Method and apparatus for severing a tubular member

Apparatus for use in severing a tubular member at a desired level beneath an underwater surface from which the tubular member extends, said apparatus comprising an assembly adapted to be disposed about the tubular member at the underwater surface, and including means for severing the tubular member which includes an explosive charge which substantially surrounds the tubular member, and means through which fluid may be jetted for scouring the underwater surface about the tubular member in order that the assembly may move downwardly about the tubular member, under its own weight, and remotely operable means for jetting fluid from the scouring means, until the explosive charge has been lowered with the assembly to the desired level, and for detonating the charge when so lowered.

Apparatus for use in severing a tubular member at a desired level beneath an underwater surface from which the tubular member extends, said apparatus comprising an assembly adapted to be disposed about the tubular member at the underwater surface, and including means for severing the tubular member, and substantially annular chamber means having holes through which fluid may be jetted for scouring the underwater surface about the tubular member in order that the assembly may move downwardly about the tubular member under its own weight, means including a hose leading from a remote source to the chamber means for supplying fluid under pressure to the chamber means until the severing means has been lowered to the desired level, and remotely operable means for operating the severing means to sever the tubular member when so positioned.

A method of severing a tubular member at a desired level beneath an underwater surface from which the tubular member extends, said method comprising the steps of disposing about the tubular member at the subsurface level an assembly which includes means for severing the tubular member, and means through which fluid may be jetted for scouring the underwater surface about the tubular member in order that the assembly may move downwardly about the tubular member under its own weight, supplying fluid under pressure to the scouring means from a remote source in order to scour the underwater surface until the severing means has been lowered with the assembly to the desired level, and activating the severing means from a remote source, when it has been so lowered, so as to sever the tubular member at said level.

A method of severing a tubular member at a desired level beneath an underwater surface from which the tubular member extends, said method comprising the steps of disposing about the tubular member at the subsurface level an assembly which includes an explosive charge which substantially surrounds the tubular member, and means through which fluid may be jetted for scouring the underwater surface about the tubular member in order that the assembly may move downwardly about the tubular member under its own weight, supplying fluid under pressure to the scouring means from a remote source in order to scour the underwater surface until the explosive charge has reached the desired level, and detonating the explosive charge from a remote source, when it has been so lowered, so as to sever the tubular member at said level.

A method of severing a tubular member at a desired level beneath an underwater surface from which the tubular member extends, said method comprising the steps of disposing about the tubular member at the subsurface level an assembly which includes means for severing the tubular member, and substantially annular chamber means having holes through which fluid may be jetted for scouring the underwater surface about the tubular member in order that the assembly may move downwardly about the tubular member under its own weight, supplying fluid under pressure to the chamber means through a hose extending from a remote source in order to scour the underwater surface until the severing means has reached the desired level, and activating the severing means from a remote source, when it has been so lowered, so as to sever the tubular member at said level.