METHOD FOR SUBSURFACE FLOWLINE CONNECTION

摘要

A method for constructing an underwater pipeline installation. One section of the pipeline is laid along a line which intersects the longitudinal axis of a second section of the pipeline or other conduit. This second section of the pipeline has a free end which terminates at a point spaced from the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the two sections. The subsurface distance and orientation between the free ends of the two sections is determined and a lateral extension is then secured to the free end of the first section. The lateral extension has a length and orientation such that it will span the subsurface distance and orientation between the two sections. The lateral extension with its attached pipeline section is then lowered and guided into mating relation with the other pipeline section. The lateral extension and the other pipeline section are then connected and the installation is complete. In another embodiment, the method is used to repair or replace a portion of a pipeline.