This is invention relates to pipeline laying technology.
Various methods exist to connect a pipeline end to subsea structures. Normally, a separate spool or jumper is used to connect the pipeline end and the subsea structure, which adds significant cost. It is advantageous; however, if a direct tie-in method can be used. Three different types of direct subsea tie-in exist:
It is known to the applicant that technology to enable direct tie-in by adding local residual curvature towards the end of the pipeline exists. Such technology is, however, linked to installation by the reel-lay method only.
It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for direct tie-in of a pipeline, the method and apparatus applicable for pipelines installed in particular by reel-lay, J-lay, S-lay and tow-out methods.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method for direct tie-in of a pipeline, the method comprising attaching a tensioning member along a portion of the pipeline at at least two locations; attaching a buoyancy element to the tensioning member to deflect the portion of the pipeline; and releasing the buoyancy element, thereby allowing a direct tie-in of the pipeline.
The tensioning member may be attached to the pipeline by clamps. The tensioning member may be attached to the pipeline while the pipeline is laid on the lay vessel.
The buoyancy element may be attached to the tensioning member on the lay vessel or during preparation for tow-out, or alternatively underwater.
The buoyancy element may be attached to the tensioning member by a connecting member. There may be provided a displacement control member between the tensioning member and the pipeline. The connecting member and the displacement control member may form a single member.
According to another embodiment, the buoyancy element may be arranged at the seabed. The buoyancy element may be anchored to the seabed via an anchoring member by a weight element. The weight element may be a clump weight.
The buoyancy element may be attached to the tensioning member by engaging a hook member with the tensioning member. This could be carried out by a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV).
There may be provided a displacement control member between the tensioning member and the pipeline.
The buoyancy element may be released from the tensioning member by a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for direct tie-in of a pipeline, the apparatus comprising a tensioning member for attaching along a portion of a pipeline at at least two locations; a buoyancy element for attaching to the tensioning member to deflect the portion of the pipeline.
A method and apparatus for direct tie-in of pipelines by added curvature are illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be clear from the following discussion, and as shown in
The tensioning member 2 may be any kind of elongated member such as a wire, a cable, a rope, a rod or similar. If the tensioning member is a rigid member it may be formed of two parts, connected by a hinge or similar to enable deflection of the tensioning member.
While the pipeline 1 lies on the lay vessel, the tensioning member 2 is attached along the pipeline 1, preferably close to the end of the pipeline, in order to prepare for pipeline lateral deflection for subsequent direct tie-in, e.g. to a subsurface structure.
According to one embodiment, the buoyancy element 3 is attached to the tensioning member 2 prior to submerging of the pipeline. This could preferably occur on the lay vessel, or during preparation for tow-out. The buoyancy element however, may also be attached to the tensioning member underwater if required.
The buoyancy element may for example be released by a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV—not shown) by cutting connecting member 5a.
In another embodiment of the invention, shown in
As illustrated by
As shown in
As shown in
The buoyancy element may for example be released by a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV—not shown) by cutting hook member 12.
The Invention is applicable for pipelines installed by any of, for example reel-lay, J-lay, S-lay and tow-out.
Further deflection can be achieved in the methods of the invention by adding external weight to a portion of the pipeline, wherein tensioning member is attached.
By using the described method and apparatus, the invention provides a low cost solution for tie-ins, as a separate spool or jumper for tie-in is not needed.
The invention reduces forces acting on the tie-in hub/connection, as lateral deflection towards the end of the pipeline ensures low axial force to cause lateral deflections under varying operating loads.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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1503069.5 | Feb 2015 | GB | national |
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PCT/NO2016/050030 | 2/22/2016 | WO | 00 |
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WO2016/137333 | 9/1/2016 | WO | A |
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