Connector means

US8057126B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Aker Subsea AS · NO

Inventors

• Knut Møgedal · Asker, NO
• Sigvard Omvik · Moss, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 21, 2007
• Grant date: Nov 15, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 4, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16L1/26
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A connector means (10; 20) for tie-in and connecting of a first pipeline and a second pipeline on the seabed is shown. The connector means comprises a first connector part (1; 1′) retaining a first end of the first pipeline. The first connector part and the first pipeline are designed to be lowered and deployed on the seabed in advance of the connecting operation. A submersible second connector part (2; 2′) that retains a second end of the second pipeline (4) is also included. The second connector part and the second pipeline are designed to be lowered from the surface of the water toward the first connector part (1; 1′). The connector parts (1, 2; 1′, 2′) comprises means (6, 11; 21, 22) that cooperate during relative motion between said connector parts, and is hinged tilting the second connector part (2, 2′) by means of forced motion, and thus aligning the second pipe end (4e, 4′e) in the direction toward the first pipe end (8e, 8′e) such that the first and second pipelines are brought to be in line with each other on the seabed. In addition a connector (3, 3′) is arranged between the connector parts for final connection between the pipeline ends.