Patent ID: 8939702
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: E21B,F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for handling a flange coupling between a first conduit component and a second conduit component such that the flange coupling remains fluid-tight, the apparatus comprising: a lifting frame adapted to bear the first conduit component and the second conduit component while the flange coupling is moved, the lifting frame comprising a first gripping mechanism configured to straddle the flange coupling and to grip both the first conduit component and the second conduit component; a base frame adapted to receive the flange coupling at a seabed location the base frame comprising a second gripping mechanism adapted to receive the flange coupling when the lifting frame is engaged with the base frame such that the coupled components are gripped on each side of the flange coupling so that the flange coupling remains fluid-tight; and at least one engagement mechanism configured to guide the lifting frame and the base frame into engagement with each other.