Abstract: For laying a submarine pipeline, hauling of the same is exerted by means of a force distribution cable which extends over the full length of the submerged part of the pipeline and which is attached to it by hangers, preferably in conjunction with heavy chains acting as guide ropes and anchoring blocks. A further cable attached to the head of the pipeline transmits directly thereto a part of the haulage force.

Abstract: For laying a submarine pipeline, hauling of the same is exerted by means of a force distribution cable which extends over the full length of the submerged part of the pipeline and which is attached to it by hangers, preferably in conjunction with heavy chains acting as guide ropes and anchoring blocks.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method and apparatus for laying a pipeline, such as an oil duct or a gas duct, in a body of water, wherein the pipeline, or a section thereof, is enclosed within a ballast tube such that an intermediate space is formed between the pipeline or pipeline section and the ballast tube, said space being filled with a liquid less dense than water, such as a light hydrocarbon, while the pipeline is being laid, but may be filled, after the pipeline has been laid, with soft water or with a liquid heavier than water such as a grouting having a base of a hydraulic or hydrocarbon binder. The invention also comprises the provision of a plug at one end of an assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube whereby a free end of said assembly may be secured as by welding to a second assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube at a position remote from the liquid contained in the intermediate space in said first assembly.

Abstract: A lip-seal for sealing the junction between two parts includes a body for mounting on one part, a sealing lip extending therefrom for application against the other part, and an inflatable chamber defined between the body, the lip and a diaphragm extending between, and connected to, the lip and the body, the arrangement being such that on inflation of the chamber the profile of the lip is modified so that it is moved away from the other part to permit the other part to be assembled with the one part without damage to the lip seal and without premature application of the lip to the other part.

Abstract: Apparatus for checking the bore and for plugging a pipe comprises a frame movable along the interior of the pipe, the frame carrying means for detecting a deviation in the bore of the pipe, means responsive to an overpressure of fluid in the pipe in a direction opposite to that in which the apparatus is intended to move, and a movable control part responsive to the detection of a deviation and of an overpressure for operating locking means for locking the apparatus relative to the pipe and sealing means for sealing the pipe.