Device and Method for Disconnecting Jammed Subsea Wet-Mate Connectors

Abstract

The present invention comprises a device and method for non-destructively disconnecting jammed subsea wet-mate connectors. Over time, the inadequate interaction of the housing of these connectors with the cathodic protection of other subsea equipment can promote the accumulation of sediments on the connectors, particularly chalcomagnesian sediments. This layer of sediments is very stable, which sticks the connector and prevents its usual disconnection by means of the mechanical arm of an ROV. The present invention provides a structure comprising hydraulic cylinders that are actuated to move an extractor base, which in turn exerts a force on the subsea connector until the sediment layer is broken and the connector is disconnected. Optionally, the device may actuate a hammer if the hydraulic cylinders fail to break the sediment layer. The hammer causes several impacts that weaken the sediment layer until it is broken, allowing the conventional disconnection of the connector. A method of using the device is also provided. Advantageously, the present invention prevents lifting of the subsea equipment and the destruction of the electrical connector, making disconnection of the jammed connector much faster, more efficient and cheaper.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for disconnecting subsea connectors, comprising:
 a structure, the structure comprising an upper part, two parallel side niches, a handle and support elements;   two double-acting hydraulic cylinders connected in parallel to each other, each hydraulic cylinder having a piston;   an extractor base;   tubes;   wherein each niche has space inside the same to house each of the two hydraulic cylinders and the extractor base, each niche further having additional space to allow displacement of the piston and the extractor base in the longitudinal direction of the niche,   wherein each hydraulic cylinder is fixed in each niche by means of a fixing structure, and   wherein the tubes are connected to the two hydraulic cylinders to supply hydraulic fluid to the same.   
     
     
         2 . The device for disconnecting subsea connectors according to  claim 1 , wherein the extractor base further comprises one or more projections. 
     
     
         3 . The device for disconnecting subsea connectors according to  claim 1 , wherein the extractor base further comprises one or more extenders. 
     
     
         4 . The device for disconnecting subsea connectors according to  claim 3 , wherein it further comprises a hammer, the hammer comprising a hydraulic motor, the hydraulic motor being connected to the tubes for receiving hydraulic fluid from the tubes. 
     
     
         5 . The device for disconnecting subsea connectors according to  claim 4 , wherein it comprises the hydraulic circuit of the ROV that supplies hydraulic fluid to the tubes. 
     
     
         6 . A method for disconnecting subsea connectors, wherein it comprises the steps of:
 positioning the structure of the device for disconnecting subsea connectors, as defined in claim  5 , so as to be integral with a panel of a subsea equipment and supported on a wet-mate connector; and   actuating the hydraulic cylinders until the wet-mate connector is disconnected.   
     
     
         7 . The method for disconnecting subsea connectors according to  claim 1 , wherein it optionally further comprises the step of interrupting the actuation of the hydraulic cylinders and actuating a hammer until a layer of sediments on the wet-mate connector is broken.