Pipeline trenching
AssigneeShell Oil Company
InventorCarl G. Langner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hollow curved auger is provided for simultaneously laying and trenching a pipeline, as from the surface of an ice-covered body of water. The pipeline passes through the auger which comprises rotary teeth encircling the pipeline and turning in opposed directions. The depth and direction of pipeline trenching and burial are controlled by varying the longitudinal force in the pipe and rotational orientation of the auger.
Claims12
A method for laying a pipeline simultaneously through ice above a seabed and into the seabed, comprising:
- towing a tubular pipe guide from above the ice;
- rotating circular cutters about the pipe guide and simultaneously cutting the ice and the seabed from beneath the pipe guide;
- continously burying one end of the pipe guide through the ice and into the seabed;
- and
- passing the pipeline through the pipe guide and into the seabed.
An apparatus for laying a pipeline simultaneously through ice above a seabed and into the seabed, comprising:
- a tubular pipe guide;
- means above the ice for towing the tubular pipe guide;
- means for rotating circular cutters about the pipe guide and simultaneously cutting the ice and the seabed from beneath the pipe guide;
- means for continuously burying one end of the pipe guide through the ice and into the seabed;
- and
- means for passing the pipeline through the pipe guide and into the seabed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.