Patent Description:
The present invention further relates to a junction system to join pipe sections in the body of water.

In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for coupling pipe sections, so as to remotely reconfigure underwater structures originally designed for connections performed by divers.

In the oil and gas sector, recent technological developments in underwater infrastructures suitable for operating at high depths and the strong interest of oil companies have facilitated the spread of underwater facilities for the extraction, production or transport of hydrocarbons. Such underwater facilities can be located in shallow waters or very deep waters and generally comprise one or more pipelines for the transport of hydrocarbons or fluids employed in hydrocarbon extraction operations.

In general, for the purposes of the present invention the term "pipeline" means a pipeline, which, in use, lies on the bed of a body of water or in the vicinity of the bed of the body of water and is intended to convey gases and/or liquids, in particular hydrocarbons. A pipeline of the type identified above can extend for hundreds of kilometres and is composed of pipe sections joined to each other.

In the steps of installing and maintaining said underwater pipelines, there is currently a need to join two adjacent pipeline portions to each other to ensure the continuity of the pipeline itself.

In the past, this junction operation was carried out by divers, who stayed for long periods in chambers of saturation plants immersed in an air consisting of oxygen and helium at a pressure equal to the pressure at the bed of the body of water. These chambers were transported by ships and were connected to diving bells, which transferred the divers from the surface of the body of water to the bed of the body of water and vice versa to allow the divers to carry out the operations of joining the two portions of pipeline.

The use of divers to carry out such junction operations was extremely time and cost consuming and put the health of the divers at risk. Further drawbacks were related to the lack of repeatability of the junction operations carried out by divers, and in general to the poor reliability and precision of the junction of the two pipelines.

In recent decades, the installation of underwater facilities and underwater pipelines deeper and deeper in the body of water has led, as an alternative to the use of divers, to the use of unmanned underwater vehicles of the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) or AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) type and of junction tools operatively connected to these vehicles.

According to the prior art, in order to allow said junction operations to be carried out through the use of unmanned underwater vehicles and the respective junction tools, it is necessary that the end of each portion of the pipeline to be joined is provided with a respective flange designed to be operated by said junction tools.

However, underwater pipelines installed in the past are still configured to be operated by divers. Typically, the end portions of said pipelines are provided with flanges designed to allow junction operations by divers and, consequently, are not suitable to be operated by the currently known junction tools.

Accordingly, in order to reconfigure the pipelines installed in the past, each pipeline to be reconfigured is joined to a pipe section provided at one end of a flange designed to be operated by unmanned underwater vehicles and the respective junction tools.

<CIT> describes an apparatus for connecting underwater pipelines comprising respective end portions provided with flanges designed to be operated by divers.

However, the operations carried out by the apparatus of <CIT> require considerable spaces and dimensions around the flanges of the pipelines to be connected.

In addition, the apparatus of <CIT> requires a bearing base and is configured to operate with wide tolerances and join the flanges of the pipelines through a deformation of the flanges themselves.

Documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> refer to further examples of apparatuses for joining pipes underwater. However, the apparatuses disclosed therein are not designed to be operated by an unmanned underwater vehicle.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for coupling pipe sections in a body of water that is free of the drawbacks of the known art and that is particularly versatile.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for coupling pipe sections in a body of water in a simple and economical manner.

According to the present invention, an apparatus for coupling pipe sections into a body of water is made, the apparatus comprising:.

Thanks to the present invention, through an underwater vehicle it is possible to arrange and keep aligned in a body of water a first and a second pipe section in a simple and economical manner to subsequently allow the junction of the first and the second pipe section.

In this way, it is possible to couple the first and the second pipe section even in narrow spaces and without the need to use a bearing base.

Furthermore, it is possible to retain the first pipe section around the elongated portion of the frame, during the transport of the first pipe section from the surface of the body of water to the second pipe section, and release the first pipe section after the first pipe section has been joined to the second pipe section.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a handling device, which is coupled to the elongated portion of the frame and is configured to move the alignment device and the locking device in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In this way, it is possible to insert the alignment device inside the second pipe section and arrange the locking device in a specific locking position and at the same time to precisely adjust the position of the first pipe section with respect to the second pipe section.

In particular, the handling device comprises an actuator, preferably of a hydraulic type, so as to actuate the handling of the alignment device and the locking device in a simple manner.

In particular, the alignment device and the locking device are aligned along the longitudinal axis, so as to be inserted inside the first pipe section or the second pipe section during the coupling of the first pipe section with the second pipe section.

In particular, the alignment device comprises at least one expansible element, preferably made of a polymeric material, which is configured to selectively expand so as to contact an inner surface of the second pipe section when the alignment device is inserted within the second pipe section.

In this way, it is possible to align the elongated portion of the frame with the second pipe section. Accordingly, the first pipe section, which is arranged around the elongated portion of the frame, is aligned with the second pipe section.

In particular, the locking device comprises a plurality of movable gripping units, which are selectively actuatable to contact a wall of the second pipe section to lock the position of the elongated portion of the frame with respect to the second pipe section.

In this way, it is possible to lock the first pipe section with respect to the second pipe section in a specific position in order to allow the subsequent junction of the two facing ends of the first and the second pipe section.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a centering device, which is arranged at one end of the elongated portion of the frame and is shaped so as to facilitate the insertion of the alignment device within the second pipe section.

In this way, it is possible to insert the elongated portion of the frame inside the second pipe section even if the first pipe section is initially misaligned with respect to the second pipe section.

In particular, the apparatus comprises at least one floating module coupled to the frame, so as to regulate the floating of the apparatus in the body of water.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a junction system for joining pipe sections in a body of water which is free from the drawbacks of the known art.

According to the present invention, a junction system for joining pipe sections into a body of water is made, the system comprising:.

Thanks to the junction system, it is possible to join in a body of water a first and a second pipe section in a simple and economical manner, avoiding the use of divers to carry out the junction operations.

In particular, the junction device comprises a plurality of bolted junctions, which extend from opposite bands with respect to the first and the second flange and are selectively lockable to clamp the first and the second flange together.

In this way, it is possible to allow the automated junction of ends of pipe sections provided with connection flanges suitable to be operated by divers.

In particular, the system comprises an unmanned underwater vehicle, which is configured to be operatively connected to the apparatus so as to control the position and the actuation of the apparatus in the body of water.

In this way, it is possible to transport the system in the body of water and provide the system with a power supply to carry out the coupling and junction operations of the first and the second pipe section.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for coupling pipe sections in a body of water which is free from the drawbacks of the known art.

According to the present invention, a method for coupling pipe sections into a body of water by means of an apparatus as previously described; the method comprising the steps of:.

Thanks to the present method, it is possible to couple in a body of water a first and a second pipe section in an automated manner, in order to allow the subsequent junction of the two facing ends of the first and the second pipe section without the aid of divers.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of a non-limiting example of implementation, with reference to the appended Figures, wherein:.

With reference to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> indicates, as a whole, a junction system for joining pipe sections in a body of water <NUM>. In more detail, the junction system <NUM> is configured to join a pipe section <NUM> with a pipe section <NUM>, which is part of an underwater infrastructure <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the case described and illustrated herein, but not limited to the present invention, the underwater infrastructure <NUM> is arranged on a bed <NUM> of the body of water <NUM> and the pipe section <NUM> constitutes an end portion of a pipeline <NUM> intended to convey gases and/or liquids, in particular hydrocarbons.

In particular, the pipe section <NUM> comprises an end <NUM> provided with a flange <NUM> and the pipe section <NUM> comprises a free end <NUM> provided with a flange <NUM>. The flange <NUM> and the flange <NUM> are configured to be coupled to each other by fastening means, not shown in the appended Figures, so as to join the pipe section <NUM> to the pipe section <NUM>. In more detail, the flange <NUM> and the flange <NUM> have respective through openings, not shown in the appended Figures, through which, in use, said fixing means are inserted so as to secure the flange <NUM> to the flange <NUM>.

In addition, the pipe section <NUM> comprises an end <NUM>, which is opposite to the end <NUM> and is provided with a flange <NUM>. In the embodiment described and shown herein, but not limited to the present invention, the flange <NUM> is free of through openings and is configured to be coupled to a flange of a further pipe section, not shown in the appended Figures, by means of an automatic equipment, not shown in the appended Figures, controlled by an unmanned underwater vehicle.

It is understood that the junction system <NUM> made in accordance with the present invention is configured to join both the pipe sections <NUM> and <NUM>, which comprise respective flanges <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of the type identified above, and further pipe sections, which are free of respective flanges or are provided with flanges of a different type from the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the junction system <NUM> comprises an apparatus <NUM> for coupling pipe sections in the body of water <NUM>; and a junction device <NUM>, which is carried by the apparatus <NUM> and is configured to join the flange <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM> to the flange <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM> facing the flange <NUM> when the pipe section <NUM> is aligned and locked with respect to the pipe section <NUM>.

In addition, the junction system <NUM> comprises an unmanned underwater vehicle <NUM>, which is configured to be operatively connected to the apparatus <NUM> so as to control the position and the actuation of the apparatus <NUM> in the body of water <NUM>.

In the case described and illustrated herein, the underwater vehicle <NUM> is of the ROV type. Within the scope of the present description, the term "ROV" means a Remotely Operated Vehicle.

With reference to <FIG>, the junction system <NUM> comprises a surface station <NUM>, which is preferably arranged on a support boat <NUM> and is connected to the underwater vehicle <NUM> by means of an umbilical cable <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM> arranged in the surface station <NUM> to control the junction system <NUM>.

The umbilical cable <NUM> is configured to supply electrical power to the underwater vehicle <NUM> and exchange signals with the underwater vehicle <NUM>, which in turn exchanges signals with the apparatus <NUM> and the junction device <NUM>.

In accordance with a variant of the present invention, not shown in the appended Figures, the underwater vehicle <NUM> is of the AUV type. Within the scope of the present description, the term "AUV" means an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.

In accordance with a further variant of the present invention, not shown in the appended Figures, the junction system <NUM> comprises, as an alternative to the underwater vehicle <NUM>, a lifting device, which is arranged on the surface station <NUM> and is configured to move the apparatus <NUM> and the junction device <NUM> in the body of water <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a retaining device <NUM>, which is carried by the apparatus <NUM> and comprises a plurality of movable arms <NUM> configured to selectively retain/release the pipe section <NUM>.

In particular, each movable arm <NUM> is hydraulically actuated and is configured to retain the pipe section <NUM> until the pipe section <NUM> is joined to the pipe section <NUM> and to release the pipe section <NUM> once the pipe section <NUM> is joined to the pipe section <NUM>. In more detail, each movable arm <NUM> is movable between a closed position, in which the movable arm <NUM> is gripped by the flange <NUM> of the end <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM>, and an open position, in which the movable arm <NUM> is at a distance from the further flange <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the junction device <NUM> comprises a plurality of bolted junctions <NUM>, which are configured to extend from opposite bands with respect to the flange <NUM> and the flange <NUM> (<FIG>) and are selectively lockable so as to clamp the flange <NUM> and the flange <NUM> together.

In accordance with an embodiment, but not limited to the present invention, each bolted junction <NUM> comprises a respective screw <NUM> and a respective nut, not shown in the appended Figures.

In particular, the junction device <NUM> comprises two movable arms <NUM> configured to be closed around the free end <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM> at the flange <NUM> (<FIG>). Preferably, each movable arm <NUM> carries said nuts of the bolted junctions <NUM> and comprises a screwing device <NUM> for each bolted junction <NUM>.

In addition, the junction device <NUM> comprises a plate <NUM> configured to be arranged around the pipe section <NUM> and to carry the screws <NUM>, which in use are at least partially inserted into respective through openings of the flange <NUM>; and an adjustment mechanism <NUM>, which comprises a plurality of actuators <NUM> configured to adjust the relative position of the movable arms <NUM> and the plate <NUM> with respect to the flanges <NUM> and <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> connectable to the unmanned underwater vehicle <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and comprising an elongated portion <NUM>, which extends along a longitudinal axis A and is configured to be arranged at least partially inside the pipe section <NUM>, preferably so that the pipe section <NUM> is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis A; an alignment device <NUM>, which is supported by the elongated portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and is configured to be at least partially inserted within the pipe section <NUM> so as to align the pipe section <NUM> with the pipe section <NUM>; and a locking device <NUM>, which is supported by the elongated portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and is configured to lock the position of the pipe section <NUM> with respect to the pipe section <NUM> when the pipe section <NUM> is aligned with the pipe section <NUM>.

In particular, the alignment device <NUM> and the locking device <NUM> are aligned along the longitudinal axis A.

In addition, the apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one floating module <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM>. In the case described and illustrated herein, but not limited to the present invention, the apparatus <NUM> comprises eight floating modules <NUM> arranged side by side.

In particular, the frame <NUM> comprises a coupling portion <NUM>, which is configured to couple to the underwater vehicle <NUM>; and an upper portion <NUM>, which is configured to couple to the floating modules <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> comprises at least one mechanical connector, not shown in the appended Figures, which is configured to mechanically connect the apparatus <NUM> to the underwater vehicle <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>); and/or at least one electrical power connector, not shown in the appended Figures, which is configured to electrically connect the apparatus <NUM> to the underwater vehicle <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) so as to allow the transmission of electrical power from the underwater vehicle <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) to the apparatus <NUM>; and/or at least one hydraulic power connector, not shown in the appended Figures, which is configured to hydraulically connect the apparatus <NUM> to the underwater vehicle <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) so as to allow the transmission of hydraulic power from the underwater vehicle <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) to the apparatus <NUM>; and/or at least one data exchange connector, not shown in the appended Figures, which is configured to allow the exchange of data between the underwater vehicle <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and the apparatus <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> further comprises a handling device <NUM>, which is coupled to the elongated portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, is provided with an actuator <NUM>, preferably of the hydraulic type, and is configured to move the alignment device <NUM> and the locking device <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

The alignment device <NUM> comprises at least one expansible element <NUM>, preferably made of a polymeric material, which is configured to selectively expand so as to contact an inner surface of the pipe section <NUM> when the alignment device <NUM> is inserted within the pipe section <NUM>. In the case described and illustrated herein, the alignment device <NUM> comprises two expansible elements <NUM>, each of which is configured to expand radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

In addition, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a centering device <NUM>, preferably made of polymeric material, which is arranged at one end of the elongated portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and is shaped so as to facilitate the insertion of the alignment device <NUM> within the pipe section <NUM>. In particular, the centering device <NUM> is aligned with the alignment device <NUM> and the locking device <NUM> and comprises a plurality of bevelled portions <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> o <FIG>, the locking device <NUM> comprises a plurality of movable gripping units <NUM>, which are selectively actuatable to contact a wall of the pipe section <NUM> to lock the position of the elongated portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> with respect to the pipe section <NUM>.

In particular, each gripping unit <NUM> comprises a respective tooth <NUM>, which is shaped to interfere with an outer wall of the flange <NUM> when the respective gripping unit <NUM> is actuated in the locking position.

In addition, with reference to <FIG>, each gripping unit <NUM> comprises a plurality of actuation mechanisms <NUM>, each of which is provided with an actuator <NUM> and is configured to selectively extend/retract the respective tooth <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the elongated portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM> comprises a fixed body <NUM>, which supports the handling device <NUM>; and a movable body <NUM>, which is coupled to the fixed body <NUM> via a telescopic joint <NUM> so as to slide along the fixed body <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A. In the case described and illustrated herein, the handling device <NUM> comprises a handling mechanism <NUM> of the screw-nut screw type, which is actuated by the actuator <NUM> and is configured to allow the sliding of the movable body <NUM> with respect to the fixed body <NUM>.

In particular, the alignment device <NUM>, the locking device <NUM> and the centering device <NUM> are supported by the mobile body <NUM> and, consequently, in use are moved along the longitudinal axis A thanks to the handling device <NUM>.

In use and with reference to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> is coupled to the underwater vehicle <NUM> and is transported in the body of water <NUM> by the underwater vehicle <NUM>. The underwater vehicle <NUM> and the apparatus <NUM> are controlled and powered by the surface station <NUM> via the umbilical cable <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the underwater vehicle <NUM> transports the apparatus <NUM> near the free end <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM> so as to arrange the flange <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM> facing the flange <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM>. At this point, the actuator <NUM> of the handling device <NUM> moves the movable body <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A so as to insert the alignment device <NUM> inside the pipe section <NUM>. In this circumstance, thanks to the bevelled portions <NUM>, the centering device <NUM> facilitates the insertion of the movable body <NUM> inside the pipe section <NUM>. When the teeth <NUM> of each gripping unit <NUM> contact an outer wall of the flange <NUM>, the handling device <NUM> stops the sliding of the movable body <NUM> along the fixed body <NUM> so as to lock the position of the pipe section <NUM> with respect to the pipe section <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A.

Subsequently, the expansible elements <NUM> of the alignment device <NUM> are expanded radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A so as to contact an inner surface of the pipe section <NUM>, to align the pipe section <NUM> to the pipe section <NUM>.

The handling device <NUM> causes the movable body <NUM> to slide again with respect to the fixed body <NUM>. In this circumstance, since the movable body <NUM> is locked inside the pipe section <NUM>, the apparatus <NUM> and the underwater vehicle <NUM> are moved towards the pipe section <NUM> along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A, so as to approach the pipe section <NUM> to the pipe section <NUM>.

At this point, the movable arms <NUM> of the junction device <NUM> are closed around the pipe section <NUM> and the actuators <NUM> of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> adjust the relative position of the movable arms <NUM> and the plate <NUM> with respect to the flanges <NUM> and <NUM>. Subsequently, the junction device <NUM> joins the flange <NUM> and the flange <NUM> together through the clamping of the bolted junctions <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, once the pipe section <NUM> and the pipe section <NUM> are permanently coupled, the movable arms <NUM> of the retaining device <NUM> are actuated so as to release the gripping of the flange <NUM> of the pipe section <NUM> and the movable arms <NUM> of the junction device <NUM> are open.

The gripping units <NUM> of the locking device <NUM> and the expansible elements <NUM> of the alignment device <NUM> are retracted so as to free the apparatus <NUM> from the pipe section <NUM> and the pipe section <NUM> and the underwater vehicle <NUM> moves the apparatus <NUM> away from the pipe section <NUM> and the pipe section <NUM>.

During the junction operations of the pipe sections <NUM> and <NUM>, the underwater vehicle <NUM> electrically and hydraulically powers the apparatus <NUM> and the junction device <NUM> and exchanges signals with the apparatus <NUM> and the junction device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for coupling pipe sections into a body of water, the apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
- a frame (<NUM>) connectable to an unmanned underwater vehicle (<NUM>) and comprising an elongated portion (<NUM>), which extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and is configured to be arranged at least partially within a first pipe section (<NUM>), preferably so that the first pipe section (<NUM>) is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis (A);
- an alignment device (<NUM>), which is supported by the elongated portion (<NUM>) of the frame (<NUM>) and is configured to be at least partially inserted inside a second pipe section (<NUM>) so as to align the first pipe section (<NUM>) with the second pipe section (<NUM>);
- a locking device (<NUM>), which is supported by the elongated portion (<NUM>) of the frame (<NUM>) and is configured to lock the position of the first pipe section (<NUM>) with respect to the second pipe section (<NUM>) when the first pipe section (<NUM>) is aligned with the second pipe section (<NUM>);
characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a retaining device (<NUM>), which is carried by the frame (<NUM>) and comprises a plurality of movable arms (<NUM>) configured to selectively retain/release the first pipe section (<NUM>).