Secondary unlock tool for subsea connectors

A tool for mechanically unlocking a subsea hydraulic connector which is configured to releasably connect a first subsea component to a second subsea component, the connector comprising a housing which is secured to the first subsea component, a locking piston which is positioned within the housing, and a number of locking jaws which are configured to be engaged by the locking piston, the locking piston being movable between a locked position in which the locking piston forces the locking jaws into engagement with the second subsea component to thereby secure the connector to the second subsea component, and an unlocked position in which the locking piston releases the locking jaws from engagement with the second subsea component to thereby disconnect the connector from the second subsea component, the tool comprising:

• a transportable frame;
• and
• a number of actuators which are mounted on the frame;
• wherein activation of the actuators moves the locking piston from its locked position to its unlocked position to thereby disconnect the connector from the second subsea component.

A method for unlocking a subsea hydraulic connector which is configured to releasably connect a first subsea component to a second subsea component, the connector comprising a housing which is secured to the first subsea component, a locking piston which is positioned within the housing, and a number of locking jaws which are configured to be engaged by the locking piston, the locking piston being movable between a locked position in which the locking piston forces the locking jaws into engagement with the second subsea component to thereby secure the connector to the second subsea component, and an unlocked position in which the locking piston releases the locking jaws from engagement with the second subsea component to thereby disconnect the connector from the second subsea component, the method comprising:

• positioning a number of transportable actuators adjacent the locking piston;
• and
• activating the actuators to move the locking piston from its locked position to its unlocked position to thereby disconnect the connector from the second subsea component;
• wherein each actuator comprises a stem which is configured to engage the locking piston and, upon activation of the actuator, move the locking piston from its locked position to its unlocked position;
• and
• wherein the actuators are supported on a frame.