US3641777A - Method and apparatus for working on submerged conduit means - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for working on submerged conduit means Download PDF

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Publication number
US3641777A
US3641777A US841777A US3641777DA US3641777A US 3641777 A US3641777 A US 3641777A US 841777 A US841777 A US 841777A US 3641777D A US3641777D A US 3641777DA US 3641777 A US3641777 A US 3641777A
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United States
Prior art keywords
clamp
operable
conduit
frame
conduit means
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Expired - Lifetime
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US841777A
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English (en)
Inventor
Mark P Banjavich
George R Morrissey
Anthony V Gaudiano
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Taylor Diving and Salvage Co Inc
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Taylor Diving and Salvage Co Inc
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H19/00—Marine propulsion not otherwise provided for
    • B63H19/08—Marine propulsion not otherwise provided for by direct engagement with water-bed or ground
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
    • B23K37/00—Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass
    • B23K37/04—Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
    • B23K37/053—Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work aligning cylindrical work; Clamping devices therefor
    • B23K37/0533—External pipe alignment clamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
    • B23K9/00—Arc welding or cutting
    • B23K9/0061—Underwater arc welding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/34—Diving chambers with mechanical link, e.g. cable, to a base
    • 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

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT I A method and apparatus for working on submerged conduits [22] July 1969 entailing the use of a conduit manipulating and aligning frame [21] App]. No.: 841,777 and a working chamber.
  • the aligning frame straddles independently movable conduit [52] U.S. Cl ..61/69, 61/723 portions.
  • a plurality of clamps engages each conduit portion [51] and the clamps are manipulated to bring the conduit portions [58] Field of Search ..6l/69, 72.3, 81, 82 into an appropriate alignment.
  • the working chamber straddles the aligned conduit portions [56] Rem-em cued and provides a controlled, relatively dry atmosphere within UNITED STATES PATENTS which conduit repairing, connecting or other operations may be performed. 3,204,417 9/1965 Robley ..61/72.3 3,267,682 8/1966 Robley ..6 1 /72.3 1 20 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures 7l6 3l 6 3 315 1 256 L 17 7l4 n5 r-7l8 7Ol f I 7 2 /7 -7o2 a. i 1. 7'2 I06 103 104 105 I g 1 l I: T 1' :l :I 1
  • a working chamber may be located over the adjacent portions so as to provide a relatively dry and isolated work zone. This zone permits operations such as the welding of the conduit ends to be performed.
  • the working chamber should provide for both humidity and temperature control.
  • the working chamber may be conditioned by a particular gaseous environment, it is desirable that simple but effective means be provided for preventing the escape of such a special gaseous environment from the working chamber interior.
  • conduit stabilizing and aligning frame is utilized in conjunction with a working chamber
  • the efficiency of the conduit end alignment operation could be facilitated by the provision of alignment control means operable either from the exterior or interior of the working chamber.
  • an apparatus including frame means operable to be lowered from floating vessel and be positioned over submerged conduit means.
  • This frame means includes a first plurality of clamp means spaced longitudinally of a first portion of the conduit means and clampingly engageable therewith.
  • Clamp-actuated means enable the clamp means of the first and second plurality to be independently manipulated to selectively exert independent conduit portion manipulating force on the conduit means.
  • the apparatus may also include a working chamber means, or habitat," including a closed diver passage providing communication between the exterior of the working chamber means and an upper exterior portion of its body means.
  • the working chamber means is provided with dehumidifying means operable to control both humidity and temperature within the working temperature means.
  • This dehumidifying means preferably includes heat exchanger means disposed in heat exchanging relation with water surrounding the working chamber means.
  • the apparatus may also include sequentially operable guide means operable to guide the frame means and working chamber means between a floating vessel and the conduit means site.
  • the guide means may also enable a diver transfer chamber to be guided from the floating vessel to the diver passage of the working chamber means.
  • both the frame means and the working chamber means may be provided with a plurality of independently controllable jack means. Such jack means will exert selective lifting force on a submerged surface adjacent the work site.
  • the installation of the frame means and working chamber means may be facilitated by the use of a bar means which is operable to stabilize and transmit lifting and lowering force between a floating vessel and the frame means or working chamber means, depending upon which of these means the bar means is connected with.
  • control means included in the apparatus preferably includes alternately operable control stations, some mounted on the frame means exterior of the working chamber and some mounted on the interior of the working chamber means.
  • control means enable the clamp means to be actuated and controlled by divers from the exterior of the working chamber means prior to the installation of the working chamber means and from the interior of the installed working chamber means.
  • the invention also contemplates a method of working on conduits wherein a plurality of forces are independently exerted at longitudinally spaced locations on each of two independent conduit portions. These forces are exerted so as to insure the appropriate alignment of the conduit portions.
  • a working chamber is positioned over the conduit portions and its interior atmosphere is selectively dehumidified and temperature adjusted.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the guiding of an alignment frame downwardly from a floating vessel toward two independently movable conduit portions
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the positioning of the alignment frame so as to straddle the two conduit portions, and further illustrates the guiding of a working chamber into position over the conduit portions;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the guiding of a diver transfer chamber toward a diver passage of the working chamber, which chamber is disposed so as to straddle the two conduit portions;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the arrival of the diver transfer chamber at the diver passage of the working chamber
  • FIG. 5 provides an enlarged, transverse, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 4 disposition of the system, illustrating the completed alignment of the diver transfer chamber and the diver passage of the work chamber, and further illustrating the manner in which divers may safely move from the diver transfer chamber through the diver passage to the interior of the working chamber;
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a power arrangement which may be used to facilitate the guided movement of the diver transfer chamber toward the working chamber
  • FIG. 7 provides a fragmentary, perspective view of the alignment frame illustrated in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 provides a representative, end elevational view of one of four clamping assemblies included in the FIG. 7 alignment frame, with this clamping assembly being viewed along the view direction 8-8 of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 provides an enlarged view of an articulated, conduit clamp incorporated in the representative FIG. 8 assembly
  • FIG. 10 provides a transverse sectional view of the FIG. 9 assembly as viewed along the section line l0 l0;
  • FIG. 1 1 provides an enlarged transverse sectional view of a clamp hinge as viewed along the section 1 111 of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 12 provides an enlarged, side elevational view of the lifting bar shown in FIG. 1 in supporting engagement with the FIG. 7 alignment frame;
  • FIG. 13 provides a top, plan view of the FIG. 12 lifting bar
  • FIG. 14 provides a bottom, plan view of the FIG. 12 lifting bar
  • FIG. 15 provides an end elevational view of one embodiment of the working chamber as shown in FIG. 2, illustrating a door associated with a working chamber end wall in a closed door position;
  • FIG. 16 illustrates the FIG. 15 chamber, with the door in an open position so as to define a recess of the reception of a conduit during the working chamber lowering operation shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a modified form of the working chamber shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, wherein the working chamber is provided at each of its four corners with a selectively operable jack;
  • FIG. 18 provides a top plan view of the FIG. 17 embodiment of the working chamber
  • FIG. 19 provides an end elevational view of a modified form of the FIG. 15 working chamber wherein the end wall door is provided with a modified actuating arrangement
  • FIG. 20 illustrates the FIG. 19 embodiment, with the end wall door in an open position for the reception of a conduit during the working chamber lowering operation;
  • FIG. 21 provides a vertically sectioned elevational view of a representative jack which may be associated with either the working chamber, as shown in FIG. 17, or the alignment frame, shown in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 22 provides a fully sectioned and enlarged view of the upper portion of the FIG. 21 jack, illustrating in vertical section, the arrangement of the jack piston and its seal components;
  • FIGS. 23a and 23b when joined along the dividing line a a, illustrate hydraulic circuitry employed to selectively control the actuation of the alignment frame clamps from either the frame or the interior of the working chamber;
  • FIG. 24 provides a perspective view of the interior of the working chamber, in any of its embodiments, illustrating a diaphragm seal disposed between a conduit portion and the end wall of the working chamber in the vicinity of an end wall door;
  • FIG. 25 in a perspective, exploded format, illustrates components of the FIG. 24 diaphragm seal
  • FIG. 26 provides a transverse sectional view of the FIG. 24 diaphragm seal, as viewed along the section line 26-26 of FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 27 provides a schematic illustration of a dehumidifying and temperature controlling system for regulating the humidity and temperature of the working environment within any of the various embodiments of the working chamber.
  • the apparatus includes an aligning frame 1, a working chamber or habitat 2, and a lifting and lowering bar 3.
  • the function of the aligning frame 1 is to provide a stable base, weighing possibly over a hundred tons, on a submerged surface S adjacent a work site.
  • This work site may involve a submerged location beneath a floating vessel V.
  • two conduits C1 and C2 may be located in generally adjacent positions and be supported by the submerged surface S.
  • the mutually facing ends of the first and second conduit portions C1 and C2 are intended to be connected together as, for example, by a weldedin-place, connecting conduit portion or pup.
  • divers may jet or dig away the submerged surface S beneath adjacent end portions of the conduits C1 and C2 to facilitate the conduit joining operation.
  • the aligning frame 1 is positioned so as to straddle the conduit portions CI and C2. In a manner to be subsequently described, clamps carried by the aligning frame 1 are employed to exert aligning and manipulative forces on each of the conduit portions C1 and C2.
  • the function of the working chamber or habitat 2 is to provide a relatively dry gaseous atmosphere adjacent the mutually facing ends of the conduit portions C1 and C2. This atmosphere enables conduit connecting or working operations such as welding to be performed with relative facility, ease and efficiency.
  • the function of the lifting and lowering bar 3 is to facilitate the sequential positioning of the aligning frame 1 and working chamber 2.
  • FIGS. 7 through 11 Structural details of the massive aligning frame 1 are shown in FIGS. 7 through 11.
  • the frame is defined, in part, by two box girders or base stringers 101 and 102.
  • Box griders 101 and 102 are mutually parallel and are operable to engage the submerged surface S on opposite sides of the conduit means C1-C2.
  • Box girders or base stringers 101 and 102 are transversely interconnected by archlike trusses 103, 104, and 106.
  • the trusses are interconnected by tubular framing, as shown generally in FIG. 7.
  • Base member connecting, trusses 103 through 106 are substantially identical in structure. Trusses 103 and 106, as shown in FIG. I, are disposed at the end extremities of the base stringers 101 and 102. Intermittent trusses 104 and 105 are positioned so as to provide generally equal spacing between adjacent ones of the trusses 103 through 106.
  • Each of the trusses 103 through 106 is provided with conduit-engaging clamp means 107.
  • FIGS. 8 through 11 Representative details of a clamp means 107 associated with the truss 105 are shown in FIGS. 8 through 11.
  • clamp 107 includes a first, semicylindrical clamp component 108 and a second, semicylindrical clamp component 109.
  • Components 108 and 109 are pivotally interconnected by an articulation or pivot joint 110 having a pivot axis extending longitudinally of, and parallel to, the base stringers 101 and 102.
  • Clamp segments 108 and 109 are provided with generally cylindrical conduit engaging faces 110 and 111 respectively.
  • the generally cylindrical conduit engaging faces 1 10 and 111 are intended, in a closed position, to define a generally cylindrical clamp having an axis of curvature extending longitudinally of and parallel to base stringers 101 and 102 and parallel to the pivot axis at articulation joint 110.
  • clamp engaging face 110 is reinforced by longitudinally spaced and radially extending, arcuate webs 112 and 113.
  • conduit engaging face 111 is reinforced by longitudinally spaced and radially extending, arcuate webs 114 and 1 15.
  • articulation joint 110 is defined by a pivot pin 116.
  • Pivot pin 1 16 is journaled in apertured portions 117 and 118 of plates 114 and respectively.
  • a pair of spaced, platelike webs 119 and 120 welded on the upper extremity of reinforcing web 112 defining a socket 121 within which the upper end of web 114 is received.
  • Pin 116 is journaled in apertured portions of webs 119 and 120, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • spaced platelike webs 124 and 125 are welded to web 113 defining a socket 126. receiving web 115.
  • Pin 116 is journaled in apertured portions 127 and 128 of webs 124 and 125, respectively.
  • lugs 129 and 130 carried by segments 108 and 109 respectively, provide clamp segment securing means.
  • a threaded bolt 131 is operable to pass through apertured portions of lug means 130 and 129 and engage a threaded nut 132.
  • the nut and bolt 131 and 132 manipulated by a diver at the work site, thus engage the lugs 130 and 129 to hold the clamp segments 108 and 109 in a closed position.
  • conduit engaging faces 110 and 111 would be somewhat larger than the outer periphery of the engaged conduit so as to permit relative rotation between the conduit and the closed clamp. Even though such relative rotation would be permitted, in the preferred embodiment, there still would be substantially contiguous and conforming engagement between the faces 110 and 111 and the conduit means preferably.
  • Each clamp 107 is also provided with clamp actuating means. As shown in FIG. 8, this clamp-actuating means comprises a first piston and cylinder assembly 133, a second piston and cylinder assembly 134, and a third piston and cylinder assembly 135.
  • First piston and cylinder assembly includes a cylinder 136 pivotably connected to base stringer 101 by a longitudinally extending pivot pin mounting 137. Piston rod 138 projecting from the cylinder 136 is pivotably connected with segment 109 by a longitudinally extending pivot pin connection 139.
  • cylinder component 140 of the second piston and cylinder assembly 134 is connected with base stringer 102 by a longitudinally extending pivot pin connection 141.
  • a piston rod 142 of assembly 134 is pivotably connected to clamp segment 108 by a longitudinally extending pin connection 143.
  • Third piston and cylinder assembly 135 is mounted within an upwardly converging recess 144 in the apex of the truss or arch 105.
  • Cylinder component 145 of the assembly 135 is pivotably mounted to an upper plate portion 146 of recess 144 by a longitudinally extending pivot pin connection 147.
  • a piston pin component 148 of assembly 135 is pivotably connected to the pivot pin 116 as generally shown in FIG. 11.
  • each of the assemblies 133, 134, 135 is double acting in nature so that changes in force may be selectively exerted in either axial direction of each assembly.
  • the clamp segments 107 associated with the trusses 103 and 104 provide first and second, longitudinally spaced clamps clampingly engageable with the conduit portion C1. Either one of the clamps of the trusses 103 and 104 may function as a fulcrum, while the other clamp functions to apply a conduit flexing or moving force to the conduit portion C1. These clamps may also function to apply force in the same general direction to conduit C1.
  • clamps 107 associated with the trusses 105 and 106 define a second plurality of clamp means spaced longitudinally of the conduit portion C2 and clampingly engageable with this conduit portion.
  • either clamp 107 may serve as a fulcrum while the other clamp applies a flexing or conduit moving force to the conduit means C2.
  • these clamps may function in unison to apply force in the same general direction to conduit C2.
  • the weight or mass of the frame 1 provides a stable base from which clamp forces may be exerted on the conduit means Cl and C2 so as to induce movement of the conduit means C1 and C2 relative to the relatively immovable base 1.
  • Such conduit means movement will serve to adjust the position and/or orientation of conduit portions Cl and C2 so as to bring them into an appropriate degree of alignment for a conduit connecting or other conduit working operation.
  • piston and cylinder assemblies associated with the clamp means of the trusses 103 and 104 may be viewed as first clamp-actuating means operable to selectively exert independent force on the conduit means C 1, selectively directed generally transversely of the longitudinal axis of the conduit portion C1. Since the resultant thrust or force vector may be varied by selective operation of the various piston or cylinder assemblies, the applied force is selectively orientable about the cylinders of the conduit portion C1.
  • the force applied by any clamp assembly may be adjusted so as to be horizontal, vertical, or inclined, with respect to horizontal and vertical directions.
  • the resultant force applied to the conduit portion C l by either of the clamp assemblies associated with the trusses 103 and 104 may be oriented to conform to virtually any circumferential alignment.
  • the piston and cylinder assemblies associated with the clamp of the trusses and 106 provide second clamp actuating means including all of the characteristics of the first clamp actuating means, but operable in connection with the second conduit portion C2.
  • FIGS. 15 through 26 WORKING CHAMBER DETAILS Structural details of the working chamber or habitat 2 are set forth in FIGS. 15 through 26.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate one embodiment of the working chamber 2.
  • the chamber 2 is defined by sidewall means 201 and 202 which are interconnected by a generally semicylindrical stop wall 203.
  • the ends of the working chamber 2 are closed by end walls 204 and 205. Each of the end walls is provided with a downwardly opening recess.
  • the end wall recesses are substantially identical.
  • representative recess 206 of end wall 204 extends upwardly from the base 207 of the working chamber and terminates in a downwardly facing, arcuate upper end or conduit-engaging terminus 208.
  • Upper end 208 is preferably fabricated from a series of independently removable cylindrical segments. The cylindrical segments of the upper end portion 208 may be sequentially removed to provide an exposed segment 209 having a cylindrical curvature conforming to the conduit periphery to be engaged, in this case the periphery of conduit means C2 shown in FIG. 1.
  • the various segments of the recess top defining wall means 208 may be interconnected by removable screws.
  • the screw arrangement may be such so as to permit the sequential removal of segments, moving progressively upwardly from small diameter segments to large diameter segments.
  • Each end wall is also provided with a door which is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis and which is also operable to move toward and away from the recess terminus 208.
  • the wall 204 is provided with a door 210
  • the wall 205 is provided with an equivalent door 21 1.
  • Representative door 210 is defined in part by wall means 212. At the upper end of the wall means 212 a conduit-engaging terminus 213 is provided. Terminus 213 is structurally and functionally the same as recess end defining means 208. However, terminus 213 is mounted in a mirror-image relation with respect to means 208 when the door 210 is disposed in a closed position as shown in FIG. 15.
  • Door 210 supports a cylindrical sleevelike member 214 on one edge, i.e., the right edge as viewed in FIG. 15.
  • Sleeve 214 is fixedly connected to the door 212 by vertically spaced bracket means 215 and 216.
  • Sleeve 214 is slidably journaled in vertically apertured brackets 217 and 218 carried by the end wall 204.
  • brackets 216 and 215 are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting bracket 217 so as to limit movement of the sleeve 214 relative to the end wall 204.
  • the mounting brackets 217 and 218 journal the sleeve 214 for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis so as to define a door hinge having a generally vertical hinge axis.
  • a pair of piston and cylinder door jack assemblies 219 and 220 serve to induce vertical movement of the door 210 relative to the end wall 204.
  • the cylinder portion 221 of assembly 219 is connected to end wall 204 by a mounting bracket 222.
  • the piston 223 of assembly 219 is connected to an anchor point 224 fixedly positioned within the interior ofsleeve 214.
  • Cylinder 25 of assembly 220 is pivotably connected to end wall 204 by mounting bracket 226.
  • Mounting bracket 226 provides a pivot pin connection 227 having a pivot axis extending longitudinally of chamber 2, i.e., parallel to the axis of curvature 228 of the converged terminus means 208 and 213.
  • Piston rod 229 of assembly 220 is provided at its lower extremity with a hook 230.
  • Hook 230 is detachably engageable with a pin 23] connected by bracket means 232 to door 210.
  • the doors 210 and 211 are each disposed in a lowermost and open position corresponding to the position of door 210 shown in FIG. 16. These doors are each moved, in an identical fashion, from the arrangement shown in FIG. 16 to the FIG. 16 position.
  • This door lowering and opening is accomplished, with reference to door 210, by extending piston rod 229 while assembly 219 remains in its contracted position.
  • assembly 219 holds the door in the upper position shown in FIG. while the extension of rod 229 frees the hook 230 from the latch pin 231.
  • the assembly 220 may then be pivoted clockwise, from the FIG. 15 position, about the pivot pin 227 to free the assembly 220 from the door 210.
  • the door 210 may then be pivoted about the pivoted joint defined by sleeve 214 and mounting brackets 217 and 218 to an open position.
  • the door may then be lowered by extending piston rod 223 so that the door assumes the lower and open position shown in FIG. 16.
  • Working chamber 2 is provided with a diver passage means 233 as shown generally in FIGS. 15, 16 and 5.
  • Diver passage 233 is defined by a generally vertical, closed conduitlike, wall means 234 extending generally vertically along the sidewall 202 of the working chamber 2. Diver passage means 233 is thus located externally of the working chamber 2. Wall 234 may be provided with a door 234a to enable diver movement into and out of passage 233 from the side ofchamber 2.
  • the upper end 235 of diver passage means 233 is open so as to provide an entry and exit point for divers.
  • passage means 233 is provided with an enlarged portion, extending in a generally U-shaped fashion about a lower edge 236 of wall means 202 and upwardly into the interior 237 of the working chamber 2.
  • This enlarged portion 238 provides a U-shaped, diver transfer passage portion 239 permitting divers to move from the vertical passage portion 240 into the interior 237 of the working chamber 2. The movement of divers through passage portions 240 and 239 may be facilitated by ladder-defining, rungs 241 as shown in FIG. 5.
  • diver passage means 233 may be provided with a landing base 244 which in turn supports an upwardly diverging, guide cone assembly 245.
  • Guide cone assembly 245 is designed to guidingly receive a downwardly moving diver transfer chamber 246.
  • Transfer chamber 246 may correspond, for example, to a diver transfer chamber or vehicle as described in U.S. Banjavich Pat. No. 3,323,312.
  • diver transfer chamber 246 guided onto platform 244 by guide cone 245, divers may move through the passage means 240 and 239 while utilizing a life support system (air supply, etc.) 247 operated from the transfer vehicle 246.
  • System 247 is supplied by an umbilical system 248 extending upwardly to the support vehicle or floating vessel V.
  • a diver may utilize a life support system, possibly including masks, operated from the working chamber 2.
  • the life support system or working chamber 2 would be substantially independent of that associated with the transfer vehicle 246. However, the life support system of working chamber 2 would most probably be supported by an umbilical arrangement extending again from the service vessel V.
  • the atmosphere within the interior space 237 would be regulated and adjusted from the standpoint of humidity, temperature, and gaseous content.
  • the temperature and humidity control arrangements will be subsequently described.
  • the gas atmosphere supplied to the interior of space 237 from the vessel V is preferably abnormally high in nitrogen so as to reduce the relative percentage of oxygen present. It is desirable that the oxygen content should be reduced to a minimum level necessary to sustain life. In so reducing the oxygen content, the likelihood of fire or combustion in the working space 237 is appreciably reduced.
  • the relative ratios of nitrogen and oxygen will vary substantially with the depth of the working chamber 2, i.e., with the pressure within the space 237.
  • Working chamber 2 may be provided with means to facilitate working operations such as the hoist unit 249 illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • the hoist unit 249 could be used to support a conduit portion being cut away or support a conduit portion being welded in place between the space conduit ends Cl and C2.
  • Deck 250 and for that matter, deck 251 may each comprise a perforate or gridlike floor plate pivotably mounted on which hinge means 252 and 253 extend longitudinally of the working chamber.
  • hinge means will enable the floor plates 250 and 251 to be pivoted upwardly and ieave a relatively unobstructed opening 254 in the base of the working chamber 2.
  • abutment means 255 and 2550 carried by the floor plates 250 and 251, respectively, and engageable with upright frame or wall portion of the working chamber interior.
  • opening 254 provides direct fluid communication between space 237 and the water surrounding chamber 2.
  • Working chamber 2 is provided with lifting eyes 256 and 257 spaced longitudinally of and connected with upper wall means 203 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. These lifting eyes 256 and 257 spaced longitudinally of and connected with upper wall means 203 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. These lifting eyes are provided with lifting eyes 256 and 257 spaced longitudinally of and connected with upper wall means 203 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. These lifting eyes are provided with lifting eyes 256 and 257 spaced longitudinally of and connected with upper wall means 203 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. These lifting eyes are provided.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Arc Welding In General (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)
  • Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
US841777A 1969-07-15 1969-07-15 Method and apparatus for working on submerged conduit means Expired - Lifetime US3641777A (en)

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US (1) US3641777A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS5122288B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1288691A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
NL (2) NL169446C (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
NO (1) NO134315C (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3785160A (en) * 1969-07-15 1974-01-15 Taylor Diving & Salvage Co Method and apparatus for working on submerged pipeline means
US3795115A (en) * 1972-09-05 1974-03-05 Lockheed Petroleum Services Method and apparatus for joining subsea pipelines
US3851491A (en) * 1972-06-22 1974-12-03 Atmospheric Diving Syst Inc Method and apparatus for underwater operations
US4019333A (en) * 1975-12-24 1977-04-26 Karsan Demir I Apparatus and method for buffering submerged conduits
FR2369492A1 (fr) * 1976-10-29 1978-05-26 Saipem Spa Appareil concu pour supporter des canali
FR2369491A1 (fr) * 1976-10-29 1978-05-26 Expertises Sa Cie Maritime Procede et dispositif pour realiser l'installation ou la reparation des conduites immergees
FR2390658A1 (fr) * 1977-05-09 1978-12-08 Odd Berg Procede et appareil pour aligner deux extremites de pipe-lines ou autres conduites
US4133180A (en) * 1975-07-02 1979-01-09 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Apparatus for welding submerged pipe ends
US4149818A (en) * 1977-08-22 1979-04-17 Perry Oceanographics, Inc. Submersible chamber arrangement
US4159189A (en) * 1977-09-30 1979-06-26 Foster Robert D Tie-in method and apparatus
US4171175A (en) * 1975-07-28 1979-10-16 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles, Societe Anonyme Apparatus for underwater welding of pipes
US4203687A (en) * 1975-06-20 1980-05-20 The Sea Horse Corporation Under water crane
US4229120A (en) * 1978-09-11 1980-10-21 Taylor Diving & Salvage Co., Inc. Submarine pipeline alignment rig
US4253779A (en) * 1977-04-01 1981-03-03 Companie Maritime d'Expertises S.A. Method for aligning two submerged pipe sections
US4304505A (en) * 1979-01-08 1981-12-08 Saipem, S.P.A. Method for repairing a damaged pipe laid on deep sea beds
FR2488973A1 (fr) * 1980-08-22 1982-02-26 Petroles Cie Francaise Procede et dispositif d'intervention sur une conduite sous-marine
FR2505226A1 (fr) * 1981-05-05 1982-11-12 Inst Elektroswarki Patona Installation mobile pour l'obtention d'une conduite continue par soudage de tubes en bout par resistance
US4626128A (en) * 1985-04-11 1986-12-02 Devine Thomas H Underwater gas pocket work unit and removal of dangerous fumes and gases therefrom
US5727907A (en) * 1995-11-08 1998-03-17 Silva; Jose De J. Method for the reparation of submerged pipelines
US5775844A (en) * 1997-01-17 1998-07-07 Nelson; Arthur Pipeline repair habitat
WO1998031499A1 (en) * 1997-01-21 1998-07-23 Agais Offshore Limited Apparatus and method for welding and inspecting coiled tubing
US5823708A (en) * 1996-01-16 1998-10-20 Dwight; John M. Device which provides an underwater dry workshop environment for ship propeller inspection and repair
US6200068B1 (en) * 1998-02-06 2001-03-13 Sonsub, Inc. Hot tap fluid blaster apparatus and method of using same
US6443660B1 (en) * 2000-11-27 2002-09-03 Oceaneering International, Inc. Method and system for manipulating an object located underwater
US20080035327A1 (en) * 2006-08-10 2008-02-14 Subsea 7 Limited Method and frame
US20090026765A1 (en) * 2007-07-24 2009-01-29 Oceaneering International, Inc. Connector Jumper
US20090058076A1 (en) * 2001-11-06 2009-03-05 Giles John J Remote bolted flange connection apparatus and methods of operation thereof
US8944724B2 (en) * 2012-10-01 2015-02-03 Oceaneering International, Inc. Gravity driven pile tower based device for pipeline lifting and support and method of use
US9464733B2 (en) * 2012-10-01 2016-10-11 Oceaneering Internationla, Inc. Gravity driven pile tower based device for pipeline lifting and support and method of use
US20180065714A1 (en) * 2015-05-12 2018-03-08 Fredrik VON HELAND System for transporting objects to ocean structures
WO2019048433A1 (en) * 2017-09-07 2019-03-14 Irish Sea Contractors Limited SUBMERSIBLE HABITAT FOR THE REPAIR OF A SUBMARINE CABLE
RU188233U1 (ru) * 2018-12-14 2019-04-03 Публичное акционерное общество "Транснефть" (ПАО "Транснефть") Герметизирующая камера шахтного типа
RU203662U1 (ru) * 2020-12-18 2021-04-15 Публичное акционерное общество "Татнефть" имени В.Д. Шашина Приспособление для сборки распределительного устройства технологического блока ГЗУ Спутник
EP4072772A1 (en) * 2020-03-17 2022-10-19 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S Method of connecting by welding two sections of a structure, especially of a wind turbine, and corresponding connection tool

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JPS58206479A (ja) * 1982-05-24 1983-12-01 Nippon Komu Kk 石炭・油混合燃料運搬船
JPS6154388A (ja) * 1984-08-27 1986-03-18 Nippon Kokan Kk <Nkk> 石炭スラリ−船
FR2571998A1 (fr) * 1984-10-22 1986-04-25 Alsthom Atlantique Dispositif de soutien d'un element tubulaire additionnel a assembler horizontalement bout a bout avec une structure tubulaire
NO305815B1 (no) * 1995-05-29 1999-07-26 Abb Offshore Technology As Neddykkbart verkt°y og verkt°ysystemer for sammenkopling av undersj°iske r°rledninger
JP2013230486A (ja) * 2012-04-27 2013-11-14 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 溶接装置

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US3500648A (en) * 1968-04-15 1970-03-17 Cammell Laird & Co Shipbuildin Underwater vehicles
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Cited By (40)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3785160A (en) * 1969-07-15 1974-01-15 Taylor Diving & Salvage Co Method and apparatus for working on submerged pipeline means
US3851491A (en) * 1972-06-22 1974-12-03 Atmospheric Diving Syst Inc Method and apparatus for underwater operations
US3795115A (en) * 1972-09-05 1974-03-05 Lockheed Petroleum Services Method and apparatus for joining subsea pipelines
US4203687A (en) * 1975-06-20 1980-05-20 The Sea Horse Corporation Under water crane
US4251167A (en) * 1975-07-02 1981-02-17 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Method of welding together submerged pipe ends by means of a telescopic connection sleeve
US4133180A (en) * 1975-07-02 1979-01-09 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Apparatus for welding submerged pipe ends
US4171175A (en) * 1975-07-28 1979-10-16 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles, Societe Anonyme Apparatus for underwater welding of pipes
US4019333A (en) * 1975-12-24 1977-04-26 Karsan Demir I Apparatus and method for buffering submerged conduits
FR2369491A1 (fr) * 1976-10-29 1978-05-26 Expertises Sa Cie Maritime Procede et dispositif pour realiser l'installation ou la reparation des conduites immergees
FR2369492A1 (fr) * 1976-10-29 1978-05-26 Saipem Spa Appareil concu pour supporter des canali
US4253779A (en) * 1977-04-01 1981-03-03 Companie Maritime d'Expertises S.A. Method for aligning two submerged pipe sections
FR2390658A1 (fr) * 1977-05-09 1978-12-08 Odd Berg Procede et appareil pour aligner deux extremites de pipe-lines ou autres conduites
US4149818A (en) * 1977-08-22 1979-04-17 Perry Oceanographics, Inc. Submersible chamber arrangement
US4159189A (en) * 1977-09-30 1979-06-26 Foster Robert D Tie-in method and apparatus
US4229120A (en) * 1978-09-11 1980-10-21 Taylor Diving & Salvage Co., Inc. Submarine pipeline alignment rig
US4304505A (en) * 1979-01-08 1981-12-08 Saipem, S.P.A. Method for repairing a damaged pipe laid on deep sea beds
FR2488973A1 (fr) * 1980-08-22 1982-02-26 Petroles Cie Francaise Procede et dispositif d'intervention sur une conduite sous-marine
FR2505226A1 (fr) * 1981-05-05 1982-11-12 Inst Elektroswarki Patona Installation mobile pour l'obtention d'une conduite continue par soudage de tubes en bout par resistance
US4626128A (en) * 1985-04-11 1986-12-02 Devine Thomas H Underwater gas pocket work unit and removal of dangerous fumes and gases therefrom
US5727907A (en) * 1995-11-08 1998-03-17 Silva; Jose De J. Method for the reparation of submerged pipelines
US5823708A (en) * 1996-01-16 1998-10-20 Dwight; John M. Device which provides an underwater dry workshop environment for ship propeller inspection and repair
US5775844A (en) * 1997-01-17 1998-07-07 Nelson; Arthur Pipeline repair habitat
WO1998031499A1 (en) * 1997-01-21 1998-07-23 Agais Offshore Limited Apparatus and method for welding and inspecting coiled tubing
US6220498B1 (en) 1997-01-21 2001-04-24 Agais Offshore Limited Apparatus and method for welding and inspecting coiled tubing
US6200068B1 (en) * 1998-02-06 2001-03-13 Sonsub, Inc. Hot tap fluid blaster apparatus and method of using same
US6443660B1 (en) * 2000-11-27 2002-09-03 Oceaneering International, Inc. Method and system for manipulating an object located underwater
US20090058076A1 (en) * 2001-11-06 2009-03-05 Giles John J Remote bolted flange connection apparatus and methods of operation thereof
US20080035327A1 (en) * 2006-08-10 2008-02-14 Subsea 7 Limited Method and frame
US8141643B2 (en) * 2006-08-10 2012-03-27 Subsea 7 Limited Method and frame
US20090026765A1 (en) * 2007-07-24 2009-01-29 Oceaneering International, Inc. Connector Jumper
US8944724B2 (en) * 2012-10-01 2015-02-03 Oceaneering International, Inc. Gravity driven pile tower based device for pipeline lifting and support and method of use
US9464733B2 (en) * 2012-10-01 2016-10-11 Oceaneering Internationla, Inc. Gravity driven pile tower based device for pipeline lifting and support and method of use
US11713833B2 (en) * 2012-10-01 2023-08-01 Oceaneering International, Inc. Gravity driven pile tower based device for pipeline lifting and support
US20180065714A1 (en) * 2015-05-12 2018-03-08 Fredrik VON HELAND System for transporting objects to ocean structures
WO2019048433A1 (en) * 2017-09-07 2019-03-14 Irish Sea Contractors Limited SUBMERSIBLE HABITAT FOR THE REPAIR OF A SUBMARINE CABLE
CN111448132A (zh) * 2017-09-07 2020-07-24 爱尔兰海上工程有限公司 用于修复海底电缆的水下工作室
US11565780B2 (en) 2017-09-07 2023-01-31 Irish Sea Contractors Limited Submersible habitat for the repair of subsea cable
RU188233U1 (ru) * 2018-12-14 2019-04-03 Публичное акционерное общество "Транснефть" (ПАО "Транснефть") Герметизирующая камера шахтного типа
EP4072772A1 (en) * 2020-03-17 2022-10-19 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S Method of connecting by welding two sections of a structure, especially of a wind turbine, and corresponding connection tool
RU203662U1 (ru) * 2020-12-18 2021-04-15 Публичное акционерное общество "Татнефть" имени В.Д. Шашина Приспособление для сборки распределительного устройства технологического блока ГЗУ Спутник

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL169446C (nl) 1982-07-16
JPS5122288B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1976-07-08
NL8103641A (nl) 1982-01-04
NL169446B (nl) 1982-02-16
NO134315C (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1976-09-15
NL7002896A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1971-01-19
GB1288691A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1972-09-13
NO134315B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1976-06-08

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