KIT CONTAINING A DEEP SEA EVENT ACTUATOR AND A TOOL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a kit consisting of a deep-sea valve actuator and a tool.

[0002] A subsea valve actuator (SVA) is a self-contained actuator for opening and closing process valves in the deep sea at depths of 3,000 meters and below. The system consists of an electrically controlled drive with a hydrostatic transmission, which saves up to 75 percent of the energy required compared to a conventional electromechanical shaft. The subsea valve actuator opens and closes process valves in applications for oil and gas production or CO2 storage systems in the deep sea. Redundant components, such as safety valves and proven springs, ensure that the actuator reliably closes the process valve even in the event of a power failure and without an external energy supply. All relevant components of the drive train are duplicated.

[0003] The system is suitable for use in deep-sea environments down to 3000 meters and deeper, and is designed for 25 years of maintenance-free operation. The deep-sea valve actuator is a key component for further advancing the electrification of production facilities in the deep sea.

[0004] In applications such as the installation of deep-sea valve actuators in a valve rack on a well for oil or CO2 storage, the actuator valves or other components are installed so close together that access is preferably only possible from the rear. Removing the actuator from a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) at its center of gravity is generally not possible, as the actuator is usually mounted horizontally and surrounding components do not allow for mounting at its center of gravity.

[0005] According to current technology, valve actuators in the deep sea are not easily replaceable and lack a standardized interface for removal and installation. Generally, underwater valve actuators can only be accessed by divers or by completely lifting the valve units. Replacing the valve actuator using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) at greater depths is virtually impossible. An example of the current state of the art is shown in US 2016 / 153580 A1, which discloses an actuator with a motor housing and a motor at one end for docking with an ROV. The actuator also discloses a second end for coupling to a valve.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least (partially) alleviate the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0007] This is achieved in a given kit consisting of a deep-sea valve actuator and a tool by the tool having a tool holder with a coupling sleeve that is axially fixed at least in one direction but rotatably mounted on it, wherein the deep-sea valve actuator has a first end prepared for detachable coupling to a subsea valve, wherein the deep-sea valve actuator has a linear / rotary actuator that is at least partially / completely surrounded by a connecting sleeve rotatable for it, wherein the connecting sleeve has at least one axial movement-blocking projection on the side of the first end, which is prepared to engage behind a projection of a deep-sea valve standardized, for example, according to ISO 13628-8: 2008-03, and the linear / rotary actuator has a pin for bearing against the projection of the valve in a way that prevents rotational movement.The deep-sea valve actuator has a second end designed for detachable coupling to the tool, the connecting sleeve having a recess for receiving a locking lever of the coupling sleeve, which enables a rotational movement of the connecting sleeve, and the actuator having a radial projection that abuts an axial projection of the tool holder, the locking lever being designed to move the connecting sleeve into a rear-engaged unlocking / removal position when the actuator is held in its initial position by the axial projection. The advantage of this is the simplification of the replacement process of the deep-sea valve actuator on a deep-sea valve. In particular, this enables its use with an underwater robot.

[0008] The assembly consisting of the deep-sea valve actuator and tool can assume various states / positions. A distinction must be made between a decoupled state and a coupled state between the deep-sea valve actuator and the tool. In the decoupled state, the deep-sea valve actuator and the tool are separated. In a coupled state, the tool is connected to the deep-sea valve actuator and is engaged with it.

[0009] In the unlock / removal position, the deep-sea valve actuator is detached from the deep-sea valve; therefore, the axial movement blocking projection does not engage behind the projection of the deep-sea valve.

[0010] In a locking / fastening position, the deep-sea valve actuator is fixed to the deep-sea valve. In this position, the axial movement blocking projection engages behind the projection of the deep-sea valve.

[0011] The tool is coupled to the deep-sea valve actuator to reach the unlocking / removal position or the locking / fastening position.

[0012] Different rotational movements are required for the coupled and uncoupled states, and for reaching the unlock / removal position and the locking / fastening position, respectively. There is a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation, the second direction being opposite to the first. The first rotation is counterclockwise, while the second is clockwise. For the coupled state, a rotational movement is performed in the first direction; for the uncoupled state, a rotational movement is performed in the second direction.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve can be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. A multi-part design promotes modularity, which is explained in more detail in other aspects of this application.

[0015] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve can be formed by means of a first ring / annular element at the first end of the deep-sea valve actuator and a second ring / annular element at the second end of the deep-sea valve actuator. Preferably, the first ring and the second ring are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner. This allows for the transmission of rotational movement from the second end towards the first end. It is particularly preferred if the first ring and the second ring are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a web. For example, the first ring and the second ring are connected via the web, which extends axially along the actuator. The web is ribbed to simplify assembly and to save unnecessary material.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second end of the deep-sea valve actuator is a separate component, with the radial projection formed on this separate component. This provides a modular design. In the present embodiment, the separate second end is rotationally fixed to the actuator, preventing it from rotating about its own axis.

[0017] It is advantageous if the number of locking levers is one, two, three, or a multitude. At least two locking levers facilitate sliding the tool onto the workpiece and rotating it circumferentially.

[0018] Preferably, the locking levers are evenly distributed around the circumference. Depending on the number of locking levers, angular intervals of 180°, 120°, 90°, etc., are created.

[0019] It has proven advantageous for the number of recesses to correspond to the number of locking levers. The number of recesses in the connecting sleeve can also be one, two, three, or a plurality. This facilitates the insertion of the tool and its circumferential rotation.

[0020] In another embodiment, the recess in the connecting sleeve has a rectangular shape. A U-shaped contour of the recess is particularly preferred. Specifically, the geometry / shape of the locking lever is designed such that a positive fit is formed with the recess. Alternatively, the positive fit between the locking lever and the recess can also have other geometric shapes, for example, a semicircular shape. The positive-locking connection enables the transmission of torque from the coupling sleeve to the connecting sleeve.

[0021] It is advantageous if the locking lever has a shoulder so that the coupling sleeve's rotation is limited in the circumferential direction. This helps to ensure that over-tightening is more difficult.

[0022] Preferably, the axial projection has a counter-projection that matches the shoulder of the locking lever in the circumferential direction. Particularly preferably, the locking lever and the axial projection form an anti-rotation device by means of the shoulder and counter-projection. This ensures that rotation in the circumferential direction is limited in the first direction of rotation and that over-rotation is prevented.

[0023] Furthermore, the actuator can have a locking indicator by which the coupled and decoupled states can be distinguished. Preferably, markings are provided / incorporated into the actuator on a front face oriented towards the tool, allowing identification when the connecting sleeve is rotated. It is advantageous that, when the tool is used by a diver or underwater robot / vehicle (preferably via a video camera), it is possible to see when the coupled or decoupled state has been reached and when over-rotation in the circumferential direction is minimized / reduced.

[0024] Preferably, the second end of the deep-sea valve actuator has a receptacle for an electrical connector integrated into the second end. Preferably, the receptacle is positioned axially in an end face of the deep-sea valve actuator. This positioning saves installation space and also prevents damage to the connector.

[0025] In another embodiment, the coupling sleeve has an actuating lever that can preferably be operated by a deep-sea underwater robot (or a diver). The actuating lever facilitates rotation in the circumferential direction to move the connecting sleeve into the locking / fastening position or the unlocking / removal position.

[0026] Preferably, a pallet is located near the deep-sea valve actuators, providing storage for both defective and functioning actuators. This ensures that the removal and installation of new deep-sea valve actuators is less complex.

[0027] Furthermore, the axial movement blocking projection of the connecting sleeve can rest on the side of the valve projection facing away from the tool and / or the pin of the linear / rotational actuator can rest on one side of the valve projection.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method for coupling a tool with a deep-sea valve actuator of a kit, preferably according to the aforementioned device, wherein in a first step the tool is pushed axially onto a second end of the deep-sea valve actuator and a locking lever of a coupling sleeve of the tool engages in a recess of a connecting sleeve of the deep-sea valve actuator, wherein an axial projection of the tool also rests against a radial projection of an actuator of the deep-sea valve actuator and in a second step with a rotational movement of the coupling sleeve in a circumferential direction in a first direction of rotation the locking lever rotates the connecting sleeve in step in the circumferential direction in the first direction of rotation, thereby forming a coupling between the tool and the deep-sea valve actuator.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for decoupling a tool from a deep-sea valve actuator of a kit, preferably according to the aforementioned device, wherein, by means of a rotational movement in the circumferential direction in a second direction of rotation, the coupling by means of the coupling sleeve between the tool and the deep-sea valve actuator is released and the tool can be removed from the deep-sea valve actuator in the axial direction.

[0030] In other words, a deep-sea valve actuator is pushed onto the deep-sea valve actuator from behind (opposite one valve drive side) via a tool coupling, using a tool held by a remotely operated underwater vehicle / robot (ROV).

[0031] Preferably, the underwater vehicle first locks the deep-sea valve actuator to the tool, and in the second step, the interface on the valve drive side of the deep-sea valve actuator is decoupled to allow removal of the deep-sea valve actuator. It is advantageous to perform both steps using a single device and in one operation.

[0032] It is advantageous to provide a device, for example in the form of a pallet on the seabed, which accommodates the old / replaced deep-sea valve actuator and also includes the replacement deep-sea valve actuator, with the mounting points corresponding to the closure on the valve, whereby the underwater vehicle engages the deep-sea valve actuator here, just as it can accommodate the new valve.

[0033] Preferably, the deep-sea valve actuator is decoupled from the tool by the opposite procedure to the coupling, whereby the deep-sea valve actuator is first coupled to the drive-side closure and then decoupled from the tool, whereby the axis is securely connected in the tool during the transition of the two steps.

[0034] For space reasons, the electrical connector of the deep-sea valve actuator is integrated into the rear tool coupling. It is integrated in such a way that damage during actuator replacement is impossible. Another advantage is that the tool cannot be attached to the tool coupling when the electrical connector is plugged in, thus dictating the assembly sequence and preventing damage to the connecting cables.

[0035] Several advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing with figures.

[0036] It shows: Fig. 1 an intermediate position between a deep-sea valve actuator and a tool in a perspective view, Fig. 2 the deep-sea valve actuator in an unlocking / removal position with coupled tool in a perspective view, Fig. 3 the deep-sea valve actuator in a locking / fastening position and decoupled tool in a perspective view, Fig. 4 the deep-sea valve actuator in the locking / fastening position with electrical connector in a perspective view, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the deep-sea valve according to ISO standard.

[0037] The figures are purely schematic and serve solely to illustrate the invention. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals. Features of the individual embodiments are interchangeable and can be used alternatively or cumulatively.

[0038] The Fign. 1 bis 3 They show a kit 1 consisting of a deep-sea valve actuator 2 and a tool 3, wherein the tool 3 has a tool holder 4 with a coupling sleeve 5 that is axially fixed at least in one direction but rotatably mounted thereon, wherein the deep-sea valve actuator 2 has a first end 6 which is prepared for detachable coupling to a deep-sea valve 7, wherein the deep-sea valve actuator 2 has an actuator 8 which is surrounded by a connecting sleeve 9 rotatable relative to it, wherein the connecting sleeve 9 has at least one axial movement-blocking projection 10 on the side of the first end 6 which is prepared for engaging behind a projection 11 of a valve, and the actuator 8 has a pin 12 for bearing against the projection 11 of the valve in a manner that prevents rotational movement, wherein the deep-sea valve actuator 2 has a second end 13 which is provided for detachable coupling to the tool 3,wherein the connecting sleeve 9 has a recess 14 for receiving a locking lever 15 of the coupling sleeve 5, by means of which a rotational movement of the connecting sleeve 9 can be effected, and the actuator 8 has a radial projection 16 which rests against an axial projection 17 of the tool holder 4, wherein the locking lever 15 is prepared to move the connecting sleeve 9 into a rear-released unlocking / removal position when the actuator 8 is held in its initial position by the axial projection 17.

[0039] To clarify the representations, an axial direction 18 and a circumferential direction 19 are shown.

[0040] The Fig.1 Figure 1 is a perspective view of kit 1, in which tool 3 is coupled to deep-sea valve actuator 2. Deep-sea valve actuator 2 is also coupled to deep-sea valve 7. Kit 1 is shown in the diagram. Fig. 1 The axial movement blocking projection 10 is shown in an intermediate position. The projection 10 is not in a fully engaged position behind the projection 11, but is rotated to an intermediate position in the circumferential direction 19. For clarity, part of the connecting sleeve 9 is hidden to illustrate the locking geometry of the deep-sea valve actuator 2 with the deep-sea valve 7.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the deep-sea valve 7 has a plurality of projections 11 which are uniformly / constantly spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. Here, attention should be paid to the Fig. 5 Reference is made to the standardized connection geometry of the deep-sea valve 7.

[0042] The actuator 8 also has a plurality of pins 12, which are designed to correspond to the projections 11 of the deep-sea valve 7, such that a pin 12 is inserted between two projections 11. The resulting plug connection between the pins 12 and the projections 11 prevents rotational movement.

[0043] The actuator 8 is surrounded by a connecting sleeve 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial movement blocking projections 10 are formed on the side of the first end 6. Here, the connecting sleeve 9 has a plurality of axial movement blocking projections 10, corresponding to the number of projections 11 of the deep-sea valve 7. The connecting sleeve 9 has a cover 20 and is surrounded by it, which protects the actuator 8.

[0044] The connecting sleeve 9 has a two-stage shoulder 21, 22 with two different diameters at its second end 13. An opening 23 is integrated into the shoulder with the larger diameter, a first shoulder 21, which allows an indication of the coupling state of the deep-sea valve actuator 2 with the deep-sea valve 7. Indicators 24, 25 applied to the actuator 8 (see Fign. 2 and 3 The device can be distinguished between an unlocking / removal position and a locking / fastening position. The letters "U" and "L" are used as examples for the English terms "Unlocked" and "Locked".

[0045] In the second section 22, the one with the smaller diameter, the recess 14 is formed. In the illustrated embodiment, this section 22 has two recesses 14 arranged at a distance of 180° from each other. The contour of the recess 14 in the illustrated embodiment is U-shaped in the axial direction 18.

[0046] The second end 13 of the deep-sea valve actuator 2 has the radial projection 16, which in the decoupled state (see Fig. 3 ) has the same orientation as the recess 14, so that the tool 3 can be slid on in the axial direction.

[0047] The tool 3 comprises the tool holder 4 and the coupling sleeve 5. The tool holder 4 has two distinct shoulders 26, 27, the second shoulder 27 having a larger diameter than the first shoulder 26. The axial projection 17 of the tool holder 4 is formed on the second shoulder 27. This axial projection 17 has a counter shoulder 28. In In the illustrated embodiment, the tool holder 4 has two axial projections 17 which are oriented towards the radial projections 16 of the actuator 8.

[0048] The locking lever 15 of the coupling sleeve 5 has a separate shoulder 29. This shoulder 29 engages the opposing shoulder 28 of the axial projection 17 of the tool 3, thus limiting rotation in a first direction 30 (here clockwise) of the locking lever 15. This is achieved by means of a positive locking mechanism.

[0049] The coupling sleeve 5 has an actuating lever 31. This actuating lever 31 allows for a rotational movement in the circumferential direction 19 in the first direction of rotation 30 and in a second direction of rotation 32, the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation 30. The coupling sleeve 5 also has openings 33, 34, which serve to indicate the coupling state of the tool 3. A distinction can be made between a coupled and a decoupled state of the deep-sea valve actuator 2 with the tool 3. For illustrative purposes, the letters "U" and "L" are used for the English terms "Unlocked" and "Locked".

[0050] In the intermediate position shown, the coupling sleeve 5 of the tool holder 4 is rotated in the circumferential direction 19 in the first direction of rotation 30 (counterclockwise). According to the opening 23 in the second section 22 of the connecting sleeve 9, no indicator 24, 25 for the coupling state is shown. This is a characteristic of the intermediate position. When the coupling sleeve 5 rotates in the first direction of rotation 30, the connecting sleeve 9 is rotated along with it by the positive engagement of the locking lever 15 with the recess 14. This also causes the axial movement blocking projections 10 on the side of the first end 6 to rotate, resulting in the intermediate position shown.

[0051] In Fig. 2 The rotation of the coupling sleeve 5 in the first direction of rotation 30 is complete. This can be recognized by the fact that the axial movement blocking projections 10 are flush with the pins 12. The unlocking / removal position has been reached. The deep-sea valve actuator 2 is thus detached from the deep-sea valve 7 and can be removed in the axial direction 18. Furthermore, the indicator 24 of the actuator 8 displays the symbol "U", which indicates the unlocking / removal position. The locking lever 15 has reached its end position and preferably cannot be rotated further. Using the second indicator 36 in the tool holder, the coupled state can be removed through the opening 34.

[0052] In Fig. 3 The deep-sea valve actuator 2 is shown in the locking / fastening position on the deep-sea valve 7. This is identifiable by the indicator 25 in the opening 23 in the second step 22 of the connecting sleeve 9, the indicator in the shape of an "L". The tool 2 is also shown, which is likewise in a decoupled state, as can also be seen from the associated indicator 35, the "U" through the opening 33. The locking lever 15 is aligned flush with the axial projection 17 in the axial direction 18. The step 29 and the counter-step 28 are arranged in a positive-locking manner. At the second end 13, a connection 38 for a plug connection is formed in an end wall 37 of the actuator 8, wherein according to Fig. 4 an electrical plug 39 can be inserted there.

[0053] With the help of the hidden part of the connecting sleeve 9, the complete engagement of the axial movement block projections 10 on the projections 11 can be seen.

[0054] According to Fig. 5 The connection for the deep-sea valve is shown in a perspective view. According to the embodiment shown there, the deep-sea valve 7 has four projections. The exact design can be found in DIN EN ISO 13628-8:2008-03.

Claims

1. Construction kit (1) composed of a subsea-valve actuator (2) and a tool (3), wherein the tool (3) has a tool holder (4) with a coupling sleeve (5) which is axially fixed at least in one direction but mounted rotatably thereon, wherein the subsea-valve actuator (2) has a first end (6) which is designed for releasable coupling to a subsea valve (7), wherein the subsea-valve actuator (2) has an actuator (8) which is surrounded by a connecting sleeve (9) which is rotatable in relation thereto, wherein the connecting sleeve (9) has on the side of the first end (6) at least one axial-movement-blocking projection (10) which is designed for engaging behind a projection (11) of a valve, and the actuator (8) has a peg (12) for rotational-movement-preventing abutment against the projection (11) of the valve, wherein the subsea-valve actuator (2) has a second end (13) which is provided for releasable coupling to the tool (3), wherein, for this purpose, the connecting sleeve (9) has a recess (14) for receiving a locking lever (15) of the coupling sleeve (5), via which locking lever a rotational movement of the connecting sleeve (9) is able to be induced, and the actuator (8) has a radial projection (16) which abuts against an axial projection (17) of the tool holder (4), wherein the locking lever (15) is designed to bring the connecting sleeve (9) into a rear-engagement-released unlocking / removal position with the actuator (8) held by the axial projection (17) in its starting position for this purpose.

2. Construction kit (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (9) is of one-part of multi-part form.

3. Construction kit (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (9) is formed by means of a first ring at the first end (6) of the subsea-valve actuator (2) and a second ring at the second end (13) of the subsea-valve actuator (2).

4. Construction kit (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first ring and the second ring are connected in a rotationally conjoint manner to one another.

5. Construction kit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end (13) of the subsea-valve actuator (2) is an element which is separate from the actuator (8).

6. Construction kit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receptacle for an electrical plug-in connection is integrated at the second end (13) of the subsea-valve actuator (2).

7. Construction kit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of locking levers is one, two, three or a multiplicity.

8. Construction kit (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the axial-movement-blocking projection (10) of the connecting sleeve (9) abuts on that side of the projection (11) of the valve which faces away from the tool and / or the peg (12) of the actuator (8) abuts against a side of the projection (11) of the valve.

9. Method for coupling a tool (3) to a subsea-valve actuator (2) of a construction kit according to Claim 1, wherein, in a first step, the tool (3) is pushed onto a second end (13) of the subsea-valve actuator (2) in an axial direction (18) and, in so doing, a locking lever (15) of a coupling sleeve (5) of the tool (3) engages into a recess (14) of a connecting sleeve (9) of the subsea-valve actuator (2), wherein also an axial projection (17) of the tool (3) abuts against a radial projection (16) of an actuator (8) of the subsea-valve actuator (2), and, in a second step, by means of a rotational movement in a circumferential direction (19) of the coupling sleeve (5) in a first direction of rotation (30), the locking lever (15), by way of the rotational movement, rotates the connecting sleeve (9) along at the same rate and in the circumferential direction (19) in the first direction of rotation (30), whereby a coupling is formed between the tool (3) and the subsea-valve actuator (2).

10. Method for decoupling a tool (3) from a subsea-valve actuator (2) of a construction kit according to Claim 1, wherein, by way of a rotational movement in the circumferential direction (19) in a second direction of rotation (32), the coupling by means of the coupling sleeve (5) between the tool (3) and the subsea-valve actuator (2) is released and the tool (3) is able to removed from the subsea-valve actuator (2) in the axial direction (18).