Robert R Decker

US Patent:

6536461, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Feb 21, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/080109

Inventors:

Robert R. Decker - Magnolia TX
Harold B. Skeels - Kingwood TX
Steven A. Reinhardt - Houston TX

Assignee:

FMC Technologies, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B08B 902

US Classification:

137268, 15104062, 15104063, 166 70

Abstract:

A subsea pig launching apparatus for launching one or more pigs into a flowline which is fluidly connectable to a source of well fluid comprises at least one first hub to which the source of well fluid is connectable and which is in communication with the flowline, a first valve which is positioned between the first hub and the flowline, a second hub which is in communication with the flowline, and a pig launcher which is removably connectable to the second hub and which comprises at least one pig, at least one launch valve which is positioned between a pressure source and the pig, and a launch actuator for selectively opening and closing the launch valve. The launch actuator is controlled by a signal which is communicated through at least one of a number of external control and service lines that are connected to a control and service umbilical for the source of well fluid.