Coflexip, Sa

Coflexip

Technip Offshore UK Limited

Technip France

Subsea 7 Contracting (uk) Limited

Technip Sa

Calum MacKinnon

Allen F Leatt

Andrew M Watt

Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for the adaptation of a subsea vehicle, such as an ROV, and in particular a hydraulically powered construction or maintenance work ROV. In one embodiment the vehicle is provided with a module or modules which provide further propulsion means that have reduced noise at high speed in comparison to the vehicle's main propulsion means. The module or modules also optionally provide greater performance and decreased drag. An ROV adapted in such a way is therefore suitable for high speed survey work. In another embodiment a hydraulic ROV is adapted to enable it to be able to directly drive electrically powered tools.

Apparatus and method for adapting a subsea vehicle

An apparatus for substantially horizontal connection of a conduit to a subsea structure: A frame connectable to and supportable by the subsea structure, the frame has a docking device operable to allow a horizontal connection device, including one of a remotely operated vehicle and a toolskid, to dock with the frame such that the frame is capable of bearing at least part of an operational load associated with the horizontal connection of the conduit to the subsea structure.

Apparatus and method for horizontal subsea connection

Apparatus for connecting a conduit to a subsea structure includes a frame connectable to the subsea structure by a docking mechanism, a conduit handling mechanism on the frame to facilitate positioning of the conduit for attachment to the subsea structure and a second docking mechanism for attaching a mobile manipulating device to the frame. In use, the mobile manipulating device connects to the conduit by means of a pull-in rope on a winch, and travels under its own power to the subsea structure while paying out the pull-in rope. There, it docks with the frame and the pull-in rope is reeled in by the winch on the mobile manipulating device. The conduit is then connected to the subsea structure by the conduit handling mechanism on the frame. The invention also includes the method of attaching a conduit to a subsea structure using the described apparatus.

Subsea connection apparatus

An apparatus and methods for deploying, recovering, and servicing an AUV are disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The linelatch system can be connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical on one end and to an AUV on the other end. In addition to providing a mechanical connection, between the AUV and a surface vessel, the linelatch system can also carry power and data between the surface vessel (i.e., through the umbilical) and the AUV.

Apparatus and method for deploying, recovering, servicing, and operating an autonomous underwater vehicle

An underwater apparatus for performing subsurface operations adapted to be operated from a remote location above the surface of a body of water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The tether management system controls the amount of free tether between itself and the flying latch vehicle. The flying latch vehicle interfaces with various underwater structures. Also disclosed are methods for recovering, deploying, and relaying power to a subsurface vehicle using the linelatch system.

Underwater latch and power supply

An underwater apparatus for performing subsurface operations adapted to be operated from a remote location above the surface of a body of water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The tether management system controls the amount of free tether between itself and the flying latch vehicle. The flying latch vehicle interfaces with various underwater structures. Also disclosed are methods of transferring power and/or data between two or more underwater devices using the linelatch system of the invention.

Underwater power and data relay

An underwater apparatus for performing subsurface operations adapted to be operated from a remote location above the surface of a body of water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a underwater vehicle that is made up of a tether management system connected to a detachable flying craft by a tether. The tether management system controls the amount of free tether between itself and the detachable flying craft. The detachable flying craft interfaces with various underwater structures. Also disclosed are methods of transferring power and/or data between two or more underwater devices using the underwater vehicle of the invention.

Underwater vehicle

It is of the type comprising a multi-tool system for inspecting, cleaning and replacing members in an oil installation and is one which comprises a support (8) on which there are mounted means (9, 10, 17) capable of laterally shifting at least two devices (22, 29) in opposite directions, it being possible for at least one of said devices (29) to be rotated about one of said directions.

Multi-tool system that can be used for connecting pipes

System and method for joining together two assemblies which can move one with respect to the other, especially in underwater installations, comprising a remote-operated vehicle (17) comprising propulsion means (21) and at least one equipment item (19, 20) including hauling means (20) which attach to the assembly considered as being fixed (2) during connection, means of attaching to the other assembly considered as being mobile and which has to be connected to the said fixed assembly, means (19) of winching the said hauling means, the said equipment item being at least partially housed in a skid (18), characterized in that the remote-operated vehicle (17) further comprises a front chassis (22) that pivots about a pivot axis, the said pivoting chassis comprising the said means of attachment to the mobile assembly, the pivoting of the said front chassis being controlled in such a way that as the mobile assembly is moved towards the fixed assembly, the said vehicle is kept constantly in an approximately horizontal position.

Growing community of inventors

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Calum MacKinnon