System and method for termination of an undersea umbilical

Abstract

A termination system comprises a tubular lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member.

Description

BACKGROUND

The disclosures herein relate generally to undersea wells and more particularly to a system and method for termination of an undersea umbilical.

Traditional terminations use a J-plate which includes center locking mechanisms such as drive screws, collet connectors, or tri-locks, located on the J-plate. These locking mechanisms are expensive, complicated, and use up space on the termination that can be better utilized.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and method for terminating an undersea umbilical absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes a tubular lead member defining a passageway, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea umbilical is provided that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical, a terminating end on the umbilical, the terminating end comprising a tubular lead member, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea well system is provided that includes a connector and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway. The umbilical is coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a tubular lead member on the terminating end, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for terminating an umbilical is provided that includes extending at least one tube through the umbilical, protecting the at least one tube in a passageway defined by a tubular lead member, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member, the connection member operable to rotate relative to the tubular lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member, and protecting the at least one tube with the connection member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system is provided that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, extending at least one tube through the umbilical for connecting to the connector, the umbilical comprising a terminating end, the terminating end comprising a lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member upon rotation of the connection member, rotating the connection member to orientate the connection member with the connector, and connecting the at least one tube to the connector through the connection member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes means for providing a passageway, means for connecting the system to a connector rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway, and means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway of the means for providing a passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar, the adapter operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a passageway defined by the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler coupled to the connection member, the at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea umbilical is provided that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical, a terminating end comprising a flexible tubular lead member, the flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, the adapter coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea well system is provided that includes a connector, and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway. The umbilical is coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter on the terminating end, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system is provided that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, providing a terminating end on the umbilical, the umbilical defining a passageway, providing a tubular lead member on the terminating end, situating at least one tube at least partially in the passageway, providing a connection member, the connection member comprising a longitudinal axis, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member along the longitudinal axis, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, lining up the connection member with the connector by rotating the connection member about the longitudinal axis, and connecting the connection member to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes means for connecting the system to a connector comprising a longitudinal axis, means for manipulating the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector, means for providing a passageway coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector along the longitudinal axis, means for limiting bending coupled to the means for providing a passageway, means for coupling the means for providing a passageway to the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for coupling the means for connecting the system to a connector to the means for providing a passageway, means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway, means for providing buoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, the means for providing buoyancy operable to hold the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position, means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway, and means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a termination system including a partial cross sectional view of a plurality of bend limiters.

FIG. 2a is a front view illustrating an embodiment of a plate used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2b is a side cross sectional view, taken along line 2b of FIG. 2a, illustrating an embodiment of a plate used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a connection member used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an overhose and adapter used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5a is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a bend limiter used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5b is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a plurality of bend limiters used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for termination using the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8a is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of FIG. 1 coupled to a vessel by an umbilical.

FIG. 8b is a front cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an umbilical used in the termination system of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for termination using the termination system of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 10a is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of FIG. 8a used with an undersea well system.

FIG. 10b is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of FIG. 8a connected to an undersea well system.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for termination using the termination system of FIGS. 10a and 10b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, and 6 of the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of a termination system 100 is illustrated which includes a plate 102. The plate 102 defines a plurality of longitudinally oriented coupling holes, such as holes 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, and 102e. A plurality of tube couplers, such as couplers 102f, 102g, 102h, 102i, and 102j, are coupled to and extend from a surface 102k on plate 102. The couplers 102f-j include respective system connectors 102l, 102m, 102n, 102o, and 102p on their surfaces. A pair of guide flanges 102q and 102r extend from opposite sides of plate 102 and define guide holes 102s and 102t, respectively. A surface 102u is situated opposite surface 102k on plate 102.

A plurality of connection bars, such as connection bars 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, and 104e, each include an end, such as end 104f on connection bar 104e, which is circumferentially spaced apart from adjacent connection bars 104 and coupled to the surface 102u on plate 102. The plurality of connection bars 104a-e extend from the surface 102u and have a second end, such as end 104g on connection bar 104e, which is circumferentially spaced apart from adjacent connection bars 104 and coupled to a collar 106 on a collar end face 106a. One or more of the connection bars 104a-e may receive one or more tubular buoyancy device, such as buoyancy device 104h on bar 104a.

The collar 106 defines a passageway 106b running longitudinally through the collar 106, and includes a rotational coupling inner wall 106c situated adjacent the passageway 106b and along the length of collar 106. A handle 106d is coupled to and extends radially from an upper portion of the collar 106.

An adapter 108 may be coupled to the collar 106 through the coupling of a rotational coupling outer wall 108a on adapter 108 with the rotational coupling inner wall 106c on collar 106. Coupling the adapter 108 to the collar 106 allows for relative rotation between the adapter 108 and the collar 106. The adapter 108 defines a passageway 108b running the length of adapter 108, and includes an overhose coupling inner wall 108c situated adjacent the passageway 108c and along the length of adapter 108. A plurality of adapter flanges 108d and 108e are coupled to and extend radially from the adapter 108 about the circumference of adapter 108.

A tubular overhose 110 is received within and coupled to the adapter 108. Tubular overhose 110 defines a passageway 110a running the length of tubular overhose 110. An outer coupling surface 110b is including on tubular overhose 110 for coupling the tubular overhose 110 to the overhose coupling inner wall 108c on adapter 108.

A plurality of bend limiters 112 are coupled to the overhose 110. Each bend limiter 112 includes a plurality of bend limiter portions 112a and 112b which couple together to define a longitudinal passageway 112c that receives overhose 110. Each bend limiter portion 112a and 112b includes an internal annular groove 112d at one end and an external flange 112e at the other end. A plurality of bend limiters such as bend limiters 112f and 112g may couple to each other by situating the external flange 112fe on bend limiter 112f in the internal annular groove 112gd of bend limiter 112g. Additional bend limiters 112h and 112i may be coupled to bend limiters 112f and 112g in a similar manner in extend the longitudinal passageway 112c for receiving overhose 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of adapter flanges 108d and 108e are situated in the internal annular groove 112d of a bend limiter 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the bend limiters 112 are made of a buoyant material.

A plurality of tubes 114, such as tubes 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, and 114e, may extend through passageway 110a defined by overhose 110, passageway 108a defined by adapter 108, passageway 106b defined by collar 106, and be coupled to couplers 102f-j through holes 102a-e defined by plate 102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bend limiters 112 are provided substantially as described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/841593, attorney docket #30383.6, filed on May 7, 2004, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plate 102, bars 104, and collar 106 provide a connection member 116 for protecting the plurality of tubes 114, rotating relative to the overhose 110, and connecting the system to a connector. Connection member 116 includes a longitudinal axis 116a. In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 108, overhose 110, and bend limiters 112 provide a tubular lead member 118 for protecting the plurality of tubes 114 and rotating relative to the connection member 116.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, and 7, a method 200 for termination is implemented using the system 100 in which, in step 202, the plurality of tubes 114 are extended through the tubular lead member 118 by way of the passageway 110a defined by tubular overhose 110. Once the tubes 114 are extended through the passageway 110a, at step 204, the tubes 114 are then extended through the passageway 108a defined by adapter 108, passageway 106b defined by collar 106, and through the holes 102a-e on plate 102 where they are coupled to the couplers 102f-j on connection member 116. With the tubes 114 coupled to the couplers 102j, at step 206, the collar 106 on connection member 116 is rotatably coupled to the adapter 108 on tubular lead member 118. With the collar 106 rotatably coupled to the adapter 108, the connection member 116 may rotate about the longitudinal axis 116a. With the tubes 114 coupled to the couplers 102f-j on connection member 116, when the connection member 116 rotates, the tubes 114 rotate in the passageway 110a of overhose 110, while the tubular lead member 118 may remain stationary. Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device 104h, are provided on bars 104 that are connected to the upper portion of surface 102u on plate 102 such that when the system 100 is submerged in water, the connection member 116 will be held substantially in a predetermined position, such as position A illustrated in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tubes 114 include a means for transmission of a fluid, gas, electricity, or information. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tubes 114 may, for example, include coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, a variety of other information conducting cables, pipelines, hoses, and an variety of other transmission means.

Referring now to FIG. 8a and 8b, an alternative embodiment of a termination system 300 is substantially identical in design and operation to the termination system 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7 with the addition of a vessel 302 and a tubular umbilical 304, a portion of which replaces the overhose 110 of system 100, coupling the termination system 300 to the vessel 302. The tubular umbilical 304 defines a passageway 304a which allows tubes 114 to extend through tubular umbilical 304 and includes an outer coupling surface 304b for coupling the tubular umbilical 304 to the overhose coupling inner wall 108c on adapter 108. The plurality of bend limiters 112 may be coupled to an end of the umbilical 304.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 300, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 8a, 8b, and 9, a method 400 for terminating an umbilical is implemented using the system 300 in which, in step 402, the plurality of tubes 114 are situated in and extended through the passageway 304a defined by umbilical 304. Once the tubes 114 are extended through the passageway 304a defined by umbilical 304, at step 404, the tubes 114 are then extended through the passageway 108a defined by adapter 108, passageway 106b defined by collar 106, and through the holes 102a-e on plate 102 where they are coupled to the couplers 102f-j on connection member 116. With the tubes 114 coupled to the couplers 102f-j, at step 406, the collar 106 on connection member 116 is rotatably coupled to the adapter 108 on tubular lead member 118. With the collar 106 rotatably coupled to the adapter 108, the connection member 116 may rotate about the longitudinal axis 116a. With the tubes 114 coupled to the couplers 102f-j on connection member 116, when the connection member 116 rotates, the tubes 114 rotate in the umbilical 304, while the tubular lead member 118 and umbilical 304 may remain stationary. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 300 may then be situated beneath a body of water 306 while being coupled to the vessel 302. Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device 104h, are provided on bars 104 that are connected to the upper portion of surface 102u on plate 102 such that when the system 100 is submerged in water, the connection member 116 will be held substantially in a predetermined position, such as position A illustrated in FIG. 8a.

Referring now to FIG. 10a and 10b, an alternative embodiment of a termination system 500 is substantially identical in design and operation to the termination system 300 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-9 with the addition of an undersea well system 502 with a connector 502a on a surface 502b of undersea well system 502. Connector 502a includes a plurality of connections 502aa, corresponding to couplers 102f-j on connection member 116, which provide contacts for connections 102l-p on couplers 102f-j.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 500, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 8a, 8b, 10, and 11, a method 600 for termination is implemented using the system 500 in which, in step 602, the plurality of tubes 114 are situated in and extended through the passageway 304a defined by umbilical 304. Once the tubes 114 are extended through the passageway 304a defined by umbilical 304, at step 604, the tubes 114 are then extended through the passageway 108a defined by adapter 108, passageway 106b defined by collar 106, and through the holes 102a-e on plate 102 where they are coupled to the couplers 102f-j on connection member 116. With the tubes 114 coupled to the couplers 102f-j, at step 606, the collar 106 on connection member 116 is rotatably coupled to the adapter 108 on tubular lead member 118. With the collar 106 rotatably coupled to the adapter 108, the connection member 116 may rotate about the longitudinal axis 116a. With the tubes 114 coupled to the couplers 102f-j on connection member 116, when the connection member 116 rotates, the tubes 114 rotate in the umbilical 304, while the tubular lead member 118 and umbilical 304 may remain stationary. When the connection member 116 is lined up with the connections 502aa on connector 502a, in step 610, the connection member 116 is connected to the connector 502a. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 300 may then be situated beneath a body of water 306 while being coupled to the vessel 302, and the connection to the undersea well system 502 may transmit information from undersea well system 502, through tubes 114, and up to vessel 302. Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device 104h, are provided on bars 104 that are connected to the upper portion of surface 102u on plate 102 such that when the system 100 is submerged in water, the connection member 116 will be held substantially in a predetermined position, such as position A illustrated in FIG. 10a which substantially lines up connection member 116 to connect with connector 502a.

A termination system has been described that includes a tubular lead member defining a passageway, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.

An undersea umbilical has been described that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical, a terminating end on the umbilical, the terminating end comprising a tubular lead member, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.

An undersea well system has been described that includes a connector, and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, the umbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a tubular lead member on the terminating end, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.

A method for terminating an umbilical has been described that includes extending at least one tube through the umbilical, protecting the at least one tube in a passageway defined by a tubular lead member, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member, the connection member operable to rotate relative to the tubular lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member, and protecting the at least one tube with the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatably coupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system has been described that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, extending at least one tube through the umbilical for connecting to the connector, the umbilical comprising a terminating end, the terminating end comprising a lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member upon rotation of the connection member, rotating the connection member to orientate the connection member with the connector, and connecting the at least one tube to the connector through the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatably coupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

A termination system has been described that includes means for providing a passageway, means for connecting the system to a connector rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway, and means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway of the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for limiting bending of the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for limiting bending of the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for providing buoyancy. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for rotatably coupling to the means for connecting the system to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for rigidly coupling comprises a means for holding the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rotating the means for connecting the system to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector is rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the means for providing a passageway.

A termination system been described that includes a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar, the adapter operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a passageway defined by the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler coupled to the connection member, the at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

An undersea umbilical been described that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical a terminating end comprising a flexible tubular lead member, the flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, the adapter coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

An undersea well system been described that includes a connector, and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, the umbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter on the terminating end, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system been described that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, providing a terminating end on the umbilical, the umbilical defining a passageway, providing a tubular lead member on the terminating end, situating at least one tube at least partially in the passageway, providing a connection member, the connection member comprising a longitudinal axis, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member along the longitudinal axis, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, lining up the connection member with the connector by rotating the connection member about the longitudinal axis, and connecting the connection member to the connector.

A termination system been described that includes means for connecting the system to a connector comprising a longitudinal axis, means for manipulating the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector, means for providing a passageway coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector along the longitudinal axis, means for limiting bending coupled to the means for providing a passageway, means for coupling the means for providing a passageway to the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for coupling the means for connecting the system to a connector to the means for providing a passageway, means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway, means for providing buoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, the means for providing buoyancy operable to hold the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position, means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway, and means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part some or all of the illustrated embodiments.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A termination system comprising:

a tubular lead member defining a passageway;

a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member; and

at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.

13. An undersea umbilical comprising:

a passageway defined by the umbilical;

a terminating end on the umbilical, the terminating end comprising a tubular lead member;

a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member; and

at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.

14. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters.

15. The umbilical of claim 14 wherein the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant.

16. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member.

17. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member.

18. The umbilical of claim 17 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar.

19. The umbilical of claim 18 wherein at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position.

20. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member.

21. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector.

22. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector.

23. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis.

24. The umbilical of claim 23 wherein the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.

25. An undersea well system comprising:

a connector; and

an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, the umbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising: a tubular lead member on the terminating end; a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member; and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.

26. The well system of claim 25 wherein the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters.

27. The well system of claim 26 wherein the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant.

28. The well system of claim 25 wherein the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member.

29. The well system of claim 25 wherein the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member.

30. The well system of claim 29 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar.

31. The well system of claim 30 wherein at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position.

32. The well system of claim 25 wherein the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member.

33. The well system of claim 25 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector.

34. The well system of claim 25 wherein the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

35. The well system of claim 25 wherein the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis.

36. The well system of claim 35 wherein the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.

37. A method for terminating an umbilical comprising:

extending at least one tube through the umbilical;

protecting the at least one tube in a passageway defined by a tubular lead member;

rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member, the connection member operable to rotate relative to the tubular lead member;

coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member; and

protecting the at least one tube with the connection member.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein the rotatably coupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

39. A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system comprising:

providing a connector on the undersea well system;

extending at least one tube through the umbilical for connecting to the connector, the umbilical comprising a terminating end, the terminating end comprising a lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the lead member;

coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member upon rotation of the connection member;

rotating the connection member to orientate the connection member with the connector; and

connecting the at least one tube to the connector through the connection member.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the rotatably coupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

41. A termination system comprising:

means for providing a passageway;

means for connecting the system to a connector rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway; and

means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway of the means for providing a passageway.

42. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for limiting bending of the means for providing a passageway.

43. The system of claim 42 wherein the means for limiting bending of the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for providing buoyancy.

44. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for rotatably coupling to the means for connecting the system to a connector.

45. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway.

46. The system of claim 45 wherein the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein the means for rigidly coupling comprises a means for holding the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position.

48. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rotating the means for connecting the system to a connector.

49. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector.

50. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector.

51. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connecting the system to a connector is rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway along a longitudinal axis.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein the means for connecting the system to a connector is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the means for providing a passageway.

53. A termination system comprising:

a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis;

a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar;

a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position;

a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector;

a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar, the adapter operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member;

a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member;

a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member;

a passageway defined by the flexible tubular lead member;

at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway; and

at least one coupler coupled to the connection member, the at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

54. An undersea umbilical comprising:

a passageway defined by the umbilical;

a terminating end comprising a flexible tubular lead member, the flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter;

a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member;

a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, the adapter coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member;

a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar;

a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position;

a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member;

a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector;

at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway; and

at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

55. An undersea well system comprising:

a connector; and

an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, the umbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising: a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis; a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar; a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position; a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector; a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter on the terminating end, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member; a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member; a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member; at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway; and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

56. A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system comprising:

providing a connector on the undersea well system;

providing a terminating end on the umbilical, the umbilical defining a passageway;

providing a tubular lead member on the terminating end;

situating at least one tube at least partially in the passageway;

providing a connection member, the connection member comprising a longitudinal axis;

rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member along the longitudinal axis, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis; and

coupling the at least one tube to the connection member;

lining up the connection member with the connector by rotating the connection member about the longitudinal axis;

connecting the connection member to the connector.

57. A termination system comprising:

means for connecting the system to a connector comprising a longitudinal axis;

means for manipulating the means for connecting the system to a connector;

means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector;

means for providing a passageway coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector along the longitudinal axis;

means for limiting bending coupled to the means for providing a passageway;

means for coupling the means for providing a passageway to the means for connecting the system to a connector;

means for coupling the means for connecting the system to a connector to the means for providing a passageway;

means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway;

means for providing buoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, the means for providing buoyancy operable to hold the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position;

means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway; and

means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector.