Product Data Sheet

PDS-15: PLEM
Date Issued:25.02.10
Revision: 02
Page: 1 of 4

Captain PLEM

Outline Description
The Captain PLEM may comprise the following main functions:
Connection point between main pipe and branch pipe
Retrievable Pig Launcher / Receiver
Structural Foundation and support structure for the diverless tie-in of pipeline in one
end and a spool tie-in in the other end.
ROV operated ball valves for pipeline isolation
The PLEM is a connection point between the main pipeline and a subsea structure or a branch
pipeline. The PLEM has facilities for pig launching and/or recieval. The header is equipped with
a ball valve, to isolate the line, allowing recovery of the Pig Launcher / Receiver (PLR). The
branch is equipped with a ball valve to isolate the line, allowing recovery of the spool, if
required.
The Captain PLEM is independent of type of connector and connection system. The
connection system and pipe ends are normally Client Provided Items (CPI). The pipeline
inboard is tilted to minimize pipeline tie-in moments and minimize free span.
The installation of the PLEM will be done after pipeline abandonment and removal of any end
caps / lay down heads. The pipeline will be resting on the seabed. The PLEM may be landed
with a glass-fiber reinforced plate that allows the PLEM to move with the pipe. The PLEM may
be fitted with a temporary guiding structure allowing a coarse alignment with the pipe. The
connection system will lift the pipe and close the hub gap by pulling the PLEM towards the
pipeline. Spool and pipeline tie-ins will be done by use of CPI tie-in tool contractor.
The PLEM size is dictated by the need of a PLR or a retrievable check valve module, since the
PLEM structure is used as a landing platform for the PLR and the check valve module. The
advantage with this solution is that retrieval / installation of PLR or check valve module can be
performed over the entire design life, without having to mobilize a conventional tie-in spread.
The PLR connection will be made by a Nemo provided stroking tool.

Product Data Sheet

PDS-15: PLEM
Date Issued:25.02.10
Revision: 02
Page: 2 of 4

Technical Data
Design code:
Pipe Dimensions:
Height to center pipe:
Length of structure:
Width of structure:
Hub tilt angle:
Structural steel material:
Design Life:
Typical weight for 12IDx 8ID PLEM:
Typical weight for 28IDx 16ID PLEM:

ISO 13628 -1 Subsea Production Systems

4 42
1000 2000 mm
6000 30000 mm
3000 8000 mm
0 7
S355
30 Years
20 ton
150 ton

Due to the axial expansion in the pipeline, the PLEM foundation shall allow for movement and
transfer the expansion further into a spool. A rock dumped foundation is recommended for this
purpose.

Standard Documents
The Captain PLEM will be delivered with the following documentation:

GA and Assembly drawings

PLEM Design Report
PLEM FAT Report
PLEM Outline installation Procedure
PLEM Manufacturing Record Book

Options:
The following options to the standardized PLEM are offered:
1. Provision of Connection System
This option covers the supply and integration of a nominated connection system into
the riser base, or, if a particular system is not nominated, for Nemo Engineering to
select the most optimal system. The scope of the delivery would be hub, porch and
connector (clamp or collet).
2. Remotely retrievable check valve module
3. Pig Launcher / Receiver:
Nemo will provide a pig launcher / receiver for pre-commissioning operations. It will be
connected on the main pipeline hub and be delivered with a ROV disconnect clamp
4. Increased foundation area for soft seabed conditions;
5. Protection Cover:
Protection for dropped objects can be provided by a roof structure that will withstand
the impact load. NORSOK U-001 guidelines will apply. Alternatively, a free standing
GRP protection cover can be delivered.
6. GRP Sliding Plate for low friction axial movement due to pipe expansion
7. Temporary guiding structure
8. Spool between PLEM branch and other subsea structure
9. Offshore support

Product Data Sheet

PDS-15: PLEM
Date Issued:25.02.10
Revision: 02
Page: 3 of 4

Project References:
Figures below show typical PLEMs that are designed by Nemo Engineering:
Captain PLEMs

Functional Requirements:

Connection point between main pipe and

branch pipe
Retrieval Pig Launcher / Receiver
PLR retrieval independent of tie-in tool
Remotely retrievable check valve
module

Tampen Link - Captain PLEMs, Size:

32x16

Connection point between main pipe and

branch pipe
Retrieval Pig Launcher / Receiver
PLR retrieval independent of tie-in tool
Remotely retrievable check valve
module

Gja Captain PLEM, Size: 28ID x 16ID

Troll Captain PLEM, Size: 12ID x 8 ID

Connection point between main pipe and

branch pipe
Retrieval Pig Launcher / Receiver
PLR retrieval independent of tie-in tool

Product Data Sheet

PDS-15: PLEM
Date Issued:25.02.10
Revision: 02
Page: 4 of 4

Required data for further study / budget price

Pipeline / Branch Nominal Diameter:

_______________________________

Pipeline Design Pressure / Temperature _______________________________

Pipeline Material Quality:

_______________________________

Insulation/Coating:

_______________________________

Free issue items / CPI

_______________________________

Option 1;
Nominated Connection System:

_______________________________

Option 2;
Retrievable check valve module:

_______________________________

Option 3;
Pig Launcher / Reciever

_______________________________

Option 4;
Soil Conditions:

_______________________________

Option 5;
Protection Requirements:

_______________________________

Option 6;
Sliding Plate:

_______________________________

Option 7;
Guide structure:

_______________________________

Option 8;
Spool:

_______________________________

Option 9;
Offshore support:

_______________________________

E-mail
Phone
Fax
Web:

nemo@nemo-engineering.no
+ 47 67 52 57 00
+47 67 52 57 01
www.nemo-engineering.no