Retractable Subsea Coupler Poses Sealing Challenges (.PDF Download)

April 6, 2018
Retractable Subsea Coupler Poses Sealing Challenges (.PDF Download)

Subsea Technologies Ltd. (STL), Aberdeen, Scotland, specializes in reliable and cost-effective products to solve complex subsea challenges. Company officials began exploring the possibility of creating a large (2-in.) bore, high-pressure hydraulically retractable coupler for connecting flow lines with fluid pressures to 10,000 psi. They knew they needed engineered seals to stand up to harsh subsea conditions.

STL had previously developed small-bore (½ and ¾ in.) retractable couplers, used as sub-components in its proprietary XR Connector, a high-angle emergency disconnect package that allows a floating vessel to move away from a wellhead (especially in stormy conditions) without risk of the riser failing. The hydraulically retractable couplers assist in creating the XR connector’s unequalled high-angle release capability, which has no maximum riser angle limit. It was designed to deliver radically improved vessel safety, reduce environmental risk, and decrease costs by greatly boosting a vessel’s operating window.