Abstract: The inspection of underwater structures and the repair of leaking cracks or oints therein is effected by the use of a platform positionable at the work site and supporting an equipment cart movable therealong with the cart carrying an underwater light and television camera system for viewing the site and a number of tools for cleaning the site, injecting a leak detecting dye thereon and injecting a sealant to close the cracks or joints. Movement of the equipment cart and operation of the tools are remotely controlled, preferrably with air motors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea pipeline and method utilizing the pipeline wherein the loss of pipeline contents resulting from a break in the pipeline is reduced. The loss of pipeline contents is reduced by providing a plurality of traps in the pipeline. The traps each comprise at least two elevation changes in alternating directions. Any water entering the pipeline through a breach will only displace pipeline contents from the breach to the adjacent lower trap.

Abstract: A glory hole silo comprising a cylindrical casing open at the upper end thereof; an upwardly open porch for supporting a flowline, said porch extending horizontally from and cantilevered with respect to said casing, the upper surface of said porch opening to the interior of said casing and provided with means communicating with the interior of said casing for attaching a flowline; and a removable roof extending over the open upper end of said casing and porch. The porch structure permits flowlines to be readily connected without the intervention of a diver.

Abstract: A subsea well assembly has an antirotation device to prevent rotation of an inner wellhead housing within an outer wellhead housing. A number of slots are formed in the upper rim of the outer wellhead housing. The slots have open upper ends. A number of pins are mounted to the exterior of the inner wellhead housing. Guide surfaces extend upward from the slots to guide the pins as the inner wellhead housing is lowered into the outer wellhead housing. The pins locate in the slots to prevent rotation.

Abstract: An emergency release tool for operation by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for forcefully releasing a riser from a subsea well assembly The tool includes hydraulic cylinders mounted on a frame that can be positioned by the remotely operated vehicle to surround the risers. The cylinders are pressurized to forcefully remove the riser from the wellhead assembly.

Abstract: A junction plate assembly for a subsea structure having a first junction plate with a plurality of control connections contained therein, a second junction plate with a second plurality of control connections contained therein, and a connector extending generally centrally of the first junction plate for engaging a receptacle of the second junction plate. The first junction plate has an umbilical cable connected to the control connections. The connector is a shaft which extends through the first junction plate and has one end extending into the receptacle of the second junction plate. The end of the shaft has an external acme thread in mating engagement with an internal acme thread of the receptacle. A handle is connected to an opposite end of the shaft for rotating the shaft. The control connections may be either hydraulic or electrical connections.

Abstract: A subsea production system effects line connections between a manifold and adjacent satellite wells. The radial distance between each well (37) and a central manifold (38) is reduced to an operational minimum. The manifold is provided with connection terminals (45) including at a lower portion, a hydraulic type connector (47), and at an upper portion a reentry mandrel (50). A supporting structure (53) of the connection terminal (45) consists at the lower portion of a mud mat (54) centrally of a waiting mandrel (55). A lateral structure (56) is provided at an upper portion with eyelets (57), and the upper portion mounts a reentry funnel (58). Various methods are effected for completing line connections between such a manifold (38) and adjacent satellite wells (37).

Abstract: A subsea system for oil or gas production and water injection operates without divers' assistance and with guide-cables and includes a template (50) equipped with ten drilling mouths (53) arranged in two rows of five. Each drill mouth (53) has a guidepipe (54). The upper extremity of the guide-pipe presents an external section for locking purposes. A guide-base (55) is provided with four posts (56) removable by a ROV. A central space is provided in the template for the setting of a manifold (60) through four posts (63) to guide the installation and devices which ensure the final positioning of the manifold (6) within established tolerances. Bases of export-line terminals (64) are located in one of the extremities of the template (50) Each base (64) is provided with two guide-posts removable by a ROV, in addition to reaction posts (66) which orient the lowering of the pulling and connection tools and transfer the stresses to the structure of the template. Receptacles (67) lock the export-line terminals.

Abstract: A method of laying a pipe (1) on a sea floor for the transportation of a fluid, having a temperature and/or a pressure exceeding the temperature and pressure of the surroundings involves the pipe (1) being provided with prestressing. This prestressing must be of such an order than it is at least substantially able to neutralize the effect on the pipe (1) of the temperature and the pressure difference during use. Prestressing may be provided by a prestressing device (6) which works between an anchor (7) and a clevis (4) welded onto the pipe.

Abstract: A subsea connection system includes a rigid vertical main connector (23) and an active (mobile) lateral connector (24) coupled to a subsea module (20) for connection, respectively, to a main mandrel (25) and to a lateral mandrel (26) rigidly fixed to the structures (27, 28) set at the seabottom. The active lateral connector (24) utilized in this system is provided internally with a locking and sealing set which is supported by pins (39) held in the orifices (40) of an intermediate jacket (41) which, in turn, is supported by pins (45) circumferentially offset at 90.degree. in relation to the orifices (40).

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the force required to move a pipe through a J-tube attached to an offshore platform by coating the pipe with hydrophilic polymer and then moving the pipe through the J-tube, or by introducing a solution of hydrophilic polymer and water into the J-tube and then moving the pipe through the J-tube.

Abstract: An hydraulic stab sub for use in a remote location that can be inserted into a receptacle with the seals in a retracted position. The seals are expanded to a sealing portion using hydraulic pressure while an hydraulic piston is provided for removing the stab sub from the receptacle.

Abstract: Riser clamps are installed onto fixed or compliant offshore platforms by a diverless technique. Each riser clamp is rigidly or hingedly attached to a heavy tapered wedge. Mating tapered receptacles are built into the platform, preferably at various levels along a corner leg. Only one lift line is utilized which may be either a drill string or wire rope, and one remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for observation, to lower and stab each riser clamp into one of the tapered receptacles on the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing leaks in subsea pipelines which comprises two split clamp halves with redundant seal means which are installed around the subsea pipeline in a programmed fashion to allow low clearances below the pipeline.

Abstract: A system to deal with and extend and repair undersea lines, worked by remotely operated vehicle is provided, consisting of an integrated system of lines and connector modules, aforesaid connector module consisting of a metallic structure which houses a loop of pipe fitted at its forward and back ends with valves worked by ROV and forged connectors and in its upper part with a T branch-off fitted at its ends with valves worked by ROV and forged connectors, respectively, said metallic structure being fitted laterally with hot-lines.

Abstract: A fluid operated tool 30 (FIG. 4) for use in replacing a body clamped between facing platens has an open ended tubular member 31, through which the body can pass, that carries outwardly thereof, and axially extending, coplaner support arms 33, 34 at the end of which are hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 35, 36 for inserting between the platens to overcome the clamping force on the body, permitting it to be removed and replaced by way of the tubular member 31. The tool may be used subsea with a submersible to handle it and provide hydraulic power.

Abstract: A hydraulic control umbilical is disclosed for supporting a plurality of hydraulic control lines along a riser between a surface facility and a subsea completion. The umbilical provides a skin encircling the riser substantially its entire length with means for supporting the skin about the riser and means for supporting the hydraulic control lines within the skin. A method for deploying and retrieving the hydraulic control umbilical is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for underwater aligning and connecting of two pipes used in directional drilling and particularly trenchless beach crossings. An alignment cable is connected between the ends of the two pipes and is tensioned to bring them into axial alignment. A rigid supporting platform is positioned on the sea floor. Securing clamps are mounted on the platform to align the two pipes. To thread the pipes, one pipe rotates about the joint axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for underwater aligning and connecting of two pipes used in directional drilling and particularly trenchless beach crossings. An alignment cable is connected between the ends of the two pipes and is tensioned to bring them into axial alignment. A rigid supporting platform is positioned on the sea floor. Securing clamps are mounted on the platform to align the two pipes. To thread the pipes, one pipe rotates about the joint axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus suitable for example in enabling the installation of a casing hanger within a bore in an oil-drilling wellhead in a manner so that the installation and the sealing-in of the casing hanger is accomplished in a single operation. The invention thus comprises installing a component (2) within a bore (4) so as to be received therewithin in a fluid-type manner utilizing expandible seals (8) and a shoulder (36) within the bore (4) adapted to be contacted by a leading edge (32) of one of two concentrically arranged sleeve members (12, 14) which are driven downwardly within the bore towards the shoulder, the two sleeve members which encircle the component (2) being secured together by shearable links (25).

Abstract: A subsea barrier valve 20 with a valve clapper 60 adapted for free swinging movement on a clapper shaft 62 between a position which closes the flow passage through the valve and a position proximate the fully open position such that the clapper is held open by a pressurized flow of gas through the valve. In the event of an upstream pipeline failure, the clapper closes in a "fail-safe" manner. The clapper can be pivoted and locked in the full open position by axial rotation of a locking shaft 105 which extends through a cover member 30 for an access opening in the valve body 21. The locking shaft 105 extends perpendicular to the clapper shaft 62 and is interconnected therewith by a gear drive 106 including a clutch gear 126 which allows a limited range of free pivotal movement of the clapper 60. The locking shaft 105 is controlled by actuator means 140,141 mounted on the cover member 30 by a separable fastener 142. The cover member 30 is clamped by a releasable clamp means 35.

Abstract: A liner or other elongated duct is made by joining lengths of thin-walled polyethylene fusion. Typical thickness 2-4 mm, diameter 200 mm. Pipe ends are clamped in clamps which restore circularity. The ends are trimmed leaving aligned ends normal to pipe length. The clamps force the ends against a heated body, which is retracted and the ends are then forced together. The total heating period, say 15 seconds, and the periord between separation from the body and engagement of the ends, say 1 second, are very short. Good joint strengths and small beads result. The liner can be pulled into burst cast-iron gas main before a new main is passed through the liner; or the liner is a seal in a pipe. The method is applicable to other polyolefins e.g. polyropylene.

Abstract: A pipe connection of a male threaded member and a female threaded member with a large degree of axial freedom which is allowed by a special thread profile which contours the bearing surfaces to allow the freedom for a pivoting movement about a pivot point without interference of primary and secondary bearing surfaces.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for repairing a subsea pipeline. The improved apparatus includes a forming tool having a body, a resilient sleeve surrounding the body, means for delivering fluid under pressure through the body to the interior of the resilient sleeve, a frame, an arm connected to the body of the forming tool and connected to a pressure responsive actuator supported from said frame to extend and retract the forming tool, a collet connector supported from said forming tool, a forming sleeve, the frame having means for supporting itself on the sea bottom, said collet connector being initially connected to said forming sleeve, means for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to opposite sides of said actuator, means for injecting a fluid from said body into the space within said annular connecting means, and means on said frame for connecting lines thereto.

Abstract: A tieback connector will tieback an upper string of casing to a lower string of casing at the wellhead of a subsea well. The tieback connector has a lower tieback member than latches into the wellhead. A lower landing shoulder is located in the wellhead. When reconnecting, an upper tieback member is lowered with the upper casing string. A landing sleeve carried by the upper tieback member has an upper landing shoulder for engaging the lower landing shoulder. The upper tieback member will move between an upper and a lower position relative to the landing sleeve. The landing sleeve first contacts the lower landing shoulder before the upper tieback member threads contact the lower tieback member threads. Then, the upper tieback member will move down to engage the threads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a conduit (5) to a subsea structure (1), which comprises laying the conduit on the sea floor, with a conduit end (8) in the area close to the subsea structure. The method is characterized in that the conduit end is gripped by a ROV (9) with a gripping manipulator (10), that ROV (9) with the gripped conduit end (8) is advanced to the subsea structure (1), that the conduit end is introduced like a piston in a suitable receiving member (2) in the subsea structure, and that a negative pressure is provided in the receiving member so that conduit end (8) is sucked into the receiving member (2). The invention also relates to a device for use in connecting a conduit end (8) to a subsea structure (1). Conduit end (8) is advanced from the side of subsea structure (1) into a receiving member (2) of the subsea structure and is secured there. Receiving member (2) and conduit end (8) are mutually adapted so that conduit end (8) can move like a piston in receiving member (2).

Abstract: A lower portion of a subsea oil delivery hose is held taut between bouyant devices installed on the hose and a stationary point on the subsea floor. A portion of the lower part of the hose, connected to the stationary point, has a curved portion that is concave in the direction of a wellhead to which the hose is connected.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a sub-sea wellhead installation, for example of a satellite well, is disclosed which includes a plurality of control devices 80 each for providing a control function for the installation 10 and a connector 40, 45, 50 for connecting the devices 80 to the installation 10, each control device being independently engageable and disengageable with the connector 40, 45, 50. The connector includes a manifold 40 to which are connected a plurality of receptacles 50, each control device 80 being engageable with the the receptacle 50. The receptacles and control devices are preferably provided with complementary engageable portions 52, 54, 56; 82, 84, 86, which include hydraulic and electrical connectors 58, 60, 62, 70, 72; 88, 90, 92, 98, 100, so that control signals may be passed via the connectors 40, 45, 50 to the control devices 80 from a command installation and actuation signals may be passed from the control devices 80 through the connector 40, 45, 50 to devices on the installation 10.

Abstract: To provide confinement in a porous medium in the earth, a limited region of the porous medium is heated to drive substantially all of the free water from open spaces of the medium in the region. After heating, liquid material is introduced into the open spaces in the medium, which liquid material will set into a substantially solid structure. The liquid material is then set in the open spaces to form a substantially solid structure in the medium in the region.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remotely connecting an offshore structure to an underwater pipeline using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The structure has a bell-mouthed bending guide at its base through which a winch line from the surface passes and is temporarily looped back and attached to an accessible place on the structure. Using the ROV and a surface tended messenger line the pull-in line is attached to a terminal assembly at the end of flexible pipe attached to the pipeline. The terminal assembly is pulled in horizontally to the guide, arcuately through the guide and then from the guide in general vertical alignment with a pipe end receiver assembly on the structure above the bending guide. At a location near the receiver assembly a towing head is removed from the terminal assembly and a second pull-in line is attached to the terminal assembly. The two pull-in lines are attached to opposite sides of the terminal for balanced pulling of the terminal assembly to connection with the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A subsea landing base including a plurality of guide posts interconnected to a housing support structure including an upper annular plate, a lower annular plate, an annular control plate supported on the upper annular plate and rotatable thereon, a connection between the control plate to a landing ring to actuate the landing ring between housing supporting position and expanded position, rotation of the control plate to one of its positions of running, released and landed and locked, and a tool for rotation of the control plate and for retrieval of the landing base.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for the remote positioning of an elbow coupling from a main installation situated above the distant installation. The device or frame supports the coupling and is held at the level of a suspension member by means of a support element such as a cable for being possibly immobilized on the distant installation. The suspension member allows movements of the frame in a horizontal plane with respect to the end of the cable. The support member may move along three axes orthogonal to each other by means of jacks and in rotation about a vertical axis. These two members allow the frame and the elbow coupling to be positioned as well as the end of the coupling to be connected to a first line connected to the distant installation. The frame may include a clamp for connecting a second end of the coupling to the end of a second flexible line.

Abstract: A hydraulic stab sub especially for use in remote and harsh environments which is capable of being inserted into a close fitting receptacle at a relatively high angular mismatch by providing for radial relative movement of sealing rings and seal holding rings with reference to the centerline of the hydraulic stab sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabbing a flowline into a guide tube near the waterbottom and subsequently hinging over the flowline to a horizontal position. The connection operation is facilitated by a vertically oriented guide tube having along the inner wall thereof a pair of parallel slots which provide at the lower ends thereof pivot supports on which a pair of pivots which are mounted near the lower end of the flowline land during the stab in procedure. Deflectors are provided for deflecting a lower portion of the flowline while the pivots are lowered through the slots so as to induce the flowline to obtain a curved shape into a predetermined direction before the pivots land onto the pivot supports.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for retrieving a running tool/guideframe assembly without the use of winch wires. A portion or each guidepost assembly can be unlatched from the seafloor-mounted template to permit that portion to be retrieved using the guidewires. The unlatchable portion of the guidepost system is formed with a load support that engages and supports the running tool/guideframe assembly so that the assembly is retrieved concurrently with the unlatchable portions of the guidepost assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulic stab sub with multiple seals especially for use in remote and harsh environments with the ability to move the seals radially inward to a retracted position in which the hydraulic stab sub can be easily inserted into a mating receptacle and alternately to move the seals radially outward to perform useful functions such as sealing or locking into the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for remotely connecting an end of an elongate element to a connector integral with a main installation, comprising means for guiding said elongate element, first means for moving said guide means with respect to said main installation and second means for moving said end with respect to said connector.

Abstract: A subsea flowline connection system wherein a terminal connector on a flowline is pulled by a cable into a funnel on a connector base structure. The upper and lower 5 surfaces of the terminal and funnel cooperate to align the component in the vertical plane. The terminal has curved vertical sides which make only line contact with straight vertical walls in the funnel to deliberately allow limited, misalignment (.+-.6.degree.) between the components in the horizontal plane as the terminal is drawn into the funnel. Securing device is then installed between the misaligned components to lock them together in that position. A pull-in tool is provided which is lowered onto the base and includes a pull-in cable for drawing the terminal into the funnel and a device for installing the securing device which lock the components together.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying large pipe sections underwater without on-site manual participation. A beam is releasably attached to a pipe section that is to be lowered to the floor of the water body and attached to the open end of the previously laid pipe section. A positioning fork depending from the beam is settled onto the prior pipe section with the fork legs straddling the pipe and assuring alignment of the pipe ends. Positioning rams in cooperation with landing gears on the fork legs achieve concentric abutment of the end flanges. The flange on the new pipe section is rotatable and a positioner from the beam is releasably attached to the rotatable flange and rotated therby to align bolt holes through the flanges. A wrench carried on a rigging releasably attached to the new pipe section behind the flange is movable between the bolt holes and pushes bolts partially pre-inserted in the bolt holes through the flanges and into engagement with nuts pre-positioned behind the bolt holes of the fixed flange.

Abstract: The invention is an underwater LNG pipeline system in modular sections wherein multiple LNG pipelines utilizing expansion joints to compensate for contraction are connected together by braces to form an integral frame, and including pressure vessels enclosing the expansion joints to permit access to the expansion joints for inspection or maintenance. In a second embodiment, the frame is a separate elongate space frame connected to the pipeline and the pressure vessels. In a third embodiment, the pipelines are INVAR steel and no expansion joints or pressure vessels are included.

Abstract: A flexible flowline support is disclosed, which can be connected to a subsea wellhead assembly preventing the flowline from being bent in too short of a radius. A flowline support base is connectable by way of guidelines to the subsea wellhead assembly and includes a flowline connector having a first end upwardly disposed and connected to the flowline support base and having a second end operatively connectable to the subsea wellhead assembly. A cradle assembly is mounted to the flowline support base adjacent the first end of the flowline connector and has an upper trough-like surface over which the flexible flowline can lay for connection to the first end of the flowline connector.

Abstract: Connecting a tubular string to a subsea installation. The tubular string includes a short first section and a longer second section. The length of the first section is approximately one-half the depth between the lowermost guide ring of a fixed platform and the top of the subsea installation. One end of the first section is provided with a connector and the other end with a connector and a funnel. The first section is lowered through the guide rings and connected to the subsea installation. One end of the second section is provided with a connector and the second section is lowered through the guide rings and into the funnel. Since the two adjacent ends are about midway between the subsea installation and the lowermost guide ring, the adjacent ends are easily bent into alignment by the camming action resulting when the end of the second section slides along the inside tapered surface of the funnel when the axes of the platform and subsea installation are offset.

Abstract: A flexible riser 10 has a lower connector 11 which is moved laterally over the seabed by a pull-in sled 7 under a mid-water support buoy 3 to connect it to a connection point 17 on subsea equipment 1. The riser 10 is attached at a point part way along its length to buoy 3. This is done at one side of the buoy prior to construction vessel 13 laying the riser over the buoy and connecting the upper connector 24 to a production vessel 2 positioned over the subsea equipment. Attachment is done by guiding the riser pipe into a channel 36, a projection 20 on the riser engaging the channel against lowering of the pipe. A upper connector of the riser may include a single pivotal arm and a single offset guide post to maintain its orientation while it is being pulled into engagement with a mating part on the production vessel.

Abstract: A simple, easily manipulated remote fluid transfer system comprising a pump, grout pipe string, a manipulation device, guide sleeve, and a remote video display device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for replacing an insert unit included in an insert valve assembly belonging to a subsea production system for gas and oil. In carrying out the method, a manipulator (1) is brought by means of a sheave (2), a hoisting cable (3) and guide wires (4, 5) down to a predetermined location on the bottom of the sea. The manipulator comprises a telescopic arm (15, 16) which is then moved towards and fixed by means of a hook (20) and a lug (21) to a valve tree (17) which supports a valve (22), the insert unit (26) of which is to be unscrewed from the respective valve housing and be replaced. A carriage (18) located in the manipulator and comprising retracting, aligning and fixing devices (32, 33, 34) is brought with the aid of the telescopic arm and a rail, located on the top side of the carriage, towards the valve tree and is fixed to retraction cones (35, 36, 37) mounted on the valve tree.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for installing a piece of equipment horizontally on a submerged unit and for removing it therefrom, comprises a movable servicing module designed to engage on the upper part of the submerged unit, pivot thereabout and lock against it in a horizontal position, and a cradle supporting the piece of equipment. The cradle is carried, by means of connections allowing transverse adjustment, by sliding supports mounted in the servicing module, and movable longitudinally by means of jacks. Mutual engagement means are provided on the submerged unit and on the piece of equipment to ensure that the latter is positioned accurately on the unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orienting a flowline so that it may be remotely connected to a riser connected to an offshore structure. The apparatus includes a structural guide, connected to the offshore structure, that is capable of being rotated so that the front side of the structural guide is directed toward the lead end of the flowline. The structural guide is designed in such a manner so that is is automatically rotated by the cable which is used to pull the flowline to the offshore structure when tension is applied to the cable. The lead end of the flowline is directed upwardly by a pipe guide. The pipe guide has riser guidepost recepticals that receive guideposts as they are lowered from the offshore structure by guidelines. The guidelines and guideposts direct the riser into position over the lead end of the flowline for final connection.

Abstract: A device for connecting lines associated with offshore drilling equipment comprises at least one support (24, 24') hinged to the platform by tie rods (25, 25') and movable between a position of withdrawal away from the drilling column and an operating position, near the drilling column, enabling the lines (19, 20) to be connected. A jack (35, 35') enables the support (24, 24') to be moved. In the operating position, the upper sections of the lines (19, 20) carried by the telescopic joint (2) of the drilling column have their joining members (17, 18, 21) located in concordance with the joining pieces (31) of the end parts (30) of the lines connected to the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining two tubular members together at a subsea location wherein one of the tubular members has internal grooves and the second tubular member is sufficiently small to slide into the first tubular member and the first tubular member has an external flange suitable for connecting to a flowline, which apparatus includes a tubular mandrel having means for connecting to said first tubular member, a resilient sleeve surrounding said mandrel and adapted to be positioned within said second tubular member, volume compensating means positioned within each of said grooves and testing means carried by said mandrel to allow testing of the joint while the mandrel is still in position after forming.

Abstract: A convertible barge having self-contained modules positioned thereon containing pipeline processing equipment. The modules are removably attached to the deck of the barge and are provided with a closable opening on at least one end thereof for passing a pipeline portion therethrough to another module. Spacer modules may be positioned between the modules housing processing equipment so that modules of standardized dimensions may be used.