EP0678135B1 - Installation permettant de transmettre de l'energie motrice a des engins de battage, de separation ou analogues, utilisables sous l'eau - Google Patents

Installation permettant de transmettre de l'energie motrice a des engins de battage, de separation ou analogues, utilisables sous l'eau Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0678135B1
EP0678135B1 EP94903730A EP94903730A EP0678135B1 EP 0678135 B1 EP0678135 B1 EP 0678135B1 EP 94903730 A EP94903730 A EP 94903730A EP 94903730 A EP94903730 A EP 94903730A EP 0678135 B1 EP0678135 B1 EP 0678135B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
installation according
plug connection
pressure medium
drive unit
plug
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94903730A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0678135A1 (fr
Inventor
Hans Kühn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=6477734&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0678135(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0678135A1 publication Critical patent/EP0678135A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0678135B1 publication Critical patent/EP0678135B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/523—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases for use under water
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
    • E02D27/32—Foundations for special purposes
    • E02D27/52—Submerged foundations, i.e. submerged in open water
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D7/00—Methods or apparatus for placing sheet pile bulkheads, piles, mouldpipes, or other moulds
    • E02D7/02—Placing by driving
    • E02D7/06—Power-driven drivers
    • E02D7/10—Power-driven drivers with pressure-actuated hammer, i.e. the pressure fluid acting directly on the hammer structure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/12—Underwater drilling
    • E21B7/124—Underwater drilling with underwater tool drive prime mover, e.g. portable drilling rigs for use on underwater floors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D2250/00—Production methods
    • E02D2250/0061—Production methods for working underwater

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for transmitting drive energy to ramming, separating or similar working devices that can be used under water from above the water surface to the working tool that is lowered under water.
  • the pressure medium for driving the work equipment is led to the device via a large pressure medium circuit with long hoses from above the water surface. Because of the increasing flow resistance in the hoses, this only makes sense up to a certain water depth, either the hose diameter has to be increased or several hoses have to be run next to each other so that the resistance is kept low and the pressure to be additionally overcome to be managed by the pressure medium pumps can. Finally, the limits of feasibility, economy and handling have been reached.
  • a submersible drive unit connected to the device is also lowered, which supplies the device with pressure medium via a short circuit, while for operation of the drive unit, electrical energy is supplied via a long power line from above the water surface with much less resistance, ie energy losses.
  • this tool / drive unit combination there is usually also at least one line for compressed air supply to the tool to compensate for the ambient pressure of closed cavities and control lines for controlling and monitoring the tool
  • the umbilical has a strong armor to protect the cables in it and to withstand tensile forces. It places the highest demands on the production and can cost up to "DM 2,000 per meter. It is much more expensive than a light umbilical with only a control cable but without a power line as used for the operation described above with long hoses. Depending Because of the size of the device, the drive energy to be transmitted and the depth of use, a long umbilical with accessories can be more expensive than the piling device itself and its price and the fear of its damage deter the application.
  • the operating speed of the device is partly based on standards that are common for normal ramming work over water, which inflates the already expensive components in terms of capacity and causes additional costs, which, however, are not proportionate to the benefits of underwater work.
  • a device which in critical situations (bad weather) remotely separates its supply line system from a production system stationed on the seabed in order to avoid damage to the equipment on the sea floor as well as on the sea surface.
  • This device is designed for installation in a single supply line, which is designed as an umbilical, combines hydraulic and electrical control lines so that the separation can be carried out simultaneously and quickly, if necessary by shearing off a shear pin
  • the separator is arranged near the sea surface in the umbilical. It protects a section of the pipeline system from damage. However, in the deeper water the production system is stationed, an ever longer section under water remains connected to the device. Its upper end is kept ready for reconnection by a float at the separation point.
  • this known device is not suitable for preventing damage to the expensive supply lines of work tools of the object of the application.
  • Such devices are often lowered and brought up from the surface of the sea, and precisely these handling phases are dangerous for the cables, ie also for partial lengths remaining on the device under water.
  • this known device is specially designed for installation in only one control wiring harness, i.e. is designed for the transmission of lower powers, but the supply line systems for the work tools are designed in a variety of ways for the transmission of large drive powers and often they require several lines to be routed in parallel next to each other, making this device unsuitable for use.
  • an electrohydraulic UW drive unit is known as an example of the above-mentioned pile driver-drive unit combination, which in one of UH work tools can accommodate a central casing shaft surrounded by a cylindrical casing.
  • This known drive unit must be installed due to its design before you start working on the implement, because if the supporting elements, shackles, crane ropes etc. have been attached to the implement first, it can no longer be inserted into the receiving shaft of the drive unit.
  • Plug-in couplings are provided for the energy transfer by pressure medium from the drive unit to the attached implement. However, these are only during an assembly process e.g. detachable on board a work ship. They are not pluggable under water and are not suitable for connection or disconnection under water, which would not make sense with the above-mentioned design of the drive unit.
  • the drive unit itself is supplied with electrical drive energy for the electric motors via a umbilical led down from above the water surface, which is provided with a number of separate power lines corresponding to at least the number of electric motors.
  • the umbilical itself is watertightly connected to a likewise watertight junction box on the drive unit.
  • umbilicals of this type and for the intended task can, as mentioned, be subjected to high tensile forces, they are connected to the connection box in a tensile manner. They can therefore only be removed on board by disassembly.
  • the object of the invention is now to provide a system for the transmission of drive energy for devices of the type mentioned, which allows a more reliable and economical transmission of drive energy, better interchangeability and varied use of the components and thus a more cost-effective use with less equipment.
  • this system excludes the components required for the transmission of drive energy from this handling and handles them separately. They can also be connected to or detached from the implement at any time on the outboard and under water. This enables quick inspection and repair, a quick exchange of cheaper components as well as the design of lighter UW drive units.
  • a simple cable for transmitting the drive energy can also be selected, which can also be done with the integration of control lines can be designed as a cheaper light umbilical without compressed air line and without special reinforcement. Unless a separately routed thin control cable is selected or the signals are transmitted differently.
  • a moderately armored cable or light umbilical can also be used at the same time as a supporting element for the correspondingly smaller and lighter drive units for lower drive powers.
  • the components that transmit the drive energy for electricity and pressure medium are connected by means of parts that can be connected under wet conditions and under high water pressure, preferably in multi-channel plug-in versions.
  • pressure medium is used automatically or with external help to prevent them from being pulled out and against starting and Operating restoring torque of the UW electric motors secured
  • the proposed solutions also improve operation with long hoses from above the water surface. It is also possible to convert existing or existing UW tools and equipment partially or completely.
  • the system according to the invention can be used economically in practical configuration up to unlimited water depth and can be used for ramming, vibrating, separating and other UW work tools.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a pile driver placed on a pile of a UW structure conventionally connected to a work ship via a drive unit.
  • Figure 2 is a representation similar to Figure 1 of a vibratory ram device with a smaller, simplified drive unit.
  • FIG 3 shows a representation similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 with a conventional drive unit installed directly on the piling device.
  • Figure 4 is a representation similar to Figure 3 with a smaller, simplified drive unit.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a pile driver with a drive unit installed coaxially on it.
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a ramming device placed on a ramming pile of an oil rig structure and connected to a work ship via pressure medium lines.
  • Figure 7 shows the pile driver according to Figure 6 in side view.
  • FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a piling device with a drive unit hanging outboard at deck height.
  • Figure 9 is a representation similar to Figure 8 in a different equipment configuration.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a separator placed on a pile of a UW structure.
  • Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a smaller, simplified drive unit.
  • FIG. 12 the drive unit according to FIG. 11 is fastened coaxially to the head end of a piling or cutting device with a plug connection.
  • FIG. 13 is a partial view of FIG. 12 with an electrical plug connection arranged outside the plug connection that fastens the drive unit.
  • FIG. 14 shows a partial view of drive units coupled to one another on the implement as in FIG. 12.
  • Figure 15 is a representation similar to Figure 12 with a lockable connector.
  • Figure 16 is a partial view of the illustration of Figure 15 with a locked connector.
  • FIG. 17 shows a schematic illustration of three drive units which are coupled to one another and connected to the UW implement via lines.
  • Figure 18 shows the drive units according to Figure 17 from below.
  • FIG. 19 shows a more detailed partial view of the connection of the pressure medium hoses to the pile driver according to FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 20 shows an enlarged, detailed partial view of the head piece of the piling device, similar to FIG. 9.
  • Fig. 1 shows a pile driver 1 freewheeling on the pile 2 conventionally connected to the work ship 3.
  • the piling device 1 is raised and lowered by the crane 9, boom 10 and the support cable 11 together with the drive unit 22, which is connected to the piling device 1 via the additional support cable 12.
  • the umblical 18 firmly connecting the working ship 3 via the winch 13 and the deflection roller 14 to the drive unit 22 for energy and compressed air supply or signal transmission must be moved in conformity with all operations. Inevitably, this also arises for the lines 23 which firmly connect the piling device 1 and the drive unit 22, as a result of which dangers for this and the expensive umbilical 18 arise.
  • the dangers are reduced because the power and control line plug connection 24 (similar to FIG. 3) only takes place after the hazardous handling, at the latest under water, when the ramming hammer 1 is already seated on the ramming pile 2.
  • the Umbilical 20 is also cheaper because it only contains power lines and control lines. Instead of the umbilical 18, only the compressed air line 16, which can be replaced with less effort, then continues with the supporting cable 11 to the drive unit 22 and from there to the ramming hammer 1, because compressed air supply is required from the start of the dive. Instead of the umbilical 20, a power line 20a and a control line can now be routed even more favorably because of the gentler handling
  • plug connections 24 depends on their transmission capacity and the energy requirement. They are inserted with the robot tool 8 of the remote-controlled underwater vehicle 6, which is connected to the ship 3 via the line 5.
  • the vibration ram device 21 shown in FIG. 2 is connected to a smaller, simplified and separately guided drive unit 25.
  • the energy supply of the vibrating ram device 21 takes place from the work ship 3 via the train of the components winch 13, deflection roller 14, umbilical 20, power current and control line plug connection 24, drive unit 25 and by means of the pressure medium and control line plug connection 26 with the Vibration ramming device 21 now also releasably connected supply line 23.
  • This and the drive unit 25 with umbilical 20, that is to say the entire train of the energy transfer means, can thus be handled alone and gently according to its requirements.
  • the drive unit 25 no longer functions as in FIG. 1 as a support element connected between the support cables 11 and 12.
  • the suspension cable 12 is therefore omitted.
  • the drive unit 25 is made lighter due to the lack of strength claims. You can now hang on a corresponding tensile Umbilical 20 while saving her suspension cable 27 The plugging operations are carried out using the UW vehicle 6.
  • the pile driver 1 is operated by a conventional drive unit 17 mounted directly on it via a small internal pressure medium circuit (not shown).
  • the energy supply is optimized in a similar way to FIG. 1, in which the expensive umbilical 18 is divided into the compressed air line 16 to be handled together with the ramming device 1 / drive unit 17 combination by means of a suspension cable 11, and into the power line and control lines which are to be handled separately umbilical 20 detachably connected to the plug connection 24 on the drive unit 17.
  • a smaller, simplified drive unit 25 is connected directly to the ramming hammer 1.
  • the drive unit 25 as a whole is connected to the ramming hammer 1 by a detachable pressure medium and control line plug connection 26 (explanation in FIGS. 12 and 15).
  • the release of the connector 26 is done by train with the support cable 27 or. with the Umbilical 20 or cable 20 a. If required, one or more drive units 25 arranged around the ramming hammer are connected to it. Imbalance is compensated for by a counterweight 28.
  • the drive unit 25 in contrast to FIG. 4, is placed directly and coaxially on the head piece of the ramming device 1, which is why two suspension cable ends 29 are attached to it laterally in an extension of the suspension cable 11 downward on it.
  • the compressed air supply takes place via the line 16.
  • the drive unit 25 is connected to a detachable plug connection 26 as described in FIG. 4. To protect it against vibrations, it is spring-mounted on the piling device 1 by means of a spring element 30. This arrangement is favorable for reasons of symmetry.
  • FIG. 6 shows a pile driver 1, which is connected to the working ship 3 by means of long pressure medium lines 23 together with a control line cable 4 via the deflection roller 14 and the winch 13.
  • the pile driver 1 is connected to the line 16 via the winch 15 and for lifting and lowering with the support cables 11 and 29 to the work ship 3.
  • a detachable pressure medium and control line plug connection 26 with a distributor piece 31 is used to connect the lines 23 to the ramming device 1.
  • the possibility of separating the lines 23 and the cable 4 from the ramming device 1 also results in their desired gentle treatment.
  • FIG. 7 as a side view of FIG. 6, a plurality of pressure medium lines 23, which run in parallel at the distributor 31, are guided with a control line cable 4 in the middle.
  • This line / cable package leads up to the work ship 3 or to an intermediate UW drive unit.
  • the many small diameter hose lines 23 are used in order to avoid the arrangement of only one very expensive hose line for the outward and return line with an appropriate large diameter.
  • Standard hoses are also connected to one another in commercially available short pieces. However, since these do not meet the requirements of rough handling and the many couplings often have leaks, malfunctions occur, often in the vicinity of the piling device. To rectify this, the ramming device 1, which is firmly connected to these hoses, must be brought up in order to change the damaged hose section outboard, or the ramming device must be completely laid on deck for this purpose.
  • the repair of damage is easier and safer because the light hose package can be released at any time at the plug connection 26 and can be raised separately with the lifting cables 32 while the implement remains under water or outboard. See Fig. 8 and 9.
  • FIG. 8 shows an outboard in a holding device 33 held ramming device 1.
  • the line connection is established with only a short dwell time on the side wall or is also released after hauling up.
  • the latter is important if the connector has a lock that must be released remotely from a UW vehicle, but the vehicle is defective, so that the release process under water can not be effected. This is done here, which means that the sensitive parts can be separated before they are put on deck
  • FIG. 9 corresponds to that according to FIG. 8 with the difference that the lines 4 and 23 running here directly from the winch 13 or alternatively via the deflecting roller 14 are connected to the freely outboard hanging ramming device 1 from the side wall and are easily accessible are to perceive the advantages of the invention.
  • Fig. 10 shows the possible variety of applications according to a UW cutting device 50, which sits on a driven tubular ram pile 51 and with its support shaft 52 for the cutting head 53 so that it is cut off under the seabed in the cutting plane C.
  • the separating device 50 has a UW drive unit which is driven electrically or hydraulically from above the water surface.
  • the supply is conventional either via an umbilical or via long pressure medium lines 23 together with the control line cable.
  • the separation device 50 is first handled separately from its energy supply lines in both cases and later connected to them. Since separation devices only require low drive power, devices of a UW vehicle 6 with a television camera, including its lifting gear, which is required for observation anyway, are used in a cost-saving manner.
  • the electrical energy for driving an electrohydraulic drive unit present on the separating device 50 and signals are preferably via the umbilical 5, the support cage 19 for the underwater vehicle 6 and one or two connecting lines 7 via an electrical plug connection 24 fed to the separator 50.
  • the separation device 50 is also connected to the work ship 3 with the support cable 11 and the supply line 16 for compressed air or release agent.
  • FIG. 11 shows a light drive unit 25. It consists of a UW electric motor 34, a pressure medium pump 35 and a pressure medium container 37. These components are joined together to form a drive unit by means of a coupling piece 38.
  • the electric motor 34 is attached with its foot piece 39 to the upper end, the pressure medium pump 35 with its flange 40 to the lower end and the pressure medium container 37 to the flange 41 of the coupling piece 38.
  • the flange 41 is underlaid with slightly resilient material in order to mitigate shocks for the electric motor 34 and to bridge manufacturing tolerances between the connection surfaces for the hoses 12 and 13, if instead coupling parts with a flat surface for sealing connection are attached. See Figures 12, 14, 15 and 17.
  • a valve block 36 for the necessary operating circuits is attached to the pump. Via him, the pump 35 is supplied with pressure medium via the flexible connection 42, which is then returned either in full or in part via the flexible connection 43 in the short circuit to the pressure medium container 37 or in full or in part via the connection 44 to the implement and the connection 45 flows back to the pressure medium container.
  • a pressure compensation cylinder 46 with floating pistons 47 is connected through openings 48 on the one hand to the surrounding water and on the other hand to the pressure medium. It ensures pressure equalization in the Pressure medium tank compared to the surrounding water pressure.
  • the energy is supplied via the umbilical 20, which is also a supporting element due to the light drive unit 25.
  • the control line 49 emerges from the umbilical 20 or comes separately from above to the working device.
  • the drive unit 25 is attached directly and coaxially via a pressure medium and control line plug connection 26 on the head piece of the implement (1, 21 or 50).
  • the plug connection 26 consists of the plug part 54 flanged to the drive unit 25 and the socket part 55.
  • the plug part 54 has the pressure medium channels 56 and 57, which continue in the socket part 55 and open into hose connections 58 and 59, which lead to or return to the implement .
  • the channels have check valves 60 which prevent oil from entering the system or water entering the system when it is not plugged in.
  • the control lines 49 lead to a coaxial wet-plug electrical socket 61 which is mounted in the plug part 54, the plug 62 of which is mounted in the socket part 55 and which carries the control lines 49 to the implement.
  • the socket 61 is preferably mounted so that it can be moved laterally elastically in order to avoid double-fitting problems when the parts 54 and 55 are inserted.
  • the electrical plug connection 61/62 is effected at the same time when the pressure medium plug connection 54/55 is assembled.
  • the can part 55 is, if necessary, resiliently mounted in a holder 63 via the spring element 30.
  • the plugging process is carried out by the weight of the drive unit. The plugging process reduces the size of the rooms 64, 65. The water to be displaced from these and also in the case of suspension processes from the room 65 is discharged through the openings 66 and 67.
  • a protective jacket 69 which has a large insertion cone 68 at the lower end in order to facilitate the joining together of the parts 54 and 55.
  • the supporting element here is also the umbilical 20, which is protected against bending over with a link bending protection 70. It must be able to release the plug part 54 against small holding forces of latching connections. Otherwise a suspension cable is used
  • Fig. 13 shows an embodiment according to Fig. 12, in which the electrical socket 61 with plug 62 is routed to the control line cable 49 to the outside and is led via line 95 to the implement 1, 21, 50, i.e. the plug connection 26 is designed internally simpler. Since the parts 61 and 62 are fastened to the sprung can part 55, they too are spring-mounted.
  • the coaxial cylindrical plug pin of the plug 62 is provided with contact rings 96, which corresponds in number to the signals to be transmitted, unless corresponding devices for information processing and transmission are provided on the implement 1, 21, 50 in such a way that a plurality of one contact ring 96 different signals can be passed on in succession.
  • control line 49 is provided with a compressed air line
  • compressed air can also be supplied to the working device through the hollow plug 62 and a correspondingly designed socket 61.
  • check valves 60 are to be provided in both parts, as shown in FIG. 12.
  • the plug 62 is inserted from the UW vehicle 6, as explained in relation to FIG. 2, and, together with the drive unit 25, is pulled off by pulling the umbilical when the plug connection 26 is released. If necessary, the connector parts 61/62 are locked together, e.g. similar to Fig. 15 and 16.
  • Fig.14 are two coupled drive units 25 via a distributor 31 and the pressure medium and Control line connector 26 attached to the head of the implement 1,21,50.
  • the distributor summarizes the pressure medium coming from the pressure medium pumps of the drive units 25 in the channels 71 and 72 flowing in the channel 73 and leads it via the channel 56 via the plug connection 26 to the implement 1, 21, 50.
  • the pressure medium flowing back from the channel 57 is distributed via the channel 74 to the channels 75 and 76 and returned to the pressure medium container of the two drive units 25.
  • FIG. 15 shows, in contrast to FIG. 12, a pressure medium and control line plug connection 26a with a locking device 77, which at the same time as a pulling device contributes to the safe effect of the plugging process.
  • the parts 54a to 69a of the plug connection 26e correspond in function to those of the plug connection 26 from FIG. 12. They are therefore not described again here.
  • the plug connection 26a is just before the plugging process.
  • the socket part 55a already engages in the insertion cone 68a of the plug part 54e and the locking hook 78 can pivot in when the piston rod 79 of the cylinder 80 is pulled in and can grip behind the shoulder 81.
  • the parts 54a and 55a and, at the same time, the electrical plug parts 61a and 62a are then further drawn together by the locking hook, which runs in its guide 88, provided that this does not take place automatically under the weight of the drive unit and is finally clamped together.
  • the contact surfaces pressed firmly against each other absorb the starting and operating reset torque of the electric motor due to friction.
  • the locking device 77 is actuated by the switching valve 81 via the switching rod 82, specifically underwater by the underwater vehicle 6 or other suitable means.
  • Pressure line from the high-pressure accumulator 84 is fed via line 83 to the lower chamber of the cylinder 80 for pulling in the piston rod 79, while at the same time the pressure medium displaced from the upper chamber of the cylinder 80 flows to a low-pressure accumulator 86 via the line 85.
  • Unlocking leads e.g. a spring located in the upper area of the cylinder 80 (not shown), which pushes the piston rod back down to the initial position, the lines 83 and 85 being connected to the low-pressure accumulator 86 and the necessary quantity of pressure medium being removed from it.
  • the check valves 87 are connected to the task for the high-pressure accumulator 84 to the pressure channel 56 a and for the low-pressure accumulator 86 to the return flow channel 57 a of the pressure medium circuit from the working device (1, 21, 50).
  • the drive energy is supplied via the Umbilical 20 or via separate power line and control line cables.
  • a spring element 30 can also be provided with this plug connection as in FIG. 12.
  • Fig. 16 shows a partial view of the plug connection 26 a with locking hooks 78, of which 3 pieces are distributed around the circumference in order to achieve a uniform pulling and holding force and a frictional force to compensate for the start-up and. Restoring the operating torque of the UW electric motors.
  • the three drive units coupled to one another in FIG. 17 for the delivery of a greater drive power are described via a distributor piece 31 as in FIG. 14 and via the pressure medium lines 44 and 45, the control line 49 and the plug connection 26 a with the working device 1, 21, 50 releasably connected.
  • the pressure medium lines 44 and 45 lead via the channels 56 a, 58 a and 57 a, 59 a of the plug connection 26 a pressure medium to or from the implement 1, 21, 50.
  • the electrical energy is supplied via the umbilical 20 and the power current and control line plug connection 24 and from there is distributed via the lines 89 to the UW electric motor of the individual drive units 25.
  • the control line 49 also branches off from the plug connection 24.
  • the drive units 25 with the plug connection 26 a are raised and lowered with the support cables 32 and 27 and can thus be handled as a whole separately from the implement 1, 21, 50 after loosening the plug connection 26 a.
  • the individual drive units 25 are also attached to the distributor piece 31. It combines these as a load-bearing structural part to form a firmly connected overall unit. Extended to the outside, it can also be the fastening base for the indicated protective jacket 93.
  • the distributor piece 31 contributes significantly to the desired lightweight construction and cost-effective design of the system.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show in more detail an application according to FIGS. 6 and 7 for connecting a plurality of pressure medium lines 23 to the channels 44 and 45 for the purpose Transition to the plug coupling 26 a and from there to the implement 1,21,50 via the connections 58a and 59a
  • the compressed air line 16 is routed separately, unless the plug-in coupling 26a is to be connected or loosened outboard, but not under water.
  • the compressed air line 16 then runs as shown with the arrangement of additional channels (not shown) in the plug-in coupling 26a.
  • the distributor piece 31 can, of course, also be provided at the upper end of the lines 4 and 23, in order to effect a forwarding there to system parts that are required for use.
  • the advantages of this application have already been described in FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • Fig. 20 shows the central attachment of the suspension cable 11, the lateral attachment of the combination distributor piece 31 / connector 26a on the implement 1, 21, 50 as in Fig. 9 and the distributor piece 31 in connection with the lines 16, 23 and 49 according to Fig. 19 .
  • the lines are stored together with the support cables 32 on a bending protection 95 attached to the distributor 31.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une installation permettant de transmettre de l'énergie motrice à des engins de battage et de séparation (21) ou analogues utilisables sous l'eau. Pour transmettre de l'énergie motrice depuis le dessus de la surface de l'eau à un engin (21) qui se trouve sous l'eau, on utilise des câbles ombilicaux (27, 20) qui sont longs, lourds et coûteux avec des lignes de transport de puissance électrique incorporées ou des faisceaux de longues lignes hydrauliques guidées en parallèle, qui sont raccordés fermement à l'engin (21) et doivent de ce fait être manipulés de manière synchrone avec lui, ce qui n'est pas toujours évident et peut générer des dommages. L'invention suggère par conséquent que tous les câbles ombilicaux (20) et toutes les lignes (23) utilisés pour transmettre l'énergie motrice, y compris tous les autres éléments de transmission d'énergie motrice (25) qu'ils peuvent comprendre, puissent être manipulés indépendamment de l'engin (21) et qu'ils comportent à leur extrémité inférieure un raccord mâle-femelle (24, 26) amovible pour être raccordés directement ou indirectement à l'engin, ce qui permet d'éviter tout risque d'endommagement. Le raccordement peut être effectué à tout moment hors bord ou sous l'eau.

Claims (21)

  1. Installation de transmission de l'énergie d'entraînement (1) à des engins de battage et outils de travail utilisables sous l'eau ou similaires (ci-après outil de travail) depuis le dessus de la surface de l'eau à un outil de travail immergé, caractérisée en ce que toutes les conduites et liaisons ombilicales, resp. câbles (4; 23; 5, 7, 23; 20; 20a; 44, 45) utilisés pour la transmission de l'énergie d'entraînement, y compris tous les moyens de transmission d'énergie (17; 22; 25; 19; 31) supplémentaires éventuels introduits dans celles-ci, sont manipulables séparément de l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50) et présentent à leur extrémité inférieure un connecteur détachable (24; 26; 26a) pour le raccordement direct ou indirect à l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50).
  2. Installation selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur détachable (24; 26; 26a) est prévu avec une unité d'entraînement (17; 22; 25) pour l'outil de travail conçue séparément de l'outil de travail (1).
  3. Installation selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce qu'un outil robotique (8) d'un véhicule sous-marin (8) téléguidé est prévu pour la manipulation du connecteur (24; 26; 26a) détachable pouvant être relié à l'état humide et sous haute pression hydraulique.
  4. Installation selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le système d'alimentation du bateau de travail (3) à un dispositif sous-marin séparé constitue la partie principale du train des conduites et composants assurant la transmission de l'énergie d'entraînement à l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50) et en ce qu'une conduite, resp. un composant supplémentaire relie de manière détachable ce système et l'outil de travail.
  5. Installation selon les revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif sous-marin séparé est un véhicule (6) équipé le cas échéant d'une caméra de télévision, dont le système d'alimentation composé d'une liaison ombilicale (5) ou d'une conduite (23) et d'une cage porteuse (19), est relié à l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50) au moyen de la conduite de liaison (7) et d'un connecteur détachable (24 ou 26; 26a).
  6. Installation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur détachable (26; 26a) comporte une partie fiche (54) coaxiale cylindrique et comme pièce opposée une partie prise (55) dans lesquelles est prévu au moins un canal (57; 57a) reliant ces parties pour la conduite d'alimentation du moyen de pression (59; 59a) sur l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50).
  7. Installation selon les revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur détachable (26; 26a) comporte une partie fiche (54) coaxiale cylindrique et comme pièce opposée une partie prise (55), dans lesquelles au moins un canal (56; 56a) reliant ces parties est prévu pour la conduite de retour du moyen de pression (58; 58a) sur l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50).
  8. Installation selon la revendication 1 et l'une des revendications 6 et 7, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur (26; 26a) comporte une partie fiche (54) cylindrique coaxiale et comme pièce opposée une partie prise (55), dans lesquelles des canaux supplémentaires reliant ces pièces sont prévus pour l'air comprimé et d'autres moyens.
  9. Installation selon la revendication 1 et l'une des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur détachable (26; 26a) dans la partie fiche (54) présente une prise de courant électrique (61) montée coaxialement et la partie prise (55) une prise de courant électrique (62) montée coaxialement.
  10. Installation selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que la prise de courant électrique (61) est déplaçable latéralement de manière élastique dans son logement.
  11. Installation selon la revendication 1 et l'une des revendications 6 à 10, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur électrique détachable (61/62) est disposé à l'extérieur du connecteur (26; 26a).
  12. Installation selon l'une des revendications 9 à 11, caractérisée en ce que la fiche électrique (62) comporte une broche enfichable cylindrique coaxiale, équipée d'un nombre correspondant de bagues de contact (96) pour la transmission des signaux.
  13. Installation selon la revendication 1 et l'une des revendications 6 à 12, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur détachable (26; 26a) comporte un dispositif de verrouillage (77) avec crochets de verrouillage (78) et un épaulement de verrouillage (81).
  14. Installation selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que les crochets de verrouillage (78) sont reliés au moyen d'une soupape de commande (81?) à des vérins de moyen de pression (80) actionnant leur tige de piston (79) à au moins un accumulateur de moyen de pression rempli d'une pression de gaz supérieure et à un autre accumulateur rempli d'une pression inférieure.
  15. Installation selon la revendication 1 et l'une des revendications 6 à 14, caractérisée en ce que la partie prise (55) du connecteur (26; 26a) est logée par élasticité de ressort sur l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50).
  16. Installation selon les revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que le connecteur (24) reliant de manière détachable l'unité d'entraînement (17; 22; 25) au bateau de travail (3) au moyen de la liaison ombilicale (20) resp. au moyen de la liaison ombilicale (5), de la cage porteuse (19) et de la conduite (7), est un connecteur électrique (61/62) enfichable à l'état humide.
  17. Installation selon les revendications 1 et 2, caractérisée en ce que les composants de l'unité d'entraînement (25) solidarisés par un élément d'accouplement (38), le moteur électrique sous-marin (34) la pompe à moyen de pression (35) avec la soupape de commande (36) et le réservoir à moyen de pression (37), forment une unité d'entraînement (25) simple, légère, compacte et autonome.
  18. Installation selon la revendication 17, caractérisée en ce que l'unité d'entraînement (25) est montée sur l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50) reliée à l'accouplement enfichable (26; 26a) fixé sur elle.
  19. Installation selon la revendication 17, caractérisée en ce que plusieurs unités d'entraînement (25) sont montées sur l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50) reliées à l'accouplement enfichable (26; 26a) au moyen de l'élément distributeur (31) fixé sur elles.
  20. Installation selon la revendication 17, caractérisée en ce que une ou plusieurs unités d'entraînement (25) sont reliées au connecteur détachable (26, 26a) sur l'outil de travail (1; 21; 50) au moyen de conduites (44; 45) fixées sur elle(s).
  21. Installation selon la revendication 17, caractérisée en ce que une ou plusieurs unités d'entraînement (25) sont reliées au connecteur détachable (26, 26a) sur l'outil de travail au moyen de l'élément distributeur (31) fixé sur elle(s) avec des conduites (44; 45; 23).
EP94903730A 1993-01-05 1994-01-03 Installation permettant de transmettre de l'energie motrice a des engins de battage, de separation ou analogues, utilisables sous l'eau Expired - Lifetime EP0678135B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4300075 1993-01-05
DE4300075A DE4300075C1 (de) 1993-01-05 1993-01-05 Anlage zur Übertragung von Antriebsenergie auf unter Wasser einsetzbare Ramm-, Trenn- oder dergleichen Arbeitsgeräte
PCT/DE1994/000003 WO1994016153A1 (fr) 1993-01-05 1994-01-03 Installation permettant de transmettre de l'energie motrice a des engins de battage, de separation ou analogues, utilisables sous l'eau

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0678135A1 EP0678135A1 (fr) 1995-10-25
EP0678135B1 true EP0678135B1 (fr) 1997-09-03

Family

ID=6477734

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94903730A Expired - Lifetime EP0678135B1 (fr) 1993-01-05 1994-01-03 Installation permettant de transmettre de l'energie motrice a des engins de battage, de separation ou analogues, utilisables sous l'eau

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5788418A (fr)
EP (1) EP0678135B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE4300075C1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1994016153A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07272794A (ja) * 1994-03-31 1995-10-20 Mitsubishi Electric Corp コネクタ装置
WO2002018711A1 (fr) * 2000-08-29 2002-03-07 Bernard Francois Appareil et dispositif destines a entrainer un objet au moyen d'une vibration ou d'un choc
GB2448358B (en) * 2007-04-12 2009-07-08 Tidal Generation Ltd Installation of underwater ground anchorages
US8033756B2 (en) * 2008-07-21 2011-10-11 Adamson James E Deep water pile driver
GB0814341D0 (en) * 2008-08-06 2008-09-10 Aws Ocean Energy Ltd Pile system
ITMI20081586A1 (it) 2008-09-04 2010-03-05 Saipem Spa Metodo e impianto per interrare un elemento allungato e continuo in un letto di un bacino d'acqua
US9359853B2 (en) 2009-01-15 2016-06-07 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Acoustically controlled subsea latching and sealing system and method for an oilfield device
US8955612B2 (en) * 2009-02-10 2015-02-17 Onesteel Wire Pty Limited Fence post driver
NL2008279C2 (en) * 2012-02-13 2013-08-14 Ihc Holland Ie Bv A template for and method of installing a plurality of foundation elements in an underwater ground formation.
US11326479B2 (en) 2018-11-13 2022-05-10 Lochterra, Inc. Systems and methods for the capture of heat energy, long-distance conveyance, storage, and distribution of the captured heat energy and power generated therefrom
US11274660B2 (en) 2018-11-13 2022-03-15 Lochterra Inc. Systems and methods for the capture of heat energy, long-distance conveyance, storage, and distribution of the captured heat energy and power generated therefrom

Family Cites Families (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3314240A (en) * 1964-12-21 1967-04-18 Exxon Production Research Co Method and apparatus for use in forming foundations
US3354658A (en) * 1965-08-12 1967-11-28 Leonardi Sam Apparatus for performing underwater operations
GB1227342A (fr) * 1967-03-31 1971-04-07
US3520358A (en) * 1967-06-29 1970-07-14 Mobil Oil Corp Subsea production system
FR1591586A (fr) * 1968-06-27 1970-05-04
US3998064A (en) * 1974-06-27 1976-12-21 Hollandsche Beton Groep N.V. Subaqueous pile driving apparatus and method
NL180448C (nl) * 1974-11-16 1987-02-16 Koehring Gmbh Heiinrichting met waterdicht huis en een door druk aangedreven slaglichaam.
US4117287A (en) * 1977-04-11 1978-09-26 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Combined electrical-hydraulic connector means
US4157287A (en) * 1978-08-25 1979-06-05 Christenson Lowell B Method of assisting pile driving by electro-osmosis
US4502407A (en) * 1982-04-12 1985-03-05 Shell Oil Company Method and apparatus for cleaning, viewing and documenting the condition of weldments on offshore platforms
WO1985003269A1 (fr) * 1984-01-17 1985-08-01 John Thomas Pado Vehicule sous-marin commande a distance
US4618285A (en) * 1985-02-19 1986-10-21 Shell Offshore Inc. Buoyant ring gasket installation tool
DE3634905A1 (de) * 1986-10-14 1988-04-28 Bomag Menck Gmbh Tauchfaehige rammvorrichtung
EP0301114B1 (fr) * 1987-07-28 1991-07-03 Menck Gmbh Procédé pour enfoncer des éléments battus sous l'eau
EP0301116B1 (fr) * 1987-07-28 1991-07-03 Menck Gmbh Unité de commande électrohydraulique immergeable pour appareils de battage et de service mis en oeuvre sous l'eau
US5092711A (en) * 1988-07-29 1992-03-03 Shell Oil Company Diverless installation of riser clamps onto fixed or compliant offshore platforms
FR2640415B1 (fr) * 1988-12-13 1994-02-25 Schlumberger Prospection Electr Connecteur a accouplement inductif destine a equiper les installations de surface d'un puits
GB2228629B (en) * 1989-01-18 1993-11-24 Norske Stats Oljeselskap Subsea electrical coupling
GB8906604D0 (en) * 1989-03-22 1989-05-04 British Petroleum Co Plc Hydraulic connector
US4921438A (en) * 1989-04-17 1990-05-01 Otis Engineering Corporation Wet connector
BR8905595A (pt) * 1989-11-01 1991-05-07 Petroleo Brasileiro Sa Sistema de intervecao expansao e reparos de linhas submarinas operador por veiculo de operacao remota
US5145007A (en) * 1991-03-28 1992-09-08 Camco International Inc. Well operated electrical pump suspension method and system
NO911838L (no) * 1991-05-13 1992-11-16 Norske Stats Oljeselskap Fremgangsmaate og forbindelsesanordning for loesbar sammenkobling under vann.
FR2685139B1 (fr) * 1991-12-11 1994-05-20 Institut Francais Petrole Procede et dispositif pour l'interconnexion electrique d'appareils tels que des outils de puits.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0678135A1 (fr) 1995-10-25
DE4300075C1 (de) 1994-03-17
WO1994016153A1 (fr) 1994-07-21
US5788418A (en) 1998-08-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE19648069C2 (de) Steigleitungsbaugruppe für tiefes Gewässer
DE69915616T2 (de) Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Absetzen eines Gegenstands oder einer Last auf dem Meeresboden
DE2514911C3 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Anschließen eines Unterwasser-Bohrlochs an eine Produktionsleitung
DE2952449C2 (fr)
DE60121977T2 (de) System zur überführung eines flüssigen produkts von einem transportschiff auf einem landungspier
DE3926225C2 (fr)
EP0678135B1 (fr) Installation permettant de transmettre de l'energie motrice a des engins de battage, de separation ou analogues, utilisables sous l'eau
DE602004005574T2 (de) Verfahren zum schneiden und entfernen von unterwasserrohrleitungen und vorrichtung zur durchführung des verfahrens
DE2801458A1 (de) Vorrichtung und verfahren zum anschliessen einer leitung an eine unterwasserstation
EP0677137B1 (fr) Installation de transmission de signaux et de donnees pour la commande et le controle d'engins sous-marins de battage, de tron onnage ou equivalent
DE3029007A1 (de) Vorrichtung zum verbinden einer druckfluessigkeits-foerdereinrichtung auf einem schwimmenden fahrzeug mit einem offshore- bohrloch
DE2514909C3 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Anschließen einer unterseeischen Zentralstation an Bohrlochköpfe und Förderleitungen
EP0678134B1 (fr) Unite d'entrainement submersible pour engins de battage et outils utilisables sous l'eau
DE1959738C3 (de) Vorrichtung zum einziehen bzw herausziehen von elastischen versorgungsleitungen in ein bzw aus einem schutzrohr
DE2921890B1 (de) OEluebernahme-Einrichtung
DE3013169A1 (de) Verfahren und anlage zum einholen einer laenge eines langgestreckten koerpers, beispielsweise eines rohres, eines elektrischen kabels o.dgl.
DE2952525C2 (fr)
DE2948779C2 (de) Einrichtung zum Abstützen einer über einem wellenförmigen Meeresgrund freihängenden Rohrleitung
EP0499106A1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif de filer et de haler de l'ombilicale d'un dispositif sous-marin
DE2514910C3 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Anschließen eines Produktionskopfes an einen Unterwasserbohrlochkopf
EP3322638A1 (fr) Réalisation de travaux sous-marins télécommandés
EP0144641B1 (fr) Dispositif de service pour pompe de puits
DE2725880C3 (de) Gelenksäule und Handhabungsvorrichtung zum Ein- und Ausbau von Gelenken unter Wasser
DE102008032626A1 (de) Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Wartung eines Meeresströmungskraftwerks
DE1212017B (de) Steuersystem zur Fernbedienung eines Unterwasser-Bohrlochkopfes

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19950802

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GB IT NL

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19961112

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): GB IT NL

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: KARAGHIOSOFF GIORGIO

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19971114

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: MENCK GMBH

Effective date: 19980602

NLR1 Nl: opposition has been filed with the epo

Opponent name: MENCK GMBH

PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

RDAH Patent revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS REVO

APAC Appeal dossier modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPO

APAE Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS REFNO

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

APCC Communication from the board of appeal sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBAPO

APCC Communication from the board of appeal sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBAPO

APCC Communication from the board of appeal sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBAPO

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

PLCK Communication despatched that opposition was rejected

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREJ1

PLBN Opposition rejected

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009273

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: OPPOSITION REJECTED

27O Opposition rejected

Effective date: 20031125

NLR2 Nl: decision of opposition

Effective date: 20031125

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050103

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Effective date: 20091201

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20101222

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20110127

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20110114

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V1

Effective date: 20120801

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20120103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120801