally from the guide base, and a cradle for installing the valve utilizing the slope of the ramp and the horizontal component of the weight of the cradle and valve and connector assembly to urge the connector into engagement with the annulus access port.

Abstract: A universal tool for simultaneous vertical connections (10) between two flow line terminals (12) and (13) to be connected, includes two vertical hydraulic connectors (14, 15) for locking to fishing mandrels (16, 17) of the bridge of connections (11). A telescopic system (18, 19) allows for the adjustment of the spacing between the connectors. A vertical movement system allows for the elevation of the second connector (15) in relation to the first connector (14) to render easy the fitting of the bridge (11) and provide compensation for vertical deviations between the flow line terminals (12, 13) to be connected. A spherical coupling system (21) set in a split housing of spherical internal sections (22, 23) allows for compensation of angular deviations. A spacing (24) and a set of spring (25) allows for compensation of horizontal deviations between those terminals (12, 13).

Abstract: A method of laying a pipe (1) on a sea floor for the transportation of a fluid, having a temperature and/or a pressure exceeding the temperature and pressure of the surroundings involves the pipe (1) being provided with prestressing. This prestressing must be of such an order than it is at least substantially able to neutralize the effect on the pipe (1) of the temperature and the pressure difference during use. Prestressing may be provided by a prestressing device (6) which works between an anchor (7) and a clevis (4) welded onto the pipe.

Abstract: A break-away flowline fitting for protecting a subsea Christmas tree to which the flowlines are connected when the flowlines are subjected to an externally applied axial load and/or bending moment. The fitting comprises a tubular member having a reduced wall thickness section integrally formed in the member and designed to part or separate axially at an externally applied load less than what would be necessary to harm the tree. A clamp closely surrounds the reduced wall thickness section and limits the pressure induced hoop membrane stress in the reduced wall thickness section to about the same value as in the adjacent normally configured fitting portions, thereby maintaining the pressure integrity of the fitting. A frame having supports disposed on the normally configured fitting portions and axially beyond each end of the reduced wall thickness section has removable reinforcing members which span the reduced wall thickness section prior to placing the fitting in service.

Abstract: A metal-to-metal sealing pipe swivel joint especially useful with a subsea well completion system to pivotally interconnect the subsea wellhead to a lay-away flowline, the swivel joint having an annular seal element with metallic sealing surfaces and inner and outer tubular elements, also with metallic sealing surfaces, that can be moved into or withdrawn from sealing engagement with the seal element sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a template having a three-dimensional framework enclosing one or more production bays, each bay having a well slot and a manifold slot. The space above the well slot is occupied by a tree module fitted with a high pressure cap. The space above the manifold slot is occupied by a manifold header module positioned on the template and forming the base of the equipment in the area of the manifold slot(s), isolation valve module(s) positioned adjacent to the manifold header module and connected thereto, flow control modules(s) positioned adjacent to the isolation valve module(s) and connected thereto, production choke module(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control module(s) and connected thereto, and production control pod(s) positioned adjacent to the flow control modules(s) and connected thereto. The tree module(s) are connected to the flow control module(s).

Abstract: A subsea flowline connection system wherein a terminal connector on a flowline is pulled by a cable into a funnel on a connector base structure. The upper and lower 5 surfaces of the terminal and funnel cooperate to align the component in the vertical plane. The terminal has curved vertical sides which make only line contact with straight vertical walls in the funnel to deliberately allow limited, misalignment (.+-.6.degree.) between the components in the horizontal plane as the terminal is drawn into the funnel. Securing device is then installed between the misaligned components to lock them together in that position. A pull-in tool is provided which is lowered onto the base and includes a pull-in cable for drawing the terminal into the funnel and a device for installing the securing device which lock the components together.

Abstract: A flexible flowline support is disclosed, which can be connected to a subsea wellhead assembly preventing the flowline from being bent in too short of a radius. A flowline support base is connectable by way of guidelines to the subsea wellhead assembly and includes a flowline connector having a first end upwardly disposed and connected to the flowline support base and having a second end operatively connectable to the subsea wellhead assembly. A cradle assembly is mounted to the flowline support base adjacent the first end of the flowline connector and has an upper trough-like surface over which the flexible flowline can lay for connection to the first end of the flowline connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orienting a flowline so that it may be remotely connected to a riser connected to an offshore structure. The apparatus includes a structural guide, connected to the offshore structure, that is capable of being rotated so that the front side of the structural guide is directed toward the lead end of the flowline. The structural guide is designed in such a manner so that is is automatically rotated by the cable which is used to pull the flowline to the offshore structure when tension is applied to the cable. The lead end of the flowline is directed upwardly by a pipe guide. The pipe guide has riser guidepost recepticals that receive guideposts as they are lowered from the offshore structure by guidelines. The guidelines and guideposts direct the riser into position over the lead end of the flowline for final connection.

Abstract: A template (26) attached to an anchor pile (12) supports a pull-in tool receptacle (28) at a predetermined location with respect to the anchor pile. The end of the pipe to be connected includes a riser mandrel (16), the lock down connector (20), and a buoyancy module (52). A bridle (42) is temporarily connected (44, 48, 50) to the end of the pipe with the pull-in cable threaded through a pull-in tool (30) and attached to the bridle.The pull-in tool is locked (32) in the frame, and engages and secures alignment pins (40) attached to the bridle when the line has been pulled in. The pipe end is moved (59) into locked engagement with the anchor pile, the bridle (42) disconnected from the pipe end, and thereafter retrieved to the surface with the pull-in tool (30).

Abstract: An oil and gas completion system for landing and placement on an oceam floor without wire rope guidelines and in a nonoriented fashion including the end of a flowline laid along the ocean floor which is terminated substantially horizontally in a flowline receiving structure on the periphery of the completion system outside and below a specified circular boundary and a Christmas Tree having a mating end of a second flowline section inside the specified circular boundary and the extension of the second flowline section extending from the back of the second flowline section across to the other side of the tree being above said circular boundary such that the Christmas Tree is free to be rotated to an oriented position and one of the two flowline sections can then be moved substantially horizontally thru the boundary area for connection with the other section.

Abstract: A subsea drilling and production system where the production unit is removably connected onto a drilling template and operatively connected to one or more Christmas trees so that the production unit may be disconnected from the trees and removed from the template without first removing any of the trees and so that any of the trees may be disconnected from the production unit and removed from the underwater site without removing the production unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for introducing and removing TFL tools from a subsea wellhead assembly. The apparatus includes an elongate member adapted to hold at least one TFL tool, docking hubs for aligning the elongate member with the wellhead, a clamping mechanism or the like for engaging the elongate member with the wellhead and a circulation for circulating fluid within the elongate member and the wellhead to transport the TFL tool between the elongate member and the wellhead. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes at least two elongate members and a diverter located between the elongate members and the clamping mechanism. The diverter permits alternate fluid communication between each elongate member and the wellhead assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a flowline to a subsea structure. A riser and flowline connection tool are deployed downwardly to the subsea structure and a flowline terminal head, which is at the end of the flowline, is pulled to the flowline connection tool by means of a pullcable. Then the flowline terminal head is secured to the subsea structure and the flowline connection tool is recovered to the surface. The flowline terminal head consists of a connector hub to which the flowline is welded, a curved carrier pipe into which the end of the flowline is inserted, a bullnose to which the pullcable is attached, and a dovetail tenon which engages a dovetail receptacle to secure the terminal head to the subsea structure. The flowline terminal head may include buoyancy which keeps it free of difficult terrain in the vicinity of the subsea structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling a self-contained submersible module including a length of conduit for connection to a collector to be repetitively put into place and removed. The collector (3) is located on the sea bed, and said length of conduit (14) and said collector (3) have mating ends fitted with a releasable connector suitable for establishing said connection when the ends to be connected come into end-to-end engagement. The length of conduit (14) is mounted in the module (2) on a carriage (7) to enable said length of conduit to be moved out from said module to bring one of its ends (13) into contact with the end (5) of the collector. Once the length of conduit has made connection with the end of the collector, the carriage also enables said length of conduit to be moved in the opposite direction pulling said collector with it in order to connect the other end of the conduit to a well head (1).

Abstract: A system and method for installing a fluid flow controller and telescoping spools beneath an offshore bottom supported drilling rig rotary table is disclosed. Upper and lower telescoping spools are provided for initially connecting a Diverter/BOP convertible fluid flow controller between structural casing in the well and a permanent housing beneath the drilling rig rotary table.A system and method for installing a fluid flow controller and a lower telescoping spool beneath and offshore bottom supported drilling rig rotary table is disclosed.This alternative embodiment of the invention provides the lower telescoping spool connected between the diverter/BOP convertible fluid flow controller and structural casing in the well. The top of the controller is connected to the permanent housing beneath the drilling rig rotary table. Additionally, a diverter system, a low pressure blowout preventer system and a high pressure blowout preventer system are disclosed for both embodiments.

Abstract: A supporting connection system for a riser extending between a floating vessel and a subsea well utilizes a termination head that removably fits within a termination housing. The termination head and housing have radial ports that register with each other to transmit fluid between the vessel and the subsea well. A sliding sleeve is located in the radial port of the termination housing. The sleeve is reciprocated by hydraulic pressure between an open position removed from the termination head and a closed position with its forward end located inside the termination head radial passage. The forward end of the sliding sleeve seals within the termination head passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a flowline to a subsea structure. A flowline connection tool is deployed downwardly to the subsea structure and secured to the subsea structure. A flowline terminal head, which is at the end of a flowline, is then pulled toward the flowline connection tool by means of a pull-cable. The flowline terminal head is then secured to the subsea structure and the flowline connection tool is recovered to the surface.The flowline connection tool contains a prime mover means in order to minimize the length of cable exposed to forces encountered in pulling the flowline to the subsea structure.

Abstract: A pull in tool incorporating within its structure a winch 220 and a capstan 210. A track system 231 on the tool moves to engage openings 38 in the guidelineless reentry assembly 50. Thereafter the flow line termination 400 is passed down the track system 231 to achieve precise final positioning.

Abstract: A device for connection of underwater cables or pipes to a submerged structure.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a fluid flow controller and telescoping spools beneath an offshore bottom supported drilling rig rotary table is disclosed. Upper and lower telescoping spools are provided for initially connecting a Diverter/BOP convertible fluid flow controller between structural casing in the well and a permanent housing beneath the drilling rig rotary table. Clamp means are provided for clamping the rig vent line to an opening in the housing wall of the fluid flow controller during drilling of the borehole through the structural casing in preparation for setting and cementing the conductor casing. In that mode, the system is adapted as a diverter system. After the well is drilled for the conductor casing and the conductor casing is cemented and cut off at its top, a mandrel is fitted at the top of the conductor casing to which the lower end of the lower spool may be connected.

Abstract: A wellhead connector assembly for use on undersea template platform where a plurality of wellheads are connected to a center work enclosure hull having a plurality of penetration connectors projecting from its sidewall. The present assembly has a connector for fitting on the wellhead, and a laterally movable connector for coupling with a penetration connector. A vertical actuation rod pivots a bell crank linked to the connector to cause lateral movement thereof. A loop of pipe connects the wellhead to the laterally movable connector and biases it to a neutral position.

Abstract: A temporary hub cover for the hubs of flow lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical conduits and the mating hubs of the underwater production unit includes a body enclosing the hub, plungers within the body for releasably engaging into detents on the hub to hold the cover on the hub, and a trigger mechanism operable from a remote location to release the engagement between the cover and hub whereby the cover can be removed from the hub. A connector tool is lowered through the water and supports means for operating the trigger mechanism upon downward movement of the connector tool.

Abstract: A flowline receiving and guiding unit characterized by having a generally tubular base member adapted to be landed upon the upper end portion of an upright support, typically a pile, secured in the floor of a body of water. The unit includes an elongated curved tubular structure, typically of J-tube configuration, so positioned that when the unit has been landed the upper end of the curved tubular structure is upright and occupies a predetermined position relative to the pile.

Abstract: In installation of a flowline and connection thereof to an underwater installation equipped with guide lines extending from the installation to an operational base at the surface of the body of water, a pile or other upright support is first installed in a predetermined location adjacent the underwater installation, and all operations necessary to install the flowline and connect the flowline to the underwater installation are then carried out with the aid of the guide lines and employing apparatus installed on the pile.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for connecting a buoyant off-bottom flowline to a subsea structure.

Abstract: A flowline pull-in apparatus is operable from an overhead vessel and transports flowlines to a subsea wellhead. The apparatus includes a sled disposed on the sea floor and connected to the flowlines. A two-part pull-in frame, removably positioned within the sled, is connected to the overhead vessel. The overhead vessel removes the pull-in frame and lands the frame on a wellhead. The frame is connected to the sled by means of cables. After the frame has been landed upon the wellhead, winches on the frame are hydraulically activated from the vessel and reel in the cables, thereby drawing the sled into engagement with the lower portion of frame and positioning flowline mandrels, which project from the sled, adjacent the lower portion of the frame. The cables are thereafter cut and the upper portion of the frame is released and removed by the vessel from the lower portion.

Abstract: A modular undersea oil production plant having at least one satellite unit whose product is conveyed by a collector pipe (10) towards a central structure (4) in which operating modules (5,6) are grouped together, said product being removed from said operating modules, wherein said satellite unit has a wellhead (1) linked by a connector (13) to the upper portion of a pipe (44) in a drill hole, an individual auxiliary module (3) which can be raised being associated with said wellhead, said module containing the control and operation components and being connected firstly to said wellhead by a first connector (23) and secondly to one end of said collector pipe (10) by a second connector (24), said wellhead (1) and said auxiliary module (3) being installed on a template (2) in two distinct cavities whose shape is complementary to that of said wellhead and of said auxiliary module which has means for disconnecting it from the collector pipe and from the wellhead and for removing it from the template (2), said disc

Abstract: A subsea wellhead connection assembly for establishing fluid communication and production capability between a subsea wellhead and an adjacent subsea manifold system.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for connecting separate ends of fluid conduits, without radially flexing or bending either end, by using a telescoping joint, a flange connector, a metal-to-metal seal assembly, and a lock for the metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A cap for an underwater Christmas tree having locking probes to lock down the operating rods of a connector connecting the Christmas tree to an underwater wellhead housing. The tops of the operating rods are housed within hollow canisters at the top of the Christmas tree.The cap includes a body having circumferentially disposed locking dogs housed therein for engagement with the top of the Christmas tree. The dogs are actuated by a cam ring which telescopically receives the body and has a tapered surface for sliding over a correlatively tapered surface on each of the dogs. The body includes a metal gasket seal for sealing engagement with the top of the Christmas tree, and seals are provided between the cam ring and body.The cap has downwardly extending locking probes which extend telescopically into the canisters above the operating rods. The locking probes each include a housing and a releasable tubular piston slidably disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A wellhead (16) for an exploratory well carries a latch profile ring (24) at a location just above the wellhead housing (14). Accessory modules (38) latch onto this profile (36) while leaving the conventional upper latch profile (28) free for conventional production equipment. The accessory module may carry flowline alignment apparatus (40) to use the exploratory well as a satellite well. It may carry cantilever well modules (70) to permit the drilling of adjacent wells or a retrievable guide pile module (43) to provide placement of a guide pile required for proper placing of a jacket for an offshore platform.

Abstract: Underwater flow lines, control lines and electrical conduits are connected to mating hubs on an underwater manifold center or other production unit by utilizing hydraulically powered means for pulling the lines toward the mating hubs and aligning them therewith, lock-down means actuated from the surface being utilized to lock the lines in axial alignment with the hubs, and a seal member being lowered from the surface and inserted between the facing hubs, with a split clamp being used to draw the hubs into sealing engagement with the seal means.

Abstract: A remote connection apparatus having a base plate with a test sealing ring attached thereto, a plurality of segments movably supported for both radial movement and vertical movement and cam means for moving the segments radially into sealing engagement with the test sealing ring or with a receptacle ring, the segments including passages to which flexible lines are connected and radial passages extending from the sealing surface of the segments whereby when the segments seal against the receptacle ring the passages in the segments are in communication with the passages in the receptacle ring.

Abstract: A method and appartus are disclosed for making a subsea flowline connection between two pipelines. A connector assembly having a base plate is positioned on the sea floor to receive the ends of two intersecting pipelines. Once one of the pipelines is attached to the base plate, the base plate is displaced horizontally along the sea floor toward the other pipeline. When the second pipeline is attached to the base plate, the ends of the pipelines are a predetermined distance apart and a prefabricated spool piece is then remotely installed. In this manner, the base plate permits the connection of spatial and axial misalignments which otherwise would require the on-site fabrication and installation of a spool piece.

Abstract: This concerns a method of connecting a subsea flowline to facilities on top of an offshore platform which is supported above a body of water and which has a plurality of conductors extending from above the water to within the sea bottom. One of the conductors is cut just above the mud line and raised to leave a gap between the lower end of the upper portion of the conductor and the conductor stub which remains firmly anchored in the sea bottom. The flowline is pulled to a position just adjacent said conductor stub. A production riser is lowered through the upper portion of the conductor and then the lower end of the production riser is connected to the pulled end of the flowline.

Abstract: In the automatic positioning of the end of an underwater flow line, particularly in deep water, on a base, the end of the flow line is lowered to a position adjacent a connecting sleeve. The end of the flow line is connected to a hauling cable extending through the sleeve and a pull is exerted on the cable to draw the end of the flow line into the sleeve. The sleeve is detachably mounted on positioning apparatus mounted on the base and pivotable relative thereto in azimuth and elevation to align with the flow line. When the end of the flow line has been received in the sleeve and locked thereto, the sleeve is positioned on the base, locked thereto and released from the apparatus which is withdrawn.