Patent Publication Number: US-2006005970-A1

Title: System and method for termination of an undersea umbilical

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      The disclosures herein relate generally to undersea wells and more particularly to a system and method for termination of an undersea umbilical.  
      Traditional terminations use a J-plate which includes center locking mechanisms such as drive screws, collet connectors, or tri-locks, located on the J-plate. These locking mechanisms are expensive, complicated, and use up space on the termination that can be better utilized.  
      Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and method for terminating an undersea umbilical absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.  
     SUMMARY  
      According to one aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes a tubular lead member defining a passageway, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea umbilical is provided that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical, a terminating end on the umbilical, the terminating end comprising a tubular lead member, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea well system is provided that includes a connector and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway. The umbilical is coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a tubular lead member on the terminating end, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for terminating an umbilical is provided that includes extending at least one tube through the umbilical, protecting the at least one tube in a passageway defined by a tubular lead member, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member, the connection member operable to rotate relative to the tubular lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member, and protecting the at least one tube with the connection member.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system is provided that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, extending at least one tube through the umbilical for connecting to the connector, the umbilical comprising a terminating end, the terminating end comprising a lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member upon rotation of the connection member, rotating the connection member to orientate the connection member with the connector, and connecting the at least one tube to the connector through the connection member.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes means for providing a passageway, means for connecting the system to a connector rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway, and means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway of the means for providing a passageway.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar, the adapter operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a passageway defined by the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler coupled to the connection member, the at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea umbilical is provided that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical, a terminating end comprising a flexible tubular lead member, the flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, the adapter coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea well system is provided that includes a connector, and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway. The umbilical is coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter on the terminating end, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system is provided that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, providing a terminating end on the umbilical, the umbilical defining a passageway, providing a tubular lead member on the terminating end, situating at least one tube at least partially in the passageway, providing a connection member, the connection member comprising a longitudinal axis, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member along the longitudinal axis, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, lining up the connection member with the connector by rotating the connection member about the longitudinal axis, and connecting the connection member to the connector.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a termination system is provided that includes means for connecting the system to a connector comprising a longitudinal axis, means for manipulating the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector, means for providing a passageway coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector along the longitudinal axis, means for limiting bending coupled to the means for providing a passageway, means for coupling the means for providing a passageway to the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for coupling the means for connecting the system to a connector to the means for providing a passageway, means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway, means for providing buoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, the means for providing buoyancy operable to hold the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position, means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway, and means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a termination system including a partial cross sectional view of a plurality of bend limiters.  
       FIG. 2   a  is a front view illustrating an embodiment of a plate used in the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 2   b  is a side cross sectional view, taken along line  2   b  of  FIG. 2   a,  illustrating an embodiment of a plate used in the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a connection member used in the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an overhose and adapter used in the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a bend limiter used in the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 5   b  is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a plurality of bend limiters used in the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 6  is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for termination using the termination system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 8   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of  FIG. 1  coupled to a vessel by an umbilical.  
       FIG. 8   b  is a front cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an umbilical used in the termination system of  FIG. 8   a.    
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for termination using the termination system of  FIG. 8   a.    
       FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of  FIG. 8   a  used with an undersea well system.  
       FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the termination system of  FIG. 8   a  connected to an undersea well system.  
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for termination using the termination system of  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b.   
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Referring initially to  FIGS. 1, 2   a,    2   b,    3 ,  4 ,  5   a,    5   b,  and  6  of the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of a termination system  100  is illustrated which includes a plate  102 . The plate  102  defines a plurality of longitudinally oriented coupling holes, such as holes  102   a,    102   b,    102   c,    102   d,  and  102   e.  A plurality of tube couplers, such as couplers  102   f,    102   g,    102   h,    102   i,  and  102   j,  are coupled to and extend from a surface  102   k  on plate  102 . The couplers  102   f - j  include respective system connectors  102   l,    102   m,    102   n ,  102   o,  and  102   p  on their surfaces. A pair of guide flanges  102   q  and  102   r  extend from opposite sides of plate  102  and define guide holes  102   s  and  102   t,  respectively. A surface  102   u  is situated opposite surface  102   k  on plate  102 .  
      A plurality of connection bars, such as connection bars  104   a,    104   b,    104   c ,  104   d,  and  104   e,  each include an end, such as end  104   f  on connection bar  104   e,  which is circumferentially spaced apart from adjacent connection bars  104  and coupled to the surface  102   u  on plate  102 . The plurality of connection bars  104   a - e  extend from the surface  102   u  and have a second end, such as end  104   g  on connection bar  104   e,  which is circumferentially spaced apart from adjacent connection bars  104  and coupled to a collar  106  on a collar end face  106   a.  One or more of the connection bars  104   a - e  may receive one or more tubular buoyancy device, such as buoyancy device  104   h  on bar  104   a.    
      The collar  106  defines a passageway  106   b  running longitudinally through the collar  106 , and includes a rotational coupling inner wall  106   c  situated adjacent the passageway  106   b  and along the length of collar  106 . A handle  106   d  is coupled to and extends radially from an upper portion of the collar  106 .  
      An adapter  108  may be coupled to the collar  106  through the coupling of a rotational coupling outer wall  108   a  on adapter  108  with the rotational coupling inner wall  106   c  on collar  106 . Coupling the adapter  108  to the collar  106  allows for relative rotation between the adapter  108  and the collar  106 . The adapter  108  defines a passageway  108   b  running the length of adapter  108 , and includes an overhose coupling inner wall  108   c  situated adjacent the passageway  108   c  and along the length of adapter  108 . A plurality of adapter flanges  108   d  and  108   e  are coupled to and extend radially from the adapter  108  about the circumference of adapter  108 .  
      A tubular overhose  110  is received within and coupled to the adapter  108 . Tubular overhose  110  defines a passageway  110   a  running the length of tubular overhose  110 . An outer coupling surface  110   b  is including on tubular overhose  110  for coupling the tubular overhose  110  to the overhose coupling inner wall  108   c  on adapter  108 .  
      A plurality of bend limiters  112  are coupled to the overhose  110 . Each bend limiter  112  includes a plurality of bend limiter portions  112   a  and  112   b  which couple together to define a longitudinal passageway  112   c  that receives overhose  110 . Each bend limiter portion  112   a  and  112   b  includes an internal annular groove  112   d  at one end and an external flange  112   e  at the other end. A plurality of bend limiters such as bend limiters  112   f  and  112   g  may couple to each other by situating the external flange  112   fe  on bend limiter  112   f  in the internal annular groove  112   gd  of bend limiter  112   g.  Additional bend limiters  112   h  and  112   i  may be coupled to bend limiters  112   f  and  112   g  in a similar manner in extend the longitudinal passageway  112   c  for receiving overhose  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of adapter flanges  108   d  and  108   e  are situated in the internal annular groove  112   d  of a bend limiter  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bend limiters  112  are made of a buoyant material.  
      A plurality of tubes  114 , such as tubes  114   a,    114   b,    114   c,    114   d,  and  114   e,  may extend through passageway  110   a  defined by overhose  110 , passageway  108   a  defined by adapter  108 , passageway  106   b  defined by collar  106 , and be coupled to couplers  102   f - j  through holes  102   a - e  defined by plate  102 .  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the bend limiters  112  are provided substantially as described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/841593, attorney docket #30383.6, filed on May 7, 2004, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the plate  102 , bars  104 , and collar  106  provide a connection member  116  for protecting the plurality of tubes  114 , rotating relative to the overhose  110 , and connecting the system to a connector. Connection member  116  includes a longitudinal axis  116 a. In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter  108 , overhose  110 , and bend limiters  112  provide a tubular lead member  118  for protecting the plurality of tubes  114  and rotating relative to the connection member  116 .  
      In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system  100 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2   a,    2   b,    3 ,  4 ,  5   a,    5   b,    6 , and  7 , a method  200  for termination is implemented using the system  100  in which, in step  202 , the plurality of tubes  114  are extended through the tubular lead member  118  by way of the passageway  110   a  defined by tubular overhose  110 . Once the tubes  114  are extended through the passageway  110   a,  at step  204 , the tubes  114  are then extended through the passageway  108   a  defined by adapter  108 , passageway  106   b  defined by collar  106 , and through the holes  102   a - e  on plate  102  where they are coupled to the couplers  102   f - j  on connection member  116 . With the tubes  114  coupled to the couplers  102   j,  at step  206 , the collar  106  on connection member  116  is rotatably coupled to the adapter  108  on tubular lead member  118 . With the collar  106  rotatably coupled to the adapter  108 , the connection member  116  may rotate about the longitudinal axis  116   a.  With the tubes  114  coupled to the couplers  102   f - j  on connection member  116 , when the connection member  116  rotates, the tubes  114  rotate in the passageway  110   a  of overhose  110 , while the tubular lead member  118  may remain stationary. Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device  104   h,  are provided on bars  104  that are connected to the upper portion of surface  102   u  on plate  102  such that when the system  100  is submerged in water, the connection member  116  will be held substantially in a predetermined position, such as position A illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tubes  114  include a means for transmission of a fluid, gas, electricity, or information. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tubes  114  may, for example, include coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, a variety of other information conducting cables, pipelines, hoses, and an variety of other transmission means.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8   a  and  8   b , an alternative embodiment of a termination system  300  is substantially identical in design and operation to the termination system  100  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-7  with the addition of a vessel  302  and a tubular umbilical  304 , a portion of which replaces the overhose  110  of system  100 , coupling the termination system  300  to the vessel  302 . The tubular umbilical  304  defines a passageway  304   a  which allows tubes  114  to extend through tubular umbilical  304  and includes an outer coupling surface  304   b  for coupling the tubular umbilical  304  to the overhose coupling inner wall  108   c  on adapter  108 . The plurality of bend limiters  112  may be coupled to an end of the umbilical  304 .  
      In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system  300 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2   a,    2   b,    3 ,  4 ,  5   a,    5   b,    6 ,  8   a,    8   b,  and  9 , a method  400  for terminating an umbilical is implemented using the system  300  in which, in step  402 , the plurality of tubes  114  are situated in and extended through the passageway  304   a  defined by umbilical  304 . Once the tubes  114  are extended through the passageway  304   a  defined by umbilical  304 , at step  404 , the tubes  114  are then extended through the passageway  108   a  defined by adapter  108 , passageway  106   b  defined by collar  106 , and through the holes  102   a - e  on plate  102  where they are coupled to the couplers  102   f - j  on connection member  116 . With the tubes  114  coupled to the couplers  102   f - j,  at step  406 , the collar  106  on connection member  116  is rotatably coupled to the adapter  108  on tubular lead member  118 . With the collar  106  rotatably coupled to the adapter  108 , the connection member  116  may rotate about the longitudinal axis  116   a.  With the tubes  114  coupled to the couplers  102   f - j  on connection member  116 , when the connection member  116  rotates, the tubes  114  rotate in the umbilical  304 , while the tubular lead member  118  and umbilical  304  may remain stationary. In an exemplary embodiment, the system  300  may then be situated beneath a body of water  306  while being coupled to the vessel  302 . Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device  104   h,  are provided on bars  104  that are connected to the upper portion of surface  102   u  on plate  102  such that when the system  100  is submerged in water, the connection member  116  will be held substantially in a predetermined position, such as position A illustrated in  FIG. 8   a.    
      Referring now to  FIG. 10   a  and  10   b,  an alternative embodiment of a termination system  500  is substantially identical in design and operation to the termination system  300  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-9  with the addition of an undersea well system  502  with a connector  502   a  on a surface  502   b  of undersea well system  502 . Connector  502   a  includes a plurality of connections  502   aa,  corresponding to couplers  102   f - j  on connection member  116 , which provide contacts for connections  102   l - p  on couplers  102   f - j.    
      In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system  500 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2   a,    2   b,    3 ,  4 ,  5   a,    5   b,    6 ,  8   a,    8   b,    10 , and  11 , a method  600  for termination is implemented using the system  500  in which, in step  602 , the plurality of tubes  114  are situated in and extended through the passageway  304   a  defined by umbilical  304 . Once the tubes  114  are extended through the passageway  304   a  defined by umbilical  304 , at step  604 , the tubes  114  are then extended through the passageway  108   a  defined by adapter  108 , passageway  106   b  defined by collar  106 , and through the holes  102   a - e  on plate  102  where they are coupled to the couplers  102   f - j  on connection member  116 . With the tubes  114  coupled to the couplers  102   f - j,  at step  606 , the collar  106  on connection member  116  is rotatably coupled to the adapter  108  on tubular lead member  118 . With the collar  106  rotatably coupled to the adapter  108 , the connection member  116  may rotate about the longitudinal axis  116   a.  With the tubes  114  coupled to the couplers  102   f - j  on connection member  116 , when the connection member  116  rotates, the tubes  114  rotate in the umbilical  304 , while the tubular lead member  118  and umbilical  304  may remain stationary. When the connection member  116  is lined up with the connections  502   aa  on connector  502   a,  in step  610 , the connection member  116  is connected to the connector  502   a.  In an exemplary embodiment, the system  300  may then be situated beneath a body of water  306  while being coupled to the vessel  302 , and the connection to the undersea well system  502  may transmit information from undersea well system  502 , through tubes  114 , and up to vessel  302 . Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device  104   h,  are provided on bars  104  that are connected to the upper portion of surface  102   u  on plate  102  such that when the system  100  is submerged in water, the connection member  116  will be held substantially in a predetermined position, such as position A illustrated in  FIG. 10   a  which substantially lines up connection member  116  to connect with connector  502   a.    
      A termination system has been described that includes a tubular lead member defining a passageway, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.  
      An undersea umbilical has been described that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical, a terminating end on the umbilical, the terminating end comprising a tubular lead member, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.  
      An undersea well system has been described that includes a connector, and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, the umbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a tubular lead member on the terminating end, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotate the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular lead member.  
      A method for terminating an umbilical has been described that includes extending at least one tube through the umbilical, protecting the at least one tube in a passageway defined by a tubular lead member, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member, the connection member operable to rotate relative to the tubular lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member, and protecting the at least one tube with the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatably coupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis.  
      A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system has been described that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, extending at least one tube through the umbilical for connecting to the connector, the umbilical comprising a terminating end, the terminating end comprising a lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member upon rotation of the connection member, rotating the connection member to orientate the connection member with the connector, and connecting the at least one tube to the connector through the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatably coupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis.  
      A termination system has been described that includes means for providing a passageway, means for connecting the system to a connector rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway, and means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway of the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for limiting bending of the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for limiting bending of the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for providing buoyancy. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for providing a passageway comprises a means for rotatably coupling to the means for connecting the system to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for rigidly coupling comprises a means for holding the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rotating the means for connecting the system to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector is rotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the means for providing a passageway.  
      A termination system been described that includes a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar, the adapter operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a passageway defined by the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler coupled to the connection member, the at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.  
      An undersea umbilical been described that includes a passageway defined by the umbilical a terminating end comprising a flexible tubular lead member, the flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, the adapter coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.  
      An undersea well system been described that includes a connector, and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, the umbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination system comprising a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter on the terminating end, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.  
      A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system been described that includes providing a connector on the undersea well system, providing a terminating end on the umbilical, the umbilical defining a passageway, providing a tubular lead member on the terminating end, situating at least one tube at least partially in the passageway, providing a connection member, the connection member comprising a longitudinal axis, rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member along the longitudinal axis, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, lining up the connection member with the connector by rotating the connection member about the longitudinal axis, and connecting the connection member to the connector.  
      A termination system been described that includes means for connecting the system to a connector comprising a longitudinal axis, means for manipulating the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector, means for providing a passageway coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector along the longitudinal axis, means for limiting bending coupled to the means for providing a passageway, means for coupling the means for providing a passageway to the means for connecting the system to a connector, means for coupling the means for connecting the system to a connector to the means for providing a passageway, means for rigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway, means for providing buoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, the means for providing buoyancy operable to hold the means for connecting the system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position, means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to a connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in the passageway, and means for coupling the means for transmission to a connector.  
      It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part some or all of the illustrated embodiments.  
      Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.