WO2013090388A1

WO2013090388A1 - Subsea structure flowline connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2013090388A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/069182
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario R. Lugo
Original assignee: Trendsetter Engineering, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-12-12
Filing date: 2012-12-12
Publication date: 2013-06-20
Also published as: AU2012353016B2; EP2791461A1; EP2791461A4; US20130146301A1; WO2013089643A1; NO2831105T3; SG192628A1; AU2012353016A1; EP2791461B1

Abstract

A subsea structure flowline connection assembly (10) has a subsea structure (12) with a flowline (14) therein, a junction plate (16) affixed to the subsea structure (12) so as to support a flowline connector (1.8) thereon, a receptacle (20) affixed to or adjacent td the junction, plate, and a fly-in connector assembly (22) having a connector (24) thereon. The connector (24) of the fly-in connector assembly (22 ) being engaged with the flowline connector of the junction plate (16). The fly-in connector assembly having a flow passageway (26) in communication with the connector of the fly-in connector assembly; The receptacle (20) has at least one slot formed therein. The fly-in connector assembly (22) has an insert member slidably received by the slot. The fly-in connector assembly has an actuator coupled to the connector thereof so as to allow an ROV to rotate an end effector so as to move the connector of the fly-in connector assembly toward the flowline connector.

Description

SUBSEA STRUCTURE FLOWLINE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001} The present invention relates to suhsea structure fSowline connection, systems. More ^•particularly, the present invention the relates to systems whereb a fly-in connector is ^' joined, to subsea structures so as to establish a flo w communication therewith. More particularly, the present invention the relates to a flowline connector^' assembly ¾?r use. with large bore connections between the fly-in connector and the flowline connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002} Fiowlines are used to interconnect pieces of subsea oil-field equipment for fluid commm.ucad.on. They generally take the form of somewhat, flexible armoured hoses or pipes, provided with subseamaiabl connectors at. eit½r end. Typically, they aminstalled by being^' lovvered into place from a pipe-laying vessel, wi th th final, positioning and make-up of the end connectors carried out by divers or by an R0V. Short ROV-installable hoses and pipes are used to interconnect adj acent pieces of suhsea equipment.

[0003} Examples of subsea equipment that may be interconnected using flowiines include suhsea Christmas trees, manifolds, capping stacks, blowout preventers or any other subsea structures that require hydraulic connections. This equipment is located on the seabed.

[0004} When there are several different pieces of equipmen t to be interconnected, installation of the necessary pipes and fiowitnes can be time-consuming. An end of each flowline is generally lowered vertically to the: seabed from a pipe-laying vessel The■ Bowline is then laid out horizontally between the points to be interconnected. The flowline ends must then be retrieved from the seabed bed by aft RQV. The end connectors are aligned with the subsea equipment for make-up of the required fluid-tight connections .

[0005} A known type of flowline has a firs pari mounted, to a piece of subsea equipment, such as a wellhead, and a. mating second part fitted to the end of a Bowline. In use, th second par is lowered, towards the sea bed and is stabbed from above into the first. A pivot arrangement then guides the second part and attached Bowline so as to hinge over into a generally horizontal position, in which the flowline may be laid away along the sea. bed, and in which the connector first and second mating parts are axialiy aligned for make-up of a fluid-tight connection between them. (0006} In order to connect various flo lmes to items of equipment on the ocean floor, special connectors known a "flyin leads" are often employed. The fl ing leads, connect the ends of lines to sitbsea equipment, such as connecting to control pod on a manifold or subsea tree at one end to an umbilical temiinaiion assembly at the other end. In shallo water, flying leads are connected to sobsea equipment by divers. I deeper ^'waters, one or more remotely-operated vehicles (ROV) are utilized.

[0.0071 Different configurations of flying leads are presently available. Two types of flying leads for interconnecting the elements of a sitbsea production system are hydraulic flying leads or steel flying leads. Both type of leads may house lines for monitoring, control^' and, when necessary, chemical injection in. the subsea system. Each type of lead has benefits and limitations.

[0008] The hydraulic flying leads commonly -are made up of thermoplastic hoses of various sizes and configurations. In known arrangement, a nylon "type 1. 1. " interna! pressure sheath is utilized as the inner layer. A reinforcement layer is provided around the internal pressure sheath. A polyurethane outer sheath is bonded thereto so as to pro vide waterproofing. End fittings are provided on each, end of the thermoplastic hoses. The end fittings are typically crimped or swaged onto the hose. Connected to the end fittings on each of the ends of the hoses is a multiple quick-connect junction plate. This plate provides the connection plate between the suhsea equipment and communication lines. It is usuall installed using RO V unit subsea.

[00091 Steel flying leads presently being used define a collection of separate steel tubes bundled within a flexible vented plastic tube. Typically; a "Cobra" type end connection containing multiple quick-connect junction plate connections is provided at each end of the tubes. The individual tubes are routed into the respective end connections and welded into socket fitting in the opposing junction plate connections. These plates are usually installed by means of ROV units.

|001.0} One of the problems wit the existing systems is that, while they are effective for small bores of less than two inches, the are extremel difficult to install with respect to large bore applications (of greater than two inches). In these large bore applications,, the large pressures involve tend to create greater separation pressures. As such, they ould generally be ineffective in supporting the connection under the effect of great pressures. As such, a need has developed so as to provide a subsea f!owline connection assembly which can be used for large bore applications and which can withstand the great pressures involved in such applications.

9011 in the past, various-patents have issued relating to subsea flowline connection assemblies. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,661 ,016, issued on April 28, 1 87 to Baogh et al.^', describes a subsea flowline- cqnt¾ec or fpixf motel c-otinectin§.and.releasmg.a.first flowline to a comp3eme.ntaiy second, flowline at a submerged location without die use of divers. Seals in the ..connector may be remotely replaced without the need to bring the connector to the surface. A bundle of control/supply lines are remotely connected to respective submerged lines at the same time as the^■flpwline is connected.

[00121 U.S. Patent No.4,728.125., issued on March 1 , 1 88 to B. J. Reneau, describes a grip-and-seal raechanicalS-y-locking flowline connector. In particular, -fiowlines have separately actuated gripping and sealing assemblies which are actuated by hydraulic pressure but are held i actuated positions using internally mounted mechanical-type mechanisms.

[0013] ϋ .S. Patent No. 5,468,023, issued on November 21 , 1 95 to..Galle-et al., teaches a flowline connector which remotely connects subsea fiowlines without the use. of a diver. The flowline connector has a frame which supports a seal carrier plate assembly. Springs allow axial movement of the carrier plate assembly during engagement of mating hubs of fiowlines-. A. metal seal carried by the carrier plate assembly engages conical, seats in the hubs of the two fiowlines. An elastomeric test seal located radiall outward of the metal seal, seals between flat faces of the hubs of the fiowlines,

[0014} LIS, Patent No. 5,593,249, issued on Januar 14, 1997 to Cox et al..., provides a diveriess flowline connection system for connecting a flowline to a subsea wellhead or other subsea structure. The diveriess flowline connection system is used with an ROV. The diveriess flowline connection system includes -a frame assembly having clamping amis for mounting the frame assembly to the flowline. A pair of winches are mounted to the frame assembly. ach winch includes a. winch line for attachment to. the wellhead to which the flowline is to be connected. Each winch is independently controlled so that the lateral position of -the flowline may be variously adjusted by- controlling each of the winches.

[00151 U.S. Patent No. 5,730,551, issued on March 24, 1998 to Sfceeis. et al, discloses a subsea connector system and method using a skid on the sea floor for coupling a subsea conduit carried by the skid to a subsea conduit on a fixed subsea structure. A lift line device has an upper lift line connected by a spreader bar to a pair of lower guide lines which are directed from a vertical position- to a generally horizontal position by J-tubes.. The ends of the guide lines have anchor members thereon which are anchored to guides oft. the subsea facility. Upon raising of the upper lift line, the skid moves in a combined .pulling and lifting motion to engage a side of the subsea facility for being guided into a docked position with aligned guides oft the subsea facility. An ROV secures the skid into a releasabiy locked posit ion by insertion of retainer pins into aligned openings of the skid. The coupling on the end of flow!ine conduit is coupled onto an aligned conduit on the subsea. facility,

[00.16] U.S. Patent No. 5,794,70-1 , issued on August 18, 1 98 to Cunningham et al teaches a subsea connection usable with subsea. wellheads, A female receptacle end is provided on the wellhead which has connections to an. umbilical or a flowline. The male end has an orientation lug for rough orientation , Once rough orientation is made, the male end is advanced into the female end and the sh a ft rotated by a ROV for alignment of lugs with a detent. Once the lugs advance past tie detent, they are rotated so that a segment of the shaft on the male end of the connection can no longer turn. Further rotational, movements by the ROV o another po.rt.iori of the shall advances a plate which makes up the connection.

[0017} U.S. Patent No. 5,807,027, issued on September 15, 1998 to 1. Ostergaard, shows a system for pull-in and interconnection of two pipelines in subsea position. A first pipeline is initially freely suspended. A second pipeline is mounted on a bottom-based manifold frame. The end section of the first pipeline is provided, with a socket-like termination with a front end. which is provided with means for coupling of the terminator to complementary pipe coupling means on the second pipeline. The: terminator is provided with a laterally-direcied, longitudinaf!y-shaped anchor member. The manifold frame js provided with receiving means .for r^eipt.and.fiXatibn ofthe-anqhor element. The anchor element and the receiving means are dimensioned and positioned, such that when the anchor element is placed in. position in the receiving means, the coupling means of the terminator will be positioned straight in front of the complementary coupling means -on the second pipeline.

(Q01-8[ U.S. Patent No. 6,483 ,504, issued on November 19, 2002 to M. Gatherar. provides a flowiine connector having a first connector portion for mounting on a first piece of subsea equipment and a second connector port i on attached to the end portion of a il owline. Each connector portion has a respecti ve guide inter-engageable by lowering the second connector portion, on the end portion of the flowiine, into the first connector portion. The guides allow the second connector portion to pi ot relative to the -first connector portion, to bring the first connector portion and the second connector portion into axial alignment for make-up of a fluid-tight connection therebetween.

[0019} U.S. Patent No. 6,805,382, issued on October 19, 2004 to C. E. Jennings, describes a one- stroke soft-land Howl me connector. A frame is used to- land on a. base and soft, land a connector receptacle on th e end of a tlow Sioe to a mandrel proimding from the base. A fter the frame lands on the base, the frame and the receptacle are pushed toward the base so as to caus frame latching members to latch the frame to the base. The frame holds the base and the receptacle above the mandrel. The frame and receptacle are pushed further towards the base and the connector receptacle abuts the mandrel. The connector receptacle moves relative to the frame as the frame is pushed closer to the base. This causes an. actuator on the frame to move dogs on the receptacle to engage the mandrel and lock the receptacle to the mandrel.

|0020^'| U.S. Patent No. 6,098,71.5, issued o August S, 200(1 to Seixas et a)., provides a flowiine connection system having a pivotally-mounted. funnel which is a permaneiit part of a subsea structure. The funnel i rotatably mounte so as to rotate from a. vertical position to a horizontal position. Retractable pins engage a slot in the funnel to lock the fennel in a vertical position. This allows the funnel to rotate to the horizontal position to engage a hub connector. A flowiine end termination stabs into the funnel while the funnel is in the vertical position. The flowiine termination body ha a flange connector on one end that connects to a flexible flowiine,

|0021 } U.S. Patent No. 6,902,199, issued on June 7, 2005 to Colyer et a^'L, provides an RGV- activated subsea connector so as to connect a subsea flowiine to a subsea connector hub. The connector has frame with a tubular mandrel, located within^' it. The mandrel connects t the flowiine and has a forward end that engages the connector end. The mandrel moves axially relative to the frame between retracted and extended positions. A lock member on the forward end of the mandrel will engage the profile of the connector hub. .An actuator mounted. to^' the mandrel causes the lock member to move into engagement with the connector hub after the mandrel has been moved into engagement with the connector hub.

|0022| U.S. Patent No. 7, 1 12,009, issued on September 26, 2006 to C. Mackinnon, provides an apparatus fo substantially horizontal connection of a conduit, to a subsea structure. A frame caraiectable to a«d supportable by the subsea structure. The frame has a docking de vice operable to allow a horizontal connection device to dock with the- rame such that the frame is capable of bearing at least part of an operaiionai load associated with the horizontal connection of the conduit to the subsea structure.

(0023} U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0227740, published on October 4, 2007 to. Fontenette et al, discloses a flying lead connector and method for making subsea connections. The flying lead arrangement is configured to provide fluid communication between a first item of subsea equipment and a second item of subsea equipment. The flying lead includes a first substantially rigid end kit disposed at a first end of the flying lead and a second substantially rigid end t disposed at a second end of the flying lead. A substantially rigid midsection is defined between £he first end kit and the second end kit. At least one fluid communication line is disposed withi the midsection so as to provide fluid communication between the items of subsea equipment.

|0024| U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 0283274, published on November 19, 2009 to M. R. Lugo, discloses a connector assembly for connecting a hot stab to a hydraulic hose. The hot stab has a fluid conduit connector thereon, A hydraulic hose has a connector assembly at an end thereof suitable for joining to the fluid conduit connector of the hot stab. A sleeve is affixed to the hot stab and to the hydraulic hose so as to extend .pver and surround the fluid conduit connector and the connector assembly. A jam nut is affixed to the tubular portion of the fluid conduit connector. The sleeve is threadedly connected to the threaded exterior surface of the jam nut.

|0025} It is an object of the present invention to provide a subsea flowline connection system which is particularly configured to withstand the high pressures associated with large bore applications. (0026] It is another objec† of the present inventi on to pro v ide subsea flowline connection system which Facilitates the ability of an. ROV to join the fly-in. connector to the flowl ine connector of the subsea structure.

[0027} It is still another object of the present invention to provide a subsea flowline connection system which allows the large pressures from the flowline of the subsea structure to be distributed over structural surfaces of the. fly-in connector.

[0028J It is still another object of the present invention to provide a subsea flowline connection system which effects a_: secure: and strong seal between the fly-in connector and the flowline connector.

|0029] These and other obj ects and ad vantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and. appended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0030} The present invention is a snbsea flowline- connection -assembly having a flow-line therein, a junction plate affixed to the subsea structure so as to support a fiowiine connector thereon, a reeeptacie affixed to or adjacent to the junction plate, and a fly-in connector assembly having a connector thereon. The receptacle has an interior opening to the fiowiine connector of the junction plate. The connector of the fly-in connector assembly Is. engaged with the fiowiine connector of the junction plate. The fly-in connector assembl has a flow passageway in- communication with the connector of the fly-in connector assembly.

[0031 J The ^'flovv line connector has a male -connector at an. end thereof. The connector of the fiowiine connector assembly has a female- connector overlying -the male- connector in liquid-tight sealing relationship. The male connector defines a. sealing surface with the female connector. The sealing surface has a metal seal at an end. thereof. The sealing surface¹ also has a first efastomeric seal extending around the male connector. The sealing surface further has a second elastoraeric seal extending around the male connector in spaced relationship to the first elastomeric seal. A hole extends through a wall of the female connector. This hole has an opening at the sealing surface between the first elastoraeric seal and the second elastomeric seal.

|0032 } The fly-in connector has an actuator coupled to the connector thereof. The actuator has an end eflector suitable fo allowing an OV to rotate the end effector and the actuator so as to move the connector of the fly-in connector assembly toward the fiowiine connector. The actuator is a threaded member arranged in threaded relationship with the fly-in. connector assembly.

{0033} The receptacle includes a first plate and a second plate, in spaced relation to the first plate. Each of the first and second plates has an end positioned against or ad jacent to the junction plate. Each of the first and second plates has a slot, formed adjacent an opposite end thereof. The fly-in connector assembly has a first insert member and second insert member formed on. opposite sides thereof. The first insert member is received in the slot, of the first plate. The second insert member is received in the slot of the second plate. Each of the first and. second insert members has a wing shape tapering such that a wide end is joined to the fly-in eomxector .assembly an.d such that a narrow end is awa from the tly-in connector assembly. The wing shape has a flat .surface at an end thereof. The slot, has a bearing surface thereon. The fiat surface bears against the bearing surface. The slot of the first and second plates has a bottom surface. Each of the first and second insert members has a bottom abutting the bottom surface of the slots. The slot also has wails spacedi oro each other for a distance greater than a width of the insert member.

[0034] Each of the first and second plates is directly affixed to the subsea structure. The junction plate has slot: formed therein adjacent the flowline connector. The fly-in connector assembly has a key extending outwardly therefrom. This key is received by the slot.

|O035J The How passagewa comprising a .conduit extending downwardly and outwardly from the fly- in connector-assembly. The fly-in connector assembly also has a brace affixed thereto. This brace is affixed to the conduit,

{0036^'! This foregoing section intends to be a summary of the preferred- embodiment of the present invention. As such, the language used in. this section, is not intended to limiting of the various embodiments^' and configurations that are possible within scope of the present invention. The present invention should be defined by the claims herein and not by the foregoing section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWINGS

{0037! F GU E 1 is a perspeciive view showing the stibsea flowline connection assembly of the present invention with the fly-in connector assembly in spaced relationship to the junction plate and receptacle of the subsea structure.

[0038! FIGURE 2 is a close-up perspecti ve view showing the positioning of the fly-in connector assembly adjacent to the junction plate and receptacle.

f0039| FIGURE 3 is a perspective view showing the positioning of the fly-in connector assembl within the receptacle.

{0040! FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation of the fly-in connector-assembly with, the junction plate and associ ated flow line connector of the subsea structure.

{00411 FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing relationship between the male portion of the flowline connector and the female portio of the connector fly-in connector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042|Referring to FIGURE L there is: shown the -subsea llowline connection assembly 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The subsea How line connection assembly 1 includes a subsea structure 12 having a .fl.owJ.ine 4 therein. A junction plate 16 is affixed to the subsea. structure- 12. This juncti on plate 1.6 supports^' a flowline connector 18 thereon. A receptacle 20 is affixed to or adjacent to the junction plate 1 . Th receptacle 20 has an interior opening to the flowline connector 18 of the j unction plate 16. A fly-in connector assembly 22 has a connector 24 thereon. The connector 24 will be engaged with the flowline -connector 18 of the junction plate 16. The fly-in connector assembly 22 also has -a flow passageway 26 in communication with the connector 24.

[0043] In FIGURE I , it can be seen that the subsea structure 12 is in the nature of a capping stack or a flow .diverter. However, within the concept of the present invention, such a "subsea structure" can take on a wide variety of -configurations. For example, the .subsea structure can be a flow stack, a blowout preventer, a manifold, a Christmas tree, or any other subsea application that requires hydraulic connections. In particular, the subsea structure 12 is. a high pressure structure that utilizes large bore hydraulic connections. Typically, these large bore hydraulic connections will be in the order of two inches or greater in diameter. However, the dimensions of such a large bore should not be construed, in any way, as limiting of the present invention. Typically, the subsea structure 12 will be placed on the seabed. The junction plate 16 is affixed to the flowline connector 18. In other words, this junction plate 16 is a surface that allows for fly-in connector assembly 22 to have its connector 24 joined /thereto. Typically, the junction plate 16 , along with the flowline con nector 18, will ^'be supported adjacent an exterior surface of the subsea structure .12.

[0044} The receptacle .20 is directly bolted b flange plates 28 and 30 to the subse structure 12. The .receptacle 20. can also be directly affixed to the junction plate 16. In any .circumstances, the receptacle 20 will be positioned at least adjacent to the junction plate 16 and positioned around the flowline connector 18. The di rec t affixing of the receptacle 20 through the use of flange plates 28 and 30 allows the structure of the receptacle.20 to be directly supported by the subsea structure 12. As such , this will a v oid any undesired bendin g momen t imparted to the junction plate 16 and/or to the flowline 14 or the flowline connector 18. (0045} The receptacle 20 includes a first plate 32 and a second plate 34 arranged in generally spaced parallel relationship on opposite sides of the flow line connector 18.. As such, these plates 32 and 34 will define an interior opening to the fiowlme connector 18. As will he described hereinafter, each of the plates 32 and 34 has a slot ..formed, at. an end thereof opposite the junction plate 16 that can be used for the recei pt of the f ly-in connector assembl 22.

{0046] The fiy-i connector assembly 22 has the connector 24 at one end thereof. The flow passageway 26 is in nature of a conduit that will comniooicaie with an interior of the fiy-ΐη connector assembly 22 adjacent to the connector 24. A brace 36 extends so as to be engaged with the body of the fly-in connector assembly 22 and with the flow passagewa 26. As such, the flow passageway 26 is rigidly support by the fly-in connector assembly 22.

{0047} The fly-in connector assembly 22 has a key 28 extending radially outwardly therefrom. This key 38 can be engaged with a. slot 40 in tile junction plate 1.6 adjacent to the flowl.be connector 18. The fly-in connector assembly 22 also includes a torque bucket 42 at an end. thereof opposite the connector 24.. A end effector 44 is positioned within the torque bucket 42. The end effector 44 can be utilized, by an ROV so as to carry out the necessary function of connecting the connector 24 to the flowhne connector 18, to be described hereinafter.

{0048J In use, the -fly-in connector assembly 22 can be lowered by winch and line to the seabed adjacent to the subsea structure 12. An ROV can grasp the fly-in connector assembly 22 so as to move the fly-in connector assembly 22 to a position, such as illustrated in FIGURE 1, in proximity to the receptacle 20. The torque tool of the ROV can then be applied to the end effector 44 within the torque bucket 42 so as to properly attach the fiy-in connector assembly .22 to the junction, plate 1.6 and the fiowlme connector 18.

[0O49J FIGURE 2 shows the positioning of the fly-i connector assembly 22 relative to the receptacle 20. In FIGURE 2, the -receptacle 20 has a first plate 32 and a second plate 34 in general ly spaced parallel relationship. Flange plates 28 and 30 are rigidly affixed to the top of the plates 32 and 34. respectively. The flange plates 28 and 30 are illustrated as threadedly bolted to the plates 32 and 34. The bolt holes associated with the flange plates 28 and 30 can be securely bolted t the subsea structure 12. The junction plate 16 extends betwee the plates 32 and 34 at one end of the receptacle. The flow!ine connector 18 is positioned by the junction plate 16_. so as to securely mount the f!owliae connector 18 thereto. It ^'can be seen that the flowtme. connector 18 is a male connector having-a sealing surface on exterior surface thereof. Support bracket 50 is shown as affixed to the plate 34 and to the junction plate 16 so as to provide structural support thereto.

[0050] The receptacle 20 has a slot 52 formed at attend thereof opposite the junction plate 16 . The plate 34 has a slot 54 formed at an end. thereof opposite the. junction plate 16. Slot 54 has a bottom surface 56 at a lower end thereof. Each of the slots 52 and 54 opens at an upper end thereof so as to provide an area whereby the wing-shaped surfaces of the fly-in connector assembly 22 can be received therein.

[0051] The fly-in connector assembly 22 is illustrated as m a position- slightly above the receptacle 20. The connector 24 of the fly-in connector assembly 22 is located at one end thereof. The torque bucket 42 is positioned at an opposite end thereof. The flow passageway 26 is a conduit that extends downwardly and outwardly from the body of the .fly-in connector assembly 22. Uhnftately, the flow passageway 26 has another -connector .38 formed therein so as to allow the flow passageway 26 to be joined to another conduit in a conventional manner.

[0052 j The fly-irt connector assembly 22 includes a first insert member 60 and second insert member 62 extending outwardly therefrom. Eac of the insert members 60 and 62 has a generally wing shape. This wing shape has a wide end adjacent to the fly-in connector assembly 22 and a narrow end away from the Oy-in connector assembly 22. Generally, the width of each of the inserts members 60 and 62 will be less than the width of the respective slots 52 and 54 of the recepiacie 20. The key 38 is illustrated as extending upwardly from the top of the fly-in connector assembly 22. Also, the brace 36 extends downwardly so as to be rigidl secured to the flow passageway 26.

[0053} In FIGURE 3, it can be see that the fly-in connector assembly 22 has been received within the receptacle 20. In particular, the plates 32 and 34 will extend on opposite sides of the fly-in connector assembly 22. The connector 24 of the fly-in connector assembly 22 is illustrated in a position suitable -for being joined to the tlowiine connector 18 at the junction plate 16.

[0054] Importantly, FIGURE 3 shows thai the insert member 60 is inserted info the slot 52 of the plate 32, Similarly, the insert membe 62 is. inserted within the slot 54 of the plate 34, Since each of the slots 52 and 54 has a width that is greater than the width of the insert members 60 and 62, there will be a certain amount of play therebetween. A such, as the ROV moves the fly-i connector

-I 1- assembl 22 into a position above the receptacle 20,. the insert- .members 60 and 62 can be aligned easily with the slots 52 and 54. The ROV can then lower the fly-in connector assembly 22 such that the insert members 60 and 62 are reeetved, respectively, within the -slots 52 and 54. The extra space and play that is provided allows for this connection to be easily established. The torque bucket 42 and its end effector 44 are positioned outwardly of the receptacle ,20. Ultimately, the bottom of the insert .members 60 and 62 will reside against the respective bottoms 56 of the slots 52 and 54 so as to establish a properly aligned position between the fly-in connector assembly 22 and the ilowline connector 18 of the junction plate 1.6.

{0055) FIGURE -4- shows the installation of the fly-in connector assembly 22 within the receptacle 20 such that, the connector 24 of the fly-in connector assembly 22 is joined with, the ilowline connector I S of the junction plate 1 , The connector 24 is a female connector that will, reside in liquid-tight relationship over the .exterior^' of the male connector 18. As such, a suitable sealing relationship can be established therewith. The end effector 44 is connected with an actuator 70. Actuator 70 has a. threaded surface 72 formed on an exterior .thereof. Threaded surfa.ce 72 will engage with: the internal threads 74 of another portion 76 of the actuator 70. The threaded surface 72 and the internal, threads 74 are acme threads. The rotation of the end effector 44 by a suitable torque: tool from an ROV will cause a rotation of th actuator portio 70. This rotation will cause the interna! thread 74 to react with the external threads 72 so as to cause the actuator portion 76 to move inwardly. As such, the connector 24 will be pushed toward, the ilowline connector 18 such that the female connector engages with the male connector in a tight and fixed manner. A strong mechanical connection is established between the connector 24 of the fly-in connector assembly 22 and the ilowline connector 18.

[0O56J In FIGURE 4, it can be seen that the- insert member 62 resides against internal suf fice 80 of the slot 54. As the actuator 70 is rotated, the insert member 62 will move backward, away from the junction plate 16, so as to be in surface-to-surface contact/with flat surface 80 of the slot 54. As such, a bearing surface will be established between the end surface 82 of the insert member 62 and the bearing surface 80 of the slot 54. A similar action will happen ^' ith -respect to the insert member 60 and the slot 52.

{0057) When a strong mechanical connection is established between the connector 24 and the ftowline connector 18, the strong hydraulic forces passing through the interior 86 of the flowiine connector SO and through the interior of the connector 24 will be resisted by the mechanical connection between the threaded surfaces 72 a nd 74 of the ac tuator 70. The bearing surfaces 82 of the insert - member 62 against the .flat surface 80 of the slot 54 provide a secondary bearing surface for the hydraulic eomieetion. As such, the hydraulic forces are effectively resisted by the strong mechanical connections between these surfaces.

0058| The flow passageway 26 of the fly-in connector assembly 22 will open to the interior 88 of the connector 24. As such, it will be in fluid conmrani cation with the flowiine 86 of the flowlme connector 80.

I0O59 J A sealing surface 90 is defined between the exterior of the male flowiine connector 18 and the female connector 24. Various seals can be placed In associatio with the sealing surface .90 so as to provide a strong sealing relationship therebetween. The nature of this sealing surface is described hereinafter i FIGURE 5.

[0969] F IGURE 5 illustrates the coiifigurati on of the sealing surface 90. As can he seen, the sealing surface 90 is defined between the exterior surface of th male flowiine connector 18 and. the inside surface of the female connector 24. A metal seal 92 is affixed in the area between the end 94 of the male flowlinecorineetor IS and the inner shoulder 96 of the female connector _.24. As such, this metal seal 92 can provide a strong metal seal between these surfaces. Typically, the metal seal 92 will deform under the strong connection forces between the flowiine connector IS and the connector 24 of the fly-in connector assembly 22. As such, a liquid-tight seal is formed at the interface between the male flowiine connector 18 and the female connector 24.

|ft06I| A first elastomeric seal 98 is received within a notch 100 formed on the inner wall of the female connector 24. This elastomeric seal 98 is in the nature of an O-ring seal. This O-ring elastomeric seal 98 will extend around the outer diameter of the male flowiine connector 18. As such, the elastomeric seal 98 will provide a secondar liquid-tight seal at the sealing surface 90, A second elastomeric seal 102 is received within an notch .104 formed on the inner wall of the female connector 24. This second elastomeric seal 102 will extend around the outer surface of the male flowiine connector 18. The elastomeric seal 102 is in generally spaced relationship to the first elastomeric seal ^'98. The second elastomeric seal 102 will provide a tertiary seal as to prevent the release of any hydraulic fluids throug the sealing surface 90. A hole 106 is formed through the wall of the female connector 24. Hole 106 opens to the sealing surface 90 and is positioned between the first eiasiomerie seal 98 and the second elastomer? c seal 102. Hole 106 can allow well fluids to escape therethrough, if the pressure of the well fluids is beyond the ability of the seals 92 and 98. to ^'withstand. These fluids can be diverted outwardly of the hole 106.

j0062| The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated consiroctioii can be made within the scope of the appended claims without, departing irom the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited, by the following claims afid their legal equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a subsea structure having a flowline therein;

a junction plate affixed to said subsea structure, said junction plate supporting a flowline connector thereon, said flowline connector connected to said flowline of said subsea structure;

a receptacle affixed to or adjacent to said junction plate, said receptacle having an interior opening to said flowline connector of said junction plate; and

a fly-in connector assembly having a connector thereon, said connector of said fly-in connector assembly engaged with said flowline connector of said junction plate, said fly-in connector assembly having a flow passageway in communication with said connector of said fly-in connector assembly.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1 , said flowline connector being a male connector, said connector of said fly-in connector assembly being a female connector overlying said male connector in liquid- tight sealing relationship.

3. The apparatus of Claim 2, said male connector defining a sealing surface with said female connector, said sealing surface having a metal seal at an end thereof.

4. The apparatus of Claim 3, said sealing surface having a first elastomeric seal extending around said male connector and a second elastomeric seal extending around said male connector in spaced relationship to said first elastomeric seal.

5. The apparatus of Claim 4, further comprising:

a hole extending through a wall of said female connector, said hole having an opening at said sealing surface between said first elastomeric seal and said second elastomeric seal.

6. The apparatus of Claim 1 , said fly-in connector assembly having an actuator coupled to said connector thereof, said actuator having an end effector suitable for allowing an ROV to rotate said end effector and said actuator so as to move said connector of said fly-in connector assembly toward said flowline connector.

7. The apparatus of Claim 6, said actuator comprising a threaded member in threaded relation with said fly-in connector assembly.

8. The apparatus of Claim 1, said receptacle comprising:

a first plate; and

a second plate in spaced relation to said first plate, each of said first and second plates having an end positioned against or adjacent to said junction plate.

9. The apparatus of Claim 8, each of said first and second plates having a slot formed adjacent an opposite end thereof, said fly-in connector assembly having a first insert member and second insert member formed on opposite sides thereof, said first insert member received in said slot of said first plate, said second insert member received in said slot of said second plate.

10. The apparatus of Claim 9, each of said first and second insert members having a wing shape tapering such that a wide end is joined to said fly-in connector assembly and such that a narrow end is away from said fly-in connector assembly.

11. The apparatus of Claim 10, said wing shape having a flat surface at an end thereof, said slot having a bearing surface thereon, said flat surface bearing against said bearing surface.

12. The apparatus of Claim 9, said slot of said first and second plates having a bottom surface, each of said first and second insert members having a bottom abutting said bottom surface of the slots.

13. The apparatus of Claim 9, said slot having walls spaced from each other for a distance greater than a width of the insert member.

14. The apparatus of Claim 8, each of said first and second plates being directly affixed to said subsea structure.

15. The apparatus of Claim 1, said junction plate having a slot formed therein adjacent said flowline connector, said fly-in connector assembly having a key extending outwardly therefrom, said key received by said slot.

16. The apparatus of Claim 1, said flow passageway comprising a conduit extending downwardly and outwardly from said fly-in connector assembly, said fly-in connector assembly having a brace affixed thereto, said brace affixed to said conduit.

17. A subsea structure flowline connector assembly for a subsea structure comprising: a junction plate having a flowline connector therein;

18. The subsea structure flowline connector assembly of Claim 17, said receptacle having at least one slot formed thereon, said fly-in connector assembly having an insert member extending therefrom, said insert member slidably received by the slot.

19. The subsea structure flowline connector assembly of Claim 17, said fly-in connector assembly having an actuator coupled to said connector thereof, said actuator having an end effector suitable for allowing an ROV to rotate said end effector and said actuator so as to move said connector of said fly-in connector assembly toward said flowline connector, said actuator comprising a threaded member in threaded relation with said fly-in connector assembly.

20. The subsea structure flowline connector assembly of Claim 17, said flowline connector being a male connector, said connector of said fly-in connector assembly being a female connector overlying said male connector in liquid-tight sealing relationship, said male connector defining a sealing surface with said female connector, said sealing surface having a metal seal at an end thereof, said sealing surface having a first elastomeric seal extending around said male connector.