Abstract: A control system (10) employable for purposes of effecting the operation of a plurality of actuable devices, which are located at a subsea site, from a position that is remote therefrom. More specifically, the subject control system (10) is particularly suited for employment for purposes of hydraulically effecting the operation of the valves of a subsea christmas tree (30). To this end, the subject control system (10), on the one hand, is connected in fluid flow relation with a surface control center (16) from which hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure, and, on the other hand, is connected to a subsea sequence valving means (12) which receives the hydraulic fluid under pressure from the surface control center (16) and in turn transmits hydraulic power to the operators (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) of the christmas tree valves to cause the latter to move in accordance with a predetermined operating program (32).

Abstract: A pile driving connector device comprising a tubular pin member for telescopic connection with a corresponding box member with the pin member having a wall with a locking groove in the outer face thereof adapted for operational engagement with a locking ring and a bearing surface adapted for driving engagement with the bearing shoulder of a corresponding box member, a tubular box member having a bore for receiving the pin member, a counterbore configured to be adjacent to the locking groove of the pin member and a bearing shoulder adapted for driving engagement with the bearing surface of the pin member, and a conically shaped locking ring coaxially mounted within the counterbore of the box member having a base portion detachably connected to the box member and a upper portion adapted for engagement with a side surface of the locking groove upon insertion of the pin member into the box member for interlocking connection of the pin and box members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the driving resistance and velocity of piles during driving utilizing a strain gage accelerometer mounted on the pile. The accelerometer is constructed of a material having high internal dampening characteristics and is excited by alternating current electric signals. The acceleration signals of the accelerometer are electronically integrated to provide a measurement of velocity and an accurate blow count, which may be simultaneously recorded on two separate recording media. The velocity measurements are integrated a second time to derive a measure of pile displacement for selected hammer blows, which in turn enables the driving resistance to be determined. Observation of the velocity measurement during pile driving operations permits anomalous data to be eliminated prior to the calculation of driving resistance.

Abstract: A mudline casing hanger assembly wherein a collet 32 latches 20 to a hanger body 10 and positions rotatably attached fingers 40. These fingers rotate outwardly to fit between load surface 24 and load surface 30 whereby hanger body 12 is carried on hanger body 10 thru compression loading of the fingers 40.

Abstract: A mudline casing hanger assembly with an elliptical support ring 20 which is run at an angle 46, rotated to horizontal 48, and landed 50. A support and flowby sleeve 16 to support the landing ring 20 is cut and inserted into a recess.

Abstract: A mudline casing hanger assembly in which the support collet 16 has the upper end and support segments biased outwardly, with the lower end (34) push down portion biased inwardly. The lower end can be expanded (58) at the support elevation with load applied on a nonlocking shoulder (36).

Abstract: A casing hanger assembly with a collet (16) initially pulled down with latch (26) engaging cage (25). On entry in the casing (52) the push shoulder (44) is engaged and the latch released. The load shoulder (22) is not used for other than its load carrying duty. Engagement is assured by taper (40), and alignment by pins (50, 51).

Abstract: An actuator for converting axial movement into incremental rotation. Axial movement of a plunger provides successive increments of rotary motion of a shaft in a first direction through a predetermined angle, then automatically provides successive increments of rotation of the shaft in a reverse direction. After moving through a predetermined angle in the reverse direction the shaft rotation is again automatically reversed so the shaft rotates in the first direction.

Abstract: A mudline casing hanger assembly wherein the collet (10) is retained on the hanger body (12) during running by tensile coupons (26). The lower portion (32) of the coupon is retained in slot (24) with collet slots (22) and hanger flowby slots (48) being aligned.

Abstract: A control system (10) employable for purposes of effecting the operation of a plurality of actuable devices, which are located at a subsea site, from a position that is remote therefrom. More specifically, the subject control system (10) is particularly suited for employment for purposes of hydraulically effecting the operation of the valves of a subsea christmas tree (30). To this end, the subject control system (10), on the one hand, is connected in fluid flow relation with a surface control center (16) from whence hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure, and, on the other hand, is connected to a subsea sequence valving means (12) which receives the hydraulic fluid under pressure from the surface control center (16) and in turn transmits hydraulic power to the operators (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) of the christmas tree valves to cause the latter to move in accordance with a predetermined operating program (32).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for hydraulically controlling subsea well equipment, such as valve operators, connectors, and other hydraulically actuated devices, with a significantly smaller number of hydraulic pressure source lines from the surface to the subsea location of said well equipment and for providing return signals to indicate the state of operation of said well equipment using the same hydraulic lines. The apparatus includes a plurality of hydraulic AND-gate logic elements and a plurality of hydraulic valves mounted near the well equipment. A pair of hydraulic lines between the hydraulic valves and a surface vessel or other surface facility provides control for the various valve operators, connectors and other hydraulically actuated devices, while a third hydraulic line provides power to operate the various devices. The same pair of control lines can be used to transmit signal information from the various devices on the sea floor to the surface vessel to indicate the operating status of these devices.

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 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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a core at in situ pressure of sedimentary deposits at the bottom of a well bore or body of water. The core barrel has a pressure chamber that is closed and opened by a ball valve actuated from the surface. When in position above the sedimentary deposits to be cored, a sample tube is extended from the pressure chamber into the sedimentary deposits to obtain a core. The sample tube is retracted into the pressure chamber and the valve closed to trap ambient pressure in the chamber. The sample tube and valve are operated from the surface.

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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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.