Patent ID: 9650855
Date: 2017-05-16
CPC Classifications: E21B

Claim:
1. A hydraulically-actuated release connector for a subsea assembly comprising: a plurality of gripping segments, wherein said gripping segments rotationally pivot between a locked position in which the segments clamp to a mandrel and an unlocked position in which the mandrel is released, the plurality of gripping segments having an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the first end having an inner locking profile while the second end having a contoured segment hook; an annular piston, wherein said piston is located adjacent to said gripping segments and operable to move said segments between said locked and unlocked positions, the annular piston being an integral body and extending around a periphery of the plurality of gripping segments, the annular piston having a contoured knuckle section configured to slidingly engage with contoured segment hook, wherein the piston knuckle unlocks the plurality of gripping segments via the segment hook; at least one hydraulic unlock port in communication with said piston; a hydraulic lock port in communication with said piston; a center body section disposed within said plurality of segments and configured to form a seal with said mandrel when said segments are in said locked position, wherein said annular piston and said plurality of gripping segments have complementary offset radiused contact surfaces; and an actuator piston head connected to said piston movable between a lock position and an unlock position, wherein said hydraulic lock port is in communication with said actuator piston head and wherein as the actuator piston strokes, the contact force between the plurality of segments and the annular piston gradually decreases.