Abstract:
A connection assembly for engaging a tubular member underwater to restrain the tubular member from radial movement relative to the connection assembly includes a plurality of pads for engaging the tubular member at circumferentially spaced positions; and a plurality of biasing arrangements, each for biasing a respective pad radially inwardly into engagement with the tubular member; wherein each biasing arrangement includes a pre-loadable, mechanical, compressed spring arrangement for resiliently pressing its respective pad against the tubular member. The assembly need not employ any hydraulic components.
Abstract:
A system for laying an underwater pipeline on a bed of a body of water has a construction site to form a string of an underwater pipeline, the string being defined by a curved portion shaped substantially like a portion of the bed of the body of water characterized by an abrupt change in slope; at least two vessels to transfer, in the body of water, the string from the construction site to a laying site in the body of water and substantially on the vertical of a path along which to lay the string; and a plurality of floating devices configured to be coupled to the string and so as to selectively support and sink the string in the body of water, and progressively lay the string along the path on the bed of the body of water.
Abstract:
An electronic control system configured to control a variable-configuration lay ramp of a pipeline laying vessel, to lay a pipeline on the bed of a body of water, is configured to: acquire data including data related to the configuration of the lay ramp, data related to the laying vessel, and data related to the forces transmitted by the lay ramp and the laying vessel to the pipeline; generate a plurality of step sequences to change the configuration of the lay ramp from a first to a second work configuration; and select a best step sequence as a function of the plurality of step sequences and the acquired data, so as to minimize the stress induced in the pipeline at each intermediate configuration between the first and second work configuration.
Abstract:
A machine for applying at least one cable to a pipeline comprises: a frame extending along a longitudinal axis; a gripping and moving device mounted on the frame and configured to couple the machine around the pipeline and move the machine along the pipeline in a travel direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a cable application equipment comprising a rotating open ring structure, which is configured to rotate with respect to the frame and around the pipeline when the machine is gripping the pipeline; and an unwinding device for the controlled unwinding of a reel of cable; unwinding device being mounted on rotating open ring structure.
Abstract:
An apparatus for coupling pipe sections into a body of water has a frame comprising an elongated portion, which extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be arranged within a first pipe section; an alignment device, which is supported by the elongated portion of the frame and is configured to be at least partially inserted inside a second pipe section so as to align the first pipe section with the second pipe section; and a locking device, which is supported by the elongated portion of the frame and is configured to lock the position of the first pipe section with respect to the second pipe section when the first pipe section is aligned with the second pipe section.
Abstract:
A connection device for joining two pipe sections in a body of water has a first tubular body having a spherical face; a second tubular body having at least one spherical face; a tubular pusher arranged about the second tubular body and having a spherical face; a first mechanism for coupling the second tubular body between the first tubular body and the tubular pusher and providing a spherical coupling between the first and the second tubular body; and a second mechanism for blocking any movement about the spherical coupling of the second tubular body with respect to the first tubular body and the tubular pusher.
Abstract:
A system for laying an underwater pipeline on a bed of a body of water has a construction site to form a string of an underwater pipeline, the string being defined by a curved portion shaped substantially like a portion of the bed of the body of water characterized by an abrupt change in slope; at least two vessels to transfer, in the body of water, the string from the construction site to a laying site in the body of water and substantially on the vertical of a path along which to lay the string; and a plurality of floating devices configured to be coupled to the string and so as to selectively support and sink the string in the body of water, and progressively lay the string along the path on the bed of the body of water.
Abstract:
A trenching assembly lays a continuous pipeline in a trench dug in a bed with uneven bathymetry, the trenching assembly including a trench digging device having a main body; at least four ground contact units, each unit having a height adjustment device, to position each ground contact unit with respect to the main body independently. A trench cutting tool digs in the bed includes a cutting depth adjustment device, for positioning the cutting tool with respect to the main body. A detection device detects bed bathymetry. A control device simultaneously allows cooperation between the detection device, the height adjustment device of each ground contact unit, and the cutting depth adjustment device. A command device cooperates with the control device to adjustment each ground contact unit and the cutting depth adjustment device, to obtain a trench having a height difference lower than a predefined tolerance and a predetermined burial depth.
Abstract:
An unmanned underwater vehicle of a system for the maintenance and inspection of permanent underwater facilities having a first interface configured for structurally and functionally coupling to an operational module selected on the basis of specific needs from a plurality of interchangeable operational modules featuring different characteristics, and a second interface configured for structurally and functionally coupling to a power and communication module selected on the basis of specific needs from a plurality of interchangeable power and communication modules featuring different characteristics.
Abstract:
A self-propelled underwater vehicle for underground laying a continuous elongated member in a bed of a body of water having a work assembly, which is configured to be set, at least partly, into the bed, and is provided with two facing supporting walls for delimiting a space there-between and supporting two opposite scarp slopes; and drive assemblies, which are arranged on opposite sides of the work assembly and are configured to rest on the bed and advancing the work assembly in a travelling direction.