US20140341656A1 - Self-aligning subsea structures - Google Patents
Self-aligning subsea structures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140341656A1 US20140341656A1 US14/279,471 US201414279471A US2014341656A1 US 20140341656 A1 US20140341656 A1 US 20140341656A1 US 201414279471 A US201414279471 A US 201414279471A US 2014341656 A1 US2014341656 A1 US 2014341656A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- post
- receptacle
- subsea
- spring
- disposed
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
- E21B43/013—Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
- E02D27/32—Foundations for special purposes
- E02D27/52—Submerged foundations, i.e. submerged in open water
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/24—Guiding or centralising devices for drilling rods or pipes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
- E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
- E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
- E21B33/038—Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0007—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00 for underwater installations
- E21B41/0014—Underwater well locating or reentry systems
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/10—Guide posts, e.g. releasable; Attaching guide lines to underwater guide bases
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
- E21B43/0107—Connecting of flow lines to offshore structures
Definitions
- This invention relates to subsea structures and to the facilitation of alignment of those structures.
- a first structure comprises a base and a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts extending from the base and of which a second structure comprises a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts.
- the ordinary purpose of such an assembly is to allow accurate mating of the structures, for example to allow connection of a marine riser to a subsea installation.
- the latter may incorporate the first structure and include a boss which may be centrally located relative to the guide posts.
- the second structure may have a cooperative part which can engage the boss to provide connection of the marine riser to a passageway within the boss.
- the invention is applicable to other kinds of structures.
- One structure is often tilted with respect to the other and consequently is quite liable to bind or jam.
- ROV remotely operated vehicle
- the invention subsists in a subsea structure for deployment on a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts, comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts; wherein at least one of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the exterior of the respective guide post and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- the invention subsists in a subsea assembly, comprising a first structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts; a second structure comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts; wherein at least one of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the exterior of the respective guide post and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- Each spring may be secured to a respective receptacle at one end and be adjustably secured to that receptacle at its other end.
- the said other end of the spring may be supported by a member which is captive within the respective receptacle.
- Each spring may have at each end an axially extending foot.
- There may be four springs disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a receptacle, so as to provide a centring action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post.
- other numbers of springs may be suitable.
- all the receptacles may have springs as aforesaid.
- a converse arrangement is used, wherein the springs are carried on at least one of the posts instead of within a receptacle.
- the centering action is the same.
- the invention also provides a subsea structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts wherein, for the reception of a second structure which comprises a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts, at least one of the posts carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the interior of the respective receptacle and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- a subsea assembly comprises a first structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts; and a second structure comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts; wherein at least one of the posts carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the interior of the respective receptacle and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- Each spring may be secured to a respective post at one end and be adjustably supported with respect to the post at its other end.
- the said other end of the spring may be supported relative to the respective post by a member which is captive within the respective spring.
- Each spring may have at each end an axially extending foot.
- each spring may be disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a post, so as to provide a centering action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post.
- all the posts may have springs as aforesaid.
- the first structure may comprise a central post around which the said guide posts are disposed and the second structure may comprise a cooperative part disposed for fitment over the central post.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of one structure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of two structures according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of two structures according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a detail of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a view showing structures which are misaligned but otherwise similar to FIG. 3 , which shows structures which are aligned;
- FIG. 6 is a detail on the arrow A in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of two structures according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a detail of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a view showing structures which are misaligned but otherwise similar to FIG. 7 , which shows structures which are aligned;
- FIG. 10 is a detail on the arrow A in FIG. 9 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two structures 1 and 2 which embody one example of the invention.
- the structure 1 is intended to be a lower of the two structures and the structure 2 is intended to be lowered onto the first structure 1 in order to make some operative connection when the structures are fully engaged.
- the assembly may be inverted.
- the direction of engagement may be oblique or at right angles to the vertical.
- the structure 1 comprises a casing 3 for a subsea installation that may be part of a module, manifold, well or other equipment.
- two or more substantially parallel guide posts 4 extend upwardly from the structure 1 .
- the structure 1 includes at its upper side a post 5 which supports a peripheral platform 6 .
- This platform is a datum for the central part of the structure 2 .
- a top part 7 of the post 5 extends above the platform. It may be hollow so as to allow (for example) fluid flow.
- the post is disposed centrally between the guide posts 4 .
- the structure 2 comprises a central portion 8 which comprises a part 9 for cooperation with the post 5 .
- the part 9 is in this example an inverted bucket which can fit over the post 5 .
- An upper part of the central portion of the structure 2 is a marine riser 10 which is in communication with the interior of the bucket 9 .
- lateral arms 11 Extending laterally from the central portion of the structure 2 are lateral arms 11 each of which supports a tubular receptacle 12 each of which corresponds to one of the guide posts and is positioned to receive the respective guide posts as the structure 2 is lowered towards the structure 1 .
- the receptacles are all similar and only the left-hand receptacle 12 a in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 4 , which illustrates to a larger scale the detail within the circle X in FIG. 3 .
- the receptacle 12 a has a straight tubular portion 13 of constant cross section and an outwardly flared lower rim 14 . This constitutes a docking cone which facilitates initial engagement of the receptacle and post when as usual they are not initially axially aligned.
- semi-elliptical springs 15 Within the portion 13 are disposed semi-elliptical springs 15 . There may be two opposed springs but preferably as shown there are four springs in two orthogonal pairs. Each spring is disposed lengthwise in the portion 13 . It is fixed to the portion at its upper end at or near the upper rim of the portion 13 . At its other end the spring is supported by a member 18 which extends through a respective hole 17 in the portion 13 .
- the member is captive within the hole (which may be threaded) but allows movement of the lower end of the spring 15 relative to the tubular portion 13 .
- the member 18 may be a bolt extending through the portion 13 to contact the foot of the spring 15 . It may be adjusted lengthwise to set an adjustable radial limit for the spring and can be locked in position by a securing nut 16 .
- Each spring has a small axially extending foot at each end. The foot 19 at the upper end allows securing of the upper end by welding whereas the foot 20 at the lower end enables sliding movement of the lower end with respect to the member 18 .
- each receptacle engage slidingly the outer surface of the guide post 4 and provide an automatic centering action.
- the springs should be substantially similar in shape and spring rate.
- the centering action is along two axes normal to the axis of the post 4 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the structures 1 and 2 when they have been mutually engaged correctly.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the structure 1 and 2 when as will frequently occur there is obliquity in the approach of the structures as indicated by the curved arrow B.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view on arrow A of the receptacle 12 a and its post in this condition. The obliquity can be accommodated by the springs and corrected to leave the structures in the positions shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 7 to 10 A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10 .
- the structure 1 as before comprises a casing 3 for a subsea installation that may be part of a module, manifold, well or other equipment.
- two or more substantially parallel guide posts 4 extend upwardly from the structure 1 .
- the structure 1 includes at its upper side a post 5 which supports a peripheral platform 6 .
- This platform is a datum for the central part of the structure 2 .
- a top part 7 of the post 5 extends above the platform. It may be hollow so as to allow (for example) fluid flow.
- the post is disposed centrally between the guide posts 4 .
- the structure 2 comprises a central portion 8 which comprises a part 9 for cooperation with the post 5 .
- the part 9 is in this example an inverted bucket which can fit over the post 5 .
- An upper part of the central portion of the structure 2 is a marine riser 10 which is in communication with the interior of the bucket 9 .
- lateral arms 11 Extending laterally from the central portion of the structure 2 are lateral arms 11 each of which supports a tubular receptacle 12 each of which corresponds to one of the guide posts and is positioned to receive the respective guide posts as the structure 2 is lowered towards the structure 1 .
- the receptacles are all similar and only the left-hand receptacle 12 a in FIG. 7 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 8 , which illustrates to a larger scale the detail within the circle Y in FIG. 7 .
- the receptacle 12 a has a straight tubular portion 13 of constant cross section and an outwardly flared lower rim 14 ( FIG. 10 ).
- This receptacle constitutes a docking cone which facilitates initial engagement of the receptacle and post when as usual they are not initially axially aligned.
- On the post 4 are disposed semi-elliptical springs 15 .
- the spring has a foot 20 which is supported by a screw 21 which extends through a respective hole in the end 20 .
- the screw is adjustable to move the foot 20 radially with respect to the post and may be secures by a nut 22 .
- the screw allows movement of the lower end of the spring 15 relative to the tubular portion 13 .
- the springs on each post engage slidingly the inner surface of the tubular part 13 of the respective receptacle 12 and provide an automatic centering action.
- the springs should be substantially similar in shape and spring rate.
- the centering action is along two axes normal to the axis of the post 4 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the structures 1 and 2 when they have been mutually engaged correctly.
- FIG. 9 illustrates the structures when as will frequently occur there is obliquity in the approach of the structures as indicated by the curved arrow B.
- FIG. 10 is a plan view on arrow A of the receptacle 12 a and its post in this condition. The obliquity can be accommodated by the springs and corrected to leave the structures in the positions shown in FIG. 7 .
Abstract
A subsea assembly comprises a first structure (1) including a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts (4) and a second structure (2) comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles (12) each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts. At least one of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs (15) disposed to engage the exterior of the respective guide post (4) and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post. In a converse arrangement at least one of the posts (4) carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs (15) disposed to engage the interior of the respective receptacle (12) and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
Description
- This invention relates to subsea structures and to the facilitation of alignment of those structures.
- It is known to provide an assembly of subsea structures of which a first structure comprises a base and a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts extending from the base and of which a second structure comprises a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts. The ordinary purpose of such an assembly is to allow accurate mating of the structures, for example to allow connection of a marine riser to a subsea installation. The latter may incorporate the first structure and include a boss which may be centrally located relative to the guide posts. The second structure may have a cooperative part which can engage the boss to provide connection of the marine riser to a passageway within the boss. However, the invention is applicable to other kinds of structures.
- A general problem arises from the difficulty of causing engagement of these and similar structures in accurate alignment. One structure is often tilted with respect to the other and consequently is quite liable to bind or jam. It would be desirable to provide an assembly in which correct alignment of the posts and receptacles were facilitated, whereby to avoid, or at least lessen the need for, manipulation of the structures by a diver or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and to allow engagement and disengagement at greater degrees of angular or positional misalignment.
- In one embodiment the invention subsists in a subsea structure for deployment on a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts, comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts; wherein at least one of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the exterior of the respective guide post and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- In another aspect the invention subsists in a subsea assembly, comprising a first structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts; a second structure comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts; wherein at least one of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the exterior of the respective guide post and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- Each spring may be secured to a respective receptacle at one end and be adjustably secured to that receptacle at its other end. The said other end of the spring may be supported by a member which is captive within the respective receptacle. Each spring may have at each end an axially extending foot. There may be four springs disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a receptacle, so as to provide a centring action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post. However, other numbers of springs may be suitable.
- In a specific example all the receptacles may have springs as aforesaid.
- In another aspect of the invention a converse arrangement is used, wherein the springs are carried on at least one of the posts instead of within a receptacle. However, the centering action is the same.
- Thus the invention also provides a subsea structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts wherein, for the reception of a second structure which comprises a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts, at least one of the posts carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the interior of the respective receptacle and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- According to this aspect of the invention a subsea assembly comprises a first structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts; and a second structure comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts; wherein at least one of the posts carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the interior of the respective receptacle and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
- Each spring may be secured to a respective post at one end and be adjustably supported with respect to the post at its other end. The said other end of the spring may be supported relative to the respective post by a member which is captive within the respective spring. Each spring may have at each end an axially extending foot.
- As before there may be four springs disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a post, so as to provide a centering action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post. In a specific example all the posts may have springs as aforesaid.
- The first structure may comprise a central post around which the said guide posts are disposed and the second structure may comprise a cooperative part disposed for fitment over the central post.
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of one structure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of two structures according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of two structures according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a detail of the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a view showing structures which are misaligned but otherwise similar toFIG. 3 , which shows structures which are aligned; -
FIG. 6 is a detail on the arrow A inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of two structures according to another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a detail of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a view showing structures which are misaligned but otherwise similar toFIG. 7 , which shows structures which are aligned; and -
FIG. 10 is a detail on the arrow A inFIG. 9 . -
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate twostructures 1 and 2 which embody one example of the invention. In this example the structure 1 is intended to be a lower of the two structures and thestructure 2 is intended to be lowered onto the first structure 1 in order to make some operative connection when the structures are fully engaged. However, the assembly may be inverted. Moreover, the direction of engagement may be oblique or at right angles to the vertical. - In the present example the structure 1 comprises a
casing 3 for a subsea installation that may be part of a module, manifold, well or other equipment. In this example two or more substantiallyparallel guide posts 4 extend upwardly from the structure 1. Typically there may be four such posts, to provide ultimately stability of thestructure 2 about two horizontal axes but the actual number depends on design choice. Only two of the four posts are shown inFIG. 2 . - The structure 1 includes at its upper side a
post 5 which supports aperipheral platform 6. This platform is a datum for the central part of thestructure 2. Atop part 7 of thepost 5 extends above the platform. It may be hollow so as to allow (for example) fluid flow. In this example the post is disposed centrally between theguide posts 4. - The
structure 2 comprises acentral portion 8 which comprises apart 9 for cooperation with thepost 5. Thepart 9 is in this example an inverted bucket which can fit over thepost 5. An upper part of the central portion of thestructure 2 is amarine riser 10 which is in communication with the interior of thebucket 9. - Extending laterally from the central portion of the
structure 2 arelateral arms 11 each of which supports atubular receptacle 12 each of which corresponds to one of the guide posts and is positioned to receive the respective guide posts as thestructure 2 is lowered towards the structure 1. The receptacles are all similar and only the left-hand receptacle 12 a inFIGS. 1 and 2 will be described mainly with reference toFIG. 4 , which illustrates to a larger scale the detail within the circle X inFIG. 3 . - The
receptacle 12 a has a straighttubular portion 13 of constant cross section and an outwardly flaredlower rim 14. This constitutes a docking cone which facilitates initial engagement of the receptacle and post when as usual they are not initially axially aligned. Within theportion 13 are disposedsemi-elliptical springs 15. There may be two opposed springs but preferably as shown there are four springs in two orthogonal pairs. Each spring is disposed lengthwise in theportion 13. It is fixed to the portion at its upper end at or near the upper rim of theportion 13. At its other end the spring is supported by amember 18 which extends through arespective hole 17 in theportion 13. The member is captive within the hole (which may be threaded) but allows movement of the lower end of thespring 15 relative to thetubular portion 13. Themember 18 may be a bolt extending through theportion 13 to contact the foot of thespring 15. It may be adjusted lengthwise to set an adjustable radial limit for the spring and can be locked in position by a securingnut 16. Each spring has a small axially extending foot at each end. Thefoot 19 at the upper end allows securing of the upper end by welding whereas thefoot 20 at the lower end enables sliding movement of the lower end with respect to themember 18. - The springs in each receptacle engage slidingly the outer surface of the
guide post 4 and provide an automatic centering action. For this purpose the springs should be substantially similar in shape and spring rate. In this example the centering action is along two axes normal to the axis of thepost 4. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate thestructures 1 and 2 when they have been mutually engaged correctly. -
FIG. 5 illustrates thestructure 1 and 2 when as will frequently occur there is obliquity in the approach of the structures as indicated by the curved arrow B.FIG. 6 is a plan view on arrow A of thereceptacle 12 a and its post in this condition. The obliquity can be accommodated by the springs and corrected to leave the structures in the positions shown inFIG. 3 . - A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 7 to 10 . As is shown inFIG. 7 the structure 1 as before comprises acasing 3 for a subsea installation that may be part of a module, manifold, well or other equipment. In this example two or more substantiallyparallel guide posts 4 extend upwardly from the structure 1. Typically there may be four such posts, to provide ultimately stability of thestructure 2 about two horizontal axes but the actual number depends on design choice. Only two of the four posts are shown inFIG. 2 . - The structure 1 includes at its upper side a
post 5 which supports aperipheral platform 6. This platform is a datum for the central part of thestructure 2. Atop part 7 of thepost 5 extends above the platform. It may be hollow so as to allow (for example) fluid flow. In this example the post is disposed centrally between the guide posts 4. - The
structure 2 comprises acentral portion 8 which comprises apart 9 for cooperation with thepost 5. Thepart 9 is in this example an inverted bucket which can fit over thepost 5. An upper part of the central portion of thestructure 2 is amarine riser 10 which is in communication with the interior of thebucket 9. - Extending laterally from the central portion of the
structure 2 arelateral arms 11 each of which supports atubular receptacle 12 each of which corresponds to one of the guide posts and is positioned to receive the respective guide posts as thestructure 2 is lowered towards the structure 1. The receptacles are all similar and only the left-hand receptacle 12 a inFIG. 7 will be described mainly with reference toFIG. 8 , which illustrates to a larger scale the detail within the circle Y inFIG. 7 . - The
receptacle 12 a has a straighttubular portion 13 of constant cross section and an outwardly flared lower rim 14 (FIG. 10 ). This receptacle constitutes a docking cone which facilitates initial engagement of the receptacle and post when as usual they are not initially axially aligned. On thepost 4 are disposedsemi-elliptical springs 15. There may be two opposed springs but preferably as shown there are four springs in two orthogonal pairs. Each spring is disposed lengthwise relative to the post and thereceptacle 13. It is fixed to thepost 4 near the top thereof by afoot 19 at its upper end. At itsother end 20 the spring has afoot 20 which is supported by ascrew 21 which extends through a respective hole in theend 20. The screw is adjustable to move thefoot 20 radially with respect to the post and may be secures by anut 22. The screw allows movement of the lower end of thespring 15 relative to thetubular portion 13. - The springs on each post engage slidingly the inner surface of the
tubular part 13 of therespective receptacle 12 and provide an automatic centering action. For this purpose the springs should be substantially similar in shape and spring rate. In this example the centering action is along two axes normal to the axis of thepost 4. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate thestructures 1 and 2 when they have been mutually engaged correctly. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the structures when as will frequently occur there is obliquity in the approach of the structures as indicated by the curved arrow B.FIG. 10 is a plan view on arrow A of thereceptacle 12 a and its post in this condition. The obliquity can be accommodated by the springs and corrected to leave the structures in the positions shown inFIG. 7 .
Claims (24)
1. A subsea structure for deployment on a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts comprising:
a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts;
wherein
at least one of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the exterior of the respective guide post and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
2. A subsea structure according to claim 1 in which each spring secured to a respective receptacle at one end and is adjustably supported with respect to that receptacle at its other end.
3. A subsea structure according to claim 2 in which the said other end of the spring is supported by a member which is captive within the respective receptacle.
4. A subsea structure according to claim 3 in which each spring has at each end an axially extending foot.
5. A subsea structure according to claim 1 in which there are four springs disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a receptacle, so as to provide a centring action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post.
6. A subsea assembly comprising:
a first structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts;
a second structure comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts;
wherein
at least one of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the exterior of the respective guide post and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
7. A subsea assembly according to claim 6 in which each spring is secured to a respective receptacle at one end and is adjustably supported with respect to that receptacle at its other end.
8. A subsea assembly according to claim 7 in which the said other end of the spring is supported by a member which is captive within the respective receptacle.
9. A subsea assembly according to claim 8 in which each spring has at each end an axially extending foot.
10. A subsea assembly according to claim 6 in which there are four springs disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a receptacle, so as to provide a centring action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post.
11. A subsea assembly according to claim 6 in which the first structure comprises a central post around which the said guide posts are disposed and the second structure comprises a cooperative part disposed for fitment over the central post.
12. A subsea structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts wherein, for the reception of a second structure which comprises a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts, at least one of the posts carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the interior of the respective receptacle and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
13. A subsea structure according to claim 12 in which each spring is secured to a respective post at one end and is adjustably supported with respect to that post at its other end.
14. A subsea structure according to claim 13 in which the said other end of the spring is supported by a member which is captive within the respective spring.
15. A subsea structure according to claim 14 in which each spring has at each end an axially extending foot.
16. A subsea structure according to claim 12 in which there are four springs disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a post, so as to provide a centring action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post.
17. A subsea assembly according to claim 12 in which each of a plurality of the receptacles includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the exterior of a respective guide post and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the respective guide post.
18. A subsea assembly comprising:
a first structure comprising a plurality of substantially parallel guide posts;
a second structure comprising a support and depending therefrom a plurality of tubular receptacles each positioned for fitment on a respective one of the guide posts;
wherein
at least one of the posts carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the interior of the respective receptacle and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the guide post.
19. A subsea assembly according to claim 18 in which each spring is secured to a respective post at one end and is adjustably supported with respect to the post at its other end.
20. A subsea assembly according to claim 19 in which the said other end of the spring is supported by a member which is captive within the respective spring.
21. A subsea assembly according to claim 20 in which each spring has at each end an axially extending foot.
22. A subsea assembly according to claim 18 in which there are four springs disposed at 90° degree intervals about the axis of a post, so as to provide a centring action for orthogonal directions laterally of the respective post.
23. A subsea assembly according to claim 18 in which the first structure comprises a central post around which the said guide posts are disposed and the second structure comprises a cooperative part disposed for fitment over the central post.
24. A subsea assembly according to claim 18 in which each of the posts carries a plurality of longitudinally disposed semi-elliptical springs disposed to engage the interior of a respective receptacle and thereby to axially centre the receptacle with respect to the respective guide post.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1309007.1A GB2514191B (en) | 2013-05-17 | 2013-05-17 | Self-aligning subsea structures |
GB1309007.1 | 2013-05-17 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140341656A1 true US20140341656A1 (en) | 2014-11-20 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/279,471 Abandoned US20140341656A1 (en) | 2013-05-17 | 2014-05-16 | Self-aligning subsea structures |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140341656A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2514191B (en) |
NO (1) | NO20140626A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014184575A2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140345209A1 (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2014-11-27 | Blg Logistics Solutions Gmbh & Co. Kg | Support for offshore foundation structures, particularly tripods |
CN105840131A (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2016-08-10 | 中国石油集团川庆钻探工程有限公司长庆钻井总公司 | Device and method for fixing, mounting and dismounting mud guard umbrella rapidly |
WO2016140578A1 (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2016-09-09 | Aker Solutions As | Connection system for subsea pipelines |
NO20162035A1 (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2018-06-22 | Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As | First subsea structure with guiding groove for mating with second subsea structure, and assembly comprising the first and second subsea structures |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB202002848D0 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2020-04-15 | Aker Solutions As | Protective structure |
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US3500906A (en) * | 1968-05-23 | 1970-03-17 | Shell Oil Co | Subsurface wellhead and connector |
CA1225328A (en) * | 1983-10-31 | 1987-08-11 | Baker Oil Tools, Inc. | Segmented concentric centralizer |
US4661016A (en) * | 1985-04-11 | 1987-04-28 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Subsea flowline connector |
NO164729C (en) * | 1988-07-14 | 1990-11-14 | Norske Stats Oljeselskap | ANCHORING DEVICE. |
US7252152B2 (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2007-08-07 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool |
US7878241B2 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2011-02-01 | Frank's International, Inc. | Expandable centralizer for expandable pipe string |
GB2492800B (en) * | 2011-07-13 | 2016-12-28 | Aker Subsea Ltd | Subsea interface |
NO20111340A1 (en) * | 2011-10-03 | 2013-04-04 | Aker Subsea As | Underwater docking station |
US8931561B2 (en) * | 2011-10-20 | 2015-01-13 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Soft landing system and method of achieving same |
-
2013
- 2013-05-17 GB GB1309007.1A patent/GB2514191B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2014
- 2014-05-16 WO PCT/GB2014/051508 patent/WO2014184575A2/en active Application Filing
- 2014-05-16 US US14/279,471 patent/US20140341656A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-05-16 NO NO20140626A patent/NO20140626A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140345209A1 (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2014-11-27 | Blg Logistics Solutions Gmbh & Co. Kg | Support for offshore foundation structures, particularly tripods |
US9290903B2 (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2016-03-22 | Blg Logistics Solutions Gmbh & Co. Kg | Support for offshore foundation structures, particularly tripods |
WO2016140578A1 (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2016-09-09 | Aker Solutions As | Connection system for subsea pipelines |
GB2550814A (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2017-11-29 | Aker Solutions As | Connection system for subsea pipelines |
US10465822B2 (en) | 2015-03-03 | 2019-11-05 | Aker Solutions As | Connection system for subsea pipelines |
GB2550814B (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2021-04-14 | Aker Solutions As | Connection system for subsea pipelines |
CN105840131A (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2016-08-10 | 中国石油集团川庆钻探工程有限公司长庆钻井总公司 | Device and method for fixing, mounting and dismounting mud guard umbrella rapidly |
NO20162035A1 (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2018-06-22 | Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As | First subsea structure with guiding groove for mating with second subsea structure, and assembly comprising the first and second subsea structures |
NO343099B1 (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2018-11-05 | Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As | First subsea structure with guiding groove for mating with second subsea structure, and assembly comprising the first and second subsea structures |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NO20140626A1 (en) | 2014-11-18 |
WO2014184575A2 (en) | 2014-11-20 |
WO2014184575A3 (en) | 2015-04-09 |
GB2514191A (en) | 2014-11-19 |
GB2514191B (en) | 2016-05-25 |
GB201309007D0 (en) | 2013-07-03 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AKER SUBSEA LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LAWSON, CHARLES DONALD;REEL/FRAME:033091/0020 Effective date: 20140528 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |