Patent ID: 8956078
Filing Date: 2015-02-17
Classification: B63B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method for reel-laying pipelines from a vessel comprising a reel support, a guide wheel, tensioners, and a hang off clamp, wherein a first reel with a first pipeline supported by a reel support is replaced by a second reel with a second pipeline, said method comprising the steps of: a. reel laying the first pipeline by unwinding the first reel, and guiding the pipeline via the guide wheel through the tensioners and the hang off clamp into the sea; b. closing the hang off clamp; c. while the launched first pipeline is supported by the hang off clamp, connecting the end portion of the first pipeline which has not yet passed the guide wheel to a retaining system in the vicinity of the first reel; d. replacing the first reel by the second reel; e. providing a temporary connection between an end portion of the second pipeline and the end portion of the first pipeline while the first pipeline is supported by the retaining system; f. disconnecting the first pipeline from the retaining system; g. opening the hang off clamp; h. continuing reel laying by unwinding the second reel and allowing the second pipeline to pass over the guide wheel and through the tensioners; i. closing the hang off clamp; j. removing the temporary connection between the first and second pipeline; and k. connecting the first and second pipeline end to end between the tensioners and the hang off clamp.