Abstract:
A guide device for supporting an underwater pipeline along a feed path as it is being laid. The device is fitted to a laying ramp and has a cradle housing the pipeline; a frame fixed to the laying ramp; and a spacer mechanism located between the frame and the cradle to selectively adjust the distance between the cradle and frame. The device further includes a shock absorber connected to the cradle. The invention includes a method for using the device.
Abstract:
An actuating device (23) for a lay ramp (6) of a vessel (1) for laying underwater pipelines “(2) has a runner (28), and a carriage (29) connected to the lay ramp (6) and which runs along the runner (28) to lift and lower the lay ramp (6); the runner (28) being defined by a first, a second, and a third portion (31, 32, 33), of which the first and third portion (31, 33) are out of line with respect to each other, and the second portion (32) is mounted on a movable assembly (37) to selectively align the second portion (32) with the first and third portion (31, 33).
Abstract:
A pipe-laying apparatus and method for laying or raising a pipeline from a vessel. The apparatus includes a first pipe gripping assembly disposed on a pipe laying path along which pipeline passes during laying, a second pipe gripping assembly disposed on the 10 pipe-laying path, and a drive unit for causing relative movement in a direction along the pipe-laying path between the first pipe gripping assembly and the second pipe gripping assembly. The first pipe gripping assembly includes both a pipe gripping arrangement for gripping a pipe during pipe-laying and a cable gripping arrangement for gripping a cable during an operation when a cable is connected to a length of pipeline.
Abstract:
A pipe-laying apparatus and method for laying or raising a pipeline from a vessel. The apparatus includes a first pipe gripping assembly disposed on a pipe laying path along which pipeline passes during laying, a second pipe gripping assembly disposed on the 10 pipe-laying path, and a drive unit for causing relative movement in a direction along the pipe-laying path between the first pipe gripping assembly and the second pipe gripping assembly. The first pipe gripping assembly includes both a pipe gripping arrangement for gripping a pipe during pipe-laying and a cable gripping arrangement for gripping a cable during an operation when a cable is connected to a length of pipeline.
Abstract:
A pipe-laying vessel includes an upwardly extending tower (14) assembly defining a path down which the pipe passes as a pipeline (40) is being laid by the vessel, and a lower guide arrangement for guiding the pipeline after it has passed down the tower, the lower guide arrangement (61) including a plurality of sets of guide rollers spaced apart along the path of the pipeline and defining the lateral limits of the path, the guide rollers being located such that they allow some bending of the pipeline as it passes through the lower guide arrangement.
Abstract:
A pipe-laying vessel comprises: means (2) for propelling the vessel during pipe-laying; means for assembling sections of pipe generally horizontally on the vessel to form longer lengths; a tower (14) at the bow of the vessel, with respect to an intended direction of movement, pivotally mounted so that it can be angled forwards towards the top; means (29) for raising a length of pipe from the deck to a position aligned with the tower; means (21, 23) for joining such a length of pipe to a pipeline being laid; tensioners (20) arranged to grip such a pipeline and to lower it into the water while maintaining a desired tension in the pipeline; one or more clamps (18) arranged to grip the pipeline below the tensioners; and a lower ramp (17) provided with rollers and arranged to guide the pipeline as it leaves the vessel.