Flexible pipe support

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at least one location on the flexible pipe.

1 . A method of supporting a flexible pipe, comprising the steps of
 responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at least one location on the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 varying support provided to the flexible pipe at a plurality of locations along a length of the pipe.   
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 over a period of time, continuously and automatically varying the support provided to the flexible pipe as conditions experienced by the pipe vary.   
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 varying the support provided to the flexible pipe by increasing and/or decreasing a weight suspended at said location.   
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 4 , further comprising the steps of
 increasing and/or decreasing support provided to the flexible pipe by respectively decreasing and/or increasing an amount of weight provided by a weight chain suspended from a portion of the flexible pipe or a buoyancy module secured to the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 5 , further comprising the steps of:
 supporting a portion of the weight chain on a sea bed region, a proportion of the weight chain being supported on the sea bed determining the amount of weight suspended from the flexible pipe or buoyancy module.   
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 varying the support provided to the flexible pipe by varying a downward force, provided by a biasing element, applied to the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the change in condition comprises a change in at least one of content density, water depth, water flow rate, marine growth, buoyancy and/or suspended weight.   
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible pipe is arranged in a wave configuration. 
     
     
         10 . A flexible pipe for transporting production fluids, comprising:
 a flexible pipe supported at least one location wherein an amount of support provided to the pipe is variable responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         11 . The flexible pipe as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 an amount of support provided to the flexible pipe can be varied at a plurality of locations along a length of the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         12 . The flexible pipe as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 an amount of support provided to the flexible pipe is varied continuously and automatically as conditions experienced by the pipe vary.   
     
     
         13 . The flexible pipe as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 at least one buoyancy module secured at a respective location to the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         14 . The flexible pipe as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a weight chain secured to the buoyancy module.   
     
     
         15 . The flexible pipe as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 at least one weight chain secured at a respective location to the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         16 . The flexible pipe as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a length of each weight chain is selected so that a portion of each weight chain is supported on a sea bed region.   
     
     
         17 . A jumper or riser or flowline comprising the flexible pipe as claimed in  claim 10 . 
     
     
         18 . The riser as claimed in  claim 17  arranged in a wave configuration. 
     
     
         19 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A method of transporting a fluid, comprising:
 transporting a fluid through a flexible pipe disposed in a subsea environment;   the flexible pipe being supported at least one location wherein an amount of support provided to the pipe is variable responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         23 . The method as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein transporting the fluid comprises transporting the fluid from a subsea location to a floating vessel via the pipe.