Exxon Production Research Company

Arthur C Daughtry

Thomas W Childers

Joseph A Burkhardt

William M McDonald

Albert R Sinclair

A method and apparatus for determining the distance and angular orientation between two structurally unconnected members, such as two sections of a subsea pipeline, is disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises generally two guide posts fixedly disposed, respectively, in known spaced relationships to the two structurally unconnected members and a remotely operable template. The remotely operable template comprises generally a variable length frame member; two guide members movably secured, respectively, to the outer ends of the variable length frame member and adapted to mate, respectively, with the guide posts; positioning means associated with each guide member and its respective guide post for properly positioning each guide member on its guide post; and means for measuring the distance between the outer ends of the variable length frame member and the angular orientation of each guide member after the guide members and the guide posts have been properly mated. The method of the invention comprises generally the steps of fixedly disposing two guide posts in known spaced relationships, respectively, to the two structurally unconnected members; measuring the distance and angular orientation between the guide posts with a remotely operable template; and computing the distance and angular orientation between the two structurally unconnected members from such measurement.

Method and apparatus for determining the distance and angular

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.

Pipeline connection system

A method for the controlled bending of a submerged pipeline is disclosed. The section of the pipeline which is to be bent is slightly elevated off the sea floor, preferably by buoys attached to the pipeline along its length. The end of the elevated section of pipeline is pulled in to the desired point of termination while a drag force is simultaneously applied to the elevated portion of the pipeline. The applied drag force should be sufficient to create a bending moment which causes the pipeline to bend along a well defined arc. Preferably, dragging means such as chains, cables, or clump weights extending from the pipeline to the sea floor are used to impose the necessary drag force on the pipeline and to control elevation of the pipeline above the sea floor.

Pipeline bending method

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.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Arthur C Daughtry