Subsea pressure equipment specialist Subsea Technologies Limited (STL) has been awarded UK patents for its Xtreme Release (XR) and Stackable Lightweight Intervention (SLIC) Connectors.
Both the XR and SLIC connectors have been well received by the oil and gas industry. The first XR Connector has been successfully in use on the Helix Well Enhancer Vessel for more than two years, with a second due to be delivered to Wild Well Control Inc later this month.
Shipping is imminent for the first SLIC connector, which has been completed and qualified for a leading operator in West Africa.
Managing Director Drummond Lawson said: “ We are delighted to have received our patents for the XR and SLIC connectors.
“It has been a lengthy and complex process, so this is a mile stone for all of us at Subsea Technologies. We sold two systems while awaiting our patents, which demonstrates the demand in the market for them. Our products are now well known within the industry for their innovative design.
“The patent award for the XR and SLIC connectors will enable us to move ahead with a broad range of potential applications across the subsea riser and flow-line connector market. We look forward to delivering more of this leading subsea technology to our growing range of global clients.”
STL’s technologies combine unique capabilities with practical, maintainable design and have set a benchmark within the subsea sector. The XR Connector moves away from limitations imposed by other Emergency Disconnect Packages (EDP) by greatly increasing the maximum angle at which a riser can be disconnected. It is also the only EDP qualified to ISO 13628-7 / API RP 17G, the latest standard demanded by Operators.
The SLIC is a multi-functional connector configurable to suit multiple applications using a system of cartridges. It can also form the basis for a bespoke application, with cartridges designed specifically to carry out the required function.
STL designed the XR and SLIC technologies to solve specific subsea engineering challenges, such as well intervention and subsea production systems, application-specific connectors, structures, and pressure containment systems.
The patents issued by the Intellectual Property Office to STL for the XR and SLIC connectors will be in place for the next twenty-five years; worldwide patents are still pending.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , April 05, 2012; Image: STL