Importance

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Abstract

A control system (10) employable for purposes of effecting the operation of a plurality of actuable devices, which are located at a subsea site, from a position that is remote therefrom. More specifically, the subject control system (10) is particularly suited for employment for purposes of hydraulically effecting the operation of the valves of a subsea christmas tree (30). To this end, the subject control system (10), on the one hand, is connected in fluid flow relation with a surface control center (16) from whence hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure, and, on the other hand, is connected to a subsea sequence valving means (12) which receives the hydraulic fluid under pressure from the surface control center (16) and in turn transmits hydraulic power to the operators (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) of the christmas tree valves to cause the latter to move in accordance with a predetermined operating program (32). The subject control system (10) is characterized by the flexibility that it possesses in terms of the diversity of operating programs (32) than can be employed therewith, by the fact that the sequence valving means (12) embodies constant force spring means (88) which enables the elimination of one hydraulic line between the surface control center (16) and the subsea site of the christmas tree (30), and by the embodiment in the subsea sequence valving means of new and improved duplex shear seal means (86) operative for preventing interflow.

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First Claim