US 4,356,841 A · Matrix switching control of subsea production systems

Abstract

A multiple-section, multiple-position switching valve and a hydraulic powered valve actuator for controlling subsea well equipment, such as valve operators, connectors and other hydraulically actuated devices, with only two hydraulic pressure source lines from the surface to the subsea location of such well equipment. The switching valve includes a plurality of readily removable and replaceable valve sections, each having a unique combination of valve portings, which sections can be connected end to end to obtain a switching system having a predetermined matrix of switching control. The valve actuator moves the switching valve in a first direction through a sequence of distinct positions, and then reverses and moves the switching valve in the opposite direction through the same distinct positions. The switching valve includes a position indicating valve section and circuitry which are incorporated into the design and connected to one of the hydraulic pressure source lines to give a surface indication of the valve's position and that of the subsea actuator.

Claims7

Dependent claims

Apparatus for remote control of a relatively large number of hydraulically-operated subsea operators using only two hydraulic lines between a surface control center and a subsea device containing said operators, said apparatus comprising:

a valve actuator having an axially movable input member and a rotatable output member, said output member being rotatable to a plurality of distinct operating positions;
means for moving said actuator output member in a first rotational direction in response to an axial movement of said input member, said output member stopping at at least two of said distinct positions;
means for moving said actuator output member in a second rotational direction in response to an axial movement of said input member, said output member stopping at at least two of said distinct positions;
means for automatically reversing the direction of rotation of said actuator output member when said actuator output member has moved through a predetermined number of said distinct positions;
means for incrementing said actuator output member by one position by applying hydraulic pressure to said actuator input member;
a plurality of valve means each having an input and an output;
means for coupling each of said valve means to said actuator output member;
and
position indicator means to indicate the position of said actuator output member.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Matrix switching control of subsea production systems

Life of this patent

Matrix switching control of subsea production systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7