METHOD OF GOVERNING THE ELEVATION, ATTITUDE AND STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF A PRESSURE-CONTAINING VESSEL SUCH AS AN UNDERSEA PIPELINE IN A BODY OF LIQUID

摘要

A method for governing the elevation, attitude and structural integrity of a pressure-containing vessel in a body of liquid counterbalances flotation and incompressible ballast mediums against each other in separate serial compartments. Varying the quantity of incompressible ballast medium allows control of the elevation and attitude of the vessel. If the flotation medium is compressible, varying the quantity of flotation medium allows control of the ambient pressure of the vessel. The method facilitates floating and towing and laying of an undersea pipeline on, to and at a deep water site.