'S0060327424, United States Patent 119) [i] Patent Number: 6,032,742 Tomlin et al. [45] Date of Patent: Mar. 7, 2000 [Ss] BLOWOUT PREVENTER CONTROT 4130050 Hassig asia SYSTEM ias.ss Sex 1oai308 X eae Schwenicnaaa aa Boats? [5] Foventors: Jerry Tomlin, Suger Land; Dan Pesek; Snarsi9 Hughes is72801 rine ea ort Siiarst Saith la noi 5 dhl —————"_—CL SIMASIB 121991 Bony ‘Sul (73) Assignee: Hydril Company, Hovston, Tex OTHER PUBLICATIONS, eae caren NL Shafer, Produst Catalog, BOP Contcol System, Selected pages (Date not given). (22) Filed: Dee. 9, 1997 Koomey, Product Catalog, Selected pages (Date not given. Related US. Application Data Primary Esuminer—Rogee Schoeppe {60} Provisional aplication No 58182947, Dec. 9 1995. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Roserthal & Osha LLP (st) Inc? E2UB 38065 (57) ABSTRACT is3] US.cL 166/345; 1662887; 166/363; 166364; 166/35; 166/360 A blowout preventer contol system has been developed [58] Feld of Search 166/342, 344, wilh pod with atures whih include a retractable internal 1067545, 353,368, 364,368,306, oe? Sab with fixed intemal hydraulic connection lines to the Dawout preventer, The kydraulie conection lines ae con- (50) References Cited nected BY presse activated packer seals. The sah also has am elecrctl conector othe Blowout preventer which uses US. PATENT DOCUMENTS. 4 guide which proper aligns the pins of the connector $1969 Barges Without any rotation. The piping ofthe atl sysems uses hn eee 2s amadjstabe length ype tubing o reduce the binding onthe ‘91924 Lewis ct 137594 pipe. Alost motion flat is used rece the loading on the Store ia7isie18 Connection bltso he system. The eniresptem frencened. dionss ism § 166/359 With plates with Keep te espeaded hydraulic id in contact Sains 7 4382 ithe meal mechan. The onsuces and seal sh . s f are located for easy accessibility with no discuption of the dasness duo ist eee 4,408,989 9/1983 137i596.18_StITOunding elements of the sy S318 “V98t Baogh ea SESR500 lost Hemdenoe e e ‘anda 28 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets6,032,742 Sheet 1 of 12 Mar. 7, 2000 U.S. Patent FIG. 16,032,742 Sheet 2 of 12 Mar. 7, 2000 U.S. Patent INN AN 3 WS 7 FIG. 2U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 3 of 12 6,032,742 ON. WN ay 106 40 38 36 _ 61 90 FIG. 3U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 4 of 12 6,032,742 ON. 36 58 FIG. 4U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 5 of 12 6,032,742 FIG. 5U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 6 of 12 6,032,742 nN, FIG. 6U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 7 of 12 6,032,742 FIG.7U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 8 of 12 6,032,742 im 68 of) | pees {| eG FIG. 8U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 9 of 12 6,032,742 96 FIG. 9A FIG. 9B 80 NN,U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 10 of 12 6,032,742 —_ FIG. 10U.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 11 of 12 6,032,742 o0o000 OOOOO Komoooun © O,0 | 280 09000 0 OO OO © O OO X FIG. 11A FIG. 11BU.S. Patent Mar. 7, 2000 Sheet 12 of 12 6,032,742 110 DN ire 112 Li A 108 706 110 XN 107 FIG. 12A FIG. 12B FIG. 12C6,032,742 1 BLOWOUT PREVENTER CONTROL, SYSTEM ‘This application claims the benefit of the fling of the US. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60,032,947, fled Dee. 9, 196. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION A Blowout Preventer (BOP) is a critical feature of under sea drilling operations. The functions of a BOP, suc as ‘annular preventer and choke and kill valves, are operated by a hydraulic control system. Since the hydraulic Hud is piped from the suefae, response time for deep water apera- tions is slow due to the distances iavolwed. As a rest an ‘lcetrnic or multiplex contol pod is located on the BOP to fleet a quicker control response. Mechanical problems or maintenance requirements occasionally require a pod to be removed and replaced. Therefore, reliability and easy mai Tainabiiy are premium characteristics of & coateol pod. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ‘The invention relaes 0 a blowout preventer contra system which is surrounded by a plurality of enclosure plates and comprises an electronics package which receives 4 contol sigoal and relays it to a plurality of solenoids mounted within « solenoid housing. The solenoid housing also contains a non-conductive fui, «pressure equalization bladder which is filled with sea wate, and a plurality of transducers bat are mounted in an accesible position within the solenoid housing wherein a tasiducer ean be removed from the solenoid housing without disturbing, the noa- conductive Muid. A plurality of shear seal valves are also mounted 00 the solenoid housing ‘The invention further comprises 2 plurality of seal subs which are accesible without removal of other clemeats of the apparatus, at leas one junctioa plate with a Tost motion Noa, and a plurality of adjustable length pipe spools which receives the hydraulic pressure from the seal subs. A pipe spool comprises a pipe with two threaded ends, at least one length adjustment nut which i attached teach threaded end ‘of the pipe, a captive flange which fits over each length sgjustment nut, and plurality of bolts which fix the captive flange in place over the length adjustment aut. ‘The invention further comprises an intemal stab swhich receives the hydraulic pressure from the pipe spools and transfers it through a plurality of fixed internal conduits 10 the blowout preventer. A plurality of pressure activated packer seals connect the fixed internal conduits ofthe stab to the blowout preventer. A pressure activated packer seal ‘comprise a circular metal support with an interior ledge, an exterior slot and a bottom channel, a rubber seat attached round the interior ledge, a rubber tapered ange atached around the exterior sit, and a metal wave spring attached ‘round the bottom channel. Also included in the stab is an clectrical eae which extends through the stab, an electrical ‘conctor which connects the electeieal eae to the blowout preventer, and a connector guide which eorrety aligns the electsical connector without rotation, The connector is aligned by Limiting the movement ofthe electrical eonnector to two perpendicular axes whieh ace parallel tothe blowout preventer. The connector guide comprises a guide frame, an ‘upper connector member with formed flats, which is mov- ably mounted within the guide frame, a lower connector member with formed fats, which is movably. mounted within the guide frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I shows 4 typical deep sea drilling operation FIG. 2 shows 4 perspective view of a BOP control pod. 2 FIG, 3 shows a frontal view of a BOP control pod with ‘enclosure plates. FIG. 4 shows 1 frontal view of 1 HOP contr pod: ‘connected to the BOP receiver block FIG, § shows a frontal view ofthe pod base block and the stab connected to the riser receiver block and the BOP receiver block, FIG, 6 shows a fontal view of a BOP contol pod withthe stab disengaged from the BOP receiver block, FIG,7 shows 2 frontal view of a BOP control pad with the ‘stab disengaged fiom the BOP receiver block and the pod base block disengaged from the riser receiver block. FIG, 8 shows a frontal view ofa pipe spool connected to sul plate mounted valve FIG, 9a shows an overhead view of pressure energized packer seal FIG. 9b shows a crasescctional view of a pressure ‘energized pucker sel FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a transducer, FIG. Ha shoves a fontal view ofa sab with an engaged ‘electrical connector. FIG. 116 shows an partial overhead view of » BOP receiver block with an electrical connector FIG, 12a shows an electrical connector with connect uid FIG, 12b shows an exploded view of a connector guide FIG, 12e shows an overhead view of 2 connector guide DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED. EMBODIMENTS. “The prefered embodiments of the invention are described ‘with reference tothe accompanying figures. Like references indifferent figures are shown with the same numeral The present invention relates to subsea contol pods, such as shown in U'S. Pat. Nos, 3,460,614, 3,701,549, and 3,817,281 for controlling various subsea wellhead dling functions, suchas tbe operation of blowout preventer. Thus, the present inveation is particularly used in pressure conto} and is suitable for deep water drilling FIG. 1 illustrates atypical under sea drilling operation. ‘The BOP 12extends through the lower marine riser package 14 (LMRP). The LMRP is separable into an upper stack 18 (shown in FIG, 4) and a lower stack 17 (shown in FIG. 4), ‘There ae times when the upper slack ofthe LMRP 14 must he disconnected from the lower stack which remains attached tothe wellhead The lower stack hore is then closed with shear rams and the choke and kil valves are closed. The ‘connections fora contol pod 10, located on the side of the MRP 14, ae retracted in order to prevent damage (0 the ‘control pod 10. The opetation is arranged with dual identical contol systems for redundancy purposes. A system may be can- trolled through a central contol unit 16 (CCU) oF a contol panel 18, The control signals are seat o the pod 10 through cable which is spooled on a mux rel 24 and extends to the pod. The hydraulic Huid for the system is supplied by a hydraulic pump unit 26 wit its sueface accumulators 28. “The Mud is tansfered to the contol pod 10 through a “bot Tine” which is spooled on a hot Tine reel 20 during the ‘movement and return ofthe LMRP. The main hydrate fd supply line isa rigid supply conduit whiet is incorporated into the riser once the BOP is placed FIG. 2 ilusrates a porspective view of a subsea contol pod 10 in accordance with the present invention. In6,032,742 3 preferred embodiment, the pod 10 includes an upper elec- tronics module 30 mounted atop a lower hydraulic module 32. Aliydrauliceylinder 64 (at shown in FIG. 2) is mounted a the center of the lower module 32 for lowering a male member, or stab 34 into engagement withthe BOP receiver block 74 (aot shown in FIG. 2) which is mounted on the lover stack ofthe BOP 12, In FIG. 2, the sab 34 is shown in the disengaged, retracted positon. In FIG. 4, the invention is displayed. With the stab 34 in the engaged, lowered position, (One significant advance provid by the presen invention isthe provision of an integrated stab 34 and pod base block 72 design, which are shown more particularly in FIG. 8, Currently, the art utilizes separate stab members, apart fom the main pod, that are cach lowered and reacted, Subsea ods utilizing sch systems require that bundles of hoses be ‘connected between the main pod and these separate slabs for hydraulic communication With the present invention, a single stab 34 is but into the pod 10. Thus, it eliminates the boses, simplifies the ‘overall system, and improves reliability, Even though the pod 10 has a large footprint from the integration of functions, the invention eliminates other devices that are ‘lside of the pod 10 and is therefore avery efficient way of ‘communicating from the pod 10 on the LMRP 14 to the BOP receiver block 74 mounted on BOP receiver stack with a Single retractable stab 34. In eect, the single stab 34 Functions with the pod base block 72 like a big, quick disconnect The retractable stub 34 does away with the need for hoses. to provide inter-connections between the pod componenis ‘through the use ofa plurality of bores, or conduits 8 that are machined ino it, as shown particularly in FIG. §. The slab ‘34 is designed to work with the specially designed pod hase ‘nlock 72 which aso has internal conduits S8 that teminate in upper sealed points for engagement with the stab coo ‘its Thus, the pod base block 72 ineludes inboard conduits for operation of the BOP stack functions, and outboard cconuuits foe operation of the riser Functions, The outboard side 78 sealingly engages the riser receiver block 70, and the inboard side 76 sealingly engages the upper siab whea the Jb 34 is lowered. The slab 34, in turn, sealingly engages the BOP roveiver block 74 atthe bottom FIG. 3 shows the control pod with enclosure plates 60) attached tothe lower module 32. The plates serve to enelose the byeraulie module 32 so thatthe expend hydraulic Haid is contained and expelled only through the module vents 62. ‘This keeps the expended uid on the exhaust side of the hydraulic control valves aod in tusn keeps control fuid in ‘contact with the vented side of the BOP and stack valves, ‘Contact with the expended fuid is much preferred over ‘conlact with sea watee. These features also give the pod the ARexbility to be arranged as a “closed system” where the expended hydraulic Nuid is recovered by the system. Also shown isa protective sereen 61 which protects the module from collecting trash when the stab 34 is extended, Asshown in FIGS, 4 and 8, ll the Hid piping comes into an intermediate, pod base block 72 s0 there are no moving pipes or hoses on the pod 10. The pipes, ce pipe spools 68, te fixe and feed upper seal points om the pod stab 34 when the stab isi the extended postion, a shown in FIG. 4, The hydraulic uid communicated through the upper seal poinis lows through the conduit 88 inthe sib 34, and out the lower seal points to enter the BOP receiver block 74 for activating various slack functions. The hydraulic eylindr 64 jacks the pod stab up and down, The fixed pipe spools 68 connected s 4 to the pod base black 72 ae fd from above by valves in the pod 10 itself, as discussed further below. As shown in FIG. the junetions between the conduits $8 from the slab 34 and both block ate scaled with pressure ‘energized packer seals 80, FIGS. 9a and 9b show a pressure ‘energized packer sal 80 which comprises circular rigid Support 94 witha flexible seat 92 attached tround its interior. ‘The outer edge ofthe rigid support contacts the seal pocket SL. This provides support to Keep an exteuding gap from forming between the packer seal and the pocket. The flexible seat 92 extends above the rigid support 94 which allows a ‘compression seal 10 be formed when pressute is applied. An ‘outwardly tapered fhnge 96 is attached around the exterioe ‘of the rigid Support 94. Holes 95 are present are vatious intervals within th rigid support 94. This allows the flexible seat 92 and tapered flange 96 to make contact when the packer seal is being molded. Also, a wave spring 98 is fed round the base of the rigid suppor 94. A wave spring 98 is ‘circular stip with periodic undulations which allow some clastic compression: The rigid support 94 and the wave ‘pring 98 are usually meta, but any other suitable materials, ‘cold be used. The preferred material is nickel, alumina tnd bronze ally which prevents galling. The Rexble seat 92 and the tapered flange 96 are ususllycubber, but any other ‘Stitable material could be used ‘The key to the pressure energized packer seal 80 isthe tapered flange 96. A dynamic seal forms when pressure is ‘exerted on the lapered flange 96. The flared surface is forced ‘out agains the interior diameter of the seal pocket 81 in the ‘end ofthe conduit 88. This device will maintain tight seal Should any movement of the sirucure take place which ‘could cause the seals to leak. FIGS. 4 and § show the pod 10 being engaged tothe rsce receiver block 70 through the pod base block 72 al the TROP recciver block 74 through the pod stab 34. Any time the rig operators are going to disconnect tbe riser package and leave the lower BOP stack on the wellhead, they retract all stabs 34 before they disconnect the riser The tapered stab 34 rust be retracted by ils hydraulic eylinder 64 before dis- ‘connecting the riser package from the lower BOP stack, Fully retracting the tah disengages i rom the BOP receiver block as shown in FIG, 6, The sab 34 is designed t be fully retracted into the body of the lower pod medule so a8 10 provide ready access 10 the pod base block’s pressure ‘energized packer seals 80 for servicing, Once the stab 34 is fully retracted, the pod base block 72 is bydraulieally disconnected from the BOP receiver block 74 which remains autached to the riser package, When the pod base block 72 is disconnected, the entire pod 10 is disengaged from the riser package as seen in FIG, 7. AC this poin, there ate 20 stabs extending downward into the riser package. “The pod 0 per seis not intended to be eeeievable subsea, but it’s designed to be a quick change unit so that when installed, itis bolted in place as shown in FIG. 3. The pod 10 is mounted by eight bolts 99 on each side which fx the ‘whole pod structure tothe riser eeceptacle assembly, While holis are shown for an attachment mechanism, any other ‘suitable means could be use including clamps for use in recoverable contol pod. Ths, by removing the bolts 90, one pod can be taken off the riser package and another one can he bolted in its place if necessary. For example, if particular user bad three pods, there would only be two ‘ctv pods on the BOP stack ln te event that malfunction was identified in one ofthe active pods, that pod could be removed and replaced with the spare on deck. Thus, drilling ‘operations can be resumed Iarly quickly, while the mal- functioning pod was being serviced6,032,742 5 Asie from the mounting bolts 90, there are ive electrical cables that must be disconnected t salate the pod from the EMRE. First, there is the main electrical cable, or main ‘umbilical, which is caried ona reel on the surface deck, and ‘whieh basically operates the pod by enabling communica- tion withthe panels and electrons onthe surface, Thus, the main umbiliel cable provides al essential clectial power and signal communications. The main umbilical eonnector ‘52 must be disconnected when recovering the pod from the [MRP riser package, When the cable is erievedl back t the surface, it is spooled up on the reel so the main umbilical ‘connector 52 can be disconnected from the upper module 30, ‘AL this point, the pod 20 is effectively isolated from the surface and must be retrieved. The main umbilical connector may be a“make and break” connector for a eeeoverable pod cconiguraton, ‘Also, the is space forfour external cable connections $4 that are mouated to the upper pod module 30, as shows in the plan view of FIG.2. These cables enable the recording ‘of certain dat, such as pressure and temperature onthe riser package. In other words, they are data acquisition and possible operation cables for temperature, pressure, and ‘ther variables, and also communicate withthe elettonies fon the surface deck, ace the cables are disconnected, and the pod 10 is fully = disengaged, it ean be lifted off the riser receiver block 70 0, thatthe replacement pod ean be bolted in its place. Viewaly all subsea systems have at least to pod for redundancy. ‘As implied above, the pod 10 itself is «| modular uni including an upper eiectronies module 30 that can be sepa td from a lower yale modile 32. Thus aig operator could replace the hydraulic moclule 32 by disconnecting the electronics module 30 at the junction plate 38, and moving. the electtonies module 30-s0 that the replacement could ‘occur, None of the electrical components would have to be disturbed. The modules are desigaed for optimum ‘adapiabilty, so that virwally any electronic module will mount to aay hydraulic module, regardless of specific coa- figurations, With relerence now to FIG. 4, the hydraulic regulators 39 and subvplate mounted (SPM) 66 valves that feed the pipe spools 68 connected to the pod base block 72 are showen with the lower module 32. The pipe spools 68 are basically sub seals 36, inthe form of tubing with O-rings 82 on each en. ‘The spools are threaded for connection at both ends, which provides an adjustable-leng inter-connection between the 'SPM valves and the pod base block for either outboard riser Functions or inboard! BOP functions. As showin in FIG. 8, the pipe spool 68 comprises a pipe {83 with two threaded ends 88. height adjustment nut 88 is screwed on each of the ends til the desited space apaet of the pipe 83 from the connections is achieved. A captive lange 86 is fixed in pace over the height adjustment nut 84 ‘with bolls 99, This minimizes binding of the connections of the pipe spool to the SPM valves and the pod base de to the tolerance between the members The hydraulic supply manifolds are mounted essentially ‘onthe rails, or ihe Krame members ofthe pod 10, Special adjuster nuts $4 allow for the positioning of the SPM valves. ‘on the manifolds which are sed in place by adjustment of the adjuster nuts 84, s0 that everything is properly leveled. ‘Thus, when everything is tightened, none of the components are putin a bing, The SPM valves are typical sizes, 1", 1", and", and cach ave the same mounting philosophy a the manifold, ‘The valves are mounted through 4-bot flanges (not shown) 6 Which are arranged in a rectangular patter. The bydraulic ‘output of each SPM valve 66 is directed through one of the pipe spools 68. As mentioned above, the leas ofthe pipe ‘pools are adjustable though their threaded ends. The spool Tength doesn't actually change, but the adjustment of where it “shoulders” and i tightened up makes its effective length adjustable electing back to FIG, 2, the lower hydraulic module 32 is shown in one embodiment as 85" in height, and the upper ‘lecteonics module 30 is shovwn as 6012" tal. Th electonies pckages 48 are housed in the tall can in the center of the "upper module 30, while th shorter ean coatains transform= es 50. Solenoid-operated shearscal valves 41 are mounted in the solenoid housings 42 atthe outer portions of the electronics module 30, The solenoids (not show) mount onthe inside ‘of these enclosures, The shear-sal valves 41 mount opposite the solenoids on the outer portion of the solenoid bousing 42, These valves are electro-hydraulic pilot valves. Thus, When an operator presses a bution on a panel tthe surface, it instructs the surface electronics to send signal down 10 the electronics package to fire a particular solenoid. Then, there is some electonic verification communicated back and forth, and the solenoid sired, When this happens, hydraulic pressure is directed from the shear-sal valve 41 associated ‘wih that solenoid down through the junction plate 38, or ‘seal sub interface, o the appropriate SPM valve 66 in the lower hydraulic module 32. Thus, pressure is directed from the shearseal valve 41 through the junetion plate 38 down to the hydraulic pilo, the SPM valve 66. ‘The junction plate 38 represents a break point between the upper and Tower modules, Tubing extends from the shear seal valves 41 down (othe seal subs 36, and complementa tubing extend from the seal subs 36 through the hydraulic ‘modiile 32, down to the SPM valves 66, If and when the modules are disconnected, such as to bring a replacement module in, the tubing connections will already be made up inthe replacement module. The electronics are designed to have a “able” format in which each solenoid an transducer has a specitic address, ‘0 the eleeronies ean communicate with the device a that address or read back pressure from the transducer from adress. Typically, there are some functions that are pro- fgrammed Lobe performed in sequences. For example, emer [Beney disconnect sequences are setup for leaving the stack 1s quickly as possible. There are certain hydrauli functions that have to be performed to do that, which can be pre= programmed. Thus, when the operator executes the auto- matic disconnect sequence by pressing the appropriate but- ton of panel, the software andl electronics performs the funetions in accordance with the program. However, the sequenee can be changed by the operator at any time. In colher words, the operator ean add functions that werent in the program before, or he can lake things out, ebange the pre-set sequence, FIG.2 also shows the transmitters or transducers 40, that are repairable in place. The transducers 40 are shown on the hottom row of the electronics module 30, in the side ‘elevational view. Thre are ten on each side of the pod. The transducers 40 convert hydraulic pressure to an analog Signal, and are shown in greater detail in FIG. 10. Dual Osrings 82 provide a seal down on the outer diameter of the teansducer 4D where itfts into the solenoid housing 4, All cleerical connections are on the inside of the solenoid housing 42, which is filled with a non-conductive Hid. A blader member (not shown) is mounted atop the housing 426,032,742 7 inside the solenoid housing cover 44 and allows the eatey of sea water into the bladder to pressure-compensae the hous ing uid with the sea bead. In this manner, all electrical devices are contained in a “irendly” Mui ‘There are dual O-ring seals that interface a multiple areas in the solenoid housing 42, Each solenoid has dual O-rings 82. The transducers 40 also have dual O-rings 82, as do the ‘enclosure plates 60, the solenoid housing cover 44, and the seal subs 36 that interface between the housing. and elec ‘ronies modules. Additionally, the devices that are in the solenoid housing 42 are designed to work even if the housing has sea water in it. So the system has multiple backups, through dual sca, friendly uid, and electrical ‘componcnis that will coatinve to Work if expesed to water Referring again t0 FIG. 10, the right hand portion of the transducer is mounted inside the solenoid housing with the friendly uid. The left hand portion is outboard, and has pressure connection points for tying into the component ‘whose pressure is to be measured. Orieatation pins 16 are Used 10 ensure proper aligoment of the iransducet. An “Ashcraft sensor 114 0¢ the like is welded to the transducer body. The wires from that sensor terminate in connector that plugs in. The connector, or penetrator, as four pins on cach end (not shown). Thus, the transducer has a make-and- break siab connection on ether side of the penetator ‘The interior chamber 100 of the outer portion of the transducer 40 is sealed at one atmosphere. The exterior pomtion 101 ofthe transducer 40 inside the solenoid housing, AZ is at sea head pressute. Again, there are dual O-rings 82 hete that are exposed to sea bead dillerential. The inner portion of the transducer 40 is exposed o hydraulic pressure ‘lus the hydraulic head, so thece is quite abit of differential cross his joint. There is an orientation pin onthe transducer ‘ap tha ony allows the sensor portion fo be installed in one ‘way. The intemal connector is Keyed s0 tht it only is one way. The penetrator has pin so that i's also oriented one sway. As a result, all the components can be made up with confidence thatthe alignment is correct. The construction of the transucer 4 allows i¢ to be pulled out of the solenoid housing 42 and replaced without draining the fluid from the housing. Replacement of the body portion oF the penetrator ‘would require draining the housing “The solenoids do not have this feature. The solenoids ave a boot-iype seals over fo single pin connectors that essen- lally pressure energize the seal, but some of the fluid will necessarily be lost from the housing during the change out ‘of a solenoid. However, the shear-seal portion opposite the solenoid can be loosened without disturbing the fuid and the sheur-seal is the most likely the part that will need service. For example, maybe an O-ring might have failed or ‘Something similar. Ifthe solenoid must be removed, the uid ill be drained only to the level of the solenoid. “The prior at transducers are mounted on the inside ofthe housing just ike the solenoid, and the pressure connections ‘come from the outside, So if anything happens to a prie ‘ransdcer, he solenoid housing mst be drained to pull the iwansducer from the inside, This of course entails 4 lot of ‘work. By contrast, if something happens to the sensing clement of the present invention, the removal of four sees enables the inner transducer housing to be pulled out and replaced without having to disturb the Dud contents of the solenoid housing. ‘The solenoid shear-seal valves 41 are seal sub mounted, 0 taking those offs aso just matter of removing a couple ‘of serews, Ths there is wo deed to distur the tubing within the upper module asin the prior art devices, s 8 ‘The seal subs 36 also have dual O-rings 82, but if one O-ring 82 fails, it ean be repaired in place by unsecewing the male member from the lower junction plate 38 without removing the entire electronics’ module 30. The seal sub terface plates functionally connecting the modules have a “lost motion” float (aot shown) built into the connections between the junction plate 38 and their pats, so that when the pod 10 is Tilted, these connections’ are not loaded in twasion with the weight of the pod. There ae fou it points 46 for raising the pod 10, shown generally about the Solenoid housings 42 in FIG. 2. The plate junction plate 38 tached to the upper electronics module 30 as slack with respec to the junction plate 38 that is attached tothe lower hydraulic module 32. In this manner, when the pod is lited, the lost motion float dat is built nto the junction plates 38 is going to be largely taken up. If thete was no sueh Tost motion built ia, the bolis conaecting the plates would be ‘artying the weight of the pod. Special shoulder bolts sre used to provide the “loose” connections resulting inthe lst motion. Again, the clear advantage in this design is that i ‘doesn’t load that junetion plate 38 withthe Full weight ofthe lower module 32. The only loading on the interface bolts will result rom the separating fore of pressure acting atthe seal subs, A similar lost motion float could also be used between the stab 34 and the pod base block 72 to relieve the load ofthe hydraulic eyinder 64, This leaves the stab 34 free to Moat agains the pad base block 72, FIGS. 1a and 11 illustrate an electrical connection that 's provided through ibe stab 34. An elecitical connector 102 that can make-r-break under water has been specially adapted for the hydraulic pod stab 34. The connector 102 Permits electrical communication directly between the elee- tronics module 30 and the BOP stack. Thus, the eonneetion is automatically made up by the lowering ofthe stab 34 into the BOP receiver block 74. The male portion of the con- rector is fastened to a plate that’s mounted on the bottom side of the BOP receiver block 74, The female portion is ‘mounted in the lower portion ofthe pod stab 34. So wha the ‘slab 34 comes into the BOP rveeiver block 74, it automat cally makes up the electrical connection, The female is designed so that when it disconnects, the sockets in the female connection are sealed off and may be pulled up 50 that they work subsea. The male pins are onthe noa-power side when disconnected. In a preferred embodiment, there is room for two con rectors on the lower surface ofthe stab 34. One connector, for example, is related to a “smart” BOP read-back. AC he upper portion of the stab 34, there's a 90" elbow 104 fiting that has a connection on i for attachment to a female swivel hase connection. A length of hose (not shown) is designed to ay on top ofthe sib 34, The hose as a loop so that when the stab’ moves up and down, the hose is able to flex freely and is not unduly tensioned. The eleetical connector on the hase end opposite the stab feeds through a bulkhead into a junction box 56 (shown in FIG. 3) above the stab 34, where itis electrically connected to the electronics module com- ponents, The jonetion box 86 is adapied for six elettical ‘connectors, four on top, and two underneath. The connect ‘seal points each have & pressure port fr esting between the ‘o-ring seals to ensure sealing integrity. A jumper assembly, Which connects to junction box 86, comprises wires with soldered connections on each end with boot scals over each ‘connection. After the connections forthe jumper assembly fare terminated, the hose is filed with uid. Thus, the ‘eleceical wires inside the hose are immersed in friendly fluid that pressure-compensates the hose with the sea. The flexible hose in elle becomes a pressure membrane 10 balance pressure6,032,742 9 FIG, Ua shows the plate that receives the mating female ‘connector in is positon, bolted te the underside of the BOP receiver block 74, Because misalignments between the male and female connectors can oecur, he connectors are brought together by complementary flats 106 inthe connector guide 107, Asscon in FIGS, 12a, 12) and H2e, there ae Hats 106 in the upper connector member 108, andl complementary Hlas 106 on the lower connector member 110. A pin 118 is include in the connector guide 107 to prevent rotation with the connector 102 ad the connector guide 107. The las 106 function by allowing movement in al directions to paralle] to the sab 34 and the BOP receiver block 74 which allows the connectors line themselves up. Also, included isa wave spring 98 which is located between the upper connector member 108 and the electrical connector 102, The wave Spring 98 allows some elastic movement while the cletrial connor 12 is being seated Since the connection is made up by four pins, it won't permit relative rotation between the male and female con rectors. However, the connection will handle relative move- ment in either of the X-Y ditections. In other words the ats 106 on one connector won't let the mating connector rote, ‘but will let it slide. Relative movement is permitted in two degrees of freedom, and results in aulomatic alignment between the pars fo complete the desired electrical cones tion, Although exemplary embodiments have been shawn and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments fll within the spirit and seape of the inven- tion. Accordingly, the invention i not limited tothe dis closed embodiments, but rather is defined solely by the scope of the appended claims, What is claimed: 1. Aa apparatus for controlling a blowout prevent comprising: an electronics package which receives a contol signal; 2 plurality of solenoids, mounted in a solenoid housing, ‘which receive fie sighals from the electronics package: «plurality of shear seal valves which translate the fire Signals into hydraulic pressure; and an internal stab which eocives the hyraulie pressure and transfers i through plurality of fixed conduits tothe blowout preventer. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed conduits are internal tothe sta, ‘3. The apparatus of claim 1, futher compesing: 4 plurality of pressure activated packer seals which con- ‘ect the fixed conduits to the blowout preventer, 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a pressute activated packer seal comprises: a circular sig support with an interior ledge, an exterior sot andl a bottom channel; a flexible seat attached around the interior ledges a tapered flange atached around the exterior slot; and 4 wave spring attached around the bottom channel 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the flexible seat is made of rubber 6, The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the rigid support is made of metal 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the tapered Dange is made of ridber '8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the wave spring is made of metal 9, The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of adjustable length pipe spools which transfer the hydraulic presure from the shear seal valves, s 10 10. The apparatus of el ‘comprises «pipe with two threaded ends; least one length adjustment aut which is attached to cach threaded end of the pies 4 captive flange which fits over each length adjustment sul; and ‘8 plurality of bots which fix the captive flange in place ‘over the length adjustment ut 11, The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: 4 non-conductive fvid within the solenoid housing; nd plucality of transducers, mounted within the solenoid housing, which translate the hydraulic pressure t0 a signal 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of teunsducers are located in an accessible position within the solenoid housing. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a transducer ean he femoved from the solenoid housing without distucbing the non-conductive uid in the solcnok! housing “M4 The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising 8 pressure equalization bladder mounted with the solenoid bousing. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pressure ‘equalization bladder is filled with sea wate. '16. The apparatus of claim 1, Further comprising: an electrical cable which extends through the stab; an electrical connector which connects the electrical cable to the blowout preventer; and connector guide which correctly aligns the electrical eonnector without ration 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the connoct guide correctly aligns the electrical connector by limiting the ‘movement of the eletrical connector to wo perpendcul axes which are parallel to the blowout preventer. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the connector ide comprises: 2 guide frame; an upper connector member with formed fats, which is ‘movably mounted within the guide frame and 4 lower connector member with formed fats, which is movably mounted within the guide frame, 419. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of seal subs which are accessible without removal of other elements of the apparatus. 20, The apparaus of claim 1, further comprising: a Feast one junction plate with a Tost mation float. 2A. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: 4 plurality of enclosure plats, 22. An apparatus for controlling 4 blowout preventer comprising: an electonies package whieh receives 4 control signal a solenoid housings 2 plurality of solenoids, mounted within the solenoid Dousing, which receive fie signals from the electoonkes package; a plurality of enclosure plates; 1 plurality of shear seal valves, mounted on the solenoid ‘housing, whieh translate the fre signals into hydeaulic pressure; 1 presse equalization bladder, mounted within the sole ‘oid housing, which is flled with sea water; 4 non-conductive Auid within the solenoid housing; 9, wherein a pipe spool6,032,742 av a plurality of transducers, mounted in an accessible posi tion within the solenoid housing wherein a transducer can be removed from the solenoid housing without disturbing the non-conductive fluid, which translate the hydraulic pressure into a signal; 4 plurality of seal subs whieh are acoessible without Femoval of other elements of the apparatus; at least one junction plate with a lost motion float; plurality of adjustable length pipe spools which receives the hydraulic pressure from the seal subs, wherein a spool comprises a pipe with two threaded end, at Teast one length adjustment aut which is attached to cach threaded end of the pipe, a captive flange which fits over each leng adjustment out, and plurality of bolts which fix the captive flange in place aver the Jength adjustment aut an internal stab which receives the hydraulic pressure from the pipe spools and transfers it through a plurality of fixed internal conduits to the blowout preventer; 4 plurality of pressure activated packer seals which con- fect the fixed infernal conduits of the stab to the blowout preventer, wherein a pressure activated packer seal comprises a circular metal support with aa interior Jedge, an exterior slot and a bottom channel, a eudber sea attached around the interior ledge, a rubber tapered flange attached around the exterior slo, and a metal ‘wave spring attached around the bottom channel; an electrical cable which extend through the stab an electrical connector which connects the electrical eable to the blowout preventer, and 4 connector guide which cortecly aligns the electrical connector Without rotation by limiting tbe movement of the electrical connector to two perpendicular axes ‘whieh are parallel tothe blowout preventer, wherein the onnector guide comprises 4 guide frame, an upper jeonnector member wih Formed Hats, which is movably ‘mounted within the guide frame, a lower connector member with formed flats, whichis movably mounted within the guide frame. 23.A method for controlling « blowout preven prising receiving an eleetronie contol signal; translating the electronic contro signal into hydraulic pressures teansTering the hydraulic pressure tothe blowout preven: ter through a stab with fixed internal conduits and translating the hydraulic pressure into a signal through a plurality of transducers mounted on an accessible pos tion within @ solenoid housing, wherein a transducer can be removed from the solenoid housing. without disturbing 1 non-conchictive Bud in the solenoid hous ing. 24, The method of claim 23, further comprising ‘equalizing the pressure within a solenoid housing wit pressure equalization bladder 25. The method of claim 23, futher comprising transferring the hydraulic pressure 0 a stab through adjustable length pipe spooks 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising s 12 an electrical cable, which extends through the sab, tothe blowout preventer with an electrical con rector which is correctly aligned without rotation by a connector guide 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the fixed internal ‘conduits ofthe sab are connected tothe blowout preventer ‘with pressure energized packer sels 28. A method for controlling a blowout preventer, com= prising: receiving an electronic control signal in an electronic eontrol package sending 1 fre signal from the electro control package to 2 plurality of solenoids located withia 2 solenoid housing: fring the solenoids; translating the fing ofthe solenoids ito hydraulic pres ‘suze through a plurality of shear seal valves located on the solenoid housings ‘equalizing the pressure within a solenoid housing with « ‘pressure equalization bladder filled with sea waters translating the hycraulie pressute into a signal through a plurality of transducers, mounted in an accessible pos tion within the solenoid housing wherein a transducer fein be removed from the solenoid housing. without disturbing 4 non-conductive uid in the solenoid hous- ings teunsferring the hydraulic presure from the shear seal valves toa plurality of sea subs; transferring the hydraulic pressure from the seal subs through adjustable pipe spools to an internal stab with fixed internal conduits, wherein pipe spool comprise ing a pipe with two threaded ends, atleast one length adjustment nut which is attached each threaded end ofthe pipe, a captive Nange which fits over each length adjustment nut, and a plurality of bolts which fix the Captive Hang in place over the length adjustment aut: transferring the hydraulic pressure tothe blowout preven ‘er through the intemal stb with fixed internal conduits wherein the xed interoal conduits of the stab are connected to the blowout preventer with pressure ener= sized packer seals, wherein a preseure activated packer Seal comprises a circular metal apport with an inerior ledge, an exterior slot and a bottom channel, a rubber ‘ca tached around the interior ledge, a rubber tapered Mange attached around the exterior Slot, and @ metal ‘wave spring attached around the bottom channel; ‘connecting an eleetical cable, which extends through the ‘ab, to the blowout preventer with an electrical cone rector which is correctly aligned without rotation by & connector guide by limiting the movement of the electrical connector to two perpendicular axes which are parallel 10 the blowout preventer, wherein the connector guide comprises a guide frame, an upper fconnector member with formed ats, whieh is movsbly ‘mounted within the guide frame, 2 lower connect ‘member with formed fats, whic is movably mounted within the guide frame