EP2038168A1 - Subsea connector - Google Patents

Subsea connector

Info

Publication number
EP2038168A1
EP2038168A1 EP07768939A EP07768939A EP2038168A1 EP 2038168 A1 EP2038168 A1 EP 2038168A1 EP 07768939 A EP07768939 A EP 07768939A EP 07768939 A EP07768939 A EP 07768939A EP 2038168 A1 EP2038168 A1 EP 2038168A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
subsea
locking collar
subsea connector
locking
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07768939A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2038168A4 (en
Inventor
Vidar Berg Pedersen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Advanced Production and Loading AS
Original Assignee
Advanced Production and Loading AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Advanced Production and Loading AS filed Critical Advanced Production and Loading AS
Publication of EP2038168A1 publication Critical patent/EP2038168A1/en
Publication of EP2038168A4 publication Critical patent/EP2038168A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/20—Adaptations of chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like, or of parts thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
    • F16G11/00—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B2021/003—Mooring or anchoring equipment, not otherwise provided for
    • B63B2021/007—Remotely controlled subsea assistance tools, or related methods for handling of anchors or mooring lines, e.g. using remotely operated underwater vehicles for connecting mooring lines to anchors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a subsea connector. More specifically, the present invention relates to a subsea connector for subsea coupling of a mooringline at a limited tension in the mooringline.
  • a turret-anchored vessel such as an FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading) vessel
  • the vessel can lay anchored simply by connecting to the submerged turret loading (STL) or submerged turret production (STP) buoy.
  • All mooringlines are arranged from the turret to the seabed, allowing the vessel to lies anchored and weathervane freely, while loading or producing, as risers and control cables are rotatably arranged through the STL/STP buoy.
  • the final connection of STL/STP mooringlines has typically been carried out by means of a purpose-made connection frame located on the side or stern of a dynamically positioned anchor- . handling vessel.
  • the demand is met with the present invention providing a subsea connector for subsea coupling of a mooringline, distinguished in that the connector comprises a male connector part, a female connector part and at least one locking collar.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a subsea connector according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates a subsea connector according to the present invention
  • Figure 3 illustrates longitudinal sections and cross-sections of a subsea connector according to the present invention. Detailed description
  • FIG 1 illustrating a subsea connector according to the present invention, comprising a male connector part 1, a female connector part 2 and one locking collar 3.
  • the male part 1 is brought into the opening of the female part 2, then the locking collar 3 is brought down into locking effect in a groove in the male part 1, thereby locking the movement between the male part 1 and the female part 2 into a fixed position.
  • at least one stud bolt or similar is arranged with the subsea connector, for securing the connector as mated.
  • 4 stud bolts are arranged for securing the connector as mated.
  • the locking collar consists of two half shell locking collars.
  • FIG 2 illustrating a subsea connector according to the present invention in some further detail.
  • a winch 4 is fitted to the female connector part.
  • One end of a mooringline part is fastened to the female connector part, preferably a lower end 5 of an upper mooringline part, which end 5 preferably is permanently fastened to the female connector part.
  • the upper end of the upper mooringline part is fastened to a STL/STP-buoy.
  • the male connector part 1 will for operation preferably be fastened to an upper end of a lower mooringline part.
  • a pulling-line or pulling- wire is arranged from the winch 4 through the opening in the female connector part 2 and fastened to the male connector part in a pulling lug 7.
  • the subsea connector is mated by operating the winch 4 to pull the male part 1 into the female part 2 and securing the coupling by bringing the locking collar into a safe lock position.
  • Typical dimensions in mm for a subsea connector for operation at a very limited tension of typically 10-20 metrical tons are given.
  • the dimensions of the subsea connector can be scaled up or down according to demand, and the exact design can be amended, provided that the distinguishing features are maintained.
  • a typical mooringline with a subsea connector according to the present invention included, will comprise, from the seabed to the buoy, an anchor, an anchor shackle, an anchor chain, a joining shackle, a lower wire segment, a joining shackle, an upper chain segment, a joining shackle, a male connector part 1 fastened to said joining shackle, a female connector part 2, an upper wire segment preferably permanently fastened to the female connector part, and a connecting link to the turret buoy.
  • the subsea connector is typically installed close to the mooringline touchdown point to the seabed, as this will provide the lowest connection forces.
  • the male part will be terminated to the chain segment through a standard joining shackle.
  • the female connector part will be terminated directly into the wire segment as a standard socket termination.
  • the male and female connector parts will be locked together by two locking collar half shells.
  • the locking collar half shells are secured in position by 4 stud bolts.
  • the stud bolts do not receive any part of the mooringline load, they are merely to secure the safe locking of the connector.
  • An installation tool-package will in general be required to mate and operate the connector.
  • the tool-package is preferably a standard package that can be used for all mooringlines and any project.
  • the tool-package comprises equipment as listed in Table 1 below. Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 form an integrated subsea tool-package that is installed on the female connector, prior to over-boarding the lower end of the upper mooring part from the installation vessel, while items 6, 7, 8 and 9 remain on the deck of the installation vessel.
  • connection preferably takes place close to the seabed. To this end it is preferable to reduce the net buoyancy of the STP/STL buoy.
  • the buoy is preferably furnished with an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operated ballasting system.
  • ROV Remote Operated Vehicle
  • the subsea connector of the present invention allows subsea connection with low tension in mooringlines, typically 10-20 metrical tons. Further, no personnel has to work with wires under very high tension, no diver assistance is required and the operation is less weather dependent than conventional connection methods. For example, a sea state level of 3 m is acceptable, compared to a sea state level of maximum 1,5 m with a conventional connection frame. Additionally, there is a significantly reduced risk for damage to mooringlines.
  • the subsea connector of the present invention can be installed using a standard anchor handler vessel, without need for dynamic positioning. No mooringline connection frame will be required, and no heavy lift carnage/A-frame will be required, only a crane handling a safe working load of 20 metrical tons for over-boarding of the female connector. This is expected to reduce the cost and time spent for connecting mooringlines significantly.
  • the operation can be supported by an ROV, allowing for connecting the pulling wires and disconnecting the pulling wire after mating the connector, as well as disconnecting the winch housing from the female part after mating the connector.
  • the winch housing can include an electro hydraulic system providing functions for each operation of the mating procedure. However, many variations are possible.
  • the locking collar is spring pre-tensioned, with a spring pushing the locking collar towards the locked position, said locking collar being held open in an unlocked position by a spring pre-tensioned separate locking bolt, which locking bolt is pulled back to a releasing position by a lever or collar mechanism being pushed to said releasing position when the male part is mated fully into the female part, thereby allowing the locking collar to lock into place by spring action.
  • the stud bolts can be pre-tensioned against the locking collars, said stud bolts being pushed out in an open position for the locking collar when the locking collar is open, but once the locking collar is fully inserted in place, said stud bolts lock into a groove in the locking collar, effected by a spring action arranged with the stud bolts.
  • the hydraulic system can include functions to disconnect the winch and the pulling-wire from the male part after mating the connector.
  • the subsea connector is preferably and easiest mated with support from an ROV, but can be designed for mating without any assistance from an ROV if the mooringline parts have been preliminarily connected or if the tool-package as fitted to the female part is provided with equipment for making the initial connection between the male and female connector parts. Which part of the male or female connector part shall be fastened to the bottom part of the mooringline is interchangeable.

Abstract

Subsea connector for subsea coupling of a mooringline, distinguished in that the connector comprises a male connector part (1), a female connector part (2) , and at least one locking collar (3).

Description

Subsea connector
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a subsea connector. More specifically, the present invention relates to a subsea connector for subsea coupling of a mooringline at a limited tension in the mooringline.
Background of the invention and prior art
For a turret-anchored vessel, such as an FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading) vessel, the vessel can lay anchored simply by connecting to the submerged turret loading (STL) or submerged turret production (STP) buoy. All mooringlines are arranged from the turret to the seabed, allowing the vessel to lies anchored and weathervane freely, while loading or producing, as risers and control cables are rotatably arranged through the STL/STP buoy. The final connection of STL/STP mooringlines has typically been carried out by means of a purpose-made connection frame located on the side or stern of a dynamically positioned anchor- . handling vessel. The final connection involves work with wires under very high 0 tension, up to several hundreds metrical tons, with high risk for the involved personnel. A demand exists for a subsea connector allowing for reduced risk for personnel involved with the final connection of STL/STP-buoys, allowing for connection at increased sea state level, and without dynamically positioning of the installation vessel. s Summary of the invention
The demand is met with the present invention providing a subsea connector for subsea coupling of a mooringline, distinguished in that the connector comprises a male connector part, a female connector part and at least one locking collar.
Preferable embodiments of the subsea connector of the present invention are0 defined by dependent claims and are apparent from the detailed description.
Drawings
The present invention is illustrated with drawings of which: Figure 1 illustrates a subsea connector according to the present invention,5 Figure 2 illustrates a subsea connector according to the present invention, and
Figure 3 illustrates longitudinal sections and cross-sections of a subsea connector according to the present invention. Detailed description
Reference is made to figure 1, illustrating a subsea connector according to the present invention, comprising a male connector part 1, a female connector part 2 and one locking collar 3. When mating the subsea connector, the male part 1 is brought into the opening of the female part 2, then the locking collar 3 is brought down into locking effect in a groove in the male part 1, thereby locking the movement between the male part 1 and the female part 2 into a fixed position. Preferably, at least one stud bolt or similar is arranged with the subsea connector, for securing the connector as mated. Most preferably, 4 stud bolts are arranged for securing the connector as mated. In one embodiment, the locking collar consists of two half shell locking collars.
Reference is made to figure 2, illustrating a subsea connector according to the present invention in some further detail. In addition to that which is illustrated in figure 1, a winch 4 is fitted to the female connector part. One end of a mooringline part is fastened to the female connector part, preferably a lower end 5 of an upper mooringline part, which end 5 preferably is permanently fastened to the female connector part. The upper end of the upper mooringline part is fastened to a STL/STP-buoy. The male connector part 1 will for operation preferably be fastened to an upper end of a lower mooringline part. For mating of the subsea connector, a pulling-line or pulling- wire is arranged from the winch 4 through the opening in the female connector part 2 and fastened to the male connector part in a pulling lug 7. The subsea connector is mated by operating the winch 4 to pull the male part 1 into the female part 2 and securing the coupling by bringing the locking collar into a safe lock position..
Referring to figure 3, two longitudinal sections and three cross-sections of the subsea connector are illustrated. Typical dimensions in mm for a subsea connector for operation at a very limited tension of typically 10-20 metrical tons are given. The dimensions of the subsea connector can be scaled up or down according to demand, and the exact design can be amended, provided that the distinguishing features are maintained.
A typical mooringline, with a subsea connector according to the present invention included, will comprise, from the seabed to the buoy, an anchor, an anchor shackle, an anchor chain, a joining shackle, a lower wire segment, a joining shackle, an upper chain segment, a joining shackle, a male connector part 1 fastened to said joining shackle, a female connector part 2, an upper wire segment preferably permanently fastened to the female connector part, and a connecting link to the turret buoy. The subsea connector is typically installed close to the mooringline touchdown point to the seabed, as this will provide the lowest connection forces. Typically, the male part will be terminated to the chain segment through a standard joining shackle. Typically, the female connector part will be terminated directly into the wire segment as a standard socket termination. Typically, the male and female connector parts will be locked together by two locking collar half shells. Typically, the locking collar half shells are secured in position by 4 stud bolts. However, the stud bolts do not receive any part of the mooringline load, they are merely to secure the safe locking of the connector.
An installation tool-package will in general be required to mate and operate the connector. The tool-package is preferably a standard package that can be used for all mooringlines and any project. The tool-package comprises equipment as listed in Table 1 below. Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 form an integrated subsea tool-package that is installed on the female connector, prior to over-boarding the lower end of the upper mooring part from the installation vessel, while items 6, 7, 8 and 9 remain on the deck of the installation vessel.
Table 1 : Installation tool package items
To minimize the forces in the mooringline during final connection, the connection preferably takes place close to the seabed. To this end it is preferable to reduce the net buoyancy of the STP/STL buoy. The buoy is preferably furnished with an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operated ballasting system. The subsea connector of the present invention allows subsea connection with low tension in mooringlines, typically 10-20 metrical tons. Further, no personnel has to work with wires under very high tension, no diver assistance is required and the operation is less weather dependent than conventional connection methods. For example, a sea state level of 3 m is acceptable, compared to a sea state level of maximum 1,5 m with a conventional connection frame. Additionally, there is a significantly reduced risk for damage to mooringlines.
The subsea connector of the present invention can be installed using a standard anchor handler vessel, without need for dynamic positioning. No mooringline connection frame will be required, and no heavy lift carnage/A-frame will be required, only a crane handling a safe working load of 20 metrical tons for over-boarding of the female connector. This is expected to reduce the cost and time spent for connecting mooringlines significantly. The operation can be supported by an ROV, allowing for connecting the pulling wires and disconnecting the pulling wire after mating the connector, as well as disconnecting the winch housing from the female part after mating the connector. The winch housing can include an electro hydraulic system providing functions for each operation of the mating procedure. However, many variations are possible. In one embodiment the locking collar is spring pre-tensioned, with a spring pushing the locking collar towards the locked position, said locking collar being held open in an unlocked position by a spring pre-tensioned separate locking bolt, which locking bolt is pulled back to a releasing position by a lever or collar mechanism being pushed to said releasing position when the male part is mated fully into the female part, thereby allowing the locking collar to lock into place by spring action. Similarly, the stud bolts can be pre-tensioned against the locking collars, said stud bolts being pushed out in an open position for the locking collar when the locking collar is open, but once the locking collar is fully inserted in place, said stud bolts lock into a groove in the locking collar, effected by a spring action arranged with the stud bolts. Further, the hydraulic system can include functions to disconnect the winch and the pulling-wire from the male part after mating the connector. The subsea connector is preferably and easiest mated with support from an ROV, but can be designed for mating without any assistance from an ROV if the mooringline parts have been preliminarily connected or if the tool-package as fitted to the female part is provided with equipment for making the initial connection between the male and female connector parts. Which part of the male or female connector part shall be fastened to the bottom part of the mooringline is interchangeable.

Claims

Claims
1. Subsea connector for subsea coupling of a mooringline, characterized in that the connector comprises: A male connector part (1) A female connector part (2) , and At least one locking collar (3).
2. Subsea connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one stud bolt for securing the connector as mated.
3. Subsea connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two locking collar half shells.
4. Subsea connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises 4 stud bolts for securing the connector as mated.
5. Subsea connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a winch (4) fitted to the female part, with a winch line that can be brought through the opening of the female part and to the male part for fastening to the male part and pulling the male part into the female part.
6. Subsea connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a spring pre-tensioning the locking collar.
7. Subsea connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a spring for each stud bolt, pre-tensioning stud bolts for securing the connector as mated.
8. Subsea connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking collar is released for locking down by the male part acting on a spring-loaded locking bolt, pushing the spring loaded locking bolt into an open position, for movement by separate spring action of the locking collar into a lower locked position, said movement of the locking collar is effected by a spring mechanism pushing the locking collar downwards into a locked position.
EP07768939A 2006-06-27 2007-06-27 Subsea connector Withdrawn EP2038168A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20062991 2006-06-27
PCT/NO2007/000237 WO2008002151A1 (en) 2006-06-27 2007-06-27 Subsea connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2038168A1 true EP2038168A1 (en) 2009-03-25
EP2038168A4 EP2038168A4 (en) 2012-12-26

Family

ID=38845829

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07768939A Withdrawn EP2038168A4 (en) 2006-06-27 2007-06-27 Subsea connector

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2038168A4 (en)
WO (1) WO2008002151A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2959476A1 (en) 2010-05-03 2011-11-04 Techlam SUBMARINE CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING A PETROLEUM SYSTEM WITH AN ANTI-DISCONNECT DEVICE
GB2512312B (en) 2013-03-25 2015-04-29 Ftl Subsea Ltd Subsea connector comprising male and female portions

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2033463A (en) * 1978-10-07 1980-05-21 Fmc Corp Method and apparatus for releasably connecting together two objects
US4451170A (en) * 1980-10-01 1984-05-29 Armco Inc. Apparatus for connecting a tension member to an under-water anchoring base

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4459931A (en) * 1978-10-07 1984-07-17 Fmc Corporation Method and apparatus for tension setting and compression releasing tubular connectors
GB2069082B (en) * 1980-02-11 1983-10-05 Brown John Constr Connector assembly
FR2660390B1 (en) * 1990-03-30 1995-09-01 Coflexip DEVICE FOR THE ABANDONMENT AND RECOVERY OF A HEAVY LOAD ON THE SEA.
NO311686B1 (en) * 1998-08-13 2002-01-07 Kvaerner Oilfield Prod As Connector designed for use on tensioning platform
FR2791316B1 (en) * 1999-03-26 2001-06-08 Techlam DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A TUBULAR STRUCTURE TO AN UNDERWATER ANCHOR
WO2001032501A1 (en) * 1999-11-01 2001-05-10 Offshore Energy Development Corporation Subsea anchor line connection method and connector for use therein
GB0129239D0 (en) * 2001-12-06 2002-01-23 Wilson Andrew Mooring systems
SE0402552D0 (en) * 2004-10-22 2004-10-22 Moorlink Ab Anchoring device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2033463A (en) * 1978-10-07 1980-05-21 Fmc Corp Method and apparatus for releasably connecting together two objects
US4451170A (en) * 1980-10-01 1984-05-29 Armco Inc. Apparatus for connecting a tension member to an under-water anchoring base

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2008002151A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2038168A4 (en) 2012-12-26
WO2008002151A1 (en) 2008-01-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN103781698B (en) Anchor cable tensioning method
US6457908B1 (en) Method and apparatus for suction anchor and mooring deployment and connection
US8651040B2 (en) Disconnectable mooring system and method for disconnecting or reconnecting it
US5007482A (en) Offshore oil production system
US8757077B2 (en) Spar mooring line sharing method and system
US9879708B2 (en) Disconnectable subsea connector
KR20150020179A (en) In­line mechanical disconnect device
EP2800685B1 (en) Preloaded mooring connector
US7117812B2 (en) Apparatus and method for gravity anchor installation
EP2148807B1 (en) Methods of and apparatus for mooring and for connecting lines to articles on the seabed
US11198490B2 (en) Disconnectable spread mooring and riser tower system and method
CN113939447A (en) Separable tower type fork arm mooring system and using method thereof
US20130071207A1 (en) Quick release system for topsides float-over installation on offshore platforms
EP2038168A1 (en) Subsea connector
CN113924247A (en) Separable tower type fork arm mooring system and using method thereof
AU743420B2 (en) Method and apparatus for suction anchor and mooring deployment and connection
EP2490931B1 (en) Method for disconnecting a buoy from a vessel and device for use therewith
US20190359291A1 (en) Improved underwater connector
WO2023239244A1 (en) A method for triple tensioning of a mooring system with anchors on a seabed
USH1372H (en) Method for mating floating sections of an offshore structure
GB2500904A (en) Device for connection of a mooring line to a floating structure
MXPA05009214A (en) Method of installation of a tension leg platform

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090127

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20121108

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B66C 1/66 20060101ALI20121102BHEP

Ipc: B63B 21/20 20060101AFI20121102BHEP

Ipc: B63B 21/50 20060101ALI20121102BHEP

RA4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched (corrected)

Effective date: 20121127

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20130628