System and method for forming connections with a compliant guide

Abstract

A technique enables formation of connections between subsea well installations and compliant guides. The technique comprises deploying a compliant guide ( 22 ) from a surface vessel ( 26 ) toward a subsea well installation ( 24 ). A lower end of the compliant guide ( 22 ) is moved toward the sea floor in proximity to a subsea well installation. Subsequently, one or more submerged tools operate in cooperation with a lower end ( 32 ) of the compliant guide ( 22 ) to move the compliant guide ( 22 ) into engagement with the subsea well installation ( 24 ).

1 . A method of connecting a compliant guide at a subsea location, comprising:
 deploying a compliant guide toward a subsea installation;   mounting a winch proximate the subsea well installation;   coupling a cable between the winch and a lower end of the compliant guide; and   pulling the cable with the winch to draw the lower end into engagement with the subsea well installation.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said compliant guide is a spoolable compliant guide. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said deploying step further comprises utilizing a clump weight to pull the spoolable compliant guide toward a seabed. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said mounting step may further comprise mounting a plurality of winches proximate the subsea well installation. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said coupling includes using a remotely operated vehicle to pick up the cable from the winch and attaching the cable to a lower end of compliant guide. 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said pulling further comprises operating the winch via hydraulic power. 
     
     
         7 . A method of connecting a compliant guide at a subsea location, comprising:
 deploying a compliant guide toward a subsea installation;   moving a connector end of the compliant guide toward a corresponding connector end of the subsea well installation by directing a discharge of fluid;   connecting the connector end of the compliant guide to the corresponding connector end of the subsea well installation.   
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said compliant guide is a spoolable compliant guide. 
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said deploying step further comprises utilizing a clump weight to pull the compliant guide toward a seabed. 
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said moving further comprises directing a flow of fluid downwardly through the compliant guide and out through a directional jet assembly to create the discharge of fluid. 
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said moving further comprises directing a flow of fluid downwardly through the compliant guide to power a propeller used to direct the discharge of fluid. 
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said moving further comprises operating a remotely operated vehicle to power a propeller to create the discharge of fluid. 
     
     
         13 . A method of connecting a compliant guide at a subsea location, comprising:
 deploying a compliant guide toward a subsea installation;   connecting a tensioning wire along a compliant guide;   connecting the tensioning wire to the subsea installation; and   using the tensioning wire to guide a lower connector end of the compliant guide into engagement with the subsea well installation.   
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said compliant guide is a spoolable compliant guide. 
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said tensioning wire is connected to the guide in a way so that a lower end of the tensioning wire extends below the spoolable compliant guide. 
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said connecting to the guide further comprises temporarily clamping the tensioning wire to the guide via a tension wire clamp and tensioning the tensioning wire to cause the guide to move into a compliant shape. 
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising using the tensioning wire to release the tension wire clamp so that the guide straightens and moves the connector end toward the subsea well installation.