Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in field servicing a choke valve system. The apparatus is used for lifting, manipulating, and handling the heavy components of hydraulic choke valves. The apparatus includes an elongated track, a choke valve support structure, a trolley that selectably reciprocates along a length of the trolley, and an attachment mechanism for attaching a choke actuator to the trolley.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for preventing damage to the actuator of a hydraulic choke valve in the event of excessive backpressure on the outlet of the choke. The backpressure relief device is applicable to a choke valve which meters flow from a high pressure annular region around the axially reciprocable choke throttling member into a low pressure exit channel coaxial with the throttling member. In particular, a shearable means is used to connect the reciprocable control shank of the actuator to the throttling valve member of the choke valve. In the event of excessive pressure on the exit channel of the choke valve, the shearable means will shear, thereby fully opening the valve and permitting the excessive pressure to escape. The shearable means is readily replaced so that the valve easily can be put back into operating condition.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple, easy to operate hydrocyclone separation system that removes the heavy phase containing the produced solids intermittently, rather than continuously. The desirable, lighter portion of the well production, from which the aggressive solids of the propant have been removed, is continuously separated from the well production and treated by the existing surface fluid conditioning equipment at the well site. The heavy phase is collected in the bottom of the hydrocyclone. The outlet for the heavy phase flow stream is normally closed by a shutoff valve and is only dumped when the separator is full. The solid containing fluid exiting from the heavy phase outlet valve is passed through a standard oilfield hydraulic choke in order to reduce its pressure sufficiently so that normal piping and solids collection equipment can be used to handle the dumped fluid.

Abstract: First and second pipes supported substantially vertically in a subsea location with a breech block connector connecting the pipes together, the said breech block connector comprising male and female elements, one of which has longitudinally extending circumferentially spaced lugs thereon and the other of which has at least one longitudinally extending stop positioned to engage one of the lugs to limit relative rotation of the members when making up the connection, a longitudinally movable latch member on the other breech block element resiliently biased in a position to engage one of said lugs on the side opposite the stop to prevent relative rotation of the breech block elements in a direction to disconnect them, and a hydraulic cylinder having a piston and piston rod therein connected to the latch member, with biasing means applied to the piston to bias the latch into engagement with the lug and means for applying hydraulic fluid under pressure to both ends of said hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A balanced stem fail-safe valve controls flow of fluids through a submerged pipeline. A closed subsea hydraulic pressure system operates or powers the valve. In the fail-safe mode the operating or reservoir pressure equals ambient sea pressure. A valve housing is arranged on the pipeline and a valve chamber is formed in the valve housing. A valve element is movable in the valve chamber between open and closed positions to control the flow of fluids through the pipeline. A first fluid pressure operable means is connected to the valve element to move the valve element to open position upon application of pump pressure to the first fluid pressure operable means. Electrically operated valves are used to direct the flow of power fluid to and from the valve. A spring is arranged in the valve housing to urge the valve element to its closed position in the event of power failure.

Abstract: A balanced stem fail-safe valve controls flow of fluids through a submerged pipeline. A closed subsea hydraulic pressure system operates or powers the valve. In the fail-safe mode the operating or reservoir pressure equals ambient sea pressure. A valve housing is arranged on the pipeline and a valve chamber is formed in the valve housing. A valve element is movable in the valve chamber between open and closed positions to control the flow of fluids through the pipeline. A first fluid pressure operable means is connected to the valve element to move the valve element to open position upon application of pump pressure to the first fluid pressure operable means. Electrically operated valves are used to direct the flow of power fluid to and from the valve. A spring is arranged in the valve housing to urge the valve element to its closed position in the event of power failure.