Abstract: A method of laying pipeline in water greater than 1000 feet deep is disclosed whereby the pipeline is assembled on board a lay barge and then, during deployment, is bent beyond typical elastic bending limitations and Conventional Lay bending strain limitations while passing along a stinger where it is subsequently reverse bent to remove any permanent curvature. Upon further deployment, a generally horizontal axial load is maintained on the pipeline as it come to rest upon the sea floor such that the final in-situ residual bending curvature of the pipeline is nearly zero or falls within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A method of locally supplying slack to an axially tensioned length of pipeline spanning unsupported across an undulating seabed. During pipeline deployment, the pipeline is fitted with two weighted masses that will be positioned on either side of the undulation to be spanned. These masses will be spaced a predetermined distance from each other along the seabed, this distance being less than that between them along the pipeline. Also during deployment, the mid-region of this span is vertically deflected upward while retaining the axial tension in the pipeline. Once the pipeline is properly positioned, the vertical deflection of the pipeline is reduced thereby relieving the axial tension in the pipeline while also introducing sufficient pipeline slack such that the pipeline can closely follow the contours of the undulating seabed.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing flow of water from a first underwater pipeline portion forward of the apparatus to a second underwater pipeline portion rearward of the apparatus. At least one wedge-shaped member is mounted on a carriage of the apparatus for grippingly engaging the internal wall of a pipeline for preventing movement of the apparatus in a rearwardly direction upon application of force to the carriage urging the carriage in a rearwardly direction in the pipeline. In order to provide frictional contact with the pipeline wall so that gripping engagement thereof may be effected, the member is continually urged into sliding engagement with the pipeline wall during movement of the apparatus through the pipeline in a forwardly direction.

Abstract: A method of installing a cold water conduit for use with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), fossil or nuclear power plants. The method is comprised of installing a marine railway system on the ocean floor and subsequently using the railway system as an aid to the installation of the cold water conduit and as a support structure for the conduit.