초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to a pressurized fluid accumulator adapted to be connected to a subsea valve actuator on a drilling wellhead assembly, prior to lowering the combined assembly to the ocean floor. The apparatus of the present invention consists of a pressure compensated piston locate

The present invention is directed to a pressurized fluid accumulator adapted to be connected to a subsea valve actuator on a drilling wellhead assembly, prior to lowering the combined assembly to the ocean floor. The apparatus of the present invention consists of a pressure compensated piston located in a first hydraulic cylinder. Movement of this piston causes pressurized hydraulic fluid to be delivered in sufficient volume to activate a subsea hydraulically-activated valve. The first piston is connected to and driven by a second piston contained in a second hydraulic cylinder. Charging and accumulation of pressurized hydraulic fluid in the first cylinder causes a nearly absolute vacuum to be developed under the second piston. The pressure differential between this vacuum and the prevailing sea pressure is used to move the first piston during delivery of the hydraulic fluid to the actuator of the hydraulically activated valve.

대표청구항 ▼

A subsea power fluid accumulator apparatus adapted to actuate hydraulically-actuated devices, such as a hydraulically-actuated valve, said valve locatable beneath a surface of a body of water, said apparatus comprising: first cylinder means including a first moveable piston capable of dividing said

A subsea power fluid accumulator apparatus adapted to actuate hydraulically-actuated devices, such as a hydraulically-actuated valve, said valve locatable beneath a surface of a body of water, said apparatus comprising: first cylinder means including a first moveable piston capable of dividing said first cylinder means into an upper first pressure chamber and a lower second pressure chamber, said first cylinder means having a water port defined therethrough placing said first pressure chamber in open fluid communication with said body of water, to allow the pressure within said first pressure chamber to become equalized with the pressure of said body of water at a particular submersion depth, second cylinder means including a second moveable piston capable of dividing said second cylinder means into an upper first pressure chamber and a lower second pressure chamber, said second cylinder means having a water port defined therethrough placing said first pressure chamber in open fluid communication with said body of water, to allow the pressure within said first pressure chamber to become equalized with the pressure of said body of water at a particular submersion depth, rod means fixedly connectable between said first piston and said second piston, pressurized fluid source means connectable in fluid communication with one of said second pressure chambers, and hydraulic fluid connection means operatively connectable between said one of said second pressure chambers and said hydraulically operated valve.