NO750545L - - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the completion of boreholes on the seabed for the transfer of fluid from the borehole to the surface.

US Patent No. 3,721,294 discloses a subsea pipe connection device for connecting an oil pipe assembly on a seabed wellbore to a flow line that has been laid from a storage location down to the oil well. One of the purposes of the connector apparatus of US Patent No. 3,721,294 is to enable the use of a standard less expensive guide construction having guide lines extending upward from the wellbore to the vessel operating on the sea surface.

The device according to US patent no. 3-721,294 including

there is a pulling device having two funnels through which a wire passes which is in connection with the surface vessel and the bearing flow line so that the flow line can be stretched for alignment for connection with the oil pipe assembly.

It is a purpose of the present invention to

provide a new and improved device for selectively forming a fluid connection to a borehole drilled on the seabed,"

where a bearing flow line is precisely positioned for alignment with an oil pipe assembly by a combination of wire arrangement. and hydraulic devices, which are controlled from the surface. The device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a guide structure for the borehole for mounting on

a borehole so that the guiding structure for the borehole includes

there are guide lines that extend upwards to the surface. An oil pipe assembly or network that controls fluid flow

but from the borehole is placed on the borehole guide structure to control the flow of borehole fluid outward from the borehole. A stock flow line is laid from a lay-

barge to a position close to the borehole and positioning wire attached to the bearing flow line is lowered along the guide lines to the borehole. The positioning wire aligner is provided with means to move the bearing flow line to a position of partial alignment with respect to the oil tube assembly. Hydraulic power equipment is provided, which can be remotely controlled from the surface, to make contact with and to move the bearing flow line from the position of partial alignment to a position of substantially complete alignment with the oil tube assembly so that a sealed fluid connection is formed between the the two flow lines.

The subsea connection apparatus according to the present invention further includes a flow line pulling device and this device includes means for pulling an alignment unit from the surface to the wellbore, and this unit is adapted to receive the flow line from the oil pipe saw rig and the bearing flow line in axial alignment for connection. The draw device for current hanging lines further includes a hopper assembly having a wire passing through the hopper assembly and attached to the bearing flow line whereby the position of the flow line is controlled by movement of the wire, which is controlled at the surface. The funnel assembly works with the wire to move the bearing flow line to a position in partial alignment with the oil tube assembly. Then the remote power device attaches to the stock flow line and moves the stock flow line to a locked position in the hopper assembly so that the flow line is movable with the hopper assembly. The funnel assembly is rotated downward with the bearing flow line attached to the funnel assembly to a position where the bearing flow line is fully axially aligned with the flow line of the oil tube assembly.

Connection means are provided to form a sealed fluid connection between the fully aligned flow line of the oil tube assembly and the bearing flow line. Prior to the joining of the two flow lines, an independent test device is provided to test the bearing flow line, and the independent test device is then removed from the bearing flow line so that the bearing flow line can be connected to the flow line of the oil pipe assembly. The independent test device and flowline puller are removed from the wellbore site after a sealed fluid connection has been established between the flowline■of the oil tubing assembly and the bearing flowline.

Provision is made for hydraulic terminal connections

in the positioning unit for the flow line for hydraulic control of the device to form connection between

lom the aligned flow lines thereby allowing the oil pipe assembly to be pulled and covered from above the surface vessel and the necessity of reversing the manifold of the oil pipe assembly to control the device for joining the flow lines is eliminated. The flow line of the oil pipe assembly includes a flow line flange and into this flow lines of the oil pipe assembly terminate. The flow line flange has a packing assembly attached to it to form the sealed fluid connection between the flow line flange of the oil pipe assembly and the flow line flange of the bearing flow line. The packing unit can be removed using a pulling device

whereby the sealing unit can be replaced if desired.

These features and the purpose of the present invention, as well as several advantageous features, will be pointed out in the detailed description that follows.

Figure 1 is an isometric drawing of the complete

ige underwater connection that is. formed between the oil pipe assemblies and the bearing flow line in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an isometric drawing of the guide construction for the borehole adapted for installation on the subsea oil borehole which has been drilled in a formation on the seabed. Figure 3 is a vertical drawing illustrating the advancement of the flowline alignment unit down to a position on the wellbore guide structure by the flowline placement or pulling unit.

Figure 4 is a sectional drawing taken along line 4-4

in Figure 33 and illustrates the locking of the flowline aligner to the wellbore guide structure. Figure 5 is an isometric view of the release of the flow line positioning assembly from the flow line alignment assembly.

Figure 6 is a side drawing of the oil pipe assembly

or the wellbore fluid flow control network that has been placed on the wellbore guide structure and flowline aligner.

Figure 7 is a horizontal drawing of the oil pipe assembly and illustrates the placement position of the flow line flange of the oil pipe assembly and the hydraulic device for placing it. Figure 8 is a vertical seal, partially in section, taken along line 8-8 in Figure 7, of the hydraulically operated connection device to form a connection between the fully aligned flange of the oil pipe assembly and the flange of the bearing flow line. Figure 9 is a front view of the flow line flange of the oil pipe assembly brought into the alignment channel by the flow line alignment unit. Figure 10 is a partially schematic vertical drawing of the flowline placement assembly in place before the probe of the stock flowline is pulled into the hopper assembly. Figure 11 is a schematic drawing of the relative positions of the surface vessel and the laying barge for flow lines with respect to the subsea wellbore. Figure 12 is a side view of the hopper assembly of the flowline positioning assembly which has moved the bearing flowline and carrier assembly attached thereto into a partially aligned position with respect to the flowline flange of the oil pipe assembly. Figure 13 is a side view of the hopper assembly of the flow line placement assembly with the storage flow line support assembly which has been moved into a locked position with the hopper assembly. Figure 14 is a vertical section of the funnel unit which

described in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a side view of the alignment unit

for flow lines with the funnel assembly that has been tilted or pivoted downward by hydraulic power to a position where

the flange off. the stock flow line is essentially solid-

aligned with the flange of the oil pipe assembly..

Figure 16 is a front drawing of. the hopper assembly where the carrier assembly and the flange of the bearing flow line are brought almost completely into alignment as illustrated in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a section taken along line 17-17 in Figure 16 and illustrates the second hydraulic terminal for the hydraulically operated connection device assembled together with ning line flange of the oil pipe assembly.

Figure 18 is a section of the release mechanism for

to release the carrier assembly from the flange of the bearing flow line. Figure .19 is a section taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18, and illustrates the construction and connection of the test flange to the bearing flow line with the carrier assembly and the flange to the bearing flow line. Figure 19a is a section taken along line 19a-19a in Figure 19 and illustrates the retention of the horizontal locking hook at the test flange of the bearing flow line prior to its removal.

Figure 20 is a section, in the same way as Figure 18,

of the release mechanism which has released the carrier assembly from connection with the flange of the bearing flow line. Figure 21 is a side view of the flowline application assembly in a slightly upright position for removing the sample flange of the bearing flowline.

Figure 22 is a side drawing, similar to that in Figure 21,

of the placement unit of flow lines with the funnel unit

slanted upwards.

Figure 23 is a side view of the connection device with the side connection rafts in an upright position with the flow line flange of the oil tube assembly and the flange of the bearing flow line in position for connection.

Figure 24 is a side view, in the same way as fig.

ur 23j where the connection device has formed a sealed fluid connection between the flanges of the flow lines. Figure 25 is a side view of the removal equipment in position to remove the packing unit attached to the flow line flange of the oil pipe assembly. Figure 26 is a side drawing of the flanges of the flow lines which have been moved apart in order to

allow the removal equipment to remove the sealing unit.

Referring to the drawings, the letter A generally indicates the arrangement of the preferred embodiment of the present invention for forming a fluid connection in situ at a subsea well between a network of one oil pipe assembly F and a bearing flow line S extending from the side of the wellbore upward to some type of storage possibility on the surface of the water bodies. The device A mainly consists of a guide structure G which is particularly illustrated in figure 2, an alignment unit B for flow lines illustrated in various figures, including figures 5 and 10,

an oil pipe assembly T or a control network for the fluid flow, particularly illustrated in figure 1, and a placement unit P for flow lines illustrated in various figures, including figures 5 and 10. The device A of the present invention is designed to be mounted to oil well,

which is schematically indicated by the letter H in Figure 1, and

this borehole has been drilled into formations that lie under the seabed or under other bodies of water. The device A

of the present invention will generally be used together with a surface vessel V and a lay barge L for flow lines (figure 11).

The first step for the formation of the underwater connection between a bearing flow line 3 and a flow line F of the oil pipe assembly is to lower from the surface vessel V

a guide structure G. The guide structure G includes a main part which is shaped like a cylindrical housing 10, which is connected by four guide columns 11 which extend upwards through radially extending frame parts 11a which are welded to the main housing 10.^ and which extend radially outward from this and into welded connection with the guide posts 11. Side frame members 11b extend between adjacent pairs of radially extending frame members 11a to cooperate with the radially extending frame members to provide a sufficiently strong frame to support the guide posts 11.

In carrying out the invention which is illustrated in the drawings,

are the frame parts 11a and 11b H-beams.. Each of the guide columns 11

is connected by a flexible guide line 12 which extends

upwards from the borehole to the operational vessel V on the water surface with the guide structure placed on the whore house H. In this way, the guide lines 12 can be used as a guide system for lowering tools and other equipment such as the new component

one that is described, down from the operational vessel V and down onto the guide columns 11.

After the direction of approach with the bearing flow line F. has been determined, the flow line alignment assembly B is lowered onto the guide lines 12 and onto the guide columns 11. The flow line alignment assembly or B includes a main plate portion 14 which is welded to the guide -

sleeves 15a and 15b which are adapted to fit over the guide columns 11 of the guide structure G. The guide sleeves 15a and 15b are known in the art and include enlarged conical lower sections such as 15a which cooperate with upper conical portions such as 12a on the guide posts 11 to center the guide sleeves such as 15a above the guide posts as the flow line aligner is lowered along the guide lines 12. The main plate portion 14 which is welded or otherwise connected to the two side guide sleeves 15a and 15b includes a horizontal platform portion 14a which is welded or otherwise connected to the main plate part, which is placed in an approximately vertical plane during assembly with the guide columns 11.

Alignment unit B for the flow line including

there is a locking channel 14b which provides a U-shaped recess to receive a locking hook from a suitable movable device which is used for the actual lowering of the aligning unit B for flow lines down from the operating vessel V onto

two of the guide columns 11. The alignment unit B for the flow line is actually placed on the guide structure G

by placing the guide sleeves 15a and 15b on the radial frame parts 1a of the guide structure. Alignment unit B

for flow lines are locked to the radially extending frame members 11a of the guide structure by locking mechanisms 16, as illustrated in Figures 33-4 and 10. The locking mechanisms 16 include a locking member 16a which is rotatably mounted to support the cams 16b which are welded or otherwise attached to motherboard

part 14. The locking parts l6a are adapted to be turned into one. position under the top parts lic of the radial■rammed lean lia of

the guide structure to thereby attach the alignment unit B

for flow lines on the guide structure G.

The flow line alignment assembly B further includes an alignment channel i7 adapted to provide the channel or groove to receive the flow line F of the oil tube assembly and the bearing flow line F in a position that is substantially fully aligned and to form a sealed fluid connection between these. Alignment channels 17 include side channel parts 17a and 17b which are welded into a U-shaped cut-out 17c in the main frame part 14. The side channel part 17a has a substantially T-shaped groove 17d which is located on the opposite side of another, in the essential. T-shaped groove 17e in the side ■ channel part 17b. Furthermore, the side channel part 17a includes a substantially D-shaped groove 18a which is machined into an upper contact surface 18b thereof. In the same way, the side channel part 17b has a substantially D-shaped groove 19a which is placed transversely opposite the D-shaped groove 18a, and where the groove 19a is machined into the upper contact surface 19b thereof. The side aligning channel part 17a is supported by the pipe part 20a which extends from the platform part 14a. In the embodiment according to the present invention which is here illustrated and discussed, the alignment unit B for flow lines' is actually moved or lowered along the guide lines 12 by means of the positioning unit for flow lines. The mechanism for attaching the flowline alignment assembly B to the flowline placement assembly or flowline propulsion equipment will be described below.

After the alignment unit B for flow lines has been lowered along the guide lines 12 and placed on the guide structure G, an oil pipe assembly P or a network for fluid flow is lowered along the guide lines 12 and placed on the guide structure G and the alignment unit B for flow lines. The fluid flow network, hereinafter referred to as an oil pipe assembly is generally well known in the art as a fluid flow control device for controlling fluid flow out of an oil well. The oil pipe assembly P used in the present invention includes a main housing part 21 which is adapted to be mounted over the central housing part 10 of the guide structure G to control the fluid flow out of the oil wellbore. The oil pipe assembly P includes three oil pipe flow lines F-l, F-2bg F-3 which

terminates in a flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly.

The flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly is actually a unit that includes a flange portion or box 22d adapted to receive the end portions of each of the flow lines F-1, F-2 and F-3. For the flow line flange it is,

in a manner to be described below, associated with a removable packing plate assembly 23 which provides for forming the fluid-sealed connection between the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly and the bearing flow line F. The flow lines F-1, F-2 and F-3 of the oil pipe assembly are also assembled in a sleeve device 24 which is slidably mounted inside a guide sleeve 25 for flow lines and attached to the housing 21 of the oil pipe assembly. In this way, the parts of the flow lines F-1, F-2 and'F-3 between the sleeve device 24 and the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly, like the flange itself, are mounted to

could be moved in an essentially horizontal direction, a direction which is essentially perpendicular to the - vertical.

the main axis of the main housing part 21 of the oil pipe assembly. As previously known, the curved flow lines F-1, F-2 and F-3 bend to allow movement of the substantially horizontally disposed end portions which are supported by the lower portion 24 of the oil pipe assembly and the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly.

The oil pipe assembly T is lowered along the guide lines 12 by means of any suitable propulsion device connected to a lower part located at the upper part 21a of the oil pipe assembly T. When the oil pipe assembly T

has been placed on the guide structure G and the alignment assembly B for flow lines, the flow line flange 22 becomes

of the oil pipe assembly placed in and supported by the alignment channel 17 between the side channel parts 17a and 17b. In order to center the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly between the side channel parts 17a and 17b, each of the side channel parts 17a and 17b is provided with beveled top edges 17f and 17g, respectively, to work together with the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly for correct alignment of the flange 22 between the side channel parts 17a and 17b. To further complete this alignment or centering

of the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly in the aligning channel 17, beveled portions 22a and 22b are provided on a flow line connection device 26, which will be

described in greater detail below. Naturally, the oil pipe assembly T includes suitable frame parts as illustrated at 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d which extend outward from the main body part 21 and terminate in the guide sleeves 28. The guide sleeves 28 enable the oil pipe assembly T to be lowered onto the guide lines 12 and serve to mount the oil pipe assembly T over the guide columns 12' in a known manner.

The oil pipe assembly T is further equipped with a second hydraulic terminal indicated by the numeral 29 and illustrated in Figures 7 and 17 to provide fluid communication between the oil pipe assembly and the surface after the conventional hydraulic manifold mounted with the main housing 21 has been covered up.

A hydraulic power device 30 extends between the guide sleeve 25 of the sleeve device and the flow line flange 22 to provide hydraulic power to move the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly in a substantially horizontal direction into and out of the channel 17. The hydraulic power unit 30 is rotatably mounted on a mounting plate 21a attached to the main housing 21 of the oil pipe assembly and further to a connecting flange 22c of the oil pipe assembly which is welded or otherwise attached to the top of the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly. The hydraulic cylinder assembly 30

is rotatably connected by means of any suitable device such as e.g. at the connections with uppers and bolts which

■ illustrated at 30a, to the mounting plate 21a and at 30b to the connecting flange 22c of the oil pipe assembly. The rotatable connection at 30a to the mounting plate 21a of the oil pipe assembly allows the flow flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly to be rotated with respect to the hydraulic unit 30 in a horizontal plane as illustrated in the drawings. The rotatable connection at 30b between the hydraulic power unit 30 and the connecting flange 22c of the oil pipe assembly enables the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly to be rotated in a vertical plane. In this way, the hydraulic power unit 30 is able to move the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly in

above and beyond in the channel despite horizontal or vertical . variations. in the position of the flow line.

With reference to figure 11, the placement

heat P for the flow line lowered along the guide lines 12 and placed on the aligning unit B for flow lines on

a way that will be described in detail below. When the equipment P is placed at the borehole, the wire W extends from far

the cloth V to the equipment P and from the equipment P to the laying barge L. The laying barge L is then used to lay the flow line S down to a position near. the pulling equipment P at the borehole,

The stock flow line S includes in reality

three flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 terminating in a bearing flow line flange 40. The bearing flow line flange 40 is actually a unit which includes a flange portion 40a which

receives and supports the end portions of the three stock flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3. E-n support unit, generally indicated by the number 4l, is removably mounted on the flange part 40a to work together with the draft equipment P for flow lines for first part-

show placement and then complete placement of the flange section

40a in the alignment channel 17 of the alignment unit B for flow lines. The support unit 41 includes a mounting flange 42

which is pivotally mounted on the flange portion 40a of the bearing flow line and a sample unit 43 which is pivotally mounted on the mounting flange 42. The mounting flange 42 includes side mounting plates 42a and 42b which are pivotally mounted at pins 51e and 51f (described below) on upward lugs 40b and 40c extending upwardly from the top of the flange portion 40a of the stock flow line. The actual pivot connection between the mounting flange 42 and the flange -40 of the bearing flow line can be released by a release pivot connection device generally indicated by the numeral 44 in Figure 18. The side mounting plates 42a and 42b are welded or otherwise connected to a circular flange portion 42c, from which it extends themselves lateral alignment pins 42d. and 42e. A cylindrical mounting portion 42f is welded or otherwise attached at the center of the circular flange 42c (also referred to as a mounting flange). A connecting pin 42g extends outwardly from the conical end portion 42h of the cylindrical mounting portion and terminates in a uniform out-

shaped nut 42i. Thus, the entire mounting flange 42 is mounted for rotatable movement with respect to the flange 40 of the bearing flow line.

The sleeve part 42i is equipped with a slot 42j which is a straight U-shaped groove. The sample unit 43 includes a nose part 43a which consists of a hollow cylindrical part 43b which forms a cone shape downward to a nose point 43c. The hollow cylindrical nose portion 43b includes a spherical cutout portion 43d adapted for mounting over the sleeve 42i. A pin 43e is mounted in the spherical recess and extends inwardly into the slot 42j in the sleeve 42i. The nose part is attached to the wire W by a lead-coated zinc holder 43e. In this way, the nose 43a is mounted for rotatable movement v at least in two planes with respect to the connecting pin 42g. However, the pin 43e in the nose portion 43a prevents rotation of the nose portion 43a with respect to the sleeve 42i. If e.g. connecting pin 42g and the rest of the attachment flange 42 are arranged in a horizontal plane, the nose part 43a will be rotatable in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, but it will be prevented by the pin 43e from being twisted or rotated clockwise or counterclockwise .

The flange portion 40 of the bearing flow line further includes an approximately T-shaped locking device 45 for locking the flange of the bearing flow line in the approximately T-shaped slots 17d and 17e in the portions 17a and 17b, respectively, of the lateral device channel. Referring to Figure 19, the substantially T-shaped locking means 45 includes a vertical locking member 45a and a horizontal locking member 45b which are resiliently mounted in the sides of the flow line flange 40a and which are forced out of it by any suitable resilient means, such as springs 45c are placed between the flow line flange 40a and the locking members, such as '45b.

After the flow line flange 40a is placed in the alignment channel 17 in a position of almost complete alignment with the flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly, the support unit 4l is released from connection with the flow line flange 40a of the oil pipe assembly. Before such release, the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 are independently pressed by the test flange unit 50, which is then removed with the support unit 4l.

The test flange 50 is removably mounted to the front side 40d of the bearing flow line and is also attached to the carrier 4l. The test flange 50 is provided for independent testing of the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 after the flow line flange 40 has been placed in the alignment channel 17 of the alignment unit B for flow lines. This independent testing of flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 is completed before a sealed fluid connection is established between flow line flange 22 of the oil tube assembly and flange 40 of the bearing flow line.

The sample flange 50 includes a plate 50a adapted for placement near the front side 40d of the bearing flow line. A top plate 50b and two side plates 50c are respectively mounted to the top and sides 40e of the flow line flange so that the flow line flange can be positioned over the top and sides of the bearing flow line flange. The side plates 50c of the sample flange include a longitudinal groove 50d adapted to x to receive a corresponding longitudinal cam 46 on each side of the flange of the bearing flow line. Furthermore, the side surfaces 50c terminate in holding chambers or ears 50e, which extend inwards towards the horizontal holding devices 45b of the approximately T-shaped locking parts 45 which are mounted on the flow line flange. 40a. The lugs 50e on the side plates 50c of the test flange serve to retain the horizontal locking portions 45b and thereby yield the corresponding horizontal groove portions of the T-shaped grooves, such as 17b in the portion 17a of the alignment side channel. This allows the flow line flange 40 to be removed by a vertical lifting force prior to removal of the sample flange assembly 50. A center mounting plate 50f is welded or otherwise attached to the top plate 50b of the sample flange for removably attaching the sample flange assembly 50 to the flange 40a of the bearing flow line and for attaching the test flange unit 50 to the carrier unit 4l.

The removable pivot connection device 44

provides a removable pivotable connection between the mounting flange 42 and the flow line flange 40a. The removable rotating

only connecting device 44 further releases the test flange 50

from the test position as illustrated in Figure 19. A movable removable pin, generally designated by the numeral 513, is mounted in the side plates 42a and 42b of the mounting flange and extends re-

nom the upward ears 40d and 40c of the bearing flowline flange to provide a remov-

the else flange 42 and the flow line flange 40a. The removable connecting device includes the following elements which are mounted for movement as a removable pin assembly. An activation pin 51a is slidably mounted in the support surface 42b. The activator 51a is operated by activating the hydraulic power unit 52 which includes a rod part 52a in position to

protrude so that it contacts and actually moves or displaces the activation pin 51a. The activation pin 51a is attached to a first connection plate 51b which is located between the center mounting plate 50f of the test flange and the side mounting plate 42b of the mounting flange. The connection plate 51b is attached to a retaining pin 51c which extends through the arcuate slot 50g in the center mounting plate 50f of the test flange and which further extends through the side mounting plate 42a of the mounting flange. A second connecting plate 51b is attached to the retaining pin 51c on the outside of the side mounting plate 42a of the attachment flange. The connection plate is also attached to a removable pin 51e as in figure 18

■extends into an opening in the emerging ear part 40b of the flange. The first connection plate 51b' of the removable pin unit 51 is attached to a removable pin 51f extending through an opening in the upstanding ear portion 40c of the flange portion 40a of the bearing flow line. Furthermore, a holding pin and a sleeve combination 51g is attached to the first connection plate 51b and extends through an opening 51h in the center mounting plate 51f of the test flange.

The removable pin or connector assembly 51 removably attaches the mounting flange assembly 42 and the test flange assembly 50 with the flange 40 of the stock flow line. The 'connected' position is illustrated in Figure 18. After the flow line flange 40a has been placed in a position of almost complete alignment in the alignment channel 17a with the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly, the hydraulic cylinder assembly 42a is actuated from a remote location to operate the rod 52a in contact with the actuating pin 51a to thereby move the entire removable pin assembly to a release position where the release pins 51e and 51f have been moved out of the upstanding ears 40b and 40c of the flow line flange, respectively. Movement of the release pins 51e and 51f out of the raised ear portions 40b and 40c release the entire support unit 4l, including the mounting flange and the test flange, to be able to lead away the mounted flow line flange 40a, and this will be mounted in a manner to be described below.

Prior to removal of the test flange assembly 50, the flow line flanges S-1, S-2 and S-3 are tested individually to determine if there are any leaks or other problems in the flow lines that have been laid from the laying barge L down to the borehole. One must be aware that some of the previously used samples did not provide for testing the closed flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 until after the connection with the oil pipe assembly.

However, by using the test flange assembly according to the present invention, the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 can be tested before connection is established, thereby isolating any problem with the flow lines before connection with the remaining part of the system.

Referring to Figure 19, the test flange assembly 50 includes a central passage 53 extending longitudinally with the flow line plate 50a to provide fluid communication between each of the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3. Appropriate tee rings, such as 50h, prevent seawater from penetrating between the plate part 50a and the flange unit 40a. An impression-making pin 54 having a cone-shaped tip 54a is fitted into the back 53a of the passage or bore 53 in line with the bearing flow line S-1. The impression-making tip 54a is adapted to receive a block of soft material such as lead, which is mounted to a suitable metal block or other pressure differential equipment which is pumped through the flow line S-1 from the upper surface down to the test flange assembly 50 If the block of material soaked in it is pumped all the way through the flow line S-1 from the surface down to the flow line flange, it will come into contact with the tip 54a, which can make an impression, and thereby a cone-shaped impression is formed in the block. Reverse circulation through one or both of the other flow lines S-2 and S-3 will move the soft block of material with the conical impression out of the flow line S-1 so that the operators can determine that the block has actually traveled all the way through the flow line S-l, thereby making sure that it does not

are there any obstacles in the flow line S-l at any place..

Another impression-making location 55 having a chisel-shaped tip 55a is mounted on the rear side 53a of the passage 53 to receive and provide a chisel-shaped impression in

a block of soft material being pumped through flow line S-2. The pin 56 which can make an impression is mounted on the back plate 53a of the passage 53 in the test flange assembly in line with

the flow line S-3 to receive and to make an annular impression in a sheet of soft material by means of therein annular tip 56a. Thus, each of the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 can be independently sampled from the surface to ensure that there are no obstructions in the flow lines. After such testing, the test flange assembly 50 is removed together with the entire carrier assembly 41 from connection to the flow line flange 40 to release the flow line flange 40 for connection to the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly.

The details of the construction of the stock flow line S have now been described. The flange 40 of the bearing flow line

has been described as being removably connected to a carrying device which is adapted to work together with the traction equipment P

for flow lines for an actual placement of the flange 40

of the bearing flow line in a position in the alignment channel 17

which is substantially completely aligned with the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly. To complete this manipulation

of the bearing flow line S to a position of final alignment for connection with the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe aggregate gate, a pulling device P has been invented for flow lines of special construction and for special use.

The flow line application or pulling unit P includes a main frame section 60 which terminates in guide sleeves 61 and 62 which are adapted for mounting over the guide columns 11 of the guide structure. The main frame section 60 includes a central plate part 60a which is connected to a horizontal running pipe part 60b which is welded to the guide sleeves 6l and -62.

A connecting lower part 60c is welded or otherwise fixed to the top of the frame plate 60a for connection with a suitable propulsion device such as a pure drive unit for a bpre tube represented by the numeral 64. The frame plate part 60a has a recess 60d for mounting a funnel assembly which is generally indicated by the numeral 65, to manipulate the carrier assembly 41 which is fixed together with the flange 40 of the bearing flow line. Horizontally placed support plates 66a and 66b are welded or otherwise mounted to the bottom of the frame plate 60a on each side of the recessed area 60d to provide support for the rotatable mounting of the funnel assembly 65. The frame plate 60a thus has on each side the recess 60d, fitted mounting corner plates 67a and 67b which are arranged for insertion into the mounting slots 18a and 19a of the fitting channel parts 17a and 17b. In this way, the entire flow line pulling equipment P is positioned and aligned with respect to the flow line alignment unit B during the immersion of the flow line alignment unit B.

A hydraulic unit 68 is mounted by any suitable means to the frame plate 60a in the vicinity of a movable locking part 69, which is also rotatably mounted to the frame part 60a. The flow line traction device P can be used as a propulsion device to move the flow line alignment unit B downwards. When used as a propulsion device,

the locking part 69 is locked in the designed recess in the channel 14b in the aligning unit B for flow lines. The drill pipe, represented at 64, is then used to provide a downward movement on the guide lines 12 of the flowline pulling unit having the flowline alignment unit B attached thereto. When the flowline alignment assembly B is positioned on the flowline guide structure G as previously described, the hydraulic cylinder assembly 68 is actuated to rotate the movable latch 69 out of the slot in the channel 14b so that the pulling equipment P can be returned to the surface for installation of the oil pipe assembly P .

The hopper unit 65 is equipped to pull the carrier unit 4l. and bearing flowline flange 40 inwardly to a position partially aligned with flowline flange 20a of the oil tube assembly and then finally to a position fully aligned therewith. The hopper assembly 65 works in conjunction with a remote hydraulic power device 70 to move the flange 40 of the bearing flow line to the position of final alignment with the flange 20 of the oil tube assembly.

Referring to Figures 3, 5, 10, 12-16 and .21-22, the hopper assembly 65 includes the following elements. The funnel assembly 65 includes a funnel sleeve 65a which is connected by suitable means to an enlarged funnel flange portion 65b. The enlarged funnel flange portion 65b includes a conical or frustoconical receiving surface 65c adapted to receive the mounting flange 42c. Alignment holes 65b and. 65e in the conical annular surface 65c to receive alignment pins 42b and 42e extending laterally from the mounting flange 42c. The funnel part 65a is mounted on the frame part 60a for rotatable movement between an upwardly inclined position, as illustrated in figure 53, and a downwardly inclined position,

as illustrated in Figures 15, 16 and 21. The rotatable assembly of the funnel assembly including the funnel assembly 655 is accomplished by the attachment of. vertical plates such as 71a on the frame plate 60a y on each side of the recess 60d. The vertical plates have openings adapted to receive outwardly extending pins for pivotable contact with the funnel sleeve 65a. The pins located on each side of the funnel sleeve 65a are indicated by the numeral 72. The vertical support plates 71 extend downwardly and contact and are supported by the horizontal support plates 66a and 66b previously described as being attached to the bottom of the frame part 60a on each side of the recess 60d. A support plate 73 for the hopper assembly is welded or otherwise fitted to it

the top of the funnel sleeve 65a and includes side plates 73a which rotate with the rotatably mounted funnel sleeve 65a. Hydraulic power cylinders 74 are mounted on each side. of the recess 60d in the frame member 60a and extends outwardly for pivotal connection with the support plate 73 to provide remote hydraulic power to move the entire hopper assembly 65 between the upwardly inclined position and the downwardly inclined position. The hydraulic power units 74. are rotatably mounted by pin and ear connections, such as

7-4a, to the support plates 66b and 66a. Appropriate pin and ear connections 74b have also been made between the hydraulic power units 74 and the side support plates 73a together with the funnel sleeve 65a.

The locking device 75 includes a locking device 75a

which is mounted inside the hollow funnel section 65a for sliding movement with respect to the funnel section 65a. The sleeve -75a includes a conical end portion 75b adapted to seat a corresponding conical portion 73a of the sample unit 43.

Locking device 75c is mounted inside the hollow bore 75b of the locking sleeve or locking device 75a to lock the conical nose 43c in the bore 75d so that the entire test unit 43 and the attachment flange unit connected thereto are movable

equal to movement of the locking device 75a. The locking device 75a is moved hydraulically by means of hydraulic cylinder units 76 mounted on each side of the funnel section 65a. The hydraulic cylinder assemblies 76 are suitably mounted to the hopper section 65a

on suitable connecting posts which are connected to the hopper section 65a.. The hydraulic power units are thus attached to a rear gear plate 75e which is mounted on the back of the locking gear or locking sleeve 75a. The procurement of hydraulic fluid

under pressure to the power units 76 provide for sliding movement of the locking device 75a out of the funnel section 65a, thereby pulling on. the bringing flange unit 42 into the funnel part 65a and 65b.

The wire W is passed through the hopper assembly including the hopper section 65a and through the locking tube 75a and extends upwards to the operating vessel on the surface. A disk network 77 is provided to change the direction of the wire from its direction through the funnel assembly 65 and to a direction extending upwards to the water surface. The disk network 77 includes a first disk 77a mounted on the rear tube plate 75e. This

first disc 77a is mounted in this way for movement with the locking device 75a. A second disk 77b is mounted on a support plate 77b fixed together with the funnel section 65a. A third sheave 77d is actually mounted on the frame plate 60a of the traction equipment to ultimately direct the wire W upwards towards the surface vessel V. Each of the sheaves is of course mounted for rotation in a well known manner. so that the wire can be manipulated from the surface to pull the support assembly 41 and the bearing flowline flange inward to a position of partial alignment with respect to the flowline flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly.

The funnel section 65a includes two circular or helical surfaces 49, one of which is illustrated in Figure 14,

and which begins at the front end 65a' at the bottom of the funnel section and curves along a helical path and terminates at the rear end 65c of the funnel section 65a at the top thereof. The double helical surfaces 49 are adapted to receive a vertical alignment pin 43f extending outwardly from the main

nose section 43b. In this way, the nose 43a of the sample unit 43 is raised according to the comb principle or gradually pushed to a vertical position as the locking device 75a pulls the nose 43a of the sample unit 43 further inward so that the entire carrier unit is locked for movement with the funnel unit 65 and the flow line flange 40 is in a vertical position for placement between the device channel parts 17a and 17b.

With particular reference to figures 10, 12-16 and

21 and 22, the flow line puller P acts to move the carrier assembly 4l and the flange 40 of the bearing flow line to a position of final alignment between the alignment channel portions 17a and 17b in the following} manner. The wire W is connected between the surface vessel V, the funnel unit 65 and the cone-shaped nose part 4.3c before the storage flow line S is laid or lowered into the water from the laying barge L. The storage flow line S is laid or stretched outwards from the laying barge L in a known manner. and the flow line S is finally positioned so that the end of the flow line including the carrier unit 41 and the flange 40 of the bearing flow line is placed substantially close to the flow line alignment unit B. At this time, the oil pipe assembly T and the alignment unit B for flow lines have already been lowered along the guide lines 12 and placed on the guide construction and the alignment unit B for flow lines.

The wire W extends from the sheave 77d and connects to any suitable wire control device capable of exerting a strong pulling force on the wire after the flow line pulling equipment P has been lowered and positioned.

The traction equipment. P for flow lines is lowered along the guide lines 12 by means of drill pipe propulsion equipment 64 or by means of other suitable devices. If propulsion equipment for drill pipe is used, the wire W can be placed inside the drill pipe. The traction equipment for the flow line is aligned with and placed on the alignment unit for the flow line in the following way. The side guide housings 61 and 62 are mounted above the guide columns 11 which have received the guide sleeves from both the alignment unit for flow lines and the oil pipe assembly. The attachment corners 67a and 67b are placed in the slots 18a and 19a, respectively, in the alignment channel parts 17a and 17b, and thereby ensure correct centering of the pulling equipment P on the alignment unit B for flow lines. After the pulling equipment P

is placed, the wire pulling device at the surface is activated to pull the wire until a notch or other connection point on the wire is attached to the surface puller so that the initial placement task can begin.

The wireline pulling apparatus at the surface is activated to exert an upward pulling force on the wireline through the drill pipe propulsion equipment 64 to thereby cause the sample assembly 43, the mounting flange assembly 42 and the bearing flowline flange 40a to be moved inwardly toward the upwardly sloping hopper sections 65a and 65b '. The wire is pulled from the surface until the nose 43a of the sample unit 43 is pulled into the funnel section 65a and further into the locking sleeve 75a and is locked by the locking element 75c. At this point, the entire carrier unit has 41

with flange 40 of the bearing flow line having been moved to a position of partial alignment with respect to flow line--flange 22 of the oil tube assembly.

When the traction equipment P was placed on the flow line alignment unit B, a second hydraulic terminal 78 mounted on the frame part 60a of the traction equipment was placed into the second hydraulic terminal 29 of the oil pipe assembly

T. Hydraulic connection was established between the second hydraulic terminal connection 78 on the draw gear P using alignment pins such as 78a, illustrated in Figure 17, which are placed into alignment bore holes 29a on the terminal connection to the oil pipe assembly. The placement of the alignment pins 78a within the alignment bores 29a serves to form a hydraulic connection between the club-shaped hydraulic terminal portion 78b and the sleeve-shaped hydraulic terminal portion 29b of the oil tube assembly T. The other hydraulic terminal 78a of the traction equipment is connected by appropriate fluid lines to the surface. Thereby hydraulic fluid under pressure can be supplied through

the other club-shaped hydraulic terminal of the traction equipment to the sleeve-shaped hydraulic terminal of the oil pipe assembly and to the hydraulic mechanisms mounted together with the oil pipe assembly such as the hydraulic power unit 30 for manipulating the flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly. This eliminates the need to reinsert the conventional one

the hydraulic terminal which is mounted at the upper part 21a'

of the main housing 21 of the oil pipe assembly. Mounted together with the second hydraulic terminal 78 is a series of hydraulic fluid connections extending from the upper

the surface and downward to hydraulic fluid connection with the various hydraulic power units mounted on it

the traction equipment P itself such as the funnel-shaped hydraulic turning unit 74 and the hydraulic locking units 76.

At this point, the carrier unit 4l and the flange

40 of the stock flow line partially aligned with respect to

flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly. The hydraulic power units

76 is now activated by the application of hydraulic fluid from

the surface vessel V to move the locking device 75a out from the hopper section 65a to thereby draw the cylindrical mounting part 42f into the hopper section 65a. The hydraulic cylinder units 76 move the locking device 75a until the locating flange 42c is locked against the annular conical end portion 65b

of the tract. As the mounting flange assembly is moved inward, the bolt or alignment pin 43f on the nose 43a contacts one of the two screw surfaces 49, thereby gradually rotating the nose and the rest of the support assembly 4l to a vertical position. • The contact between the alignment pin 43f and one of the helical surfaces 49 causes the test assembly 43 and the mounting flange assembly and the flange of the bearing flow line to be moved to a vertical position if it is not already in a vertical position, due to the limited rotational connection between the nose 42a and the union nut 42i of the positioning flange assembly 42. When the alignment pin 43 has reached the upper end portion 65c of the helical surface 49, the positioning flange 42c is in a position such that the alignment pins 42d and 42e are inserted into the alignment openings 65d and 65e in the funnel flange portion 65b. Thus the nose becomes 43 and. the mounting flange 42c is fully moved into a locked position with respect to the funnel sections 65a and 65b so that the mounting flange assembly is locked for movement with the funnel sections 65a and 65b.

With the mounting flange 42c locked against the hopper end section 65b, the hydraulic cylinders 74 are actuated by remote control to tilt the hopper sections 65a and 65b down to the lower inclined positions illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. Referring to Figure 16, the side mounting plates include 42a and 42b for the mounting flange assembly 42 mounting plates 80c and 80d (which are welded or otherwise attached to the plates 42a and 42b) which are adapted to be mounted on the upper front corners 80a and 8.0b, respectively, of the alignment channel portions 17a and 17b'. The mounting corners 80a and 80b provide a right-angled mounting corner adapted to receive the notches 80 on each of the plates 80c and 80d.

Each of the recesses 80 includes two attachment shoulders or surfaces which meet at a right angle. This placement of the right-angled notches 80 of the side mounting plates 42a and 42b on the mounting corners 80a and 80b serves to position the flange portion 40a in the alignment channel 17 between the alignment channel portions 17a and 17b. The flow line S including the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3> is then manipulated to a horizontal position, as illustrated in Figure 15, so that the flange portion 40a is moved to a substantially vertical position within the aligning channel and the vertical locking parts 45a are moved to the vertical position in the T-shaped slots 17c and 17d in the alignment channel part. If desired, the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 may be moved to a horizontal position prior to turning the funnel sections 65a and 65b downward to the lower inclined section. In this case, the relevant rotation of the funnel assembly 65 will place the flow line flange in a substantially vertical position and the vertical locking members 45a will be moved into the T-shaped slots 17c and 17c at. the placement of the placement notches 80 against the corner parts 17f and 17g. When the locking members 45a are pushed outward by the previous spring alignments and into the vertical portions of the T-shaped slots 17c and 17d, the flowline flange 40 is in a position of substantially complete alignment with the flowline flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly. The movement of the flow line flange

40 from the partially aligned position to the fully aligned position has been accomplished by remote controlled hydraulic mechanisms as opposed to the use of just a wire. One of the many advantages of using the hopper assembly 65a with its hydraulically actuated power cylinders such as 74 is that the use of the wire to produce this final positioning motion is

■ eliminated. Thus, it is not necessary to maintain any form of wire under tension between the surface vessel V and the towing equipment P for flow lines during this final alignment operation. Instead, the power device which is actuated from the surface, but which is located entirely on the traction equipment, actually moves the carrier unit 4l to the final locked position and into the final position of placement on the alignment channels 17a and 17b. Referring to Figure 20, the flange 20 of the bearing flow line has transition lateral ears 81a and 81b which are adapted for mounting on the mounting surfaces 18a and 19a of the alignment channels. These laterally outwardly extending ears 8la and 8lb serve to cooperate with the notches 80 for final vertical positioning of the flow line flange 40a with; regard to the flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly.

The independent testing of the flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-33 in which the flow line test unit 50 is used is actually performed at this time. After the flow lines S-1, S-2, and S-3 have been determined to be free of obstructions or other problems, the flow line test unit 50 may be removed to prepare the stock flow line flange 40 for connection to the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly. First, the hydraulic cylinder assembly 52 is actuated to move the removable pivotable connector from the connected position of Figure 18 to the released position of Figure 20 to thereby release the connection between the mounting flange assembly 42 and

.the flow line flange 40a. With reference to Figure 21, the entire pulling equipment P for flow lines is then raised upwards, along the guide columns 11 to thereby lift off the test flange unit 50 from the flange part 40a of the bearing flow line. The longitudinal grooves 50d in the side plates 50c of the test flange assembly 50 rest

on the flange part cam 46 while the test flange assembly is lifted outwards. The lifting of the test flange assembly 50 from the flange 40a of the bearing flow line releases the horizontal locking device 45b into the horizontal portions of the T-shaped slots 17d and 17e in the alignment channel. As previously described, the removable swivel connector 44 does not release the test flange assembly 50 from its connection with the mounting flange assembly 42, and this

the remaining connection is of course necessary to actually lift up the test flange assembly. For the purpose of explanation, the actual remaining connection between the mounting flange unit 42 and the test flange unit 50 is caused by the retention of the pins 51c and 51g in the central mounting plate 50f of the test flange unit 50.

After the test flange assembly 50 has been lifted completely away from the flange 40 of the bearing flow line, see Figure 22, the hydraulic power units '74 are activated to again raise the hopper assembly 65 to its upper position. The raising of the entire funnel assembly to its upper position moves the test flange assembly out of the way so that the flow line drawing equipment T can again be lowered and placed on the flow line alignment unit B. At this time, flow line flange 22 of the oil tube assembly and flange 40 of the bearing flow line are substantially fully aligned between alignment channel portions 17a and 17b and ready for connection.

The removable seal plate unit 23 is removable and sealed mounted to the front side 22f of the flow line flange 22d of the oil pipe assembly. The removable seal plate assembly 23 includes a seal plate 23a having sealed connection rings 23b, 23c, 23d and 23e located in openings in the seal plate. The connecting ring -23b is mon-

tert in an opening 23f in the sealing plate and is sealed inside this by 0-ring 23g. The connecting ring 23b includes annular cam portions 23h and 23y extending outward from both sides of the sealing plate to engage corresponding grooves concentrically located around the ends of the flow lines. in the flow line flanges 22 and 40. In this way, a sealed connection can be formed between the flow lines s.like the flow line F-1 in the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly and the flow line S-1 in the flange 40 of the bearing flow line. The sealing plate 23 is removable for replacement or repair in a manner that will be described below.

The sealed fluid connection between the flow line flange 22 of the oil tube assembly and the bearing flow line flange 40 is formed by the flow line connection 26 which is illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 23-26. The connecting device 26 includes two side plates 26a and 26b which are attached to a power piston assembly 27. The power piston assembly 27 includes a stationary piston 27a which is mounted on the flange portion 22d of the oil tube assembly and which extends upwardly therefrom.

A cylinder 27b is mounted above the stationary piston 27a i

a sealed relationship thereto by means of sealing rings such as 27c, thereby providing a sealed chamber 27d adapted to receive hydraulic fluid under pressure. Supply of hydraulic fluid into the chamber 27d in the manner illustrated in Figure 8 causes the hydraulic sleeve 27b to move upwardly to the release position illustrated in the figure. In the release position, the fixed slide plates 26a and 26b are moved to the upper release position shown in Figures 8, 9, 25 and 26. Supply of hydraulic fluid below the stationary piston 27 in the chamber 27d moves the movable cylinder downwards to the connection position illustrated in Figures 23 and 24. Each of the side plates 26a and 26b includes spaced inwardly extending lugs or latches 26d and 26e having an entrance recess. 26f between them.

The flange portion 40a of the bearing flow line" includes outwardly extending ear portions 40g and 40h which extend outwardly from the flange portion sides 40e of the flow line. An entrance recess 40i is thus formed between the upper ear 40g and the lower ear 40h.

With the side plates 26a and 26b in the upper release position, . illustrated in Figure 8, the hydraulic power unit 30 may be actuated through the second terminal connection, illustrated in Figure 17, to move the flow line flange 22

of the oil tube assembly and the seal plate assembly 23 attached thereto, for engagement with the flange 40 of the bearing flow line which is completely aligned therewith. A sealed fluid connection is formed between the seal plate assembly 23 and the flange portion' 40a of the bearing flow line by the insertion of the connecting ring cams such as 23i into corresponding grooves surrounding the flow lines such as S-1. Alignment pins 22i and 22j are placed in alignment holes 40j and 40k. The alignment pins 22i and 22j can be cone-shaped to ensure their introduction into the holes, which can also be cone-shaped.

The side plates 26a and 26b in the upper release position are aligned with the flange portion 40 of the bearing flow line so that the upper outwardly extending ears 40g pass through the side plate recesses 26f when the seal plate 23 comes into actual contact with the front face 40d of the flange portion 40a of the bearing flow line. The side plate ears 26d and 26e have passed over the flange ears 40h and 40i

of the stock flow line and is on the other side of these.

This position is illustrated in figure 24. Hydraulic fluid

is then introduced into the chamber 27 under the stationary piston

let 27c and thereby moves the cylinder 27b downwards and thus causes the side plates to be moved downwards to the connection position in Figure 24. In the connection position the side plate ears 26d

and 26e which extend inwardly, the flanges 40g and 40h of the stock flow line and lock the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe

the assembly, the plate assembly 23 of the oil pipe assembly and the flange 40 of the bearing flow line in a fluid sealed connection. It should be noted that the side plate ears 26d and 26e of the connecting device include internal edge-shaped surfaces such as 26d'. which makes contact with complementary cam-shaped surfaces such as 40h' on the sides of the flange portion 40a to cause the flow line flange 22 of the oil tube assembly to be moved further to make contact with the seal plate assembly and the flange 40 of the bearing flow line as the side plates are moved down into connection -position j onen.

The connection of the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly with the seal plate unit 23 and the flange 40 of the bearing flow line at the connection device 26 completes the fluid connection between the oil pipe assembly T and the bearing flow line S slick oil fluid can be transferred from the wellbore to a bearing area. After the flanges 22 and 40 have been bonded together in a sealed manner, the flow line puller P can be removed along the guide lines 12 to leave the apparatus as illustrated in Figure 1.

It may be desirable from time to time to inspect, repair or replace the seal plate assembly 23 which forms the sealed fluid connection between the flow line flanges 22 and 40. The seal plate assembly 23 may be removed using

of the take-off device 90b which is illustrated in figures 25 and 26.

First, hydraulic fluid under pressure is applied to the connection chamber 27d above the stationary piston 27a to move the movable cylinder 27b upward to thereby move the connection plates 26a and 26b upward to the upper release position. In the release position which is therefore the position'

allowing connection of the two flanges, the recess 26f in the connecting side plates 26a and 26b is aligned with the flange ear 40g of the bearing flow line so that the connecting plates 26a and 26b, as well as the flange 22, can be moved away from the flange 40. Movement of the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly

away from the flange 40 of the bearing flow line is performed by activating the hydraulic power unit 3-0 which moves the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly in the direction of arrow 93 and thereby leads the flow line flange of the oil pipe assembly back and away from the flange of the bearing flow line. Naturally, all the movements of the flange 22 are within the constraints imposed by the alignment channel 17 at this point.

After the flow line flange 22 of the oil tube aggre gate has been moved away from the flange of the bearing flow line to the position illustrated in Figure 25, the take-off device 90 is lowered downward on any suitable propulsion device and is placed between the two flanges 22 and 40 The drive gear 90 includes a cone-shaped pin 90a which is cone-shaped to be inserted into its hole 90g on the seal plate 23a. The propulsion device 90 further includes a closing device 91 which includes two side locking parts 91a adapted to be closed

over side lugs 23n extending outward from the side of the sealing plate portion 23a.

The locking parts 91a are rotatably mounted on the take-off equipment 90b by suitable pin connections at 91b. The locking members 91a extend outward in a lateral direction towards the seal plate unit 23 and include the take-off shoulders 91c and 91d which are machined into the bottom portion of the locking members. The locking members 91a are held in a substantially lateral position by pins 90c extending outwards from the sides of the take-off device 90b.

To remove the seal plate assembly 23, the hydraulic power device 30 is actuated to move the flow line flange 22 of the oil tube assembly rearward and away from the bearing flow line flange 40. After the flow line flange 40 of the oil pipe assembly has been moved to the position illustrated in figure 25, the take-off device 90 is inserted between the two flanges 22 and 40.

With the take-off device 90 placed between the flow-line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly and 45 of the bearing flow-. line, the hydraulic power unit 30 is activated to move the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly towards the take-off equipment 90 and the flange 40 of the bearing flow line. The flange 22 is moved to a position for contact with the take-off equipment, 90 so that the alignment pin 22j is inserted into the corresponding hole 90a in the part 90b of the take-off equipment. The locking parts 91a are moved over the side ears 23n of the sealing plate when the power unit 30 moves the flow line flange 22 and the sealing plate assembly 23 so that contact is made with the take-off device 90. The surfaces 91c and 91d of the locking device are moved up and over the side ears 23n to a crouched position with these.

The hydraulic cylinder unit 30 is then activated to again move the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly rearward in the direction of the arrow 93- When the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly is moved rearward by the force of the hydraulic cylinder unit 30, the locking devices 91 hold the plate part,23 off the oil pipe assembly with the take-off equipment and thereby causes a push of two securing pin connections 94 (figure 9) between the flow line flange 40a and the plate part 23a of the oil pipe assembly. The fuse pin connectors 94 include a first connector pin 94a which in actual

heat connects the plate part 23a of the oil pipe assembly to the flow line flange 22a of the oil pipe assembly. A spring loaded

■securing pin 94b is pressed springily into a groove in the connecting pin 94a. The retention of the sealing plate part 23a with the locking parts 91a causes a securing force which is directed against the securing pins 94b and which thereby causes them to displace and release the connection between the flow line flange 22a of the oil pipe assembly and the sealing plate 23a. This frees the sealing plate assembly 23 for movement with the take-off equipment. The take-off device 90 maintains a cover on the sealing plate unit 23 by a combination of the locking parts 91a and the pin 22j which is inserted into the part 90b of the take-off device. Another sealing plate unit 23 may be passed along a suitable propulsion device and inserted between the flow line flange 20 of the oil pipe assembly and

flange 40 of the stock flow line by reversing the steps of the equipment removal procedure just described. Summary of the workflow.

The apparatus A of the present invention is used to form a sealed fluid connection between an oil pipe assembly T placed on a subsea well and an underwater flow line that has been added to the side of the well. The summary of the workflow included. the procedure to

forming the connection between the borehole and the storage area located at another location can be summed up as follows.

After the well has been drilled and it has been determined that the well is a desired source of production, a flowline guide structure G can be lowered from the surface vessel V and fitted to the well to provide . j a guidance system along the guidance lines 12 that extend to the surface vessel for the various work tasks that may follow. After a determination has been made as to the direction of approach with the bearing flow line S to the wellbore, the flow line alignment unit B is lowered along two of the guide lines 12 and down to two adjacent guide columns 11 which will face the flow line S when this is added. The alignment unit B for the flow line is guided downwards using the positioning unit or the pulling device P

for flow lines according to the present invention.. After the aligning unit B for flow lines in a suitable way

have been placed on the guide structure and the locking devices

16 has crouched away on the frame parts 1a of the guide construction, the hydraulic cylinder release 68 can be activated to release the lock 69 from the channel part 14b so that the

the guide P of the flow line may be returned to the surface.

The oil pipe assembly T is then guided along the guide lines 12 into position on the guide structure G and alignment unit B for flow lines. The oil pipe assembly T is placed so that. the flow line flange 22 of the oil pipe assembly is inserted into the alignment channel 17 between the alignment channel parts 17a and 17b. The curved flow lines F-1, F-2 and F-3

is mounted for sliding movement at its end parts by means of the sleeve device 24 which is mounted in the guide housing 25. This even allows a certain axial movement of the flow lines and the flow line flange 22 when the flow line flange is placed between the aligning parts 17a and 17b, should there be an emergency turn around.

The stock flow line S is now laid from the laying barge L down to the alignment unit•B for flow lines. A wire W

is connected to the sample unit 43 when the flow line is submerged. The wire W extends to the surface vessel V and through the funnel unit 65' of the draft equipment P for flow lines, which at this point is placed on. alignment unit B for flow lines. The procedure for bringing the flow line S in the vicinity of the aligning unit B and the flow line pulling equipment P can be varied if desired. The tensioning equipment P for flow lines is then lowered along the guide lines 12 and onto the aligning unit B for flow lines and is placed on this. At this point, the v wire W extends from the test unit 43, through the funnel sections 65a and 65b, through the locking tube or sleeve 75a and along the washers 77a,

77b and 77d up to the surface vessel (through the propulsion tsut guide 64 to the drill pipe) and are connected to a suitable control device for the wire on the surface vessel. This wire control device is then operated to pull the wire W to thereby move the test unit 43/applicator unit 4l and the flange 40 of the stock flow line attached thereto inwardly towards the funnel unit 65 until the nose part 43a is locked into the locking sleeve 75a by the locking parts 75c.

Hydraulic power is then applied via the hydraulic cylinder assembly '76 to move the locking tube 75 rearward

and out of the hopper section 65 to thereby pull the attachment cylinder 42f and attach the attachment flange 42c onto the attachment socket 65b to the hopper with the attachment pins 42d and 42e inserted into the attachment holes 65d and 65e'. As the sample assembly 43 is moved inwardly, the vertical alignment pin 43f will make contact with one of two helical surfaces 49 terminating at the rear apex 65c of the funnel section 65a. Thus, if the flow line flange 40 is not in a vertical position, the alignment pin 43b on the sample part 43a will make contact with one of the helical grooves and gradually rotate to a vertical position. The rotatable connection between the sample part 43a and the connecting pin nut 421 allows the sample unit and

the mounting flange assembly is drawn into the funnel sections 65a and 65b, even though the sample assembly 43, mounting flange assembly 42, streamline flange 40, and flow lines S-1, S-2, and S-3 are as much as 30° out of alignment with the alignment channel portions 17a and 17b.

After the attachment flange assembly has been locked together with the funnel sections 65a and 65b,' as illustrated in detail in Figure 14, hydraulic power cylinders 74 are lowered to the bottom inclined position in Figure 15, where the attachment notches 80 are placed on and rest against the attachment corners 80a and 80b of alignment channels 17a and 17b, respectively. The bearing flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 are now moved to a substantially horizontal position if they are not already in such a horizontal position. With the mounting notches 80 on the carrier unit positioned on the alignment channels and the flow lines in a horizontal position , the vertical holding devices 45a are inserted into v the vertical parts of the substantially T-shaped recesses 17c and 17d in the alignment channel parts 17a and 17b.

The flow lines S-1, S-2, and S-3 are then independently sampled using the flow line test assembly 50. After it has been determined that the flow lines are free of obstructions, the flow line test assembly 50 and the mounting flange assembly 42 are released from connection with the flange 40 by stock flow line at the removable connection devices 51 which are illustrated in the connection position in Figure 18 and in the release position in Figure 20.

It may be mentioned that the horizontal retaining devices 45b extending outward from the flange portion 40a of the bearing flow line are pressed inwards by the retaining ears 50e on the side plates 50c of the test flange unit 50, until the test flange unit 50 is removed. The reason the horizontal retainers 45b are held in place is to provide for removal of the flange 40 from the bearing flow line, should a problem arise. Of course, once the horizontal locking devices 45b have been released to be inserted into the horizontal portions of the T-shaped slots 17c and 17d, the flange portion is substantially locked in position and cannot be moved without further action.

After release by the release connection device 51, the entire pulling equipment P is pulled upwards to thereby pull the sample flange assembly completely away from the flow line flange. The hydraulic cylinders 74 are then actuated to rotate the funnel assembly to an upwardly inclined position to move the sample flange assembly '50 out of the dough. The pulling equipment is then again placed on the alignment unit B for flow lines.

Referring to Figures 8-9 and 23-24, the hydraulic cylinder 30 is actuated to move the connecting device 26 to such a position that the connecting plates 26a and 26b can be moved downward to the connecting position above the flanges 40h and 40i of the bearing flow line as previously described. This completes the connection between the bearing flow lines S-1, S-2 and S-3 with the flow lines F-1, F-2 and F-3 of the oil tube assembly.

It must be understood that the apparatus according to the present invention can be used to connect any number of flow lines, although only three have been described on the oil pipe assembly T and on the bearing flow line S in the embodiment described here. The apparatus A of the present invention is particularly suitable for forming fluid connections at depths under water where divers cannot work. However, it must be understood that the device A- can be used at all depths.

The source of hydraulic power has generally been described as if it were to be located on the surface vessel V. It must be understood that part or all of the hydraulic power may actually be located on the parts of the apparatus A located on the wellbore, if this is desired.

The above presentation and description of the invention illustrates and gives examples of the invention and various changes both in the methods, processes and techniques and in the details of the various illustrated steps can be made without deviating from the spirit of the invention. • For example, the guide structure has been presented as if it is necessary to use guide lines 12 to lower the various equipment units presented here. It must be understood that the other guide constructions can be used to guide some or all of the equipment from the surface to the borehole.

Claims (38)

1. Device for the selective formation of a fluid connection to a borehole, which has been drilled into a formation that is covered by water, characterized in that it consists of: a network for controlling the fluid flow from a borehole and which can be located at a borehole drilled on the seabed, and where the network for controlling the fluid flow from the borehole includes first flow line means for transferring borehole fluid out of the borehole; other flowline facility extending from a remote location to the wellbore, and where. the second flowline device is lowered into the water for connection with the first flowline device so that wellbore fluid is transferred through the network to control fluid flow from the wellbore and the first and second flowline devices to a remote location; wireline placement device for mounting at the borehole and using wireline apparatus to move the second flowline device to a position for first engagement with the wireline placement device, and in this position the second flowline device is partially aligned with the first flowline device; remote power device for mounting at the borehole to contact and move the second flowline device. from the above first attachment position to a locked position in the wire positioning device and to move the wire positioning device and the second flow line device to a position where the second flow line device is substantially fully aligned with the first flow line device for connection with this one; and flowline connection means for operatively connecting the first and second flowline means whereby wellbore fluid is transferred from the wellbore and through the first and second flowline means. 2. Construction in accordance with claim-1, characterized in that it includes: a borehole support device, mounted at the borehole; a submergence flowline alignment unit for the wellbore support; and flow line alignment unit including means operative with the remote power means for actual alignment of the first and second flow line devices for connection. 3. Construction in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that it includes that the first flow line device terminates in a first connecting flange; that the second flow line device terminates in a second connecting flange; and that. the flow line alignment assembly includes an alignment channel for receiving first and second connecting flanges. 4. Construction in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the placement device for.' wire and the power device for remote control includes: a placement unit for flow lines which are lowered to a position near the wellbore fluid control network; that the flow line location assembly includes a funnel assembly having a wire extending therethrough this and is attached with the second flow line device, and where the wire can extend to a wire control device located at the surface of the sea to control the movement of the wire; and that the funnel assembly and the wire control device include means that pull the second flow line device inwardly and into position for attachment to the funnel unit, and wherein the position of the second flow line device is partially aligned with respect to the first flow line device. 5- Construction in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the remote-controlled power arrangement includes: fastening device for fastening the second flow line device to the funnel unit; and locking means for moving the second flow line means further into the funnel assembly to a locked position where the -second flow line orientation remains partially aligned with respect to the first flow line device. 6. Construction in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the locking device includes: an attachment yoke assembly mounted for movement in the hopper assembly and means mounted adjacent thereto for attaching the second flow line assembly for movement with the attachment yoke assembly; and a remote hydraulic sewing Subassembly connected to the attachment yoke assembly to move the yoke and the second flow line assembly to the locked position where the second flow line assembly is movable with the hopper assembly. 7- Construction in accordance with claim 5> characterized in that the funnel unit has an essentially helical surface, to guide the second flow line device to a vertical position. 8. Construction in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that it includes a second hydraulic terminal mounted together with the network for controlling fluid flow; and a movable hydraulic supply terminal mounted together with the flow line location unit and connectable to the second hydraulic terminal, and wherein the movable hydraulic supply terminal has fluid lines extending to the sea surface. 9. Construction in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the second flow line device includes: one or more other flow lines which may extend underwater between the borehole and the surface; one or more of the second fluid flow lines terminate in a second fluid flow line flange for fluid connection to the first flow line device; and a support unit which is attached to the second flow line flange, and where the wire is attached to the support unit whereby movement of the wire controls movement of one or more other flow lines and other flow line flanges. 10. Construction in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the support unit includes: an attachment flange assembly rotatably attached to the second flow line flange; and a test unit' mounted to the mounting flange unit for rotatable movement with respect to the mounting flange unit, and wherein the wire is attached to the test unit whereby movement of the wire controls movement of the mounting flange unit and the test unit. 11. Construction in accordance with claim 10, J characterized in that it includes: that the wire attached to the sample assembly is adapted to pull the sample assembly inward into the funnel assembly so that the second flow line flange connected to the attachment .the sess flange assembly and the sample assembly come into a position of partial alignment with the first flow line assembly; attachment means for attaching the sample unit to the funnel unit; and locking means for moving the sample assembly further into the hopper assembly so that the mounting flange assembly is placed in a locked position for movement with the hopper assembly. 12.. Construction in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that it includes: that the mounting flange assembly is pivotally movable with respect to the second flow line flange with the mounting flange assembly in the locked position with the funnel assembly; and turning means for the hopper assembly to pivot the hopper assembly downward so as to substantially align it. the second flow line flange with the first flow line arrangement. 13. Construction in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that it includes: a borehole support device for mounting to the borehole; , a flowline alignment assembly mounted on the wellbore support assembly and including an alignment channel for receiving the first flowline assembly; and wherein the turning means for the hopper assembly rotates the hopper assembly downward so that the second flow line flange is disposed in the alignment channel in substantially complete alignment with the first flow line means. 14. Construction in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that it includes that the second flow line flange includes locking devices by placing the second flow line flange in the alignment channel in a substantially aligned position. 15. Construction in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that it includes means for pivoting the funnel assembly downwardly with the second flow line device in the locked position to bring the second flow line device fully in line with the first flow line device. 16. Construction in accordance with claim 93 characterized in that it includes a test flange assembly which is mounted together with the second flow line flange to test the one or more other flow lines prior to connection with the first flow line device. 17. Construction in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that it includes: that the second flow line device includes two other flow lines; and that the test flange unit includes devices that provide fluid connection between the two other flow lines in order to test the flow lines. 18. Construction in accordance with claim 17, characterized in that it includes impression means mounted in the test flange assembly for making an impression in a soft material which is pumped from the surface through one of the two flow lines to test the flange assembly. 19. Construction in accordance with claim 17, characterized in that the test flange unit includes: a test flange which is fixed together with the second flow line flange; and means for releasing the sample flange from the attachment to the second flow line flange. 20. Construction in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that it includes carrier release means for releasing the mounting flange assembly from the attachment to the second flow line flange, thereby freeing the carrier assembly for subsequent removal with the funnel assembly.\ 21. Construction in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that it includes a test flange which is attached to the second flow line flange to test the one or more flow lines, and wherein the test flange is further attached to the mounting flange assembly; and release device for .; to release the test flange from the attachment to the second flow line j e f flange whereby the test flange becomes removable with the attachment flange unit. 22. Construction in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that it includes: that the first flow line means terminates in a first flow line flange supporting one or more first flow lines; that the second flow line device terminates in •a second flow line flange supporting one or more other flow lines; that the flow line connection means connects the first and second flow line flanges for fluid communication therebetween; that the second flow line flange has a side ear; and that the flow line connection means includes a connection plate provided with a plate ear, and wherein the connection plate is mounted on the first flow line flange for movement between a release position where the first and second flow line flanges are separable and in an interlocked position where the ear on the connection plate contacts the side ear of the second flow line flange whereby one or more first flow lines are joined in fluid communication with one or more second flow lines with the side plate in the interlocked position. 23- Construction in accordance with claim 13, characterized by a first flow line arrangement including one or more first flow lines terminating in a first flow line flange, the flow line flange being mounted for sliding movement in the alignment channel; hydraulic power means for moving the first flow line flange toward and away from the second flow line flange; and connecting means for flow lines including means for joining. together the first and second flow line flanges for fluid communication therebetween. 24. Construction in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that the device for joining the flow line flanges includes: an ear extending from the second flow line lens; a connection plate mounted on the first flow line flange for movement between a release position and an interlocked position and wherein the connection plate has an attached ear; and means for moving the connecting plate to an interlocked position where the lugs are interlocked to prevent separation of the flow line flanges. 25- Construction in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that it includes a first flow line flange which has a removably mounted sealing plate which ensures a sealed fluid connection between one or more first flow lines and one or more other flow lines with. the first and second flow line flanges joined together. 26. Construction in accordance with claim 25, characterized in that it includes: a hydraulic power device which moves the first flow line flange out of joint with the second flow line flange; and removal equipment for propulsion from the surface of the water to a point substantially between the first and second flow line flanges, and wherein the removal equipment includes means for contacting the seal plate for removal. 27. Construction in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that it includes hydraulic power means for moving the first flow line flange away from the take-off device to release the first flow line flange from attachment with the seal plate. 28. Method for creating an underwater connection between a borehole that has been drilled into a formation located on the seabed, characterized in that it includes the steps: submerging from the water surface a flowline alignment unit and locating the flowline alignment unit with a wellbore support device mounted at the wellbore; submerging a fluid flow network and positioning the fluid flow network, the network including a first flow line device for transferring fluid from the wellbore; submerging a flow line placement unit with a wire connected to the second flow line arrangement and placing the flow line placement unit near the flow line placement unit; operating the wire from the surface to pull the wire and the second flowline device attached thereto inwardly toward the flowline positioning assembly until the second flowline device is in a position of partial alignment with the first flowline device; using hydraulic power to move the second flow line device into a locked position with the flow line positioning assembly and then manipulating the flow line positioning assembly to place the second flow line assembly in a position of substantially full alignment with the first flow line assembly; and joining the first and second aligned flow line devices in a fluidic connection. 29. A method in accordance with claim 28, characterized in that it includes the steps of immersing the flow line alignment unit into the flow line placement unit and then removing the flow line placement unit prior to immersing the fluid flow network. 30. A method according to claim 28, characterized in that it includes the step of providing an alignment channel to receive the first and second flow line devices in full alignment for joining. 31. Method in accordance with claim 28, characterized in that it includes the step of using a funnel unit where the wire extends through it to pull the second flow line device partially within the funnel unit so that the second flow line device is partially aligned with the first flow line device - the direction. 32. Method in accordance with claim 30, characterized in that it includes the step of placing the first flow line device in the device the ting channel when the network for fluid flow is placed with the guide structure for the borehole and the alignment unit for flow lines. 33- Method according to claim 32, characterized in that it includes the step of placing the second flow line device in the channel to place the second flow line device in full alignment for joining with the first flow line device. 34. A method in accordance with claim 31, characterized in that it includes the step of using the funnel assembly to grip the partially aligned second flow line device and move the second flow line device into a position of substantially complete alignment. 35- Method in accordance with claim 28, characterized in that it includes the step of testing the second flow line device before the joining with the first flow line device. 36. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that it includes the steps of providing hydraulic power directly to the placement equipment for flow lines and to the network for fluid flow. 37- Method according to claim 28, characterized in that it includes moving the second flow line device to a vertical position when the second flow line device is moved to the position of substantially complete alignment. 38. A method according to claim 28, characterized in that it includes the step of removing the placement unit for flow lines after that. the second flow line device is joined with the first flow line device. 39- Device for selectively forming a fluid connection to a borehole which has been drilled into a formation lying on the seabed, characterized in that it consists of: a network for controlling fluid flow from a borehole where the network can be located at a borehole drilled on the seabed, and where the network for controlling fluid flow from the borehole includes first flow line means for transferring fluid from the borehole out of the borehole; a second extendable flow line device. from a remote location to the borehole, and where the second flowline device is lowered into the water for. connection with the first flow line device so that the fluid from the borehole becomes transferable through the network for controlling fluid flow from the borehole and the first and the second flow line device to a remote location;- a placement device for wire for assembly at . the wellbore and using the wire apparatus to move the second flowline device to a position of partial alignment with respect to the first flowline device; a power device which can be remotely controlled for mounting at the wellbore to contact and move the second flowline device to a position of substantially complete alignment for joining with the first flowline device; ■ the ling; and test device which is mounted together with the other the flowline device to test the second flowline device prior to joining the first flowline device the line device.