Method and apparatus for constructing and connecting underwater risers

Claim 2

Apparatus for constructing a riser from a marine support member and connecting one end of the constructed riser to an underwater pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a predetermined number of riser-sections, interconnected to form the constructed riser, an underwater connecting end formed on one end of one riser-section connectingly engaging a portion of the underwater pipeline in one position of the constructed riser, support means formed on at least one riser-section; an underwater connecting end connected to one end of the underwater pipeline connectingly engaging the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser in one position of the constructed riser; positioning means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the positioning means being removably connected to the support means formed on the riser-section, to support the constructed riser in one position of the positioning means, the positioning means lowering the constructed riser connected thereto in a direction generally toward the underwater pipeline in one position of the positioning means; and guide coupling means removably disposed in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the end of the underwater pipeline having the underwater connecting end connected thereto, a portion of the guide coupling means guidingly engaging a portion of the constructed riser generally near the underwater connecting end thereof to guide the constructed riser to a position wherein the underwater connecting end thereof connectingly engages a portion of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline.

Claim 3

Apparatus for constructing a riser from a marine support member and connecting one end of the constructed riser to an underwater pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a predetermined number of riser-sections, interconnected to form the constructed riser, an underwater connecting end formed on one end of one riser-section connectingly engaging a portion of the underwater pipeline in one position of the constructed riser, support means formed on at least one riser-section; an underwater connecting end connected to one end of the underwater pipeline connectingly engaging the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser in one position of the constructed riser; positioning means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the positioning means being removably connected to the support means formed on the riser-section, to support the constructed riser in one position of the positioning means, the positioning means lowering the constructed riser connected thereto in a direction generally toward the underwater pipeline in one position of the positioning means; and guide coupling means removably disposed in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the end of the underwater pipeline having the underwater connecting end connected thereto, a portion of the guide coupling means guidingly engaging a portion of the constructed riser generally near the underwater connecting end thereof to guide the constructed riser to a position wherein the underwater connecting end thereof connectingly engages a portion of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline.

Claim 4

Apparatus for constructing a riser from a marine support member and connecting one end of the constructed riser to an underwater pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a predetermined number of riser-sections, interconnected to form the constructed riser, an underwater connecting end formed on one end of one riser-section connectingly engaging a portion of the underwater pipeline in one position of the constructed riser, support means formed on at least one riser-section; an underwater connecting end connected to one end of the underwater pipeline connectingly engaging the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser in one position of the constructed riser; positioning means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the positioning means being removably connected to the support means formed on the riser-section, to support the constructed riser in one position of the positioning means, the positioning means lowering the constructed riser connected thereto in a direction generally toward the underwater pipeline in one position of the positioning means; and guide coupling means removably disposed in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the end of the underwater pipeline having the underwater connecting end connected thereto, a portion of the guide coupling means guidingly engaging a portion of the constructed riser generally near the underwater connecting end thereof to guide the constructed riser to a position wherein the underwater connecting end thereof connectingly engages a portion of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 further defined to include: means supported on the support member connected to a portion of the underwater pipeline to support a predetermined length of the underwater pipeline and the underwater connecting end connected thereto in a horizontal plane generally above the floor of the body of water, thereby maintaining the movement of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline and the movement of the constructed riser relative to the movement of the support member.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide coupling means is defined further to include, a portion sealingly engaging a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the end thereof having the underwater connecting end connected thereto, said portion sealingly preventing the entry of fluid into the underwater pipeline via the end thereof having the underwater connecting end connected thereto.

Claim 7

Apparatus for constructing a riser from a marine support member to be connected to an underwater pipeline, comprising: a predetermined number of riser-sections, each riser-section having a connecting upper end and a connecting lower end, each connecting upper end of some of the riser-sections interconnected to the connecting lower end of one other riser-section, the interconnected riser-sections forming the constructed riser, support means formed on a portion of each riser-section; riser support means supported on the marine support member to securedly position and support one of the riser-sections in one position thereof, the riser support means, including: support arm means supported on the marine support member, having a support position and a release position, a portion of the support arm means supportingly engaging a portion of support means of one of the riser-sections in a support position of the support arm means and in one position of one of the riser-sections, the support arm means passing the interconnected riser-sections therethrough in a release position of the support arm means; and actuator means connected to the support arm means to position the support arm means in a support position and in a release position; and positioning means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the positioning means removably connected to a portion of the support means of one of the riser-sections in one position of the positioning means, the positioning means movable to a position wherein the connecting lower end of the riser-section removably connected thereto interconnectingly engages the connecting upper end of a riser-section supported in the riser support means in one position of the positioning means.

Claim 8

Apparatus for constructing a riser from a marine support member to be connected to an underwater pipeline, comprising: a predetermined number of riser-sections, each riser-section having a connecting upper end and a connecting lower end, each connecting upper end of some of the riser-sections interconnected to the connecting lower end of one other riser-section, the interconnected riser-sections forming the constructed riser, support means formed on a portion of each riser-section; riser support means supported on the marine support member to securedly position and support one of the riser-sections in one position thereof, the riser support means, including: support arm means supported on the marine support member, having a support position and a release position, a portion of the support arm means supportingly engaging a portion of support means of one of the riser-sections in a support position of the support arm means and in one position of one of the riser-sections, the support arm means passing the interconnected riser-sections therethrough in a release position of the support arm means; and actuator means connected to the support arm means to position the support arm means in a support position and in a release position; and positioning means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the positioning means removably connected to a portion of the support means of one of the riser-sections in one position of the positioning means, the positioning means movable to a position wherein the connecting lower end of the riser-section removably connected thereto interconnectingly engages the connecting upper end of a riser-section supported in the riser support means in one position of the positioning means.

Claim 9

Apparatus for constructing a riser from a marine support member and connecting one end of the constructed riser to an underwater pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a predetermined number of riser-sections, one riser-section having a connecting upper end and an underwater connecting end, each other riser-section having a connecting upper end a connecting lower end, each connecting upper end of some of the riser-sections interconnected to the connecting lower end of one other riser-section, the interconnected riser-sections forming the constructed riser, the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section being the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser, support means formed about a portion of each riser-section generally near the connecting upper end thereof; riser support means supported on the marine support member to support one riser-section therein in one position thereof, the riser support means including: support arm means supported on the marine support member having a support position and a release position, a portion of the support arm means supportingly engaging a portion of the support means of one of the riser-sections in a support position of the support arm means and in one position of one of the riser-sections, the support arm means passing the interconnected riser-sections therethrough in a release position of the support arm means; and actuator means connected to the support arm means to position the support arm means in a support position and in a release position; and positioning means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the positioning means being removably connected to the support means of one of the riser-sections in one position of the positioning means, the positioning means movable to a position wherein the connecting lower end of the riser-section removably connected to the positioning means interconnectingly Engages the connecting upper end of the riser-section supported in the riser support means in one position of the positioning means; an underwater connecting end connected to one end of the underwater pipeline, a portion of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline interconnectingly engaging the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser in one position of the constructed riser and the underwater pipeline; and guide coupling means removably disposed in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the end of the underwater pipeline having the underwater connecting end connected thereto, a portion of the guide coupling means guidingly engaging a portion of the constructed riser generally near the underwater connecting end thereof to guide the constructed riser to a position wherein the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser connectingly engages a portion of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline.

Claim 10

Apparatus for constructing a riser from a marine support member and connecting one end of the constructed riser to an underwater pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a predetermined number of riser-sections, one riser-section having a connecting upper end and an underwater connecting end, each other riser-section having a connecting upper end a connecting lower end, each connecting upper end of some of the riser-sections interconnected to the connecting lower end of one other riser-section, the interconnected riser-sections forming the constructed riser, the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section being the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser, support means formed about a portion of each riser-section generally near the connecting upper end thereof; riser support means supported on the marine support member to support one riser-section therein in one position thereof, the riser support means including: support arm means supported on the marine support member having a support position and a release position, a portion of the support arm means supportingly engaging a portion of the support means of one of the riser-sections in a support position of the support arm means and in one position of one of the riser-sections, the support arm means passing the interconnected riser-sections therethrough in a release position of the support arm means; and actuator means connected to the support arm means to position the support arm means in a support position and in a release position; and positioning means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the positioning means being removably connected to the support means of one of the riser-sections in one position of the positioning means, the positioning means movable to a position wherein the connecting lower end of the riser-section removably connected to the positioning means interconnectingly Engages the connecting upper end of the riser-section supported in the riser support means in one position of the positioning means; an underwater connecting end connected to one end of the underwater pipeline, a portion of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline interconnectingly engaging the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser in one position of the constructed riser and the underwater pipeline; and guide coupling means removably disposed in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the end of the underwater pipeline having the underwater connecting end connected thereto, a portion of the guide coupling means guidingly engaging a portion of the constructed riser generally near the underwater connecting end thereof to guide the constructed riser to a position wherein the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser connectingly engages a portion of the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 5 defined further to include: riser lowering means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the riser lowering means removably connected to a portion of the support means of one of the riser-sections in one position of the riser lowering means, the riser lowering means guidingly lowering the constructed riser in a direction generally toward the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline, to a position wherein the underwater connecting end of the constructed riser connectingly engages the underwater connecting end of the underwater pipeline.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the support means formed on the riser-sections is defined further as being a support ring formed on the outer periphery of each riser-section, generally near the connecting upper end thereof and extending generally radially therefrom, thereby forming an annular upper surface and an annular lower surface extending circumferentially about the outer periphery of each riser-section.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the support ring is defined further to include a predetermined number of position apertures formed therethrough.

Claim 14

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the support ring is defined further to include a predetermined number of support apertures formed therethrough.

Claim 15

The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the support arm means is defined further to include: at least two support arms, each support arm having a pivot end and a support end, the pivot end of each support arm pivotally secured to a portion of the marine support member, the support arm of each support arm supportingly engaging a portion of the lower surface of the support ring of each riser-section in a support position of the support arm means and in one position of each riser-section; and wherein the actuator means is defined further to include: at least two cylinder actuator means, each cylinder actuator means pivotally connected to the marine support member and having a piston arm reciprocatingly disposed therein, one end of each piston arm pivotally connected to a portion of one of the support arms, each cylinder actuator means actuable to move the support arm means connected thereto to a support position and a release position.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the support end of each support arm is defined further to include: a base having an upper surface formed thereon, the upper surface being arcuately shaped and supportingly engaging a portion of the lower surface of the support ring of each riser-section in one position of each riser-section; and a predetermined number of locating pins, each locating pin secured to a portion of the upper surface of the base and extending a distance generally perpendicularly therefrom, each locating pin extending through a portion of one of the position apertures of each riser-section in one position of each riser-section, to position each riser-section in a support position of the riser-support means and in one posiTion of each riser-section.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 11 defined further to include at least one locating pin secured to the base of each support arm, and wherein the support arms are further defined as being generally disposed on opposite sides of the riser-section supported in the riser support means, the locating pins being spaced approximately 180* apart, in a support position of the riser support means.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 5 defined further to include: means to support a plurality of riser-sections in a stored position on the marine support member, for subsequent utilization in the construction of the riser; and wherein the positioning means is defined further to include: a track means supported in a horizontal plane generally above the riser support means and the stored riser-sections; and a crane support frame rollingly connected to the track means, the crane support frame rollable on the track means to predetermined positions over the stored riser-sections and over the riser support means; a crane winch means supported on a portion of the crane support frame, having an actuated raising and an actuated lowering position; a crane cable means, having opposite ends, one end of the crane cable means being connected to the crane winch means; and a riser section connector secured to the end of the crane cable means opposite the end thereof secured to the crane winch means; and the riser section connector securedly engaging one of the supported riser-sections in one position thereof, the riser-section connected to the riser section connector being raised in a generally vertical direction toward the track means in the actuated raising position of the crane winch means, the riser-section connected to the riser section connector being lowered in a generally downwardly direction toward the riser support means in an actuated lowering position of the crane winch means.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the track means is defined further to include: a lateral track means disposed in a horizontal plane generally above the riser support means and the supported riser-sections, the lateral track means extending generally laterally over the riser support means and the supported riser-sections; and a transverse track means extending generally transversely with respect to the lateral track means, the transverse track means rollingly connected to the lateral track means, the transverse track means being laterally positionable on the lateral track; and wherein the crane support frame is more particularly connected to the transverse track means, the crane support frame being positionable transversely on the transverse track means.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the riser lowering means is defined further to include: at least two winch means, each winch means supported on a portion of the marine support member and spaced approximately 180* apart, each winch means having an actuated raising and an actuated lowering position; and a winch cable connected to each winch means, each winch cable having opposite ends, one end of each winch cable secured to one of the winch means and the end of each winch cable opposite the end thereof secured to one of the winch means removably connected to a portion of the interconnected riser-sections, the interconnected riser-sections being lowered via the winch cables in an actuated lowering position of each winch means, and the interconnected riser-sections being raised by each winch cable in an actuated raising position of each winch means.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 5 defined further to include: a riser section receiving means supported on the marine support member, a portion of the riser section receiving means receivingly and supportingly engaging a portion of one riser-section for temporarily storing one riser-section therein

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 5 defined further to include: a portable suppOrt frame removably connected to a portion of the marine support member in as assembled position thereabove; a base plate means secured to the support frame, a riser opening formed through a portion of the base plate having a diameter larger than the largest radial diameter of any portion of any of the riser-sections, the riser support means connected to the base plate generally near the riser opening therethrough; and a plurality of telescoping connectors, each telescoping connector having opposite ends, one end of each telescoping connector being connected to a portion of the base plate, the ends of the telescoping connectors opposite the ends thereof secured to the base plate being positionable in predetermined horizontal planes above the base plate to a transport position and to an assembled position; and wherein the riser positioning means is further defined as being supportably connected to the end of each telescoping connector opposite the end thereof secured to the base plate, the horizontal disposition of the positioning means with respect to the base plate thereby adjustable to a transport position and an assembled position following the positioning of the telescoping connectors.

Claim 23

The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the base plate is defined further to include a plurality of support apertures formed therethrough, a portion of the base plate generally adjacent each support aperture supportingly engaging a portion of the support means of one riser-section to storingly support the riser-section in a stored position.

Claim 24

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the connecting upper end of each riser-section is defined further to include an uppermost end and a groove formed in the inner periphery of each riser-section intersecting a portion of the uppermost end thereof and extending a distance axially along the inner periphery thereof terminating with a beveled end, the beveled end of the groove forming an annular beveled surface in the connecting upper end of each riser-section; and wherein the connecting lower end of each riser-section is defined further to include a lowermost end and a groove formed in the outer periphery of each riser-section intersecting a portion of the lowermost end thereof extending a distance axially along the outer periphery thereof terminating with an annular end surface formed about the outer periphery of the connecting lower end of each riser-section, the annular end surface formed about the connecting lower end of each riser-section engaging a portion of the uppermost end of the connecting lower end of one other riser-section in an interconnecting position of two riser-sections, the lowermost end of the connecting lower end of each riser-section engaging a portion of the annular beveled surface formed in the connecting lower end of one other riser-section in an interconnecting position of two riser-sections.

Claim 25

The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the support means formed about each riser-section is defined further as being a support ring formed on the outer periphery of the connecting upper end portion of each riser-section generally near the uppermost end thereof, extending a distance radially therefrom.

Claim 26

The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the lowermost end of the connecting lower end of each riser-section is formed on a bevel, thereby providing an annular beveled surface extending about a portion of the outer periphery of the lowermost end of each connecting lower end, the annular beveled surface of each connecting lower end matingly and connectingly engaging the annular beveled surface formed about the inner periphery of the connecting upper end of one other riser-section in an interconnecting position of two riser-sections.

Claim 27

The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the lowermost end of the connecting lower end of each riser-section is formed on a bevel, thereby providing an annular beveled surface extending about a portion of the outer periphery of the lowermost end of each connecting lower end, the annulAr beveled surface of each connecting lower end and the annular beveled surface of each connecting upper end forming an annular V-shaped groove in an interconnecting position of two riser-sections to facilitate the welding interconnection therebetween.

Claim 28

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section is defined further to include, a lowermost end and a radially outwardly tapering groove formed in the outer periphery of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section intersecting a portion of the lowermost end thereof thereby forming an annular tapered surface extending about the outer periphery of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section; and wherein the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline is defined further to include, an uppermost end and a radially inwardly tapering groove formed in the inner periphery thereof, intersecting a portion of the uppermost end thereof, forming an annular tapered surface extending about a portion of the inner periphery of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline, the annular tapered surface of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline guidingly and matingly engaging the annular tapered surface of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section in an interconnected position of the constructed riser and the underwater pipeline.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section is defined further to include, a lowermost end and a groove formed in the outer periphery thereof extending a distance axially along the outer periphery thereof, a portion of the groove tapered radially outwardly thereby forming an annular tapered surface extending about the outer periphery of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section, a portion of the tapered surface intersecting a portion of the outer periphery of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section; and wherein the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline is defined further to include, an uppermost end and a groove formed in the inner periphery thereof extending a distance axially along the inner periphery thereof, a portion of the groove tapered radially outwardly thereby forming an annular tapered surface extending about the inner periphery of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline, a portion of the tapered surface intersecting a portion of the uppermost end of the underwater connecting of the underwater pipeline, the surface formed by the groove and the annular tapered surface of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline guidingly and matingly engaging the surface formed by the groove and the annular tapered surface, respectively, of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section in an interconnected position of the constructed riser and the underwater pipeline.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline is defined further to include; an annular flange formed on the outer periphery thereof, extending generally radially therefrom and an annular raised face formed on a portion of the flange extending generally axially from the annular flange terminating with an uppermost end, the uppermost end of the annular raised face forming the uppermost end of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline; and wherein the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section is defined further to include, an annular flange formed on the outer periphery thereof, extending generally radially therefrom, thereby forming an annular downwardly facing surface and an annular upwardly facing surface, each extending about the outer periphery of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section, the annular downwardly facing surface engaging the uppermost end of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline in an interConnected position of the constructed riser and the underwater pipeline.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section is defined further to include: an annular slip ring disposed about the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section, a portion of the annular slip ring slidingly engaging the upwardly facing surface formed by the flange about the outer periphery of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section, the slip ring being supported in one direction thereby, a plurality of bolt holes being formed through a portion of the slip ring and spaced circumferentially thereabout; and wherein the flange formed about the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline, is defined further to include a plurality of bolt holes formed therethrough, the bolt holes spaced circumferentially about the flange and positioned to align with the bolt holes formed in the slip ring, in one position of the slip ring, for bolting interconnection between the constructed riser and the underwater pipeline.

Claim 32

The apparatus of claim 26 defined further to include; flange alignment means supported generally between the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section and the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline to align the bolt holes of the flange of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline with the bolt holes through the slip ring supported on the one riser-section.

Claim 33

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the flange alignment means is defined further to include: a pin having an upper and lower end, the pin disposed through one of the bolt holes in the slip ring and one of the bolt holes of the flange of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline, in one position; a clamp means connected to the pin generally adjacent the upper end thereof, the clamp means engaging a portion of the slip ring in one position of the clamp means to secure the pin in an assembled position, a portion of the pin extending through one of the bolt holes in the slip ring and a portion of the pin generally adjacent the lower end thereof extending a distance downwardly from the slip ring in an assembled position of the pin; and a pair of guide members, each guide member removably supported on a portion of the flange formed on the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline and extending a distance generally upwardly therefrom, each guide member having a guide side, the guide sides of the two guide members defining a guide path in an assembled position of the guide members, each guide side alternately and guidingly engaging a portion of the pin generally adjacent the lower end of the pin in one position of the pin, to guide a portion of the pin through one of the bolt holes of the flange formed on the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline.

Claim 34

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the guide coupling means is defined further to include: a support base having an upper and lower end, a portion of the base removably disposed in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the underwater connecting end connected thereto, in an assembled position of the guide coupling means; means supported on a portion of the support base to securedly position the guide coupling means in an assembled position in a portion of the underwater pipeline; and a cone-shaped guide having an upper end and a circular-shaped lower end, the lower end of the cone-shaped guide connected to the upper end of the support base, the cone-shaped guide extending axially above the uppermost end of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline, in an assembled position of the guide coupling means, the outer surface of the cone-shaped guide providing a guiding surface guidingly engaging a portion of the underwater connecting end of the one riser-section to guide the underwater coNnecting end of the one riser-section into an interconnecting engagement with the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline.

Claim 35

The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the means to securedly position the guide coupling means in the underwater pipeline is defined further to include: a jaw member pivotally secured to a portion of the support base, a portion of the jaw member extending radially from the support base and engaging a portion of the underwater connecting end connected to underwater pipeline to securedly position the guide coupling means in one direction in the underwater pipeline, in one position of the jaw member; a bias spring, having opposite ends, one end of the bias spring connected to a portion of the jaw member and the end of the bias spring opposite the end thereof connected to the jaw member connected to a portion of the support base, the bias spring biasing the jaw member in a biasing direction; and a plate means secured to a portion of the support base, a portion of the jaw member engaging the plate means to limit the pivotal movement of the jaw member in a biasing direction to a position wherein a portion of the jaw member engages a portion of the underwater connecting end connected to the underwater pipeline to position the guide coupling means in an assembled position in the underwater pipeline.

Claim 36

The apparatus of claim 29 further defined to include: an annular seal member, having an annular seal end and an annular tapered surface formed thereon, a portion of the seal member opposite the seal end thereof sealingly connected to a portion of the support base, the annular seal end of the seal member slidingly engaging an adjacent portion of the inner periphery of the underwater pipeline, the annular tapered surface of the seal end engaged by fluid entering the underwater pipeline via the underwater connecting end thereof, the fluid biasing the seal end of the seal member into sealing engagement with the adjacent portion of the inner periphery of the underwater pipeline thereby forming a fluid seal between the guide coupling means and the underwater pipeline, in one position of the seal member.

Claim 37

The apparatus of claim 31 defined further to include: a seal bias means supported in a portion of the support base, the seal bias means having a portion thereof biasingly engaging a portion of the annular tapered surface of the seal member thereby biasing the seal end of the seal member into sealing engagement with an adjacent portion of the inner periphery of the underwater pipeline, in one position of the seal bias means.

Claim 38

The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the seal bias means is defined further to include: an elongated rod, having opposite ends, reciprocatingly supported in a portion of the support base; a predetermined number of flanges, each flange being connected on one end thereof to a portion of the rod generally near one end of the rod, each flange extending a distance radially from the rod terminating with an outer end portion; an annular bias ring having a portion thereof connected to the outer end portion of each flange, the bias ring biasingly engaging the annular tapered surface of the seal member, thereby biasing the seal end of the seal member into sealing engagement with the adjacent portion of the inner periphery of the underwater pipeline, in one position of the bias ring; and a bias spring disposed about a portion of the rod, one end of the bias spring engaging a portion of the support base, the end of the bias spring opposite the end thereof in engagement with the support base engaging a portion of the flanges thereby biasing the rod in a bias direction wherein the seal ring biasingly engages the annular tapered surface of the seal member, the bias spring thereby augmenting the sealing integrity of the seal member with respect to the inner periphery of the underwater pipeline.

Claim 39

The apparatus of claim 33 defined further to include: means to move the rod in a direction generally opposite the biasing direction and to support the rod in a position wherein the bias ring is disengaged from the seal member; and means to move the rod in a biasing direction to augment the biasing force of the bias spring, thereby augmenting the sealing integrity between the seal member and the adjacent portion of the inner periphery of the underwater pipeline in one position.

Claim 40

The apparatus of claim 31 defined further to include: a submergable pump means supported in a portion of the guide coupling means to remove fluid accumulated in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the underwater connecting end connected thereto and to remove fluid accumulated in the riser subsequent to the constructed riser being interconnected to the underwater pipeline.

Claim 41

The apparatus of claim 5 defined further to include: a slip coupling means interposed in a portion of the underwater pipeline generally near the end of the underwater pipeline having the underwater connecting end connected thereto, a portion of the underwater pipeline between the end thereof having the underwater connecting end connected thereto and the slip coupling rotatable generally about the slip coupling to facilitate the positioning of the underwater pipeline to be interconnected to the constructed riser.