Vertical swivel connection assembly and systems and methods for use thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating connection of a subsea flowline and a riser assembly so that the subsea flowline and the riser assembly can be jointly maneuvered in a subsea environment. A method and a system are provided in which the subsea flowline, the riser and the apparatus are connected. The apparatus includes a deployment skid having an integrated conduit having a 90° bend therein. One end of the conduit connects to a subsea flowline termination. A second end of the conduit is configured to receive the lower termination of the riser. The apparatus includes a coupling member configured to swallow and grasp the lower termination of the riser and the second end of the conduit. A pair of guide members, each guide member having an elongated slot along the length thereof, is pivotally connected at the base of the deployment skid and at the coupling member, one guide member on either side. The elongated slot is configured to allow the riser lower termination to be moved downwards vertically from an upper disengaged position to an engaged position thereby connecting the riser lower termination to the second end of the conduit.