APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FREE-FALL INSTALLATION OF AN UNDERWATER WELLHEAD

摘要

The present invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for pre-installation of a petroleum wellhead on the seabed. The apparatus that is the subject of the present invention comprises two principal components: a wellhead (1) and a ballast tube (9). The wellhead comprises a tube in which are fixed guide fins (3) and structural fns (8). The ballast tube (9) comprises a tube with a holding member (12) for its recovery after the wellhead (1) has been fixed on the seabed. The ballast tube (9) is placed inside the wellhead (1) and the assembly is launched towards the seabed, being embedded in it by the inherent weight of the assembly. After the wellhead (1) has been fixed, the ballast tube (9) is raised to the surface.