Underwater device for rov installable tools

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for installing underwater devices. The apparatus can include a body having at least one pair of support members extending therefrom. At least one actuator, adapted to move in a linear direction, can be disposed on each support member, and at least one connector can be disposed on each actuator.

1 . An apparatus for installing underwater devices on sub-sea structures, comprising:
 a body having at least one pair of support members extending therefrom;   at least one actuator disposed on each support member, wherein the actuator is adapted to move in a linear direction; and   at least one connector disposed on each actuator.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a body having two spaced apart protrusions defining a void therebetween. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each protrusion comprises at least two tapered profiles disposed thereon. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each protrusion comprises a first profiled surface on a first end thereof and a second profiled surface on a second end thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises a threaded hole formed in the body for mounting on the actuator. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises at least two spaced apart structural members having a buoyant material disposed therebetween. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each support member is disposed normal to a first side of the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a first set of support members extending from a first end thereof and a second set of support members extending from a second end thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a third set of support members extending therefrom, wherein the third set is located between the first and second. 
     
     
         10 . A system for remotely installing one or more underwater devices on a sub-sea structure, comprising:
 a platform;   at least one deployment tool detachably attached to the platform; and   at least one or more underwater devices detachably attached to the one or more deployment tools.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising at least one carrier for detaching the one or more deployment tools from the platform, detaching the one or more underwater devices from the deployment tool and returning the one or more deployment tools to the platform. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the carrier comprises one or more divers, one or more remotely operated vehicles, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more underwater devices remain attached to a sub-surface structure. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more underwater devices comprise strakes, fairings, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         15 . A method for remotely installing underwater devices on sub-sea structures, comprising:
 detachably attaching one or more open underwater devices to one or more deployment tools;   detachably attaching the one or more deployment tools to a platform;   disposing the platform proximate to a sub-sea structure;   removing the one or more deployment tools from the platform using a carrier;   disposing the one or more deployment tools proximate to a sub-sea structure using the carrier;   closing the one or more open underwater devices held by the one or more deployment tools about the sub-sea structure using the carrier;   releasing the underwater device from the deployment tool wherein the closed underwater device remains attached to the sub-sea structure; and   returning the deployment tool to the platform.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier comprises one or more divers, one or more remotely operated vehicles, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more underwater devices comprise strakes, fairings, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more underwater devices are released from the deployment tool using one or more hydraulic actuators, one or more electric actuators, or one or more mechanical actuators. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the platform is disposed proximate to the sub-sea structure using a surface mounted crane or winch. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising:
 returning the platform and the one or more deployment tools to the surface after disposing the one or more underwater devices on the sub-sea structure.