Importance

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Abstract

In a hydraulic subsea control system having two separate redundant subsea control pods in which each pod is supplied with a hydraulic power supply line and a plurality of fluid control lines by surface controls. The improvement in means for alternately connecting and disconnecting the fluid control lines to each pod. Coacting quick disconnect couplings having first and second portions are positioned between the surface controls and each of the sets of fluid control lines to each pod. Each coupling portion includes a valve whereby when the first and second portions are engaged the valves permit fluid flow and when they are disengaged shut off fluid flow. First and second junction plates are connected between the surface controls and the connected fluid control lines and a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly is connected between the first and second plates for alternately connecting and disconnecting the couplings to each pod whereby the two pods are controlled separately, but redundantly. The control of the cylinder and piston assemblies is preferably provided by the hydraulic valve which alternately provides fluid power to the power supply line whereby when power is supplied to the power line of one pod the coacting couplings to that pod are connected while fluid power is disconnected from the other pod, and the coacting couplings to the other pod are disconnected.

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First Claim