Abstract: Riser for an offshore marine platform which includes facilities to receive, treat, and/or store hydrocarbon fluid from a plurality of dispersed submerged wells. The riser includes means to accommodate a plurality of conduits between the platform deck and the floor of the body of water. As a rigid, or non-rigid conduit is pulled downwardly through the riser, it engages a deflecting shoe. The latter deflects the pulled conduit into a direction away from the platform and along the ocean floor, whereby it can readily engage a pipeline, or attach to one of the dispersed wells.

Abstract: A releasable anchor connector for a tension leg platform in which a tether with a bore is locked in a template insert at the seabed by means of a series of locking fingers acting through a ring and a resilient connector. The tether is unlocked by locating a ram that disengages the fingers at the end of the bore and applying hydraulic pressure to the ram by means of a hose passed down the bore and a delivery head at the end of the hose. The delivery head comprises a hollow body, a piston slidable in the body and a valve member slidably mounted on the piston. A spring urges the valve member to engage a valve seat and a spring urges the piston forwards. Hydraulic pressure of the fluid in the hose forces the piston back so that a split collet moves back with the piston and expands to hold the delivery head in the position behind a shoulder formed in a bore leading to the ram, after which the piston lifts the valve member off its seat, so transmitting the hydraulic pressure to the ram.

Abstract: A latch connects tendons run from a floating platform to a socket in a foundation on the sea floor. The latch includes a latch body having a plurality of dogs disposed within and urgible outward from the latch body. A piston is releasably disposed within the latch body above the dogs and moves downwardly when released to urge the dogs outwardly from the body into latching engagement with the socket. A trigger mechanism in the latch releases the piston when the latch body lands in the socket and contacts a trigger pin projecting upwardly from the bottom of the socket. A series of wedges are disposed exteriorally on the body and inhibit lateral movement of the body relative to the socket when the tendon is subjected to a cycle bending loads.

Abstract: A header or other pipe under pressure which is blanked at its terminal end by a closure plate is extended without the need of a shutdown or the construction of bypass piping. In a series of steps in the method disclosed, alternate bolts in the ring of bolts holding the closure plate to the annular flange of the existing pipe are variously repositioned or replaced to accomodate the construction of the extension while maintaining an adequate seal to prevent the escape of the pressurized fluid in the pipe. A structure which is installed as a product of this method and an apparatus used in this installation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a plurality of flowlines in a catenary bundle in fluid-flow relationship with a plurality of wellheads supported on a submerged buoyant support. The connector comprises a first member that is rigidly coupled to the submerged support, has a plurality of conduits extending therefrom to the wellheads, and has an open-ended member with a rotational orientation member therein; and a second member that is coupled to the end of the flowline bundle, is receivable on the first member and has an elongated stinger thereon receivable in the annular open-ended member on the first connector member. The stinger has a second orientation member for mating with the orientation member in the open-ended member. Run from the surface through the open-ended member and attached to the end of the stinger is a hauling wireline used to bring the first and second connector members into engagement, at which time they are rotationally oriented and locked together.

Abstract: An underwater pipe laying vessel for laying a continuous pipeline, applying what is known as the "J" shape pipe laying method, uses shorter lengths of pipeline welded together on board end to end to form pipe assemblies; the pipe assemblies are stored and subsequently transported to a pipe laying boom unit which guides pipe assemblies to be welded end to end to a pipeline which is already in the "process of laying" under the vessel. The pipe laying boom is located substantially in the center of the vessel and is swivelled about a horizontal axis which is perpendicular to the length of the vessel; the boom includes a flash butt welder and an underlying jacketing-unit for suitably treating a welded surface of the pipeline to prevent subsequent corrosion; a pipeline section guide and pipeline section support located under the jacketing-unit assist in supporting and guiding the treated pipeline for proper positioning.

Abstract: A temporary hub cover for the hubs of flow lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical conduits and the mating hubs of the underwater production unit includes a body enclosing the hub, plungers within the body for releasably engaging into detents on the hub to hold the cover on the hub, and a trigger mechanism operable from a remote location to release the engagement between the cover and hub whereby the cover can be removed from the hub. A connector tool is lowered through the water and supports means for operating the trigger mechanism upon downward movement of the connector tool.

Abstract: A flowline receiving and guiding unit characterized by having a generally tubular base member adapted to be landed upon the upper end portion of an upright support, typically a pile, secured in the floor of a body of water. The unit includes an elongated curved tubular structure, typically of J-tube configuration, so positioned that when the unit has been landed the upper end of the curved tubular structure is upright and occupies a predetermined position relative to the pile.

Abstract: In installation of a flowline and connection thereof to an underwater installation equipped with guide lines extending from the installation to an operational base at the surface of the body of water, a pile or other upright support is first installed in a predetermined location adjacent the underwater installation, and all operations necessary to install the flowline and connect the flowline to the underwater installation are then carried out with the aid of the guide lines and employing apparatus installed on the pile.

Abstract: Method for placing two submerged elements in a relative determined position, particularly in view of their mutual connection, comprising a first step of controlling the relative displacement of said elements on the basis of the measurement of electric values so as to ensure the alignment of a central point of one end of one element with the longitudinal axis of the other and a second step of progressively bringing the two elements in contact with each other by their relative displacement controlled on the basis of the measurement of their relative distance and mutual inclination angle, by means of acoustic emitters-receivers.

Abstract: Sections of pipe for an underwater pipeline are laid by first positioning a support frame on the underwater terrain generally about the position for a section of pipe and then lowering a longitudinal pipe support and a section of pipe into engagement with the support frame. The position of the longitudinal pipe support on the support frame can be adjusted for proper positioning of the section of pipe with previously laid pipe. After a section of pipe is laid and supported by backfill, the underwater support frame is moved to the position for the next section of pipe. The support frame includes first and second transverse members each having a saddle for receiving a seat portion of the longitudinal pipe support. The saddles are moveable along the transverse members for adjusting the position of a section of pipe, and one of the transverse members is moveable. The longitudinal pipe support is moveable on a roller in the saddle on the fixed transverse member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for connecting a buoyant off-bottom flowline to a subsea structure.

Abstract: A flowline pull-in apparatus is operable from an overhead vessel and transports flowlines to a subsea wellhead. The apparatus includes a sled disposed on the sea floor and connected to the flowlines. A two-part pull-in frame, removably positioned within the sled, is connected to the overhead vessel. The overhead vessel removes the pull-in frame and lands the frame on a wellhead. The frame is connected to the sled by means of cables. After the frame has been landed upon the wellhead, winches on the frame are hydraulically activated from the vessel and reel in the cables, thereby drawing the sled into engagement with the lower portion of frame and positioning flowline mandrels, which project from the sled, adjacent the lower portion of the frame. The cables are thereafter cut and the upper portion of the frame is released and removed by the vessel from the lower portion.

Abstract: A guideline system for positioning subsea equipment utilizes splayed guidelines for exerting lateral forces on the subsea equipment as it is lowered into place.

Abstract: An offshore process vessel is described for connecting service and production hoses to a deepwater production riser system and for performing subsea maintenance thereon without major equipment support. The vessel has a pair of longitudinally aligned moonpools, a derrick above the forward moonpool, a rotary powered turret within the aft moonpool, and tension-maintaining assemblies for terminal hoses in combination with a rotary fluid transfer system for transferring production fluids, electrical power, hydraulic power, and control signals across a rotating interface between the vessel and a flowline bundle of the service and production hoses. The turret supports a coaxially disposed and selectively ejectable plug through which the service and production hoses pass. These hoses are joined together in a linear array along the length of the flowline bundle which hangs as a catenary from the plug while being attached to the riser system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the remote recovery of submerged pipelines is disclosed. The operations are entirely controlled by an operator located on a lay barge or other floating vessel. A buoy and cables are manipulated from the lay barge to deploy equipment to a submerged pipeline. To utilize the invention, an alignment cable is threaded through a pipe alignment frame and is then connected to a buoy. The pipe alignment frame is lowered by the alignment cable into an operational relationship with the submerged pipeline. Once the pipe alignment frame is in an operational relationship with the submerged pipeline, the alignment cable is slackened and the buoy and attached alignment cable rise to the water surface. Cutting equipment connected to a retrieval cable is connected to the alignment cable. The cutting equipment is lowered to a predetermined location relative to the pipe alignment frame and attached pipeline by taking in the alignment cable while paying out the retrieval cable.

Abstract: A collar forming machine for the repair of submerged pipelines is provided comprising a forming module having the central shaft (10) passing through the body (12) of a main jack, a piston (18) sliding on the shaft and carrying at its end a forming punch (13), the shaft carrying in its part intended to penetrate inside the tube to be repaired internal locking means (14) to be forcefully applied to the inner face of the wall of the tube and capable of transferring the forming force to the tube itself, further comprising external locking means (17) applied to the external face of the wall of the tube to prevent deformation thereof.

Abstract: A process for tapping a region of a pipe placed on a sea bed utilizes a working platform which is installed vertically above the region of the pipe to be tapped, the platform being adapted to receive a support girder which can be lowered from the surface of the sea onto the working platform and be engaged therewith and then lifted off the platform. The platform is adapted to receive successively a plurality of modular tool-carriers provided with tools for carrying out a variety of operations on the pipe, the operations including concrete stripping, removal of anti-corrosion covering, transverse cutting, internal brushing, and making the longitudinal weld flush.

Abstract: A subsea well completion system, and components of such a system, are disclosed for handling marine well fluids from multiple subsea wells.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably supporting a guide post to an underwater well installation and a method for recovering such a guide post by remote operation from the surface. The apparatus comprises a support sleeve coupled to the well installation and receiving a lower end portion of the guide post therein, an outer actuating sleeve movably supported on the support sleeve, and a plurality of locking elements coupled to the support sleeve and moved radially inwardly into engagement with the guide post by means of the actuating sleeve. The locking elements have ring segments engageable by the actuating sleeve and radially inwardly directed pins which pass through bores in the support sleeve and are received in a locking groove in the guide post lower end portion.

Abstract: A method for joining of pipes, especially large concrete pipes, heretofore been a comparatively cumbersome procedure necessitating the use of special tools by means of which a pressure has been exerted on the back end of the pipe to push it towards the last of the previously laid pipes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for positioning, aligning and interfacing a towed pipe string to a previously installed pipe segment by positioning an end of the pipe string within a predetermined range of an end of the pipe segment, attaching a first gripper block to the end of the pipe string, moving an alignment tool over to the pipe segment while paying out connecting means between the alignment tool and the first gripper block, attaching a second gripper block of the alignment tool to the end of the pipe segment, tensioning the connecting means to draw the end of the pipe segment and the end of the pipe string within close proximity of each other, attaching a third gripper block of the alignment tool to the end of the pipe string, the second gripper block and the third gripper block being in a spaced-apart position, and drawing the second gripper block and the third gripper block toward each other, thereby aligning the end of the pipe string with the end of the pipe segment.

Abstract: A subsea marine conductor bending tool for bending lower portions of the marine conductor when in the sea adjacent a subsea wellhead to align the conductor and its coupling member to a subsea wellhead has a plurality of individual bending beam assemblies and means for connecting them together in an articulated vertical array, a running tool for running the array of beam assemblies down within the conductor from an overhead platform to lower portions within the conductor adjacent a subsea location to which the conductor is to be aligned and hydraulically operated means on each of the bending beam assemblies operable from the overhead platform for applying bending forces against adjacent interior portions of the conductor to bend the same as required to align the conductor and its end connector to the wellhead.

Abstract: The invention is for a submarine pipe laying device which is mounted to pt on two axes on a pipeline laying vessel and which allows for mating and deploying sections of the pipe in a string. A cradle is used to hold a length of pipe and a clamp holds the end of the last deployed section of pipe while a torque box unit attaches and allows each successive length of pipe to be lowered into the water. The dual axis pivoting allows the vessel to be moored in any position and is not required to be aligned with the pipeline being layed.

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.

Abstract: Collapse failures of a pipe wall are prevented from propagating along an underwater pipeline by providing corrugations at intermittent, recurrent, or periodic intervals along the length of the pipeline.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprises first and second connecting parts which are oriented for joining by a guide post and a cable having a hydraulic hose core terminating in a radially expandable mandrel. The cable is threaded through a bore in the second connecting part and located in the bore of the guide post by a hydraulic latch. The cable is tensioned and the second connecting part slid along the cable to the receive guide post in the opening thus orienting the two connecting parts for proper connection.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for connecting separate ends of fluid conduits, without radially flexing or bending either end, by using a telescoping joint, a flange connector, a metal-to-metal seal assembly, and a lock for the metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A latching system for releasably connecting two conduits which includes a base member having at least one upwardly extending conduit and a locking plate supported thereon, and a latch support member including at least one downwardly extending conduit and having a locking mandrel depending therefrom. The locking mandrel is rotated via the downward movement of a piston within a cylinder, the piston having a spirally splined shaft mounted thereon which mates with a spirally splined surface associated with the locking mandrel, whereby downward movement of the piston and spirally splined shaft causes the locking mandrel to rotate and lock into engagement with the locking plate.

Abstract: A marine compliant riser system is provided for attaching a flexible flowline to a buoyed conduit riser section. The improved system includes a releasable yoke assembly for receiving flexible flowline with a means for holding flexible flowline termination.Quick-disconnect yoke attachment means support and lock the yoke assembly onto horizontal buoy-mounted support means. A fail-safe release means is provided for pulling an unreleased yoke attachment away from the support arm in the event of an opposite end release.The system is particularly adapted for emergency disconnect of a subsea wellhead or production gathering system from a floating vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a floating production system for offshore development of oil and gas wells which employs an underwater buoy to decrease tension on flexible riser pipes used to connect a subsea pipeline to the floating vessel. The underwater buoy utilizes a cradle assembly having a drag balancing tail assembly to counteract the twisting moment applied to the cradle by current drag forces.

Abstract: A guide for use in connecting a riser pipe to a subsea riser base comprises a guide post and an expanding mandrel actuable by hydraulic pressure applied through a cable having hydraulic hoses in its core to lock the mandrel in a subsea riser base. The guide post is provided with buoyancy means to reduce its effective weight in water to enable it to be manipulated and manoeuvred by a remote controlled vehicle or diver.

Abstract: Underwater flow lines, control lines and electrical conduits are connected to mating hubs on an underwater manifold center or other production unit by utilizing hydraulically powered means for pulling the lines toward the mating hubs and aligning them therewith, lock-down means actuated from the surface being utilized to lock the lines in axial alignment with the hubs, and a seal member being lowered from the surface and inserted between the facing hubs, with a split clamp being used to draw the hubs into sealing engagement with the seal means.

Abstract: A temporary hub cover for the hubs of flow lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical conduits and the mating hubs of the underwater production unit includes a body enclosing the hub, plungers within the body for releasably engaging into detents on the hub to hold the cover on the hub, and a trigger mechanism operable from a remote location to release the engagement between the cover and hub whereby the cover can be removed from the hub.

Abstract: The underwater flowline connector includes a cable puller, cable cutter, alignment device, and flowline bundle for remotely pulling and aligning an outboard hub with a subsea inboard hub disposed on an underwater unit. The cable puller is located atop the underwater unit and includes a plurality of hydraulic cable grippers alternatingly engaging and releasing the pull-in cable connected to the flowline bundle to pull the bundle with outboard hub to the underwater unit. Pulling by the cable puller cntinues until the flowline bundle has reached the porch of the underwater unit. During its final ascent along a ramp of the porch, the flowline bundle rights itself because of a self-righting moment on the bundle caused by attaching the cable above the center of gravity of the flowline bundle. The flowline bundle is attached to the alignment device using a universal joint. The alignment device has central hydraulic extension cylinder mounted on the universal joint to engage and lock the flowline bundle.

Abstract: A diverless subsea flowline connection system includes a plurality of connectors for remotely connecting the end of a bundle of flowlines to the ends of a plurality of bundles of individual flowlines. Guidance components direct the end portion of each bundle of individual flowlines into precise connecting alignment with a corresponding end portion of the bundled flowlines without damage to the connecting seals. The end portion of the bundled flowlines are covered and sealed so that these flowlines can be pulled across a sea floor without damage to their connecting ends. Means are provided for pulling the flowline bundle toward an aligning structure so that the lines can approach the structure from a wide variety of angles and the structure will guide the bundled flowlines into position where they can be aligned exactly with the individual diameter flowlines. This pulling means includes means for connecting a pulling cable to the radial center of a pulling head attached to the ends of the bundled flowlines.

Abstract: A marine compliant riser system is provided for attaching a flexible flowline to a buoyed conduit riser section. The improved system includes a novel yoke assembly for receiving flexible flowline with a means for retaining a terminal portion of the flexible flowline at a substantially vertical catenary departure angle. Pivotally-mounted loading gates or a yoke beam support the flexible flowlines during installation and/or replacement on the yoke. Connection means are mounted on the buoy section for establishing fluid communication between the flexible flowline and conduit at the buoyed riser section.An installation method is disclosed for completing the improved riser system in deepwater. This system is particularly adapted for oil and gas flowlines, service lines, hydraulic control and electrical conduits for connecting a subsea wellhead or production gathering eqiupment to a surface facility.

Abstract: A flexible buckle arrestor (20) is provided at somewhat regular intervals (l) along the length of a pipeline (10) as it is being laid underwater for arresting the propagation of any buckle (22) that may occur in the pipeline during or after pipeline laying operations. The buckle arrestor is comprised of a rod (20a) tightly wound around the pipe to form a number of spaced apart turns, the ends (20a and 20b) of which are secured either to the rod itself, to the pipe, or to the rod and pipe to prevent the turns from expanding while a buckle propagating in the pipe is arrested. The turns may be individual and unconnected, with each turn welded to itself, to the pipe, or itself and the pipe. The rod may be wound on the pipe as it is being payed out from a reel, or may be wound on the pipe before it is placed on the pipe laying vessel, particularly when a concrete coating (24) is applied to sections welded together as the pipe is laid.

Abstract: A flow line bundle assembly includes a plurality of conduits disposed within a tubular covering member. The tubular covering member is sealed at its ends before being placed in a body of water, so that the flow line bundle has a slight positive buoyancy when submerged in the body of water. Weights are then added to the flow line bundle to cause it to have a neutral buoyancy at a position slightly above a floor of the body of water. The flow line bundle is then towed from its point of construction, through the body of water, to the location where it is to be installed. During a first method of towing, if an obstacle located above the ocean floor is approached, a trailing tug increases a restraining force applied to the flow line bundle so as to lift it above the obstacle as the flow line bundle passes over the obstacle. A second method of towing maintains the flow line bundle at a constant depth below a surface of the body of water so that the bundle will clear any obstacles on the floor of the body of water.

Abstract: Pressure-tight pipeline plugs are used in subsea connection operations to achieve a lightweight pipe condition which facilitates alignment by easing handling problems. An internal plug is provided for this purpose which is particularly useful for connection operations using a pipe-to-pipe pull-in technique and is capable of sealing, remotely releasing and then being pumped through the line to a terminus.

Abstract: A device for connecting two underwater pipes, one prolonged by a terminal and the other by a receptacle for the terminal. The device comprises separate, reversible means for securing and sealing the terminal in the receptacle, and also comprises a tension tool comprising a tension chuck secured to the end of a tension cable, the cable extending through the receptacle and the second pipe, and a plug connected to the chuck by an articulated connecting means having a length variable between a minimum and a maximum greater than the distance between the plug and the opening of the terminal, the chuck and the plug having releasable locking means and sealing means in the terminal. The device is adapted for connecting an underwater pipe to a tubular column, inter alia a production column at the foot of an oil rig.

Abstract: Underwater flow lines, control lines and electrical conduits are connected to mating hubs on an underwater manifold center or other production unit by utilizing hydraulically powered means for pulling the lines toward the mating hubs and aligning them therewith, lock-down means actuated from the surface being utilized to lock the lines in axial alignment with the hubs, and a seal member being lowered from the surface and inserted between the facing hubs, with a split clamp being used to draw the hubs into sealing engagement with the seal means.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for aligning the ends of two submerged pipelines to be jointed, the apparatus which is equipped with means for displacing and aligning the pipe ends, is allowed to be displaced relative to the pipe ends and the bottom of the sea during the alignment operation. The restraining force developed when the displacement and alignment means are actuated, is used to displace the frame relative to the base and the pipe ends, so as to allow the frame and the pipe ends to adopt a final position in which the finished aligned pipe ends define a curve having the largest possible radius.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides processes and apparatus for bending and straightening or otherwise installing marine pipelines at underwater installations, and includes systems in which marine pipelines are installed at water depths to 250 feet or more, utilizing an underwater chamber which may be operated with its interior wet, dry or combinations thereof. In one form, the system provides for interconnecting wellheads or other stations with manifolds or other stations and comprises running marine pipeline generally vertically downwardly from the water surface into the work chamber, mounted in operative association with an underwater wellhead or station, wherein the pipe is bent in the desired radius and through the desired angle and then straightened to exit from the chamber and wellhead in a substantially horizontal attitude such that it may then be pulled to a manifold or other underwater station with, for example, a wire line.

Abstract: A method and appartus are disclosed for making a subsea flowline connection between two pipelines. A connector assembly having a base plate is positioned on the sea floor to receive the ends of two intersecting pipelines. Once one of the pipelines is attached to the base plate, the base plate is displaced horizontally along the sea floor toward the other pipeline. When the second pipeline is attached to the base plate, the ends of the pipelines are a predetermined distance apart and a prefabricated spool piece is then remotely installed. In this manner, the base plate permits the connection of spatial and axial misalignments which otherwise would require the on-site fabrication and installation of a spool piece.

Abstract: An unarticulated riser pipe for connecting a subsea pipeline to facilities on a floating platform. The riser pipe has a vertical section which is rigidly attached to a horizontal section which provides flexibility. Means are provided to maintain the tension on the vertical section. In one embodiment, a subsea frame aids in connecting the horizontal and vertical sections and then to set a limit on permitted motion of the riser pipe.

Abstract: Connecting means for connecting the ends of at least a pair of pipes, said pipe ends being immersed in water and one of the or each pair of pipe ends being mounted on a fixed structure and connected, e.g. to an oil well, and the other of the or each pair of pipes being mounted on a movable structure, e.g. a column, mounted for oscillatory movement relative to the fixed structure, comprises in respect of the or each pair of pipes a tube of a length greater than the maximum distance between the pipe ends and in a spiral and/or helical shape, wherein the tube is supported intermediate the ends thereof solely by means for correcting the buoyancy thereof to reduce the buoyancy to substantially zero.

Abstract: This concerns a method of connecting a subsea flowline to facilities on top of an offshore platform which is supported above a body of water and which has a plurality of conductors extending from above the water to within the sea bottom. One of the conductors is cut just above the mud line and raised to leave a gap between the lower end of the upper portion of the conductor and the conductor stub which remains firmly anchored in the sea bottom. The flowline is pulled to a position just adjacent said conductor stub. A production riser is lowered through the upper portion of the conductor and then the lower end of the production riser is connected to the pulled end of the flowline.

Abstract: A method for joining two or more jacket or substructure components of an offshore platform in the water to form a single jacket unit. An offshore platform is located in deep water by dividing a jacket or support of extensive length therefor into at least two sections which have only sufficient buoyancy to float at water surface when the sections are launched from at least a vessel at a selected location. The sections are aligned and connected together. Guide means ensure proper alignment of the legs of the sections. Access tubes from the surface of the water to the hollow legs permit direct internal welding in securing the legs of the sections together. The sections are then sunk at the selected location until the jacket is in an upright position at which point it is anchored by driving piling through the jacket's hollow legs into the sea floor, following which the deck of the platform is placed or stabbed on the anchored jacket.

Abstract: A subsea pipeline hub is connected to the hub of an adjacent spool piece connected to an in-place manifold of a subsea structure used in the production of oil and/or gas. The pipeline hub is positioned relative to the opposing spool hub and a remotely operated pipeline connecting tool is lowered from the water's surface to the subsea structure using guidelines and structural guidance for alignment of the pipeline hub with the spool piece hub. The spool piece hub is then drawn to the pipeline hub and the hubs are clamped together by operation of the connecting tool. The seal in the connection can be tested by means of the connecting tool. The spool piece may be retrieved and replaced by the connecting tool if maintenance is needed. Connecting tool operations are powered by hydraulic fluid and controlled from the surface. The pipeline hub may be lowered vertically and pivoted into its position adjacent the spool piece or may be pulled into that position.