Grout Connectors

FoundOcean’s unique ROV Grout Connectors are specifically designed for underwater connection of grout lines. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) mates these connectors during structural grouting of subsea structures. FoundOcean (formally SeaMark Systems) first developed this system for deep-sea structures in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 1980s to reduce the amount of fixed pipework required on the structures. For over 20 years these connectors have been used worldwide in various water depths to reduce onshore fabrication costs and offshore installation costs by eliminating the need to install and remove temporary pipework.

The connectors are manufactured from mild steel with the exception of the locking pin assembly, which is in high tensile stainless steel. The male half is provided with a protective coating, typically manganese phosphate with a dry film lubricant which provides corrosion protection until offshore installation of the structure is complete. Yard fitting requires only a pipe wrench or welding, at the client’s option. Protective end caps can be supplied; these are vented to permit subsea removal by ROV. Foundocean is able to supply grout connectors to suit both 2-inch and 3-inch pipework depending on the individual client requirements.

Sealing between the two halves is achieved with a piston fluid seal located on the male piece. The connection has a designed working pressure of 65 Bar (1000 psi) although the seal is rated to 100 bar (1470 psi). The male connector is mounted on the structure; the female half is attached to the grout hose.The males are either mounted in a manifold arrangement to provide a single location for connection or at the individual sleeves. FoundOcean can give advice on connector location or provide complete design of the grouting system for a project.

The female connector houses the locking pin mechanism for ROV operation and may be fitted with a three-way "dump" valve and additional buoyancy, as required. The mechanical lock has to be turned through 180 degrees using the ROV manipulator, to engage in the groove in the male half. Minimum torque is required and a positive indicator is provided to show when the lock is engaged.

Advantages

FoundOcean’s subsea grout connectors provide the following advantages:

• Well proven and established track record
• Elimination of grout lines above pile sleeve
• Savings in materials, fabrication and commissioning
• No pipework removal at offshore work site
• Safe working by ROV: No diver support required
• Suitable for platform or template installation
• Compatible with FoundOcean’s ROV grout monitoring system
• Inexpensive compared with other mechanical connection techniques.

Male ROV Connector (circled) enables grout injection to subsea template foundation piles