US3716100A

US3716100A - Apparatus for aligning and connecting flowlines

Info

Publication number: US3716100A
Application number: US00105927A
Authority: US
Inventors: B Nelson
Original assignee: Vetco Offshore Industries Inc
Current assignee: Vetco Gray LLC
Priority date: 1971-01-12
Filing date: 1971-01-12
Publication date: 1973-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1990-02-13

Abstract

One of more flowlines are to be connected to one or more companion flowline loops extending from a Christmas tree disposed at the upper end of a well bore extending into the formation from the floor of an ocean, or other body of water, at which a flowline guide structure has been installed. Prior to effecting the connection, the end portions of the flowlines are attached to a flange or hub releasably secured to a carrier at a flowline or pipe line barge, the carrier and flowlines being pulled toward the well by being fed from the barge to maintain the flowlines in tension. The pulling apparatus includes a single cable or pulling line connected to an orienting member of the carrier and passing through a guidance apparatus releasably mounted on the flowline guide structure. The orienting member moves into the guide structure. The orienting member moves into the guidance apparatus to properly orient the coupling hub at the ends of the flowlines for attachment to an alignment device on the flowline guide structure which aligns the hub with a companion hub secured to the ends of the flowline loops, after which the coupling between the hubs is effected. The carrier is released from the flange and the guidance apparatus from the guide structure to permit their removal to the surface of the body of water after alignment has been effected.

Description

Unite States Patent Nelson [4 1 Feb. 13, 1973 APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING AND more companion flowline loops extending from a CONNECTING FLOWLINES Christmas tree disposed at the upper end of a well [75] Inventor: Bobby N e150, Houston, bore extending into the formation from the floor of an ocean, or other body of water, at which a flowline [73] Assignee: Vetco Offshore Industries guide structure has been installed. Prior to effecting ventura Calif the connection, the end portions of the flowlines are [22] Filed: Jan. 12, 1971 attached to a flange or hub releasably secured to a carrier at a flowline or pipe line barge, the carrier and [21] Appl' 105927 flowlines being pulled toward the well by being fed from the barge to maintain the flowlines in tension.

[52] [1.8. Cl ..l66/.6, 285/29 The pulling apparatus includes a single cable or [5 Int. Cl. line connected to an orienting member of the [58] Field of Search ..l60/.5, .6; 285/29 Carrier and passing through a guidance apparatus releasably mounted on the flowline guide structure.

[56] References C'ted The orienting member moves into the guide structure.

UNITED STATES PATENTS The orienting member moves into the guidance apparatus to properly orient the coupling hub at the ends 3,358,753 l2/l967 Haeber 166/.6 of the flowlines for attachment to an alignment device 3,260,270 7/1966 Watkins et aln... 166/.5 X

3,298,092 1/1967 Dozier et al. ..l66/.6 the Structure whch algns 3,308.38 3/1967 Chm:t alum "AM/6 with a companion hub secured to the ends ot the 3,378,066 5/1968 Otteman..... ....l66/.5 flowline loops, after which the coupling between the 3,60 3 9/ t rs ..l66/.6 hubs is effected. The carrier is released from the Primary ExaminerMarvin A. Champion Assistant ExaminerRichard E. Favreau AttorneyBernard Kriegel ABSTRACT One of more flowlines are to be connected to one or fitilcgfuae t? i 9 b s g Q flange and the guidance apparatus from the guide structure to permit their removal to the surface of the body of water after alignment has been effected.

19 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB13 I975 3.716; 100 SHEET 02 or 10 Beam H AQ-zsa/v PATENTEDFEB 1 3 I973 SHEET 05 0F PAIENTEDFEBI3 ms 3.716100 SHEET 07 0F 10 [/v VENTOE Base /H. lVEZ-SO/V PATENTED FEB 13 ms SHEET 08 0F fir roe/wed.

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PATENTEDFEB13 1915 3,716,100

SHEET 09 [1F 10 INVE/VTCLQ. BaaaVH. A/ELJGA/ 27 107' roewss PATENTEDFEB 13 ms SHEET 10 0F [Nu-W70 Bases H. A/EL50 v 4T raeA/ss 1 APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING AND CONNECTING FLOWLINES The present invention relates to underwater pipe connection apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus used in effecting a connection between the flowlines of an underwater Christmas Tree connected to a well head and flowlines extending laterally through the water from the well and Christmas tree.

Prior systems for completing and producing underwater wells have required the use of a comparatively expensive guide structure mounted at the underwater floor, and from which guidelines extend upwardly to a floating drilling vessel, such guide structure not only serving during the drilling of the well, but including auxiliary equipment used subsequently for guiding the Christmas tree into appropriate position for connection to the well head, and also a means for pulling in and connecting flowlines to the flowline loops extending from the Christmas tree. At the time of lowering and anchoring the guide structure in place,

\ the proper direction for pulling in the flowlines have to be known so thatthe Christmas tree and flowline loops could be oriented in the proper direction. Since only a small percentage' of exploratory well bores drilled become commercial producers, an expensive guide structure was previously provided for routine drilling of the well, despite the fact that the additional facilities provided on such guide structures were not used in the event that a well bore was deemed to be non-commercial.

In applicants copending application for Underwater Pipe Connection- Apparatus, flied Jan. 12, 197i, Ser. No. 105,928, an apparatus is disclosed that permits a standard and less expensive guide structure to be used in connection with the .drilling of an underwater well. After the well has been drilled and the formations encountered have beentested, which determine the well'to be a commercial producer, a determination can be made of the type of completion,

required, including a determination of the most advantageous layout of flowlines to be connected to the Christmas tree, and the direction in which the flowlines should be run from the well.

After making the determination of the direction from the well the flowlines should extend, a flowline guide structure is lowered down selected guide lines and onto selected guide posts of a standard guide structure, this flowlineguide structure including a flowline alignment assembly. The Christmas tree with the flowline loops secured thereto is then oriented and lowered down the guide lines and onto the guide post of the'standard guide structure and into coupled relation with the well head, at which time the end portions of the flowlines loops will be appropriately related to the flowline hub alignment assembly. Thereafter, since it is desirable to maintain tension on the flowlines to prevent their failure in bending, they are pulled toward the hub alignment assembly and their end portions secured thereto in alignment with the Christmas tree hub, such parts then being coupled together in leakproof relation. Such coupling can be effected through the assistance of a diver or it might be effected without diver assistance, the latter usually being accomplished where the water depth is greater than diver depth.

As disclosed in the above application, a carrier is releasably secured to a flange or hub supporting the end portions of the flowlines, a pair of pulling lines being secured to a pair of parallel probes forming part of the carrier to pull the flowlines under tension toward the flowline hub alignment assembly, and to insert the probes into a pair of orienting funnels at the flowline guide structure, which align the flowline hub with the alignment assembly and position it for connection thereto. However, problems have arisen in keeping equal tension on the pulling lines, producing cocking of the flowline hub, with attendant difficulty in bringing it into coupling relation to the alignment assembly. Moreover, disconnection of the carrier from the flowline flange or hub could only be accomplished by diver, limiting the water depth in which the apparatus could be used.

By virtue of apparatus embodying the present invention, the cocking and other problems associated with the 'use of two pulling lines are eliminated. A single pulling line, single probe and single associated orienting funnel are used, the probe and funnel having coactive parts that automatically orient the flowline hub with respect to the hub alignment assembly, insuring its coupling thereto. Since only a single pulling line is used, the factor of unequal tension in a plurality of pulling lines is eliminated, as well as the necessity for causing a plurality of probes to enter simultaneously into a plurality of funnels and be shifted therein to a definite final position for securing alignment of the flowline hub with the alignment assembly, and consequent alignment of the flowlines with the. flowline loops of the Christmas tree. The apparatus is far simplier than the multiple arrangement, easier to operate and less costly.

Release of the carrier from the flowline hub assembly can be effected from a remote point, as well as release of the guide assembly, which includes the orienting funnel, from the flowline guide structure. If desired, the releases can be effected simultaneously through use of a common instrumentality.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposes which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a standard guide structure at the floor of an ocean, or other body of water, from which a well bore has been drilled, with a flowline guide structure attached thereto, and a Christmas tree related to the standard guide structure and suitably connected to the well, and with its flowline hub in alignment with the corresponding alignment means on the flowline guide structure;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating a guide funnel assembly mounted on the guide structure and releasably secured to the alignment assembly and in condition for pulling in flowlines towards the alignment portion of the device;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken along the line 3 3 on P10. 2; i

disposed fully within the guide funnel assembly, and

with the flowline hub in its position latched to the alignment device;

FIG. 7 isan enlarged cross-section taken along the line 7-7 on FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view, with parts broken away, through the flowline, disclosing the funnel assembly releasably latched to the flowline guide structure, and with the flowline hub latched to the alignment device;

FIG. 9 is a top view taken along the line 9-9 on FIG.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a section taken along the line 11-11 on FIG. 10, disclosing the flowline flange pivotally connected to the flowline carrier;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, illustrating the carrier disconnected from the flowline flange;

FIG. 13 is a section taken along the line 13-13 on FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the apparatus disclosing the Christmas tree hub coupled in sealed relation to the flowline hub;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a power mechanism for shifting the Christmas tree hub toward the flowline hub; and

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along the line 16-16 on FIG. 14.

In the drilling of a well bore W from the floor F of an ocean or other body of water, a known and standard guide structure lois secured at the floor of the ocean at the time of spudding the well, this guide structure being suitably secured to the ocean floor, and having a central hub 11 to which diagonal beams 12 are secured, side beams 13 being disposed between and suitably at- -tached to the outer portions of the diagonal beams. A

guide post 14a, 14b, 140 or 14d extends vertically upwardly from each diagonal beam,

guide lines

15a, 15b, 15c, 15d being secured to the guide posts and extending upwardly to the drilling platform'or drilling vessel (not shown) from which the well bore is drilled. In connection with drilling the well bore, a wellhead housing 16 is disposed within the central hub 11 and is suitably secured thereto, this wellhead housing being all that is allowed to remain above the hub 11 after the well bore has been drilled and preparatory to the running of a Christmas tree 17 into position, followed by the connection of its flowline loops 18 to the flowlines 19 that will extend laterally from the Christmas tree and the wellhead housing, as described hereinbelow.

After a determination has been made of the direction the flowlines are to extend from the well, a flowline guide structure 20 is lowered down a selected pair of guide lines or cables 15a, 15b and onto their companion guide posts 14a, 14b. This flowline guide structure includes vertical sleeves 22 spaced horizontally from one another a distance corresponding to the spacing between the pair of guide posts 14a, 14b, these sleeves having lower guide cones 23 secured thereto for the guide posts and onto the main cylindrical portions of the guide posts therebelow. The sleeves and cones are welded, or otherwise suitably secured, to an inter-,

vening cross structure 25 and lower diver platform 26, the structure 25 including upwardly extending arm portions 27 spaced from one another, the inner portions of the arms being suitably secured to flowline hub alignment members 28 spaced from each other in oppositely facing relation. Each flowline member 28 has its marginal portions bevelled in an outward direction, so as to provide tapering or inclined guide surfaces 29 for other devices described hereinbelow. Each member also has a flaring mouth 30 diverging toward the well and merging toward a thrust portion 31 for centering a Christmas tree hub 32 with respect to the hub alignment member 28, as described hereinbelow. The members 28 have inner oppositely facing horizontal and

vertical lock grooves

33, 34, there being upper outwardly I directed horizontal flanges 35 at the upper end of each member, each flange having a vertical slot 36 therethrough diverging in a lateral outward direction. The flowline hub alignment members 28 are spaced a predetermined distance apart and are located on the cross member 25 of the guide structure closer to one of the vertical guide sleeves 22 than the other of the vertical guide sleeves, so that the mid-point between the plate members 28 will be appropriately positioned with respect to the flowline loop hub 32 extending from the Christmas tree.

The flowline guide structure 20 is lowered down the selected guide cables 15a, 15b and over a corresponding pair of guide posts 14a, 14b until the lower ends of the guide cones 23 and cross member 25, which may be located in the same horizontal plane, come to rest upon a guide beam 13. A suitable cable (not shown), releasably secured to the guide structure, may be used for lowering it to the position described, after which the cable is released and withdrawn. Upon engaging the standard guide structure 10, the flowline guide structure 20 is locked to the latter by means of latches 38 pivotally mounted on the flowline guide structure, each latch having a tapered guide nose 39 which terminates at its upper portion in a latch dog 40, the tapered guide surface engaging the upper flange 41 of the guide beam 13, which deflects it outwardly until the latch dog 40 passes below the upper flange, whereupon gravity or a spring 42 biases the latch inwardly to position the dog under the flange, thereby preventing upward movement of the flowline guide structure relative to the standard guide structure 10.

Prior to lowering of the flowline guide structure 20 down a pair of guide lines and along the guide posts, a determination has been made of the direction that the flowlines 19 are to extend with respect to the wellhead housing 16 and the Christmas tree 17 to be connected thereto. Any two adjacent guide lines and guide posts connected thereto can be selected along which the flowline guide structure is to be lowered, depending upon the direction in which the flowlines 19 are to extend relative to the well. Thus, as specifically disclosed, any one of four different directions can be selected.

After the flowline guide structure has been lowered and locked in place, the Christmas tree 17 is lowered down all of the guide lines 15a-15d, having been properly oriented so that its flowline loops 18 will be placed in alignment with the hub alignment assembly 28 after the Christmas tree has been landed and locked in place. As specifically disclosed, the Christmas tree has a suitable guide frame 43 secured thereto, which, as specifically disclosed, consists of radial arms 44 attached to a central member 45, the outer ends of the arms being attached to guide funnels 46 corresponding in number and relative spacing to the number and spacing of the guide posts 14a-14d. The Christmas tree has one or a plurality of flow line loops 18 attached thereto that pass through a housing 47 and terminate in the hub 32 spaced laterally from the central member 45 of the Christmas tree assembly, the housing being slidable longitudinally in an encompassing guide 48 suitably affixed to the frame 43 of the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree 17 is lowered on a suitable running string'(not shown), with the end portions of the flowline loops 18 and the tree hub 32 oriented in the same direction as the flowline hub alignment assembly 28, lowering of the tree continuing until the guide funnels 46 pass over the guide post l4a-l4d and with the central connector member 45, of a known type, at the lower end of the Christmas tree assembly being appropriately latched to the wellhead housing 16 in leakproof relation. When this occurs, the tree hub 32 is aligned with the flowline hub alignment assembly 28, the hub being spaced horizontally from such assembly.

After the Christmas tree 17 has been landed and latched in place, the flowlines 19 are to be lowered through the water and connected to the flowline loops 18 of the Christmas tree assembly. As specifically disclosed, an apparatus is provided for feeding the flowlines 19 from a pipe laying barge (not shown) floating in the body of water and pulling the flowlines inwardly toward the flowline hub alignment assembly 28. Prior to lowering the flowlines from the pipe laying barge, a guide funnel assembly 50, is provided, which includes a pair of guide funnels 51 held in spaced relation a distance equal to the spacing between a pair of guide posts 14a, 14b by a cross structure 52 suitably affixed thereto, this cross structure carrying a single guide funnel 53 inclined in an upward and outward direction and located along the cross structure in a position corresponding .to the horizontal position of the element members 28. The cross structure carries a pair of depending keys 54 adapted to be received in the key slots 36 in the side members 28, there being a latch 55 pivotally mounted on each key and having a lower lock dog 56 adapted to fit under a ,sidemember flange 'to releasably secure the guide funnel assembly in a downward position. A helical compression spring 57 urges each lock dog in an inward direction; whereas, a release cable 58 interconnects the upper portions of the latches above their pivot points 59, which is pulled upwardly to pivot the upperportions of thelatches inwardly toward each other and the dogportions 56 in directions outwardly from each other and against the compression of their associated springs 57 to release the latch dogs 56 from the flanges 35 of the alignment assembly when the guide funnel assembly 50is to be released from the flowline guide structure 20, as described hereinbelow.

The ends of the flowlines 19 pass through and are suitably connected to a flowline support and connector hub 60 having a pair of spaced upper ears or brackets 61 provided with aligned holes 62. A flowline carrier 63 is releasably and pivotally connected to the upstand ing ears 61 of the hub, the carrier including a suitable frame having spaced forward arm portions 64 adapted to straddle the ears 61, each arm portion carrying a guide 65 in which a pin 66 is reciprocable, the pin being urged inwardly and into an ear hold 62 by a helical compression spring 67 confined within the guide and bearing against the pin 66, the pin having a flange 68 engaging a companion shoulder 69 on the guide to limit the extent of movement of the pin into the hole 62 in the ear. The pins 66 are movable outwardly from the holes 62 by a common cable 70, the ends of which are suitably secured to the pins, the cable passing around a pair of pulleys 71 for each pin suitably rotatably mounted on the carrier 63 outwardly of the pin, the cable extending from one pin 66 around a pair of pulleys, around the other pair of pulleys and then to the opposite pin 66. The taking of an upward pull on an intermediate portion of the cable will retract the pins 66 from the ear holes 62 against the forces exerted by the springs 67 to disconnect the carrier 63 from the flowline hub 60, as described hereinbelow.

- A lever 72 is pivotally mounted on the guide funnel assembly 50, its free end extending under the pivot pin release cable 70, the lever being secured to one end of a short operating cable 73 that extends upwardly around a sheave 74 rotatably mounted on a supporting bracket 75 secured to the lower end of a running and release cable 76, the operating cable passing downwardly and being connected at its other end to the release cable 58 which is connected to the upper portions of the latches 55 securing the guide funnel assembly 50 to the flowline alignment structure 20. Thus, an upward pull taken on the running and release cable 76 will effect release of the latches 55 from the flanges 35 of the alignment assembly 28 and will also swing the operating lever 72 upwardly to retract the pins 66 from the ears of the flowline hub 60, thereby releasing the carrier 63therefrom. Initially, the running and release cable'76 is held in a lower position to prevent its upward movement in effecting release of latches 55 and retraction of the pins 66 by a shear pin 78 secured to a guide hub 79 through which the release cable passes, the shear pin also being connected to the release cable 76 itself. When the parts are all latched and secured in place, an upward pull taken on the release cable 76 of a sufficient force will shear the pin 78, whereupon the release cable can move upwardly for the purpose of releasing the latches 55 and retracting the pins 66. The release cable has a portion 760 which can extend upwardly through the water to the drilling vessel for operation from that location.

If desired, a hydraulic release mechanism can be employed. As disclosed (FIGS. 6, 11), a cylinder 80 is mounted on the guide funnel assembly 50, this cylinder containing a helical compression spring 81 bearing against a piston 82 inthe cylinder and urging the piston and a piston rod 83 connected thereto toward the rod end of the cylinder. The piston rod externally of the cylinder is connected to a yoke or bracket 84 rotatably carrying a sheave 85 around which an actuating cable 86 .extends, one end of the actuating cable being secured to the release lever 72 and the other end being looped around and secured to the release cable 58 connected to the upper ends of the lock-down latches 55, The introduction of fluid under pressure into the rod end of the cylinder 80 will cause the piston 82 and rod 83 to move toward the head end of the cylinder, pulling on the actuating cable 86 and effecting release of the latches 55 from the flanges 35 of the flowline alignment structure and the pins 66 from the ears 61 of the flowline hub 60. The guide funnel assembly 50 and the flowline carrier 63 can then be elevated along the guide posts 14a, 14b and guide lines a, 15b to the drilling vessel by means of the running and

release cable

76, 76a extending to the drilling vessel. It is apparent that the latches '55 and pins 66 can be released hydraulically or by the exertion of a pull on the running and

release cable

76, 76a.

The flowline hub 60 is appropriately aligned with the flowline alignment structure 28 by a centrally located probe 90 extending forwardly from the upper portion of the flowline carrier 63 and constituting a portion thereof. This probe is adapted to enter the flowline funnel 53 and fit snugly within its main cylindrical body drilling vessel.

portion 53a. The forward part of the probe has opposed axial cam surfaces 91 thereon extending rearwardly from a common forward apex 92 and curved around the probe toward each other where they merge into the opposed sidewalls of a longitudinal probe groove 93. A pair of centering elements 94 are provided on the reduced diameter portion of the probe forwardly of the cam surfaces 91 for engagement with the cylindrical wall of the funnel body portion so as to insure'centering of the probe therein. The funnel has an alignment pin or bearing 95 extending radially therein, this pin or bearing being adapted to engage one or the other of the cam surfaces 91 as the probe 90 is moved into the funnel 53 for the purpose of rotating the probe if required and insuring the guidance of the longitudinal groove 93 along and over the alignment bearing or pin 95. At this time, the opposed faces 96 of the flowline hub 60 will be parallel to the faces of the side members 28 of the alignment structure. The flowline hub 60 will also be disposed therewithin so that appropriate pivoting of the flowline hub about the common axis of the retractable pins 62 will bring horizontal and vertical spring pressed

keys

97, 98 mounted in the sides of the flowline hub 60 in alignment with the horizontal and

vertical grooves

33, 34 of the side members 28 of the flowline alignment structure, the keys being forced partially outwardly into such horizontal and vertical grooves by helical compression springs 99 mounted around cap screws 100 secured to the flowline flange or hub and which extendfreely throughthe keys, the outer heads 101 of the screws limiting the extent of outward movement of the keys. When the horizontal and

vertical keys

97, 98 snap into the companion horizontal and

vertical grooves

33, 34 in the flowline alignment structure, the flowline hub '60 is locked in place,'both horizontally and vertically,

and in substantially complete alignment with the hub the Christmas The pulling line 105 is threaded through the funnel 53, passing around the

sheaves

106, 107 and through the funnel 108, continuing on to the surface of the water and to the drilling vessel prior to the lowering of the flowlines 19 into the water from the pipe laying barge. The guide funnel assembly 50 is then lowered, as by means ofthe

cables

76a, 76, the shear pin 78 being intact so that the latches 55 can operate to perform their locking and coupling functions without interference from the lowering cable. The guide funnel assembly. 50 is lowered along the guide lines 15a, 15b, passing over the guide posts 14a, 14b until the keys 54 enter the grooves 36 in the flanges 35, the noses of the latches 55 first being cammed outwardly by the flanges 35 and the springs 57 then shifting the dogs 56 of the latches under the flanges to releasably secure the guide funnel assembly 50 to the flowline guide structure 20.

The pulling cable 105 is then pulled upwardly while the flowlines 19 are being played out from the pipe laying barge, the flowlines being retained in tension as the barge moves through the water in a direction away from the well. The pulling action continues until the alignment probe 90 enters the funnel 53, continued inward pulling causing one of the cams 91 to engage the alignment pin 95, which turns the probe 90 and the remainder of the carrier 63, as well as the flowline flange or hub 60 into a position in which the hub is centered or aligned with respect'to the flowline aligning structure 28, full alignment being secured when the longitudinal slot portion 93 of the probe passes along the stationary alignment pin 95, continued inward movement of the probe and carrier then positioning the flowline hub between the opposed sides 28 of the flowline alignment structure, the alignment probe coming to rest when fully received within the guide funnel or horn 53. Continued lowering of the flowlines 19 as the pipe laying barge moves away from the well bore causes the flowlines to move downwardly toward the ocean floor, pivoting the flowline hub 60 about the retractable pivot pins 66 until the horizontal and

vertical locking keys

97, 98 on the flowline hub are aligned with the horizontal and

vertical grooves

33, 34 in the side members of the alignment structure, the springs 99 snapping the keys into the grooves, at which time the flowline hub 60 is in appropriate alignment with the tree hub 32, the latter being spaced a short distance from the flowline hub. At this time, the release cable 70 is located over the free end of the release lever 72.

The operator now takes an upward pull on the

cable

76a, 76 to shear the pin 78 and exert a pull on the latch releasing cable 58 interconnecting the upper ends of the latches 55 to release the latter from the flange 35.

This upward movement also effects an upward pull on the flowline release lever 72 which is now disposed under the cable interconnecting the retractable pins 66, to pull the interconnecting cable 70 upwardly and retract the pins 66 from the aligned holes 62 in the ears 61 of the flowline hub 60. If the hydraulic release 9 mechanism 80-86 is present, in lieu of mechanically releasing the latches 55 and pins 66, fluid under pressure is introduced into the hydraulic cylinder 80 to shift the piston 82 and its rod 83 toward the head end of the cylinder, exerting an upward pull on the release lever 72 to remove the pins 66 from the flowline ear holes 62 and to expand the dogs 56 outwardly from under the flanges 35, thereby effecting release of the carrier 63 from the flowline hub 60 and of the guide funnel assembly 50 from the flowline alignment structure 20, whereupon an upward pull can be taken on the

cable

76a, 76 to elevate the guide funnel assembly 50 and the carrier 63 through the water and to the drilling barge, the flowline hub 60 being locked in a fixed position within the flowline alignment structure and in substantially full alignment with the hub 32 secured to the flowline loops 18.

The Christmas tree hub 32 and flowlinehub 60 are now connected together to place the lines 18 of the Christmas tree in leakproof communication with their companion flowlines 19. Such connection can take place by directly connecting the hubs to one another, or for an intervening mechanism which forms the subject matter of the patent application of Bobby H. Nelson and Benton F. Baugh for Apparatus for Aligning secured to one end and the rod has a yoke 124 secured to its end at the opposite portion of the power structure. One yoke 124 is placed over a pin 125 secured to the tree housing and another yoke 123 is placed over a pin 126 secured to the guide 48. The introduction of fluid under pressure into the head end of the cylinder 120 causes the

yokes

123, 124 to be moved apart, which shifts the tree hub 32 toward the flowline hub 60, as permitted by the flexibility of the flowline loops l8 and the ability of the housing 47 to slide longitudinally in the guide 48. As the tree hub approaches the flowline hub, the tree hub engages the tapered forward end portions 29 of the side members of the alignment structure which will bring the tree hub into vertical alignment with the flowline hub, the continued movement of the tree hub between the side members 28 of the alignment structure causing pins 127 extending outwardly from both sides of the tree hub to enter the flaring mouths 30 of the side members 28 and be shifted vertically upwardly or downwardly, as the case may be, until the pins 127 enter the horizontal throats 31 of the side members 28, at which time the tree hub 32 will be horizontally aligned with the flowline hub 60, movement of the tree hub continuing until it engages the flowline hub.

The flowline loops l8 communicate with and are aligned with passages 128 in the tree hub 32, the flowline 19 also being aligned with companion passages 129 in the flowline hub 60. The flowline hub carries a plurality of seal rings 130, one seal ring surrounding each passage. The tree hub has companion end grooves 131 adapted to receive such seal rings. When the tree hub 32 has been brought into engagement with the flowline hub 60, the seal rings 130 are received within the companion seal grooves 131 in the three hub. The diver now threads screws 132 passing through holes 133 in the tree hub 32 into threaded holes 134 in the flowline hub 60 and tightens them so as to firmly secure the tree hub to the flowline hub, and with the seal rings 130 forced within the seal grooves 131 and in sealed relation therewith, as well as with the flowline hub 60.

The power cylinder mechanism 120-124 is removed after the threading of the screws 132 into the flowline hub 60 and their tightening.

It is apparent that an apparatus has been provided in which a standard guide structure can be employed in drilling the hole. After the well has proved to be commerical, the flowline guide structure 20 is lowered along an appropriate pair of guide lines to place the flowline hub alignment assembly 28 in the proper direction for the subsequent connection of the flowline 19 to the flowline loops 18 extending from the Christmas tree. The flowline hub 60 is appropriately related to the hub alignment assembly and is locked thereto in alignment with the tree hub 32, after which the tree hub and flowline hub are functionally coupled to one another in leakproof relation. The mechanism 50 for guiding the flowlines l9 and the flowline hub 60 is releasably latched to the flowline guide structure 20 and can be released and removed for subsequent use in another well. Moreover, the mechanism 50 for carrying the flowlines 19 toward the hub alignment assembly 20 can be released therefrom and removed for subsequent use on another well. Such mechanisms are readily released and removed either mechanically or hydraulically, the releasing action being under remote control, if desired. Undesirable cocking of the flowline hub 60 cannot occur since only a single pull-in line 105 is employed, the probe entering the single funnel 53 and being appropriately oriented to insure accurate alignment and connection of the flowline hub 60 with the alignment assembly 28. Not only is assurance had that proper orienting and coupling of the flowline hub 60 to the alignment assembly 20 is achieved, but the mechanism is much simplier than heretoforeproposed.

lclaim:

1. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to and to one side of said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines,means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly ineluding a first single orienting member, saidcarrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can fiow therebetween.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member, said second single orienting member comprising a probe movable into said tubular member, said tubular member and probe having coengageable orienting means thereon for turning said probe in said tubular member as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; means releasably securing said carrier to said one or more second flowlines, and means operable from a location remote from said carrier for releasing said carrier from said one or more second flowlines.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment means, means releasably securing said carrier to said one or more second flowlines, and means operable from a location remote from said carrier for releasing said carrier from said one or more second flowlines and said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; means releasably securing said carrier to said connector means, and means operable from a location remote from said carrier for releasing said carrier from said connector means.

6. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more firstflowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; said alignment means having vertical and horizontal coupling grooves therein, said connector means having vertical and horizontal keys yieldably mounted thereon and expandable into said vertical and horizontal grooves, respectively, to secure said connector means to said alignment means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines.

7. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and: one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means includ ing a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member.

8. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and thorough which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, nd means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; means releasably securing said carrier to said one or more second flowlines, and fluid operated means for releasing said carrier from said one or more second flowlines.

9. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlaying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said car-- rier, connector means and one or more .second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of saidone or more first flowlines, and means for operatively,

connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or flow therebetween; means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment means, means releasably securing said'carrier to said one'or more second flowlines, and fluid operated means for releasing said carrier from said one or more second flowlines and said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means.

10. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of-a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly andvcarrier for pulling said carone or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; pin means on said carrier received within one'or more holes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, and means operable from a location remote from said carrier for withdrawing said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect said carrier from said connector means.

11. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; pin means on said carrier received withinone ormore holes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment means, and means for substantially simultaneously releasing said securing means to disconnect said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means and to withdraw said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect said carrier from said connector means.

12. An apparatus wherein a guidance structure is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the guidance structure including upwardly extending guide posts and guide lines extending upwardly from the posts, the combination therewith of a flowline guide structure movable along one or more selected guide lines and over one or more guide posts connected thereto,

flowline alignment means secured to said flowline guide structure, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and lowered down the guide lines and over the guide posts into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly lowered along said one or more selected guide lines and over said one ormore guide posts connected thereto, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water after such flowline guide structure has been moved over said one or more guide posts, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, and means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and flowline guide structure, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engageable with said first orienting member to align and engage said connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more lines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can fiow therebetween.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said alignment means having vertical and horizontal coupling grooves therein, said connector means having vertical and horizontal keys yieldably mounted thereon and expandable into said vertical and horizontal grooves, respectively, to secure said connector means to said alignment means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member, said second single orienting member comprising a probe movable into said tubular member, said tubular member and probe having coengageable orienting means thereon for turning said probe in said tubular member as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member, means releasably securing said carrier to said connector means, and means operable from a location remote from said carrier for releasing said carrier from said connector means.

17. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member, pin means on said carrier receive within one or more holes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, and means operable from a location remote from said carrier for withdrawing said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect the carrier from said connector means.

18. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial-cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member, pin means on said carrier receive within one or more holes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment mans, and means for substantially simultaneously releasing said securing means to disconnect said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means and to withdraw said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect said carrier from said connector means.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member,

pin means on said carrier receive within one or moreholes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment means, and means for substantially simultaneously releasing said securing means to disconnect said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means and to withdraw said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect said carrier from said connector means, said alignment means having vertical and horizontal coupling grooves therein, said connector means having vertical and horizontal keys yieldably mounted thereon and expandable into said vertical and horizontal grooves, respectively, to secure said connector means to said alignment means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines,

Claims

1. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to and to one side of said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling saId carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween.

6. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; said alignment means having vertical and horizontal coupling grooves therein, said connector means having vertical and horizontal keys yieldably mounted thereon and expandable into said vertical and horizontal grooves, respectively, to secure said connector means to said alignment means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines.

7. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of fLowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member.

9. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlaying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector meanS and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment means, means releasably securing said carrier to said one or more second flowlines, and fluid operated means for releasing said carrier from said one or more second flowlines and said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means.

10. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; pin means on said carrier received within one or more holes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, and means operable from a location remote from said carrier for withdrawing said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect said carrier from said connector means.

11. An apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and guided along said system into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more first flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly adjacent to said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and alignment means, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engaged with said first orienting member to align and engage a connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween; pin means on said carrier received within one or more holes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment means, and means for substantially simultaneously releasing said securing means to disconnect said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means and to withdraw said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect said carrier from said connector means.

12. An apparatus wherein a guidance structure is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the guidance structure including upwardly extending guide posts and guide lines extending upwardly from the posts, the combination therewith of a flowline guide structure movable along one or more selected guide lines and over one or more guide posts connected thereto, flowline alignment means secured to said flowline guide structure, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines and lowered down the guide lines and over the guide posts into communication with the well bore with end portions of said one or more flowlines facing said alignment means, a guide assembly lowered along said one or more selected guide lines and over said one or more guide posts connected thereto, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water after such flowline guide structure has been moved over said one or more guide posts, connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, and means interconnecting said guide assembly and carrier for pulling said carrier, connector means and one or more second flowlines toward said guide assembly and flowline guide structure, said guide assembly including a first single orienting member, said carrier including a second single orienting member engageable with said first orienting member to align and engage said connector means with said alignment means to position said connector means in substantial alignment with said end portions of said one or more first flowlines, and means for operatively connecting said one or more lines and one or more second flowlines to each other, whereby fluid can flow therebetween.

18. An apparatus as defined in claim 12; said first single orienting member comprising a tubular member having an orienting cam element extending therein, said second single orienting member comprising a probe having an axial cam engaging said cam element as said probe moves longitudinally in said tubular member to correspondingly turn said carrier and said connector means into alignment with said alignment means, said pulling means including a cable connected to said probe and passing through said tubular member, pin means on said carrier receive within one or more holes in said connector means to secure said carrier to said connector means while permitting pivoting of said connector means with respect to said carrier, means releasably securing said guide assembly to said flowline alignment mans, and means for substantially simultaneously releasing said securing means to disconnect said guide assembly from said flowline alignment means and to withdraw said pin means from said one or more holes to disconnect said carrier from said connector means.