PIPELINE INTEGRATED MANIFOLD

Abstract

A subsea manifold 150 is integrated into a pipeline 22 so as to be deployable to the seabed together with the pipeline, from a pipe-laying vessel. The subsea manifold comprises a hub 106a, 106b for receiving production fluid from at least one subsea christmas tree 54a, 54b, and further comprises a connection 112 for at least one service line 116 connected to a surface supply or control or monitoring facility.

Claims

1. A method of installing a subsea manifold having a hub fluidically connectable with a subsea christmas tree; the subsea manifold further comprising a connection for at least one service line; the method comprising: structurally integrating the subsea manifold into a pipeline on board a pipe laying vessel and without provision for independent retrieval of the subsea manifold when it is deployed subsea; deploying the pipeline and the subsea manifold from the vessel to a seabed; connecting at least one service line from a surface supply or control or monitoring facility to the subsea manifold, and fluidically connecting the hub to a subsea christmas tree.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of structurally integrating the subsea manifold into the pipeline comprises welding or flanged connection.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsea manifold has an overall tensile and bending strength at least equal to that of the pipeline.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the service line connection is made when the subsea manifold is on board the pipe laying vessel.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the service line connection is made when the subsea manifold is at the sea bed.

6. The method of claim 1, comprising deploying a first part of the pipeline from the vessel towards the sea bed; connecting the subsea manifold to an end of the first part of the pipeline on board the vessel; connecting an end of a second part of the pipeline to the manifold on board the vessel, and deploying the connected first pipeline part, manifold and second pipeline part towards the sea bed.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of structurally integrating the subsea manifold into the pipeline comprises structurally integrating a base module of the subsea manifold into the pipeline and the method further comprises releasably connecting a retrievable module to the subsea manifold.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection comprises an umbilical termination assembly or umbilical termination head and the at least one service line comprises an umbilical.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsea manifold comprises an integrated foundation or mud mat.

10. A subsea pipeline further comprising a subsea manifold, wherein at least a portion of the subsea manifold is permanently incorporated into the pipeline without provision for independent retrieval of said permanently incorporated portion whereby the pipeline and said permanently incorporated portion form a single integral and continuous structure; and wherein the subsea manifold comprises: a hub fluidically connectable with a subsea christmas tree; and a connection for at least one service line.

11. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the permanently incorporated portion of the subsea manifold is integrated into the subsea pipeline by welding or flanged connection.

12. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold further comprises one or more production fluid flow control or isolation valves and one or more connections for one or more electrical, optical or hydraulic lines used to operate the valve(s).

13. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein said permanently incorporated portion of the subsea manifold is constructed and arranged for structural integration between a first part of the pipeline and a second part of the pipeline.

14. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein said permanently incorporated portion of the subsea manifold comprises a conduit having ends which form a pair of structurally and fluidically interconnected ports by which the subsea manifold is structurally and fluidically integrated into the pipeline.

15. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 14, wherein the pair of ports are coaxially aligned.

16. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 14, wherein at least part of the mechanical load imposed upon said permanently incorporated portion of the subsea manifold by the pipeline is carried by a structure of the manifold which is not the conduit.

17. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold is provided with an attachment point for a lifting or tensioning chain or a lifting or tensioning cable.

18. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 17, wherein the subsea manifold comprises a conduit having a first end fluidically connected to the pipeline and a second openable end closable by a valve.

19. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 18, further comprising a pig launcher or receiver connectable or connected to the second openable end of the conduit.

20. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold comprises an integrated foundation or mud mat.

21. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold further comprises one or more retrievable components.

22. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold comprises a base module which remains permanently connected to the subsea pipeline in use, and one or more retrievable modules, subassemblies or components releasably connectable to the base module.

23. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 22, wherein the base module comprises a main pipe integrated into the pipeline and provided with a hub; and a foundation attached to the main pipe or hub; the one or more retrievable modules subassemblies or components being connected to said hub or corresponding said hubs.

24. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 22, wherein the base module comprises a pair of pipe stubs structurally connected to respective parts of the pipeline and fixed to a structural frame of the base module; each pipe stub being provided with a hub connector releasably engageable with a corresponding hub connector on the retrievable component.

25. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 23, wherein the main pipe integrated into the pipeline is connected to a pair of said hubs and an isolating valve is provided in the main pipe between the pair of said hubs; the retrievable module comprising a corresponding pair of hubs releasably connectable with the pair of said hubs to which the main pipe is connected.

26. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the at least one service line comprises an external signal line.

27. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 26, wherein the connection interconnects one or more external signal lines with one or more sensors or instrumentation on or in the subsea manifold.

28. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 27, wherein the sensors or instrumentation comprise one or more of: a pressure sensor, a sand or erosion detector, a viscosity sensor, a pH meter, a pig detector, a position sensor, a flow meter, a multiphase flowmeter.

29. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the connection comprises one or more of an umbilical termination head and an umbilical termination assembly.

30. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the connection interconnects with at least one further connection for an associated further service line.

31. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 30, arranged to distribute the service provided via the service line and its connection, to other subsea equipment, via the further connection(s).

32. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 30, wherein the at least one further connection comprises a subsea distribution unit.

33. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 30, wherein the at least one further connection comprises a multi-bore hub connector.

34. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 30, wherein the at least one further connection is connected to an associated multi-bore spool arranged to convey production fluid and/or one or more service fluids between the subsea manifold and a subsea tree.

35. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold comprises a subsea control module.

36. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the service provided via the connection comprises: i. hydraulic power and/or electric power, the subsea manifold being arranged to distribute the hydraulic and/or electric power to other subsea equipment; ii. hydraulic, electrical or optical data signals, for control of equipment integral to or external to the subsea manifold or for monitoring the condition of such integral or external equipment, or for monitoring process or environmental conditions in such integral or external equipment; and/or iii. service fluids for use in a well to which the subsea manifold is connected or to be connected.

37. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold comprises a plurality of such connections.

38. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 37, wherein the plurality of connections provide a plurality of different services.

39. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 37, wherein a plurality of the connections provide the same service.

40. The subsea pipeline and subsea manifold of claim 10, wherein the subsea manifold comprises subsea processing equipment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] The invention and preferred features and advantages thereof may be further understood from the following description made with reference to the accompanying non-limiting, illustrative drawings. Like reference numbers are used to denote similar features throughout the various views. To partially recap and expand upon the foregoing, in the drawings:

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a subsea pipeline being laid using a prior art S-lay method;

[0088] FIG. 2 shows a subsea pipeline being laid using a prior art J-lay method;

[0089] FIG. 3 shows a subsea pipeline being laid using a prior art reel-lay method;

[0090] FIGS. 4a-4c respectively show a prior art PLET being upended, positioned above a HOM and moonpool and installed subsea using a pile foundation for initiation;

[0091] FIG. 4d shows a prior art ILT positioned in a Hay firing line on a pipe laying vessel;

[0092] FIG. 5 shows a first prior art field layout comprising a stand-alone subsea manifold;

[0093] FIG. 6 shows a second prior art field layout comprising a stand-alone subsea manifold;

[0094] FIG. 7 schematically shows a first, illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a pipeline integrated manifold (PLIM) in accordance with the invention;

[0095] FIG. 8 schematically shows a second illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of such a PLIM;

[0096] FIG. 9 is an illustrative, non-limiting perspective view showing the general arrangement of such a PLIM;

[0097] FIGS. 10-10f show, separated into seven parts for clarity, an illustrative, non-limiting process and instrumentation diagram of such a PLIM;

[0098] FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 9, but shows a third illustrative, non-limiting embodiment;

[0099] FIG. 12 is a side view of the PLIM shown in FIG. 11; and

[0100] FIGS. 13a-d are schematic views showing fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh illustrative, non-limiting embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a schematic diagram of a PLIM 150 comprising a conduit 22a (such as a length of pipe) whose opposed ends form a pair of structurally and fluidically interconnected ports 152 by which the PLIM 150 may be structurally and fluidically integrated into a pipeline 22. The parts of the pipeline 22 at either end of the conduit 22a may be connected to the ports 152 in any suitable manner, e.g. by welded or other (e.g. flanged) joints. The ports 152 are preferably axially aligned, so that the attached parts of the pipeline 22 lie substantially in a straight line. This is of assistance for installing the PLIM as part of a pipe laying operation. The coaxially aligned port arrangement minimises any bending stress being imposed on the pipeline and PLIM during deployment, as a result of structural incorporation of the PLIM, and also facilitates passage of the pipeline and PLIM through the (generally linear) firing line on the pipe laying vessel. The overall tensile and bending strengths of the PLIM (and preferably of the conduit 22a and its end connections) are preferably at least equal to those of the pipeline 22, so that the PLIM does not form a structurally weak point when connected into the pipeline. The welding or other connection may take place in the firing line of a pipe laying vessel of known kind (particularly Hay or reel-lay), so that the PLIM may be deployed to the sea bed together with the pipeline 22. The PLIM may be landed on and secured to a pre-installed foundation, but preferably includes an integrated foundation, e.g. a skirted mudmat with or without folding wings (not shown). As the foundation is installed together with the PLIM, the landing location of the assembly does not need to be so accurately forecast—there is no question of having to land the PLIM accurately on a pre-installed foundation.

[0102] The conduit 22a has a pair of branches 102a and 102b, controlled by respective isolating valves 104a, 104b within the PLIM 150. An optional valve is also shown in the conduit 22a. The other end of each branch terminates at a respective hub connector 106a, 106b, mounted to the structure of the PLIM 150. The hub connectors 106a, 106b may fluidically connect the branches 102a and 102b to the production outlets of respective subsea christmas trees 54a and 54b by respective spools 108a, 108b. Rather than the two shown in FIG. 7, only a single branch, isolating valve and hub connector (or more than two branches, isolating valves and hub connectors) may be provided; for connecting to only a single XT via a single spool (or to more than two XTs via more than two respective spools). Rather than carrying production fluid, the pipeline 22 and spools 108a, 108b may for example carry water for supply to water injection wells served by the XTs 54a, 54b.

[0103] The PLIM 150 also comprises a sensor or sensing assembly 110 for sensing process conditions within the pipe 22a and/or within the pipe branches 102a and/or 102b, or sensing equipment condition, or sensing ambient conditions within the PLIM or at the seabed. Accordingly, the sensing assembly may comprise appropriate sensors attached to or within the pipe and pipe branches. In the interests of clarity, these sensors and their connections are not shown in FIG. 7. The sensors may be configured to sense, for example, pressure, temperature, flow rate, solids content, erosion or pH of the production fluid, pig detection, or any desired combination of these. In the case of flow rate, a multi-phase flow meter may be used to measure the flow rates of any or all of the phases of the production flow at any or all of these locations. The sensor or sensing assembly 110 is linked to the service line connection 112 by a signal transmission loom 114 internal to the PLIM 150. A service line 116 is coupled to the signal transmission loom 114 via the service line connection 112 and transmits the signals from the sensor(s) of the sensor assembly to a surface monitoring facility, e.g. at a topside production facility or onshore. The signals in the service line may be electrically transmitted (twisted pair or coaxial conductor configurations, or combinations thereof), and/or transmitted optically using fibre optics. The signals may be sent over a single or over parallel transmission paths, may be multiplexed and may be analogue or digital, i.e. of any suitable form known to those skilled in the art. The service line 116 and loom 114 may also incorporate conductors for electrical power transmission to the sensing assembly 110 and to other components within the PLIM 150. The service line 116 and loom 114 may also transmit control signals from the surface facility, e.g. to control the operation of the sensing assembly 110 or other components within the PLIM 150.

[0104] A second PLIM 150 embodying the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 8. The internal conduit 22a, branches 102a, 102b and hub connectors 106a, 106b for the tree connecting spools 108a, 108b shown in FIG. 7 are omitted in FIG. 8 in the interests of clarity, but will be provided in practice in this embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the service line connected to a surface supply or control or monitoring facility is an umbilical 148. The PLIM 150 comprises a UTH 186 mounted to or integrated within its structure, at which the umbilical 148 is terminated. The UTH 186 service connections are connected in parallel internally of the PLIM 150, by suitable cables and conduits (not shown in the interests of clarity), to corresponding service connections in a second (optional) UTH 187, allowing the umbilical 148 to be daisy chained to a second umbilical 149 connected to the second UTH 187, e.g. for future field expansion.

[0105] Services provided via the umbilical 148 are distributed via an SDU 62 connected to the UTH 186 internally of the PLIM 150 for provision of such services, and mounted to or integrated into the PLIM structure. For example, hydraulic, chemical injection and gas lift services may be provided via HFLs 64 connected between the SDU 62 and the XTs 54. Similarly, electric power and data transmission services may be provided by EFLs 66 (including optical fibres if required) connected between the SDU 62 and tree-mounted SCMs 52. Thus the umbilical 148 terminates directly at the PLIM 150, thereby eliminating the necessity of a separate structure for the UTH 186 and SDU 62. Control and chemical distribution is made within the PLIM 150. The trees 54 provide hydraulic control/actuator power to the PLIM via multi-bore spools 108a, 108b, which also serve to convey the production fluid from each tree to the PLIM. The multi-bore spools 108a, 108b may also carry chemicals for injection or lift gas from the UTH and SDU 186, 62 to the XTs, via HFLs. Mono-bore spools and separate EFLs/HFLs could also be used, but a multi-bore spool and an associated multi-bore connecting hub facilitates a more compact and lighter PLIM.

[0106] Additionally or alternatively the PLIM may comprise its own (e.g. on board) SCM 100, with electrical, optical and hydraulic power and data services obtained directly from the UTH 186 or SDU 62. The PLIM's SCM 100 may control/operate valves and actuators within the PLIM. The above-mentioned services may also be distributed from the PLIM to XTs, tree mounted SCMs or any other equipment external to the PLIM and requiring such services. The services may be distributed via FLs (electrical, hydraulic or optical as appropriate) connected between the PLIM SDU 62 and the external equipment. Additionally or alternatively these services may be distributed via the multi-bore spools 108a, 108b and corresponding multi-bore hub connectors otherwise similar to the hub connectors shown in FIG. 7. The PLIM 150 shown in FIG. 8 may additionally include a sensor or sensing assembly as described above with reference to FIG. 7; the sensor or sensing assembly in this case being linked to the UTH 186 or SDU 62 by a signal transmission loom (not shown) internal to the PLIM 150.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment the PLIM field architecture thus comprises a pipeline integrated manifold; an umbilical termination at the PLIM, including distribution of the umbilical-transmitted services (e.g. control system supply/return lines, control and sensor data lines, chemical and lift gas supplies); multi-bore spools from the trees to the manifold or mono-bore spools with or without piggy-backed electrical or optical FLs. For convenience during installation, a flying (or pigtail) lead deployment frame or other stowage may also be included with the PLIM.

[0108] The PLIM is therefore able to maintain the functionalities of a traditional stand-alone (not integrated into the pipeline) subsea manifold: [0109] It commingles and directs produced fluids from multiple wells into one or more flowlines; [0110] Pigging capability; the PLIM main headers (e.g. pipe 22a, FIG. 7) can be configured to be piggable. This is not possible in the case of prior art manifolds which are connected to the pipeline via a spool, rather than being integrated into the pipeline. A pig launcher may also be provided. Particularly although not exclusively, a PLIM used at the end of a flowline or pipeline (see below) has the capability of connecting an external pig launcher to a dedicated hub on the structure; [0111] Subsea tree spools and umbilical connections by means of diver assisted/diverless tie-in systems; [0112] Provision of support for the contained pipework, valves and equipment; [0113] Provision of protection for the contained equipment from dropped objects and overtrawling; [0114] Distribution of control, chemical, data and power lines from main umbilical to the trees; [0115] Provision of instrumentation for process/equipment condition/environmental monitoring; [0116] Provision of pig detection instrumentation.

[0117] Since the PLIM is integral to the flowline, there is reduced capability for complete structure retrieval. However, it can incorporate retrievable equipment, e.g. SCM, MPFM, etc. or have retrievable components located in a separate subsea structure, e.g. stand-alone equipment.

[0118] FIG. 9 presents a perspective view of the general arrangement of an illustrative PLIM embodying the present invention. The PLIM 150 is installed on the seabed as part of the flowline 22 which is laid from a pipe-lay vessel. The foundation 118 includes a mudmat plate and skirts for deployment in soft clay soils. Other foundation types may be provided as appropriate to the seabed conditions. A structural frame 120 e.g. formed from welded steel tubing houses and supports the piping and valves 122. The structural frame (including any structural frame mentioned in this document in connection with embodiments of the invention) may take any suitable form, e.g. lattice, chassis, monocoque, box section, enclosure with strong points, as required to support the weight of, or retain the PLIM components. It must also serve to support any weight and other forces imposed upon it by the pipeline either during deployment or in service after installation. As also mentioned later on, the pipeline imposed loads may be shared between the structural frame and conduits within the structural frame, or may be carried primarily or solely by either of those components. The structural frame 120 may be located on guide rails 124 which allow for axial movement between the structural frame 120 and the foundation 118 caused by pipeline expansion/contraction. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, an anchor flange 126 is welded (or otherwise suitably secured, e.g. bolted) to both the structural frame 120 and the pipeline 22 for installation purposes and for load transfer between the pipeline and structural frame in operation. Additional support may be provided via a guide (also welded or otherwise suitably secured to the structural frame 120) through which the pipeline is free to move, but which constrains the pipeline against lateral movement. During installation, the weight of the PLIM 150 passes through the anchor flange 126 and is carried by the pipeline at the vessel, together with the catenary weight of the pipeline 22 extending to the seabed. Some of this weight may be compensated for by temporary buoyancy structures during deployment of the PLIM and associated pipeline to the seabed. Such buoyancy structures may be attached to the PLIM at or near the sea surface, e.g. soon after the PLIM has been deployed from the pipe-laying vessel, but after it has passed through any restricted parts of the deployment path aboard the vessel (e.g. a moonpool, stinger or ramp). The guide supports the PLIM during deployment and prevents it from skewing relative to the pipeline. Once the PLIM is deployed at the sea bed, sliding movement is permitted between the guide and the pipeline, whereby stresses and strains in the pipeline are not transmitted to the PLIM's structural frame.

[0119] A pair of multi-bore production hubs 106 are attached to the structural frame 120 and deliver production fluid to the pipeline 22 via corresponding multi-bore spools (not shown in this Figure) that are connected to corresponding XTs. These spools and the multi-bore production hubs 106 also facilitate the connection of chemical, gas lift and hydraulic lines to the XTs. The multi-bore spools and multi-bore hubs 106 may also facilitate connection of hydraulic lines (under control of the tree-mounted subsea control modules (SCMs)) from the trees to the valves on the PLIM, e.g. via logic caps on the PLIM (not visible in this Figure; see 132, FIGS. 10a and 134, FIG. 10b). These logic caps are optional, allowing reconfiguration of chemical and hydraulic supply paths in case of component failure. The multi-bore spools may be rigid, i.e. formed from metal tubing. They nevertheless can be designed to provide sufficient flexibility to accommodate the movement of the structural frame 120 on the guide rails 124. Alternatively, flexible spools may be used (i.e. spools of hose-like, or multiple hose-like, construction). The termination head of the rigid spool may be landed on an outrigger 128 prior to the connection being made with the associated production hub 106. Other connection/pre-installation aids may be used, as appropriate to the spool and spool termination head and production hub type and configuration. A part of the structural frame 120 adjacent to where the flowline enters/exits the PLIM, may be used to support the flowline. The height of the flowline in the structural frame relative to the sea bed may be kept to a minimum (to limit pipeline free span and associated loads on both the pipeline and the structural frame). Low profile supports or a catamaran shaped foundation may be used to get the pipe section within the PLIM close to or on the seabed. The pipe may be supported at or close to the sea bed between two separate portions of such a catamaran shaped foundation.

[0120] The multi-bore umbilical termination head (UTH) hub 186 is attached to the structural frame 120 and delivers electrical, chemical and hydraulic lines as well as fibre optics (if required) from the platform or other surface facility to the PLIM 150. These lines may be routed to the SCM on the relevant XT via the logic caps (132, FIG. 10a; 134, FIG. 10b) and the corresponding multi-bore production hub 106. The control and chemical supplies can be connected from one PLIM to another via an optional future multi-bore umbilical termination head hub 187 on the structural frame 120. Services may also be routed back from the XTs or tree mounted SCMs to the PLIM via the multi-bore spools and multi-bore production hubs 106. Additionally or alternatively, the PLIM may be provided with its own SCM (e.g. mounted to or within the PLIM structure), so that services are distributed from the PLIM and control/operation of valves and actuators within the PLIM is carried out via the PLIM SCM, e.g. as described above with reference to FIG. 8. Use of the multi-bore hubs provides for a compact and therefore potentially lightweight design and allows for integration of fluid service lines into the multi-bore spools. This allows for connection of the PLIM to associated XTs or other external equipment with fewer or even no HFLs. Even electrical and/or optical connectors may be integrated into the multi-bore hubs 106 for connection with corresponding lines integrated into the multi-bore spools. Additionally or alternatively, EFLs can be used, connected to an SDU on the PLIM as shown in FIG. 8 and e.g. piggy-backed on the multi-bore spools. A protection frame 130 may be attached to the primary steel structural frame 120 to protect the valves and equipment from dropped objects, or to provide overtrawl protection if required.

[0121] FIGS. 10a and 10b together show a process and instrumentation diagram for the two-slot PLIM of FIG. 9.

[0122] PLIMs as shown in FIGS. 7-10b may provide the following benefits in terms of savings in fabrication and equipment costs and simplified installation over conventional stand-alone subsea manifolds and associated field architectures:

[0123] Fabrication savings: [0124] An ILT is not required; [0125] A rigid/flexible spool to connect the offline manifold to the ILT is not required;

[0126] Equipment savings: [0127] Fewer connectors required; [0128] Fewer large bore valves required;

[0129] Installation savings: [0130] Metrology (for rigid spool only) and installation of rigid/flexible spool is not required; [0131] Installation of the PLIM as an in-line structure from a pipe-laying vessel (no separate lifts required for a manifold).

[0132] A PLIM embodying the invention can also be installed as an end-of-line structure, optionally with facilities for pigging the pipeline towards or from the oil and gas platform. To provide such pigging facilities, the PLIM 150 may have the following extra components as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12: [0133] A valve 138 (self-powered or ROV operated) in the main pipe, to close an openable end of the flowline 22 (i.e. to open and close the end of the conduit or main header within the PLIM with which the flowline is fluidically integrated); [0134] A yoke and hook arrangement 140 for installation purposes (similar to a PLET); [0135] Optionally an extra inboard hub 136 at the openable end of the flowline, to which the pig launcher/receiver may be connected. Additionally or alternatively, the openable end of the flowline may be used as a connection point for future field developments.

[0136] FIG. 13a schematically shows yet another illustrative and non-limiting PLIM embodying the invention. Under this arrangement, the PLIM comprises a main pipe 222a integrated (e.g. welded or connected by bolted flanges) into the pipeline for installation from a standard pipe laying vessel as described above, and a retrievable module connectable to an inboard hub provided on the main pipe. The PLIM 250 shown in FIG. 13a therefore includes the following components: [0137] Retrievable module 252 which houses the critical items that may require servicing during the lifetime of the field, e.g. an MPFM or SCM. As shown the module 252 also includes multi-bore production hubs 206 for hook-up to XTs via multi-bore rigid or flexible spools (not shown). The module may be connectable to an umbilical (not shown) via a hub 286 for service provision as described above. The various module components are supported in a structural frame 220. [0138] Main pipe 222a welded or otherwise structurally connected at its ends 210 to the pipeline while on board the pipe-laying vessel. These ends thus form coaxially aligned ports by which the PLIM 250 may be structurally and fluidically integrated into a pipeline. The main pipe 222a is provided with an upwardly facing inboard hub 208 to which the retrievable module 252 is wet-mate connectable. An isolation valve 212 is provided in the hub branch immediately adjacent to the hub 208. [0139] A foundation 218 attached to the main pipe, hub and/or valve, to support these and the retrievable module 252. [0140] An optional SDU 262 for hook-up of EFLs to tree mounted SCMs, or other external equipment, as dictated by each particular field layout. The SDU may optionally also provide HFL connectivity to XTs etc. if required, in addition to or instead of the multi-bore hubs 206 and corresponding spool.

[0141] Under this arrangement: [0142] The module 252 can be retrieved for maintenance, modifications or equipment replacement; [0143] The module 252 can be replaced to accommodate additional subsea well connections; [0144] Field expansion can be supported by installing the PLIM foundation 218, upwardly facing inboard hub 208 and isolation valve 212 (excluding the retrievable module 252) at future well locations for phased field development. The retrievable module 252 can be installed separately onto the hub 208 at a later stage as and when the field is further developed. Alternatively, there is flexibility for the retrievable module 252 to be installed together with the remainder of the PLIM 250 and the pipeline, from the pipe-laying vessel and from the very start, as described above for the other PLIM embodiments. The retrievable module may be connected to the corresponding hub prior to welding or otherwise connecting the base module main pipe into the pipeline; or immediately after such connection and while the base module is still in the firing line aboard the pipe-laying vessel. The module 252 can be installed and retrieved without any interruption to the flow in the pipeline into which the main pipe 222a is integrated.

[0145] FIG. 13b diagrammatically illustrates a variant of the PLIM 250 of FIG. 13a. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 13b, two upwardly facing inboard hubs 208a, 208b and corresponding isolation valves 212a, 212b are used to releasably connect the retrievable module 252 to the base module. An isolation valve 222 in the main pipe 222a is closeable to direct flow through the retrievable module. The hubs 209a and 209b, may be interconnected within the retrievable module 252 e.g. by a header loop or other suitable conduit (not shown), so as to allow through-flow of the fluid carried by the pipeline 22. The retrievable module 252 further comprises a single multi-bore production hub 206 of similar function to the two hubs 206 shown in FIG. 13a and the multi-bore production hubs described with reference to earlier embodiments. Any suitable number of production hubs may be provided, as dictated by field requirements. These may change over the lifetime of the field, but the retrievable module 252 provides flexibility to configure the retrievable module to evolving conditions during the field life or for phased field development. A hub 286 for umbilical connection as discussed above with reference to earlier described embodiments is also shown schematically in FIG. 13b. An SDU as described above may also be provided; although such is not shown in FIG. 13b, as it is equally possible for the relevant chemical, hydraulic, electrical, optical etc. services to be conveyed via (a) multi-bore spool(s) connected to the multi-bore hub(s) 206.

[0146] FIG. 13c diagrammatically illustrates a further PLIM 350 according to this disclosure. The PLIM 350 has a retrievable module 352 releasably coupled to a structural frame 320 by suitable mechanical fasteners or latches (not shown). The structural frame is mounted to a foundation 318 such as a mud mat. The mounting may allow limited relative sliding movement between the structural frame and foundation, similarly to the arrangement described and shown with reference to FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, to accommodate thermal movement of the pipeline. A pair of pipe stubs 322a is mechanically fixed to the structural frame 320. The outer ends of the pipe stubs are in coaxial alignment and form ports 152 for the attachment of the pipeline ends, e.g. by welding or flanged connection (not shown), aboard the pipe laying vessel. A pair of hub connectors 302 at opposite ends of the module 352 fluidically interconnects with a complementary pair of hub connectors 304 provided one each on the inboard ends of the pipe stubs 322a. Alternatively (although such a configuration is not shown in FIG. 13c) the hub connectors 302/304 at either end of the manifold assembly may be substantially vertically orientated when the manifold 350 is in the attitude which it will adopt when installed at the seabed; for ease of docking and removal of the retrievable module 352.

[0147] The hub connectors 302 are fluidically interconnected with one another within the retrievable module 352 by a main header (not shown), which provides flow continuity for the connected pipeline through the PLIM 350. The hub connectors 302/304 are relatively retractable so that they can be uncoupled from each other to allow retrieval of the module 352 (i.e. removal of the module from the structural frame 320); although this is not necessary in the case of substantially vertically oriented hub connectors 302/304. With the module removed, mechanical loads are still transmitted between the pipe stubs 322a by the structural frame 320. The remainder of the PLIM 350 without the module 352 may therefore be incorporated into the pipeline and deployed from a pipe laying vessel in the same way as the other PLIMs described above. At the seabed, the structural frame 320 may likewise transmit any mechanical loads in the pipeline and maintain the pipe stubs 322a and hub connectors 304 in proper alignment for reception of the module 352, even when the module 352 is absent. During such absence (e.g. because the module is scheduled to be installed at a future field development phase, or because the module 352 has been retrieved for replacement or overhaul) pipeline flow continuity may be maintained by a dummy pipe spool inserted between the hubs 304. The pipe stubs 322a preferably include isolation valves 312 to allow changeout/insertion of the module 352 or dummy pipe spool. The principle of allowing a structural framework or other structural member of the PLIM to carry some or all of the pipeline imposed mechanical loads (as well as or instead of pipework within the PLIM) may be employed in any PLIM, including any of those particularly described in this document. The linear arrangement of the removable module 352 and pipe stubs 322a may allow for a reduction in the cross-sectional profile viewed along the pipeline axis, in comparison to some other PLIM configurations.

[0148] The removable module 352 has a connection for service provision, such as a multi-bore hub 386 for coupling to an umbilical, similarly to the previously described embodiments. The retrievable module may have a further connection for service distribution as described in relation to the previously described embodiments, such as multi-bore hubs 306 for connection to XTs via corresponding multi-bore spools (not shown). These spools may also carry production fluid to the PLIM as described above in relation to previous embodiments. The module 352 shown in FIG. 13c may also be provided with an optional SDU 362 for hook-up of EFLs to tree mounted SCMs, or other external equipment, as dictated by each particular field layout. The SDU may optionally also provide HFL connectivity to XTs etc. if required, in addition to or instead of the multi-bore hubs 306 and corresponding spools.

[0149] FIG. 13d is a diagrammatic representation of yet another PLIM in accordance with the present disclosure. The PLIM 450 shown in FIG. 13d has a foundation 418, structural frame 420, pipe stubs 422 (which may be protruding parts of a continuous main conduit or header pipe within the PLIM), a connection 486 for service provision to the PLIM (such as a multi-bore hub for coupling to an umbilical) and a further connection for service distribution (comprising multi-bore hubs 406 and SDU 462), similar to the corresponding components described above with respect to FIG. 13c. However, many of the components of the PLIM 450 (such as internal pipework, wiring loom, valves, valve actuators, the hubs 406, 486 and the SDU 462) are in effect permanently secured to or within the structural frame 420. In other words, these components are not easily retrievable once the PLIM has been installed subsea from a pipe laying vessel as a structurally integrated part of the pipeline in the manner described above. However, certain critical components or component subassemblies, such as a MPFM or SCM, are configured for diverless (e.g. ROV) or diver-assisted removal and retrieval and conceptually are therefore a retrievable module or modules. For example these components and/or subassemblies may be configured to dock with the remainder of the PLIM (conceptually a main, not easily retrievable module) via suitable wet-mate interfaces. These interfaces may for example include an array of parallel-aligned, individual, fluidic, electrical or optical push-fit connectors for each fluid conduit or conductor. Therefore once any mechanical fastenings holding it in position are released, the component or subassembly may simply be pulled out of the PLIM structural frame 420. Fluid couplings at the interface may be provided with self-actuating shutoff valves which close upon disconnection of the coupling. Fitting of the component or subassembly is the reverse of removal. FIG. 13d schematically shows one such component or subassembly 410a fitted into and connected to the remainder of the PLIM. Another such component or subassembly 410b is shown removed from its docking station 460 in the main module of the PLIM.

[0150] PLIMs according to this disclosure may include additional or alternative functionalities including but not limited to the following functionalities that can be found in existing stand-alone (off-pipeline) subsea manifolds: [0151] A test header with a retrievable MPFM for individual well flow measurement; [0152] An ROV operable sampling device for individual well stream sampling; [0153] A retrievable SCM for control and monitoring; [0154] Retrievable chemical injection devices such as metering valves, etc.; [0155] Instrumentation for condition monitoring;

[0156] The number of well slots on the PLIM (any PLIM mentioned in this document) may be tailored to the requirements of any field development in which the PLIM is to be used, including providing slots which are initially not in use but which are connected to XTs in a subsequent field development phase or phases. Thus the PLIMs concerned may be provided with anything from a single well slot, up to any number that may be necessary (beyond the two shown in FIGS. 7-13); provided that the handling equipment used for PLIM installation has the capacity for the size and weight of the resulting PLIM.

[0157] In the embodiments described above, the umbilical is installed by conventional methods and is connected to the PLIM via multi-bore hubs, with power, controls and chemical supplies distributed through/to the PLIM. The umbilical may also be piggy-backed to the flowline before connecting to the PLIM, as well as being connected to the PLIM prior to the PLIM being installed (dry-mate connection on installation vessel). The UTA provided in any of the embodiments described in this document may be duplicated and the two UTAs interconnected within the PLIM concerned, to allow for “daisy chaining” of umbilicals and the services which they supply.

[0158] The PLIM may be designed to cater for a single service system (production fluid, water injection, gas injection, chemical service, etc.) or any desired combination of these, with any specialized equipment that is required for such service(s) and is not limited to any one such service or all such services.