Patent US5224200A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3866677A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3866677A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater connection apparatus
Assignee: Vetco Inc
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Filing: 1973-08-07
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Granted: 1975-02-18
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Expires: 1993-08-07
Abstract
Abstract An improved underwater connection apparatus is provided for selectively making fluid connection between a Christmas tree flowline and a flowline extending underwater from surface storage facilities, the storage flowline being pulled into a position of partial alignment with the Christmas tree flowline by a wireline device and completely axially aligned by a remotely operable hydraulic mechanism, the two flowlines being thereafter secured together for fluid transfer.
Inventors
- 👤 Benton F Baugh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:53
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/013; E21B43/0135; F; F17; F17D; F17D5/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
Apparatus for selectively making fluid connection to a well drilled into a formation underlying a body of water, comprising: a well fluid flow control network for being positioned at a well drilled in a body of water, said well fluid flow control network including first flowline means for transferring well fluid outwardly of said well; second flowline means for extending from a remote point to said well, said second flowline means being lowered into the body of water for connection with said first flowline means such that said well fluid is transferable through said well fluid flow control network and said first and second flowline means to a remote point; wireline positioning means for mounting at said well and utilizing wireline apparatus to move said second flowline means into a position of initial attachment with said wireline positioning means, in which position said second flowline means is partially aligned with said first flowline means; remotely operable power means for mounting at said well for engaging and moving said second flowline means from said position of initial attachment to a locked position in said wireline positioning means and for moving said wireline positioning means and said second flowline means to a position in which said second flowline means is substantially completely aligned with said first flowline means for connection therewith; and flowline connection means for operatively connecting said first and second flowline means whereby well fluid is transferable from said well and through said first and second flowline means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
248 words
Apparatus for selectively making fluid connection to a well drilled into a formation underlying a body of water, comprising: a well fluid flow control network for being positioned at a well drilled in a body of water, said well fluid flow control network including first flowline means for transferring well fluid outwardly of said well; second flowline means for extending from a remote point to said well, said second flowline means being lowered into the body of water for connection with said first flowline means such that said well fluid is transferable through said well fluid flow control network and said first and second flowline means to a remote point; wireline positioning means for mounting at said well and utilizing wireline apparatus to move said second flowline means into a position of initial attachment with said wireline positioning means, in which position said second flowline means is partially aligned with said first flowline means; remotely operable power means for mounting at said well for engaging and moving said second flowline means from said position of initial attachment to a locked position in said wireline positioning means and for moving said wireline positioning means and said second flowline means to a position in which said second flowline means is substantially completely aligned with said first flowline means for connection therewith; and flowline connection means for operatively connecting said first and second flowline means whereby well fluid is transferable from said well and through said first and second flowline means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
151 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, including: said first flowline means terminating in a first flowline flange supporting one or more first flowlines; said second flowline means terminating in a second flowline flange supporting one or more second flowlines; said flowline connection means connecting said first and second flowline flanges together for fluid communication therebetween; said second flowline flange having a side lug thereon; and said flowline connection means includes a connector plate having a plate lug thereon, said connector plate being mounted on said first flowline flange for movement between a release position in which said first and second flowline flanges are separable and an interlocked position in which said connector plate lug engages said side lug of said second flowline flange, whereby said one or more first flowlines are joined in fluid communication with said one or more second flowlines with said side plate in said interlocked position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The structure set Forth in claim 1, including: a well support means mounted at said well; a flowline alignment assembly for lowering onto said well support means; and said flowline alignment assembly including means cooperating with said remotely operable power means to substantially align said first and second flowline means for connection.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The structure set forth in claim 3, including: said first flowline means terminating in a first connection flange; said second flowline means terminating in a second connection flange; and said flowline alignment assembly including an alignment channel for receiving said first and second connection flanges.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
122 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein said wireline positioning means and remotely operable power means includes: a flowline positioning assembly which is lowerable to a position in proximity to said well fluid control network; said flowline positioning assembly including a funnel assembly having a wireline extending therethrough into attachment with said second flowline means, said wireline being extendable to a wireline control means located at the surface of the body of water for controlling movement of said wireline; and said funnel assembly and wireline control means including means pulling said second flowline means inwardly into position for attachment to said funnel assembly, in which position said second flowline means is partially aligned with respect to said first flow line means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
The structure set forth in claim 5, including: attachment means for attaching said second flowline means to said funnel assembly; and locking means for moving said second flowline means further inwardly of said funnel assembly to a locked position in which said second flowline means remains partially aligned with respect to said first flowline means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
75 words
The structure set forth in claim 6, wherein said locking means includes: an attachment yoke mounted for movement in said funnel assembly and means mounted therewith for attaching said second flowline means for movement with said attachment yoke; and a remotely operable hydraulic cylinder assembly connected with said attachment yoke for moving said yoke and said second flowline means to said locked position in which said second flowline means is movable with said funnel assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The structure set forth in claim 6, wherein: said funnel assembly having a substantially helical surface therein for directing said second flowline means to a vertical position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The structure set forth in claim 6, wherein: means for pivoting said funnel assembly downwardly with said second flowline means in said locked position for landing said second flowline means in complete alignment with said first flowline means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
Thet structure set forth in claim 5, including: a secondary hydraulic terminal mounted with said fluid flow control network; and a movable hydraulic supply terminal mounted with said flowline positioning assembly for operable connection with said secondary hydraulic terminal, said movable hydraulic supply terminal having fluid lines extending to the surface of said body of water.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
84 words
The structure set forth in claim 5, wherein said second flowline means includes: one or more second flowlines for extension underwater between said well and the surface; said one or more second fluid flowlines terminating in a second flowline flange for fluid connection to said first flowline means; and a carrier assembly attached to said second flowline flange, said wireline being attached to said carrier assembly whereby movement of said wireline controls movement of said one or more second flowlines and second flowline flange.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
The structure set forth in claim 11, wherein said carrier assembly includes: a landing flange assembly pivotally attached to said second flowline flange; and a probe unit mounted onto said landing flange assembly for pivotal movement with respEct to said landing flange assembly, said wireline being attached to said probe unit whereby movement of said wireline controls movement of said landing flange assembly and said probe unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
98 words
The structure set forth in claim 12, including: said wireline attached to said probe unit being adapted to pull said probe unit inwardly into said funnel assembly to such that said second flowline flange connected with said landing flange assembly and probe unit is in a position of partial alignment with said first flowline means; attachment means for attaching said probe unit to said funnel assembly; and locking means for moving said probe unit further inwardly of said funnel assembly such that said landing flange assembly is landed in a locked position for movement with said funnel assembly.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure set forth in claim 13, including: carrier release means for releasing said landing flange assembly from attachment to said second flowline flange whereby said carrier assembly is freed for subsequent removal with said funnel assembly.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
58 words
The structure set forth in claim 14, including: said landing flange assembly being pivotally movable with respect to said second flowline flange with said landing flange assembly in said locked position with said funnel assembly; and funnel assembly pivoting means for pivoting said funnel assembly downwardly to substantially align said second flowline flange with said first flowline means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
62 words
The structure set forth in claim 15, including: a test flange attached to said second flowline flange for testing of said one or more flowlines, said test flange further being attached to said landing flange assembly; and release means for releasing said test flange from attachment to said second flowline flange whereby said test flange is removable with said landing flange assembly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
70 words
The structure set forth in claim 15, including: a well support means for mounting on said well; a flowline alignment assembly being mounted on said well support means and including an alignment channel for receiving said first flowline means; said funnel assembly pivoting means pivoting said funnel assembly downwardly such that said second flowline flange is seated in said alignment channel in substantially complete alignment with said first flowline means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The structure set forth in claim 17, including: said second flowline flange including latch means for seating said second flowline flange in said alignment channel in said position of substantial alignment.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
72 words
The structure set forth in claim 17, wherein: said first flowline means includes one or more first flowlines terminating in a first flowline flange, said flowline flange being mounted for slidable movement in said alignment channel; hydraulic power means for moving said first flowline flange toward and away from said second flowline flange; and said flowline connection means includes means for joining said first and second flowline flanges for fluid communication therebetween.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
73 words
The structure set forth in claim 19, wherein said means for joining said flowline flanges includes: a lug extending from said second flowline flange; a connector plate mounted on said first flowline flange for movement between release and interlocked positions, said connector plate having a lug thereon; and means for moving said connector plate to an interlocked position in which said lugs are in locked engagement to prevent separation of said flowline flanges.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
The structure set forth in claim 19, including: said first flowline flange having removably mounted thereon a seal plate which provides a sealed fluid connection between said one or more first flowlines and said one or more second flowlines with said first and second flowline flanges joined.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
61 words
The structure set forth in claim 21, including: said hydraulic power means moving said first flowline flange out oF said joined connection with said second flowline flange; and removal tool means for running from said water surface to a point substantially between said first and second flowline flanges, said removal tool means including means for engaging said seal plate for removal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The structure set forth in claim 22, including: said hydraulic power means moving said first flowline flange away from said removal tool to release said first flowline flange from attachment with said seal plate.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The structure set forth in claim 11, including: a testing flange assembly mounted with said second flowline flange for testing said one or more second flowlines prior to connection with said first flowline means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure set forth in claim 24, including: said second flowline means including two second flowlines; and said testing flange assembly including means providing fluid communication between said two second flowlines for testing said flowlines.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
39 words
The structure set forth in claim 25, including: impression means mounted in said testing flange assembly for making an impression on a soft material pumped from the surface through one of said two flowlines to test said flange assembly.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The structure set forth in claim 25, wherein said testing flange assembly includes: a test flange attached with said second flowline flange; and means for releasing said test flange from attachment with said second flowline flange.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for making an underwater connection between a well drilled into a formation underlying a body of water, comprising the steps of: lowering from the water surface a flowline alignment assembly and landing said flowline alignment assembly with a well support means mounted at said well; lowering a fluid flow network and landing said fluid flow network with said flowline alignment assembly, said fluid flow network including a first flowline means for transferring well fluid; lowering a flowline positioning assembly with a wireline connected to a second flowline means and landing said flowline positioning assembly in proximity to said flowline alignment assembly; operating said wireline from the surface in order to pull said wireline and said second flowline means attached therewith inwardly toward said flowline positioning assembly until said second flowline means is in a position of partial alignment with said first flowline means; using hydraulic force to move said second flowline means to a locked position with said flowline positioning assembly and thereafter manipulating said flowline positioning assembly to land said second flowline means in a position of substantially complete alignment with said first flowline means; and joining said first and second aligned flowline means in a fluid connection.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for making an underwater connection between a well drilled into a formation underlying a body of water, comprising the steps of: lowering from the water surface a flowline alignment assembly and landing said flowline alignment assembly with a well support means mounted at said well; lowering a fluid flow network and landing said fluid flow network with said flowline alignment assembly, said fluid flow network including a first flowline means for transferring well fluid; lowering a flowline positioning assembly with a wireline connected to a second flowline means and landing said flowline positioning assembly in proximity to said flowline alignment assembly; operating said wireline from the surface in order to pull said wireline and said second flowline means attached therewith inwardly toward said flowline positioning assembly until said second flowline means is in a position of partial alignment with said first flowline means; using hydraulic force to move said second flowline means to a locked position with said flowline positioning assembly and thereafter manipulating said flowline positioning assembly to land said second flowline means in a position of substantially complete alignment with said first flowline means; and joining said first and second aligned flowline means in a fluid connection.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method set forth in claim 28, including the step of: lowering said flowline alignment assembly downwardly on said flowline positioning assembly and thereafter removing said flowline positioning assembly prior to lowering said fluid flow network.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method set forth in claim 28, including the step of: providing an alignment channel to receive said first and second flowline means in complete alignment for connection.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method set forth in claim 30, including the step of: seating said first flowline means in said alignment channel when said fluid flow network is landed with said well guide structure and said flowline alignment assembly.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method set forth in claim 31, including the step of: landing said second flowline means in said channel to place said second flowline means in complete alignment for connection with said first flowline means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method set forth in claim 28, including the step of: utilizing a funnel assembly with said wireline extended therethrough to pull said second flowline means partially within said funnel assembly such that said second flowline means is partially aligned with said first flowline means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method set forth in claim 33, including the step of: utilizing said funnel assembly to grip said partially aligned second flowline means and move said second flowline means into said position of substantially complete alignment.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method set forth in claim 28, including the step of: testing said second flowline means prior to connection of said first flowline means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method set forth in claim 28, including the step of: providing hydraulic power directly to said flowline positioning tool and to said fluid flow network.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method set forth in claim 28, including: moving said second flowline means to a vertical position as said second flowline means is moved to said position of substantially complete alignment.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method set forth in claim 28, including the step of: removing said flowline positioning assembly after said second flowline means is joined with said first flowline means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
195 words
Apparatus for selectively making fluid connection to a well drilled into a formation underlying a body of water, comprising: a well fluid flow control network for being positioned at a well drilled in a body of water, said well fluid flow control network including first flowline means for transferring well fluid outwardly of said well; second flowline means for extending from a remote point to said well, said second flowline means being lowered into the body of water for connection with said first flowline means such that said well fluid is transferable through said well fluid flow control network and said first and second flowline means to a remote point; wireline positioning means for mounting at said well and utilizing wireline apparatus to move said second flowline means to a position of partial alignment with respect to said first flowline means; remotely operable power means for mounting at said well for engagging and moving said second flowline means to a position of substantially complete alignment for connection with said first flowline means; and test means mounted with said second flowline means for testing said second flowline means prior to connection with said first flowline means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
195 words
Apparatus for selectively making fluid connection to a well drilled into a formation underlying a body of water, comprising: a well fluid flow control network for being positioned at a well drilled in a body of water, said well fluid flow control network including first flowline means for transferring well fluid outwardly of said well; second flowline means for extending from a remote point to said well, said second flowline means being lowered into the body of water for connection with said first flowline means such that said well fluid is transferable through said well fluid flow control network and said first and second flowline means to a remote point; wireline positioning means for mounting at said well and utilizing wireline apparatus to move said second flowline means to a position of partial alignment with respect to said first flowline means; remotely operable power means for mounting at said well for engagging and moving said second flowline means to a position of substantially complete alignment for connection with said first flowline means; and test means mounted with said second flowline means for testing said second flowline means prior to connection with said first flowline means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |