Towheads and Tie in Spools
This project involved provision of three conventional tow-heads c/w tie-in spools and a Subsea Isolation Valve (SSIV) structure weighing 120 tonnes, which also functioned as a tow-head during transportation. The design was performed by Brown & Root and fabrication carried out at the Yard. Following fabrication the components were delivered by sea to Rockwater’s Wick site for integration with the pipeline bundles assembled there. The SSIV Towhead was despatched in early Spring 1996 and the other three conventional towheads and tie-in spools followed in the Summer.
A Subsea Isolation Valve (SSIV) is a critical device used in subsea oil and gas production systems, designed to isolate and shut off the flow of oil and gas in the event of an emergency or unplanned shutdown.
A subsea towhead is a component which acts as a structure which enables the connection of subsea facilities, typically supporting pipes, bundles, valves, manifolds and other equipment. Towheads also facilitate towing the bundle to its installation site and are designed to be neutrally buoyant during the tow.