A system and process for removing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material from a subsea facility, disposing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material to a subsea facility, and recovering said rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material for reuse.

The present invention provides a device useful for transporting and/or handling equipment in an underwater environment for performing work, the device comprising at least the following components: a floating hydraulic unit (1) comprising a first enclosure (1a), preferably with a cylindrical wall, containing an electrical pump unit (6), a battery (8) suitable for electrically powering the pump unit, and a fluid tank (7), preferably containing oil, said first enclosure (1a) being suitable for being made submersible by first ballast (16); at least one hydraulic tool (3) connected or suitable for being connected to at least one hydraulic coupling (11, 12) of said hydraulic unit via at least one flexible hose (30); at least one independent float (4), preferably having a cylindrical wall, connected or suitable for being connected to said hydraulic tool (3) via a sling (5) of adjustable length, said float (4) being suitable for being made submersible by second ballast (43); and a wired remote control (2) for switching on or stopping the pump unit (6), said wired remote control comprising a handle (22) fitted with an electrical contactor (2a) at a first end of an electric wire (20), the second end of the electric wire (20) being connected or suitable for being connected at least to said pump unit (6).

The present invention provides a device useful for transporting and/or handling equipment in an underwater environment for performing work, the device comprising at least the following components: a floating hydraulic unit (1) comprising a first enclosure (1a), preferably with a cylindrical wall, containing an electrical pump unit (6), a battery (8) suitable for electrically powering the pump unit, and a fluid tank (7), preferably containing oil, said first enclosure (1a) being suitable for being made submersible by first ballast (16); at least one hydraulic tool (3) connected or suitable for being connected to at least one hydraulic coupling (11, 12) of said hydraulic unit via at least one flexible hose (30); at least one independent float (4), preferably having a cylindrical wall, connected or suitable for being connected to said hydraulic tool (3) via a sling (5) of adjustable length, said float (4) being suitable for being made submersible by second ballast (43); and a wired remote control (2) for switching on or stopping the pump unit (6), said wired remote control comprising a handle (22) fitted with an electrical contactor (2a) at a first end of an electric wire (20), the second end of the electric wire (20) being connected or suitable for being connected at least to said pump unit (6).

A system and process for removing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material from a subsea facility, disposing rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material to a subsea facility, and recovering said rigid unconsolidated buoyancy material for reuse.

A subsea structure has an elongate articulated buoyancy string having a longitudinal series of buoyancy elements, and at least one elongate buoyancy holder that is fixed relative to the structure and is capable of housing the buoyancy string. The buoyancy of the structure can be altered by moving the buoyancy string along a transit path that extends along and within the buoyancy holder and through an end opening of the buoyancy holder. The buoyancy string passes through that end opening on being inserted into or withdrawn from the buoyancy holder.

A subsea structure has an elongate articulated buoyancy string having a longitudinal series of buoyancy elements, and at least one elongate buoyancy holder that is fixed relative to the structure and is capable of housing the buoyancy string. The buoyancy of the structure can be altered by moving the buoyancy string along a transit path that extends along and within the buoyancy holder and through an end opening of the buoyancy holder. The buoyancy string passes through that end opening on being inserted into or withdrawn from the buoyancy holder.

A subsea structure comprises: an elongate articulated buoyancy string comprising a longitudinal series of buoyancy elements; and at least one elongate buoyancy holder that is fixed relative to the structure and is capable of housing the buoyancy string. The buoyancy of the structure may be altered by moving the buoyancy string along a transit path that extends along and within the buoyancy holder and through an end opening of the buoyancy holder. The buoyancy string passes through that end opening on being inserted into or withdrawn from the buoyancy holder.

A subsea structure comprises: an elongate articulated buoyancy string comprising a longitudinal series of buoyancy elements; and at least one elongate buoyancy holder that is fixed relative to the structure and is capable of housing the buoyancy string. The buoyancy of the structure may be altered by moving the buoyancy string along a transit path that extends along and within the buoyancy holder and through an end opening of the buoyancy holder. The buoyancy string passes through that end opening on being inserted into or withdrawn from the buoyancy holder.

An automatic leakproof structure for an inflatable airbag contains: a first layer, a second layer, and an accommodation chamber. The first layer is located on an internal portion of the inflatable airbag, the second layer is covered on the first layer, and the accommodation chamber is defined inside the first layer. Preferably, a flexibility of the first layer is different from the second layer. Thereby, the automatic leakproof structure avoids gas leakage out of the accommodation chamber, after the inflatable airbag is pierced by an object (such as a nail).

According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with a subsea equipment package mounted thereon. The structure is used for installation and recovery in a subsea environment by changing the buoyancy of the structure or ballasting the structure to effect a controlled sinking motion.