CPC F16L 1/123 (2013.01) [F16L 1/205 (2013.01); F16L 1/207 (2013.01); F16L 1/24 (2013.01); F16L 9/12 (2013.01)] | 7 Claims |
1. A method for installing a non-metallic pipeline, the method comprising the steps of:
placing a reel of the non-metallic pipeline onto a drive system for the reel;
fitting a load bearing member and counter weight to a rail having a guide and rollers;
coupling the load bearing member and the counter weight from the rail to the non-metallic pipeline,
the load bearing member and the counter weight being the same element, and said element being a chain;
said chain and pipeline coupled at a plurality of spacings along a length of said pipeline so as to form a pipeline chain assembly;
said chain bearing a tensile load and supporting a tensile stress during installation;
floating the pipeline chain assembly proximate to the water surface until in an appropriate position, then; and
permitting the pipeline chain assembly to sink to the sea bed;
said non-metallic pipeline having a buoyancy; and
said chain having a weight overcoming the buoyancy of the non-metallic pipeline.
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