Template method for replacing a vessel in a pipe system

A method of replacing an old vessel having at least one pipe connected thereto with a new vessel connected to the same pipe comprising the steps of:

• providing a template having vessel registry means, at least one pipe connection measurement means and a framework interconnecting the same;
• assembling the template on the old vessel and at least one pipe by positioning the vessel registry means in centered relationship on the old vessel at a specified location and by positioning the pipe connection measurement means in centered relationship substantially around the pipe connection to the old vessel;
• utilizing the framework to rigidly interconnect the vessel registry means to the pipe measurement means in their respectively centered positions;
• measuring the position of the vessel and pipe connection relative to the centered vessel registry means and pipe connection measurement means, respectively;
• removing the template from the old vessel and pipe;
• assembling the template on the new vessel by positioning the vessel registry means on the new vessel at the specified location in a centered location and by positioning the pipe connection measurement means adjacent to the intended point of pipe connection to the new vessel;
• comparing the measurements of the relative position of the pipe connection to the pipe connection measurement means as previously measured to the position of the intended connection of the pipe to the pipe connection measurement means on the new vessel to determine if acceptable alignment will exist therebetween;
• reworking the position of the intended connection on the new vessel, if necessary, to obtain proper alignment;
• disconnecting the pipe at its connection to the old vessel to permit the old vessel to be removed;
• and
• placing the new vessel in position to permit the pipe to be reconnected to the new vessel at its point of connection.