Method of launching long pipelines

Patent · Tue Jan 17 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6058494

Morton, A W

A method is described of launching a pipeline from an onshore site into a body of water, the method comprising the steps of: supporting the pipeline at the onshore site with ground engaging movable support means spaced along a length of the pipeline, the support means of the support means being connected together by a support connecting line; positioning a launch vessel to a seaward end of the pipeline; positioning an intermediate floating vessel offshore from the site, deploying a main launching line seaward from a seaward end of the intermediate floating vessel, and providing sufficient buoyancy means to hold the main launching line above the floor of the body of water; connecting a pipeline launch line between a landward end of the floating vessel and the seaward end of pipeline; connecting a support means launch line between the landward end of the intermediate floating vessel and the seaward end of the support connecting line; connecting a seaward end of the main launching line to the launch vessel; moving the launch vessel seaward and thereby towing the pipeline and the support connecting line into the body of water; and applying a retarding force to the pipeline and thereby maintaining a tension force in the pipeline, as the pipeline is towed into the body of water, sufficient to hold the pipeline above a floor of the body of water.

• Assignee: Conoco Inc., Ponca City, OK
• Patent Number(s): US 4798500
• OSTI ID: 6058494
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
022000* -- Petroleum-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
03 NATURAL GAS
032000 -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FASTENING
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
INSTALLATION
JOINING
LOADING
MARITIME TRANSPORT
MATERIALS HANDLING
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
NATURAL GAS
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
PETROLEUM
PIPELINES
POSITIONING
SHIPS
TRANSPORT