NL2018632B1 - Method of laying multiple oil/gas pipelines having an in-line structure in proximity of each other - Google Patents

Method of laying multiple oil/gas pipelines having an in-line structure in proximity of each other Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2018632B1
NL2018632B1 NL2018632A NL2018632A NL2018632B1 NL 2018632 B1 NL2018632 B1 NL 2018632B1 NL 2018632 A NL2018632 A NL 2018632A NL 2018632 A NL2018632 A NL 2018632A NL 2018632 B1 NL2018632 B1 NL 2018632B1
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NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
pipeline
units
pick
line
line structure
Prior art date
Application number
NL2018632A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Agarwal Arun
Original Assignee
Heerema Marine Contractors Nl
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Heerema Marine Contractors Nl filed Critical Heerema Marine Contractors Nl
Priority to NL2018632A priority Critical patent/NL2018632B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2018632B1 publication Critical patent/NL2018632B1/en

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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
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/20—Accessories therefor, e.g. floats, weights
    • 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
    • F16L1/16—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom
    • 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
    • F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
    • F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
    • F16L3/237—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for two pipes
    • 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
    • F16L1/16—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom
    • F16L1/18—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom the pipes being S- or J-shaped and under tension during laying
    • F16L1/19—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom the pipes being S- or J-shaped and under tension during laying the pipes being J-shaped
    • 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
    • F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
    • F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
    • F16L3/12—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
    • F16L3/123—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing and extending along the attachment surface

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

A method of laying a first oil/gas pipeline having a first in-line structure and a second oil/gas pipeline having a second in-line structure on a seabed in proximity of each other, wherein a support structure having first receiving units to receive at least part of the first in-line structure located in a first position and second receiving units to receive at least part of the second in-line structure located in a second position is used.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method of laying multiple oil/gas pipelines having an in-line structure in proximity of each other on a seabed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Oil/gas pipelines which are located on a seabed can during their lifespan move over the seabed. These movements are within boundaries and caused by amongst others water currents, changes in the seabed, and small earthquakes.
Oil/gas pipelines are positioned on the seabed at a relatively large distance from each other in order to avoid collision between the oil/gas pipelines, especially when the oil/gas pipelines comprise an in-line structure. In-lines structures are more vulnerable than normal pipeline sections. The risk of damage to an in-line structure caused by a collision is relatively high. The consequences of damage to the in-line structure can be severe, such as having to stop the oil/gas production or even leakage of oil or gas into the seawater. In addition to this, subsea maintenance to the in-line structure is very expensive.
Oil/gas production sites can contain a high number of oil/gas pipelines having an in-line structure. Since it required to place them at a relatively large distance from each other, it can be difficult to create a suitable layout for the oil/gas production site. The difficulty is in practise even increased due to the fact that sometimes only part of the seabed is suitable for supporting an oil/gas pipeline having an in-line structure.
The invention is based on the insight that there is a need to position oil/gas pipelines having an in-line structure in proximity of each other in a safe and secure manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention has the objective to provide an improved or alternative method of laying a first oil/gas pipeline having a first in-line structure and a second oil/gas pipeline having a second in-line structure on a seabed in proximity of each other. This objective is achieved by the following steps;
A) providing a support structure comprising;
- a flat base frame having a contact side and an opposite support side,
- first receiving units to receive at least part of the first in-line structure located in a first position, and
- second receiving units to receive at least part of the second in-line structure located in a second position, wherein the first receiving units and the second receiving units are located at the support side of the base frame,
B) positioning the support structure with its contact side on the seabed,
C) using a first pipeline laying vessel to lay the first pipeline on the seabed such that the first in-line structure is positioned in the first position on the support structure and is located in the first receiving units, and
D) after the steps A, B and C are performed, using a second pipeline laying vessel to lay the second pipeline on the seabed such that the second in-line structure is received by the second receiving units to position the second in-line structure in the second position.
Said method allows that the first oil/gas pipeline and the second oil/gas pipeline can be positioned on the seabed in proximity of each other in a safe and secure manner
In an embodiment of the method, the first in-line structure comprises a first pipe section having a first longitudinal axis, the first receiving units are configured to block movement of the first in-line structure located in the first position in a first direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, the second in-line structure comprises a second pipe section having a second longitudinal axis, the second receiving units are configured to block movement of the second in-line structure located in the second position in a second direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and the method comprises using the first receiving units to prevent movement in the first direction of the first in-line structure located in the first position and using the second receiving units to prevent movement in the second direction of the second in-line structure located in the second position.
In an embodiment of the method, the first receiving units are configured to receive the first pipe section of the first in-line structure, the second receiving units are configured to receive the second pipe section of the second in-line structure and the method comprises positioning the first pipe section in the first receiving units and positioning the second pipe section in the second receiving units.
In an embodiment of the method, the first receiving units and the second receiving units are positioned such that the first longitudinal axis of the first pipe section located in the first position extends at an structure distance from the second longitudinal axis of the second
-3pipe section located in the second position and the method comprises using the first receiving units and the second receiving units to hold the first pipe section and the second pipe section at the structure distance from each other.
In an embodiment of the method, the structure distance is larger than or equal to 1 meter and smaller than or equal to 4 meter, preferably larger than or equal to 2 meter and smaller than or equal to 3 meter.
In an embodiment of the method, the first receiving units and the second receiving units are configured to hold the first longitudinal axis of the first pipe section located in the first position parallel to the second longitudinal axis of the second pipe section located in the second position, and the method comprises using the first receiving units and the second receiving units to hold the first pipe section and the second pipe section parallel to each other.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel comprises a first pipelay system defining a first firing line along which the first pipeline is laid and the steps A, B and C are performed simultaneously by;
- suspending a first pipeline part of the first pipeline from the first pipeline laying vessel and in the firing line,
- providing the support structure which is fixated by fixating units to the first in-line structure located in the first position,
- positioning the first in-line structure fixated to the support structure in the firing line and above the first pipeline part,
- connecting the first in-line structure to the first pipeline part,
- lowering the first pipeline part and the first in-line structure fixated to the support structure with the first pipelay system towards the seabed and suspending the first in-line structure fixated to the support structure from the first pipeline laying vessel and in the firing line,
- positioning a second pipeline part of the first pipeline in the firing line and above the first inline structure,
- connecting the second pipeline part to the first in-line structure,
- lowering the first pipeline part, the first in-line structure fixated to the support structure, and the second pipeline part with the first pipelay system towards the seabed to place the support structure with its contact surface on the seabed while being fixated to the first in-line structure located in the first position.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipelay system is a first J-lay system having a first J-lay tower defining the first firing line.
In an embodiment of the method, the method comprises connecting the first pipe section of the first in-line structure to the first pipeline part and the second pipeline part.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipelay system comprises a first loader configured to position the first in-line structure in the firing line and above the first pipeline part, and the method comprises using the first loader to positioning the first in-line structure fixated to the support structure in the firing line and above the first pipeline part.
In an embodiment of the method, step C is performed after the steps A and B, and step C comprises using the first pipeline laying vessel to lay the first pipeline on the seabed such that the first in-line structure is received by the first receiving units to position the first in-line structure in the first position.
In an embodiment of the method, the support structure comprises first guiding units to guide the first in-line structure towards the first receiving units and the method comprises using the first guiding units to guide the first in-line structure towards the first receiving units and into the first position.
In an embodiment of the method, each of the first guiding units comprises two first guiding surfaces which are inclined to each other and extend away from the first receiving units and away from each other.
In an embodiment of the method, the support structure comprises second guiding units to guide the second in-line structure towards the second receiving units and the method comprises using the second guiding units to guide the second in-line structure towards the second receiving units and into the second position.
In an embodiment of the method, each of the second guiding units comprises two second guiding surfaces which are inclined to each other and extend away from the second receiving units and away from each other.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipeline has a first diameter, the second pipeline has a second diameter, the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the
-5method comprises using the first pipeline and the support structure to hold the second pipeline in position on the seabed.
In an embodiment of the method, the support structure comprises third receiving units to receive a third in-line structure of a third oil/gas pipeline in a third position and third guiding units to guide the third in-line structure towards the third receiving units and into the third position, which third receiving units and third guiding units are provided at the support side of support structure, and after the steps A, B, C, and D are performed, a third pipeline laying vessel is used to lay the third pipeline on the seabed such that the third in-line structure is received by the third receiving units to position the third in-line structure in the third position.
In an embodiment of the method, the first position of the first in-line structure is located between the second position of the second in-line structure and the third position of the third in-line structure.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel and the second pipeline laying vessel are the same pipeline laying vessel.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel and the second pipeline laying vessel are different pipeline laying vessels.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel, the second pipeline laying vessel and the third pipeline laying vessel are the same pipeline laying vessel.
In an embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel, the second pipeline laying vessel and the third pipeline laying vessel are the different pipeline laying vessels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the method will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:
Figure 1A schematically shows a top view of a support structure suitable for a first embodiment of the method according to the invention,
Figure 1B schematically shows a first side view in the direction of arrow B of the support structure of fig. 1A,
Figure 1C schematically shows a second side view in the direction of arrow C of the support structure of fig. 1A,
-6the Figures 2A and B schematically show side views of a vessel positioning the support structure of fig. 1 on a seabed,
Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of a J-lay pipeline laying vessel suitable for use in a first embodiment and in a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the Figures 4A-H schematically show the remaining steps of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the Figures 5A-C schematically show views of the first and second oil/gas pipeline being positioned on the seabed in proximity of each other by the first embodiment of the method according to the invention,
Figure 6A schematically shows a view in perspective of a support structure suitable for the second embodiment of the method according to the invention,
Figure 6B schematically shows a top view of the support structure of fig. 6A,
Figure 6C schematically shows a first side view of the support structure of fig. 6A, Figure 6D schematically shows a second side view of the support structure of fig. 6A, the Figures 7A-G schematically show the remaining steps of the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the Figures 8A-D schematically show views of the first and second oil/gas pipeline being positioned on the seabed in proximity of each other by the second embodiment of the method according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figure 1A-C show a support structure 6 suitable for a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. The support structure 6 comprises a flat base frame 7 having a contact side 8 and an opposite support side 9. The support structure 6 is provided with first receiving units 10 to receive at least part of a first in-line structure 2 located in a first position 11, and second receiving units 12 to receive at least part of a second in-line structure 4 located in a second position 13. The first receiving units 10 and the second receiving units 12 are located at the support side 9 of the base frame 7.
The support structure 6 comprises first guiding units 30 to guide the first in-line structure 2 towards the first receiving units 10 and into the first position 11. Each of the first guiding units 30 comprises two first guiding surfaces 31 which are inclined to each other and extend away from the first receiving units 10 and away from each other.
The support structure 6 comprises second guiding units 38 to guide the second in-line structure 4 towards the second receiving units 12 and into the second position 13. The
-7second guiding units 38 comprises two second guiding surfaces 39 which are inclined to each other and extend away from the second receiving units 12 and away from each other.
The figures 2A and B show a vessel 32 positioning the support structure 6 of fig. 1 on a seabed 5 according to a first embodiment of the method invention. The vessel 32 may be a pipeline laying vessel (such as shown in fig. 3), but this is not required.
The first embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises the step of providing the support structure 6 of fig. 1. The vessel 32 is used to position the support structure 6 with its contact side 8 on the seabed 5. After this, a first pipeline laying vessel (14 of fig. 3 and 4) will be used to lay a first pipeline 1 on the seabed 5 such that its first in-line structure 2 is received by the first receiving units 10 to position the first in-line structure 2 in the first position 11. A second pipeline laying vessel (14 of fig. 3 and 4) will subsequently be used to lay a second pipeline 3 on the seabed 5 such that its second in-line structure 4 is received by the second receiving units 12 to position the second in-line structure 4 in the second position 13 (step D).
Figure 3 shows a J-lay pipeline laying vessel 14 suitable for use in the first embodiment of the method according to the invention. The pipeline laying vessel 14 is provided with a pipelay system 15 having a J-lay system 23 with a J-lay tower 24 defining a firing line 25 25 along which the first pipeline 1 and the second pipeline 3 are laid on the seabed 5. This means that in the first embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel and the second pipeline laying vessel are the same pipeline laying vessel 14.
In another embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel and the second pipeline laying vessel are different pipeline laying vessels. This means that the first pipeline 1 and the second pipeline 3 will be laid on the seabed 5 by different vessels.
In another embodiment of the method, one or more pipeline laying vessels having a different type of pipelay system (e.g. S-lay) is used.
If fig. 3, a first pipeline part 26 of the first pipeline 1 is suspending from the pipeline laying vessel 14 and located in the firing line 25 25.
The figures 4A-G show the remaining steps of the first embodiment of the method according to the invention. The first in-line structure 2 is positioned in the firing line 25 and above the first pipeline part 26 (fig. 4A). The first in-line structure 2 is connected to the first pipeline part
26. After that, the first pipeline part 26 and the first in-line structure 2 are lowered with the Jlay system 23 towards the seabed 5. The first in-line structure 2 is suspending from the pipeline laying vessel and located in the firing line 25 (fig. 4B). A second pipeline part 28 of the first pipeline 1 is positioned in the firing line 25 and above the first in-line structure 2 (fig. 4C). The second pipeline part 28 is connected to the first in-line structure 2 and subsequently lowered to the seabed 5 (fig. 4D). The length of the second pipeline part 28 is subsequently increased with the J-lay system 24 in order to lower the first in-line structure 2 to the seabed 5.
In fig. 4E, the first in-line structure 2 is located above the first guiding units 30 of the support structure 6. The first guiding units 30 will guide the first in-line structure 2 towards the first receiving units 10 and into the first position 11 (fig. 4F).
A similar procedure is performed for the second pipeline 3 (fig. 4G). As shown in fig. 4H, the second guiding units 38 will guide the second in-line structure 4 towards the second receiving units 12 and into the second position 13.
The figures 5A-D show views of the first, second and third oil/gas pipelines being positioned on the seabed 5 in proximity of each other by the first embodiment of the method according to the invention.
The first in-line structure 2 comprises a first pipe section 16 having a first longitudinal axis 17. The first receiving units 10 are configured to block movement of the first in-line structure 2 located in the first position 11 in a first direction 18 perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 17. The second in-line structure 4 comprises a second pipe section 19 having a second longitudinal axis 20. The second receiving units 12 are configured to block movement of the second in-line structure 4 located in the second position 13 in a second direction 21 perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 20. This way, the first receiving units 10 are used to prevent movement in the first direction 18 of the first in-line structure 2 located in the first position 11 and the second receiving units 12 are used to prevent movement in the second direction 21 of the second in-line structure 4 located in the second position 13.
The first receiving units 10 are configured to receive the first pipe section 16 of the first inline structure 2 and the second receiving units 12 are configured to receive the second pipe section 19 of the second in-line structure 4. During the positioning of first pipeline 1 and the second pipeline 3 on the seabed 5, the first pipe section 16 is positioned in the first receiving units 10 and the second pipe section 19 is positioned in the second receiving units 12.
-9The first receiving units 10 and the second receiving units 12 are positioned such that the first longitudinal axis 17 of the first pipe section 16 located in the first position 11 extends at a structure distance 22 from the second longitudinal axis 20 of the second pipe section 19 located in the second position 13. This way, the first receiving units 10 and the second receiving units 12 hold the first pipe section 16 and the second pipe section 19 at the structure distance 22 from each other.
The structure distance 22 is larger than or equal to 2 meter and smaller than or equal to 3 meter. In another embodiment, the structure distance 22 is larger than or equal to 1 meter and smaller than or equal to 4 meter.
The first receiving units 10 and the second receiving units 12 are configured to hold the first longitudinal axis 17 of the first pipe section 16 located in the first position 11 parallel to the second longitudinal axis 20 of the second pipe section 19 located in the second position 13. This way, the first receiving units 10 and the second receiving units 12 are used to hold the first pipe section 16 and the second pipe section 19 parallel to each other.
The first pipe section 16 has a first diameter D1 and the second pipe section 19 has a second diameter D2. The first diameter D1 is larger than the second diameter D2.
The support structure 6 allows that the first in-line structure 2 of the first oil/gas pipeline 1 and the second in-line structure 4 of the second oil/gas pipeline 3 can be placed on the seabed 5 in proximity of each other in a safe and secure manner.
The figures 6A-D show a view in perspective of a support structure 6 suitable for a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. The support structure 6 differs from the one shown in figure 1 in that the support structure 6 is fixated by fixating units 27 to the first in-line structure 2 located in the first position 11. This means that the first in-line structure 2 is already received by the first receiving units 10. The support structure 6 therefore does not have the first guiding units 30 shown in the support structure 6 of figure
1.
The support structure 6 comprises second guiding units 38 to guide the second in-line structure 4 towards the second receiving units 12 and into the second position 13. The second guiding units 38 comprise two second guiding surfaces 39 which are inclined to each other and extend away from the second receiving units 12 and away from each other.
The support structure 6 comprises third guiding units 51 to guide a third in-line structure 48 towards third receiving units 47 and into a third position 50. The third guiding units 51 comprise two third guiding surfaces 52 which are inclined to each other and extend away from the third receiving units 47 and away from each other.
The figures 7A-G show views of the first, second and third oil/gas pipeline 1, 3, 49 being positioned on the seabed 5 in proximity of each other by the second embodiment of the method according to the invention.
After a first pipeline part 26 of the first pipeline 1 is suspending from the pipeline laying vessel 14 and in the firing line 25 as shown in figure 3, the support structure 6 of figure 6 is provided. The first in-line structure 2 fixated to the support structure 6 is positioned in the firing line 25 and above the first pipeline part 26 (fig. 7A). The positioning of the first in-line structure 2 fixated to the support structure 6 is performed by a loader 29, which in this embodiment is a crane. Other types of loaders may be used. The first in-line structure 2 is subsequently connected to the first pipeline part 26.
After that, the first pipeline part 26 and the first in-line structure 2 fixated to the support structure 6 are lowered with the J-lay system 23 towards the seabed 5. The first in-line structure 2 fixated to the support structure 6 is suspended from the pipeline laying vessel 14 and in the firing line 25 (fig. 7B).
A second pipeline part 28 of the first pipeline 1 is positioned in the firing line 25 and above the first in-line structure 2. The second pipeline part 28 is connected to the first in-line structure (fig. 7C).
The first pipeline part 26, the first in-line structure 2 fixated to the support structure 6, and the second pipeline part 28 are lowered with the first J-lay system towards the seabed 5 (fig. 7D).
The length of the second pipeline part 28 is increased with the J-lay system 23 in order to lower the first in-line structure 2 and to place the support structure 6 with its contact surface on the seabed 5 while being fixated to the first in-line structure 2 located in the first position 11 (fig. 7E).
After that, the second and third pipeline 3, 49 are positioned on the seabed 5 and in the support structure 6 in the same way as described in relation to the figures 4E-H.
- 11 In fig. 7F, the second in-line structure 4 is located above the second guiding units 38 of the support structure 6. The second guiding units 38 will guide the second in-line structure 4 towards the second receiving units 12 and into the second position 13 (similar to fig. 4F).
In fig. 7G, the third in-line structure 48 is located above the third guiding units 51 of the support structure 6. The third guiding units will guide the third in-line structure 48 towards the third receiving units 47 and into the third position 50 (similar to fig. 4H).
The figures 8A-D show views of the first, second and third oil/gas pipelines 1, 3, 49 being positioned on the seabed 5 in proximity of each other by the second embodiment of the method according to the invention. The third in-line structure 48 has a third pipe section 53 extending along a third longitudinal axis 54.
In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first, second, and third pipeline 1, 3, 49 are all laid on the seabed 5 by the same pipeline laying vessel 14. This means that in the second embodiment of the method, the first pipeline laying vessel, the second pipeline laying vessel, and the third pipeline laying vessel are the same pipeline laying vessel 14.
In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first pipeline laying vessel and/or the second pipeline laying vessel and/or the third pipeline laying vessel are different pipeline laying vessels.
The second embodiment of the method tends to be more efficient than the first embodiment of the method, because the support structure 6 and the first in-line structure 2 are placed on the seabed 5 at the same time.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.
- 12 The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term multiple, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the method without departing from the scope as defined in the claims.

Claims (21)

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS 1. Werkwijze voor het leggen van een eerste olie/gas pijpleiding met een eerste inlijnconstructie en een tweede olie/gas pijpleiding met een tweede in-lijnconstructie op een zeebodem in eikaars nabijheid, welke werkwijze de volgende stappen omvat;A method for laying a first oil / gas pipeline with a first in-line structure and a second oil / gas pipeline with a second in-line structure on a seabed in proximity to each other, the method comprising the following steps; A) het verschaffen van een steunconstructie omvattende;A) providing a support structure comprising; - een vlak basisframe met een contactzijde en een tegenoverliggende steunzijde,- a flat base frame with a contact side and an opposite support side, - eerste opneemeenheden om ten minste een deel van de eerste in-lijnconstructie in een eerste positie op te nemen, en- first receiving units for receiving at least a part of the first in-line construction in a first position, and - tweede opneemeenheden om ten minste een deel van de tweede in-lijnconstructie in een tweede positie op te nemen, waarbij de eerste opneemeenheden en tweede opneemeenheden zich aan de steunzijde van het basisframe bevinden,- second pick-up units to receive at least a portion of the second in-line structure in a second position, the first pick-up units and second pick-up units being on the support side of the base frame, B) het positioneren van de steunconstructie met de contactzijde op de zeebodem,B) positioning the support structure with the contact side on the seabed, C) gebruikmakend van een eerste pijplegschip, het op de zeebodem leggen de eerste pijpleiding zodanig dat de eerste in-lijnconstructie zich in de eerste positie op de steunconstructie en in de eerste opneemsteenheden bevindt, enC) using a first pipeline laying vessel, laying the first pipeline on the seabed such that the first in-line structure is in the first position on the support structure and in the first receiving units, and D) nadat de stappen A, B en C zijn uitgevoerd, gebruikmakend van een tweede pijplegschip het op de zeebodem leggen van de tweede pijpleiding zodanig dat de tweede in-lijnconstructie door de tweede opneemeenheden wordt opgenomen om de tweede in-lijnconstructie in de tweede positie positioneren.D) after steps A, B and C have been performed, using a second pipe laying vessel, laying the second pipeline on the seabed in such a way that the second in-line structure is received by the second pick-up units in order to place the second in-line structure in the second position positioning. 2. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1, waarbij;The method of claim 1, wherein; - de eerste in-lijnconstructie een eerste pijpdeel met een eerste lengteas omvat,- the first in-line construction comprises a first pipe part with a first longitudinal axis, - de eerste opneemsteenheden zijn ingericht om verplaatsing van de eerste inlijnconstructie in de eerste positie in een eerste richting loodrecht op de eerste lengteas te blokkeren,- the first pick-up units are arranged to block displacement of the first alignment structure in the first position in a first direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, - de tweede in-lijnconstructie een tweede pijpdeel met een tweede lengteas omvat,- the second in-line construction comprises a second pipe part with a second longitudinal axis, - de tweede opneemsteenheden zijn ingericht om beweging van de tweede inlijnconstructie in de tweede positie in een tweede richting loodrecht op de tweede lengteas te blokkeren, en de werkwijze omvat het gebruiken van de eerste opneemsteenheden om beweging in de eerste richting van de eerste in-lijnconstructie in de eerste positie te voorkomen en het gebruiken van de tweede opneemeenheden om beweging in de tweede richting van de tweede in-lijnconstructie in tweede positie te voorkomen.the second pick-up units are arranged to block movement of the second in-line structure in the second position in a second direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and the method comprises using the first pick-up units to move movement in the first direction of the first in-line structure in the first position and using the second pick-up units to prevent movement in the second direction of the second in-line structure in the second position. 3. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 2, waarbij de eerste opneemeenheden zijn ingericht om het eerste pijpdeel van de eerste in-lijnconstructie op te nemen, de tweede opneemeenheden zijn ingericht om het tweede pijpdeel van de tweede inlijnconstructie op te nemen en de werkwijze omvat het plaatsen van het eerste pijpdeel in de eerste opneemeenheden en het plaatsen van het tweede pijpdeel in de tweede opneemeenheden.3. Method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first receiving units are adapted to receive the first pipe part of the first in-line construction, the second receiving units are adapted to receive the second pipe part of the second in-line construction and the method comprises placing the first pipe part in the first pick-up units and placing the second pipe part in the second pick-up units. 4. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 2 of 3, waarbij de eerste opneemeenheden en de tweede opneemeenheden zodanig zijn gepositioneerd dat de eerste lengteas van het eerste pijpdeel gelegen in de eerste positie zich uitstrekt op een constructieafstand van de tweede lengteas van het tweede pijpdeel gelegen in de tweede positie en de werkwijze omvat het gebruiken van de eerste opneemeenheden en de tweede opneemeenheden om het eerste pijpdeel en het tweede pijpdeel op de constructieafstand van elkaar te houden.Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first pick-up units and the second pick-up units are positioned such that the first longitudinal axis of the first pipe part located in the first position extends at a structural distance from the second longitudinal axis of the second pipe part located in the second position and method comprises using the first pick-up units and the second pick-up units to keep the first pipe part and the second pipe part apart at the structural distance. 5. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 4, waarbij de constructieafstand groter dan of gelijk aan 1 m en kleiner dan of gelijk aan 4 m, bij voorkeur groter dan of gelijk aan 2 meter en kleiner dan of gelijk aan 3 meter, is.The method of claim 4, wherein the construction distance is greater than or equal to 1 m and less than or equal to 4 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 meters and less than or equal to 3 meters. 6. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 2 -5, waarbij de eerste opneemeenheden en de tweede opneemsteenheden zijn ingericht om de eerste lengteas van het eerste pijpdeel in de eerste positie evenwijdig aan de tweede lengteas van het tweede pijpdeel in de tweede positie te houden, en de werkwijze omvat het gebruiken van de eerste opneemeenheden en de tweede opneemeenheden om het eerste pijpdeel en het tweede pijpdeel evenwijdig aan elkaar te houden.A method according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the first pick-up units and the second pick-up units are arranged to hold the first longitudinal axis of the first pipe part in the first position parallel to the second longitudinal axis of the second pipe part in the second position, and the method comprises using the first pick-up units and the second pick-up units to keep the first pipe part and the second pipe part parallel to each other. 7. Werkwijze volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het eerste pijplegschip een eerste pijplegsysteem met een eerste vuurlijn waarlangs de eerste pijpleiding wordt gelegd omvat en de stappen A, B en C gelijktijdig uitgevoerd worden door;A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pipeline laying vessel comprises a first pipeline laying system with a first firing line along which the first pipeline is laid and steps A, B and C are performed simultaneously by; - het hangen van een eerste pijpleidingdeel van de eerste pijpleiding aan het eerste pijplegschip en in de vuurlijn,- hanging a first pipeline part of the first pipeline on the first pipeline laying vessel and in the firing line, - het verschaffen van de steunconstructie gefixeerd door fixeereenheden aan de eerste in-lijnconstructie in de eerste positie,- providing the support structure fixed by fixing units to the first in-line structure in the first position, - het positioneren van de eerste in-lijnconstructie gefixeerd aan de steunconstructie in de vuurlijn en boven het eerste pijpleidingdeel,- positioning the first in-line structure fixed to the support structure in the firing line and above the first pipeline part, - het verbinden van de eerste in-lijnconstructie aan het eerste pijpleidingdeel,- connecting the first in-line structure to the first pipeline part, - het neerlaten van het eerste pijpleidingdeel en de eerste in-lijnconstructie gefixeerd aan de steunconstructie met het eerste pijplegsysteem naar de zeebodem en het hangen van de eerste in-lijnconstructie gefixeerd aan de steunconstructie aan het eerste pijplegschip en in de vuurlijn,- lowering the first pipeline part and the first in-line structure fixed to the support structure with the first pipe laying system to the seabed and hanging the first in-line structure fixed to the support structure on the first pipeline laying ship and in the firing line, - het positioneren van een tweede pijpleidingdeel van de eerste pijpleiding in de vuurlijn en boven de eerste in-lijnconstructie,- positioning a second pipeline part of the first pipeline in the fire line and above the first in-line construction, - het verbinden van het tweede pijpleidingdeel aan de eerste in-lijnconstructie,- connecting the second pipeline part to the first in-line construction, - het neerlaten van het eerste pijpleidingdeel, de eerste in-lijnconstructie gefixeerd aan de steunconstructie en het tweede pijpleidingdeel met het eerste pijplegsysteem naar de zeebodem om de steunconstructie met een contactvlak te plaatsen op de zeebodem terwijl deze gefixeerd is aan de eerste in-lijnconstructie in de eerste positie.- lowering the first pipeline part, the first in-line structure fixed to the support structure and the second pipeline part with the first pipeline system to the sea floor to place the support structure with a contact surface on the sea floor while it is fixed to the first in-line structure in the first position. 8. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 7, waarbij de werkwijze omvat het verbinden van het eerste pijpdeel van de eerste in-lijnconstructie met het eerst pijpleidingdeel en het tweede pijpleidingdeel.The method of claim 7, wherein the method comprises connecting the first pipe portion of the first in-line structure to the first pipeline portion and the second pipeline portion. 9. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 8 of 9, waarbij het eerste pijpenlegsysteem omvat een eerste lader ingericht om de eerste in-lijnconstructie in de vuurlinie en boven het eerste pijpleidingdeel te plaatsen, en de werkwijze omvat het gebruiken van de eerste lader voor het positioneren van de eerste in-lijnconstructie gefixeerd aan de steunconstructie in de vuurlijn en boven het eerste pijpleidingdeel.A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first pipe laying system comprises a first loader adapted to place the first in-line structure in the firing line and above the first pipeline part, and the method comprises using the first loader to position the first in-line structure fixed to the support structure in the firing line and above the first pipeline part. 10. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 1-6, waarbij stap C wordt uitgevoerd na de stappen A en B en stap C omvat het gebruiken van het eerste pijplegschip om de eerste pijpleiding op de zeebodem te leggen zodanig dat de eerste in-lijnconstructie wordt opgenomen door de eerste opneemeenheden om de eerste in-lijnconstructie in de eerste positie te plaatsen.The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein step C is performed after steps A and B and step C comprises using the first pipeline laying vessel to lay the first pipeline on the seabed such that the first in-line structure is received by the first pick-up units to place the first in-line structure in the first position. 11. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 10, waarbij de steunconstructie omvat eerste geleidingseenheden om de eerste in-lijnconstructie naar de eerste opneemeenheden te geleiden en de werkwijze omvat het gebruiken van de eerste geleidingseenheden om de eerste in-lijnconstructie naar het eerste opneemeenheden en in de eerste positie te geleiden.The method of claim 10, wherein the support structure comprises first guide units for guiding the first in-line structure to the first pick-up units and the method comprises using the first guide units to guide the first in-line structure to the first pick-up units and in the first position to guide. 12. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 11, waarbij elk van de eerste geleidingseenheden twee eerste geleidingsvlakken die schuin ten opzichte van elkaar staan en zich van de eerste opneemeenheden van elkaar af uitstrekken.The method of claim 11, wherein each of the first guide units has two first guide surfaces that are inclined relative to each other and extend away from the first receiving units. 13. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de steunconstructie omvat tweede geleidingseenheden om de tweede in-lijnconstructie naar de tweede opneemeenheden te geleiden en de werkwijze omvat het gebruiken van de tweede geleidingseenheden om de tweede in-lijnconstructie naar de tweede opneemeenheden en in de tweede positie te geleiden.A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure comprises second guide units to guide the second in-line structure to the second pick-up units and the method comprises using the second guide units to the second in-line structure to the second pick-up units and into the second pick-up units second position. 14. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 13, waarbij elk van de tweede geleidingseenheden omvat twee tweede geleidingsvlakken die schuin ten opzichte van elkaar staan en zich van de tweede opneemeenheden van elkaar af uitstrekken.The method of claim 13, wherein each of the second guide units comprises two second guide surfaces that are inclined relative to each other and extend away from the second pick-up units. 15. Werkwijze volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de eerste pijpleiding een eerste diameter omvat, de tweede pijpleiding een tweede diameter omvat, de eerste diameter groter is dan de tweede diameter, en de werkwijze omvat het gebruiken van de eerste pijpleiding en de steunconstructie om de tweede pijp leiding op zijn plaats op de zeebodem te houden.A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pipeline comprises a first diameter, the second pipeline comprises a second diameter, the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the method comprises using the first pipeline and the support structure to hold the second pipeline in place on the seabed. 16. Werkwijze volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij;The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein; - de steunconstructie omvat derde opneemeenheden om een derde in-lijnconstructie van een derde olie/gas pijpleiding op te nemen in een- the support structure comprises third receiving units to receive a third in-line structure of a third oil / gas pipeline in a - 16derde positie en derde geleidingseenheden om de derde in-lijnconstructie naar de derde opneemsteenheden en in de derde positie te geleiden, welke derde opneemeenheden en derde geleidingseenheden zijn aangebracht aan de steunzijde van de steunconstructie, en- third position and third guide units for guiding the third in-line structure to the third pick-up units and into the third position, which third pick-up units and third guide units are arranged on the support side of the support structure, and - nadat de stappen A, B, C en D zijn uitgevoerd, een derde pijplegschip wordt gebruikt om de derde pijpleiding op de zeebodem te plaatsen zodanig dat de derde inlijnconstructie opgenomen wordt door de derde opneemeenheden om de derde inlijnconstructie in de derde positie te plaatsen.- after the steps A, B, C and D have been carried out, a third pipeline laying vessel is used to place the third pipeline on the seabed such that the third alignment structure is taken up by the third accommodation units to place the third alignment structure in the third position. 17. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 16, waarbij de eerste positie van de eerste inlijnconstructie ligt tussen de tweede positie van de tweede in-lijnconstructie en de derde positie van de derde in-lijnconstructie.The method of claim 16, wherein the first position of the first inline structure is between the second position of the second inline structure and the third position of the third inline structure. 18. Werkwijze volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het eerste pijplegschip en het tweede pijplegschip hetzelfde pijplegschip zijn.A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pipeline laying vessel and the second pipeline laying vessel are the same pipeline laying vessel. 19. Werkwijze volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het eerste pijplegschip en het tweede pijplegschip verschillende pijplegschepen zijn.A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pipeline laying vessel and the second pipeline laying vessel are different pipeline laying vessels. 20. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 16 of 17, waarbij het eerste pijplegschip, het tweede pijplegschip en het derde pijplegschip hetzelfde pijplegschip zijn.The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the first pipeline laying vessel, the second pipeline laying vessel and the third pipeline laying vessel are the same pipeline laying vessel. 21. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 16 of 17, waarbij het eerste pijplegschip, het tweede pijplegschip en het derde pijplegschip verschillende pijplegschepen zijn.A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first pipeline laying vessel, the second pipeline laying vessel and the third pipeline laying vessel are different pipeline laying vessels. Figure 1C \Figure 1C \ II Figure 2BFigure 2B Figure 3Figure 3 Figure 4A oFigure 4A o XX Figure 4BFigure 4B Figure 4CFigure 4C Figure 4DFigure 4D Figure 4HFigure 4H Figure 6B o co =5 σι / S'—Figure 6B o co = 5 σι / S'— Figure 7AFigure 7A Figure 7BFigure 7B Γ;Γ; Figure 7CFigure 7C Figure 7DFigure 7D Figure 7FFigure 7F Figure 7G sFigure 7G s □ ll□ ll Figure 8B o co φ L_ =5 σ> LlFigure 8B o co φ L_ = 5 σ> Ll Figure 8DFigure 8D
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4051688A (en) * 1975-06-13 1977-10-04 The British Petroleum Company Limited Offshore structure and method
GB2478548A (en) * 2010-03-09 2011-09-14 Acergy France Sa Apparatus and method for installing a pipeline structure at sea
US20120263541A1 (en) * 2011-04-15 2012-10-18 Per Lillejordet Subsea structure for pipe assemblies
EP2808589A1 (en) * 2013-05-28 2014-12-03 Grdf Spacer for laying pipelines intended for being buried in the ground and method for burying pipelines in parallel

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4051688A (en) * 1975-06-13 1977-10-04 The British Petroleum Company Limited Offshore structure and method
GB2478548A (en) * 2010-03-09 2011-09-14 Acergy France Sa Apparatus and method for installing a pipeline structure at sea
US20120263541A1 (en) * 2011-04-15 2012-10-18 Per Lillejordet Subsea structure for pipe assemblies
EP2808589A1 (en) * 2013-05-28 2014-12-03 Grdf Spacer for laying pipelines intended for being buried in the ground and method for burying pipelines in parallel

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