Modular, Distributed, ROV Retrievable Subsea Control System, Associated Deepwater Subsea Blowout Preventer Stack Configuration, and Methods of Use

Abstract

A distributed function control module adapted for use in a modular blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use subsea comprises a housing adapted to be manipulated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a stab portion adapted to be received into a BOP stack control module receiver. Control electronics, adapted to control a predetermined function with respect to the BOP stack, are disposed within the housing and connected to one or more controllable devices by a wet mateable connector interface. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

1 . A modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module, comprising:
 a. a housing adapted to be received into a complementary blowout preventer stack receiver; and   b. an accumulator disposed within the housing, the accumulator configured to activate a hydraulic pilot signal from an ROV mechanically activated handle.   
     
     
         2 . The modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module of  claim 1 , further comprising a hydraulic port configured to receive an ROV hydraulic stab and receive hydraulic fluid for control as well as to recharge the accumulator. 
     
     
         3 . The modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module of  claim 1 , further comprising a non-electric controller configured to control a predetermined modular blowout preventer stack function. 
     
     
         4 . A modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module, comprising:
 a. a housing configured to be received into a complementary blowout preventer stack receiver;   b. an interface to an external coupler disposed at least partially within the housing; and   c. a predetermined set of function controllers.   
     
     
         5 . The modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module of  claim 4 , wherein the interface comprises at least one of an interface to an external power coupler and an interface to an external communications coupler. 
     
     
         6 . The modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module of  claim 5 , wherein the predetermined set of function controllers comprises at least one of a data provider and a power provider. 
     
     
         7 . The modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module of  claim 6 , further comprising an interface to a special function box. 
     
     
         8 . The modular blowout preventer stack non-electric failsafe mechanical module of  claim 7 , wherein the interface to a special function box comprises at least one of a data interface and a power interface. 
     
     
         9 . A method of providing control to a non-functional or improperly functioning module in a subsea modular blowout preventer, comprising:
 a. locating a receiver in a subsea modular blowout preventer; and   b. inserting a re-router into the receiver; and   c. performing a predetermined function at the receiver.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , where in the receiver is at least one of a spare receiver or a non-important receiver. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the predetermined function comprises at least one of providing data or providing power to a second modular blowout preventer function non-electric, fail-safe mechanical module. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the predetermined function comprises providing hydraulic control to a blowout preventer hydraulic assembly.