Method and apparatus for completing diverless subsea flowline connections

摘要

A diverless subsea flowline connection system includes connectors for remotely connecting the ends of a first bundle of flowlines to the ends of a second bundle of flowlines and guidance components which direct the end portions of the first bundle of flowlines into precise connecting alignment with the end portions of the second bundle of flowlines without damage to the connecting seals. The ends of the first bundle are covered and sealed so that the flowlines can be pulled across the seafloor without damage to the ends of the flowlines. Means are provided for pulling the first bundle toward an alignment structure so that the lines can approach the structure from a wide variety of angles and the structure will guide the first bundle into exact alignment with the second bundle. This pulling means includes means for connecting a pulling cable to the radial center of a pulling head attached to the ends of the first bundle of flowlines. The ends of the flowlines are connected together and aligned before the fluid-tight seals are set to prevent possible damage to the seals. After the flowline ends are precisely aligned the seals are set. If desired, the connecting seals can be replaced by remote control. The pulling, aligning, replacement of seals and fluid-tight connecting of the flowlines is all done by remote control from the surface of the sea.