A PIPELINE APPARATUS

摘要

An autonomous pipeline apparatus (100) for use in detecting buckles or deformations of a pipeline (11) during a pipe lay operation. The autonomous pipeline apparatus (100) comprises a vessel having a first end, a second end and an elongate body intermediate the first and second ends, the body of the vessel having an interior and exterior surface. Hydraulic means (5) are positioned within the body of the vessel. The vessel has an attachment piece (7) at the first end and a retaining mechanism (9) positioned along the exterior surface of the elongate body. The retaining mechanism (9) is operable by the hydraulic means (5) to engage with the interior surface of the pipeline (11) and by a battery powered motor (13) for propelling the autonomous pipeline apparatus (100) along the inside of the pipeline (11). The attachment piece is selected from one of a gauging plate (7), an isolation plug (400) or callipers. The gauging plate (7) is used to determine if the pipeline is damage free after being laid.