Ronald Charles Mack

US Patent:

47845236, Nov 15, 1988

Filed:

Mar 26, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/031342

Inventors:

Bill G. Louis - Houston TX
Ronald C. Mack - Houston TX

Assignee:

Exxon Production Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16L 104
E21B 4301

US Classification:

405169

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for orienting a flowline so that it may be remotely connected to a riser connected to an offshore structure. The apparatus includes a structural guide, connected to the offshore structure, that is capable of being rotated so that the front side of the structural guide is directed toward the lead end of the flowline. The structural guide is designed in such a manner so that is is automatically rotated by the cable which is used to pull the flowline to the offshore structure when tension is applied to the cable. The lead end of the flowline is directed upwardly by a pipe guide. The pipe guide has riser guidepost recepticals that receive guideposts as they are lowered from the offshore structure by guidelines. The guidelines and guideposts direct the riser into position over the lead end of the flowline for final connection.