Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatus for remotely connecting an offshore structure to an underwater pipeline using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The structure has a bell-mouthed bending guide at its base through which a winch line from the surface passes and is temporarily looped back and attached to an accessible place on the structure. Using the ROV and a surface tended messenger line the pull-in line is attached to a terminal assembly at the end of flexible pipe attached to the pipeline. The terminal assembly is pulled in horizontally to the guide, arcuately through the guide and then from the guide in general vertical alignment with a pipe end receiver assembly on the structure above the bending guide. At a location near the receiver assembly a towing head is removed from the terminal assembly and a second pull-in line is attached to the terminal assembly. The two pull-in lines are attached to opposite sides of the terminal for balanced pulling of the terminal assembly to connection with the receiver assembly. Alignment fixtures are provided for final alignment of respective connector halves in the assemblies prior to their connection.

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First Claim