02-04a Brazil Hydraulic Connectors, Level 2 - 1st Edition

SUBSEA ENGINEER TRAINING PROGRAMME
Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors
2.4 Subsea Wellhead and Riser Hydraulic Connectors
2.4.1 General
As discussed in Module 1, there are connectors that are used to connect the BOP
stack to the high-pressure wellhead or the LMRP to the BOP stack.
BOP Stack Connector

The BOP stack connector has always the same working pressure as the rams. To
keep selected control functions live while running or retrieving the BOP stack,
hydraulic controls are installed on the hose reels of conventional hydraulic systems.
These controls normally include such functions as the stack and riser connector
latch and unlatch and the pod latch.
Power fluid from the surface HPU (hydraulic power unit) is transferred to the hose
reels through a swivel and provides control fluid to the functions during the
operation of the reel. The reels have their own manifold regulator and isolation
valve to complement the hydraulic circuit. The installed regulator sends the pilot
signal to the pod regulator of the manifold or BOP functions.
To reduce the possibility of the LMRP unlatching while running or

retrieving the BOP stack, the BOP hose reel controls and the main BOP
controls should not be actuated on the main HPU panel unless the stack is
latched onto the wellhead or set on the spider beams. It is a good practice
to remove the valve handles of the connector functions on the reels (both
the stack connector and the LMRP connector) to prevent inadvertent
operation of these functions.
Losing the closing pressure to the wellhead connectors, apparently due to vibrations
during normal drilling operations, has resulted in several instances of the lower
connector unlocking on the high-pressure wellhead.
To prevent the lower connector disconnect problem and sometimes also the riser
connector, it is a common practice to install a POCV (pilot-operated check valve) in
the closing-side power fluid line of the connector. The POCV will maintain closing
pressure on the hydraulic circuit thereby avoiding any back-driving occurring.
The connector can only be unlatched when this check valve is functioned, allowing
the closing pressure and its hydraulic fluid to be vented subsea when opening
pressure is applied. To open the check valve fluid from the connector's primary or
secondary unlock, the power fluid line is routed to the valve's opening side, where
it pushes against a piston that unseats the check ball (see Figure 2.4.1.1).
The POCV is not without potential malfunction problems, but this is mainly caused
by a lack of proper maintenance by the subsea engineer. For this reason, DP rigs
will not install a POCV on the LMRP connector in case of malfunction during an EDS.
In the event that the POCV fails to operate properly, the power fluid line (hose) can
be either cut with an ROV or, if a bypass valve is installed in the line, this valve can
be opened allowing pressure to vent. A schematic is shown in Figure 2.4.1.2.
© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 1

02-04a Brazil Hydraulic Connectors, Level 2 - 1st Edition.doc
Outlet
Rubber Seat
Supply
Pilot
Figure 2.4.1.1 Cameron pilot-operated check valve
Cameron POCVs are commonly used in the industry. The weak point of this valve is
the rubber seat. If the valve is used numerous times, the piston gradually
damages the rubber seat. Next, small particles of rubber block the pilot line and
cause the valve to malfunction. Regular (six-monthly) inspections of the rubber
seat are therefore required to check the condition of the rubber seat and debris
blocking the pilot line.

ROV Schematic Diagram

Vetco H-4 connector with POCV
ROV female
B Primary Unlatch
Y Primary Unlatch
B Secondary
Unlatch
Y Secondary
Unlatch
Y Primary B Primary
POCV pocv by-pass Lock Lock
Out X
In
Primary Latch Secondary

Unlatch Unlatch
H-4 connector
Figure 2.4.1.2 ROV diagram of H-4 connector with POCV

The angle between the connector box and the pin can be a problem during latching
or unlatching the connector. Generally, the required force to unlatch the connectors
is substantially greater than the force required to latch. Most difficulties are being
encountered while unlatching the connectors. This has led to the development of
locking-dog retraction fingers and secondary unlocking piston systems.
The primary and secondary hydraulic unlocking systems should never be

connected together. The primary and secondary locks are virtually always
connected together.
On several deepwater wells, hydrates have formed between the BOP stack and the
wellhead (caused by gas seepage outside the 20" casing). In addition, ice deposition
will have prevented the unlatching of the BOP stack from the wellhead.
The connector functions properly when it is hydraulically unlatched but the hydrates
bond the connector to the wellhead, preventing the stack from being picked up and
retrieved. Because of this experience, an O-ring lip seal has been installed inside the
wellhead connector sleeve to prevent the hydrates from settling in between the
connector fingers.
A mud mat can be run as a part of the wellhead system in deepwater wells, which
may serve to defect the gas seepage away from the wellhead and the BOP stack.

Hydrate
seal
Figure 2.4.1.3 Elastomer hydrate seal

30" housing
Hydrate seals
Figure 2.4.1.4 Mud mat hydrate seal
2.4.2 Vetco H-4 Connector
The most commonly found connector for floating rigs is the ABB Vetco Gray H-4
connector. Many styles of H-4 connectors are available (see table Figure 2.3.2.1).
Test Stump Wellhead

H-4 Seal No. of H4-OD
System size Mandrel or Mandrel OD
Style Ring pistons (in inch)
Wellhead (in inch)
13-5/8"-5M C C AX 6 20.5 36
13-5/8"-10M C CxD VX 8 20.5 41.63
13-5/8"-15M C CxE VX 10 20.5 46.88
16-3/4"-5M D D AX 8 25.75 41.63
16-3/4"-10M D DxE VX 10 25.75 46.88
16-3/4"-15M D DxE VX 10 25.75 51.5
18-3/4"-10M E E VX 10 27 46.88
18-3/4"-15M E EXF VX 12 27 51.5
18-3/4"-15M E HD VX 10 27 62
21-1/4"-10M F F VX 12 30 66
Figure 2.4.2.1 Table of H-4 connectors

How does it work?

The H-4 connector is operated by several hydraulically operated/actuated pistons,
which are capable of driving a cam ring upwards and downwards (see Figure 2.3.2.2).
A shallow taper on the ID of the cam ring in turn drives a segmented ring of dogs
radially inwards into a grooved profile on the wellhead housing. This circular
movement provides a large axial locking force that energizes the ring gasket and
preloads the connector to the wellhead.
Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system configuration features a primary and secondary lock system,
where a number of the cylinders are ported to the primary lock port with the balance
being ported to the secondary lock. The same arrangement is included on the unlock
side of the cylinders.
When hydraulic fluid is applied to either of the lock ports, fluid enters those operating
cylinders (rod side) from above. The pistons pull the cam ring downward, driving the
dogs radially inward (lock position).
Prior to 1981, the pistons of the secondary system were not connected to the cam ring
and were therefore unable to pull the cam ring downwards (into the lock position).
These pistons were only capable of pushing the cam ring upwards (into the unlock
position). This meant that the secondary pistons provided no locking force, but were
only able to contribute to the unlocking force.
Since 1981, all the pistons have been connected to the cam ring after a larger ring
was introduced capable of supplying a greater locking force and therefore a larger
connector pre-load.
Nowadays, the primary and secondary ports are still plumbed separately inside the
connector (except for the HD-H-4) and are usually connected together externally to
prevent contamination.
The primary and secondary unlock ports should be connected to separate

control lines, which will provide redundant possibility to unlock a connector if one
function would fail during service. All the control lines have a recommended
maximum working pressure of 3,000 psi. The unlock area of the pistons is the
complete piston area, whereas the lock area is the piston area minus the area of the
piston rod.
When pressure is applied to the unlock ports, fluid enters the cylinders below the
pistons. The pistons and the cam ring are forced upwards, thus allowing the dog
segment to move radially outwards through the action of the springs located between
the dog segments. When the connector is picked up, the dog segments are forced
radially outward by this taper.
When pressure is applied to either the primary or the secondary unlock ports, both
the primary and the secondary lock port must be vented before the connector
can release. The primary and secondary lock ports must be vented while locking the
connector. Vetco Gray recommend using both primary and secondary unlock
functions as seawater can be drawn into the secondary pistons when only the primary
unlock function is used. This leads to rapid corrosion of the pistons and liners
resulting in eventual failure of the lock side of the piston.

Indicator Rod
The connector is equipped with an indicator rod, which makes it possible to monitor
the locking and the releasing function on the surface or subsea with the aid of an
underwater camera. The stroke of the H-4 type indicator is E x F is 4"; the indicator's
stick up is 5/8" in the locked position and 4-5/8" in the open position.
Under NO conditions should work be done underneath the connector with the
BOP hanging in the overhead crane or the drawworks alone. Sufficient
support spacers must be present on which to rest the BOP. In 1998, a
fatality occurred in Brazil when a subsea engineer was crushed between the
test stump and the BOP when the brake of the overhead crane supporting the
BOP failed and the BOP dropped.
VX Gaskets and VX Profile

The sealing area of the VX-rings must be inspected by the subsea engineer. The
sealing area is to be cleaned with very fine emery paper (400 grade or finer) or, even
better, with a scouring sponge as used in the kitchen. These green sponges are made
of artificial abrasive fibres and are very suitable to clean these sealing areas. Never
use a knife or wire brushes to clean the VX sealing areas.
The VX sealing areas as well as the VX rings are connected without the application of
any grease or oil. They are completely dry. The VX rings are used only once. After
the BOP has been retrieved, the old ring is to be removed. After cleaning the sealing
areas, the BOP is to be tested with a new ring.
A common practice seen more often recently is to run a bead of silicone sealant
around the upper ledge of the VX gasket to act as a trash seal to stop debris from the
BOP entering behind the VX gasket before the stack has been landed. It must be
applied very carefully so as not to contaminate the VX seal area. This practice seems
to have some success; however, it is better to run a BOP that has been cleaned and
inspected properly – this will avoid debris entering the seal area in the first place. The
wellhead should also be jetted prior to landing the BOP. This is normally achieved
using a V-jet tool run on drill pipe, but the ROV can also be used to remove any minor
contamination present prior to landing the stack. Also Vetco Gray and Sub-X supply
VX gaskets with integral trash seals provided.
On some rigs you will encounter the practice of using the old ring for testing the BOP
after retrieval. The old ring is used and afterwards a new ring is put in after a
successful test on the stump prior to running the BOP.
However a word of caution - When the BOP is retrieved, all the debris, mud and
corrosion from the riser passes through the BOP; the VX-ring is hanging on the
retaining bolts leaving a small slot around the VX sealing area for the debris to settle
inside (any silicone sealant bead that was placed there before the stack was run has
long since been washed away). The risk of having contamination underneath the old
VX-ring, which can cause a washed-out connector when pressure testing the BOPs, is
sufficiently large to justify the use of a new VX-ring for stump testing the BOP. A
washed-out connector can result in a very large amount of downtime and a very angry
rig owner and client. In addition to this, it will create a lot of unnecessary extra work
for the subsea engineer.
If you have no other option the used gasket should be removed, the sealing areas
inspected for damage and thoroughly cleaned prior to reinstalling the used gasket;

this may avoid any damage or danger of a washout but is not a recommended course
of action.
As the subsea engineer, you should always ensure you have enough gaskets on the rig
to do your stump tests and run the stack. If not, you better have a good excuse as to
why you can’t test the stack! Cad plated VX gaskets run at around $1,500.00 USD
each whereas a stainless steel will cost around $3,000.00 USD or more. Budget for
enough and don’t lend out to other rigs leaving you short.
Gasket Retainer Pins

There are four types of seal ring retainer screws:
a) Solid type
b) Spring-latch type
c) Hydraulic-retractable type
d) Orienting two-piece type
In all cases the retainers should be completely backed out before returning the
connector to the test stump, the mandrel or the wellhead housing in order to install a
new VX-ring. If the screws are not completely backed out against the snap ring, the
seal ring retainer screws might get bent or shear off on the seal ring, causing possible
damage to the wellhead, test stump or connector.
Hydraulic-type gasket retainer pins are hydraulic release and spring return to lock
(with hydraulic option). It is important that the gasket release pins are regularly
stripped and all components cleaned/inspected/lubricated. Often only the release side
is connected to a hydraulic circuit due to lack of available functions on the control pod.
This leaves the close port open to allow seawater to enter (it must not be plugged).
Regular flushing of both ports and installation of a pigtail on the hydraulic lock port will
reduce much of the corrosion caused by seawater entry. Change out any damaged O-
ring seals and check the length of the springs. A liberal coating of water-resistant
grease (i.e. Aqualube) will help protect the components from corrosion. Check the
pins for correct length and bent tips. The retainer pins are held in place by a spyrolok
ring; this must be engaged fully in place. Test the hydraulic function afterwards with
1,000 to 1,500 psi hydraulic pressure. Observe the movement of the pin from locked
to unlocked (the tails will move out approximately 1”) and check for leaks. On
completion, pack the retainer pin pocket with a liberal coating of water-resistant
grease.
Trash Seals
Before 1981, a secondary seal called the trash seal was only available on request.
Since 1981, all H-4 connectors had the secondary seal groove machined in the top
adapter.
The trash seal has two functions:

a) Provides back up for the ring.
b) Isolates the ring gasket from the environment.
The groove is located just below the ring gasket; the O-ring seals the wellhead
housing OD to the connected ID area. The secondary seal has a 10,000-psi working
pressure. A port may be connected to the area between the ring gasket and the
secondary seal to provide means of detecting a leak across the gasket.
If a monitoring line is used, testing should be limited to 1,000 psi unless the bore of
the connector is under a pressure that is equal to the secondary seal test pressure.

This prevents temporary de-energizing of the ring gasket and the wellhead seal
surface washout.
Gasket Materials
Cadmium-plated carbon steel or stainless steel ring gaskets can be used in 10,000-psi
applications and temperatures not exceeding 250°F. Only stainless-steel (302/316)
ring gaskets should be used for a 15,000-psi service and a temperature of 250°F and
more.
The maximum temperature limit of 250°F has been imposed after detailed, finite
element analyses and testing of these gaskets. This is due to reduction in material
strength at elevated temperatures and the difference between the linear coefficient of
thermal expansion of stainless steel and carbon steels (source: ABB Service Bulletin
EBA-950001 dated 5 July 1995).
Versions/Styles of Connector
The available H-4 connector styles are summarized in table Figure 2.4.2.4 and Figure
2.4.2.5 mentioned hereafter.
The designations in style (with exception of the HD and the HAR) are based on the size of
the wellhead. When two letters are used to identify the H-4 connector, the first letter
applies to the wellhead size and second letter denotes the hydraulic section of the
connector. For example: the 18-3/4" 15M connector is referred to as type E x F.
The HD-H4 is a heavy-duty, high-preload connector suitable for high bending loads at a
15,000-psi operating pressure. The HAR-H4 is a high-angle release connector primarily
used on LMRPs. The connector has a strongly reduced swallow over the mandrel and
allows a release at higher rig-off sets. In general, the higher the service applications, the
more cylinders are required.
Vetco recommends that a locking pressure of 1,500 psi has to be maintained on all LMRP
connectors at all times (while running and during routine operations). This is a
contingency since a loss of pressure would not allow the connector to release in normal
circumstances.
On the whole, the BOPs are landed on the subsea wellhead with 1,500 psi on the unlock
port of the connector to ensure the connector is completely open. After the landing the
unlock ports are vented and the locking pressure is applied to the primary and the
secondary lock ports. After locking with the required pressure, the locking pressure
might be reduced to 1,500 psi and kept at that level during normal drilling operations.
Vetco-recommended locking pressures for various connectors are shown in the tables of
Figure 2.4.2.4 and Figure 2.4.2.5. The recommended locking pressure depends on an
effective riser bottom tension and wellhead angle.

Upper body
VX
gasket
Retainer
screw
Figure 2.4.2.2 Vetco H-4 connector

Figure 2.4.2.3 Hydraulic connections on the H-4 connector looking from above
Secondary release
Secondary lock
Position indicator
Primary lock
Primary release

MWP Style "E" H-4 Connector

Required hydraulic locking pressure
3500
3000 3,000 psi

Lock (max)
Locking pressure (psi)
2500
2000 0 degree W/H angle
1500 1,500 1-1/4 degree W/H angle

psi Lock
1000 1-1/4 degree W/H angle
Normal drilling poor support for 30"
500 conditions conductor
0
0 100 200 300 400 500
Effective riser bottom tension (kips)
Figure 2.4.2.4 Operating guidelines for Vetco Gray 10M type “E” connector
(Source: Graphics Vetco Gray H-4 Procedure # 335)

MWP Style E H-4 Connector

Required hydraulic locking pressure
3500
Locking pressure (psi)
3000 3,000 psi

Lock (max)
2500 0 degree W/H angle
2000
1500 1,500 psi 1-1/4 degree W/H angle
Lock (min)
1000 Limited Drilling 1-1/4 degree w/H angle,
Conditions poor support for 30"
500
conductor
0
0 200 400 600
Effective Riser Bottom Tension (kips)
Figure 2.4.2.5 Operating guidelines for Vetco Gray 10M style “E” connector
(** Source: Graphics Vetco Gray H-4 Procedure # 335)
There are VX-rings developed in case the wellhead or the connector sealing areas
become damaged. The ring gaskets are fitted with "Hycar" inserts. The bonded
resilient inlays can be either installed on one side of the VX-ring (?) or on both
sides. There are also double "Hycar" gasket rings available.
Some DP (dynamic positioning) rigs use "Hycar" gaskets on their LMRP connector to
ensure that the ring seals again after the reentry following a (controlled or non-
controlled) drive-off and disconnection of the LMRP.
It is a bad practice to use a "Hycar" gasket to perform a stump BOP tests as the
"Hycar" can disguise the discrepancies of the connector sealing area. Should a
plain ring be used after running the BOPs, the result could be there is a leak
subsea! The chances of damaging the sealing area of the connector due to a
damaged "Hycar" gasket ring (causing a washed wellhead sealing area) are
considerably larger than when a plain VX-ring is used. So as a standard, the plain
rings should be utilized.
Greasing the Vetco H-4 Connector and Inspection Procedures

There are two large grease ports located underneath the connector in the vicinity of
the cylinder heads. Greasing of the Vetco H-4 connector is an absolute necessity to
ensure the proper operation of the connector. Greasing is to be carried out as soon as
the BOPs are on the surface and is always the first thing to do, before putting the
stack on the stump.
The "old" grease has to be replaced with new grease to make sure the dogs are fully
retracting when the connector is put in the open position. Most of the time "stuck"
dogs are encountered on the surface and not subsea. The minimum quantity of
grease to be used is 15 to 25 lbs split between both sides.

The grease operations MUST be performed with the H-4 connector REMOVED
from the test stump. Failure to do so may cause a hydraulic lock on the
connector.
This means that the connector will not unlock and stripping of the connector
will be the only solution!!!
After the greasing has been completed (using the two grease ports), the connector is
to be cycled at least 15 to 20 times to ensure the excess grease can be displaced.
Again, this cycling can only be performed when the connector is not connected to the
test stump. At the same time, movement of the dogs should be observed – but from
a distance, as the grease can be expelled with some force. If you stick you head in
there, you may end up with a grease necklace (or worse)!
When the connector is in the locked position, the excess grease that has been
pushed out between the dogs must be removed. If not, it may prevent the
proper operation of the cam ring and dogs segments.
The following greases are recommended by Vetco Gray:

Jet-lube AP-5 or equivalent for assembly of hydraulic components;
Pyroshield 5180, Grade "O" or Jet-lube EP-73A for routine maintenance, greasing
of the dogs, cam rings etc. on all connectors, with the exception of the HD-H4
connectors;
Jet-lube Kopr-Kote for routine maintenance, greasing of dogs, cam rings, etc. on
all HD-H4 connectors.
Never-Seize or Jet-lube Kopr-Kote should be used for all bolting requirements.
(Source: Graphics Vetco Gray H-4 Procedure # 335.)
Problems
There are four undesirable operational characteristics of the H-4 connectors, which
indicate that the connector has not been properly lubricated:
1. An increase in the unlocking pressure: The key components of the H-4

connector, i.e. the cam ring and the dogs, are sliding bearing surfaces, which
interact during the locking and unlocking operations. The lack of proper
lubrication and maintenance of the main components will cause abnormally high
friction loads between the sliding bearing surfaces, resulting in an increased
hydraulic pressure requirement to unlock the connector.
In addition, cycling of an improperly lubricated connector will cause mechanical

damage to cam ring/dog bearing surfaces reducing the ability of any lubricant to
do what it should. A further increase in frictional loads will be the result, leading
to an even greater increase of hydraulic pressure to unlock the connector.
2. A "kick" in the locking pressure and corresponding noises during

cycling: When not properly lubricated, the dogs tend to rock rather than slide
into position. This rocking motion aggravates the locking sequence in that the
cam ring must "kick" the dogs into place. This "kick" (which may be audible) can
create scoring and wear on the cam ring and dogs. The occurrence of the kick
phenomena results in the indicator rod moving "shock-wise" during the first half
of travel when the connector is being locked.
3. Irregular wear on the test stump or mandrel tooth profile, dog segments
and wear rings: The "kicking" action discussed previously can also cause

damage and/or wear on the surfaces of the tooth profile of the test stump or
mandrel. This damage/wear can cause the dogs to stick to the test stump or
mandrel even when the indicator rods indicate the connector is unlocked.
4. Dogs sticking in the inward or locked position: This condition usually occurs
when attempting to release the connector under low separation forces, for
instance from a test stump that is not secured to the deck. This may be the
result of lack of lubrication or damage to connector parts as discussed earlier. It
can sometimes occur when there are clearance problems between the dogs and
the wear plates – if this is the case, the dog clearances should be checked.
The following procedure is provided for evaluating the operational characteristics of an

H-4 connector caused directly by improper lubrication:
1. Inspect the test stump and the riser connector mandrel: Thoroughly clean
and inspect the tooth profile for ridges. Dress the ridges with a fine tooth file.
Apply an anti-seize, water-resistant compound such as Never-Seez or Kopr-Kote
on the tooth profile of the test stump or mandrel where the H-4 connector dogs
engage.
2. Closely monitor the "lock" pressure: Operate the H-4 connector "lock"
system making note of the pressure required to initially move the cam ring, i.e.
the pressure at which the indicator rod starts moving downwards. Monitor and
record the lock pressure during the complete travel of the ram ring, and make
sure the complete travel is a smooth motion without "kicks" in the pressure
and/or corresponding noises. The indicator rod should travel past mid-stroke (2”
travel) before the pressure builds up. If a "kick" is present, inspection of the
connector is required.
3. Closely monitor the initial "unlock" pressure: Operate the H-4 connector
"unlock" system, making note of the pressure required to initially move the cam
ring, i.e. the pressure at which the indicator rod begins to move upwards. The
pressure will increase until the preload between the cam ring and the dogs is
released; subsequently, the pressure should drop sharply during the upward
movement of the ring. The "unlock" cycle should be performed after the
connector has remained locked to the test stump or mandrel for at least 4 to 8
hours.
The following is a troubleshooting guide based on the initial hydraulic pressure

required to unlock the connector:
Unlock Pressure Action Required
1. 200 to 700 psi: Normal operation rate, continue normal PM
2. 700 to 1,500 psi: Greasing operation required
3. 1,500 to 3,000 psi: Connector dogs to be removed and cleaned
4. Over 3,000 psi: Indicates possible damage on the dogs, cam ring and
wear rings. Inspection of these parts should be
performed immediately; damaged parts are to be
replaced.

Figure 2.4.2.6 Graph Vetco Grey H-4 unlock requirements

Dog segments to be
numbered 1 to 12 in
a clockwise direction
3 4
2 5
1 6
Indicator rod
12 7
11 8
10 9
Upper wear ring
Feeler gauge Cam ring
Dog segment Lower wear ring
Figure 2.4.2.7 Measuring clearance between the dogs segments and the upper
wear ring

Measuring the clearances between the dog segments and the upper wear ring:
Procedure:
1. The clearance between the individual dog segments and the upper wear ring should
be taken and recorded in the table (Figure 2.4.2.8).
2. When these clearances have been taken, the feeler should be moved in a swaying
motion from left to right to ensure that the whole of the top surface is measured.
Dog No. Clearance Comments Dog No. Clearance Comments

1 7
2 8
3 9
4 10
5 11
6 12
Figure 2.4.2.8 Dog measurements table
Checking the dog clearances on the Vetco H-4 connector:
Procedure to follow:
a) Stud bolt connectors must be made up to the BOP prior to taking the clearance
readings.
b) Function the connector during three complete cycles.
c) Confirm that the connector is fully latched, measure the travel on the indicator rod
and check the correct volume.
d) Ensure that the dog area is clean.
e) The reading is to be taken in the latched position.
f) Record all readings in a table as shown in Figure 2.4.2.8
At the initial manufacture, the 10-15M studded connectors have a clearance ranging from
0.007" minimum to 0.030" maximum.
Field experience and computer analyses have shown that this clearance can decrease by
0.019" on the 10M style "E" and increase to 0.006" on the 15M type E x F when the
connector is assembled to the BOP stack or the LMRP and the studded top, when using
torque and thread lubricant as recommended by API Spec 6A. Depending on the actual
initial clearance this deflection could result in the locking dogs being jammed, particularly
if the clearance is not checked after the assembly of the BOP or LMRP. (Source: Vetco
EB H022 dated 17 February 1992.)
Minimum clearance Maximum clearance

Type of H-4 Connector
(inch) (inch)
Style E ,10M 0.005 0.030
Style E x F, 15M 0.011 0.036
Style Studded Top E, 10M* 0.020 0.045
Note: The studded-style gap is prior to make-up.
Figure 2.4.2.9 Table of allowable distances of gaps between the dog segments and
the upper wear band

The most accurate and preferred procedure is to remove the segments and measure the
dog window and the segments and subtract these two. Both the segment window and
the dog segments are nominally 6” in size. Removing the dog ring periodically (yearly) is
necessary for removing corrosion from the segments and the window.
Dog segments should be removed and the clearances calculated in the following
instances:
When the dog-to-wear ring clearances are approaching Vetco's maximum allowable
measures.
When corrosion is observed in the dog-to-wear ring area.
When problems have been experienced while separating the connector.
Figure 2.4.2.10 Measurement of the H-4 dog segment

VX sealing area
Upper wear ring
Lower wear ring
Figure 2.4.2.11 Internal of the H-4 type E x F connector with the dogs removed


02-04a Brazil Hydraulic Connectors, Level 2 - 1st Edition

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

02-04a Brazil Hydraulic Connectors, Level 2 - 1st Edition

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SUBSEA ENGINEER TRAINING PROGRAMME

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

2.4 Subsea Wellhead and Riser Hydraulic Connectors

BOP Stack Connector

To reduce the possibility of the LMRP unlatching while running or

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 1

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

Figure 2.4.1.1 Cameron pilot-operated check valve

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 2

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

ROV Schematic Diagram

Primary Latch Secondary

Figure 2.4.1.2 ROV diagram of H-4 connector with POCV

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 3

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

The primary and secondary hydraulic unlocking systems should never be

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 4

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

Figure 2.4.1.3 Elastomer hydrate seal

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 5

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

Figure 2.4.1.4 Mud mat hydrate seal

2.4.2 Vetco H-4 Connector

Test Stump Wellhead

Figure 2.4.2.1 Table of H-4 connectors

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 6

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

How does it work?

The primary and secondary unlock ports should be connected to separate

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 7

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

VX Gaskets and VX Profile

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 8

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

Gasket Retainer Pins

The trash seal has two functions:

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 9

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 10

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

Figure 2.4.2.2 Vetco H-4 connector

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 11

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 12

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

MWP Style "E" H-4 Connector

3000 3,000 psi

2000 0 degree W/H angle

1500 1,500 1-1/4 degree W/H angle

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 13

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

MWP Style E H-4 Connector

3000 3,000 psi

Greasing the Vetco H-4 Connector and Inspection Procedures

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 14

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

The following greases are recommended by Vetco Gray:

(Source: Graphics Vetco Gray H-4 Procedure # 335.)

1. An increase in the unlocking pressure: The key components of the H-4

In addition, cycling of an improperly lubricated connector will cause mechanical

2. A "kick" in the locking pressure and corresponding noises during

© ModuSpec Engineering (International) B.V. 15

Unit 2.4 – Hydraulic Connectors

The following procedure is provided for evaluating the operational characteristics of an