Trelleborg Sealing Solutions helps develop cutting-edge subsea product

26 September, 2017

“STL also conducted two disconnects with 10,000 psi bore pressure. This was all completed with one set of seals which I think is some achievement.

“We pride ourselves on innovation and relished this opportunity to work with STL in a bid to find a solution and ensure the 2-inch hydraulically retractable subsea coupler was working to its full capability.”

Not only does the coupler provide new opportunities for remote emergency release system designs for subsea applications, it also enables people to be removed from stab plate engagement functions on the surface. By being hydraulically retractable, it allows the heavy-duty engagement of equipment both on surface and subsea to be separated from the comparatively delicate engagement of control system interfaces.

Working in harmony

Subsea Technologies Ltd.’s managing director, Drummond Lawson, said: “We knew Trelleborg – being a world-leader in sealing solutions – would be able to solve the challenge of finding a durable and robust seal to work in harmony with our product.

“Not only have they gone above and beyond in meeting expectations of the brief we outlined, but we were also impressed with the service we received throughout the process. We are by no means Trelleborg’s biggest client – but the support we received has been second to none. At every stage of the process a member of the Trelleborg team kept us fully informed from prototype development right through to bringing the product to market.

“This was no easy challenge and without Trelleborg, we would not have been able to produce what we believe to be the first coupler of this size ever to be made with a hydraulically retractable element, which we are certain will create opportunities for our clients beyond just its use in our XR Connector.”

The 2-inch hydraulically retractable subsea coupler was specifically designed for constant heavy-duty operations and works with very small fluid volumes to ensure rapid movement. It is also more than capable of coping with solids laden fluids such as drilling muds and well effluents.

It is pressure balanced in both the extended and the retracted positions, ensuring the coupler will remain in position in the event of hydraulic control system failure. Additionally, it is possible to pressure test to full system working pressure against the retracted coupler without the need for an additional test cap.

When retracted, the coupler stinger is flush with the coupler plate, preventing both dirt ingress and external impact on the retracted coupler from damaging the seals.

The coupler is fully Lloyds design verified and qualified to 3000m (10,000ft) water depth, rated to 10,000psi hydraulic bore pressure and up to 5000psi hydraulic function pressure. It can be used on subsea wellhead connectors, riser connectors, emergency disconnect packages, quick release stab plates and emergency disconnect points.

www.trelleborg.com