Abstract: A subsea hydraulic control module that is totally enclosed such that the hydraulic fluid does not contact the seawater. The majority of the power for the module comes from the hydrostatic pressure of the sea itself. Two oil-over-seawater actuators each have an internal piston that separates the oil from the seawater. Each actuator is provided with two solenoid valves that control the flow of seawater. A fluid line and one solenoid valve on the seawater side of each actuator is in fluid communication with a seawater recovery reservoir. These two valves are also in fluid communication with each other through a common fluid line to the seawater reservoir. The remaining solenoid valve on the seawater side of each actuator may be selectively opened or closed to the ambient seawater. A hydraulic line on the oil side of each actuator is in fluid communication with the equipment to be controlled.

Abstract: A riser guide and support mechanism for a floating vessel, and particularly a spar type structure, where the buoyancy can stem extends nearly the entire length of the floating vessel. A riser centralizing element is provided on the riser near the lower end of the buoyancy guide stem. Riser bend limiting elements are positioned on the riser so as to extend above and below the riser centralizing element. Since the buoyancy cans and buoyancy can stem are not required to rotate relative to the stem guides on the floating vessel, the stem guides can be formed from pipe sections that provide a much larger bearing area than is customary.