In-trench pipeline weighting device

A system for weighting a pipeline, the system comprising:

• a pipeline weight comprising:
• transversely opposing longitudinally extending sidewalls;
• a plurality of transverse walls transversely bridging the sidewalls and comprising respective upper and lower edges, wherein two of the transverse walls are longitudinally opposing end walls;
• and
• a floor spanning respective lower edges of the sidewalls and the end walls to form a compartment having an upper opening defined by respective upper edges of the sidewalls and the end walls, the floor defining at an underside thereof a longitudinally extending pipeline channel;
• wherein:
• the plurality of transverse walls are formed of a flexible material;
• and
• at least one of the plurality of transverse walls is a panel wall forming at least one panel sleeve having a sleeve opening proximal an upper edge of the panel wall;
• and
• the system further comprising a rigid panel positioned in the at least one panel sleeve, the rigid panel comprising a generally flat quadrilateral shape and a semi-circular or semi-obround cutout at one side thereof.

A method for weighting a pipeline, the method comprising:

• emplacing a pipeline weight on a pipeline wherein the pipeline is fittingly received in the pipeline channel, wherein the pipeline weight comprises:
• transversely opposing longitudinally extending sidewalls;
• a plurality of transverse walls transversely bridging the sidewalls and comprising respective upper and lower edges, wherein two of the transverse walls are longitudinally opposing end walls;
• and
• a floor spanning respective lower edges of the sidewalls and the end walls to form a compartment having an upper opening defined by respective upper edges of the sidewalls and the end walls, the floor defining at an underside thereof a longitudinally extending pipeline channel;
• wherein:
• the plurality of transverse walls are formed of a flexible material;
• and
• at least one of the plurality of transverse walls is a panel wall forming at least one panel sleeve having a sleeve opening proximal an upper edge of the panel wall;
• the method further comprising:
• for at least one of the panel sleeves, inserting into the panel sleeve a rigid panel;
• and
• loading ballast into the compartment through the upper opening.