| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing exact relative position information for two pipelines, particularly underwater pipelines, that are to be coupled together. The apparatus utilizes first and second gimbal assemblies secured to the ends of the pipelines by templates which establish a reference orientation for the gimbal assemblies relative to one another. A telescoping member having a slightly negative buoyancy connects between the first and second gimbal assemblies and includes potentiometers which indicate the distance and circular displacement between the gimbal assemblies. Each gimbal assembly provides pivotal movement of the telescoping member about two coordinate axes with potentiometers mounted on the gimbal assemblies indicating the angular positioning of the telescoping member relative to a coordinate axis. The values of the six parameters are supplied over electrical wires to a remote readout device for display and used to reproduce the misalignment situation on board a surface vessel. Alternatively, the values of the six parameters can be put into a computer programmed to calculate the dimensions and configuration of a spool that can be used to interconnect the two pipeline ends.
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