Subsea pipeline connection
US4588326A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1983 |
| Grant date | May 13, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L1/15
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for connecting an offshore pipeline or flowline bundle to a deepwater subsea structure and then laying away from the structure. The pipeline or flowline bundle is deployed from a pipelay vessel while connected via a pullcable to a riser deployed from a drilling ship to make a connection with the subsea structure. The connection operation is facilitated by a remotely operated connection tool deployed at the end of the riser, which contains a winch for hauling in the pullcable, as well as other mechanisms for securing the pipeline or flowline bundle to the subsea structure. The connection procedure comprises simultaneously lowering the pipeline or flowline bundle and the riser/connection tool to a position near the seafloor, then landing and securing the connection tool onto the subsea structure, then pulling up the pipeline or flowline bundle and securing it to the subsea structure, and finally recovering the connection tool to the surface as the pipeline or flowline bundle is laid away from the subsea structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.