The flex-to-flex tie-in tool enables diverless connection of two flexible lines and can be recovered and reused after the tie-in operation. Only the connector, hubs and connected flexible lines remain on the seafloor, ensuring a minimal footprint. Alternatively, the tool can be left on the seafloor together with the connected lines.
The porch and termination can be equipped with trunnions to accommodate large hang-off loads and padeyes for second-end installation. These features can also accommodate installation loads in general.
The tie-in operation follows the same procedure as a conventional H-Mode tie-in and is qualified to TRL 7. The additional operations take place after connector make-up: the tie-in tool is opened, and the connected flexible lines and connector are lifted clear of the termination and porch. The lines can then be shifted sideways, or the mudmat and H-Mode tool can be pulled out from underneath, before the connected lines are lowered onto the seafloor.
