Abstract: In the automatic positioning of the end of an underwater flow line, particularly in deep water, on a base, the end of the flow line is lowered to a position adjacent a connecting sleeve. The end of the flow line is connected to a hauling cable extending through the sleeve and a pull is exerted on the cable to draw the end of the flow line into the sleeve. The sleeve is detachably mounted on positioning apparatus mounted on the base and pivotable relative thereto in azimuth and elevation to align with the flow line. When the end of the flow line has been received in the sleeve and locked thereto, the sleeve is positioned on the base, locked thereto and released from the apparatus which is withdrawn.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting subsea structures, and in particular christmas trees from damage by fishing nets, trawl boards, anchors and other marine equipment, include a protective structure which is placed over the christmas tree. The protective structure has an opening in the top portion to allow access to the christmas tree when such access is needed and a protective cap which closes the opening to prevent damage from silt, sand, trash and overhead falling objects. The entire protective structure is secured in place by one or more piles which are driven into the sea floor or by cementing one or more steel piles in place in the sea floor. The protective structure and the cap are guided into place around the well by guide cables attached to the guide base of the well. A lifting device in the protective cap facilitates removal of the cap by a single cable.

Abstract: An axially flexible sealing device connecting two pipeline ends which comprises a number of sealingly connected annular members, each annular member including an inner cylindrical member, two spaced apart outer cylindrical members, and separate flexible ring members connecting the outer cylindrical members to the inner cylindrical member, each outer cylindrical member having a portion extending axially beyond the adjacent end of the inner cylindrical member when the attached flexible ring member is in an untensioned state. The sealing device is designed for use in connecting two pipelines located beneath sea level wherein the end of one of the pipelines is located in a hollow structure and one of the sealing devices is connected thereto, whereas the other end of the sealing device is sealingly connected to one end of a penetration sleeve which is sealingly connected through the wall of the structure (the other end of the sleeve being connected to the end of the other pipeline).

Abstract: A self propelled reel pipe laying ship having forward, midship and stern sections, and having a reel mounted at the midship and thereof about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation extending transversely of the ship, such that the load of the reel is distributed downwardly and outwardly substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ship, the ship further including pipe conditioning means located at the stern section for movement about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the reel and (a) radius control means for imparting a substantially uniform curve to the pipe after it is unspooled from the reel, (b) straightening means for imparting a reverse bending force to the pipe opposite the curvature imparted to the pipe by the reel, and (c) means for guiding the pipe into the water after it emerges from the straightening means; and means for pivoting the pipe conditioning means about its pivot axis to adjust the pipe entry angle at which pipe enters the wate

Abstract: A mobile pipe handling frame useful for building and repairing subsea pipelines is disclosed and includes a vertically adjustable beam and horizontally adjustable sled thereon which may be utilized for suspending a hydraulic pipe clamp for grasping and moving pipe sections vertically and horizontally. The sled and beam may also be utilized for supporting and positioning one end of a stabber beam which, with its other end resting upon the pipeline, may be utilized to telescope tubular coupling members onto the end of the pipeline. The pipe handling frame and hydraulic pipe clamp also may be used to "walk" a pipe section, or one end of a pipeline, across the ocean floor transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. A method for utilizing the pipe handling frame, hydraulic pipe clamp and stabber beam for repairing damaged subsea pipelines and for completing subsea pipeline connections to risers are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for offshore oil production, comprising at least one underwater installation to which is connected at least one flow line which is releasably connected to a flexible riser suspended from a surface installation. The system comprises a stationary guide structure on the water bottom provided at its upper end with support means for the lower end of the flexible riser. The flexible riser forms by gravity a free loop portion above the water bottom, in the vicinity of the guide structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser device which extends from an underwater installation up to a structure situated near the water's surface, and which comprises at least three rigid, elongate members each having associated therewith at least one fluid flow line. The elongate members are interconnected by means of universal joints and have sufficient lengths that the total length of the riser device will exceed the distance between the underwater installation and the structure.

Abstract: An offshore terminal connected to different underwater producing wellheads which comprises an aerial part provided with a rotatable arm which supports a T F L-servicing pipe and two further pipes including a loading pipe for discharging crude into oil tankers.This aerial part is supported via an upright riser by a submerged caisson housing manifolds and a T F L-switching barrel.The riser comprises a plurality of coaxial pipes, which are releasably connected to the top of the caisson by telescopic means, the central conduit of this riser connecting the T F L-servicing pipe to the T F L-switching barrel and the other pipes to different manifolds in the caisson.

Abstract: For holding the end of an immersed suspended elongate member, e.g. a flow line or flow line bundle for a well, in a constant direction in spite of changes in the direction of the surface retaining means, e.g. a ship, from which the elongate member is suspended, the upper end of the member is secured to a trolley secured to a slide which is mounted on rollers movable on circular rails coaxial with the upper end of the member. The slide is rotatable about the axis of the rails and is rotated to compensate for any changes in the direction of the surface retaining means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and releasing an underwater flexible line (30) within a channel (20) is disclosed. The channel (20) is formed on the support member (22) of an offshore structure such as the leg of a fixed offshore platform of the tension member of an offshore riser buoy system. The apparatus comprises a sled (22) which advances relative to the channel (20) on a track system. The sled (32) includes an aligning system for orienting and seating the line within the channel (20) as it advances along the length of the structure. Initially, the line is attached to the upper end of the offshore structure, preferably at or above the water surface and allowed to hang freely to the sea bed. Thus, the line is adjacent the channel and readily available for proper aligning and seating within the base of the channel. After the sled aligns and seats the line within the channel, it closes the channel securing the line by means of latches (34) pivotally mounted to one side of the channel.

Abstract: This invention concerns a seabed device to support tubing connected to a wellhead.The device comprises a flange at the bottom end of the tubing, fitting into a rigid frame attached to and detachable from a framework located on the seabed, the said flange being connected to the wellhead by the same number of flexible pipes as there are passages in the tubing, with a connection-disconnection device to attach these flexible pipes to the wellhead.This device relieves the wellhead of stresses transmitted by the tubing.

Abstract: A submergible, underwater well completion habitat and a method of employing the same in the completion of wells at extended depths. The well completion habitat may be attached to an underwater well platform and maintained at a pressure of sufficient value to expel water from the work chamber and also to maintain it substantially water free so that one or more saturated divers may work within the chamber to complete the well. This abstract of the invention is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to limit the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the alignment of two submerged pipe sections and to an apparatus for performing this method.The invention comprises the use of two lifters for lifting the pipe sections to be joined together until their ends are substantially parallel. A liner is lowered with slightly negative buoyancy up to the pipe sections and above their ends which are to be joined together. It is fixed to said section by its clamping means and is made to bear freely on the sea bed via retractable feet permitting the lateral sliding of the liner. The final alignment phase of the pipe section is obtained by the clamping means of the liner and from inside the welding chamber in which are located the ends of said pipe sections.

Abstract: In a method of welding together two submerged pipe ends, the pipe ends are spaced apart and introduced through orifices into a receptacle by which they can be isolated from the surrounding medium. The spaced pipe ends are connected by a connection sleeve and after isolation are welded to the connection sleeve.

Abstract: A simplified subsea production wellhead which permits (1) pump-down tool operations for routine well maintenance and (2) vertical entry to the wellbore for major workover operations. The wellhead can be lowered by the production pipeline to a wellhead site on the sea floor. The production wellhead includes a diverter spool for releasably attaching to a subsea well. Pump-down tools can be used with the diverter spool. If vertical entry of the subsea well is required, the diverter spool can be released, raised and moved horizontally to one side of the subsea well, giving vertical entry. After workover operations, the diverter spool is again moved over the subsea well and reattached.

Abstract: A submarine pipeline alignment rig includes a working section and a detachable truss section having a fixed fulcrum for engagement with a submerged conduit section. The rig also includes a vertically movable housing which provides an encapsulated underwater work space that may be positioned around the exposed end of the submerged conduit section. A manipulator mounted on the housing affects alignment of conduit sections relative to each other by pivoting them about the fixed fulcrum so that adjacent conduit sections can be connected or repaired. Locking devices avoid inadvertent release of conduit sections from the alignment rig and enhance operating safety. Both incremental and continuous vertical adjustments are provided for the locking devices of the fulcrum and the manipulator to accomodate conduits of various nominal sizes.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a cylindrical first member to a second member which may comprise: a tubular body attachable to the second member and adapted to receive one end of the first member; a gripping assembly carried by the body and movable from a radially expanded position, in which one end of the first member may be axially received and displaced from the body, to a radially contracted position gripping the exterior of the first member and preventing its axial displacement from the body; an annular seal assembly carried by the body and movable from a relaxed position, in which one end of the first member may be axially received therein, to a compressed position, sealingly engaging the first member; and an actuating assembly carried by the body and operable to move the gripping and seal assemblies to their contracted and compressed positions, respectively.

Abstract: The appliance comprises on a carriage 3 running inside the pipes 1,2, two struts 8 manipulated by two jacks 14 in order to make two shoes 13 and an arch 21 pivot against the inner face of the pipe 1 already laid, as well as a jack 26 for jointing the pipe 2 to be laid into the pipe 1 after having made it bear against the arch 21 which keeps it centered during the jointing.Application: to the laying of concrete pipe sections for drainage mains.Reference: FIG. 1.

Abstract: An offshore pipeline installation comprises a wellhead base and a pipeline anchor connected together to form a unit which is lowered onto a seabed. The anchor is pivotably positionable relative to the wellhead base about a vertical axis of a pilot tube. A pin pile is inserted through the tube and into the seabed to isolate the pipeline anchor from the wellhead and wellhead base in relation to forces generated in anchoring a pipeline to the pipeline anchor. The anchor is selectively positionable for alignment with pipeline means to be laid, and may include a socket mounted for pivotal movement about one or more, axis. The socket is operable to receive pipeline means laid away from the anchor. The anchor may further include a ramp which is inclined relative to horizontal. The ramp is positionable generally laterally relative to the lay path of the pipeline means so that pipeline means laid upon the ramp gravitates downwardly toward clamp means at the foot of the ramp.

Abstract: In the automatic positioning of one submerged unit relative to another submerged unit without the use of guide lines, guiding structures associated with the units are brought into contact and the units are relatively orientated before the units are brought into contact.

Abstract: A diverless subsea flowline connection system includes connectors for remotely connecting the ends of a first bundle of flowlines to the ends of a second bundle of flowlines and guidance components which direct the end portions of the first bundle of flowlines into precise connecting alignment with the end portions of the second bundle of flowlines without damage to the connecting seals. The ends of the first bundle are covered and sealed so that the flowlines can be pulled across the seafloor without damage to the ends of the flowlines. Means are provided for pulling the first bundle toward an alignment structure so that the lines can approach the structure from a wide variety of angles and the structure will guide the first bundle into exact alignment with the second bundle. This pulling means includes means for connecting a pulling cable to the radial center of a pulling head attached to the ends of the first bundle of flowlines.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting the ends of a pair of tubular conduits for use at the bottom of a body of water in which terminal portions of said conduits, adjacent to and including said ends, are buoyantly supported in a generally elevated attitude within the body of water with the ends in a zone of the body of water below the surface thereof. The ends are positively fixed against movement relative to each other but permitted limited movement, as a unit, relative to the bottom of the body of water. The connection of the conduit ends is made within the aforementioned zone of the body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for effecting deep water repair of pipelines especially during a pipelaying operation. A damaged portion of the pipeline is located and is prepared for receiving a pipeline plug member by cutting away the damaged portion leaving a prepared pipeline end section. The pipeline plug member is secured in a submersible repair frame which is lowered from a floating vessel into an operational relationship with the prepared pipeline end section. The plug member is aligned with the pipeline end section and is inserted into the end section. Thereafter, the plug member is sealingly secured in the pipeline end section and the repair frame is removed from its operational relationship with the pipeline. The pipeline is dewatered and the end section is then raised onto a floating vessel.

Abstract: Equipment for removing and refitting resilient packing in a cardan joint at the base of a platform or column mounted on the sea bed, the cardan joint connected a pipe in the sea bed with a pipe leading up the column, said packing comprising a stack of rubber rings and metallic washers disposed between end plates and capable of being deformed in torsion and said packing being compressed between an abutment on the end of a hollow shaft in the cardan joint and an abutment on the adjacent end of a pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of connecting a flowline to a subsea station in which such a connection may be remotely controlled and the method employed is independent of water depth. A flowline connector apparatus which includes a receptacle connector supported by a subsea station and has its axis directed toward the approach of the flowline, an elongated connector mandrel on a proximate end of the flowline, a pulling means releasably connected to the subsea station adjacent the connector receptacle, and lock means on the receptacle for interlocking engagement with the mandrel to retain the mandrel in selected longitudinal position relative to the receptacle and with a connector end of the mandrel exposed inboardly thereof. A method of securing a flowline to a subsea station.

Abstract: A method of making a connection to protect a shore approach section of an underwater pipeline comprises drilling a hole downwardly through the sea bed, introducing a sealed pipe riser, which may, or may not, have an elbow welded to the upper end thereof, into the hole; grouting the inserted pipe riser in the hole and connecting a tunnel section to the shore with the pipe riser. A pipe is passed through the tunnel and joined to the pipe riser. The tunnel pipe may be connected to the pipe riser after the drilling of the hole by the completion of the tunnel to intersect the pipe riser or, in the alternative, the tunnel section may be completed first and have the leading end thereof sealed off by a bulkhead, whereafter the hole is drilled to intersect the tunnel at the sealed off tunnel end and the connection of tunnel pipe and pipe riser is accomplished by dewatering the leading end of the tunnel and opening the bulkhead.

Abstract: A method of laying an underwater pipe line under an ice sheet. The pipe is fabricated on shore at a make-up point and a plurality of support stations are spaced apart along the pipe path. Holes are bored in the ice at the support stations and low friction pipe support cradles are lowered underwater at the stations and anchored to the ice sheet. A trench is then cut in the ice and the pipe string is introduced into the water and towed across beneath the ice surface through the support cradles by means of pulling winches at a winching station or stations. As the leading end of the pipe being towed under the ice passes each support station the pipe support cradles are tightened so as to support the pipe string from the ice sheet and immediately beneath it. After the pipe has been towed to the opposite shore, the pipe is lowered to the water bottom by attaching a train of lowering winches to the pipe through the trench.

Abstract: A method of laying an underwater pipeline underneath an ice sheet by a bottom pull which includes making up a pipe string, on a first shore of a water crossing, providing a first cable connection along the upper surface of the ice sheet between a pulling location and an on-ice pull sled, attaching a second cable between the pull sled and the leading end of the pipe string, cutting a slot through the ice along the path which the pipe is to take, ahead of the pull sled, and pulling the pull sled over the upper ice surface so as to tow the pipe string along the water bottom by means of the second cable which is submerged through the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a flexible line, such as a multiconductor electric cable for power and control circuits, a single flexible hose, or conventional flexible cables to a subsea station by remotely controlled means and without the assistance of divers or diver capsules or submarines. The apparatus includes a cable connecting frame structure upon which is pivotally mounted a socket-like container means which receives a receptacle means connected at one end of a flexible power cable or line. The frame structure is adapted to be releasably attached to the subsea station. A plug assembly is receivable by the socket-like container for electrical engagement with the receptacle means, and lock means holds the socket-line container in a selected position with respect to the subsea station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching by remote control a riser pipe to an offshore structure. The method includes installing one or more remotely operable pre-aligned jawed clamps upon the structure, suspending the riser pipe vertically over the side of the structure, guiding the pipe to a position between the open jaws of the clamps, and remotely closing the jaws about the riser pipe. The apparatus includes an arcuate seat rigidly attachable to the structure, a pair of arcuate jaws hingedly attached to the seat, and remotely controlled hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies to move the jaws between an open position to receive the pipe and a closed position to hold the pipe.

Abstract: A novel guide member and guide member support arrangement for guiding a drill conductor from a deck portion of an offshore platform into the bottom of a body of water is disclosed. The guide member is snugly nestled against and positioned within the guide member support which directly provides lateral and vertical support for the guide member. The guide member has an upper funnel-shaped portion and a lower cylindrical portion. The guide member support comprises the plurality of connected structural members arranged in a plane for defining a support opening for the guide member. The guide member is connected to the guide member support at at least three positions.

Abstract: An offshore oil or gas recovery station is established by docking a jacket with a submerged wellhead and supporting a platform on the jacket above the water surface. The jacket is lowered upon the wellhead so that a guide collar on the jacket passes downwardly around the wellhead. Alignment pins on the guide collar are fully advanced by a diver so as to contact the wellhead and effect alignment between the wellhead and a conduit which is carried on the jacket by a temporary connection. The conduit is released and is lowered onto the wellhead for connection therewith.