Pipeline segments can contain cables, such as communication cables (e.g., fiber optic cables) within insulation material surrounding the pipeline segments. Cables can be embedded within the insulation material, run through conduits embedded within the insulation material, placed in channels formed in the insulation material, or otherwise. Channels containing one or more cables can be filled with supplemental insulation material, thus securing the cables within the channels. Pipelines created as disclosed herein can enable data transfer between distant points without the need to lay fiber optic cable in addition to the pipeline. Further, fiber optic cable embedded thusly can be used to sense conditions in the pipeline, such as leaks, seismic activity, strain, and temperature information.

A pipe end connector assembly and a method of mounting a pipe end connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a first connector configured to selectively mount to an outer surface of a pipe; and a second connector connected to the first connector and configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe, the first connector and the second connector being operable to apply opposing and negating axial forces to mount the connector assembly to the pipe.

A pipe end connector assembly and a method of mounting a pipe end connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a first connector configured to selectively mount to an outer surface of a pipe; and a second connector connected to the first connector and configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe, the first connector and the second connector being operable to apply opposing and negating axial forces to mount the connector assembly to the pipe.

An activation frame for use by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to activate a subsea pipeline compression activated repair connector having no independent means of activation. The activation frame includes hydraulics and a control for the ROV to actuate the hydraulics. During installation, the hydraulics on the frame activate the pipe repair connector and form a seal between the connector and the pipe. The hydraulics, along with the frame, are separated from the connector after activation and returned to the surface.

An activation frame for use by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to activate a subsea pipeline compression activated repair connector having no independent means of activation. The activation frame includes hydraulics and a control for the ROV to actuate the hydraulics. During installation, the hydraulics on the frame activate the pipe repair connector and form a seal between the connector and the pipe. The hydraulics, along with the frame, are separated from the connector after activation and returned to the surface.

A subsea drying system (10) for drying a chamber (12) underwater has an upstream piping (24, 26, 28) for conveying a pressurized drying fluid from a source (18) to the chamber (12); and downstream piping (36, 38, 40) for expelling liquid displaced from the chamber (12) by the drying fluid in an open-loop dewatering mode. In a closed-loop dehumidifying mode, a recirculation path (54) between the downstream piping (36, 38, 40) and the upstream piping (24, 26, 28) conveys drying fluid exiting the chamber (12) back into the chamber (12) after passing through a dehumidifier (58). A valve system selectively closes and opens the re-circulation path to expel displaced liquid when that path is closed and to recirculate drying fluid from the chamber (12) through the dehumidifier (58) to the upstream piping (24, 26, 28) when that path is open.

A subsea drying system (10) for drying a chamber (12) underwater has an upstream piping (24, 26, 28) for conveying a pressurized drying fluid from a source (18) to the chamber (12); and downstream piping (36, 38, 40) for expelling liquid displaced from the chamber (12) by the drying fluid in an open-loop dewatering mode. In a closed-loop dehumidifying mode, a recirculation path (54) between the downstream piping (36, 38, 40) and the upstream piping (24, 26, 28) conveys drying fluid exiting the chamber (12) back into the chamber (12) after passing through a dehumidifier (58). A valve system selectively closes and opens the re-circulation path to expel displaced liquid when that path is closed and to recirculate drying fluid from the chamber (12) through the dehumidifier (58) to the upstream piping (24, 26, 28) when that path is open.

The present invention provides a nonresident system for depressurizing subsea apparatus and lines comprising a depressurizing tool (5) adapted for being coupled to an ROV interface (6) of a subsea apparatus, wherein the depressurizing tool (5) is coupled to an ROV (4), wherein: the ROV interface (6) comprises a first pipeline (6a) for connection to a first hydrocarbon transport line (8), a second pipeline (6b) for connection to second hydrocarbon transport line (9), and a connection mandrel (6d); and the depressurizing tool (5) comprises a suction line (5a) adapted for being connected to the first pipeline (6a) for connection to the first hydrocarbon transport line; a discharge line (5b) adapted for being connected to the second pipeline (6b) for connection to the second hydrocarbon transport line; a pump (5c); and a connector (5d) adapted for being connected to the connection mandrel (6d) of the ROV interface (6). A method is also provided for depressurizing subsea apparatus and lines, comprising the steps of: removing a blind cap (15) from an ROV interface (6) with aid of an ROV (4); coupling a depressurizing tool (5) to the ROV interface (6) of a subsea apparatus (10); suction and removal of fluid from a first hydrocarbon transport line, wherein the first hydrocarbon transport line comprises hydrate formation; and pressurizing and reinjecting the fluid into a second hydrocarbon transport line.

The present invention provides a nonresident system for depressurizing subsea apparatus and lines comprising a depressurizing tool (5) adapted for being coupled to an ROV interface (6) of a subsea apparatus, wherein the depressurizing tool (5) is coupled to an ROV (4), wherein: the ROV interface (6) comprises a first pipeline (6a) for connection to a first hydrocarbon transport line (8), a second pipeline (6b) for connection to second hydrocarbon transport line (9), and a connection mandrel (6d); and the depressurizing tool (5) comprises a suction line (5a) adapted for being connected to the first pipeline (6a) for connection to the first hydrocarbon transport line; a discharge line (5b) adapted for being connected to the second pipeline (6b) for connection to the second hydrocarbon transport line; a pump (5c); and a connector (5d) adapted for being connected to the connection mandrel (6d) of the ROV interface (6). A method is also provided for depressurizing subsea apparatus and lines, comprising the steps of: removing a blind cap (15) from an ROV interface (6) with aid of an ROV (4); coupling a depressurizing tool (5) to the ROV interface (6) of a subsea apparatus (10); suction and removal of fluid from a first hydrocarbon transport line, wherein the first hydrocarbon transport line comprises hydrate formation; and pressurizing and reinjecting the fluid into a second hydrocarbon transport line.

A sealing device is provided suitable for making at least partially fluid-tight a connection between a first pipe and a smaller second pipe, a part of the second pipe being able to be engaged in the first pipe while leaving an inter-pipes space between the two pipes in the radial direction. The sealing device is mounted on a supporting pipe and is adapted to spread out in the inter-pipes space from a guard position to a sealing position. It comprises at least one sealing set including substantially rigid movable sealing members which extend each along a predetermined angular sector in a circumferential direction and are individually guided in displacement between the guard position and the sealing position.