Patent ID: 9068675
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A pipeline for laying subsea following fabrication on a surface vessel, the pipeline comprising: a rigid pipe that can be bent during laying; and an accessory attached in line with the pipe such that the accessory can be laid with the pipe into water and can touch down on the sea bed with the pipe, the accessory comprising: a foundation including one or more mudmats arranged to rest on the sea bed when the pipe is laid and movable with respect to the frame between a folded position and a deployed position, a rigid pipe support frame attached to the foundation defining a pipe course; and at least one carriage arranged to support the pipe or a fitting attached to the pipe, the at least one carriage being movable with respect to the frame in a direction generally parallel to the pipe course; wherein at least one angularly movable connection acting between the pipe or fitting and the frame allows the pipe or fitting supported by the at least one carriage to tilt locally with respect to the frame as the pipe bends during laying.