US3586103A

US3586103A - Coupling apparatus for coupling an underwater operating and servicing module to a plurality of underwater wells through a single receptacle

Info

Publication number: US3586103A
Application number: US722001A
Authority: US
Inventors: Walter Brown; Warren S Messinger
Original assignee: North American Rockwell Corp
Current assignee: Boeing North American Inc
Priority date: 1968-04-17
Filing date: 1968-04-17
Publication date: 1971-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 1988-06-22
Also published as: NO130161B; DE1919099A1; DE1919099B2; GB1257676A; FR2006385A1; NL6905968A; JPS5024241B1; DE1919099C3; NL159755B

Abstract

This invention is directed towards a coupling apparatus for coupling an underwater operating and servicing module through a single module receptacle to a plurality of oil or gas wells. A single connector is adapted to mate with a receptacle on the module from a vertical position. Two or more well connectors are adapted to mate with wells in close proximity to the module. A plurality of flexible tubes connect the module connector to the plurality of well connectors. The ends of the plurality of tubes are arched downwards. A rigid crossbeam member having a variable length is fixedly attached between two well connectors. Pivotally attached to the rigid crossmember at substantially a midpoint is a vertical coupling assembly member which supports a first truss member. The truss member connects the module connector to the truss member. A second variable-length truss member extends from the connector end of the first truss member to a lower point on the vertical coupling assembly member. A first hydraulic actuator and locking means is connected between the vertical coupling assembly member and the rigid crossmember for varying the angle between the two to compensate for misalignments between the wells and the module receptacle. A second hydraulic actuator and locking means extends between the vertical coupling assembly member and the connector end of the truss member to compensate for misalignments and to hold the module connector off from the module receptacle when desired. Each of the connectors are guided to their respective receptacles and wells by means of guide sleeves surrounding guide lines and guide pins projecting upwards from the wells and module to a surface vessel. Because each of the connectors are positioned downward such that they mate from a vertical direction, the weight of the connectors and coupling assembly forces the connectors into position at their respective receptacles and they are then locked into position by hydraulic or electric means controlled from either within the module or from the surface vessel. Tools for servicing and operating the wells may then be inserted into the coupling assembly through the module and coupled from there to the wells.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventors Walter Brown;

Warren S. Messinger, both of Long Beach,

Calil. [21] Appl. No. 722,001 [22] Filed Apr. 17, 1968 [45] Patented June 22, 1971 [73] Assimiee North American Rockwell Corporation [54] COUPLING APPARATUS FOR COUPLING AN UNDERWATER OPERATING AND SERVICING MODULE TO A PLURALI'I'Y OF UNDERWATER WELLS THROUGH A SINGLE RECEPTACLE Primary Examiner-Emest R. Purser Assistant Examiner-Richard E. Favreau Attorneys-William R. Lane, L. Lee Humphries and Edward Dugas ABSTRACT: This invention is directed towards a coupling apparatus for coupling an underwater operating and servicing module through a single module receptacle to a plurality of oil or gas wells. A single connector is adapted to mate with a receptacle on the module from a vertical position. Two or more well connectors are adapted to mate with wells in close proximity to the module. A plurality of flexible tubes connect the module connector to the plurality of well connectors. The ends of the plurality of tubes are arched downwards. A rigid crossbeam member having a variable length is fixedly attached between two well connectors. Pivotally attached to the rigid crossmember at substantially a midpoint is a vertical coupling assembly member which supports a first truss member. The truss member connects the module connector to the truss member. A second variable-length truss member extends from the connector end of the first truss member to a lower point on the vertical coupling assembly member. A first hydraulic actuator and locking means is connected between the vertical coupling assembly member and the rigid crossmember for varying the angle between the two to compensate for misalignments between the wells and the module receptacle. A second hydraulic actuator and locking means extends between the vertical coupling assembly member and the connector end of the truss member to compensate for misalignments and to hold the module connector oil from the module receptacle when desired. Each of the connectors are guided to their respective receptacles and wells by means of guide sleeves surrounding guide lines and guide pins projecting upwards from the wells and module to a surface vessel. Because each of the connectors are positioned downward such that they mate from a vertical direction, the weight of the connectors and coupling assembly forces the connectors into position at their respective receptacles and they are then locked into position by hydraulic or electric means controlled from either within the module or from the surface vessel. Tools for servicing and operating the wells may then be inserted into the coupling assembly through the module and coupled from there to the wells.

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INVENTOR. WALTER BROWN w RENS.MES NGER ATTORV COUPLING APPARATUS FOR COUPLING AN UNDERWATER OPERATING AND SERVICING MODULE TO A PLURALITY OF UNDERWATER WELLS THROUGH A SINGLE RECEP'IACLE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is related to U.S. Pat. application Ser. No.

717,761, filed Apr. 1, 1968 entitled Deep Water Operating and Servicing System for Operating and Servicing Marine Wells, by W. Brown et al., assigned to North American Rockwell Corporation, the assignee of the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to the field of deepwater well operating and servicing devices and, more particularly, to a coupling assembly for coupling a service module through a single receptacle to two or more wells with a minimum use of peripheral equipment.

In the deepwater well servicing and operating art it has been standard practice to lower tools from a surface vessel along a wire line into the well shaft for various purposes such as cleaning wax from the inner walls of the pipes. Depending upon the area in which the wells are located, the rate of servicing may be heavy or low. If, for example, weekly servicing is required for a well, the expense and time involved in hooking up a surface vessel and performing the necessary service operation is high. Various means have been devised to service these deepwater wells efficiently; one such method is the TFL (Through the Flowline) method. This method uses hydraulic pressure to drive a variety of scrapping and cleaning tools through the production tubing. It uses another line called the service line to bypass the production line to allow a continual output from the well. The service line also supplies pressure to return the tool up through the production tubing. In the abovereferenced application there is shown a coupling assembly for coupling a plurality of receptacles on an underwater service module to a plurality of deepwater wells. In that application, a single well is coupled to a single receptacle on the module. A more efficient and lower cost system would involve one wherein a single receptacle located on the module is coupled to or has access to two or more wells, thereby cutting down the need for a corresponding plurality of receptacles on the well end, of course, their associated connectors, locking means, and supporting structure. It would also be highly desirable to have one coupling assembly which could, in one operation, be connected to a plurality of wells thereby minimizing the time necessary in connecting each well individually to a receptacle on the module. Such a coupling assembly should also have a quick disconnect capability to allow the assembly to be removed for repair or servicing and for repositioning between another group of wells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a module capable of being immersed under water is positioned at a predetermined distance from a plurality of deepwater wells. At least one receptacle passes vertically through a horizontal surface into the interior of the module. Receptacles and guide means are fixed to each of the wells to be serviced. Guide means are also fixed to the module for guiding and indexing a connector onto the module receptacle.

The coupling assembly is comprised of a module connector having guide means fixed thereto adapted for cooperation with the guide means on the module. A well connector having guide means affixed thereto is adapted to be guided and indexed into position on each of the wells to be serviced. A substantially rigid crossmember having a variable length is affixed between each of the well connectors. Pivotally mounted to each of the variable-length crossmembers at substantially the midpoint is a vertical coupling assembly member. Affixed to the vertical coupling assembly member is a horizontal truss member which has affixed to its end the module connector. A first actuator and locking means is connected between the vertical member and the horizontal truss member for raising and lowering the module connector. A second actuator and locking means is connected between the vertical coupling assembly member and the crossmember for positioning the vertical coupling member with respect to the positioning of the wells and the module. A plurality of flexible tubing members are connected between the module connectors and the well connectors.

In operation, the entire connector assembly is lowered into position along guidelines to the corresponding receptacles on the module and wells with the weight of the coupling assembly providing the necessary force for mating the connectors to the receptacles. Locking means are positioned on each of the connectors to provide the necessary locking force for holding the connectors to the receptacles. Additional locking means are provided for each actuator such that when each connector is in place the actuators are locked to provide a rigid coupling assembly which effectively provides structural support between the wells and the module.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for coupling an operating and servicing module to a plurality of deepwater wells.

.It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable coupling apparatus for use with underwater operating and servicing modules.

The aforementioned and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent and better understood when taken in conjunction with the following description and drawings throughout which like characters indicate like parts, and which drawings form a part of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a full side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a full end view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with minor structural details omitted;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the section lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partially sectioned view of a crossbeam member shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the sectioning lines of 6-6 of FIG. 1 which includes a block diagram of hydraulic control; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the section lines 7-7 in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the hollow module unit 10 (shown in partial section) is positioned a predetermined distance from the

wells

30a and 30b. A coupling assembly 20 couples the module 10 to the

wells

30a and 30b. The coupling assembly 20 is connected to the module 10 by means of a vertically positioned receptacle 12 which passes upwards through the wall of the module. The coupling assembly 20 is connected to the

wells

30a and 30b through a combination receptacle and valve assembly which is positioned as part of a wellhead onto the well pipes 34. Extending upwards from the guide frame 36 are two outer guide pins 38 and an inner guide pin 40 which is shorter in length. The guide pins are positioned approximately an equal radial distance from the center of the well pipes with the pins parallel to and separated equally from each other. Extending upwards from the ends of the guide pins are guidelines 90. These lines are attached to the guide pins by means of removable connectors 92. The wellhead assembly 50 is comprised of a receptacle and valve assembly 32 which is fixedly attached to a lower collet connector 46 which in turn is connected to guide sleeves 44 via a series of braces 48 connected to a ring brace 42 which interconnects each of the sleeves 44. The lower wellhead assembly 50 is lowered from a surface vessel and guided into position on the guide frame 36 by guidelines W and guide pins 3% and d ll. The wellhead assembly is then locked into position'on the well pipe M by means well known to those persons skilled in the art. The wellhead assemblies may constitute a permanent part of each well. The well connectors 52a and b which are a part of the coupling assembly 2% are adapted to mate with the receptacles 32 and to be locked firmly into position thereon. Affixed to and projecting upward from the connectors 2a and b are Y- spools 5 having at least one arm 56 projecting therefrom. An upper valve assembly 58 is attached to each of the Y-spools 54L Attached to the upper valve assemblies 58 are vertical tubular extensions 59 which are adapted to mate with drill pipe that may be lowered from the surface vessel or barge which can be connected by means of hydraulic caps (W. Connected to the extension 59 are trunnions 6d. Forks Ma and tibia are journaled on each trunnion 643. Each part, thus far described, is duplicated at the well Ma and for every other well to which the module MB is to be connected.

Referring now to H6. 5 for a more detailed view of the crossbeam b0 and the apparatus used to connect the crossbeam to the vertical sections 59. The sleeves 62 are attached around the pipe sections 59 and prevented from sliding up and down by collars d3 fixed on pipes $9. Trunnions dd project radially from the sleeves d2. Forks titia and 66b are journaled around the trunnions M. A short cylindrical fork extension 68 is attached at one end to form dos and is retained within a sleeve '72 by means of a retainerfitb with the sleeve 72 being affixed to one end of the crossbeam 80. This particular connection permits the crossbeam as to be rotated about its axial length without affecting the axial position of the fork 66a. The fork bob has a cylindrical fork extension M which is considerably longer than the extension 6% and which is contained within a hollow section of the crossbeam fltli by means of hearing surfaces 76. This particular configuration allows the fork 66b to be rotated about the axis of crossbeam hit and also provides that the fork may be moved in and out, varying the positions of the trunnions M, within a limited range to provide for misalignments of the pipe sections. Trunnions 7d are affixed to the crossbeam bill at approximately the midposition thereof.

Referring back, lFllGS. ll, 2 and 3, attached to and journaled around trunnions 78B is a fork $2. The fork s2 is connected to a vertical main truss dd. The vertical main truss M is comprised of a center tube 886 whose longitudinal'axis is positioned approximately along the center of gravity of the entire coupling assembly ZflfThe center tube ho is connected to the fork i2 by means of a horizontal extension member M. A vertical support member 94 which is attached to another horizontal support member Q65 extending between the tube db and the vertical support member 9 3. Additional bracing 98 provides the vertical main truss member $41 with structural rigidity. lLugs lltltl secured to the vertical member 9d and the horizontal member as, and lugs MM positioned on the crossbeam bib, support a first hydraulic actuator and locking means W2, which when activated can change the angular positioning of the vertical main truss M with respect to the crossbeam 8t). A first collar We is positioned on the vertical pipe as. Positioned further up on the vertical pipe is a second collar member W7, which is positioned in an approximately horizontal line extending to a module connector 2%. The collars Mid and W7 are constrained by flanges M8 in the lateral direction but are free to move about the axis of the vertical pipe ss. Projecting from the collar litlb and H07 are a set of trunnions lllitli and 1112, respectively. A fork lid is journaled to the trunnions llltlt and a similar fork lillti is journaled to the trunnions 1112. A second hydraulic actuating and locking unit R20 is fixedly attached to the fork lllil with the piston rod 59 of the actuator fixedly attached to a truss member M2. The truss member 122 at its other end is connected to a bracket 11241 by means of a ball joint 12s. The bracket ll224l is attached to a horizontal truss member liZfl which is fixedly attached at one end to the fork i 116 and at its other end to the module connector 2th), by means ofa yoke assembly Bil.

Referring to FllG. wherein the horizontal truss member 112% and the yoke assembly 11% are more clearly illustrated. The yoke assembly will is comprised of a clevis member H32 which is journaled to a trunnion set 1134 fixedly attached to a collar TM which is rotatably mounted to a cylindrical section 138 of the connector 211MB. Projecting from one end of the clevis H2 is a cylindrical shaft extension M22. The shaft extension extends into a hollow portion of the horizontal truss member 112% and is guided and retained therein with a degree of motion along and about its lateral axis by means of bearing surfaces 11M. The extension M2 is limited in its axial motion by a keeper Mb which prevents the cylinder from being detached from the truss member. Projecting through the upper cylinder portion 1138 of the module connector 260 are two bundles of flexible tubes of which two are designated i152 and 11%, the ends of which are adapted to mate with the corresponding ends in the receptacle l2. Also, affixed to this upper cylindrical housing Hit, by means of a brace 150, is a guide sleeve 1148 which is adapted to slide onto the guide posts 1159 which are fixed to the module lit]? and project vertically upward therefrom. The guide pin 159 is strategically placed on the module to index the connector and receptacle into perfect alignment. An additional indexing feature is provided by attaching a relatively heavy rod The to the cylinder Mb. The rod M6 slides snugly into a slot in an indexing member 1162 which is carefully positioned on the module to provide an extremely accurate indexing of the connector 24M to the receptacle 112. The flexible tube bundles H52 and E54 are arched up and over the horizontal truss member 128 and extend downward to connect to the arm 56 of each Y-spool 54. Although a if-spool having only one arm is shown for each well, it would be obvious to increase the number of arms and tubing associated therewith to accomplish any specific purpose. The tubing at its ends bends downward and the radius of bending is controlled such that it is large enough to pass a TFL tool from within the module lltl through the tubing without having the tool bind or hang up while negotiating the turn. A plug-in member is adapted to be fitted upon the guide pin 159. The plug-in has affixed to its uppermost end a guide cable i458 which in the assembly stages extends upwards to the water surface to provide a guide for the module half of the coupling assembly 2%. A coupler 1172 is affixed to the vertical pipe member as at its uppermost end to enable a drill pipe string to be temporarily attached thereto for the lowering or raising of the coupling assembly.

Referring now to FIG. ti wherein is shown in an enlarged section view, the apparatus comprising the hydraulic actuating and locking means l12 which is identical in construction and operation to the hydraulic actuating and locking means 102. The truss member H22 reduces in diameter at its end to a cylindrical piston rod 1122a which forms the piston of a hydraulic cylinder. The piston cylinder is formed by a group of interconnecting cylinders and discs 118i), 17s, 17%, and 3174. A plurality of friction elements 11M having the surfaces thereof ground into a contour corresponding to the contour of piston rod 122a are positioned around the periphery of rod, 1122a and are restrained in the lateral position by keepers EM and H90. A tapered face fitting brake drum will extends around the friction elements 181. A heavy-duty spring m2 is positioned between the disclike member 1178 and the bottom portion of the brake drum to force the brake drum axially towards the rim projection of a ringlike piston 18%. If in the locking position the friction elements are positioned such that their surface does not come into engagement with the brake drum because the brake drum has reached the limit of its travel determined by the position of the piston 11%, then no locking will occur. if the drum does contact the surface of the friction elements llflii before it reaches the flange extension of piston Mb, then an axial wedging pressure will be exerted from the brake drum through friction elements and to the piston rod 59 locking the rod into place. if hydraulic pressure is provided at point we, the piston M38 counteracts the spring pressure and the friction hold is released. Hydraulic pressure applied to

ports

192 and 198 will act upon the ring piston 194 which is fixedly attached to the piston rod 59 by means of a keeper 196 to move the piston rod axially. A shearpin 199 retains the piston rod 122a in a fixed position with respect to the cylinder section 176. This shear pin is designed to shear when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied at port 192. Hydraulic power for the entire system is received from a hydraulic pod assembly 210. The line connnected to

hydraulic ports

192 and 198 operate in a push-pull fashion such that there is either pressure at port 192, or port 198, or no pressure at both ports. A shuttle valve 202 provides pressure at port 176 to retain the brake drum in an unlocked position as long as there is pressure at either port 192 or port 198. When pressure from the control pod 210 ceases, then the spring 182 takes over and presses the brake drum 180 into contact.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a hydraulic control pod 210 comprised of an upper detachable portion 216 and a lower portion 215 having a cylindrical projection 212 extending therefrom is attached by its lower portion to the coupling assembly 20 at the well connector 520 by means of braces 218, 222 and 220. The brace 222 also interconnects guide sleeves 224 which are positioned to mate with guide pins 38 on the well base 30a. Only one hydraulic control pod is necessary to control a plurality of these coupling assemblies. The upper portion of the control pod 216 is detachable from the lower portion 214 and is removably fixed to the guide pins 38 by means of guide sleeves 228 and braces 236. A hydraulic control hose 230 extends upwards from the upper portion 216 of the control pod to a surface vessel and is used to provide electrical or hydraulic power from the surface to control and actuate the pod 210. The outputs of the control pod are directed to

connectors

52a and 52b and hydraulic actuators 102 and-120 and also to the hydraulic locking means located within the connector 200 (shown in detail in FIGURE 7).

Referring to FIGURE 7 which is a sectioned view of for example the connectors 52 which may be used with the invention. The locking and unlocking structure of connector 200 is identical to that of connector 52 therefore, it is not shown for purposes of simplicity. The connector 52 is fixedly attached to the Y-spool 54. The lower portion of the Y-spool has a projecting lip 250 corresponding to a projecting lip 251 on the valve assembly 32. A plurality of locking cylinders 252 are uniformly positioned around the

lips

250 and 251. A plurality of locking bars 253 are provided which in the closed position squeeze and seal the two lips together. The piston 254 is actuated through

hydraulic ports

255 and 256 to either lock or unlock the locking bars. An end cap 257 is fixedly attached to the piston 254 and to a wedge bar 258. In the uppermost position, the wedge bar presses against a projection on the locking bar 253, disengaging the locking bar from the lips. In the lower position, the wedge bar forces the locking bar into engagement with the lips. Connectors which may be used with the invention are disclosed and manufactured by the Cameron Iron Works, Inc., Houston, Tex. The right side of the FIGURE shows the connector in the locked position and the left side in the unlocked position. The locked and unlocked view is only for purposes of clarity, in actuality the connector is either all open or all closed.

OPERATION The coupling assembly 20 is lowered down on the end of drill pipe which is coupled to the drill pipe connector 172 along the center of gravity of the entire coupling assembly 20 with the upper part of the hydraulic control pod 216 attached to the lower part 214. When the assembly is lowered, the hydraulic actuator 102 is in a contracted position with its shear pin in place and the hydraulic actuator 120 is in an extended position with its shear pin in place. As the assembly is lowered, guide sleeves 224, secured to connector 52, guide it on guide lines 90 to guide pins 38. Simultaneously, guide sleeves 232 are guided, by means of guide lines 90 attached to the wellhead 30B, onto guide pins 38. The guide sleeve 160 of the module connector portion is guided down guideline 168 to the guide pin 170 when the coupling assembly is positioned on the guide pins the horizontal distances between the well connectors and the well and module connectors are adjusted to the actual dimensions. As the connector 52A lands on its seat, the hoist operator on the drill ship notices a considerably drop in weight and then can hydraulically lock connector 52A to the receptacle 32. After that, hydraulic pressure is fed to port 198 of hydraulic actuator and locking means 102 shearing the shear pin 199 allowing connector 528 to drop onto its seat and be locked into place. The upper part 192 of hydraulic actuator is energized to shear the shearing pin 199 located therein which allows the connector 200 to move down into contact with the receptacle l2. Connector 200 is then locked to the receptacle 12 through the use of the control pod from the surface. After all of the connectors are locked into position, the hydraulic pressure is shut off and springs 182 actuate the drum brakes 120 locking the entire assembly into a rigid structure. The upper part of the hydraulic control pod 216 is now pulled up to the surface and the drill pipe extending from the surface vehicle to the coupling 172 is now disengaged and removed.

While there has been shown what is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be manifest that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essential spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, in the annexed claims to cover all such changes and modifications as may fall within the true scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A coupling assembling means for coupling an underwater operating and servicing module to a plurality of underwater wells comprising:

a. a module receptacle adapted to be mounted through the outer wall of an underwater servicing module;

b. a plurality of well receptacles adapted to be mounted to a corresponding number of wells; and

c. coupling assembly means having a plurality of flexible tubes for coupling said well receptacles to said module receptacle and adopted to guide materials and tools from said module to said wells and back.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said coupling assembly means comprises:

a. means for holding said coupling means to a spacing corresponding to the spacing between said module receptacle and said well receptacles.

3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said coupling assembly means is comprised of:

a. said flexible tubes having ends directed downward;

b. a module connector receiving one end of each of said flexible tubes, said connector adapted to mate with said module receptacle; and

e. a plurality of well connectors, adapted to mate with said well receptacles and to receive at least one each the other end of said flexible tubes.

4. The invention according to claim 3 and further comprisa. guide means positioned on said module and said wells to guide said coupling means, with said connectors, for attachment to the receptacles on said module and said wells.

5. The invention according to claim 4 wherein the receptacles on said wells and said module are positioned vertically with respect to the surface of the water, such that the weight of said coupling assembly means causes said connectors to mate with said receptacles.

6. The invention according to claim 4 and further comprismg:

a. locking means attached to said connectors for locking and unlocking said connectors to said receptacles.

7. A coupling assembly means for coupling an underwater operating and servicing module to a plurality of underwater wells comprising in combination:

b. a plurality of well receptacles adapted to be mounted to a corresponding number of wells;

c. a module connector for attachment to said module receptacle from substantially a vertical direction;

(1. a plurality of .well connectors for attachment to said well receptacles from a substantially vertical direction;

e. a variable-length crossbeam extending between, and attached to, at least two of said well connectors;

f. a vertical truss member extending from approximately the midpoint of said crossbeam, said truss member having a vertical tube member, the axis of which is positioned along the center of gravity of said coupling assembly means;

g. a substantially horizontal truss member journaled to said vertical tube member and attached to said module connector; and

h. a number of flexible tubes, the ends of which are directed downward having one end of each connected to said module connector and the other ends thereof connected to respective well connectors.

. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprisa. yoke means interposed between said module connector and said horizontal truss member providing said module connector with limited degrees of movement with respect to said truss member for alignment with said module connector.

. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprissembly to act as a guide from the surface to maintain substantial alignment of said coupling assembly with said guide means W. The invention according to claim 7 wherein the ends of said flexible tubes are directed downward with a radius of bend large enough to allow for the passage of a tool from said module to said wells and back.

ill. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprismg:

locking means attached to said connectors for locking and unlocking said connectors to said receptacles.

12. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprising:

a. means for controlling the position of said vertical truss member with respect to said variable-length crossbeam and said horizontal truss member with respect to said vertical tube member.

13. The invention according to claim 12 wherein said means for controlling is comprised of:

a. at least a first and second actuating means each having a length which is controllably variable, said first means connected between said vertical truss member and said variable-length cross beam, said second means connected between said vertical truss member and said horizontal truss member; and

b. locking means attached to said first and said second actuating means for locking, thereby fixing the length of said actuating means.

M. The invention according to claim 13 wherein said locking means is integral in operation with said actuating means such that said locking means is released when said actuating means is energized and engaged when said actuating means is deenergized,

Claims

1. A coupling assembling means for coupling an underwater operating and servicing module to a plurality of underwater wells comprising: a. a module receptacle adapted to be mounted through the outer wall of an underwater servicing module; b. a plurality of well receptacles adapted to be mounted to a corresponding number of wells; and c. coupling assembly means having a plurality of flexible tubes for coupling said well receptacles to said module receptacle and adopted to guide materials and tools from said module to said wells and back.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said coupling assembly means comprises: a. means for holding said coupling means to a spacing corresponding to the spacing between said module receptacle and said well receptacles.

3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said coupling assembly means is comprised of: a. said flexible tubes having ends directed downward; b. a module connector receiving one end of each of said flexible tubes, said connector adapted to mate with said module receptacle; and c. a plurality of well connectors, adapted to mate with said well receptacles and to receive at least one each the other end of said flexible tubes.

4. The invention according to claim 3 and further comprising: a. guide means positioned on said module and said wells to guide said coupling means, with said connectors, for attachment to the receptacles on said module and said wells.

6. The invention according to claim 4 and further comprising: a. locking means attached to said connectors for locking and unlocking said connectors to said receptacles.

7. A coupling assembly means for coupling an underwater operating and servicing module to a plurality of underwater wells comprising in combination: a. a module receptacle adapted to be mounted through the outer wall of an underwater servicing module; b. a plurality of well receptacles adapted to be mounted to a corresponding number of wells; c. a module connector for attachment to said modulE receptacle from substantially a vertical direction; d. a plurality of well connectors for attachment to said well receptacles from a substantially vertical direction; e. a variable-length crossbeam extending between, and attached to, at least two of said well connectors; f. a vertical truss member extending from approximately the midpoint of said crossbeam, said truss member having a vertical tube member, the axis of which is positioned along the center of gravity of said coupling assembly means; g. a substantially horizontal truss member journaled to said vertical tube member and attached to said module connector; and h. a number of flexible tubes, the ends of which are directed downward having one end of each connected to said module connector and the other ends thereof connected to respective well connectors.

8. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprising: a. yoke means interposed between said module connector and said horizontal truss member providing said module connector with limited degrees of movement with respect to said truss member for alignment with said module connector.

9. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprising: a. guide means affixed to said module and said plurality of wells for guiding said coupling assembly from the water surface to said receptacles on said module and said wells; and b. substantially vertical tubular members connected to said tube member at the center of gravity of said coupling assembly to act as a guide from the surface to maintain substantial alignment of said coupling assembly with said guide means

10. The invention according to claim 7 wherein the ends of said flexible tubes are directed downward with a radius of bend large enough to allow for the passage of a tool from said module to said wells and back.

11. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprising: locking means attached to said connectors for locking and unlocking said connectors to said receptacles.

12. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprising: a. means for controlling the position of said vertical truss member with respect to said variable-length crossbeam and said horizontal truss member with respect to said vertical tube member.

13. The invention according to claim 12 wherein said means for controlling is comprised of: a. at least a first and second actuating means each having a length which is controllably variable, said first means connected between said vertical truss member and said variable-length cross beam, said second means connected between said vertical truss member and said horizontal truss member; and b. locking means attached to said first and said second actuating means for locking, thereby fixing the length of said actuating means.

14. The invention according to claim 13 wherein said locking means is integral in operation with said actuating means such that said locking means is released when said actuating means is energized and engaged when said actuating means is deenergized.