Multiple Quick Connects (MQCs)

3.3.7. Multiple Quick Connects (MQCs)

The MQC plates are outfitted with the appropriate number of couplers to match the number of tubes in the hydraulic flying leads. Any unused positions in the MQC plate are outfitted with blanked-off couplers. All tubes and coupling assignments need to match the tree assignments. All couplers are energized, and the MQC is capable of withstanding full coupler pressures (design pressure and test pressure). The design of couplers is considered to have the potential for external leakage due to external pressure being greater than internal pressure.

MQC plates are located within the SUTA envelope/tree/manifold side, for example, and are protected from any damage during installation. The location and arrangement of the MQC plates is ROV friendly and allow for connection and disconnection of any MQC connection without disturbing the others. MQC plates are supplied with pressure-retaining protective covers. These may be required to remain subsea for extended periods of time and to be removable by an ROV, prior to installation of flying leads. MQC plates have ROV-operable attachment means in order to connect to the flying leads. All standard and special ROV tools required for this connection must be specified. Besides it is also required to specify the following ROV makeup and disengage torque requirements:

• Starting torque;

• Running torque;

• Maximum torque required to engage fully energized couplers;

• Minimum torque required to disengage the couplers or break-out tor- que with and without internal pressure at the subsea ambient condition;

• Maximum torque required to engage the override mechanism.

The MQC designs provide means for the ROV to verify the orientation and alignment of the outboard plate, prior to insertion into the inboard MQC plate. The necessary tools to release the outboard plate from the inboard plate in the event the plates cannot be separated by the ROV should be well equipped. MQC plates are outfitted with an emergency release device. The design also prevents the MQC plates from engaging if they are not aligned properly. The couplers are not engaged prior to proper inboard plate alignment. For interface information purposes, all data for the acceptable angular, axial, and radial misalignment tolerance to ROVs must be recorded.

The designs allow for the full guidance of the attachment mechanism and avoid any possibility of thread engagement. The design also allows for the verification of the alignment and engagement of the threads. MQC plates have identification numbers that are visible for ROV inspection.

MQC plates have windows for ROV inspection. These windows will be used for inspecting full engagement of the MQC plates as a means to verify that installation was properly made, and to inspect for leaks during operation.