For deepwater pipeline repairs, We offer the Hydraulic Double Grip and Seal Connector (HDGSC). The hydraulic pipe end connector grew from the field proven technology of the Hydraulic Smart Flange (HSF) Connector and a mechanically set Smart Flange Plus Connector. The HDGSC consists primarily of two sets of HSF Connector’s internal components which are designed in a mirror image configuration. The connector is designed to provide a structural connection between the jumper pipe and an existing pipeline subsea. When hydraulically actuated, the HDGSC will structurally attach to and seal against both pipe ends. The connector is capable of withstanding full pipeline axial, bending, and torsional loads while withstanding hydrostatic end loads from the pipeline.
In order to accomplish a deepwater pipeline repair, utilization of a pipe lift frame is required. The damaged pipeline is lifted above the seabed high enough to provide adequate room for an alignment base with dual alignment posts and an index frame to be lowered under the lifted pipeline section for support. The pipeline gets clamped in the index frame for full support and stabilization. The designated areas behind a damaged section get all the coatings removed to bare pipe and checked for roundness and straightness before the cutting and removal of the section of the pipeline to be replaced.
After metrology is performed, a prefabricated horizontal jumper with a HDGSC on each end is lowered subsea and landed on the guide posts of the alignment base. The ROV uses a ROV panel to hot stab and actuate the hydraulic cylinders that allow the connector to move axially and stab onto the existing pipe end. The cylinders react against the alignment panel on the jumper and stroke fully until the half of the connector is stabbed over the bare indexed pipe. In the event of any misalignment, the index frame can be manipulated by a series of hydraulic jacks to align the subsea pipe with a bore of the connector on the jumper.
Once the connector is fully stabbed on the existing pipe end subsea, an ROV will hot stab into the ROV panel on the HDGSC to start setting the sealing and gripping mechanisms on both pipe ends. Each connector employs two sets of setting pistons. The hydraulic pressure applied behind the pistons forces the setting pistons to move axially in opposite directions to set the sealing and gripping mechanisms on the pipe. The annulus pressure test is performed after each set of packers is set, before engaging the gripping mechanisms. Each end of the hydraulic end connector is set independently.
Catalogue of Hydraulic Double Grip and Seal Connector
