Manifolds in fluid lines, e.g. those disposed subsea, often need to have fluid pressure monitored. If the fluid pressure drops below a predetermined level, fluid lines connected to these manifolds often need to be sealed to prevent further fluid flow until the fluid pressure issues can be resolved.
Various figures are included herein which illustrate aspects of embodiments of the disclosed invention.
Subsea actuator remediation tool 1, as described below, is designed to define a spring return hydraulic actuator and interface with a manifold to properly operate a spring return hydraulic actuator with failed compensation. Such manifolds may be pre-existing subsea manifolds.
Referring now to
Housing 10, and other components of subsea actuator remediation tool 1, may further designed for long duration exposure subsea and application at depths up to 1300m or greater.
Typically, first end piece 12a and second end piece 12b are securely fastened to their respective ends of housing 10, such as, by way of example and not limitation, being removably and securely affixed to their respective ends of housing 10 using a plurality of fasteners 18. In alternative embodiments, first end piece 12a and second end piece 12b are securely fastened to their respective ends of housing 10a more or less permanently by any appropriate means such as welding.
Referring additionally to
In a further embodiment, referring additionally to
In an exemplary embodiment of subsea actuator remediation tool system 100, the manifolds and valves comprise first manifold 30, comprising a first fluid port 30a; first valve 41 operatively in fluid communication with first fluid port 30a and subsea actuator remediation tool 1 first fluid input 19a; second manifold 32, comprising a second manifold first port 32a and a second manifold second port 32b; and second valve 42 operatively in fluid communication with subsea actuator remediation tool 1 first fluid output 19b and with second manifold first port 32a. In certain embodiments, third valve 43 may be present and operatively in fluid communication with first fluid output 19a, first valve 41, and second manifold second port 32b. Each valve may be of any appropriate type such as paddle valves, ball valves, or the like, or any other appropriate valve
One or more of the manifolds, e.g. first manifold 30 and/or second manifold 32, may comprise a dual pressure (DP) manifold such as an existing 17H dual pressure (DP) manifold. Additionally, one or more of the manifolds may be used in conjunction with hot stab 71 such as via interface 72 which is adapted to mate, e.g. removably, with first manifold 30.
Referring back to
Referring to
As also illustrated in
In the operation of exemplary embodiments, referring back to
In an embodiment, interfacing with an existing manifold to properly operate a spring return hydraulic actuator with failed compensation comprises operatively placing subsea actuator remediation tool 1, as described above, into fluid communication with one or more fluid supply lines, e.g. fluid supply line 101, to existing manifold such as manifold 30. Using fluid pressure in subsea actuator remediation tool 1, spring 14 is moved to a fail-safe closed position, e.g. spring 14 is uncompressed, when fluid pressure in fluid supply line 101 falls below a predetermined pressure indicative of a failed compensation. Subsea actuator remediation tool 1 is kept attached to hold the vacuum pressure within subsea actuator remediation tool 1. Further, subsea actuator remediation tool 1 is in an open, e.g. fluid flow permissive state, when pressure is applied and in a closed, e.g. fluid flow preventive state, when pressure is relieved.
In certain embodiments, pump 120 may be present and used to pull vacuum on one or more manifolds, e.g. 30, and selected manifolds sealed, such as with valve 41. As in other embodiments, subsea actuator remediation tool 1 is kept attached to hold the vacuum pressure within the actuator, assisted with a spring return system. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in subsea actuator arts, subsea actuator remediation tool 1 will first return to a fail-safe closed position (spring 14 in an uncompressed state) such as by using pump 130 to pull vacuum on a selected set of manifolds, e.g. 30, and then seal it with a valve such as valve 41. Subsea actuator remediation tool 1 will remain attached to hold the vacuum pressure within subsea actuator remediation tool 1. Subsea actuator remediation tool 1 will then act as the interface to operate to open subsea actuator remediation tool 1 when pressure is applied and spring return close when pressure is relieved.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventions are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrative construction and/or an illustrative method may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of, and priority through, U.S. Provisional Application 62/120,695, titled “SUBSEA ACTUATOR REMEDIATION TOOL,” filed Feb. 25, 2014.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62120695 | Feb 2015 | US |