Abstract:
A system for deploying a coil of spoolable pipe from a vessel includes a first tower configured to move longitudinally and transversely along a first track coupled to the vessel, a second tower configured to move longitudinally along a second track coupled to the vessel, and a coil drum assembly coupled to the first tower. The first tower is configured to insert the coil drum assembly transversely into an interior channel of the coil when the coil drum assembly is in a retracted position, the coil drum assembly is configured to support the coil when the coil drum assembly is in an extended position and rotate during deployment of the spoolable pipe, and the first tower and the second tower are configured to move the coil drum assembly vertically.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods related to pipeline freespan support are described. For example, some embodiments may contain an upper structure, which contains at least four legs connected to one another by a number of bracing members, and a number of attachment points through which the upper structure can be lifted, and a lower structure, which contains at least four posts that can be connected to, and disconnected from as needed, the four legs of the upper structure, two spaced mud mats on which the posts stand, and at least two horizontal arms that can be attached to the posts, rotate about the posts, connect to and be locked with the posts on the other mud mat, and be lifted to an appropriate height to provide suitable support at the pipeline freespan location.
Abstract:
Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems and methods, for automatically attaching and detaching seismic devices to a deployment cable, including a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes. A node installation system may include a moveable node carrier coupled to a cable detection device and a node attachment device that is configured to move a direct attachment mechanism on a node into a locking or closed position about the deployment cable. In an embodiment for retrieval and/or detachment operations, the system may also be configured to automatically detect the position of a node and remove the node from the deployment line by actuating the direct attachment mechanism into an open or unlocked position. Other devices besides a node may be attached and detached from the deployment line if they are coupled to one or more direct attachment mechanisms.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods related to pipeline freespan support are described. For example, some embodiments may contain an upper structure, which contains at least four legs connected to one another by a number of bracing members, and a number of attachment points through which the upper structure can be lifted, and a lower structure, which contains at least four posts that can be connected to, and disconnected from as needed, the four legs of the upper structure, two spaced mud mats on which the posts stand, and at least two horizontal arms that can be attached to the posts, rotate about the posts, connect to and be locked with the posts on the other mud mat, and be lifted to an appropriate height to provide suitable support at the pipeline freespan location.
Abstract:
A device for transferring fluid between two floating supports anchored to the sea bottom, having a rigid central undersea pipe installed below the surface with its ends each being connected to respective ones of two supports via a flexible hose. The main portion of the rigid central pipe includes or co-operates with buoyancy elements such that the central pipe adopts, in a quasi-static rest state, a configuration of an arch, preferably following a curve such that the angles between the half-lines of the axes of the rigid pipe and the horizontal half-lines at each of its ends extending towards the other end present absolute values of less than 20° and the flexible hoses present lengths and curvatures such that variations in the curvatures of the flexible hoses are suitable for compensating the movements of the floating supports.
Abstract:
A device for transferring fluid between two floating supports anchored to the sea bottom, having a rigid central undersea pipe installed below the surface with its ends each being connected to respective ones of two supports via a flexible hose. The main portion of the rigid central pipe includes or co-operates with buoyancy elements such that the central pipe adopts, in a quasi-static rest state, a configuration of an arch, preferably following a curve such that the angles between the half-lines of the axes of the rigid pipe and the horizontal half-lines at each of its ends extending towards the other end present absolute values of less than 20° and the flexible hoses present lengths and curvatures such that variations in the curvatures of the flexible hoses are suitable for compensating the movements of the floating supports.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for towing a pipeline in a body of water to a place where the pipeline is to be laid on the bed of the body of water, the pipeline having a positive buoyancy and being provided with trail-ropes distributed therealong which drag on the bed while the pipeline is being towed and maintain it at a certain distance above the bed, wherein some at least of the trail-ropes are connected to the pipeline at points spaced apart therein in such manner that such trail-ropes are formed with arcuate portions extending between the points of attachment to the pipeline so that when said arcuate portions drag upon the bed they are retained substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline thereby to oppose drift by a transverse current, said trail-ropes also optimally comprising means for penetrating the bed so as to offer increased resistance to drift.
Abstract:
A structure for propelling a pipeline as it is continuously formed at a construction site, wherein the formed pipeline is cap sealed at its leading end and is sealed adjacent its other end by a piston on which the pipeline slides as it is formed. The pipeline is propelled by admitting pressurized fluid through the piston from a delivery tube communicating through the piston with the interior of the seal pipeline and a stop or stops are provided to engage the delivery tube whereby thrust is applied to the cap sealed end of the pipeline.