Connection apparatus and methods
A vertical connection apparatus for connecting a pipeline to a subsea structure comprises a guide funnel for controlling the position of the pipeline relative to the subsea structure; a moveable barrier and a attachment region for a drive mechanism; the moveable barrier is operable between an open position in which the pipeline can pass through the guide funnel and a closed position in which the barrier prevent the end of the pipeline passing through the end of the guide funnel. A tool with a drive mechanism can be attached between the pipeline and guide funnel to manipulate the pipeline into a connectable position. A clamp connector secures the connection between the pipeline and subsea structure conduit.
1. A vertical connection apparatus for connecting a pipeline to a subsea structure the apparatus comprising:
a guide funnel for controlling the position of the pipeline relative to the subsea structure;
a moveable barrier; and
an attachment region for a tool operable to move the pipeline relative to the subsea structure;
wherein the moveable barrier is operable to convert the guide funnel between an open position in which the pipeline can pass through the guide funnel; and a closed position in which the barrier prevents the lower end of the pipeline passing through the end of the guide funnel.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the moveable barrier is a rod which in the closed position can extend across the lower end of the guide funnel.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is located on a conduit of the subsea structure.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a connector porch wherein the guide funnel is aligned with the connector porch.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a clamp for securing the pipeline to the conduit of the subsea structure.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the subsea structure is a second pipeline.
7. A pipeline connection system comprising an apparatus according to claim 1 , the subsea structure, and the pipeline, wherein the pipeline includes an attachment region for a tool operable to move the pipeline relative to the subsea structure.
8. A system according to claim 7 wherein the end of the pipeline is configured to engage with the interior of the guide funnel.
9. A system according to claim 7 further comprising the tool connectable to the first and second attachment regions.
10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the tool has a drive mechanism which is a hydraulic ram.
11. A method for positioning a pipeline for connecting to a conduit of a subsea structure; the method comprising;
providing the subsea structure with a guide funnel, the guide funnel being coaxially aligned above the end of the conduit of the subsea structure; the guide funnel having first attachment region for a tool operable to move the pipeline relative to the subsea structure and having a moveable barrier operable between an open position and a closed position;
deploying the pipeline into the guide funnel, the pipeline having a second attachment region;
positioning the moveable barrier to the closed position to prevent the pipeline extending through the guide funnel.
12. A method according to claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
attaching a tool operable to move the pipeline to the first and second attachment regions;
operating the tool to take the weight of the pipeline;
positioning the moveable barrier to the open position;
operating the tool to bring the pipeline towards a connector porch mounted on the subsea structure;
actuating a clamp to connect the pipeline to the conduit.
13. A method according to claim 12 comprising attaching the tool to the first and second attachment regions using a ROV.
14. A method according to claim 11 comprising using a ROV to operate the moveable barrier.
15. A method according to claim 11 comprising using an apparatus comprising
the guide funnel for controlling the position of the pipeline relative to the subsea structure;
the moveable barrier; and
the attachment region for a tool operable to move the pipeline relative to the subsea structure;
wherein the moveable barrier is operable to convert the guide funnel between the open position in which the pipeline can pass through the guide funnel; and the closed position in which the barrier prevents the lower end of the pipeline passing through the end of the guide funnel.
16. A method according to claim 11 comprising using a system comprising, the subsea structure, the pipeline, and an apparatus,
wherein the apparatus comprises:
the guide funnel for controlling the position of the pipeline relative to the subsea structure;
the moveable barrier; and
the attachment region for a tool operable to move the pipeline relative to the subsea structure;
wherein the moveable barrier is operable to convert the guide funnel between the open position in which the pipeline can pass through the guide funnel; and the closed position in which the barrier prevents the lower end of the pipeline passing through the end of the guide funnel; and
wherein the pipeline includes the second attachment region for a tool operable to move the pipeline relative to the subsea structure.