Single Line Quick Connector (SQC), a System Comprising the Single Line Quick Connector and Method of Operating
20230151708 · 2023-05-18
Inventors
Cpc classification
F16L37/0915
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
E21B41/04
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
Abstract
It is described a single line quick connector (10), a system comprising the connector (10) and associated method, for connecting a hydraulic, chemical or water fluid line (20) to a fluid connection interface (2) on a component (1), wherein the connector (10) comprises: an outer housing (11) comprising a tool (12) in one axial end thereof for operation by a tool (3), a flow bore (14) for fluid connection with the fluid connection interface (2) on the component (1), a screw element (13) which is rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing (11), wherein the screw element (13) extends in a longitudinal direction of the connector (10) and comprises external threads (15) along a part of its axial length and further comprises a termination (16) which is operable by the tool (3), a collet sleeve (17) which is rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing (11), wherein the collet sleeve (17) further comprises internal threads (18) for cooperation with the external threads (15) on the screw element (13), and wherein the collet sleeve (17) comprises a plurality of collet fingers (19) in an axial end thereof for connection to the fluid connection interface (2) on the component (1), and, a fluid line insert (23) comprising a groove (24) for a coupler (25), wherein the outer housing (11), the screw element (13) and the collet sleeve (17) are arranged such that: a rotation of the screw element (13) in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing (11) relative the collet sleeve (17), and thus the collet fingers (19), in a first axial direction, and a rotation of the screw element (13) in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing (11) relative the collet sleeve (17), and thus the collet fingers (19), in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction, wherein the outer housing (11) comprises a through-going opening (21) ( ) and the collet sleeve (17) comprises at least one recess (22) between neighboring collet fingers (19), wherein the through-going opening (21) and the at least one recess (22), when connected, are configured to accommodate the fluid line insert (23), and wherein the fluid line insert (23) is connectable to the fluid line (20). The is further described a method of overriding a malfunctioning single line quick connector which is in an engaged position locked to the connection interface on the component in order to release the connector from the engaged relationship with the component.
Claims
1. A single line quick connector for connecting a fluid line to a fluid connection interface on a component, the single line quick connector comprising: an outer housing comprising a tool interface at one axial end thereof for operation by a tool; a flow bore for fluid connection with the fluid connection interface on the component; a screw element which is rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing, wherein the screw element extends in a longitudinal direction of the connector and comprises external threads along a part of its axial length and a termination which is operable by the tool; a collet sleeve which is rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing, wherein the collet sleeve comprises internal threads for cooperation with the external threads on the screw element and a plurality of collet fingers at a first axial end of the collet sleeve for connection to the fluid connection interface on the component; and a fluid line insert comprising a groove for a coupler; wherein the outer housing, the screw element and the collet sleeve are arranged such that: a rotation of the screw element in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a first axial direction; and a rotation of the screw element in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction; wherein the outer housing comprises a through-going opening and the collet sleeve comprises at least one recess between neighboring collet fingers, wherein the through-going opening and the at least one recess, when connected, are configured to accommodate the fluid line insert, and wherein the fluid line insert is connectable to the fluid line.
2. The single line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the fluid line insert comprises a through-bore in fluid communication with the flow bore and a connection interface for connection to the fluid line, such that when the fluid line insert is accommodated in the outer housing and the fluid line is connected to the fluid line insert and the coupler is positioned in the flow bore and the fluid line insert, a communication line is formed between the fluid line and the flow bore through the coupler.
3. The single line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the outer housing comprises: an inner axial portion with an increased diameter for receiving the collet fingers an open position of the connector in which the collet fingers are disengaged from the fluid connection interface on the component; and an inner axial portion with a reduced diameter for receiving the collet fingers in an engaged position of the connector in which the collet fingers are locked to the fluid connection interface on the component.
4. The single line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one recess of the collet sleeve has a longer axial length than an axial length of the fluid line insert when the fluid line insert is accommodated in the at least one recess.
5. The single line quick connector according to claim 4, wherein the fluid line insert is configured to be axially fixed relative the outer housing and axially movable relative the collet sleeve, such that the fluid line insert is allowed to move together with the outer housing along the at least one recess in the axial direction.
6. The single line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the collet sleeve is rotationally locked to the outer housing by a number of axially extending elements.
7. The single line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the collet sleeve further comprises a connection ring for termination of the collet fingers at an opposite second axial end of the collet sleeve.
8. The single line quick connector according to claim 7, wherein the connection ring is secured against rotation to the outer housing by a number of axially extending elements.
9. The single line quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a hub rotatably locked to the outer housing such that when the hub is rotated the outer housing is rotated.
10. A fluid line insert for accommodation in a through-going opening in an outer housing of a single line quick connector, the fluid line insert comprising: a hole for receiving fastening means for connecting the fluid line insert to an inner surface of the outer housing radially opposite the through-going opening of the outer housing such that the fluid line insert is axially and rotationally fixed to the outer housing; a groove for receiving a coupler; an external connection interface for connection to an external fluid line; and a through-bore extending from the groove to the connection interface.
11. (canceled)
12. A method of engaging a single line quick connector to a fluid connection interface on a component, the single line quick connector comprising: an outer housing comprising a tool interface at one axial end thereof for operation by a tool; a flow bore for fluid connection with the fluid connection interface; a screw element rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing, the screw element extending in a longitudinal direction of the connector and comprising external threads along a part of its axial length and a termination which is operable by the tool; a collet sleeve rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing, the collet sleeve comprising internal threads for cooperation with the external threads on the screw element and a plurality of collet fingers for connection to the fluid connection interface; and a fluid line insert comprising a groove for a coupler; wherein the outer housing, the screw element and the collet sleeve are arranged such that: a rotation of the screw element in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a first axial direction; and a rotation of the screw element in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction; wherein the outer housing comprises a through-going opening and the collet sleeve comprises at least one recess between neighboring collet fingers, and wherein the through-going opening and the at least one recess, when connected, are configured to accommodate the fluid line insert; wherein the method comprises the steps of: radially positioning the fluid line insert into the through-going opening of the outer housing and the at least one recess of the collet sleeve; positioning a coupler inside the flow bore and the groove of the fluid line insert; providing the single line quick connector with the collet fingers in a disengaged position; moving the single line quick connector relative to the fluid connection interface into a position where the collet fingers snap onto or over the fluid connection interface; rotating the screw element in a first direction resulting in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, to an engaged position where the collet fingers are locked around the fluid connection interface; and connecting a fluid line to the fluid line insert.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein disengagement of the single line quick connector from the fluid connection interface comprises the steps of: rotating the screw element in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, resulting in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, to a disengaged position where the collet fingers are unlocked from the fluid connection interface.
14. A method of overriding a malfunctioning single line quick connector which is in an engaged position in which it is locked to a fluid connection interface on a component, the single line quick connector comprising: an outer housing comprising a tool interface at one axial end thereof for operation by a tool; a flow bore for fluid connection with the fluid connection interface; a screw element rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing, the screw element extending in a longitudinal direction of the connector and comprising external threads along a part of its axial length and a termination which is operable by the tool; a collet sleeve rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing, the collet sleeve comprising internal threads for cooperation with the external threads on the screw element and a plurality of collet fingers for connection to the fluid connection interface; and a fluid line insert comprising a groove for a coupler; wherein the outer housing, the screw element and the collet sleeve are arranged such that: a rotation of the screw element in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a first axial direction; and a rotation of the screw element in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction; wherein the outer housing comprises a through-going opening and the collet sleeve comprises at least one recess between neighboring collet fingers, and wherein the through-going opening and the at least one recess, when connected, are configured to accommodate the fluid line insert; wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a milling tool on a tool; utilizing said milling tool to mill an annular groove around the screw element at least over a distance equal to a travel distance of the collet sleeve to thereby loosen the axially fixed relationship of the screw element relative the outer housing; and utilizing a pushing tool to axially move the outer housing relative the screw element and the collet sleeve to the disengaged position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL FORM OF EMBODIMENT
[0084] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings. Furthermore, even though some of the features are described in relation to the single line quick connector only, it is apparent that they are valid for the related method as well, and vice versa. Hence, any features described in relation to the method are also valid for the single line quick connector 10.
[0085] Furthermore, the single line quick connector 10 will now be described in relation to connection to a subsea component 1 using ROV 3, however, instead of ROV 3, a diver 45 may operate the single line quick connector 10 at shallower depths. In addition, although not explicitly disclosed in the following Figures, the single line quick connector 10 may be used topside where it is operated by a human operator, such topside use of the single line quick connector will be apparent for the skilled person when reading the following disclosure.
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[0091] Now referring to
[0092] The single line quick connector 10 comprises an outer housing 11 comprising an ROV interface 12 in one axial end thereof for operation by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) 3. The opposite axial end of the single line quick connector 10 is for connection to the fluid connection interface 2 on the subsea component 1.
[0093] Starting from the axial end at the position of the ROV interface 12, the single line quick connector 10 comprises a screw element 13 which is rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing 11. The screw element 13 extends in a longitudinal direction of the connector 10 and comprises external threads 15 along a part of its axial length and a termination 16 which is operable by an ROV 3. The screw element 13 is arranged in a fastening plate 39. The fastening plate 39 is rotationally connected to the outer housing 11 and covers the radial cross section of the single line quick connector 10. The fastening plate 39 comprises a center opening 40 for receiving the screw element 13 therethrough and peripheral openings 41 for receiving axially extending elements 30. A distance plate 42 with a corresponding center opening 40 and peripheral openings 41 may be arranged adjacent the fastening plate 39 between the fastening plate 42 and a collet sleeve 17. A contra nut 9 may be fixedly connected to the distance plate 42 and serves as a lock for the screw element 13 when in an end position such that the screw element 13 can “lift” the single line quick connector when disconnecting/releasing from the component 1. The collet sleeve 17 is rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing 11, and comprises a connection ring 31 for termination of a number of collet fingers 19. The connection ring 31 comprises a center screw element bore 38 and peripheral axial bores 37 aligned with the center openings 40 and peripheral openings 41 of the fastening plate 39 and distance plate 42, respectively. The screw element bore 38 of the collet sleeve 17 comprises internal threads 18 for cooperation with the external threads 15 on the screw element 13. The collet sleeve 17 further comprises a plurality of collet fingers 19 connected to the connection ring 31 an axial end thereof and radially flexible collet fingers 19 in an opposite axial end thereof for snap-lock connection to the fluid connection interface 2 on the subsea component 1. The outer housing 110 comprises an inner axial portion with increased diameter 28 for receiving the collet fingers 19 representing an open position of the connector 2 where the collet fingers 19 are disengaged or released relative the fluid connection interface 2 on the subsea component 1, and an inner axial portion with reduced diameter 29 for receiving the collet fingers 19 representing an engaged, locked or connected position of the connector 10 where the collet fingers 19 are locked to the fluid connection interface 2 on the subsea component 1.
[0094] The collet sleeve 17, fastening plate 39 (and ROV connectable hub 32) and distance plate 42 are rotationally locked to the outer housing 11 by axially extending elements 30 running through the peripheral openings 41 in the fastening plate 39 and distance plate 42, respectively, and through the peripheral axial bores 37 of the connection ring 31. The ROV connectable hub 32 is secured to the outer housing 11 by the axially extending elements 30 which run through the ROV connectable hub 32 and into axially extending threaded fastening holes 44 (see.
[0095] The outer housing 11 further comprises a through-going opening 21 and the collet sleeve 17 comprises at least one recess 22 between neighboring collet fingers 19. The through-going opening 21 and the at least one recess 22 are arranged such that, when connected, they are configured to accommodate a fluid line insert 23. The at least one recess 22 has a longer axial extension than the fluid line insert 23 when the fluid line insert 23 is accommodated in the at least one recess 22 which enables the possibility of axial relative movement of the fluid line insert 23 along the at least one recess 22.
[0096] The fluid line insert 23 is connectable to the hydraulic fluid line 20 and comprises a groove 24 for a hydraulic coupler 25 (coupler 25 not shown, see
[0097] The outer housing 11, the screw element 13 and the collet sleeve 17 are arranged such that: a rotation of the screw element 13 in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing 11 relative the collet sleeve 17, and thus the collet fingers 19, in a first axial direction, and a rotation of the screw element 13 in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing 11 relative the collet sleeve 17, and thus the collet fingers 19, in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction.
[0098] A flow bore 14 provides fluid connection through the hydraulic coupler 25 with the fluid connection interface 2 on the subsea component 1 when the single line quick connector 10 is connected to the fluid connection interface 2.
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[0100] The size and shape of the fluid line insert 23 and the through-going opening 21 in the outer housing 11 are complementary such that a tight fit preventing leaks is formed between the them when the fluid line insert 23 is accommodated in the through-going opening 21. This gives a tight and stable positioning of the coupler 25 such that the coupler is fluid tight while at the same time is compensated relative water depth (if used subsea).
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[0102] In operation, with reference to
[0109] The steps of disengaging the connector 10 from the fluid connection interface 2 may comprise the steps of: [0110] rotating the screw element 13 in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, resulting in an axial movement of the outer housing 11 relative the collet sleeve 17, and thus the collet fingers 19, to a disengaged position where the collet fingers 19 unlock from the fluid connection interface 2.
[0111] The single line quick connector further comprises an override function in the event the single line quick connector 10 malfunctions (i.e. gets stuck or broken) when it is in the engaged position and locked onto the fluid connection interface 2 on the subsea component 1. Overriding the single line quick connector 10 may comprise the steps of: [0112] providing a milling tool on a Remotely Operated vehicle (ROV) 3, [0113] utilizing said milling tool to mill an annular groove around the screw element 13 through the fastening plate 39 and any distance plate 42. The axial milling distance being at least equal to a travel distance of the collet sleeve 17. The milling resulting in loosening the axially fixed relationship of the screw element 13 relative the outer housing 11 (via the fastening plate 39), [0114] utilizing a pushing tool of the ROV 3 to axially move the outer housing 11 relative the screw element 13 and the collet sleeve 17 to the disengaged position.
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[0116] Referring to
[0117] The invention is now explained with reference to non-limiting embodiments. However, a skilled person will understand that there may be made alterations and modifications to the embodiment that are within the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.
TABLE-US-00001 List of references: 1 Component/Subsea component 2 Fluid connection interface on subsea component 3 Tool/Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) 4 Power and communication line for ROV 5 Vessel 6 Surface of water 7 Seabed 8 Guide portion 9 Contra nut 10 Single line quick connector 11 Outer housing 12 ROV interface 13 Screw element 14 Flow bore 15 External threads on screw element 16 Termination of screw element 17 Collet sleeve 18 Internal threads 19 Collet fingers 20 Fluid line/Hydraulic fluid line 21 Through-going opening of housing 22 Recess 23 Fluid line insert/fluid line block insert 24 Groove for receiving hydraulic coupler 25 Coupler/Hydraulic coupler 26 Through-bore of fluid line insert 27 Connection interface for hydraulic fluid line 28 Inner axial portion with increased diameter 29 Inner axial portion with reduced diameter 30 Axially extending elements 31 Connection ring 32 ROV connectable hub 33 Dust Cap 34 blind plug 35 Hole for receiving fastening means 36 Fastening means for securing fluid line insert 37 Bore 38 Screw element bore 39 Fastening plate 40 Center opening 41 Peripheral opening 42 Distance plate 44 Fastening holes 45 Diver 47 Guide pin 100 Tension reliever 101 coupler male interface 111 coupler female interface