Subsea connecting apparatus and method

摘要

A method and connecting apparatus for attaching a pipeline termination assembly to a subsea structure. The pipeline termination assembly has a pivot axis member and the subsea structure has one or more capture slots to receive it. The pivot axis member is captured in the capture slot, the slot allowing vertical movement of the pipeline termination assembly. The pipeline termination assembly is rotated about the pivot axis to assume a horizontal position. In the horizontal position, the capture slot permits horizontal movement of the pipeline termination assembly. A capture device mounted on the subsea structure provides the capture slots. At least a part of the capture device is moved with respect to the subsea structure to retain the pivot axis member in the capture slot on rotating the pipeline termination assembly about the pivot axis.

主权项

1. A method for attaching a pipeline termination assembly having a pivot axis member defining a pivot axis for the pipeline termination assembly to a subsea structure having one or more capture slots to receive the pivot axis member, comprising:
capturing the pivot axis member in the one or more capture slots, the one or more capture slots allowing vertical movement of the pivot axis member of the pipeline termination assembly; and rotating the pipeline termination assembly about the pivot axis defined by the captured pivot axis member engaged in the one or more capture slots to assume a horizontal position, the one or more capture slots then permitting horizontal movement of the pivot axis member of the pipeline termination assembly back and forth along the capture slot as the pipeline expands or contracts; wherein a capture device mounted on the subsea structure provides said one or more capture slots, the method further comprising moving at least a first part of the capture device with respect to the subsea structure to retain the pivot axis member in the one or more capture slots on rotating the pipeline termination assembly about the pivot axis.