GE Oil & Gas

Drilling & Production

Subsea manifolds &

connection systems
Complete technologies and services for
long-term reliability and safety

Subsea manifolds & connection

systems

Solutions for subsea infrastructure development

Quality & reliability

GE Oil & Gas maintains an extensive line of subsea manifolds and

connection system products that enable a flexible range of system
configurations. We also provide a suite of specialized flowline products,
tooling and pigging equipment, for a true full-system solution for every
stage of subsea infrastructure development.

In today's highly competitive global environment, there is no room for error

and nowhere is this more certain than in the subsea oil and gas industry.
That is why everything we do is guided by maximizing the reliability and
system availability of the equipment. That focus on quality translates
directly into reliability for our customers.

Manifolds and connection systems are the key building blocks for subsea
infrastructure, connecting wells to export pipelines and risers, and onwards
to receiving floater, platforms and onshore facilities. Subsea manifolds are
used to merge the flow from multiple subsea wells for transfer into production
flowlines and to manage distribution of injected water, gas and chemicals.
Subsea connection systems are used to provide diverless links between
subsea wells, manifolds, pipelines, risers and control umbilicals.

Innovation Now

GE Oil & Gas technologies have proven capabilities in the most extreme
conditions. Our systems have been used to first surpass the 10,000-ft
drilling milestone, enable the longest subsea tieback, and deliver fieldproven availability of 99.9% for one of the largest subsea projects ever
delivered. To be of real value to our customers, quality and reliability must
go hand in hand.

In an environment that is both harsh and fragile, key challenges for these
technologies are long-term reliability and safety with the flexibility to meet
each fields unique characteristics and enable expansion over time.

GE Oil & Gas solutions

GE Oil & Gas is a leading provider of advanced solutions for the entire oil
and gas industry from drilling and production, LNG, pipelines and storage
to industrial power generation, refinery, petrochemicals and pipeline
integrity services. We are able to benefit from the vast technological
resources and expertise of the entire global GE organization.
By combining our own developments with the most advanced
technologies from other GE business such as Aviation, Healthcare, Energy
and Telecommunications, our products continue to reach higher levels of
reliability, availability, efficiency and performance. As the industry faces
continually greater challenges, we believe that technology is the key to
overcoming each one safely and efficiently. We are fully committed to
providing that Innovation Now and paving the way for a bright future in
oil and gas..

Environmental health & safety (EHS)

All our facilities and personnel operate to the highest EHS standards. We
employ rigorous test, audit and review procedures in everything we do
minimizing risk at all stages of our product and service lifecycles from
development through to delivery and ongoing support.
We have received many customer awards and recognitions for our EHS
performance and we are extremely proud of every one because safety is
something we take seriously in all aspects of our business.

Compliance & governance

In a time of rigorous regulation and enforcement, strong compliance
and governance processes are more important than ever for global
organizations. Merely having internal policies in place is not enough
companies must devote significant attention and resources to ensure such
rules are truly embedded in employees actions every day.
For more than 125 years, GE has demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to performance with integrity and we have built a worldwide
reputation for lawful and ethical conduct.
We seek to go beyond simply obeying the law we embrace the spirit of
integrity. The Spirit & The Letter, our integrity policy, helps ensure that our
employees conduct our affairs with unyielding integrity. Processes are
in place for executive and employee accountability, training, continuous
improvement and an open reporting environment to set the tone for a
culture of integrity everywhere, every day and by all our employees.

Our subsea manifolds and connection systems are designed to accommodate a

wide range of configuration needs and service requirements, while providing a
high degree of versatility for pipelay vessel interfaces and installation scenarios.
With over 20 years of experience in this product category and more than 100
GE Oil & Gas manifolds now operating, our portfolio spans some of the most
challenging subsea developments in the world including the largest deepwater
fields, demanding large-bore gas delivery projects, long step-out developments
and critical flow-assurance applications.
Our expertise covers everything from FEED, detailed design, sourcing and
manufacturing to global installation campaigns and life-of-field optimization
support and maintenance. Our evolutionary approach to engineering design
ensures that all our new products are based on a combination of field-proven
systems and rigorously tested new technologies so that each new offering
achieves the dual purpose of mitigating risk while optimizing production.

Subsea connection systems

Pipeline and riser solutions

Our subsea connection systems are based an extensive connector product

portfolio using our well-proven metal sealing technology and a suite of
connection tooling systems. Our portfolio covers both vertical and horizontal
configurations and includes proven solutions for pipe sizes up to 42".

Our solutions cover applications for in-line tees, PLETs/pipeline sleds,

integrated pipeline-end manifolds (PLEMs) and compact riser-base
systems. Designs enable swift and efficient installation of pipelines and
risers, and accommodate demanding in-place service requirements.

Subsea connectors

Pigging equipment

Our subsea flowline connectors are used for single, dual and multibore
applications, using high-integrity metal sealing technology. The portfolio
includes clamp, mandrel and collet connector configurations for a wide
range of different applications and service requirements.

Our connection-system portfolio is complemented by a full suite of solutions

for pipeline inspection operations, including pig launchers and receivers in
temporary, fixed or subsea re-installable configurations designed for initial
commissioning or for integrity management during field operation.

Jumpers and tie-in spools

We employ a total-system approach in designing jumpers and tie-in
spools ensuring optimized system functionality where the connector
capacity envelope is considered in tandem with external load profiles and
other requirements such as thermal insulation and fatigue performance.

Subsea manifolds and foundation systems

Our subsea manifold systems are based on pre-engineered, modular
building blocks that accommodate a wide variety of configuration
requirements and design options. The manifold systems are used in
combination with a variety of foundation solutions to match diverse soil
properties and seabed conditions.

Our portfolio of proven solutions includes:

Cluster manifolds for shallow-water, diver-assisted operation
Cluster manifolds for deepwater operation
Template manifolds in 2, 4, 6 or 8-slot configurations
HIPPS manifolds used in high-integrity pipeline protection system
(HIPPS) applications
Drilling templates for jack-up rig operations
Stand-alone subsea distribution units (SDUs) for controls and
chemical distribution
Pipeline end manifolds (PLEMs) for pipeline systems
Riser base structures for connection and manifolding of risers

Satellite well structures for stand-alone satellite wells

Internal or external inspection loop systems to allow for
round-trip inspection
Hard-piped or ROV-deployed distribution systems
Vertical or horizontal jumper connections
Header sizes to 36"
Suction anchor, skirted mudmat and piled foundation systems, with
active or passive leveling features
Integrated or stand-alone protection structures, providing
overtrawlability and dropped-object protection

Since 1987 we have supplied more than 1,200 subsea connections and 100 subsea
manifolds in all major development areas worldwide. Our comprehensive range of
systems has the functional flexibility and modular versatility to meet the specific
performance needs of any subsea application.
How do we ensure in-service reliability of connector products?

How do we ensure a robust project execution process?

All our connector products undergo rigorous qualification testing, and

system applications are functionally tested to validate performance
envelopes. Our sealing systems are based on proven VetcoGray metal
sealing technology and extensive experience. Each project is executed with
extensive quality and process control measures for in-house activities as
well as any work performed by our approved suppliers and subcontractors.

The same product structuring approach used for product configuration

flexibility also helps to pre-define standard interfaces and allows for use of
standardized and proven project execution models, including use of preapproved suppliers and a closely integrated supply chain.

How do we ensure flexibility to cover a wide variety of

applications?
We use a modularized design approach, drawing on a range of preengineered and standardized building blocks that can be combined in a
wide range of application-specific configurations. For subsea manifolds,
our configurations cover both cluster and template manifolds, as well
as special-purpose applications such as HIPPS manifolds. For subsea
connection systems, our portfolio covers pipe sizes of 2-42 and a wide
variety of installation scenarios.

How do we ensure that flow-assurance aspects are addressed?

Our subsea manifolds and connection systems are designed with
close attention to flow assurance requirements, employing our system
engineering expertise and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
modeling capabilities on the design process. Combined with advanced
insulation materials and application techniques, our patented GE Heat Bank
systems manage cold-spot issues to enable extended cool-down times and
superior thermal management.

How do we accommodate different soil conditions for

subsea manifolds?

How do we provide support to commissioning and

installation operations?

We offer a wide range of pre-engineered foundation systems for various

soil conditions, from suction anchors for soft soil conditions via false
seabed systems for sloping seabeds and skirted mudmat systems,
to piled foundations for hard soil properties. The different foundation
systems can be combined with active-leveling features to allow for inplace adjustment of the as-installed condition.

GE Oil & Gas, Global Services has 1,700 personnel at facilities in over
30 countries worldwide, enabling us to respond with experienced field
technicians to support and supervise offshore installation operations
wherever it is needed by our customers.

How do we address HPHT requirements?

Our designs include options with piping systems and valve configurations
specifically for high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) requirements
all tested and qualified to the required service level. The connection systems
are sized to accommodate the required hub-separation loads by ensuring
sufficient preload margin for any given bore size through a parametric design
approach based on the VetcoGray metal sealing technology and experience.

How do we make our systems installation friendly?

Installation ease is a key factor of our design process. Our manifold
systems accommodate a number of installation options, including rig
deployment and midwater tow, to minimize the need for heavy lift vessels
and to accommodate large installation tolerances for foundation systems.
Connection systems accommodate efficient installation and maximized
versatility and flexibility for pipelay vessel requirements, for either reel, J or
S-lay installation. For large trunk-line connections, we have developed the
patented Lift & Shift system that enables large-bore pipelines to be installed
from S-lay vessels without the need for large pipeline end termination
structures (PLETs) to be deployed through tensioners and over stingers.

How do we approach field-life management for the subsea

connection systems?
We provide comprehensive support for full life of field, partly by leveraging
our Global Service resources and other extensive facilities around the world,
and partly by designing our connection systems to be simple and robust,
requiring minimal installation and infrastructure support or tooling spreads.

How do we ensure a total-system approach?

Our subsea manifolds and connection systems are complemented by
a full suite of products and solutions for pipeline end terminations and
manifolds, inline tees and riser bases, inspection-tool launchers and
receivers, installation equipment and connection tooling systems.

Connection system overview

Reliable designs,

Pipeline size (ND), inches

Connection system

Enabling growth

ICARUS connection system

ICARUS is a fully ROV-operated, pull-in and connection system for tie-in of
flexible flowlines, umbilicals and rigid spools up to 18" ND. An integrated
subsea winch and powerful alignment system provides high operational
efficiency and ability to cover a wide range of tie-in applications, including
patented mini riser base connections.
Horizontal clamp connection system (HCCS)
This is configured as a simple and robust horizontal stroking system for rigid
pipe spools and flexible flowlines. A short nominal stroking distance, high
alignment capacity and high in-place connector load capacity combine to
make our HCCS well suited for large-bore pipe-spool connections. For large
pipelines, the patented Lift & Shift deployment configuration can be used to
eliminate the need for large PLETs/pipeline sleds through the pipelay vessels
tensioners. Our HCCS design includes a swivel feature to accommodate
connection of flexible flowlines, as well as a stab and hinge-over (S&HO)
version for umbilical connections. The HCCS utilizes our standard range of
clamp connectors, available in a wide variety of sizes.

Vertical clamp connection system (VCCS)

This system is designed for simple and reliable vertical connections of
flexible flowlines and rigid pipe spools. A gooseneck configuration with
integral lifting features is used for flexible flowlines . A special funnel
system forming part of the connector assembly provides passive
alignment, and an ancillary stroking tool can be used to provide additional
alignment capacity if needed. Just as with our HCCS, the VCCS utilizes our
standard range of clamp connectors and can thereby be used for a wide
range of connection sizes.
Vertical connection module (VCM)
This connection system is used for direct lay-away connections of flexible
flowlines. It utilizes well-proven collet connectors with integral hydraulics,
configured with a robust funnel based alignment system, integral soft
landing features and a gooseneck interface to the flexible flowline. A
special metal sealing swivel system allows for easy orientation during
deployment and connection operations.

Connection type

Orientation
2

10

12

18

ICARUS

Clamp

Horizontal

HCCS

Clamp

Horizontal

VCCE

Clamp

Vertical

VCM

Collet

Vertical

6" VH

Collet

Vertical

DG, DG-2

Mandrel

Vertical

2RSC

ROV stab

Vertical

6" VH connection system

The 6 VH collet connector system is intended primarily for vertical
connection of rigid spools, and it is frequently used for flexible flowline and
flexible jumper connections. The 6" VH utilizes a mechanical, non-integral
collet connector system deployed together with a running tool for actuation.
The running tool also provides soft-landing features and additional
alignment capacity.
DG and DG-2 mandrel connector system
Mandrel connectors resemble collet connectors, but generate the sealing
preload with serrated locking dogs instead of collet sleeves. Our range
of mandrel products for flowline connections includes the DG and DG-2
connectors. The basic DG connector is a proven design based on integral
hydraulics, with operation through an ROV panel and with the seal fixed to
the connector. The DG-2 connector is a design evolution of the DG model
and accommodates subsea seal replacement. The DG-2 connector can be
operated through integral hydraulics and in non-integral mode using an
ROV-carried stroking mechanism.

20

24

30

36

42

ROV stab connectors

Our 2RSC ROV stab connector is designed for high integrity, metal-tometal connection of larg-bore ROV jumpers up to 2" ID, and is typically
suitable for gas lift or methanol/MEG service. It utilizes the patented SX
metal sealing technology, which is also used for hydraulic couplers in
multibore hub applications. The 2RSC ROV stab connector is fully ROV
operated without need for special tooling, and it can be configured for use
with thermoplastic hoses and rigid pipe.
Thermal insulation
From a flow-assurance standpoint, flowline connectors often constitute
a cold spot that needs attention during design of the thermal-insulation
system. This is of particular importance in deepwater applications where
high ambient water pressure contributes to increased hydrate-formation
risk. The traditional response to the cold-spot issue is to retrofit a doghouse
cover outside the connector, insulating it from the ambient seawater.
As a supplement to traditional syntactic foam-based doghouse covers, GE
has developed and patented the Heat Bank system that employs a wetsuit
principle where seawater is trapped around the connector, providing
improved thermal properties. An added benefit of the Heat Bank system is
that it can be installed with the connector to eliminate need for a separate
retrofit doghouse installation.

Center of Excellence

A complete
range of subsea
production systems

Located in Sandvika, Norway, our Center of Excellence (COE) for subsea

manifolds and connections systems is the primary location for product
development, project management, engineering and execution of projects
around the globe.
The Sandvika site employs more than 200 skilled professionals and is
supported by the multi-disciplinary expertise of additional teams in
Trondheim and Stavanger, Norway; Florence, Italy; Warsaw, Poland; and
key project-development locations worldwide.
All these personnel and sites are further supported by the wide-reaching
engineering and R&D resources of the entire GE Oil & Gas organization
providing extensive capabilities for system design, product development
and qualification testing.
Center of Excellence capabilities include:

VetcoGray S-Series SVXT

Our latest shallow-water vertical tree system
Engineered to maximize safety and efficiency for
jack-up drilling operations
Designed to deliver high performance while
lowering installation and operating costs, its
capabilities are unrivalled in the industry today

Front end engineering and design (FEED)

System design
Detail design
Project management
Materials engineering
Foundation design
Structural engineering and advanced FEA modeling
Tie-in spool and jumper design
Flow assurance and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling
Pressure, temperature and load testing
Thermal insulation testing
Delivering reliability
Throughout all aspects of system definition, engineering design and
project execution, we employ rigorous processes that support a
systematic approach to quality assurance, production follow-up and
product qualification testing. Our overall objective and overriding priority is
to ensure that the delivered equipment meets the highest standards
of reliability and safety.
Excellence in execution
Each customer project is managed by a dedicated team with a highlyexperienced manager and all necessary support personnel. This projectmanagement team works in close alignment with the customer and
with full support from our Center of Excellence to ensure that delivery
commitments are honored, that technical requirements are met and that
performance envelopes are validated.

Controls & informatics

Over 30 years of experience and 1,000
modules operating worldwide
Installations include the worlds longest
subsea tieback, the largest deepwater
fields, large-bore gas delivery projects
and high pressure/high temperature
applications
Portfolio includes ultra-reliable VetcoGray
ModPod equipped with the award-winning
SemStar5 subsea electronics module for
unrivaled flexibility and reliability

Subsea Power & Processing

Solutions for increasing production rates and/or
recovery from subsea wells
Subsea gas-boosting systems BlueC wet-gas
compressor, qualified for Ormen Lange
Subsea separation and pumping systems Troll C,
the worlds first subsea separation system in
operation
Power-supply systems surface, umbilical and
subsea equipment with MECON Wet Mate and
Dry Mate technology

VetcoGray D-Series DHXT

The next-generation deepwater tree
Engineered for up to 15,000 psi and 10,000 ft
Offers lowest installed cost, minimizing rig and
ROV operations
Value, efficiency and reliability are standard

Worldwide service capabilities

major subsea service centers

other GE Oil & Gas service centers

10

GE Oil & Gas continually invests in its network of

world-class repair and service facilities in over 30
countries with highly experienced and certified
field service personnel strategically located to
provide timely support in every region. We cover all
aspects of supply and support with advanced tools,
skills and solutions wherever and whenever they
are needed. We understand that true reliability must
extend beyond the quality of any single product to
the support provided throughout its service life. Our
approach is based on dynamic monitoring, analysis
and planning to ensure effective application of
technologies and efficient allocation of site-specific
resources. Our people are knowledgeable, proactive
and responsive, and know how to get the best
major subsea service centers performance from our
products.

GE Oil & Gas

ge.com/oilandgas

GE Oil & Gas Headquarters

Via Felice Matteucci, 2
50127 Florence, Italy
T +39 055 423 211
F +39 055 423 2800
customer.service.center@ge.com
Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.

The information contained herein is general in nature

and is not intended for specific construction, installation
or application purposes. GE reserves the right to make
changes in specifications or add improvements at any
time without notice or obligation.

Drilling & Production Headquarters

4424 West Sam Houston Parkway North
Houston, Texas 77041
P.O. Box 2291
Houston, Texas 77252-2291
T +1 713 683 2400
F +1 713 683 2421

2011 General Electric Company

All Rights Reserved

Subsea Manifolds & Connectors Center of Excellence

Eyvind Lyches vei 10, PO Box 423
N-1302 SANDVIKA, Norway
VetcoGray Scandinavia AS

For complete contact information,

please refer to our website.

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