Subsea intervention fluid transfer system

A system for subsea transfer of intervention fluids to a subsea intervention apparatus, the system, in certain aspects, including a structure and a frame pivotably mounted thereto, a plurality of frame fluid conduits on the frame for conducting fluid from a connector to conduit apparatus in fluid communication with the subsea intervention apparatus, a connector at an end of the frame for releasably holding an end of a fluid stab assembly, and having a connector fluid conduits in communication with the frame fluid conduits, the connector fluid conduits located for receiving fluid from a fluid stab assembly releasably held by the connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention is directed to systems and methods for fluid transfer in subsea operations; to heave compensation in subsea operations; to systems and methods for compensating for the movement of sea-going vessels used in wellbore subsea operations; and, in certain particular aspects, to a heave compensation system located subsea.

2. Description of Related Art

In many situations, interventions are required to maintain the performance of an oil or gas well. Interventions typically include but are not limited to: removing debris from a well, shifting production levels in a well, unloading fluid from a well, stimulation of a production zone, and well logging. Often interventions require injection of one or more fluids into a well; e.g. but are not limited to: water, nitrogen, hydrate inhibitors, acids, and cements. Such fluids are transported to the well site, stored in transportable containers, and then pumped into well with specialized pumping equipment.

Well interventions can be performed on subsea wells. However, such interventions can be more complicated due to inaccessibility of the well. A typical subsea well intervention includes utilization of a mobile offshore drilling unit and related specialized equipment. This method of well intervention is costly and time consuming.

Certain prior art methods of performing well subsea interventions use a tool which is deployed from a deployment vessel and attached to the subsea well. The tool, known as a subsea intervention module, includes coiled tubing equipment, intervention tools, well control equipment, control systems, and other equipment required to perform well interventions on subsea wells. The intervention module can be powered and controlled remotely from a deployment vessel via control umbilical.

Intervention fluid and hydrate inhibitor are transferred from the deployment vessel to the tool via an intervention fluid conduit. The intervention fluid conduit is known as the pump down line or “PDL” which consists of a specialized string of steel coiled tubing which is designed to transfer a plurality of discrete fluids simultaneously. The PDL is deployed and connected to intervention module. Surface equipment lowers one end of the PDL to the intervention module on the subsea well after the intervention module has been deployed.

Wave motions at the surface can cause a deployment vessel to heave. Because a PDL is suspended from the deployment vessel, the PDL will heave with the same frequency and as the vessel. The wave-induced PDL motions must be controlled to allow for connection of PDL to an intervention module and to prevent damage to the PDL and any components of the intervention module which could come in contact with the heaving parts.

In the past flexible hoses have been used, but many of the intervention fluids have chemical properties which are incompatible with the lining materials of flexible hoses. High pressure gas intrusion into hose lining can cause separation of the lining from the hose. In addition, pressure differentials between the intervention fluid stream and the sea outside the fluid passages which would cause a collapse of the flexible hose. Also, the constant movement of the flexible hose can cause premature failure of the hoses.

The prior art discloses a wide variety of systems, apparatuses, and methods to compensate for the movement of vessels used in subsea operations. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,943,868; 3,991,837; 4,858,694; 5,190,107; 4,176,722; 4,059,148; 4,934,870; 4,899,823; 6,343,893; 4,962,817; 6,386,290 and the prior art references cited therein provide a small sampling of the prior art directed to heave compensation and to compensation for the movement of a vessel.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,276,454; 6,053,252; 6,698,520; 6,488,093; 6,659,180; 6,460,621; 6,547,008; 6,763,889; and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/368,762 filed Feb. 19, 2003 and 10/204,606 filed Feb. 20, 2001, and the prior art cited in these patents and applications, provide a small sampling of prior art references directed to subsea operations and to subsea intervention.

There has long been a need, recognized by the present inventor, for effective and efficient subsea intervention fluid transfer systems and heave compensation systems.

There has long been a need, recognized by the present inventor, for an efficient and effective heave compensation system for use with relatively small and/or monohull vessels.

There has long been a need, recognized by the present inventor, for an efficient and effective heave compensation system for use with a pumpdown line which is deployed from a fixed system on the deck of a vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention, in certain embodiments, discloses apparatus and methods for the simultaneous subsea transfer of multiple streams of intervention fluids to an intervention module; in certain aspects without using flexible hoses.

The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses a system for mechanically linking an intervention fluid conduit to a subsea intervention module. In certain aspects the system includes apparatus to compensate for motions applied to a subsea fluid conduit by wave action which acts on a deployment vessel from which the fluid conduit is suspended. In certain aspects, the invention includes a system for attachment of a heaving conduit to a stationary intervention module in a controlled manner.

In certain aspects, the present invention discloses apparatus for the latching and release of an intervention fluid conduit to a subsea intervention module in normal deployment and in emergency disconnect situations.

The present invention, in at least certain embodiments, discloses a heave compensation system which is pivotably connectable below the water's surface to a subsea structure, e.g., but not limited to, a subsea intervention module. The system has a frame whose first end is pivotably mountable to the subsea structure and on whose second end is releasably connected a receiver for receiving a fluid stab apparatus, e.g. a “hot stab” apparatus. In one aspect fluid communication is provided between the received apparatus (in the receiver) and devices, systems, or apparatuses spaced-apart from the heave compensation system, e.g. with the appropriate flow lines, conduits, pipes and/or hoses.

In certain embodiments, a winch apparatus is used in selective raising and lowering of the heave compensation system's frame. Free pivotal mounting of the frame to a subsea structure provides a range of free movement for the heave compensation system and for the apparatus received in the receiver. By releasably connecting a winch line of the winch system to a pump down line (e.g. using an ROV) which has not yet been connected to a receiver, the winch system can bring the pump down line to the receiver with the movement of the frame corresponding to the movement of the pump down line as the pump down line approaches the receiver. The winch line is in a slack state when the winch line is connected by the ROV to the pump down line. The winch line pulls the fluid stab apparatus horizontally to the receiver as the frame is rotated out from the subsea structure to move the receiver to the fluid stab apparatus. Specialized equipment is used to make attachment and to provide a fluid connection to the subsea intervention module. The intervention fluid stab end of the PDL is weighted to prevent the PDL from deflecting from the intended trajectory due to sea currents during deployment.

In one particular aspect, fluids (e.g. hydrate inhibitor fluid) in one flow path of the fluid stab apparatus and treatment fluids in another flow path flow to the receiver and then from the receiver to another subsea system or apparatus, including, but not limited to, a subsea intervention module or system.

In certain aspects, the present invention discloses a system for mechanically linking an intervention fluid conduit to a subsea intervention module which compensates for motions applied to the conduit by wave action which will act on a deployment vessel from which the fluid conduit is suspended. Additionally, in certain aspects, the present invention discloses a system for attachment of a heaving conduit to a stationary intervention module in a controlled manner. In certain aspects, after the PDL is connected to the intervention module, a compliant connection is employed to prevent damage to the PDL, the intervention module, and the well.

It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide new, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious subsea intervention systems, subsea fluid transfer systems, and subsea intervention heave compensation systems and methods;

Such systems and methods which need not employ flexible hoses or conduits;

Such systems and methods which simultaneously transfer multiple intervention fluids; and

Such systems and methods for the effective latching and release of an intervention fluid conduit to a subsea intervention module in normal and in emergency situations.

Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particular individual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the invention have been broadly described so that the detailed descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in order that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the invention described below and which may be included in the subject matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention recognizes and addresses the previously-mentioned problems and long-felt needs and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who has the benefits of this invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following description of certain preferred embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent's object to claim this invention no matter how others may later disguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of further improvements.

The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of phraseology to determine quickly from a cursory inspection or review the nature and general area of the disclosure of this invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS PREFERRED AT THE TIME OF FILING FOR THIS PATENT

FIG. 1shows a system10according to the present invention for connecting a pump down line12between a vessel14floating on a water surface S and a subsea intervention module30at an ocean floor F and operating the pump down line (“PDL”)12during subsea intervention. The subsea intervention module30is deployed on a subsea well W. A heave compensation device20is used to dampen the resulting motion of the PDL12when the vessel14heaves with the motion of the seas. The device20is a compliant device employed to allow connection of an intervention fluid stab assembly40with continuous vertical motions to the intervention module30using a connector50.

The device20includes a frame which has equal length linkage beams21a,21band21c,21d. The beams21a-21dare attached to a frame31of the intervention module30by pins24. The pins24are placed to allow rotation of each of the beams21a-21dabout the pins in a vertical plane.

Ends of the beams21a-21dare connected to a funnel part51of a PDL connector50. The location of the pins24a-24dallows the assembly of beams21a-21dand the connector52to move and rotate in a vertical plane while maintaining a fixed vertical orientation of the axis of the connector bore52. Rotation of the assembly about the axis of the pins24on the intervention module30gives the connector50the ability to conform to the vertical motions of a PDL assembly60with the fluid stab assembly40. This configuration also constrains the PDL assembly60in the horizontal plane. In addition, this configuration fixes vertical orientation of the PDL assembly60.

The PDL12supplies intervention fluids to the intervention module30. This task can be complicated by the requirement to mitigate heave of the vessel14. The complication results from the need to transfer the fluids from a moving assembly to a fixed assembly. With certain systems according to the present invention fluids are transferred to the intervention module30without reliance on any flexible hoses, conduits, or expansion joints since the rigid beams21a-21dfix the distance of the connector50and PDL assembly60to the intervention module30.

Fluid swivels54at the ends of the rigid beams transfer fluids in fluid conduits56without flexible hoses or flexible connections. A first fluid's transfer is indicated by the arrows A inFIG. 6. Arrows B indicated a second fluid's transfer. Bodies54aof the fluid swivels rotate on center members54bof the fluid swivels. The fluid swivels54, in one aspect, are configured to resist high pressure differentials from external or internal sources and material selection enables a multitude of volatile fluids to be pumped to the intervention module. The fluid swivels54can also withstand high pressure differentials from either external or internal sources without a corresponding increase in force and bending moment loading to bearings55of the fluid swivel, allowing the entire assembly to rotate freely with an economy of design.

To aid in deployment, the assembly60is, optionally, weighted with weights61.FIGS. 3-7Bshow components of the assembly60including a stab41and an attachment ring43. The fluid conduits56, which pass the fluid from the intervention fluid transfer manifold52to the intervention module30, allow the transfer of varied intervention fluids. Optionally a bend restrictor63is used on the PDL12above the weights61.

The fluid swivels54are, in one aspect, pressure balanced to cause pressure induced loading to be contained within individual components, thus decreasing or removing thrust loads which could cause parts to attempt to separate or bind. The fluid swivels54are reduced in size and weight, since the bearings55in the fluid swivels experience a minimal thrust loading. Reduction or elimination of thrust loading results in lower bearing friction so that the fluid swivels54rotate more freely. The fluid swivels54are designed to substantially reduce or eliminate a pressure-induced axial force which would tend to separate the fluid swivel and would result in a high rotational frictional force in the swivel. Spaced-apart seal glands on each side of channels through the conduits56contain seals (seal gland SG1contains seal SS1; seal gland SG2contains seal SS2; seal gland SG3contains seal SS3; and seal gland SS4contains seal SS4). With seals positioned on each side of the fluid glands fluid induced loads are cancelled. The bearings55are located outboard of adjacent seals. Since loading is substantially reduced due to the swivel design and the parallel support beams, the bearings55can be water lubricated bearings.

The deployment vessel14is moved to position the PDL fluid stab assembly60a few meters outside of the range of the heave compensation system20. At that time, the heave compensation system20is stowed at the side of the intervention module. The fluid stab assembly60and the connector50are drawn together by utilizing a winch18, a winch line17, a hook15, and pulley system19. To initiate the attachment procedure, an ROV carries a slack winch line to the attachment ring43on the fluid stab assembly60. After attaching the hook15ato the attachment ring43, the ROV withdraws. The winch18is mounted on the intervention module frame30and is operated via an intervention module control system33in communication with a control system CS on the boat14. Prior to deployment, the winch line17is placed such that when the fluid stab assembly60is attached to the connector50the heaving motion of the fluid stab assembly60is matched precisely by the connector50. When the winch is activated, the connector50is pulled from a stowed position at the side of the intervention module30by tension applied by the winch line17. As the winch line17is drawn in, the fluid stab assembly60and the connector52are drawn together by the shortening winch line until a latching sequence is initiated. During this process, the heave of the fluid stab60with respect to the connector50is negated since the weight of the connector50is supported via a sheave SH on the connector50by the winch line17attached to the ring43. Since the intervention fluid transfer manifold52and intervention fluid stab40are connected by a taut winch line17, the oscillating vertical motions of the fluid stab assembly60are followed by the connector50. This feature prevents damage to the mating parts of the intervention fluid stab assembly60due to dynamic loading as they are drawn together. As the intervention fluid stab assembly60and connector50are drawn together, the funnel part51corrects any misalignment. After latching of the stab41in the connector50, the winch line17is slacked and the ROV disconnects the winch line17from the attachment ring43. In one method according to the present invention of attachment of the PDL12to the intervention module30, the fluid stab assembly60of the PDL12is lowered on the PDL12to a depth which will put the fluid stab assembly60at about the middle of the travel of the PDL heave compensation system20.

The fluid stab assembly60and the connector50, in certain aspects, accommodate simultaneous transfer of a plurality of intervention fluids, e.g. to provide hydrate inhibitor to the well area of the intervention module30during all stages of a well intervention. Additionally, the fluid stab assembly60and the connector50, in certain aspects, transfer fluids at high differential pressures (either internal or external source) with little or no resulting thrust load acting on the latching system. The fluid stab and the fluid transfer manifold are designed to negate pressure induced thrust loading on the mating assemblies. As in one embodiment of the fluid swivels, the fluid transfer glands are fitted with seals on both sides of the gland. This results in an equal area exposed to the pressure on opposite ends of the gland which in turn will result in equal and opposite thrust forces on the assembly so that no unbalanced force is seen by the assembly. This allows for predictable action of an emergency disconnect system and for economy of design. The only force acting on the latching system is the weight of the fluid transfer manifold. Therefore, a small and predictable releasing force can be designed into the latching system as a passive disconnect or an emergency disconnect.

The fluid stab latching system, in certain aspects, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7Eis mechanically triggered when the stab41is pulled into latching position by the landing winch18which pulls the stab41into the funnel part51and into a bore59of the connector50. Triggering the latch sequence is achieved when a chamfer45on a nose46of the stab41′ contacts rollers47on an edge48of a series of triggering slides49(four used in the system ofFIG. 7A). When the slides49(which are biased inwardly by springs42) are translated a small distance by the urging of the advancing stab, a latching sleeve83movably mounted within the connector50is allowed to shift to relieve some of the force applied by a spring82with an end83aof the latching sleeve83received in a notch47of the slides49(FIG. 7B). The latching sleeve83in turn causes a series of retaining balls84to move radially in holes86abored into a retaining sleeve86. The retaining balls84stop moving radially when they come in contact with the minor diameter of a latching land81on the intervention fluid stab40. The force applied to the balls84by the spring82via the ramp88holds the balls84in place. The remaining force supplied by the spring82acting on the latching sleeve83prevents the intervention fluid stab40from separating from the connector50. Pulling up on the stab41moves the latching sleeve83, and the balls84contact the ramp88. The balls84move out of the land81, releasing the stab41.

When the stab41is releasably latched to the connector50, the stab41supports the weight of the connector50—which weight is the only load on the latching mechanism of the connector50(other weight being supported by the frame F).

An emergency disconnect condition occurs when the separation force acting on the fluid stab assembly60exceeds the force of the spring82and the retaining balls84are urged radially outward through the retaining sleeve86as the balls84ride up on tapers87on the stab41and a ramp88on latching sleeve83. An emergency disconnect condition occurs when the separation force acting on the fluid stab assembly60exceeds the force of the spring82and the retaining balls84are urged radially outward through the retaining sleeve86as the balls84ride up on tapers87. When a sufficient upward vertical force is applied to the fluid stab, the spring force is overcome resulting in the latching sleeve moving vertically upward, which in turn allows the balls to move radially outward until they clear the OD of the fluid stab.

A normal disconnect sequence occurs when an hydraulic control fluid pressure is applied to an annular actuator piston circuit90on the latching sleeve83and fluid flows into a space90a. The presence of the fluid pressure causes the latching sleeve83to shift upward against the urging of the spring82allowing the retaining balls84to shift radially outward in the holes86ain the retaining sleeve86allowing the connector50to fall away from the stab41. The connector50falls to its stowed position inside the intervention module frame30.

During operation, stresses induced on the bottom of the PDL12by wave action are, in certain aspects, mitigated by utilizing a tapered stress joint17.

After the fluid stab assembly60is connected to the intervention fluid transfer manifold52, fluid can be transferred from equipment on the deployment vessel14via the PDL12to the intervention module30. The latching system can then be deactivated either by hydraulic signal from the intervention module30(using the hydraulic circuit90) or by forcibly separating the stab41from the connector52using the PDL deployment injector13on the vessel14to pull the stab41out of the connector50(e.g. by pulling on the assembly60with force greater than force of the spring82; e.g., in one aspect, with a force of 10,000 pounds). In either case, the heave compensation device20returns to its stowed position under the influence of gravity.

Bolts50bbolt a seal housing89to a body50aof the connector50. Seals SS (SS1-SS14) seal the interfaces indicated. A seal member85holds the seals SS12and SS14.

The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not in necessarily all, embodiments a system for subsea transfer of intervention fluids to a subsea intervention apparatus, the system including: a structure for a subsea intervention apparatus; a frame pivotably mounted to the structure, the frame having a first end at the structure and a second end spaced-apart from the first end; a plurality of frame fluid conduits (e.g. two, three, four, or more) on the frame extending from the first end to the second end for conducting fluid from a connector to conduit apparatus in fluid communication with the subsea intervention apparatus; a connector at the second end of the frame for releasably holding an end of a fluid stab assembly; the connector having a plurality of connector fluid conduits therethrough, each connector fluid conduit corresponding to one of the plurality of frame fluid conduits, each connector fluid conduits in fluid communication with a corresponding frame fluid conduit; and the connector fluid conduits located for receiving fluid from a fluid stab assembly releasably held by the connector. Such an apparatus may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: receipt apparatus within the connector for receiving and releasably holding an end of a fluid stab assembly; a plurality of movable balls, and ball movement apparatus for selectively moving the plurality of movable balls so that a portion of each ball is movable into a corresponding recess in a fluid stab assembly for releasably securing the fluid stab assembly to the connector; wherein the ball movement apparatus includes a latching sleeve within the connector and an opening for receiving the end of the fluid stab assembly, the latching sleeve having a lower end and a sleeve part positioned for contacting the plurality of movable balls for moving the movable balls toward and away from the fluid stab assembly, slider apparatus within the connector and in contact with the latching sleeve, the slider apparatus having a groove, the slider apparatus positioned for contact by an end of the fluid stab assembly, said contact effecting outward movement of the slider apparatus permitting the lower end of the latching sleeve to move into the slider groove, said movement of the latching sleeve effecting movement of a portion of each ball of the plurality of movable balls into the corresponding recess of the fluid stab assembly to releasably connect the fluid stab assembly to the connector, and spring apparatus within the connector urging the latching sleeve downwardly toward the slider apparatus and, upon said outward movement of the slider apparatus, urging the lower end of the latching sleeve into the slider groove; a winch system with a winch line passing through the frame for releasable connection to a fluid stab assembly; and winching apparatus in the winch system for retrieving the winch line to pull the fluid stab assembly to the connector; dual spaced-apart support beams, each beam having a first end and a second end, each beam first end pivotably connected to the structure for the subsea intervention apparatus, each beam second end pivotably connected to the connector so that the connector moves vertically upon vertical movement of the beam second ends; wherein each frame fluid conduit is rotatably connected with a connector fluid swivel to the connector, each connector fluid swivel having a connector fluid channel therethrough in fluid communication with a corresponding connector fluid conduit; wherein each connector fluid swivel is a pressure balanced fluid swivel; wherein each frame fluid conduit is rotatably connected with a frame fluid swivel to the frame, each frame fluid swivel having a frame swivel channel in fluid communication with a corresponding frame fluid conduit; and fluid flowing from a frame fluid conduit to a frame swivel channel flowable to the subsea intervention apparatus; wherein each frame fluid swivel is a pressure balanced fluid swivel; wherein each connector fluid swivel has a water lubricated bearing for facilitating rotation of the frame fluid conduit about the connector fluid swivel; wherein each frame fluid swivel has a water lubricated bearing for facilitating rotation of the frame fluid conduit about the connector fluid swivel; wherein each frame fluid conduit has two sides and each connector fluid swivel has a fluid gland and a fluid seal on each side of the frame fluid conduit so that fluid induced loads are cancelled; wherein each frame fluid swivel has two sides and each connector fluid swivel has a fluid gland and a fluid seal on each side of the frame fluid conduit so that fluid induced loads are cancelled; a fluid stab assembly for releasable connection to the connector, the fluid stab assembly in fluid communication with a pump down line and having a plurality of stab channels for conducting a plurality of intervention fluids from the pump down line to the connector for transfer to the subsea intervention apparatus; wherein the fluid stab assembly includes weight apparatus to facilitate connection of the fluid stab assembly to the connector; wherein the connector has funnel apparatus for facilitating entry of a lower end of the fluid stab assembly into the connector; wherein the fluid stab assembly has connection structure for releasable securement thereto of a winch line; sheave apparatus on the connector for guiding the winch line, the sheave apparatus located so that with the winch line attached to the fluid stab assembly vertical displacements of the fluid stab assembly do not alter a relative position of the fluid stab assembly with respect to the connector; a recess in the fluid stab assembly for receiving movable balls, a plurality of movable balls, and ball movement apparatus for selectively moving the plurality of movable balls so that a portion of each ball is movable into a corresponding recess in the fluid stab assembly for releasably securing the fluid stab assembly to the connector; wherein the frame fluid conduits are rigid; active disconnecting apparatus for imposing hydraulic fluid under pressure on the connector to release a fluid stab assembly from the connector; and/or releasable holding apparatus for maintaining the connector latched to a fluid stab assembly, and the releasable holding apparatus releasable by pulling up on a fluid stab assembly held by the connector.

The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not in necessarily all, embodiments a system for subsea transfer of intervention fluids to a subsea intervention apparatus, the system including a structure for a subsea intervention apparatus; a frame pivotably mounted to the structure, the frame having a first end at the structure and a second end spaced-apart from the first end; a plurality of frame fluid conduits on the frame extending from the first end to the second end for conducting fluid from a connector to conduit apparatus in fluid communication with the subsea intervention apparatus; a connector at the second end of the frame for releasably holding an end of a fluid stab assembly; the connector having a plurality of connector fluid conduits therethrough corresponding to the plurality of frame fluid conduits, each connector fluid conduits in fluid communication with a corresponding frame fluid conduit; the connector fluid conduits located for receiving fluid from a fluid stab assembly releasably held by the connector; and wherein each frame fluid conduit is rigid.

The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not in necessarily all, embodiments a method for transferring intervention fluids from a pump down line to a subsea intervention apparatus, the method including flowing fluid through a pump down line into a fluid stab assembly connected to a connector of a system for subsea transfer of fluids, the system as any disclosed herein according to the present invention, flowing the fluid through the connector, flowing the fluid through the plurality of frame conduits, and flowing the fluid from the plurality of frame conduits to the subsea intervention apparatus.

In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is further intended that each element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may be utilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in § 102. The invention claimed herein is not obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in § 103. This specification and the claims that follow are in accordance with all of the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112. The inventors may rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of their invention and of the claims that follow as they may pertain to apparatus not materially departing from, but outside of, the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All patents and applications identified herein are incorporated fully herein for all purposes.