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: An improved pipe connector especially adapted for connecting subsea pipes includes a dart-shaped assembly that can be installed and sealed in a cylindrical housing to establish a fluid-tight connection between the assembly and the housing using a minimum of diver assistance. The connector housing includes an axial passage to receive the assembly, and an annular groove in the inner wall of the axial passage. The assembly includes a bore extending axially from one end thereof through a portion of the assembly, and a port extending radially from the axial bore through the wall of the assembly to the groove of the housing when the assembly is positioned in the housing. Another passage extends radially from the groove to the outside of the housing. A pair of annular resilient packing rings mounted between the assembly and the housing provide fluid-tight seals for fluid flow from the axial bore of the assembly through the radial port and the annular groove out through the radial passage in the housing.

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: A mobile platform has a riser assembly mounted thereon. A loading arm assembly projects from an upper end of the riser assembly, and a jumper hose assembly projects from a lower end of the riser assembly. These assemblies can be interconnected between a marine tanker manifold and a storage facility conduit, to form a fluid transferring connection therebetween. The riser assembly has a pipe section supporting the loading arm assembly for horizontal rotation about a vertical axis. A parallel mechanism, within the riser assembly, supports the pipe section for swinging movement in a vertical plane. This parallel mechanism maintains the vertical orientation of pipe section. A drive system is provided for maximizing the total horizontal angle of rotation through which the pipe section can be rotated about the vertical axis. A power drive is provided for operating the parallel mechanism to raise and lower the pipe section.

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: A hydraulic valve operating circuit for providing positive opening and closing of a downhole safety valve includes shut-off valves which prevent leakage of fuel to the outside environment if a leak should occur in the hydraulic lines which are connected to the hydraulic actuator of the downhole safety valve. A hydraulic control line is connected to the actuator of the safety valve through a normally-closed shut-off valve and the hydraulic control line is also connected to the actuator of the shut-off valve to hold both the shut-off valve and the downhole safety valve open when the hydraulic line is pressurized. Another valve moves to a position to direct the flow of fluid from the safety valve to an accumulator when the pressure in the control line falls below a predetermined value to insure that the downhole safety valve will close properly.

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: A pressure relief valve of the diaphragm type having a condensate recovery device. The condensate recovery device is connected to the disc of the relief valve and provides means for moving condensate from an upper control chamber to either an inlet chamber or to a discharge chamber depending upon the relative pressures of the inlet and discharge chambers. Condensate from the control chamber enters a passageway in the recovery device through an inlet check valve and flows from the passageway through one of two inlet check valves into another chamber having a pressure higher than the pressure in the passageway. Each of the check valves includes a valve seat connected to one of the chambers and a ball which sits on the seat during the absence of any condensate in the passageway. Any condensate in the control chamber causes the ball at the inlet valve to float off the inlet seat and allows the condensate to enter the passageway.

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.

Abstract: A pipe swivel joint for use at underwater or other submerged locations provides a system for circulating a lubricant under pressure through the joint's bearing race chamber and for monitoring the lubricant pressure to detect any leaks in the joint. The composition of the circulating lubricant can be analyzed to ascertain when an outward leak of pipe fluid or an inward leak of sea water into the lubricant exists. The leak can be halted by changing the lubricant pressure to match the pressure of the pipe fluid or the pressure of the sea water leaking through a defective seal so that operations can continue until the leak is repaired.