Hot tap fluid blaster apparatus and method of using same

An apparatus for removing a blockage in a subsea pipeline without retrieval of the pipeline to the surface, the apparatus components including a hot tap saddle, a drill assembly, a fluid blaster assembly and a support frame assembly, the components comprising:

• the hot tap saddle component having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being configured to clampingly engage in a sealing relationship to the subsea pipeline;
• the first portion including a first and second opening, the first opening extending generally upwardly and configured for connecting to the drill assembly and the second opening being positioned generally at an angle to the first opening and configured for connecting to the fluid blaster assembly;
• the drill assembly including a drill machine and a drill conduit for drilling an opening in the subsea pipeline, the drill assembly being configured for mounting engagement with the first opening of the hot tap saddle component:
• the fluid blaster assembly including a nozzle, a hose and a high pressure pump, the fluid blaster assembly being contained within a pressure vessel, the fluid blaster assembly being configured for mounting engagement with the second opening of the hot tap saddle component;
• and
• the support frame assembly configured for gripping and supporting the subsea pipeline at or near the sea floor while the fluid blaster assembly removes the blockage in the subsea pipeline while maintaining pressure within the pipeline and without severing the pipeline.