Abstract:
A stab connector for providing a fluid flow path between a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, comprising a stab body coupleable to a receptacle in fluid communication with the second fluid reservoir and moveable inside the receptacle between a sealing position, in which fluid flow in the fluid flow path between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is prevented, and a flow position, in which the fluid flow in the fluid flow path between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is permitted.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of connection devices, and in particular to a “hot stab” connector for use in underwater applications. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to underwater stab connections and its operation using remotely operated vehicles (ROV). 
       INTRODUCTION 
       [0002]    Subsea stab connectors (also known as “hot stabs”) are commonly used to connect underwater piping or other equipment in order to temporarily supply/transfer fluid from one reservoir (e.g. a fluid tank on a boat, platform or surface, but also subsea tanks) to one or more subsea reservoirs (e.g. pipes, tanks, manifolds). Typical applications for stab connectors may be for subsea pigging, chemical injections, gas injections, flooding and venting operations. 
         [0003]    The physical act of inserting a stab connector into a receptacle of the subsea reservoir is usually performed by divers or Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), depending on the depth at which the subsea reservoir is located. 
         [0004]    Stab connections currently available simply consist of a male stab connector and its matching female receptacle, wherein the male stab connector and the female receptacle form an open fluid pathway between the two reservoirs when the male stab connector is inserted and engaged with the female receptacle. Since many subsea reservoirs or other facilities are located at depths inaccessible to human divers, the stab connector often provides means for manipulation by an ROV, i.e. a handle. 
         [0005]    A typical subsea stab connection  10  and a “standard” stab connector  20  are depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 1  shows a “standard” stab connector  20  having an elongated stab body  21  with a distal tip portion  22  and a proximal end portion  23 . The stab body  21  further provides a fluid passageway  24  between a plurality of stab connector port openings  25  and a hose port opening  26 . The “standard” stab connector  20  is further provided with a seal arrangement  27  on either side of the stab connector port openings  25  so as to isolate and fluidly seal the stab connector port openings  25  and its fluid passageway  24  when in engagement with a receptacle  30  ( FIG. 2 ). A handle portion  28  is provided at the proximal end portion  23  of the stab body  21  allowing, for example, an ROV to manipulate the male stab connector  20  during deployment in a receptacle  30 . 
         [0006]      FIG. 2  shows (a) a perspective view and (b) a sectional side view of a stab connection  10 , where the “standard” stab connector  20  is deployed in and engaged with the receptacle  30  (reservoirs and hose are not shown). The receptacle  30  has a stab receiving portion  31  that includes a fluid passageway port  32  in fluid communication with a control valve  33 . The control valve  33  is further in fluid communication with the subsea reservoir (not shown) and configured to open and close the fluid passageway between the reservoirs (not shown). The receptacle  30  further comprises a mounting flange  34  having a slot  35  that is configured to lockably engage with the handle portion  28  of the stab connector  20 . 
         [0007]    During operation, the ROV grabs the handle portion  28  and pushes the “standard” stab connector  20  into the receiving portion  31  of the receptacle  30 , guiding the handle portion  28  into the slot  35  and locking it into place. After the handle portion  28  is correctly secured in the slot  35 , the stab connector port openings  25  and the fluid passageway port  32  of the receptacle  30  are aligned so as to form a fluid passageway between the two reservoirs. The sealing portions  27  are engaged with the inner surface of the receptacle receiving portion  31  so that the fluid passageway is isolated and fluidly sealed from its surroundings. The ROV then disengages from the handle portion  28  and engages the previously closed control valve  33  in order to open the fluid path between the two reservoirs. After completing the fluid exchange, the ROV closes the control valve  33  and engages the handle portion  28  of the stab connector  20  to unlock and remove the “standard” stab connector  20  from the receptacle  30 . 
         [0008]    It is evident that the multiple engagement/disengagement operations of the ROV require considerable time and skill to first establish a connection and then operate the control valve to open/close the fluid passageway. Since all subsea activities entail significant costs and investment, every minute saved may result in considerable cost savings. 
         [0009]    Also, any one of the connector parts (i.e. receptacle receiver, control valve, stab connector seals) may be damaged during operation or succumb to wear and tear in the harsh subsea environment, therefore requiring the recovery of the whole apparatus either for replacement or repair, causing considerable costs for the retrieval, repair and/or replacement as well as the actual downtime of the facility. For example, employing a surface vessel may cost up to £200,000 per day and the cost for a subsea ball valve may be in the region of £10,000 to £20,000. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stab connector and a method of use that requires a minimum number of engagements and/or manoeuvres to deploy the connector and operate the fluid connection. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stab connector providing improved ease of use and allowing repair and/or replacement taking a reduced length of time over known apparatus. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Preferred embodiments of the invention seek to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. 
         [0012]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stab connector for providing a fluid flow path between a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, comprising a stab body coupleable to a receptacle in fluid communication with the second fluid reservoir and moveable inside said receptacle between a sealing position, in which fluid flow in the fluid flow path between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is prevented, and a flow position, in which the fluid flow in the fluid flow path between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is permitted. 
         [0013]    This provides the advantage that a single stab connector can be used to not only fluidly connect two reservoirs but also control the fluid flow between the two reservoirs with a single engagement of the ROV. In particular, a control valve is no longer needed to open and close the fluid flow when establishing a fluid connection between reservoirs, because the stab connector of the present invention allows an operator to selectively open and close the fluid passageway from the receptacle to the subsea reservoir. The stab connector of the present invention provides the further advantage that, for example, the ROV (or diver) only has to engage the stab connector in order to establish the connection and selectively open and close the fluid path. There is no need to disengage the stab connector and engage with another device (e.g. control valve), therefore, saving considerable operation time and further minimizing the risk of causing damage during operation. 
         [0014]    The stab body may be lockable in said sealing position and/or said flow position. Advantageously, the stab body may be an elongate member having a proximal end portion adapted to be fluidly coupled to the first reservoir and a distal end portion adapted to be received by the receptacle. Even more advantageously, the stab body may further comprise a sealing portion located at said distal end portion of said elongate member and adapted to fluidly seal said fluid flow path when said stab body is in said sealing position. Preferably, the sealing portion may comprise at least a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The first sealing member and the second sealing member are preferably arranged so as to seal the fluid flow path and to prevent fluid flow therethrough when the stab body is in the first sealing position. 
         [0015]    In a first arrangement of the first aspect, the stab body may further comprise a throughbore providing a fluid passageway having at least one first opening at said distal end portion and a second opening at said proximal end portion. Preferably, the at least one first opening is coupleable in fluid communication with the receptacle, and wherein said second opening is coupleable in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the at least one first opening may be arranged in the circumferential surface of the stab body. 
         [0017]    This provides the advantage that the fluid passageway is formed directly through the stab connector. The second opening may be connected to a hose, or similar, so that the exchange fluid is always isolated from the environment, such as, for example, the open sea, therefore, minimizing the risk of contaminating the environment with the exchange fluid due to any leaks. 
         [0018]    The at least one first opening may be located proximate and adjacent to said sealing portion. Advantageously, the stab body may further comprise a third sealing member arranged so as to fluidly isolate said at least one first opening in cooperation with any one of said first and/or second sealing member. Preferably, the throughbore may be adapted to provide fluid communication between the first reservoir and the second reservoir when said stab body is in said flow position. 
         [0019]    In embodiments wherein the stab connector comprises first, second and third sealing members, the sealing portion of the stab connector isolates and seals off the fluid output port of the receptacle from the interior of the receptacle in any one of the two positions, ensuring a fluid tight seal in its closed position as well as in its open position. Therefore, all pressure forces remain within the fluid passageway through the stab connector preventing any net forces acting along the longitudinal axis of the stab connector or the retaining mechanism (i.e. J slot) and allowing the stab connector to be disconnected under pressure in the event of an emergency. 
         [0020]    The stab connector may further comprise an engaging member adapted to lock said stab body in said sealing position and said flow position. Furthermore, the engaging member may be adapted to lock said stab body in a transitional position between said sealing position and said flow position. Advantageously, the transitional position may be a partly open flow position. This provides the advantage that the stab connector can be used as a throttle to limit the flow between the fluid reservoirs to a predetermined flow rate. 
         [0021]    The engaging member may be located at said proximal end portion of said elongate member. Preferably, the engaging member may comprise a handle portion adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle. 
         [0022]    This provides the advantage that it will be possible to handle/manipulate the stab connector via an ROV. The engaging member may be of any shape suitable for manipulation with an ROV, allowing the ROV to simply “grab” the stab connector, guide it into the receptacle and selectively lock it into any one of the sealing position and flow position without having to disengage and re-engage any other part of the stab connection. 
         [0023]    The stab body may be a sleeve engageable with at least one “standard” stab connector comprising a throughbore providing a fluid passageway, and wherein the assembly of said stab body and said “standard” stab connector is moveable inside the receptacle between said sealing position and said flow position. 
         [0024]    This provides the advantage that any “standard” stab connector (i.e. currently known stab connector) can be retro-fitted with the stab connector of the present invention in order to be used with a matching receptacle. 
         [0025]    Alternatively, a receptacle may be permanently retro-fitted with the stab connector of the present invention in order to allow the use of “standard” stab connectors and selectively provide a sealing position and a flow position of the stab/sleeve assembly within the receptacle. Furthermore, the retro-fitted sleeve provides the advantage that it can be easily and cost effectively replaced and/or repaired in the event of damage or wear. 
         [0026]    The stab body may further comprise a stab engaging flange adapted to operatively engage said at least one “standard” stab connector and said stab body. 
         [0027]    In a second arrangement of the first aspect, the stab connector may further comprise a linear throughbore along the longitudinal axis of the stab body having a first opening at the proximal end portion and a second opening at the distal end portion. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the sealing portion may comprise at least a first sealing member and a second sealing member. 
         [0029]    Advantageously, the stab connector may further comprise an engaging member adapted to lock said stab body in said sealing position and said flow position. Advantageously, the engaging member may be located at said proximal end portion of said elongate member. Preferably, the engaging member comprises a handle portion adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle. 
         [0030]    This provides the advantage that fluid can flow into the surrounding environment either directly from the receptacle outlet or through the stab body. 
         [0031]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receptacle for providing a fluid flow path between a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, comprising a receptacle body in fluid communication with the second fluid reservoir and adapted to receive a stab connector in a sealing position, in which fluid flow in the fluid flow path between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is prevented, and a flow position, in which fluid flow in the fluid flow path between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is permitted. 
         [0032]    Advantageously, the receptacle body may further comprise a flange portion adapted to engage an engaging portion of said stab connector. 
         [0033]    Even more advantageously, the flange portion may comprise a slot configured to provide a first position and a second position and a transitional position therebetween for said engaging portion of said stab connector. Even more advantageously, the slot is in the form of a J-slot. The J-slot preferably comprises a first position, a second position and a transitional position. In the first position, the stab connector is locked in the sealing position and in the second position, the stab connector is locked in the flow position. The transitional position is a position anywhere between the first and the second position. 
         [0034]    Preferably, the stab connector may be a stab connector according to the first aspect of the invention. 
         [0035]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling fluid flow between a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, the method comprising the steps of: 
         [0036]    (a) providing a fluid flow path between said first fluid reservoir and said second fluid reservoir; 
         [0037]    (b) inserting a stab connector into said fluid flow path, 
         [0038]    (c) securing said stab connector in a sealing position so as to prevent fluid flow between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir; 
         [0039]    (d) moving said stab connector into a flow position within said fluid flow path so as to permit fluid flow between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. 
         [0040]    The method may further comprise the step of: 
         [0041]    (e) moving said stab connector back into said sealing position within said fluid flow path so as to terminate fluid flow between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. 
         [0042]    This provides the advantage that, for example, the ROV only needs to engage the stab connector to deploy the stab connector within the fluid flow patch and operate the fluid flow between the first and second fluid reservoirs, therefore minimizing operation time and costs. 
         [0043]    The stab connector may be a stab connector according to the first aspect of the invention. 
         [0044]    The receptacle may be a receptacle according to the second aspect of the invention. 
         [0045]    Preferably, the stab body may be deployed in said receptacle prior to step (a). 
         [0046]    This provides the advantage that a “standard” stab connector can be used with the retro-fitted receptacle so that the assembly if capable of controlling the fluid flow between the reservoirs (i.e. open/close). 
         [0047]    When the stab body comprises a sleeve, the stab body may remain deployed in said receptacle subsequent to step (e). 
         [0048]    This provides the advantage that the sleeve can be used as a removable seal for the second reservoir preventing any leakage when not in fluid communication with a first reservoir. 
         [0049]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stab connector operable to control fluid flow through a fluid flow path between a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, comprising a stab body deployable in said fluid flow path and having a first sealing portion engageable with a first sealing surface and operable to prevent fluid flow along said fluid flow path when engaged with the first sealing surface. 
         [0050]    The stab body may have a second sealing portion engageable with the first sealing surface and operable to allow a fluid flow along said fluid flow path when engaged with the first sealing surface. 
         [0051]    Advantageously, the first sealing portion may be engageable with a second sealing surface and may be operable to allow fluid flow along said fluid flow path when engaged with the second sealing surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0052]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0053]      FIG. 1  shows a known “standard” stab connector having a fluid passageway; 
           [0054]      FIG. 2  shows an example of a known stab connection assembly of the stab connector of  FIG. 1 , a matching receptacle and a control valve in (a) perspective view and (b) sectional side view; 
           [0055]      FIG. 3  shows (a) a perspective view, (b) a sectional side view and (c) a front view of the preferred embodiment of the stab connector of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 4  shows a receptacle configured to operatively receive the stab connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 5  shows the assembly of the “standard” stab connector of  FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment of the stab connector of  FIG. 3 , and the receptacle of  FIG. 4  in (a) a perspective view and (b) in a partially sectioned side view, when the stab connector is in its sealing position; 
           [0058]      FIG. 6  shows the assembly of  FIG. 5 , (a) in a perspective view and (b) in a partially sectioned side view, when the stab connector is in its flow position; 
           [0059]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative stab connector of the present invention suitable to be directly connected to a hose; 
           [0060]      FIG. 8  shows a stab connector of the second arrangement of the first aspect of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 9  shows a flooding receptacle suitable to receive the stab connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 10  shows respective sectioned side view and front view of the assembly of the stab connector of  FIG. 8  and the receptacle of  FIG. 9  when the stab connector is in the sealing position, and 
           [0063]      FIG. 11  shows respective sectioned side view and front view of the assembly of the stab connector of  FIG. 8  and the receptacle of  FIG. 9  when the stab connector is in the flow position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0064]    In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 3  ( a ) depicts a stab connector  100  in form of a sleeve retro-fittable to a known “standard” stab connector  20  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or a matching receptacle  200  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0065]    The stab connector  100  of the preferred embodiment includes an elongated stab body  102  in form of a hollow cylinder. The stab body  102  has a distal end portion  104 , a proximal end portion  106  and a central bore  108 . 
         [0066]    A sealing portion  110  is arranged at the distal end portion  104  of the stab body  102 . The sealing portion  110  includes a first seal  112  and a second seal  114 , each provided on the outer surface of the stab body  102 . The second seal  114  is spaced apart from the first seal  112  in a direction towards the proximal end portion  106 , wherein the space covered by the first and second seal  112 ,  114  is such that it provides a fluid tight seal with the inner surface of the stab body  102  upon engagement with the outlet port  202  of a receptacle  200  (see  FIG. 5  ( b )). Preferably, first and second seals  112 ,  114  are one or more composite seals. In particular, the composite seal is an assembly of an energizing element such as a silicon rubber O-ring coaxially surrounded by a sealing element such as a PTFE glide ring. In this particular arrangement, the elastic O-ring acts as a spring element that presses the PTFE glide ring against the surface to be sealed. 
         [0067]    Alternatively, the seals may be provided by piston seals disposed in grooves arranged within the outer surface of the stab body  102 . The piston seals may be manufactured from elastomer or thermoplastic. However, it is understood by the skilled person in the art that any sealing means that is suitable to seal off the fluid path of the outlet port  202  of the receptacle  200  may be used instead of the described examples of composite seals or piston seals  112 ,  114 . 
         [0068]    The stab body  102  further includes two central bore exit ports  116  located proximal to the sealing portion  110  and on radially opposite sides of the stab body  102 . The two exit ports  116  are arranged such that the plurality of stab connector port openings  25  of an engaging “standard” stab connector  20  are aligned with the exit ports  116  so as to form a fluid path into the “standard” stab fluid passageway  24  when the “standard” stab connector  20  is engaged and secured with the stab body  102 . 
         [0069]    Furthermore, the stab body  102  includes a third seal  120  provided on the outer surface of the stab body  102  and spaced apart from the second seal  114  towards the proximal end portion  106 . The third seal  120  and the second seal  114  are configured so as to seal the fluid path through the stab connector port openings  25 , exit ports  116  and outlet port  202  from its surroundings upon engagement with the inner surface of the receptacle  200  (see  FIG. 6  ( b )). 
         [0070]    A flange portion  122  is provided at the proximal end portion  106  of the stab body  102 . The flange portion  122  includes a pair of single-position J-slots  124  that are configured to receive and engage the “standard” stab connector handle  28 . When the “standard” stab connector handle  28  is inserted into the J-slots  124  and rotated about the longitudinal axis of the stab body  102 , the “standard” stab connector  20  is locked in the stab connector  100  so that the J-slots  124  prevent the accidental removal of the “standard” stab connector  20  from the stab connector  100 . 
         [0071]    Furthermore, the J-slots  124  provide visual assurance that the “standard” stab connector  20  is correctly engaged within the stab connector  100 , i.e. the stab connector port openings  25  of the known “standard” stab connector  20  and the exit ports  116  of the stab body  102  are aligned. 
         [0072]    A handle portion  126  is provided in a region towards the proximal end portion  106  of the stab body  102 . The handle portion  126  is configured to engage with the multi-position slot  212  of the receiving receptacle  200  (see  FIG. 4 ). For example, the multi-position slot may be a J-slot configured to provide a first proximal position  214 , a second distal position  216  as well as a transitional position  218  therebetween. In the first proximal position  214 , the stab connector  100  is in the sealing position, in the second position  216 , the stab connector  100  is in the flow position, and in the transitional position  218 , the stab connector  100  is moved between the first and the second position  214 ,  216 , respectively. 
         [0073]    Alternatively, additional slots (not shown) may be provided in the region of the multi-position J-slot when in the transitional position  218 . Thus, the handle portion  126  can be locked in any one of the additional slots when in the transitional position  218  to provide a partly open flow position. Therefore, the stab connector  100  may be utilized as a throttle providing a predetermined flow rate between the connected fluid reservoirs. 
         [0074]    In yet another alternative arrangement, the sealing position, the flow position and any multiple transitional positions therebetween may be provided seamlessly by a screw thread mechanism. 
         [0075]    Preferably, the handle portion  126  is configured to be manipulated by an ROV. The handle portion  126  may be of ‘fish-tail’ design. However, it is understood by the skilled person in the art that many suitable handle portion designs are possible. Typical known designs include, for example, ‘fish-tail’, ‘T-bar’ and ‘D-type’ handles, but other types such as ‘paddle’, ‘goal-post’, ‘circular’ or ‘inline-pull’ are also considered suitable for the stab connector  100  of the present invention. 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a receptacle  200  is depicted that is suitable to engage with the stab connector  100  so as to provide a selectively controllable fluid path between two reservoirs (e.g. subsea reservoir and above surface reservoir). 
         [0077]    The receptacle  200  includes a tubular body  204  having a central throughbore  206  and an outlet port  202  in fluid communication with the subsea reservoir (not shown). The tubular body  204  further includes a flange portion  208  on the stab-receiving end  210  of the tubular body  204 . The flange portion  208  includes a J-slot  212  configured to provide a first proximal position  214 , a second distal position  216  as well as a transitional position  218  therebetween for the handle portion  126  of the stab connector  100 . The dimensions of the central throughbore  206  are such that a tight fit is provided for the matching stab connector  100 . The flange portion  208  may be removably coupled to a “standard” receptacle, i.e. replacing the original flange portion of the “standard” receptacle  30  in order to accommodate for the at least two positions of the stab connector  100 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show the assembled connection of the “standard” stab connector  20  inserted and secured in the stab connector  100  of the preferred embodiment, which is deployed in the receptacle  200  forming a controllable fluid path connection between the two reservoirs (not shown). 
         [0079]    In particular, the “standard” stab connector handle  28  is locked in the J-slot  124  of the stab connector  100 , which is secured within the receptacle  200  with the handle portion  126  in engagement with the J-slot  212 . 
         [0080]    In operation, the ROV grabs the handle portion  126  of the stab connector  100  and inserts the stab connector  100  into the central cavity  206  of the receptacle  200  by guiding the handle portion  126  into the J-slot  212  and locking it into the sealing position  214 . Once locked in position, the sealing portion  110  sealingly engages the outlet port  202  of the receptacle  200  sealing the fluid path of the outlet port  202 . The receptacle  200  is now operational for use with matching “standard” stab connectors  20 . 
         [0081]    In order to establish a fluid connection between two reservoirs using a “standard” stab connector  20 , the ROV engages the handle portion  28  and inserts the “standard” stab connector  20  into the central bore  108  of the stab connector  100 /receptacle  200  assembly and guides the handle  28  into the J-slot of the stab connector  100  securing the “standard” stab connector  20 . 
         [0082]    The two reservoirs are now physically connected with the fluid path closed by the sealing portion  110  of the stab connector  100 . In order to open the fluid path, the ROV engages the handle portion  126  and moves it from the sealing position  214  ( FIG. 5  ( b )) into the flow position  216  ( FIG. 6  ( b )) by guiding the handle portion  126  along the transitional position  218  of the J-slot  212 . In the flow position  216 , the stab connector port openings  25  of the “standard” stab connector  20 , the exit port openings  116  of the stab connector  100  and the outlet port  202  of the receptacle  200  are aligned so as to form an open fluid path between the two reservoirs (not shown). 
         [0083]    At the end of the fluid exchange between the two reservoirs, the fluid flow can be simple terminated by moving the handle  126  back into its sealing position  214  of the J-slot  212 . The “standard” stab connector  20  can then be disengaged from the stab connector  100  without any risk of leakage from the subsea reservoir since the sealing portion  110  seals the outlet port  202  of the receptacle  200 . 
         [0084]    Alternatively, the “standard” stab connector  20  may be retro-fitted to the stab connector  100  of the present invention before establishing a connection between the two fluid reservoirs (not shown). This provides the advantage that the ROV only has to engage the handle portion  126  of the stab connector assembly  20 ,  100  to simultaneously deploy the stab connector assembly  20 ,  100  in the receptacle  200  and control the fluid flow between the two reservoirs. Thus, there is no need to manipulate different parts of the connection. 
         [0085]      FIG. 7  depicts a first alternative embodiment of the present invention, where the stab connector  300  is a single unit connectable to a hose. In particular, the stab connector  300  resembles the stab connector  100  of the preferred embodiment. However, stab connector  300  is not retro-fittable to a “standard” stab connector  10 , but includes a hose flange portion  302  at the proximal end portion  303  instead of the “open” flange portion of the preferred embodiment, so that it can be directly connected to a hose (not shown). All other parts are the same, or alike, in order to provide the same functionality as the stab connector  100 . 
         [0086]    In operation, the ROV or diver, simply engages the handle portion  304 , inserts the stab body  306  into a receptacle, such as receptacle  200 , and guides the handle portion  304  into the J-slot  212  of the receptacle  200 , where the stab connector  300  can be selectively moved between a sealing position and a flow position (see preferred embodiment). 
         [0087]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 to 11 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted, where a stab connector  400  is provided for a flooding receptacle  500  to selectively control the fluid flow through an outlet port  502  of the receptacle  500 . This particular connection may be used for flooding a reservoir (not shown). 
         [0088]    In particular, the stab connector  400  includes an elongated tubular stab body  404  having a sealing portion  402  at a distal end portion  406 . The stab connector  400  further includes a handle portion  410  configured to engage a J-slot  504  (see receptacle  200  of the preferred embodiment) of the receptacle  500  so as to be locked into any one of a flow position  506 , where the sealing portion  402  is moved away from the outlet port  502  as shown in  FIG. 11 , a sealing position  508 , where the sealing portion  402  is aligned with the outlet port  502  so as to seal the fluid path through the outlet port  502  as shown in  FIG. 10 , and a transitional position  510  therebetween. 
         [0089]    The tubular stab body  404  includes a throughbore  412  configured so that fluid from the subsea reservoir can flow from the outlet port  502  through the stab body  404  into the surrounding environment, or vice versa. 
         [0090]    In operation, the stab connector  400  is operatively engaged with the receptacle  500  so that the handle portion  410  is initially placed in the sealing position  508  of the J-slot  504  ( FIG. 10 ). In order to flood the subsea reservoir (not shown), an ROV or diver engage the handle portion  410  of the stab connector  400  and move the handle portion  410  out of the sealing position, through the transitional position  510  and into the flow position  506  ( FIG. 11 ). When the stab connector  400  is in the flow position  506 , fluid can flow out of the outlet port  502  and into the surrounding environment, either through the stab body  404 , or directly through an opening  512  at a distal end  514  of the receptacle  500 . The distal opening  512  of the receptacle  500  may be coupled to a first filter  516  and/or the proximal end  414  of the throughbore  412  of the stab body  404  may be coupled to a second filter  416 . The filter  416  and  510  may be a mesh, sieve or perforated disc. However, it is understood by the skilled person in the art that any other suitable filter means may be used instead. 
         [0091]    In order to terminate the fluid flow through the outlet port  502 , the stab connector  400  is simply moved back into its sealing position  508  sealing the outlet port  502  of the receptacle  500 . 
         [0092]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.