Method and apparatus for connecting the ends of submerged pipes

US4068491A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles · FR
• Etudes Petrolieres Marines · FR
• Ateliers et Chantiers de Bretagne-ACB · FR
• Compagnie Maritime D'Expertises · FR
• Compagnie General pour les Developpements Operationnels des Richesses Sous-Marines CG Doris · FR
• Entreprise de Recherches et d'Activities Petrolieres (E.R.A.P.) · FR

Inventors

• Philippe C. Nobileau · Paris, FR
• Rene M. Dermy · Évry, FR
• Guy J. Fleury · Paris, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 14, 1976
• Grant date: Jan 17, 1978
• Expiry date: Dec 14, 1996

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K9/0061
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The ends of submerged pipes are connected using a receiver provided with two apertures through which the pipe ends extend, the receiver being adapted to form a watertight enclosure with an intervention unit and housing means for closing the ends of the pipes comprising two stoppers bearing seal means to be applied against the inner walls of the pipe ends and being maintained spaced apart by a first boom, the receiver including means for supporting a sleeve to be connected to the ends of the pipes and a replacement boom located in the sleeve, the connection being performed by introducing the ends of the pipes to be connected into the receiver through the apertures, at least one of the pipe ends being introduced by movement of the receiver relative thereto, closing the ends of the pipes with the stoppers, causing an intervention unit to descend on to the receiver, providing a watertight enclosure therewith, removing the water from the enclosure and placing it under atmospheric pressure, placing the receiver under hydrostatic pressure, remotely controlling the sleeve supporting means to place the sleeve in position between the pipe ends and to simultaneously replace the first boom by …