Method of connecting of an undersea central station to a group of

Abstract

A method and apparatus for connection of a central undersea station to a group of wells and outflow pipes is disclosed. The undersea station locks onto a platform which has a series of guides and locking devices to receive and lock the station relative to itself as well as to other locations for the installation of wellheads which are to be ultimately serviced by the station. The method essentially comprises that prior to the connection of the wells and the pipes a guide member is installed on the platform between the location of the station and each of the locations of the wells or pipes and then the central station is lowered and is provided a lateral connection device such that when the platform is locked into position, the lateral connection device is opposite the guide on the platform. Placing structures are lowered onto other locations and a connecting structure is generally lowered by means of a diving bell which rests in a watertight manner on a bearing surface of a connecting structure which orientates the bell so that the structure presents a lateral connection cooperating between the guide means of the platform and a connector which insures the water tightness of the well or pipe. Manual connections inside the bell of a subassembly to the lining of the well or pipe are achieved and at least one pipe system between the subassembly and the lateral connection on the structure to insure continuity of the lining or of the pipe with the lateral connection means is disclosed. When this lateral connection device has been joined with the connection structure of the station, the bell is then brought to the surface.