Abstract: Method and apparatus for remotely controlling subsea template production systems having a plurality of satellite wells and a plurality of subsea trees on the well templates uses a significantly reduced number of electrical and hydraulic lines between a surface control unit and a riser base on the seafloor. An electrohydraulic control module on the riser base receives electrical control signals and provides hydraulic output signals to operate the riser base. Electrohydraulic control modules on the templates receive electrical control signals and provide hydraulic output signals to control operation of the trees on the templates. The satellite wells are each controlled by a single hydraulic signal line connected between the surface control unit and a matrix switching control module at the satellite well. All of the electrohydraulic modules are replaceable using surface operated running tools.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder employs a three mass system instead of the conventional two mass system to reduce the amount of power to operate the feeder. A base assembly having an armature formed thereon is positioned adjacent an electromagnet. The electromagnet is mounted to the base assembly by a leaf spring system, and a trough assembly is connected to the base assembly by a plurality of leaf springs. The electromagnet forms one mass of the three mass system; the armature and base assembly form a second mass; and the trough assembly forms a third mass. The phase of vibration of the armature relative to the vibration of the electromagnet can be regulated by adjusting the mass of the trough assembly and/or by adjusting the spring rate of the trough springs. The correct choice of mass and of spring rate causes the armature and the electromagnet to vibrate in phase with each other and reduces the mean length of air gap required between the armature and the electromagnet.

Abstract: A gate valve including the usual resilient seal around the stem also includes a single metal seal which provides a fluid-tight metal-to-metal seal around the stem when the valve is either in a fully opened or a fully closed position. In a fully closed valve position the resilient seal around the valve stem can be replaced without interfering with the operation of the valve. The metal seal can be used to provide and maintain a fluid-tight seal between the stem, the valve body and the valve bonnet when extreme conditions of temperature, pressure and/or fluid contact where the resilient seal might fail.

Abstract: A diverless subsea flowline connection system includes a plurality of connectors for remotely connecting the end of a bundle of flowlines to the ends of a plurality of bundles of individual flowlines. Guidance components direct the end portion of each bundle of individual flowlines into precise connecting alignment with a corresponding end portion of the bundled flowlines without damage to the connecting seals. The end portion of the bundled flowlines are covered and sealed so that these flowlines can be pulled across a sea floor without damage to their connecting ends. Means are provided for pulling the flowline bundle toward an aligning structure so that the lines can approach the structure from a wide variety of angles and the structure will guide the bundled flowlines into position where they can be aligned exactly with the individual diameter flowlines. This pulling means includes means for connecting a pulling cable to the radial center of a pulling head attached to the ends of the bundled flowlines.

Abstract: A multiple-section, multiple-position switching valve and a hydraulic powered valve actuator for controlling subsea well equipment, such as valve operators, connectors and other hydraulically actuated devices, with only two hydraulic pressure source lines from the surface to the subsea location of such well equipment. The switching valve includes a plurality of readily removable and replaceable valve sections, each having a unique combination of valve portings, which sections can be connected end to end to obtain a switching system having a predetermined matrix of switching control. The valve actuator moves the switching valve in a first direction through a sequence of distinct positions, and then reverses and moves the switching valve in the opposite direction through the same distinct positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining a pair of flanged beams in an end-to-end relationship includes a pair of end plates each welded to an end of a corresponding one of the flanged beams. Each of the end plates has a notch therein which is aligned with the notch in the other plate and the end plates juxtapose. A clamp having a body portion which mates with the notches in the end plates, and having a radial flange on each side of the body portion, is secured with the body portion in the notches. The radial flanges of the clamp presses against the end plates to lock the plates securely together.

Abstract: A system for controlling an articulated loading arm which is mounted on a loading station, and for moving an outer end of the arm into a position above the rail of a tanker moored adjacent the loading station. The system includes a sensor for developing a signal proportional to the height of the tanker rail relative to the loading station, and another sensor for developing a signal proportional to the distance between the tanker and the loading station. The rail height signal and the tanker distance signal are coupled to a computer that develops an output signal which causes the outer end of the loading arm to move into a predetermined position above the tanker rail.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device, especially suitable for use in cryogenic systems, including a plurality of arcuate collar segments each having a radially extending inner groove with cam surfaces to grasp flanges at the ends of a pair of pipes to be coupled together in a fluid-tight arrangement. The ends of the collar segments are pivotally interconnected to a generally circular configuration having a pair of adjacent unconnected end portions. Means are provided for clamping the end portions of the collar together and for pressing the collar segments against the pipe flanges. A hydraulic jack is provided for forcing the end portions of the collar segments apart and for pivotally moving the collar segments radially outward from the pipe flanges when the pipes are to be disconnected. Flexible protectors about the pivot connections facilitate the breaking of ice which may form around the coupling device.

Abstract: A lightweight articulated loading arm for transferring fluid from an offshore articulated loading column to a marine tanker, and for monitoring the position of the loading arm relative to a safe operating envelope. The arm includes an inboard conduit member mounted on the loading column for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis, and an outboard conduit member connected to the inboard member for pivotal movement about second and third horizontal axes. A tensioner, mounted on the loading column, provides power to rotate the loading arm about the first horizontal axis and to bias the loading arm toward a stowed position. Power to operate and control the loading arm is provided by sources located on the marine tanker and coupled to the loading arm by hydraulic and/or electrical lines which are mounted on the loading column and on the loading arm.

Abstract: A manual override control for use with a double-acting hydraulic or electric powered valve actuator provides means for selectively moving the actuator rod between its extended and retracted positions in the event of a failure of the primary actuator control means. The override control includes a generally cylindrical housing having an axial passage throughout its length, means for connecting one end of the passage to an actuator housing, a threaded drive nut rotatably mounted in the other end of the passage, a threaded member having a socket portion at one end thereof for releasably connecting it to an actuator rod, and means for rotating the drive nut to move the threaded member, and thus the actuator rod, in an axial direction. When functional operation of the primary actuator control means is restored, the override control can be quickly disconnected from the actuator rod and/or normal operation of the actuator can be resumed.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe connector which is especially suited for interconnecting sections of large tubular piling. The connector includes a tubular inner member having a wall with a first annular groove cut in the outside face thereof, and a tubular outer member having a wall with a second annular groove cut in the inside face of the wall. At least one hole extends from the second annular groove through the wall of the outer member to the outside thereof. The inner member fits into a passage in the outer member with the first and second annular grooves juxtaposed to form a common annular channel between the inner and outer members. A flexible locking tape is inserted through the hole in the outer member and into the annular channel to lock the inner and outer members securely together. The locking tape and the annular channel each have a polygon cross-sectional shape with the polygon having obtuse angles to minimize the stress concentration on the loading tape and on the walls of the annular channel.

Abstract: A pipe swivel joint for simultaneous transfer of a plurality of separated fluids between a plurality of inlet conduits and a plurality of corresponding outlet conduits. The swivel joint includes an annular inner element, an annular outer element surrounding at least a part of the inner element, and a plurality of annular fluid flow passages formed between the outer surface of the inner element and the inner surface of the outer element. Each of the inlet conduits is connected to the portion of a corresponding one of the flow passages that is defined by the outer surface of the inner element, and each of the outlet conduits is connected to the portion of a corresponding one of the flow passages that is defined by the inner surface of the outer element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for hydraulically controlling subsea well equipment, such as valve operators, connectors, and other hydraulically actuated devices, with a significantly reduced number of hydraulic pressure source lines from the surface to the subsea location of said well equipment. The apparatus includes a multi-mode subsea switching valve having a plurality of module-like sections, each section having an inlet port, a vent port and a plurality of outlet ports. When installed, this valve preferably is located near the subsea well, and a source of hydraulic pressure and a plurality of hydraulic switches, all located on a surface vessel or other surface facility, are connected to the valve's inlet ports by means of a relatively small number of hydraulic pressure source lines. A relatively large number of hydraulic outlet lines interconnect the valve's outlet ports and the subsea well equipment so that in each of its functional modes the valve directs fluid pressure to a different set of subsea devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting subsea structures, and in particular christmas trees from damage by fishing nets, trawl boards, anchors and other marine equipment, include a protective structure which is placed over the christmas tree. The protective structure has an opening in the top portion to allow access to the christmas tree when such access is needed and a protective cap which closes the opening to prevent damage from silt, sand, trash and overhead falling objects. The entire protective structure is secured in place by one or more piles which are driven into the sea floor or by cementing one or more steel piles in place in the sea floor. The protective structure and the cap are guided into place around the well by guide cables attached to the guide base of the well. A lifting device in the protective cap facilitates removal of the cap by a single cable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for hydraulically controlling subsea well equipment, such as valve operators, connectors, and other hydraulically actuated devices, with a significantly reduced number of hydraulic pressure source lines from the surface to the subsea location of said well equipment. The apparatus includes a multi-mode subsea switching valve having a plurality of module-like sections, each section having an inlet port, a vent port and a plurality of outlet ports. When installed, this valve preferably is located near the subsea well, and a source of hydraulic pressure and a plurality of hydraulic switches, all located on a surface vessel or other surface facility, are connected to the valve's inlet ports by means of a relatively small number of hydraulic pressure source lines. A relatively large number of hydraulic outlet lines interconnect the valve's outlet ports and the subsea well equipment so that in each of its functional modes the valve directs fluid pressure to a different set of subsea devices.

Abstract: A traveling articulated loading arm movably mounted on the deck of a marine tanker for transferring fluid between a flexible hose along either side of the tanker and manifold ports at various locations along the tanker centerline. The arm can be extended sufficiently beyond either side of the tanker to enable connection of the hose to the arm without having to bend the hose over the tanker railing, and petroleum and other fluid from the hose can be directed into any of the tanker holds by connecting the inboard end of the arm to the proper manifold inlet.

Abstract: The deepwater offshore loading system is especially suited for transferring petroleum from a floating storage and loading terminal to a marine tanker and for providing for relative movement between the tanker and the terminal. The system comprises a support boom mounted on the deck of a terminal, a pair of fluid conduits extending generally horizontal along the boom from risers at the deck, a pair of vertical fluid conduits and a first coaxial swivel joint connected between the outboard ends of the boom conduits and the upper ends of the vertical fluid conduits. A pair of horizontal conduits are mounted one above the other in a generally horizontal position with the inboard ends of the horizontal conduits connected to a header which is pivotally connected to the lower ends of the vertical fluid conduits. Another header is connected between the outboard ends of the horizontal conduits and a dual universal joint.

Abstract: Fluid transferring apparatus, more commonly referred to as a marine loading arm, comprising rigid, pivotally-interconnected inboard and outboard arm members pivotally mounted on an upstanding riser, and a system for maintaining the outboard member in a substantially horizontal attitude during the fluid transfer process. A first hydraulic ram, connected between the riser and the inboard member, and a second hydraulic ram, connected between the inboard member and the outboard member, are functionally coupled to a hydraulic system with an outboard arm member attitude sensing means, so that if the outboard arm member pivots more than a pre-selected distance above a horizontal attitude the first hydraulic ram provides pressurized fluid to the second hydraulic ram to return the outboard member to its horizontal attitude.

Abstract: A system for remote control of an articulated loading arm, comprising a light source and a plurality of light actuated relays enclosed in an explosion-proof container, and a plurality of light-controlling switches mounted adjacent the loading arm. Light from the source is conveyed through a plurality of light pipes to the switches which either interrupt or transmit light to a plurality of optical fibers which are each connected between one of the switches and a corresponding one of the relays. The light pipes, switches and optical fibers can be used to control operation of the loading arm in a potentially explosive environment while the relays open valves and provide control of hydraulic fluid from the safety of the enclosed container. The controlled hydraulic fluid provides power to a plurality of hydraulic rams which operate the loading arm.

Abstract: An annular valve seat having a resilient metal seal for use in a variety of types of valves provides positive control of fluid flow, with effective metal-to-metal sealing, long life and easy replacement of the seal. The metal seal is in the form of an annular ring comprising approximately one-quarter of a torus that cooperates with the valve's flow control element to establish a metal-to-metal fluid seal which is especially useful at relatively high temperatures. A first edge portion of the torus is held in position against a radial surface of the valve's body by a retainer ring which centers the torus about the flow control element. When the valve is closed the flow control element presses against the outside portion of the resilient metal torus forcing the free edge of the torus against a portion of the retainer ring so that the seal is loaded as a structural span supported at the ends by the valve's body and the retainer ring.