Inventors:
Steven E. Mansfield - Houston TX
Neil A. Stagg - Tinamba, AU
Assignee:
Diverless Systems, Inc. - Houston TX
International Classification:
F16L 104
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for placement and deployment of grout bags which, when deployed by filling with grout, act as supports for subsea pipelines or structures. The apparatus includes a pallet to which a collapsed grout bag is attached for placement, an alignment member, and a manifold assembly for distributing grout to multiple bags or compartments. The alignment member is abutted against the subsea pipeline or structure to assure proper placement of the grout bag beneath the pipeline or structure. The pallet base structure permits level deployment of the pallet on sloping seabeds. The pallet base structure includes legs and brace members which are specially designed to suit the seabed conditions at the installation site. The length of the pallet legs depends upon the relative softness of the seabed, with longer legs providing frictional support as they embed themselves into the seabed. Short legs provide support for the pallet on relatively hard seabeds by resting on the seabed with minimal embedding.