Suction pile equipment

Disclosed embodiments include a suction pile vent plug having a cylindrically-shaped body having a sealing element, a plurality of coupling features, and a handle connected to the cylindrically-shaped body. The sealing element is configured to form a watertight seal with walls of a suction pile vent into which the vent plug is installed. The plurality of coupling features are configured to engage with corresponding coupling features of the suction pile vent. The movable handle is configured to be moved into one or more locked configurations. Disclosed embodiments further include a suction pile vent having a hollow cylindrically-shaped body having coupling features. The coupling features are configured to engage with corresponding coupling features of a suction pile vent plug to thereby mechanically couple the suction pile vent plug to the suction pile vent. Disclosed embodiments further include a fluidic port that fluidically couples a suction pile to a removable fluidic coupling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are part of the present disclosure and are incorporated into the specification. The drawings illustrate examples of embodiments of the disclosure and, in conjunction with the description and claims, serve to explain various principles, features, or aspects of the disclosure. Certain embodiments of the disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the implementations set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like, but not necessarily the same or identical, elements throughout.

FIG. 1Aillustrates a first configuration of a suction pile during installation, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1Billustrates a second configuration of a suction pile during installation, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1Cillustrates a third configuration of a suction pile during installation, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1Dillustrates a fourth configuration of a suction pile during installation, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2illustrates suction pile equipment installed on a top surface of a suction pile, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3is a three-dimensional view of a vent plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4Ais an exploded view of the vent plug shown inFIG. 3, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4Bis a top view of the vent plug shown inFIG. 3, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4Cis a side view of the vent plug shown inFIG. 3, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4Dis an enlarged side view of coupling features of the vent plug shown inFIG. 3, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5Ais an exploded view of a vent plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5Billustrates a top view of the vent plug shown inFIG. 5A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5Cis a side view of the vent plug shown inFIG. 5A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5Dis an enlarged side view of coupling features of the vent plug shown inFIG. 5A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6Ais a three-dimensional view of a suction pile vent, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6Bis a side view of the suction pile vent shown inFIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6Cis a top view of the suction pile vent shown inFIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6Dis an enlarged view of coupling features of the suction pile vent shown inFIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Ais a three-dimensional view of a latching and locking mechanism of a suction pile vent in a first configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Bis a three-dimensional view of a latching and locking mechanism of a suction pile vent in a second configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Cis a side view of a suction pile vent with installed vent plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Dshows a first configuration of the latching and locking mechanism ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Eshows a second configuration of the latching and locking mechanism ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Fshows a third configuration of the latching and locking mechanism ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8Ais a three-dimensional view of a locking mechanism of a suction pile vent, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8Bis a three-dimensional view of a first configuration of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8Cis a three-dimensional view of a second configuration of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8Dis a three-dimensional view of a third configuration of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8Eis a side view of a suction pile vent with installed vent plug and the locking mechanism ofFIG. 8A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8Fis a cross-sectional view of a locked configuration of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 8A.

FIG. 9Ais a side view of a suction pile vent with installed vent plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9Bis a top view of a suction pile vent with installed vent plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9Cis a cross-sectional view of the suction pile vent with installed vent plug shown inFIG. 9A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9Dis a cross-sectional view of the suction pile vent with installed vent plug shown inFIG. 9A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9Eis a cross-sectional view of the suction pile vent with installed vent plug shown inFIG. 9B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9Fis a cross-sectional view of the suction pile vent with installed vent plug shown inFIG. 9B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9Gis a side view suction pile vent with installed vent plug in a first configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9His a side view suction pile vent with installed vent plug in a second configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10Ais a three-dimensional view of a vent plug parking receptacle, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10Bis a side view of the vent plug parking receptacle shown inFIG. 10A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11Ais a three-dimensional view of a fluidic port, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11Bis a top view of the fluidic port shown inFIG. 11A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11Cis a side view of the fluidic port shown inFIG. 11A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12Ais a three-dimensional view of a fluidic coupling, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12Bis an axial view of the fluidic coupling shown inFIG. 12A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12Cis a side view of the fluidic coupling shown inFIG. 12A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13Ais a three-dimensional view of a fluidic coupling installed in a fluidic port, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13Bis a side view of the fluidic coupling installed in a fluidic port shown inFIG. 13A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13Cis a side view of the fluidic coupling installed in a fluidic port shown inFIG. 13A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13Dis a top view of the fluidic coupling installed in a fluidic port shown inFIG. 13A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14Ais a three-dimensional view of a plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14Bis a three-dimensional exploded view of the plug shown inFIG. 14A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14Cis a side view of a plug having a first configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14Dis a side view of a plug having a second configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15Ais a three-dimensional view of a parking receptacle, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15Bis a side view of the parking receptacle shown inFIG. 15A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16Ais an exploded side view of a suction pile vent with vent plug and testing equipment, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16Bis a cross-sectional view of the suction pile vent with vent plug and testing equipment shown inFIG. 16A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to suction pile anchors. Suction piles (also known as suction caissons) are fixed platform anchors that are used as anchors for offshore installations, oil platforms, oil drilling platforms, etc. A suction pile is essentially a large cylinder that is closed at one end. The structure is lowered to the ocean floor, with a downwardly facing open end, where the structure partially sinks into ocean-floor sediment of its own weight. Water is then pumped out of the structure causing a negative pressure inside the structure. The negative pressure forces the suction pile into the seabed sediment whereby the suction pile becomes strongly attached to the ocean floor and serves as an anchor. Once installed, the suction pile resists axial and lateral loads and may be used to secure mooring lines that are attached to the suction pile at various load points.

FIGS. 1A to 1Dillustrate a process of installing a suction pile, according to one or more embodiments.FIG. 1Aillustrates a suction pile102above an ocean surface104. Suction pile102is a hollow cylinder having an open end106facing the ocean surface104, and a closed end106. The top of suction pile102may have various pieces of suction pile equipment108aand108b. As described in greater detail below, suction pile equipment may include a vent108athat may be opened and closed. When open, vent108amay allow air and water to flow through suction pile102. Suction pile equipment may also include a port108bthat may be used to pump water out of suction pile102when suction pile102is submerged, during later stages of the installation process.

Below the ocean surface104is a region of seawater110that is bounded below by various layers of material of the ocean floor. For example, the ocean floor may include a layer of clay112and/or a layer of sand or gravel114, which may be supported by bedrock116. Suction pile102may be lowered into the ocean by a crane118or other suitable lifting/positioning apparatus. As shown inFIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1D, suction pile102may be lowered into the ocean and may be forced into the pliable layers,112and114, of the ocean floor, thereby becoming anchored in such layers.

FIG. 1Billustrates a second configuration of suction pile102during installation, according to one or more embodiments. In this configuration, suction pile102is partially submerged with open end106below the ocean surface104while the closed end106is above the ocean surface104. In this configuration, as suction pile102is being lowered into the ocean, vent108amay be placed in an open configuration. In this regard, air and/or water is allowed to flow through opened vent108aas suction pile102is lowered into the ocean. In this configuration, port108bmay be in an open or closed configuration. The configuration of vent108aand port108bmay be maintained until suction pile102has been fully lowered into the ocean and has come to rest on the first pliable layer112of the ocean floor.

FIG. 1Cillustrates a third configuration of suction pile102during installation, according to one or more embodiments. In this configuration, suction pile102has come to rest on the first pliable layer112of the ocean floor. As shown, open106of suction pile102may partially penetrate the surface of layer112due to its own weight. In the next stage of installation, vent108amay be closed to form a watertight seal. Water may then be pumped out of suction pile102through port108b. A fluidic connection may be made between port108band a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)120. In this example, a hose122or other suitable fluidic conduit may be connected between port108band ROV120. A pump on ROV120may be used to pump water out of suction pile102. Removal of water from suction pile102creates a negative pressure within suction pile102. The presence of negative pressure within suction pile102allows the greater pressure of water external to suction pile102to force suction pile102down into one or more sedimentary layers,112and113, of the ocean floor, as shown inFIG. 1D.

FIG. 1Dillustrates a fourth configuration of suction pile102during installation, according to one or more embodiments. In this configuration, suction pile102has been forced down into layers,112and114, of the ocean floor due to negative pressure induced in suction pile102by removal of water from suction pile102, as described above with reference toFIG. 1C. In this configuration, hose122that connected port108bto ROV120(e.g. seeFIG. 1C) has been removed and both vent108aand port108bhave been closed to form a watertight seal. In this configuration, a negative pressure may be maintained within suction pile102. As such, suction pile102may be firmly anchored to the ocean floor and may be used as a mooring for offshore installations, oil platforms, oil drilling platforms, etc., as described above.

FIG. 2illustrates various pieces of suction pile equipment installed on a top surface106of a suction pile102, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Suction pile equipment may include one or more vents,202aand202b, and corresponding vent plugs,204aand204b. Suction pile equipment may further include one or more parking receptacles,206aand206b, that may be used to temporarily store respective vent plugs,204aand204b, when respective vents,202aand202b, are in respective open configurations.

Suction pile equipment may further include a support structure208that supports a fluidic port210and receptacle214. Port210may be configured to receive a fluidic coupling212a(i.e., a hot stab) to allow water to be pumped out of suction pile102, as mentioned above and described in greater detail below. When water is not being pumped out of suction pile102, port210may be closed by engaging with a corresponding plug212b(e.g., a dummy stab). Support structure208may further include a parking receptacle214that may be configured to hold either fluidic coupling212aor plug212b. A further embodiment vent216is also shown inFIG. 2, as described in greater detail below.

In an example embodiment, vent202amay be a cylindrical structure having a 24 inch diameter, while vent202bmay be a cylindrical structure having a 12 inch diameter. Vents202aand202bmay be affixed to top surface106of suction pile102by welding. Vents202aand202bmay be configured to be secured over corresponding holes (not shown) on surface106of suction pile102. Vents202aand202bmay be configured to be open or closed. In a closed configuration, vents202aand202bmay be sealed with respective vent plugs204aand204b. As described in greater detail below, vents202aand202b, and respective vent plugs204aand204b, have corresponding coupling features that allow vent plugs204aand204bto be removably coupled to respective vents,202aand202b.

When in a closed configuration, vent plugs204aand204bmay provide a watertight seal to respective vents202aand202b. When in an open configuration, vents202aand202bmay allow water and air to flow through suction pile102. When in an open configuration, vent plugs204aand204bmay be stored in respective parking receptacles206aand206b. Parking receptacles206aand206bare configured to be holding devices having cylindrical structures that are similar to cylindrical structures of corresponding vents204aand204b. In this regard, parking receptacles206aand206bmay have coupling features similar to those of respective vents202aand202bthat allow vent plugs204aand204bto be removably secured to respective parking receptacles206aand206b. Although this example describes two sets of vents (202a,202b), vent plugs (204a,204b), and parking receptacles (206a,206b), other embodiments may be configured with only a single vent, single plug, and single parking receptacle, or with greater numbers of vents, plugs, and parking receptacles.

In the above example, vents202aand202bare cylindrical structures having smooth cylindrical internal surfaces. In other embodiments, vents may be provided having various internal features. For example, vent216may be provided with an interior cylindrical surface having a non-uniform diameter. Vent216, for example, may have a first interior diameter for a lower portion of the internal surface and a second interior diameter for an upper portion of the internal surface. The first interior diameter may be slightly smaller than the second interior diameter so that a cylindrical ledge (not shown) is formed at the boundary between the lower and upper portions of the internal surface. Vent216, having such an internal seat, allows further components to be installed in vent216. In an example embodiment, described below, additional components may be installed in vent216that allow diagnostic testing of the sealing properties of vent216when vent216is coupled with a corresponding vent plug (not shown), as described below with reference toFIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 3is a three-dimensional view of a vent plug300, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As described in greater detail below, vent plug300has a rubber O-ring seal302, and a plurality of coupling features304a,304b, and304c. A further coupling feature is not shown in this view but is symmetrically placed with respect to coupling features304a,304b, and304c. Vent plug300has a movable handle306that may be used to mechanically install vent plug300in a corresponding suction pile vent, as described in greater detail below. Movable handle306may be locked in an upright configuration, as shown, or may be movable side to side about an axis defined by points at which movable handle306is secured to vent plug300. Vent plug300has a cylindrically shaped body308that is configured to be coupled within a corresponding cylindrically shaped internal surface of a suction pile vent to thereby form a watertight seal with the vent.

FIG. 4Ais an exploded view of vent plug300shown inFIG. 3, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, vent plug300has a body308that is 24 inches in diameter that is attached to a vent plug nose402. Vent plug seal302is seated in a groove (not shown) in vent plug body308. Handle306is moveably attached to vent plug body308. In this regard, handle306may be attached to coupling features404aand404busing screws406aand406b, washers408, nuts410, or any other suitable fasteners. Handle306may be locked in an upright configuration and secured with quick-release spring-loaded pins412. Pins412may be engaged with corresponding flanged bushings414. Lanyards416may be provided to engage pins412. Lanyards416may be attached to pins412on one end and secured to handle306at another end with screws418. Vent plug nose402may be fastened to vent plug body308with screws420, and washers422aand422b.

FIG. 4Billustrates a top view of vent plug300shown inFIGS. 3 and 4A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Vent plug300may a distance424between opposite coupling features304aand304c, and between opposite coupling features304band304d. In this example, distance424may have a value of 24 and ⅜ inches. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 4Cis a side view of vent plug300shown inFIG. 3, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Vent plug300may have a distance426between the bottom of vent plug nose402and the top of coupling features404aand404b. In this example, distance426may have a value of 12 and 15/16 inches. Vent plug300may have a distance428between the bottom of vent plug nose402and the top of handle306. In this example, distance426may have a value of 30 and 7/16 inches. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 4Dis an enlarged side view of coupling features404aof vent plug300shown inFIG. 3, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, a portion of handle306is secured to coupling feature404awith screw406a, bushing414, and nut410. Spring-loaded pin412makes a removable mechanical connection between handle306and coupling feature404a, thereby locking handle306in a vertical configuration.

FIG. 5Ais an exploded view of a vent plug500, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, vent plug500has features similar to those found in vent plug300shown inFIGS. 3 and 4A to 4D. In contrast to vent plug300, described above, vent plug500has a handle502that is configured to be locked in three separate positions. For example, vent plug500may be locked in an upright configuration (as shown inFIG. 5A) as was the case with vent plug300. Vent plug500may further be locked on two horizontal configurations as shown inFIGS. 9G and 9Hand described below with the related description of methods of coupling of vent plug500to a suction pile vent (e.g., suction pile vents202aand202bofFIG. 1, and related example vents described below).

Vent handle502is configured with coupling features504aand504b. Each of coupling features504aand504bhas three holes that may engage with pins412to secure handle502in respective positions. For example, coupling feature504bhas holes506a,506b, and506c. By turning handle502so that pin412engages hole506a, handle502may be locked in a first horizontal configuration. By turning handle502so that pin412engages hole506b, handle502may be locked in a vertical position. Similarly, turning handle502so that pin412engages hole506c, handle502may be locked in a second horizontal configuration. Vent plug500is further configured with a seal having two O-rings508aand508b. Other features illustrated inFIG. 5that are not specifically described are similar to features shown inFIG. 4A, as described above.

FIG. 5Billustrates a top view of vent plug500shown inFIG. 5A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Vent plug500may a distance508between opposite coupling features304aand304c, and between opposite coupling features304band304d. In this example, distance508may have a value of 24 and ⅜ inches. These dimensions are similar to those of vent plug300shown inFIG. 4B. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 5Cis a side view of vent plug500shown inFIG. 5A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Vent plug500may have a distance510between the bottom of vent plug nose402and the top of coupling features404aand404b. In this example, distance510may have a value of 13 and ¾ inches. Vent plug500may have a distance512between the bottom of vent plug nose402and the top of handle502. In this example, distance512may have a value of 31 and ⅛ inches. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 5Dis an enlarged side view of coupling features of vent plug500shown inFIG. 5, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, a portion of handle502, with coupling feature504a, is secured to coupling feature404awith screw406a, bushing414, and nut410. Spring-loaded pin412makes a removable mechanical connection between coupling feature504aof handle502and coupling feature404a, thereby locking handle502in a vertical configuration, or in one of the two horizontal configurations, described above.

FIG. 6Ais a three-dimensional view of a suction pile vent600, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, suction pile vent600has a body602that is essentially a cylindrical shell. Suction pile vent600has four coupling features. In this regard, suction pile vent600has four J-holes602a,602b,602c, and602d, and four corresponding braces604a,604b,604c, and604d. J-holes602ato602d, and braces604ato604d, are configured to couple with corresponding coupling features of a vent plug. For example, vent plug300or vent plug500may be installed in vent600by lowering the body of vent plug300or vent plug500into vent plug body602such that coupling features304ato304d, of vent plug300or500, engage with corresponding J-holes602ato602dof vent600. Vent plug300or500may then be twisted such that coupling features304ato304dmove into respective J-holes602ato602d. Braces604ato604dthen provide protection for coupling features304ato304dwhile vent plug300or500is installed in suction pile vent600.

FIG. 6Bis a side view of the suction pile vent600shown inFIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Suction pile vent600may have a height606measured along an axial direction of suction pile vent600. In this example, suction pile vent600may include a small tolerance608allowing for welding attachment of suction pile vent600to a suction pile. For typical welding operations, tolerance608may be about 2 inches. A distance610between the top of suction pile vent600and a weld bead may greater than or equal to 22 inches to avoid thermally induced warping of suction pile vent600. Thus, in this example, height606may be greater than or equal to 24 inches. Coupling features identified by circled region marked “A” are described below with reference toFIG. 6D.

FIG. 6Cis a top view of suction pile vent600shown inFIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Suction pile vent600may have a distance612between opposite braces604aand604c, and between opposite braces604band604d. In this example, distance612may have a value of 28.3 inches. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 6Dis an enlarged view of coupling features of suction pile vent600shown inFIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard,FIG. 6Dillustrates details of one J-hole (e.g., J-hole602a) and one corresponding brace (e.g., brace604a). As shown, typical dimensions range from a fraction of an inch to several inches. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 7Ais a three-dimensional view of a latching and locking mechanism700of a suction pile vent701in a first configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Latching and locking mechanism700may include a movable latch element702and a movable lock element704.FIG. 7Ashows latching and locking mechanism700in a configuration in which latch element702is moved into a J-hole706while locking element704is moved out of J-hole706. A handle708may be moved to rotate latching and locking mechanism700along a first axis710to move latch element702out of J-hole706, as described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 7D and 7E. Handle708may also be moved to rotate latching and locking mechanism700along a second axis712to thereby rotate locking element704into J-hole706, as described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 7B, 7E, and 7F. Once locking element704has been moved into J-hole706, suction pile vent plug714may be locked in suction pile vent701, as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 7Bis a three-dimensional view of latching and locking mechanism700of suction pile vent701in a second configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this configuration, handle708has been moved to rotate latching and locking mechanism700along second axis712to thereby rotate locking element704into J-hole706. In this configuration, suction pile vent plug714may be locked in suction pile vent701. Further details of the operation of latching and locking mechanism700are described below with reference toFIGS. 7C, 7D, 7E, and 7F.

FIG. 7Cis a side view of suction pile vent701with installed vent plug714, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.FIGS. 7D, 7E, and 7Fshow three configurations of latching and locking mechanism700. In this regard,FIGS. 7D, 7E, and 7F, respectively show top cross-sectional views716a,716b, and716c, as defined by cross-sectional cut A-A indicated inFIG. 7C. Similarly,FIGS. 7D, 7E, and 7F, respectively show three-dimensional inset views718a,718b, and718c, which are similar to the three-dimensional views ofFIGS. 7A and 7B. InFIG. 7Dboth latching element702and locking element704are withdrawn from J-hole706.

Changing from the configuration ofFIG. 7Dto the configuration7E may be performed as follows. Handle708may be moved to rotate latching and locking mechanism700about first axis710to thereby rotate latching element702into J-hole706. In this regard,FIG. 7Eis similar toFIG. 7Aafter the above-described operation has been carried out. Next, changing from the configuration ofFIG. 7Eto the configuration ofFIG. 7Fmay be performed as follows. Handle708may be moved to rotate latching and locking mechanism700about second axis712to thereby rotate locking element704into J-hole706. The result of the above-described two operations is to render latching and locking mechanism700in the configuration shown inFIG. 7F. In this configuration, suction pile vent plug714may be locked in suction pile vent701.

FIG. 8Ais a three-dimensional view of a locking mechanism800of a suction pile vent802, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Locking mechanism800has a retractable pin804with a handle806. Retractable pin804is configured to be slidably movable within a support structure808. Support structure808has two semi-circular cut regions810aand810b. In this example, pin804is shown in a configuration in which it is engaged within J-hole706which acts to lock suction pile vent plug714in place. Retractable pin804may be withdrawn from J-hole706by moving handle806to rotate pin804so that handle806become disengaged from semi-circular cut810bof support structure808. Handle806may then be moved to slide pin804out of J-hole706. The reverse operation of moving pin804into J-hole706is described below with reference toFIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D.

FIG. 8Bshows locking mechanism800in a retracted configuration with handle806rotated slightly to not be engaged with cut region810a, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 8Cshows handle806after it has been moved to a second position in which pin804is engaged with J-hole706. Handle is still held in a rotated configuration and is not engaged with cut region810binFIG. 8C. InFIG. 8D, handle806has been rotated to engage with cut region so that pin804is engaged with J-hole706in a locked configuration. In a further embodiment, pin804and handle806may be spring loaded so that handle remains engaged in cut region810bin a locked configuration, that resists rotation of handle806.

FIG. 8Eis a side view of suction pile vent701with installed vent plug714and locking mechanism800ofFIG. 8A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 8Edefines a cross-sectional slice as indicated by the section D-D.

FIG. 8Fis a cross-sectional view of a locked configuration of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 8A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The cross sectional view ofFIG. 8Fis defined by section D-D ofFIG. 8E.FIG. 8Fshows pin804fully engaged within J-hole706and touching an edge811of suction pile vent plug714. In this configuration, coupling feature304ais confined on one side by an edge812of J-hole706and on another side by the presence of pin804making contact with edge811. In this way, coupling feature304ais held in a locked position. As such, suction pile plug714is locked to suction pile vent701.

FIGS. 9A to 9Fshow various views of suction pile vent701with installed vent plug714, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 9Ashows a side view, andFIG. 9Bshows a top view, of suction pile vent701with installed vent plug714. The cross-sectional views ofFIGS. 9C and 9Dare defined by the section E-E shown inFIG. 9A. The cross-sectional view ofFIG. 9Eis defined by the section F-F, and the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 9Fis defined by the section G-G, shown inFIG. 9B

FIG. 9Cillustrates details of suction pile vent701with installed vent plug714, and defines an inset region H that is enlarged in the view ofFIG. 9D, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown inFIGS. 9C and 9D, for example, vent plug714is configured to make close contact with walls of suction pile vent701to thereby form a watertight seal between vent plug714and vent701. Vent plug714has a body308and a vent plug nose402as also shown, for example, inFIGS. 4A and 5A. Vent plug nose402has open channels that allow water to make contact with a convex surface902of vent plug body308. The curved convex surface902of vent plug body308distributes forces due to water pressure much like an arch distributes load forces in a bridge.

As described above with reference toFIG. 2, suction pile vent701may have a first region904having a first interior diameter and a second region906having a second interior diameter. The first interior diameter of first region904may be slightly smaller than the second interior diameter of second region906so that a cylindrical ledge (or seat)908is formed at the boundary between the first904and second906regions of the internal surface. As mentioned above, the presence of the cylindrical ledge908allows diagnostic testing equipment to be installed to test the integrity of the seal formed between suction pile vent701and vent plug714, as described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 9Dshows an enlarged view of the detail region H ofFIG. 9Cshowing latching and locking mechanism700and O-rings508aand508b, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, vent plug714is similar to vent plug500ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 9Eshows another cross section view that emphasizes details of the locking mechanism for handle502described above with reference toFIG. 5A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. This view shows a cross-sectional view of coupling features404aand404bof vent plug body308respectively engaging coupling features504aand504bof handle502. As described above with reference toFIG. 5A, handle502may be locked in various positions when pins412are engaged with respective holes in coupling features504aand504bof handle502. Further details of this locking mechanism are shown inFIG. 9F, as described below.

FIG. 9Fshows a cross-sectional view of pile vent701with installed vent plug714that is rotated about a vertical axis relative to the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 9E, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 9Fshows handle502in a vertical locked configuration. Coupling feature504bis shown in a configuration in which holes506aand506care visible. Hole506bis obscured from this view because, in the vertical locked position (shown), hole506bis engaged with pin412of coupling feature404b.

FIGS. 9G and 9Hpresent side views suction pile vent701with installed vent plug714in respective first and second configurations, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 9Gshows handle502locked in a first horizontal configuration andFIG. 9Hshows handle502locked in a second horizontal configuration. The side views ofFIGS. 9G and 9Gare rotated slightly about a vertical axis with respect to the orientation of handle502shown inFIG. 9F. This orientation shows side views of coupling features504aand504b, which each have holes506a,506b, and506c. In the first horizontal configuration ofFIG. 9G, hole506ais visible while hole506cis obscured from view in that hole506cis engaged with pin412(also obscured in this view). In the second horizontal configuration ofFIG. 9H, hole506cis visible while hole506ais obscured from view in that hole506ais engaged with pin412(also obscured in the view).

FIG. 10Ais a three-dimensional view of a vent plug parking receptacle1000, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Parking receptacle1000has a cylindrically shaped body1002and has coupling features that are configured to engage with corresponding coupling features of a suction pile vent plug. For example, parking receptacle1000may include J-holes1004a,1004b,1004c, and1004d. As described above, parking receptacle1000may be configured to hold a vent plug while a corresponding suction pile vent is in an open configuration. Parking receptacle1000may have one or more additional holes1006to allow water to flow through parking receptacle1000while a suction pile plug is secured to parking receptacle1000. Parking receptacle1000may be welded to a top surface106of a suction pile, as described above with reference toFIG. 2.

FIG. 10Bis a side view of vent plug parking receptacle1000, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, parking receptacle1000has a height1008and a diameter1010. In an embodiment, height1008may be 14 inches and diameter1010may be 24 inches. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 11Ais a three-dimensional view of a fluidic port210, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Fluidic port210has a coupling structure1102and a fluidic conduit1104. As described above with reference toFIG. 2, coupling structure1102of fluid port210may be configured to engage with fluidic coupling212a(i.e., a hot stab), or with plug212b(i.e., a dummy stab). Details of fluidic coupling212aand plug212bare provided below with reference toFIGS. 12A to 14D. Coupling structure1102may include coupling features such as J-holes1106a,1106b,1106c, and1106dthat may be configured to engage with corresponding coupling features of fluidic coupling212aor with plug212b, as described below.

FIG. 11Bis a top view of the fluidic port shown inFIG. 11Ashowing details of coupling structure1102, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. This top view shows that fluidic port has an inner diameter1108. In this example, diameter1108may be 3 inches. Other embodiments may have other dimensions for comparable features. Coupling structure1102may include a flange1110and various mechanical fasteners1112. Flange1110may be configured to couple with a top surface of a support structure, such as support structure208described above with reference toFIG. 2. For example, a body portion1114(e.g., seeFIG. 11A) of coupling structure1102may be configured to fit through a hole in support structure208while a diameter of flange1110may be larger than the hole in support structure. In this way, flange1110may be fastened to a top side of support structure208to thereby support fluidic port210.

FIG. 11Cis a side view of fluidic port210shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this view, fluidic port210is shown in an installed configuration. In this regard, coupling structure1102is attached to, and supported by support structure208. As described above, flange1110may be fastened to support structure208using a plurality of fasteners1112. In this configuration, fluidic conduit1104may be attached to a top surface106of a suction pile (e.g., suction pile102ofFIG. 2). Fluidic conduit1104may be configured to make a fluidic connection between suction pile102and coupling structure. As described above with reference toFIG. 2, a fluidic coupling212a(i.e., a hot stab) may be coupled to port210to provide a fluidic path for water to be pumped into or out of suction pile102. According to an embodiment, an ROV120(e.g., seeFIG. 1) may be equipped with fluid pumps and may provide the fluidic coupling212athat may engage with port210to pump water into or out of suction pile102.

FIG. 12Ais a three-dimensional view of a fluidic coupling212a, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Fluidic coupling212ais configured to couple with port210(e.g., seeFIGS. 2 and 11A to 11C). In this regard, fluidic coupling212ahas a cylindrical body1202and a pointed nose cone1204. Fluidic coupling212ahas a fluidic inlet1206and various apertures1208that form a fluidic outlet. When coupled to port210, fluidic coupling212ais configured to allow fluid to flow from inlet1206into the body1202of fluidic coupling212aand out through apertures1208. When coupled with port210, fluid flowing out through apertures1208may be routed through coupling structure1102of port210and then through conduit1104and eventually into suction pile102(e.g., seeFIGS. 2 and 11A to 11C). The role of inlet and outlet may be reversed, however, when pumping fluid out from suction pile102. Fluidic coupling212amay also have handles1210aand1210b. Handles1210aand1210bmay be used to position fluidic coupling212ainto port210.

FIG. 12Bis an axial view of fluidic coupling212a, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. This view shows coupling features1214aand1214bthat are symmetrically placed relative to handles1210aand1210b. Coupling features1214aand1214bmay be configured to engage with corresponding coupling features of port210, such as J-holes1106ato1106dof port210, described above with reference toFIG. 11A.

FIG. 12Cis a side view of fluidic coupling212a, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. This view shows the relative placement of handles1210aand1210b, cylindrical body1202, inlet1206, apertures1208, and coupling feature1214b. Corresponding coupling feature1214ais not shown in this view as it is geometrically opposite to coupling feature1214a.

FIG. 14Ais a three-dimensional view of a plug212b, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Plug212bis configured to engage with fluidic port210(e.g., seeFIGS. 2 and 11A to 11C) when fluidic port210is not being used to pump water into or out of a suction pile. Plug212bis configured to fit into fluidic port210and to form a watertight seal with port210. In this regard, plug212bmay include O-rings1402aand1402bthat may engage with walls of fluidic port210to thereby form a watertight seal. Plug212bmay further include one or more coupling features1404a. Coupling features, such as coupling feature1404a, may engage with corresponding coupling features of port210to secure plug212bin port210. Plug212bmay further include a handle1406. Handle1406may be used to move plug212binto position or to remove plug212bfrom engagement with port210. Further, handle1406may be used to twist plug212babout an axial direction to rotate coupling features into and out of coupling features (e.g., J-holes1106ato1106d) of coupling structure1102of port210.

FIG. 14Bis a three-dimensional exploded view of plug212bshown inFIG. 14A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Plug212b(e.g., also known as a “dummy stab”) may include a vented handle1406and a vented body1408. Together, vented handle1406and vented body1408allow plug212bto breath while prohibiting marine life from entering port210through plug212b. Plug212bmay further include a lock bar1410. When inserted into a through-hole1412of plug body1408, lock bar1410may extend through plug body1408and protrude slightly from opposite sides of plug body. The protruding ends of lock bar1410may then serve as coupling features that may engage with corresponding coupling features of port210, as described above. When assembled, lock bar1410may be held by fasteners that may include a screw1416, a spring lock washer1417a, and a flat washer1417b.

Plug212bmay further include a pneumatic muffler1414that may act to reduce vibrations that may otherwise cause wear and tear of plug212b. As mentioned above, plug212bmay include two rubber O-rings,1402aand1402b, which form a watertight seal between plug212band walls of port210. In an alternative embodiment, plug212bmay include a pigtail handle1418.

FIG. 14Cis a side view of plug212bhaving a first configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG. 14Cincludes vented handle1406. In this view, ends of lock bar1410(e.g., seeFIG. 14B) are shown protruding from opposite ends of plug body1408. Protruding ends1404aand1404bmay serve as coupling features, as mentioned above. Dimensions of plug212binFIG. 14Care indicated by distances D1, D2, D3, and D4. In this example, distances may take values including D1=22.1 inches, D2=7 and ⅞ inches, D3=6 inches, and D4=7 and ½ inches. Other embodiments may include other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 14Dis a side view of plug212bhaving a second configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this second configuration, plug212bmay include pigtail handle1418, described above with reference toFIG. 14B. Pigtail handle1418may be characterized by a distance D5. In this example, this distance may have the value D5=6 and ⅞ inches. Other embodiments may include other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 15Ais a three-dimensional view, andFIG. 15Bis a side view, of parking receptacle214, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Parking receptacle214may be configured to hold fluidic coupling212a(e.g., seeFIGS. 2, 12A, 12B, and 12C) or plug212b(e.g., seeFIGS. 2, 14A to 14D). Parking receptacle214is a cylindrical structure that may be welded to support structure208(e.g., seeFIG. 2). Parking receptacle214may be characterized by a height1502and a diameter1504. In this example, height1502may be 11 and ¼ inches, and diameter1504may be configured to fit a hole in support structure208having a diameter between 6 and ¼ inches to 6 and ⅜ inches. Other embodiments may include other dimensions for comparable features.

FIG. 16Ais an exploded side view of suction pile vent701with vent plug714and testing equipment1602, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Testing equipment1602includes a circular disk1604that is configured to be placed into suction pile vent701. Equipment1602further includes hoses1606aand1606b, valves1608aand1608b, and a pressure gauge1610. Once placed within vent701, circular disk1602is configured to form a watertight seal with the walls of vent701.

FIG. 16Bis a cross-sectional view of the suction pile vent701with vent plug714and testing equipment1602, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In this view, testing equipment. Testing equipment1602is configured to be supported by cylindrical ledge908(e.g., seeFIG. 9Cand related description above). Circular disk1604is configured to form a watertight seal with cylindrical ledge908. A test of the degree to which vent plug714forms a watertight seal with suction pile vent701may be performed using testing equipment1602, as follows.

Once testing equipment1602has been installed as shown inFIG. 16B, vent plug may be installed in suction pile vent701, as described above. Water may then be pumped into a space1610formed between circular disk1604and vent plug714using hoses1606aand1606b. Valves1608aand1608bmay then be closed to keep water in1610. Pressure gauge1610may be used to measure pressure of the water enclosed in space1610. Water pressure will decrease over time if there are any leaks between vent plug714and suction pile vent701. The absence of a pressure decrease indicates that a watertight seal between vent plug714and suction pile vent701exists.

The specification and annexed drawings disclose examples of suction pile equipment. The examples illustrate various features of the disclosure, but those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed features are possible. Accordingly, various modifications may be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. Further, other embodiments of the disclosure may be apparent from consideration of the specification and annexed drawings, and practice of disclosed embodiments as presented herein. Examples put forward in the specification and annexed drawings should be considered, in all respects, as illustrative and not limiting. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not used for purposes of limitation.