PIPELINE LAYING SYSTEM UTILIZING AN INCLINED RAMP

摘要

Method and apparatus for laying pipelines wherein an elongated ramp means is mounted on a vessel for selective pivotal movement. The ramp means supports the pipeline so as to produce a desired penetration angle of the pipeline into the body of water and is provided with a fixed clamp means for maintaining the pipeline substantially stationary with respect to the vessel during operations performed in connection with adding new pipeline sections, and with a movable clamp means for tensioning the pipeline during payout of the pipeline. An elongate pipe section loader means is also pivotally mounted on the barge for movement between a substantially horizontal position and controllable pivotal positions aligned with the inclined ramp means. In its horizontal position, the loader means receives a new section of pipe after which the loader means is pivoted upwardly toward the inclined ramp means. Thereafter, the pipe is transferred to the ramp means for continuation of the laying operation while the loader is returned to its horizontal position to receive a new pipe section.