AU2022100031A4

AU2022100031A4 - Platform Module

Info

Publication number: AU2022100031A4
Application number: AU2022100031A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Roy MITCHELL
Original assignee: Eteknology Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Eteknology Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-16
Filing date: 2022-02-09
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2024-11-16
Also published as: AU2016356729A1; WO2017083918A1; AU2022231714A1

Abstract

A platform module comprises a frame defining an internal space for receiving a payload within the internal space; a deck on an upper surface of the frame for supporting a load; and a coupling device for coupling the frame to a ship deck. 10 -,,1/7 128 288 1Ba~~ ~2 15 8c1di~ J ~~12bf2 Figure21

Description

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Platform Module

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a platform module, including but not limited to a platform module for supporting a load and storing a payload.

Background

[0002] An ISO shipping platform is generally used for securing heavy loads and cargo for intermodal freight transportation, such as by rail, road and ship. The shipping platform does not typically have walls, allowing cargo to be loaded from the top or sides of the platform. Additionally, the open sides and top design of the shipping platform allow for oddly shaped and oversized cargo, such as machinery, cable and drums, to be loaded and secured. Further benefits of this design are the provision of ventilation for equipment secured to the shipping platform and ease of access to the load carried by the shipping platform.

[0003] The attributes of the shipping platform make it suitable for use for mounting and securing equipment for commercial or research use on ships or other remote locations. However, additional accessories must be provided in order to connect equipment together and fuel must be provided for powering the equipment. This creates the disadvantages that additional space and weight must be taken into consideration during project planning, the amount of project equipment that may be taken to the field is reduced, and costs of transportation of the equipment are increased.

[0004] Transport of supplies and equipment to off-shore installations, such as a platform for oil and gas recovery, is generally conducted by supply ship. These supply ships are large enough to transport a small number of shipping containers, but they are not adapted to secure them for transport. Instead, supplies and equipment are usually transferred on an ad-hoc basis with bespoke mounting and transport solutions produced for each job. This is inefficient and unnecessarily costly.

[0005] The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least substantially ameliorate, the disadvantages and/or shortcomings of the background art.

[0006] In this specification, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" are used inclusively and not exclusively or exhaustively.

[0007] Any references to documents that are made in this specification are not intended to be an admission that the information contained in those documents form part of the common general knowledge known to a person skilled in the field of the invention, unless explicitly stated as such.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a platform module comprising: a frame defining an internal space for receiving a payload within the internal space; a deck on an upper surface of the frame for supporting aload; a coupling device for coupling the frame to a ship deck.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the payload is received only within the internal space.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame is parallelepiped in shape.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame is a standard ISO shipping container size in floorplan.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame is an ISO shipping platform in height. In an embodiment the frame is between 10 cm and 50 cm in height. Preferably, the frame is between 20 cm and 40 cm in height. Typically, the frame is about 30 cm in height.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the deck comprises a grating. In an embodiment the grating is for viewing or monitoring the payload in the internal space. In an embodiment the grating is for forming the deck. In an embodiment the grating forms the upper surface of the deck.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the payload is contained in a container or tank within the internal space.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises plumbing.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the plumbing is one or more of hoses, electrical power lines, communication lines, compressed air lines, hydraulic fluid lines, and a manifold.

[0017] In an embodiment the deck is able to be coupled to the supported load by a coupling. In an embodiment the coupling is a standard ISO coupling. In an embodiment the coupling is a lifting lug.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame is supported by at least one pair of outriggers.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the outriggers are height adjustable. In an embodiment, the outriggers are independently height adjustable.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the coupling device comprises a locking pin. In an embodiment, the locking pin comprises a keyed pin for receipt in a keyhole in the ship deck or secured to the ship deck. In an embodiment the locking pin is a pull down locking pin.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises a sea fastening beam. In an embodiment the sea fastening beam comprises a mounting point for coupling to a piece of equipment forming the load, and a mounting to the deck of the platform.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the deck comprises a handrail.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the manifold is recessed in a channel within the tank.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame is coupled to an uneven surface spacer.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the outrigger height adjustment is configured to lock the locking pin when extended.

[0026] In an embodiment the payload is able to be used by the load during transport of the load.

[0027] In an embodiment, the position of the locking pin with respect to the deck is adjustable. In an embodiment, the locking pin is movable within a slot in the deck. In an embodiment, the slot extends lengthways along the deck. In an embodiment, the slot extends transverse to the length of the deck.

[0028] In an embodiment, the platform comprises laterally extendable braces. In an embodiment the braces extend from lengthwise ends of the platform. In an embodiment, the braces extend horizontally. In an embodiment, the braces are paired on opposite sides of the platform.

[0029] In an embodiment, the platform comprises ship deck engaging feet. In an embodiment, the feet extend laterally from the length of the platform.

[0030] In an embodiment, the platform comprises one or more guide pins for assisting in receiving and placement of the load on the deck. In an embodiment, the guide pins are curved or bent in a flared fashion to assist in correct placement of the load.

[0031] In an embodiment, the platform comprises a base unit for mounting on the deck and for supporting a unit of the load. In an embodiment, the platform comprises a plurality of base units mounted on the deck and each for supporting a respective unit of the load. In an embodiment, the guide pins extend upwardly from the respective base unit.

[0032] Also according to the present invention, there is a platform securable to a ship deck with a locking pin.

[0033] Further according to the present invention there is provided a locking pin for securing a platform to a ship deck.

[0034] In an embodiment the locking pin comprises a keyed pin for receipt in a keyhole in the ship deck or secured to the ship deck. In an embodiment the locking pin is a pull down locking pin. In an embodiment the locking pin is height adjustable.

[0035] Also according to the present invention there is provided a platform module comprising: a frame comprising plumbing for connection to a load; a deck on an upper surface of the frame for supporting the load; a coupling device for coupling the frame to a ship deck.

[0036] Also according to the present invention there is provided a platform module comprising: a frame; a deck on an upper surface of the frame for supporting the load; a coupling device for coupling the frame to a ship deck; a laterally extendable brace.

Description of Drawings

[0037] In order to provide a better understanding, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the platform module; Figure 2 is a side view of a plurality of platform modules carrying a plurality of loads; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a platform module for storing fuel as a payload; Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the platform module according to Figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross section of a platform module having a pair of outriggers; Figure 6A is a side elevation of an embodiment of a locking pin of the present invention; Figure 6B is a side elevation of an embodiment of a locking pin of the present invention; Figure 6C is a side elevation of an embodiment of alocking pin of the present invention; Figure 6D is a side elevation of an embodiment of alocking pin of the present invention; Figure 6E is a plan view of an embodiment of a locking pin of the present invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of the platform module according to Figure 5; Figure 8 is a side view of a platform module having a sea fastening beam; Figure 9 is a side view of a platform module having a handrail; Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a platform module according to the present invention; Figure 11A is a plan view of another embodiment of a platform module according to the present invention; Figure 11B is a side elevation of the platform module of Figure 11; Figure 12A is a plan view of another embodiment of a platform module according to the present invention; Figure 12B is a side elevation of the platform module of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a plan view of a number of platform modules arranged on a ship desk according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a plan view of a number of platform modules arranged on a ship desk according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 15 is a plan view of a number of platform modules arranged on a ship desk according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0038] The consideration of space and weight of equipment used in long duration or long distance operations is required to determine what equipment may be carried on board a transport vehicle. For resupply of deep sea operations, alarge amount of equipment may be taken and secured on board a marine vessel for travel to an operating area. Furthermore, some equipment must be made available for use whilst still secured to the deck of the ship.

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a platform module 10 used for transporting equipment on a sea vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The platform module 10 comprises a frame 12 defining an internal space 14 for receiving a payload (not shown) in a container 22. The payload is able to be used to support the transport operation and is generally in the form of fuel for powering equipment. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other payloads may be stored in the container 22, such as other fluids, and/or equipment may be housed in the internal space. It would be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that a plurality of containers 22 may be located in the internal space 14. In a preferred form the frame 12 is dimensioned the same size as a International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping platform and comprises ISO shipping container corner mounting castings for coupling to another compatible mounting point. Other mountings can be used for securing a load. Preferably these will be a quick release type. In an embodiment, the frame 12 is arranged to receive at least one, and preferably two universal frame modules 15 (see Fig 3). The frame modules 15 are secured to the frame 12. Each frame module 15 has side walls and a floor and is able to receive at least one container 22. A deck 16 having legs that sit within the universal frame module 15 is arranged to form an upper surface of the frame 12, which is used for supporting a load (not shown). In this example, the deck 16 is formed to provide an ISO deck module. The load is typically equipment, such as a generator or a remotely operated underwater vehicle, a winch used for an operation or supplies, such as fuel, chemicals, waste, poppant etc., which, may be in containers mounted to the deck 16. A coupling device (see Figs 6A to 6E) is used to couple the frame 12 to a ship deck (see Fig 5). This provides the advantage of a platform module 10 that is capable of securing the equipment to the ship deck, while storing the payload used for supporting the transport operation. For example, the load may comprise a generator and the payload may comprise fuel for the generator. The generator is able to use the fuel and be in operation during the transport operation, including while loading and unloading of the platform 10 onto a transportation vehicle, including a ship or a truck on route to the ship.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a plurality of platform modules 1Oa, 10b, 10c supporting a plurality of loads 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f. The frames 12a, 12b, 12c are parallelepiped in shape and are of a standardised ISO shipping platform size in floorplan. Additionally, the frames

12a, 12b, 12c may be the same height as that of an ISO shipping platform, although other heights are possible. In this embodiment, the frame may be about 30 cm to 40cm in height. The platform modules 10a, 10b, 10c are designed to be used alongside other platform modules 10 and advantageously may be used in conjunction with existing ISO shipping platforms or other ISO intermodal shipping containers, although it is noted that non-ISO sized loads can be carried as well.

[0041] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the components of the platform module 10 according to another embodiment, wherein the payload of the internal space 14 is diesel fuel. The deck 16 comprises a grating section 20, which allows a worker to view and monitor the contents of the internal space 14. The grating section 20 provides sufficient strength for supporting a load (not shown), such as that of the worker and the equipment. In this example, the grating section 20 is fiberglass reinforced plastic grating. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the grating section 20 may be of any other suitable material, such as stainless steel mesh or steel bar gratings. The payload is stored in a container 22 within the internal section 14. In this example, the container 22 is a diesel fuel tank. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the container 22 for storing the payload may be of any suitable configuration, by way of example, instrument racking for storing electronic monitoring equipment.

[0042] The frame 12 further comprises plumbing 24a, 24b for connecting and/or distributing the payload stored in the container 22 to the load supported by the deck 16. Additionally, the plumbing 24a, 24b may be used to connect and/or distribute the payload to other loads or plumbing of adjacent platform modules 10 or other nearby loads. In this example, there are two forms of plumbing 24a, 24b associated with the platform module 10 comprising a suction and delivery manifold 24a and a diesel hose reel 24b. Additionally, in this example, the manifold 24a is recessed in a channel 23 within the container 22, which is in the form of a diesel fuel tank. Ends of the manifold 24a exit external walls of the platform module 10. The ends allow leak free connection to another suitably equipped platform module to receive or distribute fluids from a source.

[0043] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the plumbing 24a, 24b may be of any form of connection such as one or more hoses, electrical power lines, communication lines, compressed air lines and hydraulic fluid lines. Furthermore, the platform module 10 may comprise all of the before mentioned plumbing 24a, 24b. For example, the platform module 10 may be configured to act as a universal support platform module, wherein almost any load may be supported by the deck 16 and almost all forms of plumbing, with suitable connections, is made available to cater for (mostly) whatever the required form of plumbing is needed for services found on the load. This provides the advantage that the platform module 10 is capable of acting as a conduit for the payload or load to other payloads or loads adjacent to the platform module 10 by connection of the relevant plumbing from one adjacent platform module to the next, without having to supply additional external plumbing. Unused manifold openings can be capped.

[0044] In this example, the platform module 10 further comprises a plurality of vibration dampening pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d which are situated between the deck 16 and the container 22. The placement of the plurality of vibration dampening pads 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d provides the advantage that energy created by movement or impact on the deck 16 substantially does not transfer to the container 22 and its payload.

[0045] The deck 16 is able to be coupled to the support load by at least one coupling 28, as shown in Figure 1. The at least one coupling 28 is in the form of a standard ISO coupling and is used to lock the load into place on the deck 16. In this example the at least one coupling 28 is in the form of a twistlock for connection with a corner casting. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other forms of ISO couplings may be used, such as welded gussets, lock down pins, or engineered clamps.

[0046] Figures 5 and 7 illustrate the platform module 10 according to another embodiment, wherein the frame 12 is supported by at least one pair of outriggers 30. In this example the outriggers 30, 30a, 30b, 30c are configured to be height adjustable, such as by use of rams , to ensure that the platform module 10 may be used on uneven surfaces. The outriggers may be used when the load is tall or stacked loads are attached to the platform 10 to assist with reducing an 'overturning moment'. To further facilitate the use of the platform module 10 upon an uneven surface, the frame 12 may be coupled to an uneven surface spacer 32. This provides the advantage that the platform module 10 may be utilised on any ship deck, which may have variations in surface topography. The adjustment of hydraulic ram 40' can be used to firm the engagement of a locking pin 36 with grating 46 or other attachment point of the frame 12. In an alternative, the rams 40 may be extended by operation of a screw jack instead of hydraulics.

[0047] The platform module 10 secured to the ship deck 34 by at least one locking pin 36. The number of locking pins used may depend on the area of the platform and or the weight of the load. In this example the locking pin 36 is in the form of a lock down pin. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other forms of ISO locking pins or couplings may be used, such as welded gussets, twistlocks, or engineered clamps. The at least one pair of outriggers 30 are configured so that height adjustment is used to lock the locking pin when the outriggers 30 are extended.

[0048] Figure 6B shows the locking pin 36 of Figure 5 in an enlarged form. The locking pin 36 is attached to an elongate slot 35 in the deck 34 of the ship by a coupling mechanism 44. The coupling mechanism 44 is described in relation to Figure 6A. It comprises a larger generally rectangular plate 52, a gap 50 and a smaller elongate plate 48. The plate 48 is sized to fit through the slot 35 in the deck in one orientation, but when rotated is keyed to be held in position. The gap 50 is substantially the thickness of the opening in the slot 35. Thus these locking pins 36 can be secured in appropriate positions on the deck 34 of the ship. A securing mechanism 42 can then be employed to lock the frame 12 to the locking pin 36. Figure 6A shows a nut with washer 42A style securing mechanism. Figure 6B shows a top hat 42B style securing mechanism that is secured with a pin 54. Figure 6C shows a threaded cone 42C style securing mechanism. Figure 6D shows an internal catch and pull down 42D style securing mechanism. The plate may be angled or wedge shaped to operate as a pull down lock as it is rotated.

[0049] Figure 8 illustrates the platform module 10 according to another embodiment, wherein the frame 12 comprises a sea fastening beam 38. In this example, the sea fastening beam 38 is used to assist with supporting and securing the load 18 to the deck 16 when the load 18 is unable to be secured by the at least one coupling 28. The beam 38 or beams 38 each secure to the load 18 at suitable attachment points of the load 18, and the beams 38 are in turn secured to the frame 12 or deck 16. The sea fastening beam 38 allows adjustable pin positioning within the main platform module.

[0050] Figure 9 illustrates the platform module 10 according to another embodiment, wherein the deck 16 comprises a handrail 100. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of handrails 40 may be mounted or integral to the deck 16. Preferably the handrail 40 is mounted to the deck 16 by the ISO couplings 28 or custom sockets. The handrails may be fixed or may be foldable.

[0051] The method of operation and use of the platform module 10 used for supporting a load and storing a payload will now be described in more detail.

[0052] The platform module 10 stores a payload, by having a frame 12 defining an internal space 14 for receiving a payload. The payload is stored within a container 22 located within the internal space 14. A load is supported on platform module 10, by having a deck 16 on the upper surface of the frame 12. The platform module 10 is then coupled to a deck of a ship by using a coupling device 28 found on the frame 12.

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the payload may be transferred to the load or to an adjacent load or external load by plumbing 24, which is integral to the frame 12. This may occur while the frame 10, payload and load are in transit, including between modes of transport. For example, they may be transported to the ship by truck. A load (such as a generator) is able to be supplied with the payload (fuel) while being transported by truck, then loaded onto the ship and during operations at sea. In another example, the generator is able to provide power to other equipment (such as a mixer or agitator) on the same frame or an adjacent frame 10b or 10c by use of the plumbing. Interruption can be kept relatively brief while each frame is loaded or unloaded from a ship, with reconnection being relatively simple and quick by connection of the sets of plumbing between each frame 10a, b, 10c.

[0054] Referring to Figure 10 another embodiment of a platform is shown. In this embodiment, the position of the locking pin 36 with respect to the deck 16 is adjustable. In an embodiment, the locking pin is movable within a slot 50 in the deck. In this embodiment the slot 50 extends lengthways along the middle of the deck. In another embodiment the slot 50 could extend transversely to the length of the deck. This allows for different spacing/ positioning in the slots 35 in the ship deck 34.

[0055] In this embodiment, the platform comprises laterally extendable braces 70. The braces have a locking mechanism that slides in slot 72. In an embodiment, the braces 70 extend from lengthwise ends of the platform. In an embodiment, the braces 70 extend horizontally. In an embodiment, the braces 70 comprise a hydraulic or screw jack activation so as to exert horizontally directed pressure, preferably against a rigid structure, such as a side wall of the ship. In an embodiment, the braces 70 are paired on opposite sides of the platform. In an embodiment, the braces are removable as indicated by brace 70' being shown in phantom. The braces can be independent or they may be formed with a connected bar as is shown on the right hand side set of braces 70.

[0056] In this embodiment, the platform comprises ship deck engaging feet 60. In an embodiment, the feet extend laterally from the length of the platform. In an embodiment, the feet are removable if not required, as indicated by foot 60' being shown in phantom.

[0057] The platform is shown connected by electrical cable 80 to a power distribution system 82, which in turn receives "dirty power" via cable 84. The power distribution system 82 is able to provide clean power or convert the power into the required type, such as DC or AC, single phase or three phase, and at the required voltage.

[0058] Referring to Figures 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B, there is shown a plurality of base units mounted on the deck 16, each for supporting a unit 18 of the load (see Figure 12B). In an embodiment each base unit 90 is removably coupled to the deck 16 (see Figure 11B). In Figures 11A and 11B there are 3 base units 90 on the deck 16, whereas in Figures 12A and 12B there are 2 base units on the deck 16.

[0059] In an embodiment, the deck 16, or in this case the base units 90, have guide pins 92 which extend generally upwardly for assisting in receiving and placing the load on the deck 16 and or on the base unit 90. In an embodiment, the guide pins 92 are curved or bent in a flared fashion to assist in correct placement of the load.

[0060] Figures 13, 14 and 15 show example configurations of a plurality of platforms 10 arranged on a ship deck 34. The platforms are secured to the deck 34 via the locking pins 36 being secured to slots 35 in the deck 34.

[0061] Modifications may be made to the present invention within the context of that described and shown in the drawings. Such modifications are intended to form part of the invention described in this specification.

Claims

1. A platform module comprising: a frame defining an internal space for receiving a payload within the internal space; a deck on an upper surface of the frame for supporting a load; a coupling device for coupling the frame to a ship deck.

2. A platform module according to claim 1, wherein the payload is received only within the internal space.

3. A platform module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame is parallelepiped in shape.

4. A platform module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame is a standard ISO shipping container size in floorplan.

5. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame is an ISO shipping platform in height.

6. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the deck comprises a grating for viewing and monitoring the payload in the internal space.

7. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the grating forms the upper surface of the deck.

8. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the payload is contained in a tank within the internal space.

9. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the frame comprises plumbing.

10. A platform module according to claim 9, wherein the plumbing is one or more of hoses, electrical power lines, communication lines, compressed air lines, hydraulic fluid lines, and a manifold.

11. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the deck is able to be coupled to the supported load by a coupling.

12. A platform module according to claim 11, wherein the coupling is a standard ISO coupling.

13. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the frame is supported by at least one pair of outriggers.

14. A platform module according to claim 13, wherein the outriggers are independently height adjustable.

15. A platform module according to claim 14, wherein the outrigger height adjustment is configured to lock the locking pin when extended

16. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the frame is coupled to the ship deck by a locking pin.

17. A platform module according to claim 16, wherein the position of the locking pin with respect to the deck is adjustable.

18. A platform module according to claim 17, wherein the locking pin is movable within a slot in the deck.

19. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the frame comprises a sea fastening beam.

20. A platform module according to claim 10, wherein the manifold is recessed in a channel within the tank.

21. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the frame is coupled to an uneven surface spacer.

22. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the payload is able to be used by the load during transport of the load.

23. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the platform comprises laterally extendable braces.

24. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the platform comprises ship deck engaging feet. In an embodiment, the feet extend laterally from the length of the platform.

25. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the platform comprises one or more guide pins for assisting in receiving and placement of the load on the deck.

26. A platform module according to any of claims 1 to 25, the platform comprises a base unit for mounting on the deck and for supporting a unit of the load.

27. A platform securable to a ship deck with a locking pin.

28. A platform module according to claim 27, wherein the position of the locking pin with respect to a deck of the platform module is adjustable.

29. A platform module according to claim 28, wherein the locking pin is movable within a slot in the deck.

30. A locking pin for securing a platform to a ship deck.

31. A locking pin according to claim 28, wherein the locking pin comprises a keyed pin for receipt in a keyhole in the ship deck or secured to the ship deck.

32. A locking pin according to claim 29, wherein the locking pin is height adjustable.

33. A platform module comprising: a frame comprising plumbing for connection to a load; a deck on an upper surface of the frame for supporting the load; a coupling device for coupling the frame to a ship deck.

34. A platform module comprising: a frame; a deck on an upper surface of the frame for supporting the load; a coupling device for coupling the frame to a ship deck; a laterally extendable brace.