Subsea Dual Set Multi-Piston Mechanism

A subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange (1) comprises a predetermined set of tensioning sleeves (52) which accept a corresponding predetermined set of tensioning rods (50) therethrough and a corresponding predetermined set of tensioners (53) corresponding in number to the number of predetermined set of tensioning rods (50), where each tensioner (53) of the predetermined set of tensioners (53) makes its tensioning sleeve (52) act like a piston to adjustably force pressure edges (56) of each tensioner (53) against a seal actuator (14), thereby applying pressure to and compressing a compressible seal (30) disposed within a first tubular (10).

BACKGROUND

The disclosed invention relates to a subsea dual set multi-piston mechanism and method of using setting of the subsea dual set multi-piston mechanism through a multiple piston mechanism of the subsea dual set multi-piston mechanism.

Current subsea pipeline repair connector technology all has the use of setting seals using different mechanisms while achieving the same output. This can involve a single set mechanism with the shared setting of a grip (holding on the pipe structurally) to an individual setting mechanism.

Installation efficiency is one of the main factors when installing pipeline repair connectors. Typically depending on which type of mechanism is used, time is one of the main factors. When using a single set mechanism to set the seals the input of setting the seals involve using a torque method. A series of fasteners interface with a flange which then interfaces with the seals. This involves individually setting one fastener in a specific pattern. Even though this is a common method minor risk of wedging on one side of the flange can occur and time can be added.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange1provides an independent setting of seals, thereby providing substantially simultaneous tensioning of fasteners at the same time to provide efficient load.

Referring toFIG.1, in an embodiment subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange1comprises a predetermined set of tensioning rods50; a predetermined set of tensioning sleeves52corresponding in number to the number of the predetermined set of tensioning rods50; a predetermined set of tensioners53corresponding in number to the number of predetermined set of tensioning rods50; first tubular10; second tubular20; and one or more compressible seals30.

Typically, each tensioning rod50comprises securing edge58, which typically comprises a threaded portion configured to be accepted and mated into a corresponding thread receiver in first tubular10, and tensioning edge59located distally from securing edge58. In some embodiments one or more, typically each, tensioning edge59comprises a threaded portion and each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53comprises nut53complimentarily threaded to selectively engage a corresponding threaded portion of tensioning edge59.

In embodiments, each tensioning sleeve52of the predetermined set of tensioning sleeves52is configured to accept one tensioning rod50of the predetermined set of tensioning rods50therethrough, and comprises pressure edge56and collar57disposed distally from pressure edge56proximate tensioning edge59, thus defining a predetermined set of pressure edges56and collars57agreeing in number the number of the predetermined set of tensioning rods50. A predetermined set of tensioners53corresponding in number to the number of predetermined set of tensioning rods50is typically provided where each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53is configured to fit about a corresponding tensioning rod50of the predetermined set of tensioning rods50proximate tensioning edge59.

In embodiments, first tubular10comprises an inner diameter defining a first inner channel11, first end12, first flanged face13disposed at first end12, a first plurality of tensioning sleeve ports16disposed circumferentially at and through first end12where each tensioning sleeve port16is configured to accept one tensioning sleeve52of the predetermined set of tensioning sleeves52therethrough, seal receiver17disposed within first inner channel11proximate first end12, and seal actuator14slidingly disposed at least partially within seal receiver17. Typically, seal actuator14comprises a set of tension rod ports15corresponding in number to the number of first plurality of tensioning sleeve ports16, each tension rod port15of the set of tension rod ports15being sized to be smaller in diameter than an outer diameter of each tensioning sleeve52of the predetermined set of tensioning sleeves52and sized to accept one tensioning rod50of the predetermined set of tensioning rods50therethrough. Each tensioning rod50of the predetermined set of tensioning rods50is typically configured to secure into first flanged face12to selectively apply an adjustable load pressure to seal actuator14.

One or more compressible seals30is disposed within seal receiver17and seal actuator14slidingly engageable against compressible seal30. Compressible seals30may comprise elastomer seals, graphite seals, or the like.

Second tubular20generally comprises substantially the same inner diameter as first tubular10where the inner diameter of second tubular20defines second inner channel21. Second tubular20also comprises second end22and second flanged face23disposed at second end22and configured to abut first flanged face12. Second flanged face23also defines actuator channel23between an outer portion of second flanged face23and an interior of second tubular20, and seal actuator14is further slidingly disposed within actuator channel23proximate first end12such that travel of seal actuator14towards first tubular10is impeded by first flanged face12. Second plurality of tensioning sleeve ports26is disposed circumferentially at and through second end22and corresponds in number to the number of the first plurality of tensioning sleeve ports16, each tensioning sleeve port26of the second plurality of tensioning sleeve ports26configured to configured to align with a tension rod port (15) of the set of tension rod ports (15) and to accept one tensioning sleeve52of the predetermined set of tensioning sleeves52therethrough.

In embodiments, limiter25is present and disposed intermediate the predetermined set of collars57and second flanged face23and configured to act as a restraint for travel of the predetermined set of tensioning sleeves52towards first tubular10.

In certain embodiments, subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange1further comprises a predetermined set of securing rods40. In these embodiments, first tubular10further comprises a first plurality of securing rod ports18disposed circumferentially at and through first end12where each securing rod port18of the first plurality of securing rod ports18is configured to accept one securing rod40of the predetermined set of securing rods40therethrough. Further, in these embodiments seal actuator14further comprises a similar set of actuator securing rod ports19corresponding in number to the number of the first plurality of securing rod ports18, where each actuator securing rod port19of the set of actuator securing rod ports19is also sized to accept one securing rod40of the predetermined set of securing rods40therethrough. In these embodiments, second tubular20further comprises a second plurality of securing rod ports28disposed circumferentially at and through second end22, where each securing rod port28of the second plurality of securing rod ports28is configured to configured to align with a corresponding securing rod port19of the set of actuator securing rod ports19and accept a securing rod40of the predetermined set of securing rods40therethrough.

In addition, each securing rod40of the predetermined set of securing rods40is typically configured to secure into first tubular1, e.g., proximate first flanged face12, such as by having each securing rod40of the predetermined set of securing rods40comprise threaded end41configured to be accepted and mated into a corresponding thread receiver in the first tubular10. One or more, typically each, securing rods42typically also comprises securing rod fastener42disposed distally from the end of securing rod received into first tubular1where securing rod fastener42may be a nut, a securing pin configured to be accepted through a securing pin channel in securing rod, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Typically, the first plurality of tensioning sleeve ports16and the second plurality of tensioning sleeve ports26are alternatively disposed equidistantly circumferentially, i.e., tensioning sleeve port16is followed circumferentially by tensioning sleeve port26, followed by tensioning sleeve port16, and so on.

In the operation of exemplary embodiments, tensioning of all fasteners42,52or a subset, e.g., tensioners53, may occur substantially simultaneously and be set independently to provide efficient load distribution with minimum time for installation and contingency if required using subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange described above.

Typically, subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange1is interfaced at an end of tubular1000and each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53adjusted to apply pressure to each collar57, forcing each pressure edge56against seal actuator14and, thereby, applying pressure to compressible seal30. The adjustment may occur singly or in combination, e.g., all tensioners53substantially simultaneously.

Seal actuator14is allowed to travel towards tubular100but its travel is typically impeded by travel of seal actuator14towards first flanged face12, e.g., in a direction from X to Y. In this manner, tensioning rods50disposed within their tensioning sleeves52act as pistons to apply pressure to compressible seal30via seal actuator14with load applied in a direction from X to Y.

Tensioner200(FIG.8) may be present and configured to engage each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53more or less simultaneously by using tensioner200to simultaneously adjust each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53to a predetermined tension to apply a predetermined pressure to the compressible seal30. In embodiments, tensioner200comprises a set of tension applicators201(FIG.8) which correspond in number to the number of tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53, each tension applicator201sized to engage each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53. Tension applicators201may comprise one or more torque wrenches or the like. However, tension may also be applied to each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53independently.

Further, tension applicators201may be operable subsea such as by a subsea apparatus, including a remotely operated vehicle or an autonomous under vehicle or the like or a combination thereof, by a human diver, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Where subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange1further comprises limiter25as described above, limiter25may be used to restrain the travel of the predetermined set of tensioning rods50towards first tubular10by impeding travel of tensioning sleeves52towards first tubular10.

In embodiments where one or more securing rods40of the predetermined set of securing rods40comprises a threaded end configured to be accepted and mated into a corresponding thread receiver in first tubular10, the threaded end of each securing rod40of the predetermined set of securing rods40may be advanced into a corresponding thread receiver in first tubular10and secured into its corresponding thread receiver in the first tubular10such as by tightening securing rod40to a predetermined torque.

Similarly, where each securing edge58comprises a threaded portion at one or either end of each tensioning rod50but at least at securing edge58, at least one such threaded portion such as securing edge58may be configured to be accepted and advanced into a corresponding thread receiver in first tubular10and secured into its corresponding thread receiver in the first tubular10such as by tightening tension rod50to a predetermined torque.

In embodiments, adjusting each tensioner53of the predetermined set of tensioners53to force each pressure edge56against seal actuator14applies pressure thereby to compressible seal30and compresses compressible seal30by applying pressure to that tensioner's collar57, thereby making that tensioning sleeve52act like a piston. If all tensioners53are substantially simultaneously adjusted, the effect is that each tensioning sleeve52substantially simultaneously acts like a multi-piston actuator.

In embodiments, subsea dual set multi-piston smart flange1operation acts as tensioners that can be daisy chained to actuate compressible seals30using all tensioning sleeves52without requiring torquing where such torquing can involve actuating each seal fastener one at a time, following a specific pattern on a bolt circle during which wedging can occur with the seal actuator outer diameter (OD) and the housing interface if one fastener is torqued more than others.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventions are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrative construction and/or an illustrative method may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.