IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO MARLINE PIPELAYING AND HANDLINE OF RIGID TUBULAR MEMBERS

摘要

1 Abstract 2 3 Methods and apparatus for controlling the ovality of 4 rigid, tubular members, particularly pipelines in 5 marine pipelaying operations, most particularly in 6 marine pipelaying operations of the type in which the 7 pipeline is subject to plastic deformation. The 8 pipeline is passed through a guide defining a gap 9 dimensioned to apply a compressive force to the 10 pipeline in at least one direction if the diameter of 11 the pipeline in said direction exceeds the width of the 12 gap- The guide may comprise one or more pairs of 13 rollers (40) disposed on either side of the pipeline 14 path, or a flange (52) on one side of the pipeline path 15 and one or more pinch rollers (50) on the other side of 16 the pipeline path. The apparatus may include sensing 17 devices (68) for measuring the ovality of the pipe and 18 automatic control apparatus for varying the dimensions 19 and/or orientation of the guide in response thereto, 20 21