PERFORMING SUBSEA THROUGH-THE-FLOWLINE OPERATIONS

An apparatus and method is described for introducing and removing TFL tools from a subsea wellhead assembly. The apparatus includes an elongate member adapted to hold at least one TFL tool, docking hubs for aligning the elongate member with the wellhead, a clamping mechanism or the like for engaging the elongate member with the wellhead and a circulation for circulating fluid within the elongate member and the wellhead to transport the TFL tool between the elongate member and the wellhead. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes at least two elongate members and a diverter located between the elongate members and the clamping mechanism. The diverter permits alternate fluid communication between each elongate member and the wellhead assembly. The method comprises the steps of lowering the elongate member containing a TFL tool to the subsea wellhead assembly, positioning the elongate member adjacent the wellhead assembly, engaging the elongate member to the wellhead assembly, the then circulating fluid within the elongate member and the wellhead assembly to transport the TFL tool between the elongate member and the wellhead assembly.