METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERY OF DAMAGED SUBSEA PIPELINE SECTIONS

摘要

Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure. In one embodiment, a method of wet-buckle remediation is provided using a subsea pump to unweight the pipeline.

主权项

1. A method of remediation of a wet buckled pipeline using a subsea pipeline service skid comprising the steps of:
retaining an end of the buckled pipeline above water and exposable to a source of surface gas that can enter the end of the buckled pipeline; cutting the buckled pipeline underwater below a damaged section of the buckled pipeline thereby generating a cut end of the buckled pipeline; attaching a valve able closure to the cut end of the buckled pipeline; connecting a pump to the valve able closure and running the pump to pull water out of the pipeline and thereby reduce pressure in the pipeline and draw air in from the surface gas to dewater the severed section; and recovering the dewatered section to a surface vessel.