Patent ID: 6592297
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A pipe laying method for installing a pipeline utilizing standard pipe sections of generally uniform diameter and at least one non-standard pipe section having a bulky device larger than the diameter of a standard pipe section, the method including the steps of:providing a pipe laying vessel equipped with a tower and with hoisting means; providing a pipe clamping mechanism at the lower portion of the tower to engage and releasably hold the upper end of the pipeline at a first position; attaching the lower end of said non-standard pipe section to the upper end of said pipeline; releasably securing the hoisting means to the upper end of said non-standard pipe section; disengaging the upper end of the pipeline from the pipe clamping mechanism; using the hoisting means to first move the non-standard pipe section and attached pipeline to a second position spaced generally horizontally offset from the point of attachment of said non-standard pipe section to the upper end of the pipeline; next using the hoisting means to lower the non-standard pipe section and attached pipeline into the sea wherein the bulky item is positioned at a predetermined location and depth below the tower; using the hoisting means to return the upper end of the pipeline to the pipe clamping mechanism; engaging the clamping mechanism with the upper end of said non-standard pipe section and attached pipeline; and adding the lower end of a standard pipe section to the non-standard upper end of the pipe section disposed in the clamping mechanism.