Sub-sea apparatus and operating method
AssigneeSubsea 7 Limited
InventorsAndrew Buchan, Murray Jamieson McIntosh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and method for handling a fluid-tight flange coupling between a first and a second conduit component while maintaining the fluid integrity of the coupling. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism configured to straddle the flange coupling and grip both of the first and second conduit components. The gripping mechanism is mounted on a lifting frame able to bear the loadings upon the gripped components during a moving operation. The apparatus includes a base frame with a gripping mechanism to receive the flange coupling. The coupled components are gripped on each side of the flange coupling to maintain the fluid integrity of the flange coupling.
Claims16
Apparatus for handling a flange coupling between a first conduit component and a second conduit component such that the flange coupling remains fluid-tight, the apparatus comprising:
- a lifting frame adapted to bear the first conduit component and the second conduit component while the flange coupling is moved, the lifting frame comprising a first gripping mechanism configured to straddle the flange coupling and to grip both the first conduit component and the second conduit component;
- a base frame adapted to receive the flange coupling at a seabed location the base frame comprising a second gripping mechanism adapted to receive the flange coupling when the lifting frame is engaged with the base frame such that the coupled components are gripped on each side of the flange coupling so that the flange coupling remains fluid-tight;
- and
- at least one engagement mechanism configured to guide the lifting frame and the base frame into engagement with each other.
A method for handling a flange coupling between a first tubular component and a second tubular component such that the flange coupling remains fluid tight, the method comprising:
- mounting the first tubular component and the second tubular component on a lifting frame having a first gripping mechanism by positioning the first gripping mechanism to straddle the flange coupling between the ends of said first and second tubular components and by gripping both the first and second tubular components with the gripping mechanism;
- lifting the gripped first and second tubular components, bearing a weight of the first and second tubular components on the lifting frame and moving the lifting frame to a base frame positioned on a seabed, wherein the base frame comprises a second gripping mechanism;
- guiding the lifting frame and the base frame into engagement with each other with at least one engagement mechanism;
- and
- presenting the first and second tubular components to the base frame so that gripping devices of the second gripping mechanism are located on either side of the flange coupling and operating the gripping devices of the second gripping mechanism to grip the first and second tubular components while the first and second tubular components are still gripped by the first gripping mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.