西南石油大学学报(自然科学版) ›› 2019, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (3): 160-168.DOI: 10.11885/j.issn.1674-5086.2018.02.08.01

• PETROLEUM MACHINERY AND OILFIELD CHEMISTRY • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Connectors for an Underwater Production System and Key Techniques

TANG Yang, ZHANG Zhonggen, YI Dianxue, LIU Peisong, AN Jiawei   

  1. School of Mechatronic Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
  • Received:2018-02-08 Online:2019-06-10 Published:2019-06-10

Abstract: Underwater production systems are widely used in developing deep-water and marginal oil fields. Connectors for an underwater production system are devices that connect subsea wellheads, manifold systems, and underwater control systems in an underwater production system. Therefore, they are key devices in the construction of a complete underwater production system. To further promote the localization of connectors for underwater production systems, both Chinese and international studies related to this topic are reviewed in this study. Based on the research, this study offers a brief overview of the characteristics of the structures, functions, and principles of three main connectors, namely, claw coupling, a clamp connector, and a bolted flange. Moreover, the properties of these connectors are compared and analyzed. In addition, through the analysis of typical products of these three types of connectors, the study summarizes the commonalities of related techniques for these products and describes the development trends of the techniques. Finally, based on the aforementioned analysis, the key techniques for utilizing connectors in underwater production systems, including positioning, alignment, locking, and sealing, are summarized. The difficulties of research and development are clearly highlighted in this study. The analysis of different types of connectors used in existing underwater production systems and relevant key techniques can act as a reference and provide a clear direction for overcoming technical barriers and achieving localization.

Key words: underwater production system, connector, positioning and alignment, locking, sealing

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