APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING UNDERWATER PIPELINES

摘要

An improved apparatus for connecting underwater pipelines including a guide coupling assembly supportingly positioned in a second pipeline having a guide surface engageable with a portion of a first pipeline for guiding the first pipeline into an interconnecting relationship with the second pipeline. In one aspect, the guide coupling assembly also includes a seal member engageable with a portion of the second pipeline and a submergible pump for pumping the water from the first pipeline in an interconnected position of the first and the second pipelines and in an actuated position of the pump. In one other aspect, the apparatus includes a slip ring movably supported on the first pipeline and an alignment assembly for aligning the bolt holes of the slip ring and a flange of the second pipeline for bolting interconnection, the first and the second pipelines each having an underwater connecting end to facilitate the secure interconnection therebetween.