Subsea connector with a latching assembly

Abstract

A subsea connection device for connecting to an existing subsea joint comprises a body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a throughbore extending axially from the first end to the second end. The first end comprises a connector configured to couple the body to a capping stack. In addition, the device comprises a seal element mounted in the throughbore at the second end of the body. Further, the device comprises a latching assembly disposed about the second end of the body. The latching assembly includes a base coupled to the body and a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching members pivotally coupled to the base.

1 . A subsea connection device for connecting to an existing subsea joint, the device comprising:
 a body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a throughbore extending axially from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end comprises a connector configured to couple the body to a capping stack;   a seal element mounted in the throughbore at the second end of the body;   a latching assembly disposed about the second end of the body, wherein the latching assembly includes a base coupled to the body and a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching members pivotally coupled to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The connection device of  claim 1 , wherein each latching member comprises an arm, a fastener, and a clamp element;
 wherein each arm has a longitudinal axis, a first end coupled to the fastener, and a second end coupled to the clamp element;   wherein each clamp element is configured to engage the existing subsea joint.   
     
     
         3 . The connection device of  claim 2 , wherein each latching member is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation radially spaced apart from the central axis of the body, wherein the axes of rotation lie in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the body. 
     
     
         4 . The connection device of  claim 3 , wherein each longitudinal axis is configured to pivot in a plane containing the central axis. 
     
     
         5 . The connection device of  claim 2 , wherein the latching assembly has an open position with the clamp elements radially withdrawn relative to the central axis and a closed position with the clamp elements radially advanced towards the central axis. 
     
     
         6 . The subsea connection device of  claim 1 , wherein the seal element has a radially inner surface configured to mate and engage with the outer surface of the existing subsea joint. 
     
     
         7 . The subsea connection device of  claim 6 , wherein the seal is configured to sealingly engage the frustoconical surface of a flange. 
     
     
         8 . The subsea connection device of  claim 3 , wherein each latch member is coupled to the base with an actuator configured to rotate the latch member about the axis of rotation. 
     
     
         9 . The subsea connection device of  claim 5 , wherein each longitudinal axis is oriented at an acute angle relative to the central axis with the latching assembly in the open position. 
     
     
         10 . The subsea connection device of  claim 5 , wherein the clamp elements are configured to receive the existing subsea joint with the latching assembly in the open position and configured to engage the existing subsea joint with the latching assembly in the closed position. 
     
     
         11 . The subsea connection device of  claim 2 , wherein each fastener is a nut threaded onto the first end of the corresponding arm. 
     
     
         12 . The subsea connection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a capping stack attached to the connector at the first end of the body. 
     
     
         13 . The subsea connection device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises an annular flange. 
     
     
         14 . A method of forming a subsea connection with an existing subsea joint, the method comprising:
 (a) positioning a subsea connector adjacent an existing subsea connection, the subsea connector comprising:
 a body having a central axis, a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending axially between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end comprises a connector; 
 a latching assembly coupled to the body, wherein the latching assembly comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching members pivotally coupled to the body; 
   (b) rotating each of the latching members in a first direction to a first position;   (c) receiving the existing subsea joint within the latching members;   (d) rotating each of the latching members in a second direction opposite the first direction to a second position; and   (e) engaging the existing joint with the latching members.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the subsea connector comprises a sealing element; and
 wherein (e) comprises sealingly engaging the existing subsea joint with the seal element.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein each latching member comprises a fastener. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising moving the fasteners to secure the subsea connector to the existing subsea joint. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the latching assembly further comprises a base, and wherein the latching members are pivotally coupled to the base. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising squeezing the existing subsea joint between the base and a foot disposed at an end of each latching member. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the existing subsea connection is a flange joint. 
     
     
         21 . A method for capping a subsea well comprising:
 (a) coupling a subsea connector to an existing subsea joint;   (b) coupling a capping stack to the subsea connector; and   (c) using the capping stack to contain the subsea well.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the subsea connector comprises:
 a body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a throughbore extending axially from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end comprises a connector configured to couple the body to a capping stack;   a seal element mounted in the throughbore at the second end of the body;   a latching assembly disposed about the second end of the body, wherein the latching assembly includes a base coupled to the body and a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching members pivotally coupled to the base.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein (a) comprises:
 (a1) lowering the subsea connector into engagement with the existing subsea connection;   (a2) rotating the latching members; and   (a3) engaging the existing subsea joint with the latching members after (a2).   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein each latching member has a lower end comprising a foot; and
 wherein (a) comprises rotating each latching member to move each foot radially inward below the existing subsea joint.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein (b) occurs after (a). 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the capping stack comprises a BOP or a valve manifold.