IP Library Granted Patent US 6,985,061
Granted Patent B2
US 6,985,061 · App. 10/333,119 · Granted Jan 10, 2006

Arrangement and method for installing a subsea transformer

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,985,061
App. No.
10/333,119
Granted
Jan 10, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

An arrangement and a method for use in installation procedures for subsea transformers. A central, hole or tube is included in an encapsulation enclosing a transformer that is to be installed. Three core elements of the transformer are arranged symmetrically around the hole or tube forming a triangle or a delta. The transformer is lowered towards a a foundation placed on the sea floor wherein a guide pin is mounted. When the transformer has found its way to the foundation, the guide pin will enter the tube, and the transformer will slide down onto the guide line pin. The tube is terminated by a funnel shaped opening, thus making it easier not to miss the guide pin by the tube opening. The transformer is horizontally oriented by means of orientation keys localized within the tube.

Claims (15)

1. An arrangement for installing a subsea transformer, said arrangement comprising an engagement means for engaging with a corresponding guide means mounted in a seafloor foundation, wherein said engagement means comprises a receiving channel, said guide means comprises a guide pin, and said transformer comprises a plurality of core elements symmetrically enclosing said receiving channel so that said receiving channel forms a central axis parallel to said core elements, said receiving channel being adapted for receiving said guide pin.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein said core elements are arranged in a delta formation around said receiving channel.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein said subsea transformer is encapsulated by a cylindrically or multi-edged capsule.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein said receiving channel is terminated by a funnel-shaped opening at the entrance end.

5. The arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein said receiving channe includes orientation keys for adjusting said receiving channel and thereby the transformer to a desired, predetermined, horizontal orientation relative to said seafloor foundation.

6. A method for installing a subsea transformer, said method, the method comprising: engaging and engagement means with a corresponding guide means mounted in a seafloor foundation, wherein said engagement means comprises a receiving channel, said guide means comprises a single guide pin, said transformer comprises a plurality of core elements symmetrically enclosing said receiving channel so that said receiving channel forms a central axis parallel to said core elements, said receiving channel being adapted for receiving said guide pin, when said receiving channel is lowered onto said guide pin.

7. An arrangement for installing a subsea transformer, said arrangement comprises a guide means for engaging with a corresponding engagement means mounted in a seafloor foundation, wherein said engagement means comprises a receiving channel, said guide means comprises a guide pin, and said transformer comprises a plurality of core elements symmetrically enclosing a central axis running parallel to said core elements, and said receiving channel being adapted for receiving said guide pin.

8. The arrangement according to claim 7 , wherein said subsea transformer is encapsulated by a cylindrically, oval or multi-edged capsule.

9. The arrangement according to claim 7 , wherein said guide pin being axially mounted on the bottom side of said transformer.

10. The arrangement according to claim 7 , wherein said guide pin is the transformer body itself.

11. The arrangement according to claim 7 , wherein said core elements are arranged in a delta-formation.

12. The arrangement according to claim 7 , wherein said receiving channel is terminated by a funnel-shaped opening at the entrance top.

13. The arrangement according to claim 7 , wherein said receiving channel includes orientation keys for adjusting said guide pin and thereby the transformer to a desired, predetermined, horizontal orientation relative to said seafloor foundation.

14. A method for installing a subsea transformer, said method comprising:

engaging a guide means with a corresponding engagement means mounted in a seafloor foundation, wherein said engagement means comprises a receiving channel, said guide means comprises a guide pin, and said transformer comprises a plurality of core elements symmetrically enclosing a central axis running parallel to said core elements, when said receiving channel is adapted for receiving said guide pin, said guide pin being lowered into said receiving channel.

Assignments (6)
GLOBAL DEED OF RELEASE Recorded Sep 4, 2007
From: J.P. MORGAN EUROPE LIMITED
To: VETCO GRAY CONTROLS INC. (ABB OFFSHORE SYSTEMS INC.)
Reel/Frame 019795/0479 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 1, 2007
From: VETCO AIBEL AS
To: VETCO GRAY SCANDINAVIA AS
Reel/Frame 019055/0021 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 12, 2005
From: ABB AS
To: ABB OFFSHORE SYSTEMS AS
Reel/Frame 016455/0991 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Apr 12, 2005
From: ABB OFFSHORE SYSTEMS AS
To: VETCO AIBEL AS
Reel/Frame 016457/0358 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Oct 6, 2004
From: ABB OFFSHORE SYSTEMS INC.
To: J.P. MORGAN EUROPE LIMITED, AS SECURITY AGENT
Reel/Frame 015215/0872 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 2, 2003
From: HAFSKJOLD, GUNNAR; SOELVIK, NILS ARNE
To: ABB AS
Reel/Frame 014404/0442 →