Abstract: A modular control system consisting of multiple, remotely retrievable functional modules for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The various functional modules can be located on the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack positioned near the equipment with which they are associated, wherein this distribution of modules nearly eliminates the complex interface connection between the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack. Each of the functional modules is capable of being installed, retrieved or replaced with a single remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployment from a vessel. The functional modules can be used to operate as a complete control system for a blowout preventer stack or can be used selectively individually or in various combinations to accommodate multiple control applications or upgrades of other control systems.

Abstract: A subsea control module for subsea well equipment has an actuator having a rod with a remote operated vehicle (ROV) interface on one end and a latch on an opposite end that latches to a subsea receptacle. Segments are releasably mounted around and to the actuator. Each of the segments has a sealed housing containing at least one internal control component. Couplings depend from the housing for engaging mating couplings in the receptacle. The housing has two radial walls, each extending along a radial line from an axis of the rod. An outer wall joins outer ends of the radial walls, the outer wall being a portion of a cylinder. An inner wall joins inner edges of the radial walls. The radial walls of adjacent ones of the segments abut each other.

Abstract: A subsea control module for providing control of subsea equipment is provided. The design allows for replacement and retrieval of a subsea control module with a single remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”) deployment from a vessel. The subsea control module can provide distributed electrical and hydraulic control functions via multiple directional control valve modules, multiple pilot valve modules, and a central electronic control module. Each directional control and pilot perform a set of functions so that replacement of a single module does not require disassembly of any other components) or hydraulic connection. Similarly, each pilot valve module can include a set of pilot valves, pressure transducers, solenoids and electronic circuitry to perform a limited set of functions so that failure of a single pilot valve module does not result in failure of the entire subsea control module.

Abstract: A subsea control module for subsea well equipment has an actuator having a rod with a remote operated vehicle (ROV) interface on one end and a latch on an opposite end that latches to a subsea receptacle. Segments are releasably mounted around and to the actuator. Each of the segments has a sealed housing containing at least one internal control component. Couplings depend from the housing for engaging mating couplings in the receptacle. The housing has two radial walls, each extending along a radial line from an axis of the rod. An outer wall joins outer ends of the radial walls, the outer wall being a portion of a cylinder. An inner wall joins inner edges of the radial walls. The radial walls of adjacent ones of the segments abut each other.

Abstract: A modular control system consisting of multiple, remotely retrievable functional modules for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The various functional modules can be located on the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack positioned near the equipment with which they are associated, wherein this distribution of modules nearly eliminates the complex interface connection between the lower marine riser package and blowout preventer stack. Each of the functional modules is capable of being installed, retrieved or replaced with a single remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployment from a vessel. The functional modules can be used to operate as a complete control system for a blowout preventer stack or can be used selectively individually or in various combinations to accommodate multiple control applications or upgrades of other control systems.

Abstract: A subsea control module for providing control of subsea equipment is provided. The design allows for replacement and retrieval of a subsea control module with a single remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”) deployment from a vessel. The subsea control module can provide distributed electrical and hydraulic control functions via multiple directional control valve modules, multiple pilot valve modules, and a central electronic control module. Each directional control and pilot perform a set of functions so that replacement of a single module does not require disassembly of any other components) or hydraulic connection. Similarly, each pilot valve module can include a set of pilot valves, pressure transducers, solenoids and electronic circuitry to perform a limited set of functions so that failure of a single pilot valve module does not result in failure of the entire subsea control module.

Abstract: A riser assembly includes riser segments, each having threaded ends. A coupling nut is connected to the threaded end of the first riser segment. The threads of a second riser segment and a set of corresponding threads of the coupling nut are breech threads, which allow the second riser segment to stab into the coupling nut and engage the first riser segment. The coupling nut rotates a portion of a turn in order for the breech threads of the second riser segment and the first riser segment to engage each other. Castellations on the first and second riser segments engage each other to transmit torsional forces from one riser segment to the other instead of through the threads.

Abstract: A pulse piloted cartridge valve that defaults to a closed position. A spring biases against a latching piston assembly within the valve to position the latching piston assembly to the closed position. In this position, a supply port is sealed off from a control port. Pressurized fluid may be provided in a pilot open chamber to move the pilot open piston downward on the upper stem of the latching piston assembly to push the latching piston assembly to an open position. When in the open position, the passageway from the control port to the supply port is opened as well as the passageway from the control port to the axial passageway. Pressure is then transferred from the supply port through the axial passageway to the latching chamber. The pilot open piston is raised by pressure from the axial passageway. The latching piston assembly is held in the open position with pressure within the latching chamber.

Abstract: A subsea control module consists of three primary sections. The lower portion consists of a plate for carrying hydraulic couplings and hydraulic passages from valves to couplings. The lower portion contains a sub-assembly containing electro-optical couplings with direct sealed passages and wiring to a dry electronics chamber. The valve manifold has multiple pressure supply sources and a plurality of valves mounted therein. An outside portion of the valves are exposed so that the valves are externally accessible without disassembly of the subsea control module assembly, which facilitates an increase in accessibility and a reduction in maintenance times and costs. Electronics, wiring and solenoid valves are located in a one atmosphere, dry nitrogen purged chamber in a pressure vessel dome. The dry chamber has direct access to transducers and solenoid valves, thereby eliminating subsea cables. A mandrel extends below the device for engagement with a central locking mechanism in a receiver baseplate.