US 12,480,375 B2
Coupling for making subsea connections and method for use thereof
Alireza Mazaheri, Cottesloe (AU); and Farhad Rezvaninejad, Applecross (AU)
Assigned to Chevron Australia Pty Ltd., Perth (AU); and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., San Ramon, CA (US)
Filed by Chevron Australia Pty Ltd., Perth (AU)
Filed on Nov. 19, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/688,921.
Prior Publication US 2021/0148181 A1, May 20, 2021
Int. Cl. E21B 33/038 (2006.01); E21B 43/013 (2006.01); F16L 1/26 (2006.01); G01M 3/08 (2006.01); E21B 33/035 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 33/038 (2013.01) [F16L 1/26 (2013.01); E21B 33/0355 (2013.01); E21B 43/013 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A subsea connection, comprising:
a. a coupling comprising a coupling body having a length, a first end mated with an interlocking coupling, a second end joined to a first structure, and a bore therethrough;
wherein the first end comprises a first end surface profile varying along a radial distance from a centerline of the bore and contacting a mating surface of the interlocking coupling, the first end surface having a recess therein and having a groove therein at a location radially outward from the recess such that the first end surface contacts the mating surface of the interlocking coupling radially between the recess and the groove, wherein the recess is larger than the groove;
b. a primary seal fitted into the recess between the first end surface and the mating surface of the interlocking coupling; and
c. a metal seal fitted into the groove between the first end surface and the mating surface of the interlocking coupling, wherein the primary seal is larger than the metal seal;
wherein the coupling body further comprises a primary test port passage providing fluid connection between a space external to the subsea connection and the recess, wherein the primary test port passage intersects the recess; and a secondary test port passage providing fluid connection between a space external to the subsea connection and a location along the first end surface radially between the recess and the groove.