TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a laying device for laying a pipeline on the bed of a body of water.

BACKGROUND ART

Pipeline construction and laying is normally carried out using laying vessels, which are equipped with production lines for constructing the pipelines and laying devices for laying them. Pipeline construction and laying is carried out according to two chief methods, which are chosen depending on the depth of the seabed.

The first method, suitable for deep-water laying, contemplates making a pipeline using a substantially vertical production line and laying the underwater pipeline in a substantially vertical position, such that the pipeline assumes a J-shape in the section extending between the laying vessel and the bed of the body of water.

The second method, particularly suitable for laying in shallow to medium depth waters, contemplates making the underwater pipeline using a substantially horizontal production line and laying the underwater pipeline by means of a curved supporting structure, which has the function of guiding and supporting the underwater pipeline along a curved path that has a first part above the body of water, and a second part in the body of water. Underwater pipelines laid according to the second method assume an S-shape between the laying vessel and the bed of the body of water.

Pipelines of the above-indicated type comprise parts, such as valves for example, which radially protrude from the cylindrical profile of the pipelines. These parts are generally known as "special parts" or "bulky items", and require that the laying devices are designed to allow for their passage.

One critical problem associated with laying pipelines with special parts is the pipeline rotating about its longitudinal axis while it is being laid. There can be various causes of pipeline rotation. In the J-lay configuration, the pipeline is mainly subjected to traction, and rotation can be caused by the action of a cross-current. The special part, which usually has rather large cross-sections, tends to take a position that offers least resistance to the current, thereby inducing a localized twisting moment on the pipe that cancels out along the laying line. This twisting moment has the effect of producing a rotation of the part that grows as the depth of the bed of the body of water increases.

In the S-lay configuration, the bending moment caused by the curving of the pipeline during the laying stage brings the outermost fibres of the pipeline to a plastic state. Once the curved section of pipeline takes its rectilinear shape again and the state of traction reverts to prevailing over the state of flexure along the plasticized section, the redistribution of stress along the directrix of the pipeline becomes non- homogeneous due to the residual tension and causes torsional instability. In this condition, the pipeline turns around its axis to find a new configuration of equilibrium.

The rotation induced by the action of the currents on the special parts, and described with reference to J-laying, adds to this effect.

In any case, a special part has a tendency to turn about the axis of the pipeline according to a helical trajectory. Since special parts must be laid on the bed of the body of water on a particular side, rotation of the pipeline does not allow laying special parts in the correct configuration desired.

To overcome this drawback in intermediate waters, a float is connected to the special part in order to provide a force that maintains the desired orientation of the special part.

In deep waters, the configuration of the pipeline is nearly vertical and, in consequence, the action of the float is ineffective as it is practically parallel to the pipeline. In this case, the float would be able to perform a corrective action only close to the bed of the body of water where the pipeline progressively assumes a horizontal configuration. However, the action of the float limited to this short section proves to be insufficient.

The use of a float would also be impractical for correcting rotation of the special part when the rotation starts outside the body of water and is induced by plasticization .

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a laying device capable of mitigating the drawbacks of the known art.

In accordance with the present invention, a laying device is provided for laying a pipeline on the bed of a body of water, the laying device comprising a frame; at least one movable member mounted on the frame and designed to be placed in contact with a pipeline extending along a longitudinal axis; and at least one actuator for transmitting rotation to the movable member to apply corrective torsion on the pipeline. In this way, it is possible to prevent or correct possible undesired twisting of the pipeline.

In particular, the device comprises a control system for acquiring signals related to the torsional state of the pipeline in the body of water and for controlling the movable member on the basis of the acquired signals, so as to apply a desired corrective torsion on the pipeline. By monitoring the pipeline, it is possible to modulate the corrective torsion.

In accordance with the present invention, the movable member comprises a gripping device designed to selectively grip and release the pipeline; said frame being connected to a supporting structure to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. This solution is particularly convenient because the laying device rotates the gripping device of the pipeline feed system.

In particular, the laying device comprises a connecting system for suspending the frame from the supporting structure. Preferably, the connecting system comprises connecting rods hinged to the frame and the supporting structure by universal j oints . This is a relatively simple system to allow the frame to rotate a few degrees.

Basically, the device comprises a plurality of actuators connected to the frame and the supporting structure to rotate the frame and the gripping device with respect to the supporting structure. The higher the number of actuators, the more the frame is stably constrained to the supporting structure, which in this case is a J-lay tower. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a plurality of movable members, each of which comprises a roller rotating about its axis of rotation. Basically, the roller transfers a tangential force to the pipeline by friction.

In particular, the axes of rotation of the rollers are skewed and oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. This configuration enables each roller to exchange a tangential force and an axial force with the pipeline.

The rotation of the rollers is implemented by an actuator, which in this case is a feed system designed to selectively feed the pipeline that, in turn, causes the rotation of the rollers. In fact, the tilt of the axes of rotation of the rollers enables driving the rollers in rotation via the pipeline . Advantageously, the device comprises at least one drive for adjusting the tilt of the axis of rotation of the roller and consequently modulating the torsion applied to the pipeline.

In accordance with the present invention, the device comprises a plurality of clamps, each of which supports at least one roller and is hinged to the frame to move between a grip position and a release position. In the release position, the clamps allow the special parts to pass and, in the grip position, enable modulating the pressure of the rollers on the pipeline. In particular, the frame is supported on a laying vessel by means of shock absorbers to allow adjustment movements of the pipeline .

In accordance with a variant of the present invention, the frame is mounted on a supporting structure for supporting the pipeline in S-laying and the rollers are arranged to define a support cradle for the pipeline. In other words, the supporting structure is a laying ramp for the S-lay configuration and, at the same time, the laying device, designed to apply corrective torsion to the pipeline, defines a cradle of the laying ramp. The distinctive feature lies in the fact that the laying device or cradle has rollers with skewed axes of rotation oblique with respect to the axis of the pipeline.

In accordance with a further variant of the present invention, the at least one actuator comprises a motor coupled to the rollers to rotate the rollers about their respective axes of rotation. Basically, these are motorized rollers and are not driven in rotation by the pipeline. In this case, each axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline so as to maximize the force transmitted from the rollers to the pipeline. The force transmitted from the rollers to the pipeline can be modulated by means of a plurality of clamps, each designed to support at least one roller.

In accordance with a further variant of the present invention, the frame is mounted on a laying vessel to slide in a feed direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. This solution enables avoiding relative movements between the pipeline and the rollers in the axial direction.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for laying a pipeline on the bed of a body of water that is devoid of the drawbacks of the known art.

In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for laying a pipeline on the bed of a body of water, the method comprising the steps of moving into contact with the pipeline at least one movable member mounted on a frame supported on a laying vessel; and rotating the movable member to apply corrective torsion on the pipeline above the body of water . The purpose of the corrective torsion applied above the body of water is to prevent or correct twisting of the pipeline that takes place in the body of water and is easy to control. In particular, the method contemplates acquiring signals related to the twisting of the pipeline in the body of water and controlling the movable member above the body of water on the basis of the acquired signals. Basically, the corrective torsion can be modulated as a function of the acquired data.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of selectively clamping and releasing the movable member to/from the pipeline; and rotating the frame and the movable member about the longitudinal axis of the pipeline with respect to a supporting structure supporting the frame. In other words, the movable member is defined by a gripping device that can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. In the case in point, the supporting structure is a J-lay tower and the gripping device, i.e. the movable members, form part of a feeding device for the pipeline located on the J-lay tower. Basically, corrective torsion is applied by the gripping device firmly gripping the pipeline and rotation of the gripping device.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the method contemplates applying corrective torsion by means of a plurality of movable members, each of which comprises a roller rotating about its axis of rotation. Basically, corrective torsion is transmitted to the pipeline by the rollers or rolling bodies rotating in contact with the outer face of the pipeline. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the description that follows of some preferred embodiments, with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a side elevation view, with parts shown schematically and parts removed for clarity, of a laying vessel for J-laying pipelines and equipped with a laying device made in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 2 is an elevation view, on an enlarged scale and with parts removed for clarity, of a laying device made in accordance with the present invention;

- Figures 3 to 5 are plan views, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of the device in Figure 2 in different operating configurations;

- Figure 6 is a side elevation view, with parts shown schematically and parts removed for clarity, of a laying vessel for S-laying pipelines and equipped with laying devices made in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of a laying device made in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 8 and 9 are elevation views, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of the laying device in Figure

7 in an operating position and in a rest position, respectively;

- Figure 10 is a side elevation view, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the laying device in Figure 7 ;

- Figure 11 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a laying device made in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 12 and 13 are plan views, with parts removed for clarity, of the laying device in Figure 11;

- Figure 14 is a schematic side elevation view, with parts removed for clarity, of a laying device made in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and

- Figures 15 and 16 are schematic elevation views, with parts removed for clarity, of the laying device in Figure 14.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a laying vessel for laying a pipeline 2 on the bed 3 of a body of water 4. The laying vessel 1 comprises a floating structure 5 and a supporting structure 6, which is hinged to the floating structure 5. In the case shown, the supporting structure 6 is a J-lay tower that houses an assembly line 7 for joining pieces of pipe together (not shown in the accompanying figures) to build the pipeline 2, and a feeding system 8 to feed the pipeline 2 in a feed direction Dl with respect to the supporting structure 6 and the laying vessel 1. The feeding system 8 comprises a movable gripping device 9 selectively movable along the supporting structure 6 and a gripping device 10 substantially integral with the supporting structure 6 in direction Dl . The pipeline 2 has a longitudinal axis Al and special parts 11, one of which is shown in Figure 1. Special parts 11 consist of valves or other structures characterized by having significant bulk in the radial direction and being asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis Al of the pipeline 2.

The laying vessel 1 has a control system 12, which comprises a control unit 13 and at least one sensor 14 for detecting twisting of the pipeline 2 submerged in the body of water 3 and the position of the special part 11.

In the case shown, the sensor 14 is a video camera mounted on an underwater ROV 15 connected to the control unit 13.

The laying vessel 1 comprises a laying device 16 designed to rotate about the longitudinal axis Al of the pipeline 2 to apply corrective torsion to the pipeline 2, if necessary, to compensate for and/or prevent undesired twisting of the pipeline 2 induced by external factors, such as marine currents for example, or structural factors, such as surface plasticization of the pipeline 2 for example.

The entity of the corrective torsion applied to the pipeline 2 is determined based on the data acquired by the control system 12.

In fact, the laying device 16 comprises movable members designed to be placed in contact with the pipeline 2 that, in the case shown, comprise the gripping device 10.

With reference to Figure 2, the laying device 16 comprises a frame 17; a connecting system 18 for connection to the supporting structure 6; and an actuating system 19 to rotate the frame 17 with respect to the supporting structure 6. In the case shown, the connecting system 18 comprises a plurality of connecting rods 20 connected to the frame 17 and the supporting structure 6 by universal joints 21. In effect, the frame 17 is suspended from the supporting structure 6 by the connecting rods 20.

With reference to Figure 3, the actuating system 19 provides further connection of the frame 17 to the supporting structure 6 by means of at least two actuators 22; in the case shown, there are four actuators 22. The ends of each actuator 22 are respectively connected to the frame 17 and to the supporting structure 6 by a universal joint 23.

In greater detail, the frame 17 is a four-sided frame, this being a square in the case shown. The laying device 16 comprises a carriage 24, which supports the gripping device 10, i.e. the movable members designed to be arranged to grip the pipeline 2 and movable along the frame 17 between a position in which the gripping device 10 is arranged around the pipeline 2 and a position in which the gripping device 10 is arranged in a position (not shown) away from the pipeline 2 to allow the transit of special parts 11 (Figure 1) .

In Figure 4, the gripping device 10 is gripping the pipeline 2, while in Figure 5, the frame 17, the carriage 24 and the gripping device 10, always gripping the pipeline 2, are rotated about the longitudinal axis Al by a few degrees to apply corrective torsion to the pipeline 2 based on parameters computed by the control system 12 in Figure 1. The laying device 16 is integrated in the feeding system 8 and makes controlled rotation of the gripping device 10 possible.

In use, and with reference to Figure 1, the pipeline 2 is step-fed by the feeding system 8 as follows: when the movable gripping device 9 grips the pipeline 2, the gripping device 10 is released from the pipeline 2 and the movable gripping device 9 is advanced in direction Dl . Once this advancement of the movable gripping device 9 terminates, the pipeline 2 is gripped by the gripping device 10 and released by the movable gripping device 9. In this step, a pause in the feeding of the pipeline 2, the gripping device 10 is rotated about the longitudinal axis Al (Figure 5) of the pipeline 2 by few degrees, if necessary, to apply corrective torsion to the pipeline 2 based on parameters computed by the control system 12 shown in Figure 1. At the same time, the movable gripping device 9 is raised to a position where it can grip the pipeline 2 again before the latter is released by the gripping device 10. The gripping device 10, once it releases the pipeline 2, is returned to the "not rotated" configuration shown in Figure 3.

In one embodiment, not shown in the accompanying figures, the movable gripping device 9 is replaced by a track tensioner in a fixed position with respect to the supporting structure 6.

With reference to the embodiment in Figure 6, reference numeral 25 indicates a laying vessel, which comprises a floating structure 26 and a supporting structure 27, which is designed to support the pipeline 2 and is hinged to the floating structure 26. In the case shown, the supporting structure 27 is an S-lay ramp equipped with cradles 28 to guide and support the pipeline 2 along a section of its path. The laying vessel 25 comprises a control system 12 comprising a control unit 13 and a sensor 14 to detect twisting of the pipeline 2 and the special part 11. The sensor 14 is preferably defined by a video camera mounted on an underwater ROV 15.

The laying vessel 25 comprises a feeding system 29, for example a tensioner of the opposed-track type and designed to feed, brake and stop the pipeline 2 with respect to the laying vessel 25.

The laying vessel 25 comprises a laying device 30 arranged between the feeding system 29 and the supporting structure 27. With reference to Figure 7, the laying device 30 comprises a frame 31; a plurality of guide devices 32 mounted on the frame 31 and arranged in succession; and a connecting system 33 for connecting the frame 31 to the laying vessel 25.

The connecting system 33 comprises connecting rods 34, hinged to the frame 31 and the laying vessel 25, and shock absorbers 35 connected to the frame 31 and the laying vessel 25, to allow the frame 31 to tilt with respect to the laying vessel 25.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, each guide device 32 comprises two clamps 36, which are hinged to the frame 31 and are operated by respective drives 37 between an operating position in which they are in contact with the pipeline 2 (Figure 8) and a rest position (Figure 9) in which they allow the passage of special parts 11 (Figure 6) .

With reference to Figure 10, each clamp 36 supports movable members that, in the case shown, comprise two rollers 38 rotating about respective axes of rotation A2. In this case, each roller 38 is mounted on a fork 39 adjustable by a respective drive 40 to alter the tilt of the rollers 38.

Basically, the axes of rotation A2 of the rollers 38 are skewed and oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis Al of the pipeline 2, which by being arranged in contact with the rollers 38 causes them to rotate about the respective axes of rotation A2. As the axes of rotation A2 of the rollers 38 are skewed and oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis Al of the pipeline 2, each roller 38 transmits, by friction, a tangential force to the outer face of the pipeline 2 and applies corrective torsion to the pipeline 2. In this case, the actuator that applied the corrective torsion is the feeding system 29 that controls the stopping and feeding of the pipeline 2. In fact, the pipeline 2, in the feed steps in direction Dl, has the function of a transmission member between the actuator (feeding system 29) and the rollers 38 and causes the rotation of the rollers 38 that, in turn, apply the corrective torsion to the pipeline 2. The entity of the corrective torsion applied to the pipeline 2 can vary according to the pressure applied by the clamps 36 and the tilt of the rollers 38.

With reference to Figure 6, the laying vessel 25 comprises one or more laying devices 41 arranged along the supporting structure 27 as an alternative to or in combination with laying device 30 to apply corrective torsion. Each laying device 41 is actually integrated in a cradle 28. In greater detail, and with reference to Figures 11 to 13, device 41 comprises a frame 42 on which rollers 38 are mounted, these rotating about respective axes of rotation A2 and fitted on respective forks 39 operated by respective drives 40. In the case shown, just one drive 40 is able to adjust the tilt of the axes of rotation A2 of a row of rollers 38. The principle of operation of laying device 41 is the same as that described with reference to laying device 30, with the difference that the forces exchanged between the pipeline and rollers 38 in laying device 41 depend on the mass of the pipeline 2 that rests on the rollers 38 and the tilting of the axes of rotation A2 of the rollers 38.

With reference to Figure 6, as an alternative to laying device 30, the laying vessel 25 can be equipped with laying device 43, shown in Figure 14.

With reference to Figure 14, laying device 43 comprises a frame 44 and a plurality of gripping devices 45 movable between an operating position (Figure 15), in which they grip the pipeline 2 and a rest position (Figure 16), in which the gripping devices 45 are distant from the pipeline 2. In the case in point, the frame 44 is mounted to slide in the feed direction Dl of the pipeline 2 with respect to the laying vessel 25. In particular, and with reference to Figure 14, the frame 44 is movable along the rails 46 in direction Dl together with the pipeline 2 when at least one gripping device 45 is gripping the pipeline 2 and is movable in the opposite direction to direction Dl by means of a drive (not shown in the accompanying figures), to return the gripping devices 45 to a position in which they will again grip the pipeline 2.

With reference to Figures 15 and 16, each gripping device 45 comprises two clamps 47; movable members 48 supported by the clamps 47 and designed to be arranged in contact with the pipeline 2; and drives 49 for operating the clamps 47 about respective axes parallel to the longitudinal axis Al of the pipeline 2. Each clamp 47 comprises two movable members, which in the case shown are the rollers 48, each of which is motorized and rotates about a respective axis of rotation A3 and is designed to be arranged in contact with the outer face of the pipeline 2 to apply corrective torsion to the pipeline 2 about the longitudinal axis Al of the pipeline 2. In this case, each roller 48 is equipped with an actuator 50 that provides rotation about the respective axis of rotation A3.

Finally, it is evident that variants can be made to the present invention with respect to the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings without departing from the scope of the appended claims.