The docking of deep-sea oil and gas exploitation equipment is a critical process for efficient resource extraction. In deep-sea environments, underwater production systems (e.g., Christmas trees, blowout preventers, and manifolds) are interconnected through underwater wet-mate connectors to form integrated hydrocarbon transportation networks. These connectors utilize metal-rubber composite sealing structures and corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., nickel-based alloys, PA6 hydrolysis-resistant materials) to withstand extreme conditions, including high pressure (160MPa), low temperatures (-5℃), and corrosive media containing hydrogen sulfide at depths exceeding 1,600 meters.
In the “Deep Sea No.1” Phase II project, underwater central manifolds achieved millimeter-level precision installation of 187-ton equipment via hydraulic-driven synchronous docking technology, ensuring stable hydrocarbon transmission from well clusters to platforms. Additionally, domestically developed deep-sea horizontal clamp connectors employ conical self-locking designs to achieve automatic docking with coaxiality errors less than 0.2 millimeters at 1,500-meter depths, overcoming the time-consuming and risky traditional bolted connections.
Key technologies such as dynamic positioning float-over installation and ROV-assisted operations enable efficient docking. For example, the 15,000-ton topside module of the Enping 20-4 drilling platform was installed with 5-millimeter precision using dynamic positioning float-over technology, improving operational efficiency by 50%. Connector designs incorporate pressure-balancing systems and redundant sealing mechanisms to dynamically equalize internal and external pressures during mating, preventing seawater ingress and ensuring long-term reliability.
These technological advancements have not only enhanced China’s deep-sea oil and gas development capabilities but also accelerated the industrialization of domestic connectors. For instance, the optoelectronic wet-mate connector developed by Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics has operated continuously for over 70 days at 1,600 meters in the South China Sea, achieving international-level performance with a 60% cost reduction per unit. With the further application of high-temperature/high-pressure connectors (resistant to 260℃ and 200MPa), China is poised to achieve full localization of deep-sea oil and gas equipment.