US3722585A - Apparatus for aligning and connecting underwater flowlines - Google Patents

Abstract

One or more flowlines are to be connected to one or more companion flowline loops extending from a Christmas tree disposed at the upper end of a well bore extending into the formation from the floor of an ocean, or other body of water, at which a flowline guide structure has been installed. Prior to effecting the connection, the end portions of the flowlines are attached to a flange or hub, which is then releasably secured to a carrier at a flowline or pipeline barge, the carrier and flowlines being lowered from the barge toward the well bore where the coupling hub or flange is attached to an alignment device on the flowline guide structure, which aligns the hub and flowlines with a companion hub secured to the ends of the flowline loops. The carrier is removed and a clamp and seal running tool lowered through the water to position its seal assembly between the aligned flowline hub and flowline loop hub and to relatively pull the hubs against the seal assembly and clamp it therebetween, the running tool then being released.

Description

[ 1 Mar. 27, 1973 Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion D m R GE w G um m mu FG mm TT AC RE m no AC w Assistant ExaminerRichard E. Favreau FLOWLINES [75] Inventors: Bobby 11. Nelson; Benton F. Baugh, Kendnck Subkow & Knege and Bernard Attorney- Kriegel both Houston, Tex.

Vetco [57] ABSTRACT One or more flowlines are to be connected to one or [73] Assignee: Offshore Industries, 1nc.,

Ventura, Calif.

Jan. 12, 1971 [22] Filed:

more companion flowline loops extending from a Christmas tree disposed at the upper end of a well Appl. No.: 105,919

bore extending into the formation from the floor of an ocean, or other body of water, at which a flowline [52] US. .....l66/.6, 285/29 guide structure has been installed. prior to effecting the connection, the end portions of the flowlines are [51] Int. Cl. ...E21b 43/01 Field of attached to a flange or hub, which is then releasably secured to a carrier at a flowline or pipeline barge, the carrier and flowlines being lowered from the barge toward the well bore where the coupling hub or flange 285/24-29, DIG. 21, 137, 421

[56] References Cited UNiTED STATES PATENTS is attached to an alignment device on the flowline guide structure, which aligns the hub and flowlines with a companion hub secured to the ends of the flowline loops. The carrier is removed and a clamp and seal running tool lowered through the water to position its seal assembly between the aligned flowline hub and flowline loop hub and to relatively pull the ...l66/.6 hubs against the seal assembly and clamp it ...166/.6 therebetween, the running tool then being released.

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sumlOUF 12 INVENTO/QS. 104a Roam AT. Memo/v flNgOA/L B40611 41 meme-M APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING AND CONNECTING UNDERWATER FLOWLINES The present invention relates to underwater pipe connection apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus used in effecting a connection between the flowlines of an underwater Christmas tree connected to a well head and flowlines extending laterally through the water from the well and Christmas tree.

Prior systems for completing and producing underwater wells have required the use of a comparatively expensive guide structure mounted at the underwater floor and from which guide lines extend upwardly to a floating drilling vessel. Such guide structure not only serves during the drilling of the well, but includes auxiliary equipment used subsequently for guiding the Christmas tree into appropriate position for connection to the well head. It further includes a means for pulling in and connecting flowlines to the flowline loops extending from the Christmas tree. At the time of lowering and anchoring the guide structure in place, the proper direction for pulling in the flowlines had to be known so that the Christmas tree and flowline loops could be oriented in the proper direction. Since only a small percentage of exploratory well bores drilled become commercial producers, an expensive guide structure was previously provided for routine drilling of the well, despite the fact that the additional facilities provided on such guide structure were not used in the event that a well bore was deemed to be non-commercial.

In the copendin g applications of Bobby H. Nelson for UNDERWATER PIPE CONNECTION AP- PARATUS, filed Jan. 12, 1971, Ser. No. 105,928 and APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING AND CONNECT ING FLOWLINES, filed Jan. 12, 1971, Ser. No. 105,927 apparatus are disclosed that permits a standard and less expensive guide structure to be used in connection with the drilling of an underwater well. After the well has been drilled and the formations encountered have been tested, which determine the well to be a commercial producer, a decision can be made of the type of completion required, including a determination of the most advantageous layout of flowlines to be connected to the Christmas tree, and the direction in which the flowlines should be run from the well.

After making the determination of the direction from the well the flowline should extend, a flowline guide structure is lowered down selected guide lines and onto selected guide posts of the standard guide structure, this flowline guide structure including a flowline alignment assembly. The Christmas tree with the flowline loop secured thereto is oriented and lowered down the guide lines and onto the guide post of the standard guide structure and into coupled relation with the well head, at which time the end portions of the flowline loops will be appropriately related to the flowline hub alignment assembly. The flowlines are lowered toward the hub alignment assembly and their end hub or flange secured thereto in alignment with the Christmas tree hub, such parts then being coupled together in leakproof relation. Such coupling can be effected through the assistance of a diver.

As disclosed in the above application, the placing of the flowline hub in coupled relation to the flowline loops of the Christmas tree is performed through the assistance of a diver, which prevents use of the coupling apparatus in waters below. diver operating depths. With the present invention, the coupling relation between the flowline hub and loop hub can be effected without the assistance of a diver, being under remote control. Through use of remotely controlled equipment, the hubs are placed in sealing relation to each other and are clamped in such sealed relation. In fact, all steps involved in lowering and landing the guide structure, including the flowline alignment assembly lowering the flowlines on a carrier and coupling them to the alignment assembly, removing the lowering apparatus and the carrier, lowering the seal and clamp running tool to locate a seal assembly and clamp carried thereby between the hubs and effect its clamping therebetween, are all accomplished by remote control and without the assistance of a diver.

The seal and clamp running tool locates the seal assembly carried thereby between the flowline hubs, pulls the hubs towards and firmly against the seal assembly, clamps the seal assembly between the hubs, and releases the seal assembly and clamp mechanism from the running tool, permitting the latter to be elevated to the vessel floating in the water above the well bore.

The flowline alignment structure can be lowered with the standard guide structure and located in place in the event the direction the flowlines are to extend is known at the time drilling of the well bore is to commence. The flowline carrier with the flowlines releasably secured thereto can be lowered down the guide structure and the flowline hub appropriately coupled to the flowline alignment assembly, which will place it in alignment with the hub of the flowline loops extending from the Christmas tree, which has previously been lowered and coupled to the well head. In fact, if desired, the flowline flange can be coupled to the flowline alignment assembly before the Christmas tree is lowered down the guidance system and connected to the well head. Regardless of the order of assembling the equipment at the ocean floor described above, the effective coupling and sealing of the flowline loop hub and the flowline hubs to one another is accomplished with remotely operated apparatus.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposes which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a standard guide structure at the floor of an ocean, or other body of water, from which a well bore has been drilled, with a flowline guide structure attached thereto and a Christmas tree related to the standard guide structure and suitably connected to the well, and with its tree hub in alignment with a corresponding alignment means on the flowline guide structure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, on an enlarged scale, of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 1, illustrating a flowline hub and flowlines being lowered down the guide structure;

' FIG. 8 is an enlarged section taken along the line 8- 8 on FIG.

FIG. 9 is a section taken along the line 9-9 on FIG.

FIG. 10 is a section taken along the line 10-10 on FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a section taken along the line 11-11 on FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 5, illustrating the flowline carrier removed, and a clamp and seal running tool lowered in position between the Christmas tree hub and flowline hub aligned therewith;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged section taken along the line 13-13 on FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a section taken along the line 14-14 on FIG. 13, with portions disclosed in elevation;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged section taken along the line 15-15 on FIG. 13; 1

FIG. 16 is a section taken along the line 16-16 on FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the Christmas tree hub moved toward the flowline hub, with the seal assembly clamped therebetween;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view corresponding to FIG. 12, with the seal assembly clamped between the Christmas tree hub and flowline hub;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 with the tubular running string and running too] removed;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view illustrating the clamp assembly shifted to a position firmly clamping the Christmas tree hub and flowline hub against the intervening seal assembly; and

FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary section disclosing the seal relationship between the Christmas tree and flowline hubs therebetween.

In the drilling of a well bore W from the floor F of an ocean or other body of water, a known andstandard guide structure 10 is secured at the floor of the ocean at the time of spudding the well, this guide structure being suitably secured to the ocean floor and having acentral hub 11 to whichdiagonal beams 12 are attached, side beams 13 being disposed between and suitably secured to the outer, portions of the diagonal beams. A guide post l4a,14b, 140 or 14d extends vertically upwardly from each diagonal beam,guide lines 15a, 15b, 15c or 15d being secured to the guide posts and extending upwardly to the drilling platform or drilling vessel (not shown) from which the well bore is drilled. In connection with drilling the well bore, awell head housing 16 is disposed within thecentral hub 11 and is suitably secured thereto, this well head housing being all that is allowed to remain above the hub after the well bore has been drilled and preparatory to running of a Christmas and the seal assembly clampedtree 17 into position, followed by the connection of itsflowline loops 18 to the flowlines 19 (FIG. 2) that will extend laterally from the Christmas tree and thewell head housing 16, as described hereinbelow.

After a determination has been made of the direction theflowlines 19 are to extend from the well, aflowline guide structure 20 is lowered down a pair of guide lines orcables 15a, 15b and onto theircompanion guide posts 14a, 14b. This flowline guide structure includesvertical sleeves 21 spaced horizontally from one another a distance corresponding to the spacing between a pair ofguide posts 14a, 14b, these sleeves having lower guidecones 22 secured thereto for guiding the sleeves over the upper tapered ends 23 of the guide posts and onto the main cylindrical portions of the guide posts therebelow. Thesleeves 21 andcones 22 are welded, or otherwise suitably, secured to an interveningcross-structure 24 andlower platform 25 that include upwardly extendingarm portions 26 spaced from one another, the inner parts of the arm portions being suitably secured to flowlinehub alignment members 27 spaced from each other in oppositely facing relation. Each flowline member has its marginal portions beveled in an outward direction so as to provide tapered or inclined guide surfaces 28 for other devices described hereinbelow. Each member also has a flaringmouth 29 diverging toward the well and merging toward athroat portion 30 for centering aChristmas tree hub 31 with respect to thehub alignment members 27, as described hereinbelow.

Themembers 27 have inner oppositely facing horizontal andvertical lock grooves 32, 33, there being an upper outwardly directedhorizontal flange 34 at the upper end of each member, each flange having avertical slot 35 therethrough diverging in a lateral outward direction. The flowlinehub alignment members 27 are spaced a predetermined distance apart and are located on thecross member 24 of the flowline guide structure closer to one of thevertical guide sleeves 21 than the other of thevertical guide sleeves 21 so that the central vertical plane between theplate members 27 will be appropriately positioned with respect to theflowline loop hub 31 extending from the Christmas tree.

Theflowline guide structure 20 is lowered down theguide lines 15a, 15b and over a selected pair ofguide posts 14a, 14b until the lower ends of theguide cones V 22 andcross member 24, which may be located in the same horizontal plane, come to rest upon aside beam 13. A suitable running tool, described hereinbelow, may be used for lowering theguide structure 20 to the position described. Upon engaging thestandard guide structure 10, the flowline guide structure is locked to the latter by means of latches 36 (FIGS. 6, 7) pivotally mounted on the flowline guide structure, each latch having a taperedguide nose 37 which terminates at its upper portion in alatch dog 38, the taperedguide surface 37 engaging theupper flange 39 of aguide beam 13, which deflects it outwardly until thelatch dog 38 passes below theupper flange 39 whereupon gravity or aspring 40 bias the latch inwardly to position itsdog 38 under the flange, thereby preventing upward movement of theflowline guide structure 20 relative to thestandard guide structure 10.

Theflowline guide structure 20 can be lowered along theguide lines 15a, 15b and into the position just described through use of the runningtool 41 illustrated most clearly in FIG. 8. This tool includes a pair of guide funnels 42 held in spaced relation a distance equal to the spacing between a pair ofguide posts 14a, 14b by across structure 43 suitably afifixed thereto. This cross structure carries a pair of dependingkeys 44 adapted to be received in thekey slots 35 in theside members 27, there being alatch 45 pivotally mounted on each key and having alower lock dog 46 adapted to fit under aside member flange 34 to releasably secure the running tool to theguide structure 20. A helical compression spring 47 engages each dog above itspivot 48, urging it in an outward direction and thedog 46 in an inward direction. Release of eachdog 46 can occur under remote control by feeding fluid under pressure to the head end of acylinder 49 affixed to and forming part of thetool 41, the fluid acting against apiston 50 in the cylinder that has arod 51 secured thereto that bears against the outer upper portion of thelatch 45. Such fluid under pressure shifts thepiston 50 toward the latch and swings the upper portion of the latter against the force of the helical spring 47 about itspivot 48, which effects outward movement of thedog 46 from under theflange 34, thereby effecting release of each latch from its associated flange.

Lowering of theflowline guide structure 20 can be accomplished through use of the runningtool 41. Thealignment keys 44 are disposed in theflange slots 35, with the latch dogs 46 positioned under the outwardly directedflanges 34 of thealignment members 27. Upwardly convergingcables 52 are suitably secured to thecross member 43, being connected to aloop 53 to which the lower end of a loweringcable 54 is attached. The runningtool 41 and theflowline guide structure 20 secured thereto by thelatches 45 are then lowered along the guide lines a, 15b and onto theguide posts 14a, 14b to the extent limited by engagement of the flowline guide structure with theside beam 13, thelatches 36 engaging theupper flange 39 of the guide beam and then being moved inwardly under the flange by thesprings 40, to secure theflowline guide structure 20 to thestandard guide structure 10. After this has occurred, the runningtool 41 is released from theflowline guide structure 20 by introducing the fluid under pressure through suitable hoses (not shown) into the head ends of theunlatching cylinders 49, shifting theirpistons 50 androds 51 toward each other and against thelatches 45 to swing theirdog portions 46 outwardly from under theflanges 34, whereupon the runningcable 54 can be elevated to remove the runningtool 41 from theguide posts 14a, 14b and upwardly along theguide lines 15a, 15b to the floating vessel.

The running tool is also employed in lowering theflowlines 19 and theflowline hub 55 secured to their end portions into position for coupling to thealignment structure 27, the running tool functioning as a carrier for the flowline hub and flowlines attached thereto. As disclosed, the ends of theflowlines 19 are suitably connected to a flowline support andconnector hub 55, which has a pair of spaced upper ears or brackets-56 provided with alignedholes 57. As disclosed, thecarrier portion 41a of the running tool includes a pair ofopposed cylinders 58 suitably secured thereto, each cylinder containing apiston 59 and apiston pin 60 extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to be received within acompanion hole 57 in ahub bracket 56. A helical compression spring 61 is disposed in the head end of each cylinder, to urge thepistons 59 and their pins inwardly toward each other and to retain them within theholes 57 of thebrackets 56, thereby connecting the running tool orcarrier 41, 41a to theflowline hub 55. When thecarrier 41a is to be released from theflowline hub 55, fluid under pressure passes through suitable lines orhoses 62 into the pin ends of thecylinders 58, such fluid forcing thepistons 59 and thepins 60 in directions away from each other and against the forces of the springs 61 to remove the pivot pins 60 from the alignedholes 57 in the ears orbrackets 56.

Theflowline hub 55 is pivotally connected to theretractable pins 60 extending through theholes 57 itsbrackets 56, the runningtool 41 being lowered down the proper pair ofguide lines 15a, 15b by means of thecable 54, to correspondingly lower theflowline hub 55 and theflowlines 19 connected thereto (FIG. 2). The lowering action continues until thealignment keys 44 pass into theslots 35 of theflanges 34 of thealignment assembly 20 and come to rest, thelatches 45 first being carnmed outwardly by theflanges 34 and then swinging inwardly under the flanges to releasably secure the runningtool 41 to theflowline guide structure 20. At this time, theflowline hub 55 is disposed partially between theside members 27 of the alignment assembly (FIG. 4). Theflowlines 19 are then lowered toward the ocean floor F, thehub 55 pivoted about thepins 60. When the flowline hub reaches a horizontal position, horizontal and vertical spring pressedkeys 65,

66 mounted in the sides of theflowline hub 55 are brought into alignment with the horizontal andvertical grooves 32, 33 of theside members 27 of theflowline alignment structure 20, these keys being forced partially outwardly into such horizontal and vertical grooves by helical compression springs 67 mounted aroundcap screws 68 secured to the flowline flange or hub and which extend freely through the keys, theouter heads 69 of the screws limiting the extent of outward movement of the keys. When the horizontal andvertical keys 65, 66 snap into the companion horizontal andvertical grooves 32, 33 in theflowline alignment structure 20, theflowline hub 55 is locked in place, both horizontally and vertically, and in substantially complete alignment with thehub 31 secured to theflowline loops 18 of theChristmas tree 17.

The runningtool 41 is now released from thealignment assembly 20 and from theflowline hub 55 by the introduction of fluid under pressure into theunlatching cylinders 49, and fluid under pressure into theflowline hub cylinders 58, thelatches 45 being shifted outwardly from under theflanges 34 and thepins 60 being retracted within thecylinders 58. A pull can now be taken on the runningcable 54, which will elevate the runningtool 41 from the flowline alignment structure another in leakproof relation under the control of an operator on the vessel floating in the body of water. A.

sealassembly 80 is to be disposed between the flowline and tree hub and clamped thereto in leakproof relation, so that theflowline loops 18 are in communication with thecompanion flowlines 19 extending from theflowline hub 55. As disclosed in FIGS. 12 to 21, a clamp and sealassembly 81 is attached to a runningtool 82 suitably secured to a tubular running string ofdrill pipe 83, or the like, that will extend to the floating vessel. The seal assembly includes abody portion 84 havingpassages 85 therethrough corresponding to the alignedpassages 86 in theflowline loop hub 31 andflowline hub 55, each body passage contains aseal sleeve 87 made of a suitable material having outwardly tapering end surfaces 88 for engagement withincompanion ring grooves 89 surrounding thepassages 86 in the tree hub orflange 31 and the flowline hub orflange 55.

To assure alignment of theseal assembly passages 85 and theirseal sleeves 86 with thepassages 86 in the tree flange and flowline flange, thebody 84 has axially extending alignment pins 90 secured thereto and projecting from opposite sides thereof having, taperedouter portions 91 merging into cylindricalinner portions 92, the tapered portions being shiftable into companion alignment bores 93 opening through the confronting end faces of the tree andflowline flanges 31, 55.

Theupper portion 94 of the seal body is cylindrical and hasexternal threads 95 extending along its length, these threads being in mesh with a rotatable actuator ornut 96 supported upon atransverse actuator bar 97 by virtue of ashoulder 98 on the rotatable member resting upon the upper surface of the bar, anut 99 being threaded on the lower end of the actuator and being engageable with the lower surface of the bar. Theclamp bar 97 is non-rotatable, but permits rotation of theactuator member 96 and itsnut 99 with respect thereto.

Theclamp bar 97 has itsouter portions 97a extending into a pair of laterally spacedsegmental clamp members 100 held in spaced relation with each other byscrews 101 passing through their upper portions on opposite sides of the bar,nuts 102 being threaded on the outer ends of the screws and bearing against the segmental clamp members. Thesegmental clamp members 100 are disposed on opposite sides of the seal as semblybody 84 in juxtaposition thereto. Each segment has a pair ofupper cams 103 withinner cam surfaces 103a inclined in a downward andoutward direction and a pair oflower cams 104 withlower cam surfaces 104a inclined in a downward and outward direction, the upper andlower cams 103, 104 being spaced from one another to providegaps 105 therebetween. Corresponding upper andlower cams 106, 107 are provided on the sides of thetree hub 31 and on the sides of theflowline hub 55, these cams having upper and lower cam surfaces 108, 109 inclined in a downward and outward direction with respect to their end faces 31a, 55a, the upper andlower cams 106,. 107 at each side of the hubs being spaced from each other to provide gaps 1 therebetween through which thelower cams 104 of the clamp segments can pass relatively, thegaps 105 in the clamp segments permitting theupper cams 106 of thehubs 31, 55 to pass relatively therethrough, as described below.

The clamp and sealassembly 81 is supported by the running andactuating tool 82, which includes a pullingbracket 115 having anopening 116 into which an upwardly extending pullingbracket 117 on the tree flange orhub 31 can be received, theclamp segments 100 extend upwardly through the pulling bracket which hasside flanges 118 thereon on opposite sides of the clamp segments that fit under theend portions 97a of theclamp actuator bar 97, such that the pullingbracket 115 supports the actuatingbar 97 and the clamp and sealassembly 81 carried thereby. The pulling bracket.

115 extends crosswise of theclamp segments 100 and sealassembly 80, with its end portion being secured topiston rods 119 extending intocylinders 120 secured to themain body 121 of the running tool on opposite sides of thesegments 100, the rods being secured to pistons 122 (FIG. 16) reciprocable in the cylinders. Suitable hydraulic lines (not shown) are connected to the head and rod ends of thecylinders 120 so as to either extend therods 119 from the cylinders or to retract them into the cylinders.

Thebody 121 has abracket 123 secured thereto at the head ends of the cylinders having aslot 124 therein adapted to fit over the ears orbrackets 56 of the flowline flange orhub 55. Thus, when thebody brackets 123 fits over theflowline flange 55 and the pulling bracket fits over thetree flange 31, the introduction of fluid under pressure into the rod ends of the cylinders will effect a pulling of thetree flange 31 toward theflowline flange 55. The introduction of fluid into the head ends of thecylinders 120 will produce the reverse relative motion.

It will be noted that themain body 121 of the running andactuating tool 82 has its lower portions straddling and extending on opposite sides of theclamp segments 100, which is also true of thehydraulic cylinders 120. This main body is supported by a carrier through the agency ofaxial cap screws 131 threadedly secured in the upper portion of thebody 121 and extending throughslots 132 in the carrier, theheads 133 of the cap screws engaging the upper sides of the outwardly extendingportions 134 of the carrier to support thebody 121 therefrom. The carrier structure is secured to themandrel 135 of the running tool by means ofscrews 136, or the like, this mandrel, having an upper threadedbox 137 threadedly secured to thetubular running string 83.

Mounted within thecarrier structure 130 is aworm wheel 138 secured to asleeve 139 suitably rotatably mounted in the carrier structure, this sleeve carrying a key 140 urged radially inwardly by ahelical compression spring 141 against the periphery of therotatable actuating member 96 and into a longitudinal slot orkeyway 142 formed therein. When the key is disposed in the slot orkeyway 142, theworm wheel 138 is rotatably coupled to theactuator 96.

Mounted on thecarrier 130 is a hydraulic motor and reduction gearing 143 including aworm gear 144 meshing with theworm wheel 138. Fluid under pressure flows through a suitable line (not shown) to thehydraulic motor 143 to rotate the same, and thereby effect rotation of itsworm gear 144 and theworm wheel 138.

It is to be noted that the upper portion of thebody 121 has aslot 145 therein through which therotatable sleeve 139 extends. Such slot permits relative bodily movement of themandrel 135,carrier 130, rotatable actuating mechanism 139-144, and seal and clampassembly 81 with respect to thebody 121 of the tool, thecarrier 130 sliding along the upper surface of thebody 121.

Asafety bar 150 is secured to the threadedstem portion 94 of theseal body 80 immediately above the upper centering pins 90, this safety bar having taperedend portions 151 adapted to rest upon the tree andflowline hubs 31, 55 when they move relatively toward each other, for the purpose of temporarily supporting theseal assembly 80 as described hereinbelow.

When the sealed relationship between the tree andflowline flanges 31, 55 is to be effected, the clamp and sealassembly 81 is mounted in thebody 121 of the tool, with the pullingbracket 115 extended outwardly to its fullest extent, at which time theside flanges 118 of the pulling bracket are disposed under thebar 97 to support the clamp and sealassembly 81 therefrom, the parts then occupying the relationship illustrated in FIG. 13. The spring pressed key 140 may or may not be disposed in the longitudinalkey slot 142, inasmuch as it will automatically feed into such slot upon rotation of theworm wheel 138 by thehydraulic motor 143. Themandrel 135 is secured to the runningstring 83, thebody 121 of the tool havingcross members 160 secured to it and projecting outwardly therefrom, which terminate infunnels 161 separated from one another in conformance with the spacing between a pair ofadjacent guide posts 14a, 14b. The combination of apparatus is lowered by thetubular running string 83 through the water with thefunnels 161 being guided down the guide lines a, 15b and then passing onto theguide posts 14a, 14b, the apparatus coming to rest when theflowline flange brackets 56 are received within theslot 124 of thebody bracket 123 and with thetree pulling bracket 117 disposed within theopening 116 of the pullingbracket 115 of the actuating tool (FIG. 12). As this time, theclamp segments 100 and the clamp andactuator nut 96 are disposed in an uppermost position, as disclosed in FIGS. 13-15).

Fluid under pressure is then fed into the rod ends of thecylinders 120 to pull thebracket 117 and the tree flange orhub 31 toward the flowline flange orhub 55. Theend face 31a of the tree flange will engage the companion end face 840 of theseal body 80, theupper cams 106 on the side faces of thetree flange 31 passing through the gaps orspaces 105 of theactuator segments 100, thelower cams 104 of the actuator segments moving relatively through thespaces 110 between the upper and lowertree flange cams 106, 107 until theend face 31a of the tree flange engage the companion face 84a on the seal assembly body, the ends 88 of the seal rings 87 being received within theseal grooves 89 of the tree flange. Assurance is had that the parts will move into the above relationship by engagement of centeringpins 170 on thetree hub 31 into the flaringmouth 29 andthroat 30 of thealignment members 27. These parts are appropriately centered with respect to one another by the reception of the centering pins 90 in the centering bores 93 of the tree flange. The continued feeding of fluid under pressure into thehydraulic cylinders 120 effects continued movement of thetree flange 31 toward theflowline flange 55, such movement shifting theseal assembly 80, clamp segments and the entire hydraulic motor and gear drive mechanism 96-99, 130, 139-143, 135 toward thehub flange 55, theupper cams 106 projecting from the sides of thehub flange 55 passing through the openings or gaps in the clamp segments, with thelower cams 104 on the clamp segments passing through the gaps of the flowline flange, until the centering pins 90 enter the companion centering bores 93 of thehub flange 55, and theend face 55a of the hub flange engages the companion face 84b of theclamp body 84, with the seal rings orsleeves 87 engaged in thesleeve grooves 89 of theflowline flange 55.

The seal faces 31a, 84a and 55a,84b engage each other, with theclamp segments 100 in their upper position, but with thehub cams 106, 107 disposed inwardly of thecompanion cams 103, 104 on the clamp segments, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Prior to the time that the part reach this position, the pulling bracket 1 15 will have moved toward theflowline flange 55 to an extent at which itsside flanges 118 ride off the outer ends 97a of theclamp actuator bar 97, thereby discontinuing the vertical support of the clamp and sealassembly 81, together with itsactuating nut 96, by the pullingbracket 115. However, the support is momentarily taken up by the fact that thesafety bar 150 engages the upper ends of thetree flange 31 and thehub flange 55 prior to the time that theactuator flanges 118 ride off the clamp bar 97 (FIG. 17). When the centering pins 90 are received within the centering bores 93, theseal assembly 80 and the parts associated therewith are supported by the tree and flowline hubs orflanges 31, 55.

As described above, the movement of thetree flange 31 into engagement with theseal assembly 80 effects movement of the latter together with theclamp segments 100 and the motor and gear mechanism thereabove 138-144, as well as the carrier and mandrel toward theflowline flange 55, as permitted by the slot in thebody 121 of the running and operatingtool 82 and theslots 132 in the carrier structure, the runningstring 83 being capable of deflecting sufficiently to permit such action to occur.

Following the initial clamping of theseal assembly 80 between the tree andflowline hubs 31, 55, fluid under pressure is fed to thehydraulic motor 143 to effect its rotation and rotation of theworm wheel 138 and of thedrive member 139 and clampactuator nut 96, the latter rotating within theclamp actuator bar 97 and threading downwardly along the non-rotating threadedshaft 94 of theseal body 80. Such downward movement carries theclamp bar 97 andsegments 100 downwardly with them, thecams 103, 104 of the clamp segments sliding downwardly along the external cam faces 108, 109 on the tree andflowline flanges 31, 55 to force and urge such flanges more firmly toward each other and against theseal assembly 80, insuring the appropriate sealing relation of the seal rings orsleeves 87 in thecompanion grooves 89 in the tree flange and flowline flange. This downward movement continues until theseal assembly 80 is clamped firmly and securely between the tree andflowline flanges 31, 55 (FIG. 18). The hydraulic fluid pressure applied to themotor 143 can then be relieved. The angle of taper of the coengagingcam surfaces 103a, 104a and 108, 109 is a self-locking angle so that thesegments 100 will remain clamped against thecams 106, 107 on the tree and flowline flanges, the segments remaining permanently in their clamped position until purposely released. In other words, the clamping force between the parts cannot inadvertently effect an upward shifting of theclamp segments 100 from their clamped relation.

If desired, the runningstring 83 can now be elevated, which will remove themandrel 135,carrier 130 andbody 121 of the tool, as well as the hydraulic motor and gear drive mechanism 139-143, including therotatable sleeve 139 and the key 140, upwardly relative to theclamp actuator nut 96, and the parts contained therewith, the cylinder and piston mechanism 120-122 and thebrackets 115, 123 being elevated with respect to the tree andflowline flanges 31, 55. In this connection, the fluid pressure in thecylinders 120 will be relieved so that the elevation of the pullingbracket 115 will cause it to slide up theincline surface 117a of thetree flange bracket 117, the pullingbracket 115 shifting to the required extent in a horizontal direction, as permitted by theelongate slot 116 through which the tree flange bracket extends. The runningstring 83 and mechanism connected thereto can now be elevated through the water to the floating vessel, leaving thetree flange 31 andflowline flange 55 in sealed relation with respect to each other, so that fluid and flowline tools can pass therebetween.

Provision is made for testing theseals 87 for leakage. As disclosed, a back-upseal ring 180 is provided in each face of the seal body around each ring gasket orsleeve 87. Thebody 84 has a central passage 181 (FIGS. 14, 15, 21) leading downwardly from its upperopen end 182, communicating with acircumferential groove 183 around eachseal sleeve 87 so that fluid under pressure in thecentral passage 181 can pass around the periphery of each seal sleeve toward thering grooves 89 in the end faces of the tree and flowline flanges. Such fluid under pressure is prevented from passing laterally outwardly from each seal sleeve by the sealing engagement of the back-upseals 180 against the end faces 31a, 55a of the treeand flowline flanges.

Fluid under pressure can pass downwardly into thebody passage 181, but is prevented for passing upwardly by a check valve 185 (FIG. shiftable axially in avalve body 186 threadedly secured to the upper end of theseal body portion 94, aspring 187 urging the check valve upwardly to its closedposition against a companion valve seat 188 in the valve body, the check valve having a stem 189 extending upwardly from its head which is of a lesser diameter than the valve body passage 190 thereabove, to provide an annular flow passage therearound which communicates with lateral ports 191 in the valve body. Above such ports 191, the valve stem has a reduceddiameter portion 192 slidably and sealingly mounted in the valve body, the stem extending into acounterbore 193 in the upper portion of the valve body. Aprotector ring 194 encompasses thevalve body 186, being held in its upward position thereon by ahelical spring 195, the lower end of which rests upon avalve body shoulder 196.

When the clamp and sealassembly 81 is assembled within therotatable sleeve 139, theactuator nut 96 passes upwardly around he exterior of astem 197 depending from themandrel 135, thevalve body 186 moving upwardly into abore 198 in this stem and into sealed engagement with sea] rings 199 disposed on opposite sides of a mandrel groove 200 communicating with the valve body ports 191. At this time, anaxial pin 201 fixed to themandrel 135 engages thestem 192 of the check valve to shift it downwardly to open position against the force of itsspring 187.

The mandrel groove 200 communicates with atest passage 202 in the mandrel, and which communicates an uppercentral passage 203 in the mandrel.

After the tree andflowline hubs 31, 55 have been clamped against the intervening clamp and sealassembly 81, the effectiveness of theseals 87 can be tested by fluid pressure being imposed through the runningstring 83 and through a suitable dart (not shown) disposed in themandrel passage 203, which will direct such fluid under pressure to thetest passage 202, 200, from where it will flow through the valve ports 191 into the central passage 190, around thecheck valve 185, and then to thebody passage 181 therebelow, for movement around the exterior of theseal sleeves 87 to the end faces 31a, 84a and 55a, 84b and grooves 89of the tree andflowline flanges 31, 55. If some leak is indicated, thehydraulic motor 143 can be actuated to a further extent to force theclamp segments 100 downwardly and urge the tree and flowline flanges more firmly against the seal rings 87 and against the faces 84a, 84b of theseal body 84.

If the test indicates the absence of leaks, the fluid pressure can be relieved and themandrel 83 elevated to lift the entire running andactuating tool mechanism 82 off thesegments 100 andactuator nut 96. The removal of the mandrel stem 197 from within thenut 96 permits thespring 187 to shift thevalve 185 upwardly against its seat 188, thereby closing thetest passage 181. Thetool 82 can be elevated to the drilling vessel, leaving the seal assembly clamped between thehubs 31, 55 (FIGS. 19,20).

The mandrel is disclosed as having a plurality ofdifferent ports 210 which can cooperate with appropriate darts (not shown) to control the passage of hydraulic fluid under pressure to the varioushydraulic cylinders 120 andmotor 143 of the apparatus. These, however, are not illustrated nor described since they form no part of the invention claimed in the present case.

In the event it is desired to disconnect thetree flange 31 from theflowline flange 55, the running tool andactuating mechanism 82 are lowered on thetubular running string 83 down theguide linesv 15a, 15b with the pullingbracket 115 disposed in its inward position so that it can pass over thetree flange bracket 117 andbody bracket 123 over theflowline bracket 56. The apparatus is lowered until therotatable sleeve 139 passes over theactuator nut 96, theslot 124 on the body passing over theflowline bracket 56 and theother slot 116 on the pulling bracket passing over thecorresponding bracket 117 of the tree flange. Thehydraulic motor 143 is then caused to rotate in a reverse direction to that previously described, the key snapping into thegroove 142, thereby effecting rotation of thenut 96 to feed the nut, together with theclamp bar 97 and thesegments 100 upwardly to an unclamping position, the safety bar resting from the upper ends of the tree andflowline flanges 31, 55. Fluid under pressure is then fed into the head ends of thecylinders 120 to shift the pulling bracket 1 15 outwardly away from theseal assembly 80, the flanges 1 18 on the bracket I15 engaging under theclamp bar 97 to support theclamp segments 100 and theseal assembly 80. The runningstring 83 can now be elevated to elevate the mechanism connected thereto, including theclamp segments 100 and sealassembly 80, through the water and to the floating vessel.

We claim:

1. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means adapted to be lowered down the guidance system through the water to the location of the well bore, means securing said alignment means to the lower portion of the guidance system after its lowering to said location, fluid flow apparatus including one or more flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, second connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means for lowering said carrier, second connector means and one or more second flowlines along said guidance system toward said alignment means, coengageable means on said carrier and flowline alignment means for placing said second con nector means in a predetermined position with respect to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means with said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, and means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other, whereby fluids can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second 2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; disconnectable means releasably connecting said carrier to said one or more second flowlines, and means for releasing said disconnectable means after said second connector means has been aligned with said first connector means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; means releasably connecting said carrier to said second connector means, and means for releasing said disconnectable means after said second connector means has been aligned with said first connector means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

4. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; detachable means releasably connecting said carrier to said alignment means, and means for releasing said detachable means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

5. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other comprising a seal device movable between said first and second connector means to a position axially spaced from said first and second connector means, and means for relatively moving said first and second connector means axially toward said seal device and each other to clamp said seal device therebetween.

6. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other to enable the operative connection between said first and second connector means to be made.

7. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other to enable the operative connection between said first and second connector means to be made.

8. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other comprising a seal device movable between said first and second connector means to a position axially spaced from said first and second connector means, hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for relatively moving said first and second connector means axially toward said seal device and each other into engagement with said seal device therebetween, and clamp means movable laterally of said first and second connector means into engagement therewith to force said first and second connector means into firm sealing engagement with said seal device.

9. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, second connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means for lowering said carrier, second connector means and one or more second flowlines along said guidance system toward said alignment means, coengageable means on said carrier and flowline alignment means for placing said second connector means in a predetermined position with respect to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means with said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, and means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other, whereby fluids can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines; detachable means releasably connecting said carrier to said alignment means, means for releasing said detachable means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system, disconnectable means releasably connecting said carrier to said second connector means, and means for releasing said detachable means and said disconnectable means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

10. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more flowlines communicating with the well bore and

Claims (24)

1. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means adapted to be lowered down the guidance system through the water to the location of the well bore, means securing said alignment means to the lower portion of the guidance system after its lowering to said location, fluid flow apparatus including one or more flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, second connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means for lowering said carrier, second connector means and one or more second flowlines along said guidance system toward said alignment means, Coengageable means on said carrier and flowline alignment means for placing said second connector means in a predetermined position with respect to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means with said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, and means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other, whereby fluids can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines.

2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; disconnectable means releasably connecting said carrier to said one or more second flowlines, and means for releasing said disconnectable means after said second connector means has been aligned with said first connector means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; means releasably connecting said carrier to said second connector means, and means for releasing said disconnectable means after said second connector means has been aligned with said first connector means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

4. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; detachable means releasably connecting said carrier to said alignment means, and means for releasing said detachable means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

5. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other comprising a seal device movable between said first and second connector means to a position axially spaced from said first and second connector means, and means for relatively moving said first and second connector means axially toward said seal device and each other to clamp said seal device therebetween.

6. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other to enable the operative connection between said first and second connector means to be made.

7. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other to enable the operative connection between said first and second connector means to be made.

8. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other comprising a seal device movable between said first and second connector means to a position axially spaced from said first and second connector means, hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for relatively moving said first and second connector means axially toward said seal device and each other into engagement with said seal device therebetween, and clamp means movable laterally of said first and second connector means into engagement therewith to force said first and second connector means into firm sealing engagement with said seal device.

9. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, second connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means for lowering said carrier, second connector means and one or more second flowlines along said guidance system toward said alignment means, coengageable means on said carrier and flowline alignment means for placing said second connector means in a predetermined position with respect to said alignment means, means for coupling Said second connector means to said alignment means with said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, and means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other, whereby fluids can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines; detachable means releasably connecting said carrier to said alignment means, means for releasing said detachable means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system, disconnectable means releasably connecting said carrier to said second connector means, and means for releasing said detachable means and said disconnectable means to permit elevation of said carrier along said guidance system.

10. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, second connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means for lowering said carrier, second connector means and one or more second flowlines along said guidance system toward said alignment means, coengageable means on said carrier and flowline alignment means for placing said second connector means in a predetermined position with respect to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means with said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, and means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other, whereby fluids can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines; said means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other comprising a seal device movable between said first and second connector means, hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for relatively moving said first and second connector means into engagement with said seal device therebetween, said first and second connector means having cams projecting from their sides, and clamp means straddling the sides of said first and second connector means and movable laterally of said first and second connector means and having cams engaging and slidable along said other cams to force said first and second connector means into firm sealing engagement with said seal device.

11. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, a carrier, one or more second flowlines carried by said carrier and adapted to be lowered therewith through the body of water, second connector means secured to said one or more second flowlines, means for lowering said carrier, second connector means and one or more second flowlines along said guidance system toward said alignment means, coengageable means on said carrier and flowline alignment means for placing said second connector means in a predetermined position with respect to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means with said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, and means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other, whereby fluids can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one oR more second flowlines; hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other, said means for operatively connecting said first and second connector means to each other including cams projecting from the sides of said first and second connector means, and clamp means straddling the sides of said first and second connector means and movable laterally of said first and second connector means and having cams engaging and slidable along said other cams to force said first and second connector means toward each other.

12. In apparatus for use in conjunction with a well bore drilled in the formation from a floor below a body of water: a wellhead device communicable with the well bore and disposed adjacent to the floor, said device having a first joint means, a second device having a second joint means and adapted to be lowered in the body of water, means for positioning said second device with its second joint means in alignment with and axially spaced from said first joint means, a seal device, actuating means adapted to be lowered with said seal device in the body of water to position said seal device between and in alignment with said first joint means and second joint means, said first and second joint means having cams projecting from their sides, said actuating means including clamp means straddling the sides of said first and second joint means and having cams engaging and slidable along said other cams to force said first and second joint means into firm sealing engagement with said seal device.

13. In apparatus for use in conjunction with a well bore drilled in the formation from a floor below a body of water: a wellhead device communicable with the well bore and disposed adjacent to the floor, said device having a first joint means, a second device having a second joint means and adapted to be lowered in the body of water, means for positioning said second device with the second joint means in alignment with and axially spaced from said first joint means, means for operatively connecting said first and second joint means to each other whereby fluid can flow therebetween comprising cams projecting from the sides of said first and second joint means, clamp means straddling the sides of said first and second joint means and having cams engageable with said other cams, and means for shifting said clamp means laterally of said first and second said joint means to engage and slide said cams of said clamp means along said other cams to force said first and second joint means toward each other.

14. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means adapted to be lowered down the guidance system through the water to the location of the well bore, means securing said alignment means to the lower portion of the guidance system after its lowering to said location, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowline communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, one or more second flowlines secured to a second connector means and adapted to be lowered with said second connector means to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means to position said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, a seal device, means for lowering said seal device into a position between said first and second connector means, and means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other to clamp said seal device therebetween, whereby fluid can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines.

15. In apparatus as defined in claim 14; said clamp means being movable laterally of said first and second connectoR means into engagement therewith to force said first and second connector means into firm sealing engagement with said seal device.

16. In apparatus as defined in claim 14; said lowering means comprising a running tool supporting said seal device and connectable to a running string, and means for releasing said running tool from supporting relation to said seal device to permit withdrawal of said running tool after said seal device has been clamped between said first and second connector means.

17. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, one or more second flowlines secured to a second connector means and adapted to be lowered with said second connector means to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means to position said second connector means in substantial alignment with said first connector means, a seal device, means for lowering said seal device into a position between said first and second connector means, and means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other to clamp said seal device therebetween, whereby fluid can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines; said clamp means comprising cams on said first and second connector means projecting from the sides thereof, an actuator straddling the sides of said first and second connector means and having cams engageable with and slidable along said other cams, and means for shifting said actuator laterally of said first and second connector means to slide said actuator cams along said other cams and force said first and second connector means into firm sealing engagement with said seal device.

18. In apparatus as defined in claim 17; said clamp means further comprising hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for shifting them relatively toward each other.

19. In apparatus as defined in claim 17; said lowering means comprising a running tool supporting said seal device and actuator and connectable to a running string, and means for releasing said running tool from supporting relation to said seal device and actuator to permit withdrawal of said running tool after said seal device has been clamped between said first and second connector means.

20. In apparatus as defined in claim 17; said clamp means further comprising hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for shifting them relatively toward each other, said lowering means comprising a running tool connectable to a running string and connected to said hydraulically operable means and supporting said seal device actuator, and means for releasing said running tool from supporting relation to said seal device and actuator to permit withdrawal of said running tool and hydraulically operable means after said seal device has been clamped between said first and second connector means.

21. In apparatus wherein a guidance system is disposed at and extends upwardly from the floor of a body of water and through which a well bore has been drilled into the underlying formation, the combination therewith of flowline alignment means mounted on said guidance system, fluid flow apparatus including one or more first flowlines communicating with the well bore and secured to a first connector means facing said alignment means, one or more second flowlines secured to a second connector means and adapted to be lowered with said second connector means to said alignment means, means for coupling said second connector means to said alignment means to position said second connector meaNs in substantial alignment with said first connector means, a seal device, means for lowering said seal device into a position between said first and second connector means, and means for relatively moving said first and second connector means toward each other to clamp said seal device therebetween, whereby fluid can flow between said one or more first flowlines and one or more second flowlines; said clamp means comprising cams on said first and second connector means projecting from the sides thereof, an actuator straddling the sides of said first and second connector means and having cams engageable with and slidable along said other cams, means for shifting said actuator laterally of said first and second connector means, a threaded member secured to said seal device, a nut threaded on said member and operatively connected to said actuator, and means for rotating said nut to feed said nut along said threaded member and said actuator laterally of said first and second connector means to slide said actuator cams along said other cams and force said first and second connector means into firm sealing engagement with said seal device.

22. In apparatus as defined in claim 21; said clamp means further comprising hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for shifting them relatively toward each other.

23. In apparatus as defined in claim 21; said lowering means comprising a running tool supporting said seal device and actuator and connected to a running string, and means for releasing said running tool from supporting relation to said seal device and actuator to permit withdrawal of said running tool after said seal device has been clamped between said first and second connector means.

24. In apparatus as defined in claim 21; said clamp means further comprising hydraulically operable means engageable with said first and second connector means for shifting them relatively toward each other, said lowering means comprising a running tool connectable to a running string and connected to said hydraulically operable means and supporting said seal device and actuator, and means for releasing said running tool from supporting relation to said seal device and actuator to permit withdrawal of said running tool and hydraulically operable means after said seal device has been clamped between said first and second connector means.

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