Merlin
As a pipeline connector, the Merlin offers many advantages over pipe welding in the field. With Merlin connectors, all welding is performed in the shop, where it is more economical and weld quality is easier to maintain and verify. When pipe is laid, the sections are simply snapped together using a hydraulic clamping system. Since no field welding is required, pipe laying is much faster. For subsea pipelines, the connectors are made up on the seafloor using automated clamping system; this means less-expensive marine vessels can be used foe pipe laying. Merlin pipeline connectors also make it possible to utilise high-strength steels, corrosion-resistant chrome steels and plastic-lined pipe.

Pipeline
The Merlin Pipeline Connector has already been proven in a North Sea application. In July 1995, Merlin connectors were used for 2km section of the 24" rigid line linking BP's Harding platform with its tanker loading system. Since then, Oil States Industries has introduced 10.75" and 8.625" connectors, using the unique Merlin technology, for applications such as steel catenary risers, tensioned risers, deepwater drilling risers and small diameter TLP tendons.

Lynx Pull-In System
The Lynx Pull-In System was specifically designed for attaching flexible riser bend restrictors to the turret sections of FPSOs. The connection is automatically made-up during the riser pull-in with no special tooling or personnel required. Hydraulic remote release is also available for quick disconnect application.

Lynx Pull-in System

Alligator Pull-in System

Alligator
This subsea connector has been designed specifically for Quick Connect Disconnect (QCDC) application such as flexible riser terminations to floating production facilities. It offers high performance, is lightweight and can be readily installed in either a diverless or diver assisted mode.

   • Simple operation
   • Proven technology
   • Diverless make and break
   • Wide variety of configurations
   • 3" - 20" diameter, rated to 5000 psi

The Alligator connector is a slim line collet connector ideally suited to situations where space is at a premium. The connector's maximum diameter is normally less than the diameter of a standard flange of the same pressure rating.

This connector can be used for tying in production lines and risers. It can also be adapted for the inclusion of annulus and control lines. Pressure ratings may be varied to suit customer requirements.

Materials
This connectors can be manufactured from a variety of different materials types, including carbon steel and duplex. The only requirements for high strength steel is in the collet fingers which would be minimum yield stress of 100ksi.