EP2776749A1 - Méthode et dispositif d'accouplement de sections de tuyau flottant - Google Patents

Méthode et dispositif d'accouplement de sections de tuyau flottant

Info

Publication number
EP2776749A1
EP2776749A1 EP12794538.4A EP12794538A EP2776749A1 EP 2776749 A1 EP2776749 A1 EP 2776749A1 EP 12794538 A EP12794538 A EP 12794538A EP 2776749 A1 EP2776749 A1 EP 2776749A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pipe
positioning members
pipe positioning
end part
floating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12794538.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Cornelis Albert Van Der Neut
Erwin Cornelis Johannes Bijvoet
Timothy Alexander Van Opstal
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IHC Holland lE BV
Original Assignee
IHC Holland lE BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IHC Holland lE BV filed Critical IHC Holland lE BV
Publication of EP2776749A1 publication Critical patent/EP2776749A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/024—Laying or reclaiming pipes on land, e.g. above the ground
    • F16L1/06—Accessories therefor, e.g. anchors
    • F16L1/10—Accessories therefor, e.g. anchors for aligning
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/024—Laying or reclaiming pipes on land, e.g. above the ground
    • F16L1/06—Accessories therefor, e.g. anchors
    • F16L1/09—Accessories therefor, e.g. anchors for bringing two tubular members closer to each other
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/126—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on or close to the surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/26—Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L23/00—Flanged joints
    • F16L23/04—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
    • F16L23/08—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a vessel comprising a device for attaching a first end part of a first floating pipe section to a second end part of a second floating pipe section to form a floating pipe system.
  • the invention also relates to a device for attaching a first end part of a first floating pipe section to a second end part of a second floating pipe section to form a floating pipe system.
  • the invention relates to a floating pipe section and a pipe connection system for the coupling of such pipe sections.
  • the invention relates to a method for coupling floating pipe sections.
  • Floating pipe systems are known and are used to transport material, such as dredging materials, from a first to a second location over a water surface.
  • Floating pipe systems may be formed by a number of floating pipe segments which are connected to each other.
  • the different floating pipe segments may for instance be rigid pipe segments which are mutually connected.
  • the floating pipe segments may comprise buoyant members and may also be carried on floats or pontoons.
  • the attached floating pipe segments can form a floating pipe system.
  • WO2011/072327 discloses a device for attaching subsea sections to each other to form a pipe system, the device comprising a first jaw and a second jaw for engaging the pipe sections together.
  • a pipe connection system for the coupling of floating pipe sections to form a floating pipeline, comprising a plurality of pipe sections, each pipe section having a connection flange at each of its extremities and a guiding element adjacent to and spaced from the connection flange; a pipe connection device comprising first and second jaws acting as pipe positioning members, moveably mounted relative to each other, each jaw having guides, shaped to interact with the guiding elements to guide a respective pipe end from a receiving region of the jaws to a holding region of the jaws; and an actuator device arranged to move the jaws relative to each other to bring together in alignment, the connection flanges of two pipe sections held in the holding region of the jaws.
  • the guides have a funnel-like configuration to lead the guiding elements from a relatively open guide at the receiving region to a relatively narrow guide in the holding region.
  • the pipe elements may be drawn into the jaws using a tether system, even in relatively rough conditions.
  • the system preferably also comprises a plurality of coupling collars, each sized to engage a pair of connection flanges of two pipe sections placed in alignment within the jaws.
  • a bolt free connection can be easily achieved whereby the coupling collar may be applied to the connection flanges while the guiding elements are being held in position in the holding region of the jaws.
  • the coupling collars are sized to pass around the connection flanges between the jaws even when the jaws are moved to bring the connection flanges together. This is due to the fact that the guiding elements are sufficiently spaced from the connection flanges so that the jaws do not interfere with the coupling collars.
  • a floating pipe section for dredging or the like, having a first and a second end part, wherein at least one end part is provided with a connection flange at its extremity and a guiding element adjacent to and spaced from the connection flange.
  • a floating pipe section is understood to be a pipe that is capable of floating on water even when the interior of the pipe section is open for water to flow through.
  • Such pipes may include buoyant members but also may include pipes combined with separate floats or carried on pontoons.
  • Such pipes may have a length of at least 5 metres and a bore of at least 30 cm.
  • An outer diameter of the pipe may be from 60 cm to 1 m or even more.
  • the pipe may have a steel inner surrounded by a buoyant outer sleeve.
  • rubber and steel composite structures may be used.
  • wear due to abrasion can be extreme, and it is often preferable to use relatively cheap structures that will wear out and can be replaced rather than attempt to achieve longevity at greater cost.
  • the guiding element also comprises a circumferential flange.
  • This guide flange may be distanced from the connection flange by at least 5 cm preferably by around 10 cm or more but generally less than 50 cm.
  • the guiding flange is preferably of greater diameter than the connection flange.
  • the guiding flange may also be smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the pipe section.
  • the end part may be integral with the floating pipe section it is also envisaged that it may be an additional element retrofitted to the connection flange of an existing floating pipe section by welding or bolting or the like.
  • Each pipe section may be provided with two such end parts which may be identical or different.
  • one end part may carry the coupling element, which may be pivotally retained on the end section by a retaining ring or the like.
  • the invention also relates to a device for attaching a first end part of a first floating pipe section to a second end part of a second floating pipe section to form a floating pipeline, wherein the device comprises a first pipe positioning member arranged to receive and hold the first end part, a second pipe positioning member arranged to receive and hold the second end part, wherein the first and second pipe positioning members are arranged to perform a relative movement towards each other from a first holding position for positioning the end parts of the pipe sections, towards a second coupling position for connecting the end parts of the pipe sections to each other.
  • the pipe sections are accommodated in the pipe positioning members and may be accurately held in this position.
  • the pipe sections When moving from the first to the second position, the pipe sections remain positioned in the pipe positioning members, such that they are aligned when in the second position.
  • the first and second end parts abut and can then be coupled together.
  • relative movement of the pipe ends in a lateral direction may be substantially eliminated.
  • a pipeline may be built up by adding additional pipe sections to an existing pipeline or by replacing worn or damaged pipe sections from an existing pipeline.
  • two floating pipelines having appropriate end parts may be joined together. Even in the case of offshore operation, accurate coupling of the pipes may thus be achieved without risk of damaging a seal due to lateral movement.
  • the movement from the first to the second position may be axial and aligned with the first and second pipe sections.
  • the first and second pipe positioning members move from a first position wherein the axial directions of the first and second positioning members are at a mutual angle a greater than 0°, towards a second position wherein the axial directions of the first and second pipe positioning members are mutually parallel and aligned.
  • the axial directions are not parallel in the first position, it is made easier to manoeuvre the end parts of the floating pipe sections into the receiving members, for instance by hoisting the end parts above the water surface.
  • the movement from the first to the second position is such that the floating pipe sections are aligned and moved towards each other to allow attaching the floating pipe sections to each other.
  • the value of a will depend on the actual configuration of the pipe system and the flexibility of the pipes being used. The skilled person will be aware of how to choose this value according to the movement required and in particular according to the amount of space required between the pipe ends while introducing them into the pipe positioning members. In general, for systems requiring seals to be mounted between the first and second end parts, a greater spacing will be required and the angle a may be greater.
  • the first and second pipe positioning members may each have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to their axial direction, and the longitudinal axes may define a V-shape in the first position with a mutual angle a greater than 0° and the relative movement comprises a relative rotation of the first and second pipe positioning members through the angle a.
  • the longitudinal axes may intersect and hinge about a generally horizontal axis or pivot point.
  • the device may also comprises a transverse guide for guiding the first and second pipe positioning members for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to an axis of the pipeline.
  • This transverse guide may preferably be a vertical guide for lifting and lowering the first and second pipe positioning members with respect to the water.
  • Such a vertical transverse guide may be used to lower a joint while pivoting the first and second pipe positioning members towards each other.
  • the hinge axis may be connected to move along the transverse guide.
  • first and second pipe positioning members may also be arranged to move about a vertically oriented axis. In this manner end parts of pipe sections may be connected by pivoting together while remaining on the plane defined by the water surface.
  • a gap may be provided between the first and second pipe positioning members when in the second position.
  • the gap allows a connection member to pass between the pipe positioning members for joining connecting flanges provided at each extremity of each first and second pipe sections while being held in a parallel and aligned position by the first and second pipe receiving members.
  • each pipe positioning member is provided with a guide for guiding a guiding element provided adjacent to and spaced from the connection flange, from a receiving region of the pipe positioning member to a holding region of the pipe positioning member.
  • a guide which collaborates with a guide element on the pipe end, the pipe sections are easily received and positioned at a defined position within the pipe positioning members.
  • the guides are in the form of tracks which can interact with a guiding flange set back from the end of the pipe.
  • the tracks preferably have a widened lead-in section at the receiving region such that a floating pipe section may be easily guided into the receiving region. In this region an initial positioning accuracy of +- 20 cm may be sufficient to engage a floating pipe even on rough water.
  • the track may narrow to more accurately position the pipe end part with an accuracy of less than 1 cm. It will of course be understood that these values will depend on the dimensions of the pipes being connected and also on the location. Devices for offshore use may be designed with wider lead-in sections to allow for greater wave movement during pipe handling.
  • the device may comprise one or more actuators for moving the first and second pipe positioning members from the first position towards the second position in order to bring the pipe ends together for coupling.
  • actuators for moving the first and second pipe positioning members from the first position towards the second position in order to bring the pipe ends together for coupling.
  • the skilled person will be well aware of various actuator devices that may be used to achieve such relative movement including but not limited to screw, cam, hydraulic, pneumatic and solenoid type actuators.
  • the amount of relative movement required between the first and second pipe positioning members may be relatively small. In the case where no seal is present, this need be no more than a few centimetres and may correspond to about the same distance as the accuracy of the guides at the receiving region.
  • the actuator or actuators may be single acting with the reverse movement taken place by force of gravity or by spring force. Alternatively, actuation may take place in both directions for moving the first and second pipe receiving members towards each other to assume the second position and for moving the first and second pipe receiving members away from each other to assume the first position.
  • the device is mounted to a vessel and actuators are connected with their first ends to a hull of the vessel and with their second opposite ends to the pipe positioning members.
  • the actuators may be in a substantial horizontal position but are rotatably connected at both ends to either the hull of the vessel or the pipe receiving members to be able to follow vertical or pivoting movement of the pipe receiving members when moving from the first to the second position and vice versa.
  • the first ends may be connected to the hull of the vessel at a substantially horizontal distance away from their corresponding pipe receiving members.
  • hydraulic ram type actuators are used.
  • the pipe positioning members may each comprise retaining devices for holding the end parts of the floating pipe sections into the pipe positioning members.
  • the end parts of the pipe sections may be pulled into the receiving members using a cable or a chain. This may run through an opening in the pipe receiving members.
  • the retaining device may also comprise means for locking such a cable or chain, thereby securing the end part in the holding region of the pipe receiving member.
  • the invention also provides for a vessel incorporating such a device for attaching a first end part of a first floating pipe section to a second end part of a second floating pipe section to form a floating pipeline.
  • the device may be integrated with the vessel to form a dedicated pipeline construction vessel. Alternatively, the device may be removably mounted to an existing vessel.
  • the vessel may include but is not limited to a barge, tug, pontoon, raft or semi-submersible and the device may be mounted onboard or outboard according to the configuration of the vessel.
  • the vessel may be provided with storage for additional pipe sections and cranes, hoists and other lifting facilities.
  • the invention relates to a method for coupling floating dredging pipe sections to form a pipeline, comprising providing a pipe connecting device having pipe positioning members moveable between a first holding position and a second coupling position, providing first and second pipe sections, guiding an end part of the first pipe section into the first pipe positioning member, guiding an end part of the second pipe section into the second pipe positioning member, moving the pipe positioning members into the second position and connecting the respective end parts of the first and second pipe sections to form a pipeline.
  • the end parts of the pipe section are guided from a receiving region to a holding region of the pipe positioning members whereby in the receiving region the end parts are relatively loosely located and wherein in the holding region the end parts are relatively accurately located.
  • the guiding takes place by engagement of a guiding element on the pipe sections with a guide or track on the pipe positioning members.
  • the track may be generally funnel-shaped from the receiving region to the holding region.
  • the method may also comprise causing arcuate movement of the pipe positioning members from the first position to the second position to bring the ends of the pipe sections into engagement.
  • the arcuate movement may be accompanied with
  • the movement is a single compound movement whereby a minimum number of actuators may be required.
  • the method may preferably be carried out using a tether to draw in the floating pipe sections from a position where they are floating free of the device to a position within the pipe positioning members.
  • the tether may be a cable or chain operated by a winch or hoist and it may draw the pipe end parts fully into the holding region or merely to the receiving region. In the latter case, additional means such as a mechanical grip may be provided to draw the pipe end part from the receiving region to the holding region and to retain it there.
  • Figure 1 schematically depicts a vessel with a device according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1 in a coupling position
  • Figure 3 schematically depicts a second embodiment of the device
  • Figure 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of Figure 3 in a first position
  • - Figure 5 shows a front view of the embodiment of Figure 3 in a second position
  • Figure 6 schematically depicts a third embodiment of the device in plan view in its first position
  • Figure 7 shows the device of Figure 6 in the second position
  • Figure 8 shows a detail of the end part of a floating pipe section and a pipe positioning member according to the invention.
  • Figure 9 schematically depicts a pipeline formed of pipe sections according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein a vessel
  • the 100 comprises a device 30 for attaching a first end part 3 of a first floating pipe section 2 to a second end part 13 of a second floating pipe section 12 to form a floating pipeline 1.
  • the device 30 comprises a first pipe positioning member 31 arranged to receive and hold the first end part 3, which first pipe positioning member 31 has a first axial direction which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first end part 3 of the first floating pipe section 2 when positioned in the first pipe positioning member 31, and a second pipe positioning member 32 arranged to receive and hold the second end part 13, which second pipe positioning member 32 has a second axial direction which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second end part 13 of the second floating pipe section 12 when the pipe section 2 is positioned in the second pipe positioning member 31.
  • the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 are moveably mounted to the vessel 100 and arranged to perform a relative movement towards each other from a first position for positioning the end parts 3, 13 of the pipe sections 2, 12, towards a second position for connecting the end parts 3, 13 of the pipe sections 2, 12 to each other.
  • Actuators 37 engage the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 for movement along a horizontal guide 40.
  • Figure 1 depicts an embodiment where the axial directions of the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 are mutually parallel and aligned in both the first and second position.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 are shaped as jaws engaging the end parts 3, 13 of the pipe sections 2, 12.
  • the device 30 is mounted to a vessel 100 in an outboard position, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 are then positioned into the first position as shown in Figure 1, with the pipe positioning members 31, 32 at a lateral distance from each other in order to accommodate the end parts 3, 13 of the pipe sections 2, 12.
  • a first pipe section 2 and a second pipe section 12 are afloat nearby the vessel whereby the first pipe section 2 is tethered by a chain 20 from hoist 39.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 are in the form of jaws, open towards the front. Each of the jaws defines a receiving region 7 and a holding region 8.
  • Pipe guides 33 are provided within the jaws of the pipe positioning members 31, 32, extending from the receiving region 7 to the holding region 8.
  • the pipe guides 33 comprise funnel-shaped tracks that are relatively wide at the pipe receiving region 7 and become progressively narrower towards the holding region 8.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 are moved in a vertical direction along a substantially vertical guide 36 such that the pipe receiving regions 7 of each pipe positioning member are at or below the water surface.
  • the floating pipe section 2 is then connected with the hoist 39 through chain 20 and drawn towards the receiving region 7.
  • the pipe guide 33 provided on the first pipe positioning member 31 engages with a guiding element 6 provided on the end part 3 of the pipe section 2.
  • the pipe section 2 is thus guided towards the holding region 8 of the first pipe positioning members 31.
  • appropriate locking elements (not shown) are engaged to hold the pipe section 2 at the holding region 8 of the first pipe positioning member 31.
  • the chain can be released and the hoist 39 may be used to draw in the second pipe section 12 into the second pipe positioning member 32.
  • FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of the vessel 100 of Figure 1, with the first pipe section 2 and the second pipe section 12 held in their respective first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 have also been moved upwards along the vertical guide 36 to lift the receiving regions 7 above the water surface in order to facilitate coupling.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 have been pushed by actuators 37 towards each other along horizontal guide 40 into a coupling position, whereby connection flanges 4 provided at the extremities of the end parts 3, 13 of the pipe sections 2, 12 abut.
  • the connection flanges 4 can be connected together with a coupling collar 10 sized to engage and lock over the connection flanges 4 of the abutting pipe sections 2, 12.
  • alternative coupling arrangements may also be provided including bolts, clips, clamps and the like.
  • the pipeline 1 After connecting the pipe sections 2 to form a pipeline 1, the pipeline 1 is released from the pipe positioning members 31, 32 by letting chain 20 slack. The pipeline 1 is now guided by the guides 33 and the guiding elements 6 from the holding region 8 back to the receiving region 7 of the pipe positioning members 31, 32 and lowered into the water. Subsequently, the pipe positioning members 31, 32 can be moved into the first position by pulling the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 away from each other along the horizontal guide 40 with the actuators 37 to assume the first position.
  • Figure 3 schematically depicts another embodiment of the vessel 100 with the device 30 whereby the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 are pivoted at a hinge axis 35.
  • Other features are generally similar to the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and are provided with similar reference numerals.
  • first pipe section 2 has been received in first pipe positioning member 31 which is shown in its second coupling position with the guiding element 6 retained by the pipe guides 33 within the holding region 8. Furthermore, the second pipe section 12 has been drawn into the second pipe positioning member 32 by chain 20.
  • second pipe positioning member 32 is shown in its first holding position. Actuators 37 retain the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 in their respective positions.
  • FIG 4 shows the embodiment of Figure 3 in a front view.
  • each of the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 has a longitudinal axis X-X perpendicular to an axial direction Y-Y.
  • the first pipe positioning member 31 is in a vertical position.
  • the second pipe positioning member 32 is at an angle to the vertical whereby an angle a/2 is formed between the axis X-X and the vertical.
  • coupling collar 10 which is fixed to the end part 3 of first pipe section 2 by a retaining ring 44.
  • the retaining ring 44 includes a pin 46 which allows coupling collar 10 to be opened by pivoting about the pin 46. In its position according to Figure 4, the coupling collar 10 is open, ready to receive the connection flange 4 of the second pipe section 12.
  • Figure 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 4 in which the second pipe positioning member 32 has been rotated from the holding position to the coupling position by a rotation through the angle a/2. Rotation is achieved by actuation of the actuator 37 associated with the second pipe positioning member 32. In this second position the axial directions Y-Y of the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 are mutually parallel and aligned. In this position, the coupling collar 10 may be closed around the aligned connection flanges 4.
  • the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 are also moveably mounted to a vertical guide 36 as in Figure 1.
  • the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 can thus be moved in a substantially vertical direction along the vertical guide 36. This movement can allow the coupled pipeline 1 to be lowered to the waterline for release. Alternatively, lowering of the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 may take place concurrently with movement from the first position to the second position whereby strain on the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 is reduced.
  • a gap 34 is provided between the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 when in the second position. This allows the coupling collar 10 to pass between the pipe positioning members 31, 32 without interference.
  • This gap 34 is defined as a mutual distance D between the respective guiding elements 6 of each pipe section 2 in the coupled position. The distance D is around 40 cm although the skilled person will understand that this may be selected according to the design of the pipe sections and the location of the guiding elements 6 and in most cases will lie between 20cm and 1 meter.
  • Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention in a plan view.
  • the axial direction Y-Y of the first pipe positioning member 31 and the axial direction Y-Y of the second pipe positioning member 32 are in the same plane and define an angle a between them.
  • the axial directions of the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 lie in a substantially horizontal plane.
  • the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 are each hingeably connected to a substantially vertical hinge axis 35.
  • the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 can thus rotate about their respective hinge axis 35 under control of actuators 37 that push the pipe positioning members 31, 32, towards each other.
  • the actuators 37 used for moving the pipe positioning members are connected with first ends to a hull 101 of the vessel 100 and connected with second opposite ends to the pipe positioning members 31, 32.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 can also be moved in a vertical direction along the vertical guide 36 such that the pipe receiving region 7 of each pipe positioning member is at or below the water surface.
  • the floating pipe sections 2, 12 are then connected with the hoist 39 as previously described and drawn towards the receiving region 7.
  • the pipe guides 33 engage with guiding elements 6 provided on the end parts 3, 13 of the pipe sections and the pipe sections 2, 12 are guided towards the holding region 8 of the pipe positioning members 31, 32.
  • the chain 20 than acting as a retaining device, is secured to hold the pipe sections 2, 12 in the pipe positioning members 31, 32.
  • Figure 7 shows a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 6 in the coupling position wherein the axial directions of the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 are mutually parallel and aligned, the pipe positioning members 31, 32 have been moved by a relative rotation through the angle a.
  • the pipe positioning members 31, 32 have also been moved upwards along the vertical guide 36 to lift the receiving regions 7 above the water surface in order to facilitate the coupling.
  • the skilled person will however understand that coupling at the waterline may also be carried out and that the vertical guide 36 and its related actuation mechanism (not shown) may be omitted.
  • connection flanges 4 can then be connected with a coupling collar 10 as previously described or with bolts and nuts.
  • a gap 34 is provided between the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 when in the second position, in order to allow sufficient space for joining the connecting flanges 4.
  • Figures 6 are shown angled towards each other in a direction away from the vessel 100, it will be understood that the device may also be configured such that the first and second pipe positioning members 31, 32 pivot in the opposite sense.
  • Figure 8 shows in greater detail a floating pipe section 2 with its first end part 3.
  • Connection flange 4 is provided at the extremity of the end part 3 and guiding element 6 is located adjacent to and spaced from the connection flange 4.
  • the guiding element 6 is a flange which protrudes in an outward radial direction around the outer
  • the guiding element 6 has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the connection flange 4. Its diameter is also slightly smaller than that of the pipe section 2 to avoid interference when stacking pipes.
  • the flange 4 and guiding element 6 are retrofitted to an existing pipe section 2 having a conventional connection flange 4A.
  • the connection is by welding but the skilled person will understand that bolts or the like may also be used as long as they do not interfere with the guiding function.
  • Figure 8 also depicts how the guiding element 6 is received in the receiving region 7 of the first pipe positioning member 31.
  • the pipe guide 33 has a width of around 30 cm whereby the guiding element 6 can easily enter, even under rough conditions.
  • the pipe guide 33 narrows to a width of around 3 cm, corresponding to the width of the guiding element 6 and ensuring accurate positioning in the axial direction Y-Y.
  • Figure 9 depicts a pipeline 1 formed of pipe sections 2, 12 according to the invention.
  • the pipe sections 2, 12 are connected by a coupling collar 10 that engages and locks the connection flanges 4.
  • the coupling collar 10 is provided at one free end part 3, 13 of the pipe section and is retained by retaining ring 44 and pin 46 which are mounted to the end section 3 between guiding element 6 and connection flange 4. It can also be seen that the end section 3 is slightly longer in this respect than end section 13.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de connexion de tuyau (30) permettant d'attacher une première partie extrémité (3) d'une première section de tuyau flottant (2) à une deuxième partie extrémité (3) d'une deuxième section de tuyau flottant (2) afin de former un pipeline flottant (1) et comprenant un élément de positionnement de premier tuyau (31) conçu pour recevoir et maintenir la première partie extrémité (3) et un élément de positionnement de deuxième tuyau (32) conçu pour recevoir et maintenir la deuxième partie extrémité (3). Les éléments de positionnement de premier et de deuxième tuyau (31, 32) sont montés de façon à pouvoir se déplacer et conçus pour effectuer un mouvement relatif l'un vers l'autre à partir d'une première position de maintien permettant de positionner les parties extrémités des sections de tuyau, vers une deuxième position d'accouplement permettant de raccorder les parties extrémités des sections de tuyau l'une à l'autre pour former un pipeline. Le dispositif de connexion de tuyau peut être monté sur un navire.
EP12794538.4A 2011-11-08 2012-11-08 Méthode et dispositif d'accouplement de sections de tuyau flottant Withdrawn EP2776749A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2007751A NL2007751C2 (en) 2011-11-08 2011-11-08 Method and device for coupling floating pipe sections.
PCT/NL2012/050791 WO2013070077A1 (fr) 2011-11-08 2012-11-08 Méthode et dispositif d'accouplement de sections de tuyau flottant

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2776749A1 true EP2776749A1 (fr) 2014-09-17

Family

ID=47263530

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12794538.4A Withdrawn EP2776749A1 (fr) 2011-11-08 2012-11-08 Méthode et dispositif d'accouplement de sections de tuyau flottant

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2776749A1 (fr)
NL (1) NL2007751C2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2013070077A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016038275A1 (fr) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-17 De Profundis Ingenium Dispositif pour l'assemblage de deux tubes dans l'eau.
NL2018894B1 (en) * 2017-05-11 2018-11-15 Boskalis Bv Baggermaatschappij Floating pipeline with coupling assembly
CN107906254B (zh) * 2017-11-28 2019-09-27 江苏嘉胜石油科技有限公司 一种石油管道铺设角度调节装置
CN113915409B (zh) * 2021-09-20 2022-12-02 山西二建集团有限公司 一种管道提升控制装置

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3015883A (en) * 1957-12-02 1962-01-09 Phillips Petroleum Co Flange aligning tool
US4135844A (en) * 1977-01-05 1979-01-23 Compagnie Generale pour les Developpments Operationnels des Richesses Sous-Marines "C.G. DORIS" Laying of underwater pipelines
US4477205A (en) * 1979-11-30 1984-10-16 Smith International, Inc. Apparatus for connecting underwater flow line hubs
BR0117167B1 (pt) * 2001-11-06 2011-11-16 aparelho de conexão remota de flange aparafusada e métodos de operação do mesmo.
NO321806B1 (no) * 2001-12-11 2006-07-03 Aker Kvaerner Subsea As Undervannsverktoy for inntrekking av rorender
WO2004106696A1 (fr) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-09 Vetco Aibel As Structure de terminaison de manchette de raccordement, dispositif de raccordement comportant une telle structure de terminaison, et terminaison de canalisation
CN2639172Y (zh) * 2003-06-26 2004-09-08 丹阳市船舶橡胶厂 自浮式排泥钢管
AU2010333703A1 (en) 2009-12-14 2012-07-12 Phibre Pty Ltd Subsea connection system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2013070077A1 (fr) 2013-05-16
NL2007751C2 (en) 2013-05-13

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