Seabed installation apparatus

Abstract

A seabed installation apparatus comprising a soil penetration means ( 2 ), a deployment line ( 4 ) from which the soil penetration means is suspended, a mooring line ( 6 ) attached to the soil penetration means, the mooring line being releasably secured to the deployment line. The mooring line ( 6 ) is shorter than the deployment line ( 4 ). The deployment line ( 4 ) supplies power to the soil penetration means ( 2 ) and is releasably attached to the soil penetration means. The mooring line ( 6 ) is releasably secured to the deployment line substantially along the length of the mooring line. The soil penetration means includes an auger and fins capable of resisting torque generated by the action of the soil penetration means. Measurement and control means capable of assessing the pressure characteristics of the soil penetration means and altering the action of the soil penetration means in response to the penetration characteristics are included.

1 . A seabed installation apparatus comprising 
 a soil penetration means    a deployment line from which the soil penetration means is suspended    a mooring line attached to the soil penetration means    the mooring line being releasably secured to the deployment line.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the mooring line is shorter than the deployment line.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  the deployment line supplies power to the soil penetration means.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the deployment line is releasably attached to the soil penetration means.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the mooring line is releasably secured to the deployment line substantially along the length of the mooring line.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the deployment line supplies electric power to the soil penetration means.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the deployment line supplies hydraulic power to the soil penetration means.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the soil penetration means includes an auger.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes fins capable of resisting torque generated by the action of the soil penetration means.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein there is included measurement and control means capable of assessing the penetration characteristics of the soil penetration means and altering the action of the soil penetration means in response to the penetration characteristics.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the current supplied to the soil penetration means is measured.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the soil penetration means includes securement elements having a changeable profile, when considered in the direction of the mooring line.