GB948323A - Improvements in or relating to wellhead equipment and remotely-controlled coupling systems for conduits - Google Patents

Abstract

948,323. Pipe joints. SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ N.V. Aug. 23, 1960 [Aug. 25, 1959], No. 29116/60. Heading F2G. An hydraulically actuated underwater wellhead pipeline coupling unit comprises first and second mating members 41, 40, Fig. 3, a sleeve 85 carried by a tubular member 61 so as to form an annular piston chamber 72 in which annular piston means 67 is telescopically extendible beyond the end of the tubular member 61 to engage the first member 41, sealing means 116 being provided, and a conduit 75 through which fluid under pressure can be applied selectively to the piston means to connect and disconnect the coupling. Fluid under pressure passes through conduits 75, 88 to move tandem pistons 67, 81 to the right until sealing rings 116 and 120 engage respectively the recess 74 and the outer surface of the first member 41. The end face of the first member 41 engages a valve 106, Fig. 4, to admit fluid via conduits 105, 108, 104, into chamber 102 to move a piston 91 to the left. To disengage the coupling pressure fluid is applied through conduits 56, 78, port 115, passageways 70, 114, 113 to move the piston 91 to the right and a locking head 101 out of engagement with dogs 93 so that a face 95 retracts the dog 93 into the position shown in Fig. 3. When the piston 91 is at the end of its travel, the conduit 110 is aligned with the conduit 111 and fluid from chamber 90 flows through conduits 110, 111, 112, 76 and port 77 into chamber 72 to move the piston 67 to the left. Specifications 924,904, 934,216 and 948,322 are referred to.