HydroTech™ Diverless Clamp Connectors deliver economical, reliable, ROV-assisted pipeline or flowline connections up to 15,000 psi working pressure.
The Diverless Clamp Connector is available in two versions:
1. The Remote Articulated Connector (RAC)
accommodates misalignment between the male
and female hubs, virtually eliminating stresses
caused by the original misalignment. The RAC
incorporates the design elements of the HydroTech™
Ball Flange Connector, which has been used since
1983 for connecting misaligned pipe ends.
2. The Remote Inline Connector (RIC) does not
accommodate misalignment and is typically used with
flexible jumpers and flowlines where misalignment
is not a significant problem.
RACs have the following features:
• A proven, versatile design
• Available with articulation capability to accommodate
up to 5º axial misalignment
• Fast installation & testing with ROV
• Metal seals
• High bending/torsional capacity
• Reversible operation
• Compact, lightweight running tool
HydroTech™ Diverless Clamp Connectors are commonly used for final hook-up of small diameter subsea production systems using hard-pipe or flexible-pipe jumpers between pipeline end manifolds (PLEMs) and other manifolds or production trees. They can also be used with diverless pipeline repair systems and future pipeline tie-in systems.
The components of a HydroTech™ Diverless Clamp Connector system include:
• Female Hub & Clamp Connector assembly
• Male Hub & Landing Base assembly
• Clamp Connector running tool (ROV operated)
• ROV-operable measurement caps, end closures, and pig launchers/receivers as needed
Diverless Clamp Connectors are light and compact and are installed using economical ROV support vesels. Because of the design simplicity, the Connectors and Running Tools and smaller, lighter and less costly than comparably sized collet connectors.
Both the RAC and RIC can be installed and tested very quickly, with a typical jumper installation requiring only a few hours, including deployment time and seal testing. |
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Remote Articulated Connector
RAC Fully Landed
RAC Completed Connection |
The primary pressure-energized metal seal is an AX seal ring, which is captured between the male hub and female hub when the clamp is made up. On the articulated version, there is another seal area, between the ball nose and seal housing. In both cases, radial deflection creates metal-to-metal selas, while O-rings provide backup elastomeric seals for the annulus seal test.
HydroTech™ Diverless Clamp Connectors incorporate a hydraulic soft-land system that protects the hubs and seals. After the female hub/clamp assembly is hard landed, the ROV uses a hot-stab to lower the female hub at a controlled rate.
If a situation arises that requires completion components to be retrieved, the HydroTech™ Diverless Clamp Connector can be reversed and released. The AX seal ring is retrieved with the female hub, so that it can be replaced before reinstallation.
The running tool is a compact, retrievable device that the ROV delivers and installs on the Connector. The ROV actuates dual hydraulic torque wrenches to turn the clamp bolts, closing and mechanically locking the clamp and energizing the metal seal. The Diverless Clamp Connector is mechanically locked when the ROV actuates the dual torque wrenches on the running tool. The mechanical lock eliminates the need for integral hydraulics or other backup systems to resist potential loss of the setting load. After the ROV tests the seal, it removes the running tool for relocation to another Connector or recovery to the surface.
Oil States HydroTech™ provides ROV-operable end closures as needed:
• Non-pressure-containing debris barriers
• Pressure-containing blind closures for manifold or flowline testing
• Vent valve/measurement interface caps
• Closures adaptable to pig launchers and receivers |
To view the RAC Brochure & Contacts, click on the corresponding link below:
Remote Articulated Connector Brochure
Remote Articulated Connector Contacts
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Oil States Industries, Inc.
Oil States International, Inc.