Installing a cable in an underwater well installation

Abstract

A method of installing a cable between a topside location of an underwater well installation and an underwater location of the installation is provided. The method comprises inserting an end of the cable into a passageway between the locations and using a fluid passed along the passageway to displace the cable along the passageway so that it extends between the locations.

1 . A method of installing a cable between a topside location of an underwater well installation and an underwater location of the installation, the method comprising inserting an end of the cable into a passageway between the locations and using a fluid passed along the passageway to displace the cable along the passageway so that it extends between said locations. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said passageway comprises a conduit in an umbilical between said locations. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein said conduit comprises a spare or unused conduit in said umbilical. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein said conduit comprises one used in operation of the well installation. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein said umbilical is coupled at one, upper end to a topside umbilical termination unit. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein at said upper end, said conduit is coupled to said topside umbilical termination unit via an upper duct providing part of said passageway and into which said cable is inserted. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein, at an opposite, lower end of said umbilical, said conduit communicates with a lower duct providing part of said passageway. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said fluid is expelled or recovered from said lower duct. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said lower duct is coupled with an underwater umbilical termination unit. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein there is a connector in said lower duct with which an opposite end of said cable couples. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein said connector communicates externally of said lower duct. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said passageway is provided with means for guiding said cable in said passageway. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein, at an opposite, lower end of said umbilical, said conduit communicates with a lower duct providing part of said passageway and wherein said guiding means is in said lower duct. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said cable carries means against which said fluid acts to assist displacement of the cable by said fluid. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said cable includes at least one electrical conductor and/or at least one fibre optic line. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said cable is displaced from said underwater location to said topside location, said fluid being production fluid. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said passageway comprises a line between said locations carrying a fluid.