Systems for handling one or more elongated members and methods for using same

An elongated member handling system, comprising:

• one or more elongated members, each elongated member comprising a first end and a second end and a connector formed on or mechanically linked to the first end of each of the one or more elongated members, wherein each connector comprises an optional cover coupled thereto;
• a pulling assembly at least partially disposed about the one or more elongated members and adjacent the first end of each of the one or more elongated members, the pulling assembly moveably or fixedly coupled to an outer surface of each of the one or more elongated members, wherein the pulling assembly comprises a connection link anchor and a support skid, wherein the support skid is configured to contact a surface upon which the pulling assembly is moved, and wherein the pulling assembly comprises a primary pulling anchor or, if present, the cover optionally comprises the primary pulling anchor;
• a first jumper winch configured to be mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor, wherein, when the first jumper winch is mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor, the first jumper winch is configured to pull the pulling assembly from a first structure to a second structure;
• a guide rail disposed on the second structure, wherein the support skid is configured to engage with the guide rail;
• and wherein the guide rail is configured to facilitate alignment of each connector with a corresponding connection interface located on the second structure when the pulling assembly is pulled into a position on the guide rail;
• a connection link having a first end coupled to the second structure, wherein the connection link anchor is configured to engage with and mechanically link to a second end of the connection link when the pulling assembly is pulled into the position on the guide rail;
• a second jumper winch configured to be mechanically linked to the second end of at least one of the one or more elongated members, wherein, when the second jumper winch is mechanically linked to the second end of the at least one of the one or more elongated members, the second jumper winch is configured to apply a tension to the second end of the at least one of the one or more elongated members;
• and
• a support surface disposed on the first structure, wherein the support surface is configured to support the one or more elongated members when the pulling assembly is pulled from the first structure to the second structure, and wherein the support surface comprises a moveable surface, a low friction surface, or a combination thereof.

A method for moving one or more elongated members from a first structure to a second structure, comprising:

• mechanically linking a first jumper winch to a primary pulling anchor disposed on a pulling assembly or an optional cover, wherein:
• the pulling assembly is at least partially disposed about the one or more elongated members and adjacent a first end of each of the one or more elongated members,
• the pulling assembly is moveably or fixedly coupled to an outer surface of each of the one or more elongated members,
• the pulling assembly comprises a support skid,
• the support skid is configured to contact a surface upon which the pulling assembly is moved,
• a connector is formed on or mechanically linked to the first end of each of the one or more elongated members, and
• the optional cover, if present, is coupled to the connector;
• mechanically linking a second jumper winch to the second end of at least one of the one or more elongated members;
• pulling the pulling assembly from the first structure to the second structure with the first jumper winch;
• applying a tension to the second end of the at least one of the one or more elongated members with the second jumper winch when the pulling assembly is pulled from the first structure to the second structure with the first jumper winch;
• aligning each connector with a corresponding connection interface located on the second structure;
• and
• mechanically linking each connector to each corresponding connection interface located on the second structure.