Abstract: A swivel joint having improved bearing and seal life includes a pair of annular inner members each rotatably mounted in the bore of an annular sleeve with the ends of the inner members spaced from each other. An overrunning clutch between a first inner member and the sleeve allows the first inner member to rotate in a first direction relative to the sleeve, but prevents rotation in a second direction. Another overrunning clutch between the sleeve and the second inner member allows the sleeve to rotate in the second direction relative to the second inner member, but prevents rotation in the first direction. Bearings and seals mounted between the sleeve and the first inner member experience unidirectional rotation in the first direction and bearings and seals between the sleeve and the second inner member experience unidirectional rotation in a second direction. The overrunning clutches prevent oscillatory motion of the seals and bearings, and decreases wear and failure of the seals and bearings.

Abstract: A hydraulic safety valve manifold system for providing positive opening and closing of a surface-controlled, sub-surface safety valve in a subsea well, including a shut-off valve which prevents leakage of well fluids to the outside environment if a leak should occur in the safety valve or in hydraulic lines which are connected to the hydraulic actuator of the safety valve. A hydraulic control line is connected to the safety valve actuator through a normally closed shut-off valve, and this line is also connected to the actuator of the shut-off valve to hold both the shut-off valve and the safety valve open when the line is pressurized. The hydraulic line is also connected to an actuator of a variable volume accumulator to empty the accumulator when the line is pressurized. When pressure in the hydraulic line is relieved the shut-off valve closes and the accumulator accepts fluid from the hydraulic actuator of the safety valve to insure that the safety valve closes.

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 valve actuator for an expanding gate valve having a gate and a segment thereon. The actuator includes a piston connected to a gate stem and mounted within a cylinder with a pressurized gas on the upper side of the piston and liquid on the lower side of the piston. The gate valve moves from an open position to a closed position across the flow passage at a rapid rate and decelerates adjacent the end of its downward movement upon a metering of the liquid in the cylinder. The expanding gate valve expands laterally into fluid-tight sealing relation at the end of the downward stroke after moving across the flow passage. The bonnet is mounted internally of the valve body and a pressure seal is positioned between the bonnet and the valve body to permit operation of the valve actuator and gate valve even after failure of the pressure seal.