Pipe Connection Guide Arrangement

An alignment method for aligning a first pipe section having a first flange with a second pipe section having second flange includes the steps of:

• attaching a guide bar to the first pipe section so that the guide bar projects beyond the first flange, wherein the guide bar abuts against the first flange and is orientated parallel to the first pipe section and aligned axially therewith;
• securing a stopper bar to the guide bar at a first predetermined distance forward of the first flange;
• attaching a guide funnel to the second pipe section at a second predetermined distance from the second flange, the guide funnel forming a gap being adapted to receive and locate the guide bar;
• partially lowering the first pipe section towards the second pipe section so that the guide bar is caught by the guide funnel and directed into the gap to permit lateral alignment of the first pipe section;
• longitudinally displacing the first pipe section until the stopper bar abuts against the guide funnel to permit axial alignment of the first pipe section;
• and
• fully lowering the first pipe section until the guide bar rests on the second flange to permit height alignment of the first pipe section.