초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for connecting underwater conduits and more specifically, to a method and apparatus which is capable of performing the diverless connection of underwater flowlines and connection of these flowlines to underwater structures such as flowline bases, xmas trees and templates. The

A method and apparatus for connecting underwater conduits and more specifically, to a method and apparatus which is capable of performing the diverless connection of underwater flowlines and connection of these flowlines to underwater structures such as flowline bases, xmas trees and templates. The connection of underwater conduits facilitated by the use of a remotely operated vehicle and connection apparatus both being launchable and recoverable by a support vessel. The connection apparatus adapted to mount on at least one of the underwater conduits and the connection apparatus allowing for docking of the remotely controlled vehicle which then captures and draws a second conduit to form a continuous flowline.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A method of mutually connecting underwater conduits from a support vessel on the surface comprising the steps of providing a first and a second underwater conduit, launching a remotely operated vehicle from the support vessel; launching connection apparatus having a docking clamp

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A method of mutually connecting underwater conduits from a support vessel on the surface comprising the steps of providing a first and a second underwater conduit, launching a remotely operated vehicle from the support vessel; launching connection apparatus having a docking clamp from the support vessel; manipulating the remotely operated vehicle to dock with the connection apparatus; installing the connection apparatus to said first conduit; activating said docking clamp using the remotely operated vehicle to capture the end of the second conduit; activating the connection apparatus to draw the second conduit toward the first; connecting the two conduits together to form a sealed continuous flowline; and recovering the remotely operated vehicle and connection apparatus to the support vessel.