US3699691A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for connecting flowlines to a platform
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1971-02-08
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Granted: 1972-10-24
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Expires: 1991-02-08
Abstract
Abstract A method for connecting an underwater flowline having a substantial portion thereof lying along the floor of a body of water to an offshore platform structure positioned on the floor. One of the natural sag lines of the flowline is determined and a plurality of flowline clamps (with locks) are installed on the platform structure substantially conforming to the predetermined natural sag line in such a manner that a line drawn through the locks assumes a shape related to substantially the predetermined natural sag line. The flowline is pulled into engagement with the locks and secured thereto.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl G Langner
- 👤 Robert C Visser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:50
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/12; F16L1/14; F16L1/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A method for connecting an underwater flowline having a substantial portion thereof adapted to lie along the floor of a body of water to an offshore platform structure positioned on said floor, said platform having supporting framework thereon including a plurality of substantially vertical legs supporting said structure on the floor of said body of water, said method comprising the steps of: positioning said flowline along the floor of said body of water such that an end of said flowline is adjacent said platform structure; determining at least one natural sag line of said flowline which extends substantially along the framework of said platform structure, said natural sag line being the curve assumed by said flowline when supported only at said end by a given lifting force; installing a plurality of flowline connecting means in a substantially vertical plane on said platform structure substantially conforming to said predetermined natural sag line in such a manner that a line drawn through said plurality of connecting means assumes a shape substantially conforming to said predetermined natural sag line; pulling said flowline into engagement with at least some of said flowline connecting means by applying said lifting force to said end of said flowline; and securing said flowline to said flowline connecting means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
210 words
A method for connecting an underwater flowline having a substantial portion thereof adapted to lie along the floor of a body of water to an offshore platform structure positioned on said floor, said platform having supporting framework thereon including a plurality of substantially vertical legs supporting said structure on the floor of said body of water, said method comprising the steps of: positioning said flowline along the floor of said body of water such that an end of said flowline is adjacent said platform structure; determining at least one natural sag line of said flowline which extends substantially along the framework of said platform structure, said natural sag line being the curve assumed by said flowline when supported only at said end by a given lifting force; installing a plurality of flowline connecting means in a substantially vertical plane on said platform structure substantially conforming to said predetermined natural sag line in such a manner that a line drawn through said plurality of connecting means assumes a shape substantially conforming to said predetermined natural sag line; pulling said flowline into engagement with at least some of said flowline connecting means by applying said lifting force to said end of said flowline; and securing said flowline to said flowline connecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of joining the upper end of said flowline to said platform structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining at least one natural sag line of said flowline includes the step of first determining the minimum radius of said flowline and then determining said natural sag line using the predetermined minimum radius.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of installing a plurality of flowline connecting means on said platform structure includes the step of installing a plurality of flowline locking clamps at spaced, vertical locations along the framework of said platform structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of detErmining at least one natural sag line includes the step of determining the natural sag line of said flowline which conforms substantially to a line extending along one of the legs of said platform structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of pulling said flowline into engagement with said flowline connecting means includes the step of laying said flowline from a flowline lay barge disposed on said water surface a short distance from said platform structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the step of pulling said flowline includes the steps of: attaching a pulling head to the free end of said flowline; attaching a wireline to said pulling head; and attaching the free end of said wireline to a work barge disposed on said water surface a short distance from said platform structure opposite the side of said structure adjacent said flowline lay barge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the step of pulling said flowline includes the step of paying out said flowline from said flowline lay barge while pulling in on said wireline from said work barge.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 8 including the step of attaching a riser portion to the free end of said flowline prior to attaching said pulling head thereto, said riser portion conforming in length substantially to the distance of said body of water from the floor to the water surface thereof; and subsequently attaching said pulling head to the free end of said riser portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US3466882A
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US3517518A
Cited
US3531941A
Cited
US3650114A
Cited
US3640080A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-24 | 1976-04-24 | 1976-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-24 | 1980-04-24 | 1980-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-24 | 1984-04-24 | 1984-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |