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INTRODUCTION
Mechanical connectors are present in many different areas of subsea
oilfield equipment ranging from drilling BOP stacks through Christmas trees and flowlines to the latest concepts in modular completions.
They perform a very important interface and absolute integrity is
required to prevent pollution. This is particularly so with their
extensive use in modular template completions when many more
such connectors are used than would be the case with more
traditional methods.
wedge-shaped segments radially inwards against the tapered shoulder of the wellhead housing.
Its mam advantages are low initial cost and reliability with no
hydraulic components to denature after prolonged installation.
However, it is labour intensive and obviously not suited to use m
deep water and requlres longer to make up tight than hydrauhcally
actuated types.
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MECHANICAL CONNECTORS
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MECHANICAL CONNECTORS
matmg hub is gtven by the lower slurt nng which incorporates a guide
funnel. After the funnel has entered over the neck of the hub, two
alignment pins are provided whch extend beyond the gaskets and
enter mto pockets in the hub to gtve correct angular orientation
before the gaskets enter their seats.
Most collet connectors were ongtnally mtended for use m a
vertical mode and m thls situation no special consideration need be
given to circumferential location of the collet fingers. However, m the
honzontal mode, gravlty would cause the fingers to bunch together
on the lower side. Although the connector would still function, since
the fingers have a lateral relief provided at the top and bottom,
mcreased fnction ansing between each finger would Impair the
connector efficiency.
T o overcome t h s problem, a number of small guide blocks are
provided to locate the fingers circumferentially. They are screwed to
the connector body and fit into grooves machned m the clamp finger.
Alternatively, a small grub screw may be provlded in the side of
each clamp finger, protruding the same amount as the normal gap to
provlde equal finger spacmg.
The annular piston is provlded m t h lip seals and beanng nngs to
prevent galling. The bore of the cylinder is hard surfaced mth either
an electroless mckel fimsh or a corrosion and wear-resistant weld
cladding.
MECHANICAL CONNECTORS
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CONCLUSIONS
Subsea completions are formed of discrete packages of hardware,
each dedicated to a particular function, whlch must be llnked together
so as to operate as an Integral unit.
The interface, whether it be for the passage of production fluids,
hydraulics actuation fluids or electncal signals, is provided by the
mechanical connector.
The type of connector selected depends largely upon its intended
purpose, whether it be made up by divers or operated and mstalled
using remote means. Cntena such as initial cost notwithstanding, the
current trend favours fully remote operation as a means of ensurmg
reliability irrespective of envlronrnental conditions.
Apart from the use of connectors dunng drilling operations, most
other connector installations remain subsea for extended penods. It
is essential that they should disconnect reliably when required, such
as when equipment is recovered for overhaul. Corrosion in salt water
is a senous problem and, although care is taken that the connector
mechanical components are adequately protected with special
coatings, the use of corrosion inhibitors which displace sea water
from the working parts greatly improves reliability. Some damage to
protective coatmgs is usually unavoidable and cathodic protection
devices are just as essential overall as are inhibitors.
Special stainless steel welded inlays are usually provided in the
metal gasket seats to prevent corrosion. Even a small amount of
corrosion occurring at the gasketlseat interface would cause leakage
to occur.