SUBMARINES IMPORTANT TO OFFSHORE PIPELINE WORK

Since pipelines are being laid in increasingly deeper waters, Divcon Inc., a Houston deep-sea diving contractor, is utilizing General Dynamic Corp.'s Star submarines for inspection, survey, and photographic recording work. Star II and Star III considerably increase the effective work depths and bottom times compared with present diver techniques. Divers are now limited to approximately 600 ft maximum work depth with the use of diving bells. With more wells being drilled at water depths of 1000 ft or more, the use of submarines is a necessity. Star II is capable of operating at depths to 1200 ft for as long as 8 hr, and Star III can dive to 2000 ft for 12 hr. Both submarines are equipped with manipulator arms which enable them to turn valves, cut cables, handle hoses, and do many of the other things that need to be done at or near a well-head and on pipeline work. Submarines are especially suited to any application that requires an extended horizontal range under the surface, and in this area, subsea pipeline work should benefit the most. The two submarines and their equipment are described briefly.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Petroleum Engineer Publishing Company

    Box 1589
    Dallas, TX  United States  75221
  • Authors:
    • Kuykendall, B J
  • Publication Date: 1968-12

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 36-37
  • Serial:
    • Pipeline Engineer
    • Volume: 40
    • Issue Number: 13
    • Publisher: Petroleum Engineer Publishing Company

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00056023
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: American Petroleum Institute
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jun 24 1974 12:00AM