EP2834423B1 - Offshore-strukturen sowie zugehörige vorrichtung und verfahren - Google Patents

Offshore-strukturen sowie zugehörige vorrichtung und verfahren Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2834423B1
EP2834423B1 EP13723535.4A EP13723535A EP2834423B1 EP 2834423 B1 EP2834423 B1 EP 2834423B1 EP 13723535 A EP13723535 A EP 13723535A EP 2834423 B1 EP2834423 B1 EP 2834423B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pile
guide portion
guide
segment
segments
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.)
Active
Application number
EP13723535.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2834423A2 (de
Inventor
Alan West
John Giles
Paul Wilson
Charles WHYTE
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.)
W3g Piling Noise Mitigation Ltd
Original Assignee
W3g Piling Noise Mitigation Ltd
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
Priority claimed from GBGB1205543.0A external-priority patent/GB201205543D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1217367.0A external-priority patent/GB201217367D0/en
Priority claimed from GB201221241A external-priority patent/GB201221241D0/en
Application filed by W3g Piling Noise Mitigation Ltd filed Critical W3g Piling Noise Mitigation Ltd
Publication of EP2834423A2 publication Critical patent/EP2834423A2/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2834423B1 publication Critical patent/EP2834423B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/0017—Means for protecting offshore constructions
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/02—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/04—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D13/00—Accessories for placing or removing piles or bulkheads, e.g. noise attenuating chambers
    • E02D13/005—Sound absorbing accessories in piling
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D13/00—Accessories for placing or removing piles or bulkheads, e.g. noise attenuating chambers
    • E02D13/04—Guide devices; Guide frames
    • 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
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • 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
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/24—Guiding or centralising devices for drilling rods or pipes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D11/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for both placing and removing sheet pile bulkheads, piles, or mould-pipes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of structures, such as offshore structures, associated apparatus and methods.
  • the invention relates to offshore structures, such as wind turbine structures, for example, piles for offshore wind turbines, and associated apparatus and methods.
  • piles are driven into the seabed in order to support each tower, nacelle and turbine. These piles are generally transported to the desired location, and then hammered into position using a pile hammer, which mechanically connects with the upper region of the pile.
  • unfavourable or adverse weather conditions can reduce the opportunities and time windows when such piles and other offshore apparatus can be deployed.
  • the cost and risks associated with deploying such piles, and other offshore apparatus can be higher due to such variable and seasonal weather conditions, which may give rise to pitching, rolling, etc., of any deployment vessels. Such movement may not only be detrimental to the success of the project, but also potentially hazardous to equipment and persons.
  • transporting piles, and/or other such offshore equipment, to and from offshore sites can also be expensive due to the need to store a significant amount of equipment on a vessel (e.g. on the deck of a vessel). Any reduction in the space requirements of such equipment can help reduce costs.
  • the water depth in which such piles (or other such supports) are located can very from site to site.
  • some offshore sites may be based in water depths of 10 metres or less, while others may be in water depths of 50 metres or more, which can cause problems when choosing the appropriate piles, supports, equipment and other tools needed for each site.
  • WO 2007/150028 A2 describes a sound attenuation sleeve for use on a piling during underwater construction and a method of using such a sleeve for attenuating underwater transmission of sound and/or shock waves during underwater pile driving operations.
  • EP 2 402 511 A1 describes a template for use in installing a plurality of foundation elements, in particular anchor piles, relative to one another in an underwater ground formation.
  • the template comprises a plurality of guides for the foundation elements, which guides are fixed relative to one another by means of a frame. At least one of the guides comprises a sound-insulating sleeve for surrounding a foundation element during driving.
  • the aim of the present invention is to improve the noise insulation of said template known from EP2402511A1 .
  • the apparatus may be configured to provide an acoustic, or pressure, barrier between a pile and a surrounding body of water, during deployment of a pile (e.g. locating a pile in the seabed).
  • the acoustic barrier may provide an acoustic impedance mismatch between the pile and surrounding water (e.g. a barrier to acoustically decouple a pile from the water).
  • the acoustic barrier may be configured to dampen (e.g. absorb, or at least attenuate) pressure waves that would otherwise be communicated from a pile to surrounding water.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that the acoustic barrier surrounds (or at least substantially surrounds) some, or all, of a pile, when being deployed.
  • the barrier may be configured so as to surround, or substantially surround, the length of a pile.
  • the apparatus may comprise one or more pumps configured to displace fluid from a gap (e.g. an annular gap) between the guide apparatus and an offshore pile (e.g. to dewater the gap, such as dewater and provide a gas gap).
  • the acoustic barrier may comprise a dewatered gap.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that the offshore pile is located within the guide apparatus (e.g. fully or partially within guide apparatus).
  • the apparatus may comprise one or more seals configured to seal the guide apparatus with a pile located with the apparatus.
  • the one or more seals may be configured to prevent fluid entering the gap (e.g. from a body of water to the gap).
  • the guide apparatus may be configured to allow a pile to be located within the apparatus (e.g. centrally within, such as concentrically within, the apparatus).
  • the guide apparatus may comprise one or more centralisers.
  • the centralisers may be configured to hold, and/or guide, a pile in a particular orientation with the guide apparatus, such as concentrically with the apparatus.
  • the centraliser may be configured as actuatable arms, such as hydraulic arms.
  • the arms may be configured to extend and/or retract in order to hold/guide a located pile.
  • the arms may be configured to acoustically decouple a pile from the apparatus.
  • the centralisers may comprise radial members, such as a radially extended cones or vanes.
  • the radial members may define an aperture to allow for positioning and/or maintaining of a pile within the guide apparatus.
  • the guide apparatus may comprise a guide cone on an upper region thereof.
  • the guide cone may be configured to allow for, and assist with, a pile to be located with the apparatus (e.g. lowered and located within the apparatus).
  • the guide apparatus may be considered to comprise a guide portion.
  • the guide apparatus may comprise a piling template.
  • the piling template may be configured to be positioned on a water floor (e.g. seabed, or the like).
  • the piling template may be configured to stabilise the apparatus on a water floor.
  • the template may provide, or be configured to provide, a ballast for such a guide portion.
  • the guide portion may be configured to locate, and be positioned with, the template to allow for guiding of a pile to the water floor.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that, in use, the guide apparatus (e.g. guide portion) extends above, and out of, the water.
  • the guide portion may be configured as a sleeve.
  • one, some or all of those seal(s) may be positioned at a lower region of the guide apparatus (e.g. at a lower region of the guide portion).
  • the seal(s) may be annular (e.g. one or more tyre seals).
  • the seal(s) may be inflatable and/or deflatable.
  • the seal(s) may be configured to allow a located pile to translate with respect to the seal. In such cases, the seal may still provide sealing.
  • the seals may be configured to seal the apparatus with the pile, yet not grip that pile to an extent that would significantly inhibit movement of that pile when being deployed, such as hammered into the seabed.
  • the guide apparatus may comprise a constriction, such as a region of reduced annular diameter.
  • the constriction may be associated with one or more of the seals (e.g. at a region near, adjacent, etc. the seal(s)).
  • the constriction may assist with locating a pile with the apparatus.
  • the constriction may allow for a minimal gap (e.g. about 50 cm, about 25 cm, about 10 cm, about 5 cm, or about 1 cm) to exist between a seal and a located pile (e.g. prior to inflation).
  • the apparatus may comprise a dampening structure or material.
  • the dampening structure or material may be configured to provide a difference in acoustic impedance between the apparatus (e.g. the guide portion) and surrounding water.
  • the dampening structure or material may be provided as a coating, which may be provided on the inner and/or outer of the apparatus (e.g. in the inner and/or outer of the guide portion).
  • the dampening structure or material may comprise a substrate having a plurality of gas-filled compartments or pockets (e.g. bladders).
  • the dampening structure or material may be configured as a jacket (e.g. a wrapable jacket) for the guide apparatus, or guide portion.
  • the piling template may comprise one or more guide sockets.
  • Each guide socket may be configured to allow for location of a guide portion with the piling template.
  • the guide socket(s) may be configured to align, or position, a pile being deployed with a desired location to be deployed.
  • the guide apparatus may be configured to allow for movement of the guide portion between one or more of the guide sockets.
  • the apparatus may be configured to allow for raising and lowering of the apparatus/guide portion.
  • the apparatus may be configured to move the guide portion from a first position, associated with a first guide socket, to a second position associated with a second guide socket.
  • the apparatus may be configured to ensure that the guide portion is aligned with the first socket when in the first position and also aligned with the second socket when in the second position.
  • the guide sockets may be separated or spaced from one another, such as radially and/or circumferentially separated, on the piling template.
  • the apparatus may be configured to move the guide portion in an arcuate manner between first and second position.
  • the apparatus may be configured to move the guide portion between further positions/sockets (e.g. three, four, five and more).
  • the piling template may comprise one or more stabilisers, to stabilise and/or orientate the apparatus with a water floor.
  • The, or each, stabiliser may have a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.
  • the stabilisers When deployed, the stabilisers may permit the apparatus to remain stable on, for example, a seabed.
  • the stabiliser In the deployed configuration, the stabiliser may have been rotatably moved from a stowed configuration.
  • Each stabiliser may be configured to be able to be locked, or retained, in the deployed configuration.
  • the sockets and/or guide portion may be able to be moved relative to the stabilisers (e.g. so that they can be more suitably vertically aligned in cases of an uneven seabed).
  • the apparatus may comprise a main frame, which connects the guide portion and/or sockets, and which is configured to be moveable with respect to the stabilisers.
  • the movement may be controllable.
  • the apparatus may comprise a gimbling system to effect movement, which may be a controllable gimbling system.
  • the guide portion may be separable to allow a pile to be positioned within the guide portion.
  • the guide portion may comprise an open configuration, and a closed configuration.
  • the guide portion may be opened and closed, for example, along a lengthwise body axis (i.e. so as to allow the insertion of a pile from the side of the apparatus, rather than being lowered into the apparatus).
  • the guide portion may comprise two or more segmented portions (e.g. circumferentially segmented), at least one of which may be movable so as to open and close around a pile.
  • the apparatus may comprise three segmented portions.
  • the guide portion may comprise a separable frame, configured to open to allow insertion and/or removal of a pile (or other driven structure) from the apparatus.
  • the guide portion When in a closed configuration, the guide portion may surround a pile being deployed.
  • the apparatus may be configured to allow the guide portion to couple, or mate, with some or all of the sockets.
  • the apparatus may comprise complementary mating elements, such as a lip and groove, to allow the guide portion to couple/mate with a particular socket (e.g. when the guide portion has been closed).
  • the guide portion may be configured such that, when moved to closed configuration the segments couple with a complimentary element of the socket (or other feature on the template).
  • the guide portion may comprise an acoustic dampening structure (e.g. material).
  • the dampening structure may be provided on an inner and/or outer surface of the guide portion.
  • the dampening structure may be provided at least on an inner surface thereof.
  • the apparatus may comprise dampening material configured to provide a difference in acoustic impedance between the inner annulus of the guide portion, and surrounding water (e.g. without the use a pump/seal).
  • the dampening structure may be configured to attenuate acoustic transmission from a pile to a body of water.
  • the dampening structure may be configured to attenuate acoustic transmission when the guide portion is in a closed configuration around a pile.
  • the guide portion may be configured such that the dampening structure abuts against a pile when located.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that the dampening structure interfaces against a pile.
  • the process of closing the guide portion may be considered to urge water from an inner annulus of the guide portion (e.g. forcing water out of the annulus).
  • An intended interface surface of the dampening structure may be configured for reduced friction (e.g. using bristles on the interface surface, or a lubricious material, or the like).
  • An intended interface surface of the dampening structure may be configured to allow for translating vertical movement of the pile within the guide portion (e.g. using rollers, or the like, on the interface surface).
  • the dampening structure may comprise one or more gas-filled pockets, or the like, or closed-cell foam, or the like.
  • dampening structure may be compressible against a pile in order to couple to a pile. Such a configuration may also assist in removing water from around a located pile.
  • the dampening structure may comprise a plurality of gas-fillable compartments, pockets or bladders.
  • the bladders may be inflatable and/or deflatable.
  • the guide portion may be configured with a plurality of bladders, which may be spaced both circumferentially and/or lengthwise along the inside of the guide portion. Some or all of the bladders may be configured in rings, or the like.
  • bladders may additionally comprise an outer friction surface or sleeve, having an interface surface to allow reduced friction contact with a pile (e.g. comprising bristles, or the like).
  • a pile e.g. comprising bristles, or the like.
  • the apparatus may be configured to provide gas bubbles between a pile and the guide portion (e.g. between the dampening structure and a pile).
  • the apparatus may be configured such that gas bubbles are adhered or retained to or with the outer friction surface (e.g. between the bristles of the outer friction surface).
  • the dampening structure need not couple (e.g. touch) to a located pile, but may merely be provided (e.g. inflate) so as establish an impedance barrier (e.g. a gas jacket) around a pile, and any water remaining between a located pile and the dampening structure.
  • an impedance barrier e.g. a gas jacket
  • guide apparatus for an offshore pile comprising a dampening structure or material.
  • the dampening material may be configured to provide a difference in acoustic impedance between the apparatus and surrounding water (e.g. an acoustic barrier).
  • the dampening material may be provided as a coating, layer, or the like, which may be provided on the inner and/or outer of the apparatus (e.g. in the inner and/or outer of the guide portion).
  • the dampening material may comprise a substrate having a plurality of gas-filled compartments or pockets.
  • the dampening material may be configured as a coat (e.g. a wrapable coat for the guide apparatus, or portion).
  • the dampening material/structure may comprise a plurality of gas-fillable compartments, pockets or bladders.
  • the bladders may be inflatable and deflatable.
  • the guide portion may be configured with a plurality of bladders, spaced both circumferentially as well as lengthwise along the inside of the guide portion.
  • the bladders may additionally comprise an outer friction sleeve, having an interface surface to allow reduced friction contact with a pile (e.g. comprising bristles, or the like).
  • the apparatus may comprise one or more dampening segments as the dampening structure.
  • Each dampening segment may be configured to surround (e.g. fully surround) a pile, or the like.
  • the dampening segments may be attached, joined or bonded together to provide the effective height of the apparatus (e.g. bonded together at a segment joints).
  • the dampening segments may be considered to be discrete segments.
  • the dampening segments may be configured to be coupled and decoupled to vary the effective height of the apparatus (e.g. couple together at a segment joints).
  • the apparatus may be configured such that dampening segments can be added together and/or removed so as to vary an effective height of the apparatus.
  • Each of the segments may be configured to be opened and closed and so as to surround a pile, or the like (e.g. opened and closed lengthwise so as to surround a pile).
  • the segments may be fixable in the closed configuration (e.g. using fasteners, such as hook and hoop fasteners, zips, lacing, or the like).
  • the segments may be fixable at an inner side and/or an outer side of the segment.
  • Each of the segments may be inflatable (e.g. gas inflatable).
  • the segments when inflated, may adopt a surrounding configuration.
  • the segments when inflated, may bias the dampening segment to the closed configuration.
  • the segments when inflated, may urge a length-wise opening of the segment/apparatus together so as to provide the closed configuration.
  • The, or each, segment may comprise a specific material, structure or fabric, having a particular orientation across the segment.
  • the material may be permeable to fluid (e.g. air) and may be orientated radially to an axial centre line of the apparatus.
  • the material may be considered to be a thread type fabric (e.g. a drop-stitch type fabric) orientated appropriately such that threads are provided radial to the centre line.
  • the segment may be considered to have inner material or structure that acts perpendicularly to some or all the surface of the segment so as to provide a desired configuration of segment. This may also provide an essentially rigid surface, when inflated.
  • the segments when deflated, may adopt (or be permitted to adopt) a stowable configuration (e.g. for storage on a vessel of the like).
  • dampening segments may be inflatable independent of other segments. For example, some or all of the segments may be permitted to be inflated to different pressures. Some or all of the dampening segments may comprise relief values, configured release pressure above a particular threshold (e.g. one or more pressure relief value).
  • Each segment may comprise a plurality of panels, which may be considered to be inflatable panels, configured to extend and surround a pile.
  • Each segment may be configured in a substantially polygon configuration (e.g. box cross-section). In some examples, each section may comprise four panels.
  • Some or all of the segments may be of the same or similar effective height (e.g. 1 metre, 2 metres, 5 metres, 10 metres, or the like).
  • Some or all of the segments may have rigging sections, configured to attach the segment to support rigging.
  • the rigging sections may be provided with webbing, extending from a segment.
  • the apparatus may comprise anchor points, provided at a lower section of at least one segment.
  • the anchor points may be configured to couple the apparatus to a water floor (e.g. sea bed).
  • the anchor points may permit the attachment of ballast weight, or the like (e.g. ballast configured to overcome any resultant or reactant uplift from an inflated series of segments).
  • the apparatus may comprise any of the features of the first aspect.
  • guide apparatus for an offshore pile, the apparatus comprising a guide portion and a piling template.
  • the piling template may have two or more guide sockets for locating the guide portion with the piling template.
  • the apparatus may be configured to allow for moving the guide portion between the sockets, so as to allow for positioning of two or more offshore piles.
  • the piling template may be configured to stabilise the guide portion, and/or may provide ballast for the guide portion.
  • the guide portion may be separable to allow a pile to be positioned within the guide portion.
  • the guide portion may comprise an open configuration, and a closed configuration.
  • the guide portion may be opened and closed, for example, along a lengthwise body axis (i.e. so as to allow the insertion of a pile from the side of the apparatus, rather than being lowered into the apparatus).
  • the guide portion may comprise two or more segmented portions (e.g. circumferentially segmented), at least one of which may be movable so as to open and close around a pile.
  • the apparatus may comprise three segmented portions.
  • the guide portion may comprise a separable frame, configured to open to allow insertion and/or removal of a pile (or other driven structure) from the apparatus.
  • the guide portion When in a closed configuration, the guide portion may surround a pile being deployed.
  • the apparatus may comprise any of the features of the first or second aspect.
  • a method for providing, or deploying, a pile at an offshore site is provided.
  • the method may comprise locating an offshore pile with a guide apparatus.
  • the method may comprise providing an acoustic barrier between the pile and a body of water.
  • the method may comprise sealing the offshore pile with the guide apparatus.
  • the method may comprise displacing water from a gap between the guide apparatus and the pile.
  • the method may comprise using a hammer to secure the pile into a water floor.
  • the method may comprise unsealing the offshore pile with the guide apparatus.
  • the method may comprise allowing the gap to fill with fluid.
  • the method may comprise removing (e.g. lifting) the guide apparatus from a secured pile.
  • the locating of an offshore pile with a guide apparatus may including lowering the pile within the guide apparatus.
  • the method may comprise centralising (e.g. concentrically) the pile with the apparatus.
  • the method may comprise (e.g. initially comprise) locating a guide portion of the apparatus with a piling template of the apparatus, then locating the offshore pile with the guide apparatus.
  • the method may comprise inflating a seal (e.g. an annular seal) in order to seal the pile.
  • the method may comprise deflating a seal in order to unseal the pile (e.g. to allow for removal).
  • the apparatus may comprise a guide portion and a piling template.
  • the piling template may comprise one or more guide sockets.
  • Each guide socket may be configured to allow for location of a guide portion with the piling template.
  • the guide sockets may be separated, such as radially separated, on the piling template.
  • the method may comprise moving the guide portion between one or more of the guide sockets.
  • the method may comprise raising and lowering of the apparatus/guide portion.
  • the method may comprise raising the guide portion, and moving the guide portion to be positioned above a further guide socket, and then lowering the guide portion.
  • the method may comprise positioned the guide portion above a further guide socket when at least a portion of the guide portion in above water level.
  • a method of reducing the acoustic emissions during positioning of an offshore pile comprising using guide apparatus comprising a dampening structure or material.
  • the dampening structure or material may be considered to be an acoustic barrier.
  • the dampening material may be configured to provide a difference in acoustic impedance between the apparatus and surrounding water.
  • the dampening material may be provided as a coating, layer, or the like, which may be provided on the inner and/or outer of the apparatus (e.g. in the inner and/or outer of the guide portion).
  • the dampening material may comprise substrate having a plurality of gas-filled compartments or pockets.
  • the dampening material may be configured as a coat (e.g. a wrapable coat for the guide apparatus, or portion).
  • the method may comprise opening the guide portion to allow location of pile within the apparatus, and then closing the guide portion around the pile.
  • the method may comprise inflating a plurality of bladders, which may be spaced both circumferentially and/or lengthwise along the inside of the guide portion.
  • the method may comprise using one or more dampening segments as the dampening structure.
  • Each dampening segment may be configured to surround (e.g. fully surround) a pile, or the like.
  • the method may comprise providing a first dampening segment to surround a pile, or the like, and then adding (e.g. bonding) a second dampening segment to the first dampening segment so as to increase the effective height of the dampening structure.
  • the method may comprise removing dampening segments (e.g. after a pile has been located).
  • the method may comprise coupling and decoupling dampening segments so as to vary the effective height of the apparatus (e.g. couple together at a segment joints).
  • the method may comprise opening and closing each dampening segment and surrounding a pile, or the like with the dampening segments (e.g. opening and closing lengthwise so as to surround a pile).
  • the method may comprise fixing the segments in the closed configuration (e.g. using fasteners, such as hook and hoop fasteners, zips, lacing, or the like).
  • the method may comprise fixing the segments at an inner side and/or an outer side.
  • the method may comprise inflating (e.g. inflating with air) each segment.
  • the method may comprise inflating each segment with air and cause the segment to adopt a surrounding configuration.
  • the segments when inflated, may bias the dampening segment to the closed configuration.
  • the segments when inflated, may urge a length-wise opening of the segment together so as to provide the closed configuration.
  • the segments when deflated, may adopt (or be permitted to adopt) a stowable configuration (e.g. for storage on a vessel of the like).
  • the method may comprise deflating each segment, and stowing the segment.
  • the method may comprise inflating each segment to different pressures (e.g. depending on depth).
  • Some or all of the dampening segments may comprise relief values, configured release pressure above a particular threshold (e.g. one or more pressure relief value).
  • the method may comprise considering the intended water depth, and then bonding a plurality of a segments together to provide an appropriate effective height of apparatus. Some or all of the bonded segments may be of the same or similar effective height (e.g. 1 metre, 2 metres, 5 metres, 10 metres, or the like).
  • the method may comprise attaching an anchor point of a lower section of a first segment to a water floor, or to a ballast weight, and coupling subsequent segments to the first segment.
  • a method for positioning two or more offshore piles comprising
  • guide apparatus for an offshore pile comprising:
  • a pile at an offshore site comprising:
  • apparatus for positioning an offshore pile comprising a guide sleeve or portion configured to receive a pile, and configured, in use, to provide a gas gap between the guide sleeve or portion and a received pile.
  • the air gap may be provided by using at least one seal, to seal the sleeve to the pile.
  • the gas gap may be provided using at least one pump (e.g. to displace fluid from the gap).
  • the gas may be air.
  • the method may comprise displacing water from the gap to provide the gas gap.
  • the method may comprise pumping water from the gap to provide a gas gap (e.g. an air gap).
  • the method may comprise providing the guide sleeve or portion with dampening material, such that closing the guide sleeve or portion surround or partially surrounds the pile with a dampening structure or material.
  • the method may comprise inflating a plurality of bladders, which may be spaced both circumferentially and/or lengthwise along the inside of the guide portion.
  • the method may comprise any of the features of any of the above referred-to aspects.
  • the above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.
  • the invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.
  • any features of the first aspect may equally be features of fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or ninth aspects, etc., without the need to unnecessarily and list those various embodiments or features.
  • Figure 1a shows a perspective view of guide apparatus 100, which in this example can be considered to be guide apparatus for positioning/deploying an offshore pile 200.
  • the apparatus comprises a guide portion 110 and a piling template 120.
  • the piling template 120 is configured to be positioned on a water floor 300 (e.g. seabed, or the like).
  • the guide portion 110 is configured essentially as a sleeve, through which the pile 200 can be positioned.
  • the piling template 120 comprises four guide sockets 125.
  • Each guide socket 125 is specifically configured to allow for location of the guide portion 110 with the piling template 120.
  • the guide portion 110 is configured to locate, and be positioned with, the template 120 (or the socket 125 thereof) to allow for guiding of the pile 200 to the water floor 300.
  • the apparatus 100 is configured to allow for movement (e.g. both rotational movement and vertical movement) of the guide portion 110 so as to allow it to be moved between two of more of the guide sockets 125.
  • the guide portion 110 can be moved relative the sockets 125 by means of a central pillar 130a and collar 130b.
  • the piling template 120 further comprises stabilisers 140 (in this example, four stabilisers), to stabilise and/or orientate the apparatus 100 with a water floor 300.
  • the guide apparatus 100 further comprises a guide cone 145 on an upper region thereof.
  • the guide cone 145 is configured to allow for the pile 200 to be lowered and located with the apparatus 100.
  • the cone 145 can assist in locating the pile within the sleeve as it can urge a pile 200 being deployed from a vessel into alignment with the sleeve.
  • the apparatus 100 is configured such that, in use, the guide portion 110 extends above, and out of, the water level 310.
  • the apparatus 100 also comprises arms 150 at the guide portion 110.
  • the arms 150 are configured to hold, and/or guide, the pile 200 in a particular orientation within the guide portion 110.
  • the arms 150 are positioned at upper and middle regions of the guide portion 110.
  • the arms 150 are configured to be adjustable, and extend and/or retract (e.g. hydraulically) in order to hold/guide the pile 200.
  • the arms 150 are configured to acoustically decouple the pile 200 from the guide sleeve 110.
  • the arms 150 are configured to mitigate any acoustic transmission between the pile 200 and the apparatus 100. This may be achieved by providing an appropriate impedance mismatch between the arms 150 and the pile 200 and/or guide portion 110.
  • arms 150 have been used, it will be appreciated that further apparatus, mechanisms, or features may be used to hold/guide the pile 200 within the apparatus.
  • guide vanes located on the inner of the guide portion 110 may be used. Such guide vanes may be tapered to allow for a smooth location of the pile 200 in the guide portion 110.
  • Further radial members, such as one or more radially extending cones each having an aperture, may be used.
  • the apparatus may comprise any combination of arms, vanes or radial members (some or all of which may be configured to mitigate any acoustic transmission between the pile 200 and the apparatus 100) or, even, in some cases, none of these features. Furthermore, any of the arms, vanes or radial members may be provided with the apparatus 100 and/or the pile 200, as will be appreciated.
  • FIGS 2a and 2b show an example of the apparatus 100 is use.
  • the guide portion 110 has been located with a particular socket 125.
  • the pile 200 which is to be driven into the water floor 300 (e.g. seabed) by means of a hammer 400, has been lowered and located with the apparatus 100.
  • fluid, and in this example water 500 fills a gap 600 between the pile 200 and guide portion 110 of the apparatus 100.
  • the gap 600 is essentially annular.
  • differing configurations may provide differing gaps 600.
  • water may fill the inner of the pile 200.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises at least one pump 160 configured to displace fluid from the gap 600 (e.g. the annular gap 600).
  • the pump is configured to displace water to from the gap to the body of water surrounding the apparatus.
  • the apparatus further comprises at least one seal 170 configured to seal the guide apparatus 100 with the pile 200.
  • the seal 170 is configured to prevent fluid entering the gap 600 (e.g. from a body of water to the gap).
  • both the seal and the pump are provided at a lower region of the guide portion 100.
  • the pump 160 in this example, is positioned, relatively speaking, above the seal 170.
  • the seal is further configured to acoustically decouple the pile 200 from the guide portion 110, in a similar manner to the arms described above. In other similar words, the seal is additionally configured to mitigate any acoustic transmission from the pile 200.
  • the seal in this example is annular (e.g. a tyre type seal).
  • the seal(s) can be inflated and deflated to allow for sealing the apparatus with the pile 200.
  • the seal 170 is configured such that sealing is effected, but that the pile is still permitted to translate within the guide portion. A lesser radial force is required to seal the pile 200, than to seal and grip fixedly the pile 200. Therefore, sealing can be effected without restricting the, in this case, vertical movement of the pile 200.
  • the arms 150 can be actuated in order to position the pile 200 appropriately within the guide portion 110.
  • the seal can be actuated to seal the pile 200 with the guide apparatus 100.
  • the pump can be operated to displace water 500 from a gap 600 between the guide portion 110 and the pile 200, such that there is an acoustic barrier (in this example a gas gap) between the guide portion 110 and the pile 200.
  • an acoustic barrier in this example a gas gap
  • air is permitted to fill the gap 600.
  • the gap between the pile and the apparatus 100 in this example guide portion 110
  • the apparatus 100 may comprise a seal 170 at an upper region of the guide portion 110, such that gas can be communicated to the annular gap so as to force water from the gap, for example, at a lower region or aperture.
  • a seal 170 at an upper region of the guide portion 110, such that gas can be communicated to the annular gap so as to force water from the gap, for example, at a lower region or aperture.
  • only an upper seal may be provided.
  • the hammer 400 can be used to secure the pile 200 into a water floor. Due to the sealing nature of the seal, which allows movement of the pile 200, the seal is not affected by the hammering of the pile into the water floor 300, and the dewatering is maintained. In some case, when not using an upper seal, water may enter the gap from above (e.g. from splashing or the like) and/or partially thought the seal (when used). In those circumstances, the pump 160 may maintain operation in order to continue to dewater the gap 600.
  • the gas gap (and in essence the impedance decoupling between the pile 200 and the water 500), which may be an air gap or gas from a gas source, such as compressed gas, any acoustic emission from the pile 200 to the water (e.g. the sea) is attenuated or reflected within the pile 200.
  • the gas gap serves to prevent, or reduce, the chance that harmful (and powerful) acoustic emissions associated with the driving of the pile are communicated (or communicated to a harmful extent) to the surrounding water.
  • acoustic emissions to surrounding water that is associated with positioning (and hammering) such piles can be reduced or essentially avoided altogether.
  • Figure 3 shows an exemplary plot 900 for one particular configuration of apparatus 100, showing a reduction acoustic transmission (dB) 910 against size of an air gap (mm) 920.
  • dB reduction acoustic transmission
  • mm air gap
  • the seal 170 can be unsealed (e.g. deflated).
  • the guide portion 110 can be removed before or after the seal 170 has been deactivated. If the gap 600 is allowed to fill with water, then this may assist with removing (e.g. lifting) the guide portion 110 from a secured pile 200.
  • the guide portion can be moved to a subsequent socket.
  • the guide portion/piling template need only be deployed once in the water, yet is able to be used to deploy and position several different piles. As such, the time taken to accurately position many piles can be reduced. Further, the cost of apparatus for deploying many piles can be minimised.
  • the apparatus e.g. the removable and reusable guide portion 110 further comprises a dampening structure or material 800.
  • the dampening material 800 is configured to provide a difference in acoustic impedance between the apparatus (e.g. the guide portion 110) and surrounding water.
  • the dampening material 800 is provided as an outer coating, but may equally be provided on the inner of the apparatus (e.g. in the inner and/or outer of the guide portion).
  • dampening material 800 comprises a substrate having a plurality of gas-filled compartments or pockets. In some cases, multiple layers of substrate having gas-filled pockets are provided.
  • the dampening material comprises a closed-cell foam, or the like. In all cases, the dampening material is configured to attenuate the transmission of acoustic emissions from the apparatus (i.e. the guide portion 110) to the surrounding water.
  • the pile 200 may be provided additionally of alternatively with a dampening material 800.
  • providing the piling template may help ballast, or weigh down, the guide sleeve to counteract any uplift associated with the buoyancy of the dampening structure/material.
  • Providing ballast weight to the piling template, or support structure, rather than the guide portion can assist with ease of movement of the guide portion (e.g. between sockets).
  • Figures 4a and 4b shows a cross section of an example of a further exemplary seal 270 in operation, which by way of example is shown with a pump 160 and is shown at a lower region of the guide portion 110.
  • the pile 200 has been positioned provisionally on the water floor 300 (e.g. seabed).
  • the guide portion 110 has been located with a first socket 125.
  • the guide portion has a locator 175, which can be provided as a lip or collar, in order to locate the guide portion 110 with the socket 125.
  • the guide portion 110 comprises a constriction 700, which in this example in an annular constriction.
  • the constriction 700 provides a reduced inner diameter of guide portion 110, though which the pile 200 can be located.
  • constriction 700 allows for a minimal clearance (e.g. 5 cm, 10 cm, etc.) between the seal 170 and the located pile 200. This assist with providing a seal 170 that can seal the pile, yet avoid gripping the pile 200. In addition, use of lubrication can be avoided.
  • the constriction 700 is tapered to assist with locating of the pile at the seal 200.
  • Figure 4a shows the gap 600 filed with water 500.
  • the seal has been radially inflated in order to seal the apparatus 100 with the pile 200.
  • the pump 160 has displaced the water from the gap to the body of water. Subsequently, the pile can be driven by the hammer 400 and positioned in the seabed.
  • the guide portion 110 may be raised and associated with a further guide socket, by moving the guide portion 100 between the sockets 125, so as to allow for positioning of two or more offshore piles 200, as exemplified in Figure 5 .
  • piling template need not be used.
  • a guide portion 110 may be used.
  • the guide portion 110 may be located on the seabed, or the like, and the seal activated in the manner described above, to allow for positioning of a pile 200.
  • any number of seals and/or pumps may be used.
  • the guide portion 110 may be compartmentalised by respective seals and pumps to allow for positioning of a pile 200.
  • further means for providing an acoustic barrier or gas gap e.g. an air gap
  • Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show a further example of guide apparatus 1000 for use in deploying or locating offshore structures, such as piles, or the like, which may be used to support offshore wind turbine towers.
  • the guide apparatus 1000 again comprises a guide portion 1100, and piling template 1200, together with guide sockets 1250 (three of which are given in this alternative example) in a similar manner to that described above. It will be appreciated that the use of sockets may be useful in some cases to allow alignment of the pile with a particular intended location from deployment. However, in other examples, the apparatus 1000 may not comprise such sockets, or the like.
  • the guide portion 1100 is configured to locate, and be positioned with, the template 1200 (or the socket 1250 thereof) to allow for guiding of a pile 200 to the water floor 300, such as the seabed.
  • the apparatus 1000 allows for movement of the guide portion 1100 so as to allow it to be moved between two of more of the guide sockets 1250.
  • the piling template 1200 here comprises stabilisers 1400 (three shown in Figure 6 ).
  • Each of the stabilisers 1400 has a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration - shown as stowed (e.g. for delivery/removal at the seabed) in Figure 6a and deployed in Figures 6b and 6c .
  • the stabilities 1400 when deployed, permit the apparatus 1000 to remain stable on, for example, a seabed.
  • Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show the stabilisers 1400 in the deployed configuration, in which they have been rotatably moved from their stowed configuration.
  • Providing a stowed configuration may permit ease of transport to/from an offshore site, for example, ease of stacking on a deck.
  • providing a stowed configuration may permit the apparatus to be readily lowered to the water floor.
  • Each stabiliser 1400 is configured to be able to be locked, or retained, in the deployed configuration.
  • support struts 1410 extend from each stabiliser 1400 to a support frame 1420 of the piling template 1200 so as to lock that stabiliser 1400 in the deployed configuration.
  • the sockets 1250 and guide portion 1100 are able to be moved relative to the stabilisers 1400 so that they can be more suitably vertically aligned (e.g. in cases of an uneven seabed).
  • the sockets 1250 and guide portion 1100 are able to be moved so as to avoid unwanted inclination of a pile 200. It will be appreciated that such a configuration can assist with deployment of piles, where vertical, or plum, alignment may be desired.
  • a main frame 1430 of the apparatus 100 which connects the guide portion 1100 and sockets 1250, is configured to be moveable with respect to the stabilisers 1400.
  • this is achieved using a gimbling system 1600 (e.g. using controllable hydraulic cylinders, etc. as shown on Figures 7a, 7b and 7c ).
  • a gimbling system 1600 e.g. using controllable hydraulic cylinders, etc. as shown on Figures 7a, 7b and 7c .
  • the main frame 1430 may be self-rightening with respect to the stabilisers. In such a configuration, no user input may be required in order to achieve appropriate vertical alignment.
  • the guide portion 1100 shown in Figure 6c is configured essentially so as to be separable to allow the pile 200 to be positioned within the guide portion 1100.
  • the guide portion 1100 can be considered to have an open configuration and a closed configuration. Such configurations can assist with insertion and retention of a pile to be positioned/deployed.
  • the guide portion 1100 opens and closes along a lengthwise body axis 1700 so as to allow the insertion of a pile 200 from the side of the apparatus 1000 (i.e. rather than only being lowered into the apparatus 200).
  • the guide portion 1100 is circumferentially segmented into three portions 1100a, 1100b, 1100c at least two of are movable so as to open and close around a pile 200 - see Figure 8 .
  • the pile 200 may still be insertable from the top also.
  • the guide portion 1100 may comprise a frame or the like, not necessarily circumferentially segmented, but still configured to provide an open configuration and a closed configuration, as will readily be appreciated by a skilled reader.
  • a pile 200 can be lowered into a body of water initially (e.g. a lower section of the pile 200 placed in the water), for example during adverse weather conditions, and then moved into position within an open guide portion 1100. After the pile 200 has been located within the guide portion 1100 (e.g. at least partially located), the guide portion 1100 can close to surround the located pile 200.
  • Permitting the pile 200 to be initially lowered into the body of water, rather than into the guide portion, allows for the body of water to dampen movement of the pile 200 as it is positioned with the apparatus 1000.
  • the water may inhibit swinging, swaying, etc. of the pile 200 during location of the pile 200 with the apparatus 1000.
  • Such a configuration may be useful when deploying a pile from a vessel subject to marginal or adverse weather conditions, irrespective of whether or not the guide portion 1100 or apparatus is additionally configured to mitigate acoustic emissions
  • the apparatus 1000 is configured to retain (and in some cases seal) the guide portion 1100 with respect to sockets 1250.
  • Figure 8 shows a lower section of the apparatus 1000, at a socket 1250, in which complementary mating elements (in this case an annular lip 1252 and groove 1254) allow the guide portion 1100 to couple with a particular socket 1250, when the guide portion 1100 has been closed. Retaining the guide portion with the piling template in such a manner may additionally assist with ballasting the guide portion 1100, using the piling template 1200.
  • the guide apparatus 1000 is configured to dewater the guide portion 1100 in a similar manner to that described above, and so displace water 500 from a gap 600 between the guide portion 110 and the pile 200. In such a manner, an acoustic barrier provided as a gas gap may be obtained between the guide portion 110 and the pile 200 to mitigate the transmission of acoustic emissions.
  • the guide portion 1100 may comprise an acoustic dampening structure 1800 (e.g. material) at least an inner surface thereof (e.g. dampening material configured to an acoustic barrier by providing a difference in acoustic impedance between the apparatus (e.g. the guide portion 1100) and a located pile 200, with or without the use a pump/seal.
  • acoustic dampening structure 1800 e.g. material
  • dampening material configured to an acoustic barrier by providing a difference in acoustic impedance between the apparatus (e.g. the guide portion 1100) and a located pile 200, with or without the use a pump/seal.
  • the dampening structure 1800 can attenuate acoustic transmission from the pile 200 to the body of water during hammering of the pile 200 into the seabed.
  • the guide portion 1100 may be configured such that the dampening structure 1800 abuts against the pile 200 when located within the guide 1100.
  • the dampening structure 1800 may interface against a located pile 200.
  • the process of closing the guide portion 1100 may be considered to be urging water from the inner annular of the guide portion 1100. In such a way, the acoustic attenuation may be improved further.
  • the weight (and lack of buoyancy) of the pile may be used to assist with lowering of the guide portion together with the pile into position (e.g. onto a socket).
  • an intended interface surface 1850 of the structure 1800 may be configured for reduced friction (e.g. using bristles on the interface surface 1850, or a lubricious material, such a PTFE, or the like). In such a manner, the dampening structure 1800 may contact the pile 200, yet not overly inhibit vertical movement of the pile 200 during hammering.
  • the dampening structure may comprise gas-filled pockets, or the like, or closed-cell foam, or the like.
  • dampening structures 1800 may be compressible against the pile 200 in order to couple to the pile 200, as well as remove any water from around the pile 200.
  • the dampening structure 1800 comprises a plurality of gas-fillable compartments, pockets or bladders 2000 (e.g. inflatable/deflatable bladders).
  • the compartments or pockets may be fillable from a compressed gas source (e.g. compressed nitrogen, compressed air, or the like), as will be appreciated.
  • the guide portion 1100 is configured with the plurality of bladders 2000, which are spaced both circumferentially as well as lengthwise along the inside of the guide portion 1100.
  • the bladders 2000 additionally comprise an outer sleeve 2100, which has an interface surface 2150 to allow reduced friction contact with a pile 200.
  • the interface surface 2150 comprises a bristles, or the like (not shown).
  • Figure 9a shows one axial length of bladders 2000 that depend along some or all of the length of the guide portion 1100, whereas Figure 9b shows a plan view of the guide portion 1100 showing the bladders 2000 inflated.
  • Figure 9c shows perspective, plan and side view of an individual bladder 2000.
  • Figure 9d shows an exemplary construction of the bladders 2000, while Figure 9e shows one exemplary column of bladders 2000.
  • the guide portion 1100 can close around the pile 220 (e.g. in order to retain the pile 200). Subsequently, each of the bladders 2000 can be inflated so as to couple with the pile 200, and effectively urge water from the inner of the guide portion. As the bladders are gas filled, an effective acoustic barrier (e.g. gas gap) is provided and acoustic transmission from the pile to the body of water is inhibited. It will be appreciated that in the example of using bladders 2000, or the like, then coupling the guide portion 1100 with a socket (e.g. using a lip and groove, as shown in Figure 8 ) may assist with any resultant uplift of the guide portion 1100 that occurs when inflating the bladders 2000, as mentioned above.
  • a socket e.g. using a lip and groove, as shown in Figure 8
  • each, some, or all of the bladders are operable independently, or at least in groups.
  • the volume of each, some or all of the bladders may be controllable. This may assist with locating and centralising of a pile position with the guide portion.
  • the bladders 2000 need not couple to a located pile 200, i.e. touch, but may merely be provided (e.g. inflate) so as establish an acoustic barrier, or gas jacket, around the pile, with water remaining between the pile 200 and the dampening structure 1800.
  • the guide portion may be comprise arms, or the like, similar to those described in relation to Figure 1 , for centralising the pile 200.
  • any acoustic emission from the pile 200 to the water is attenuated or reflected within the guide portion 1100.
  • the dampening structure 1800 serves to prevent, or reduce, the chance that harmful (and powerful) acoustic emissions associated with the driving of the pile 200 are communicated (or communicated to a harmful extent) to the surrounding water.
  • acoustic emissions associated with positioning (and hammering) piles can be reduced or essentially avoided altogether.
  • some or all of the bladders can be deflated, and retracted, to avoid damage as the guide portion 1100 is removed from the positioned pile.
  • the bubbles or gas may be injected at a single region (e.g. the lower region of the guide portion), or may be injected at different regions, circumferentially and/or axially. Compressed air may be used.
  • the apparatus is configured such that gas bubbles, being provided within the guide portion, are adhered
  • the dampening material/structure may be provided additionally or alternatively on the outer side of the guide portion.
  • the guide apparatus 100, 1000 may comprise one or more guide portions 110, 1100 without the use of a piling template 120, 1200, per se.
  • Such guide portions, or sleeves may be used in isolation (e.g. manoeuvred and surrounding a monopile, or the like), or may be used in conjunction with further apparatus.
  • the piling template may be used without the use of a guide portion. Such embodiments will be evident given the above detailed description.
  • the dampening structure is described as being inflatable, it will readily be appreciated that in some examples the pockets, or the like, may be permanently gas filled (e.g. closed-cell foam, or the like).
  • FIG 10 shows a further example of apparatus 3000, which comprises a dampening structure or material, which may be used as an acoustic barrier.
  • the apparatus 3000 is shown having two dampening segments 3010.
  • two dampening segments 3010 may be provided.
  • only one dampening segment 3010 may be provided.
  • each dampening segment 3010 is configured to surround (e.g. fully surround) a pile, or the like (not shown for clarity).
  • the apparatus 3000 is configured such that multiple dampening segments 3010 are attached so as to provide an effective height, H, of the apparatus 3000.
  • each segment 3010 is 5 metres in height and so, when attached (e.g. bonded together) at a segment joint 3020, the effective height, H, of the apparatus 3000 can be considered to be 10 meters.
  • the segments may be of a different height (e.g. 1 metre, 2 metres, etc.).
  • the segments 3010 may be coupled together so that segments can be readily added together and/or removed so as to vary the effective height of the apparatus 3000.
  • fasteners such as loop and hook fasteners, zips, or the like may be used. In these cases, piles can be deployed in different water depths without the need for specific apparatus 3000.
  • the dampening material may be inflatable, and it may be that when deploying in different depths different segments are inflated depending on the depth. In other words, not all of the segments may be inflated.
  • Such a modular configuration may be useful so as to avoid having to choose individually appropriate piles, supports, equipment and other tools for each site, and can readily accommodate the different ambient pressure at different depths of water.
  • the segments 3010 comprise a plurality of panels 3030 that extend around a pile, or the like.
  • each segment 3010 has four such panels 3030 and so provides essentially a box cross-section, having an outer surface and an inner surface.
  • different numbers of panels 3030 may be provided.
  • Figure 11 shows a cross-section 3040 of one of the dampening segments 3010.
  • the apparatus 3000 is configured such that an internal cross-section 3050 is sufficient to accommodate the cross-section of pile, or the like. It will be appreciated that the pile need not abut the inner side of the apparatus 3000. Further, it will be appreciated that water may be present between the apparatus and a pile, and yet the acoustic barrier can still be provided.
  • one, some or all of the segments 3010 may be configured to be opened and closed and so as to surround a pile, or the like (e.g. opened and closed lengthwise so as to surround a pile), in a similar manner to that described above.
  • Figure 12 shows a cross-section of such a segment 3010, in the closed configuration.
  • the segment 3010 is elastically deformable, and can be opened along its length at an opening 3065, so as to allow a pile to be introduced in a similar manner to that described above.
  • the segment 3010 can be fixed in a closed configuration for example, using fasteners 3070, such as look and hoop fasteners, zips, lacing, or the like.
  • the segment 3010 is fixable at an inner side and an outer side of the segment 3010.
  • the interface at the opening is specifically configured to such that any water pathway across the opening in minimised.
  • the opening is configured so that, when closed, the segment nevertheless provides a barrier around the pile (i.e. substantially without having a gap).
  • segments 3010 may comprise dampening material (e.g. deformable foam, or the like), in other examples, the segments 3010 can be inflatable (e.g. inflatable using compressed air). In those cases, the segments 3010 can be specifically configured such that, when inflated, they adopt the surrounding configuration (e.g. the box cross-section).
  • dampening material e.g. deformable foam, or the like
  • the segments 3010 can be inflatable (e.g. inflatable using compressed air).
  • the segments 3010 can be specifically configured such that, when inflated, they adopt the surrounding configuration (e.g. the box cross-section).
  • Figure 13 shows an example in which the internal cross-section of the segment 3010 is comprises a specific material 3075, structure or fabric, having a particular orientation across the segment.
  • the inner material 3075 is permeable to fluid (e.g. air) and is orientated radially to an axial centre line 3077, as shown in Figure 13 .
  • the inner material 3075 can be considered to be a thread type fabric (e.g. a drop-stitch type fabric) orientated appropriately such that threads are provided radial to the centre line 3077.
  • the segment 3010 can be configured to adopt a particular desired shape or configuration when inflated.
  • the outer surface (and inner surface) of the segment can be substantially rigid, when inflated.
  • the segment can therefore be considered to have inner material 3075 or structure that acts perpendicularly to some or all the surface of the segment 3010 so as to provide a desired configuration of segment 3010, as well as an essentially rigid surface, when inflated.
  • the segment 3010 When deflated, the segment 3010 can also adopt (or be permitted to adopt) a stowable configuration (e.g. for storage on a vessel of the like). In some cases, the deflated segment 3010 can adopt a substantially planar configuration, as is shown in Figure 14 . In such examples, the segments (and overall apparatus 3000), when deflated, can be stackable on a vessel. Providing such a configuration allows for efficient use of space on a vessel, and so can reduce costs.
  • the segment 3010 may be configured such that, when inflated, the segment 3010 is bias to adopt the closed configuration.
  • the segments 3010 when inflated, can urge the length-wise opening of the segment 3010 together so as to provide the closed configuration.
  • the segment 3010 may comprise complementary retaining elements 3080.
  • the segment 3010 may have one more lugs 3080a and recesses 3080b. When deflated, the lugs 3080a may be readily insertable into the recesses 3080b. However, when inflated, the lugs 3080a may be forcibly secured within the recess 3080b.
  • the apparatus 3000 may comprise anchor points 3100, as shown in Figure 16 .
  • the anchor points 3100 can be provided at a lower section of at least one segment 3010.
  • the anchor points 3100 may be configured or at least used to couple the apparatus 3000 to a water floor (e.g. sea bed).
  • the anchor points are suitable for use with a D ring and clip type connection to a steel pad eye, or the like.
  • the anchor points 3100 may permit the attachment of ballast weight, or the like (e.g. ballast configured to overcome any reactant uplift from an inflated series of segments 3010).
  • the apparatus 3000 may comprise rigging sections 3110, configured to attach each segment 3010 to a support rigging 3120, as is shown in Figures 17a and 17b .
  • the rigging sections 3110 extends as a webbing from an interface between panels of each segment 3010.
  • the support rigging 3120 can be fixed to the water floor, as shown, and tensioned to provide additional support to the apparatus 3000. Such configurations may be useful in, for example, strong currents.
  • each dampening segment 3010 can be inflated and deployed around a pile (e.g. open and closed) depending on the desired depth.
  • the pressure of each dampening segment 3010 may be provided independent of other segments 3010.
  • the segments 3010 may be configured to be pressurised to roughly 0.6 bar above ambient pressure for the intended depth of that segment.
  • the some or all of the dampening segments 3010 may comprise relief values 3200, as shown in Figure 18 , configured release pressure above a particular threshold (e.g. 0.75 bar above ambient).
  • the segments may be inflated around a pile so as to abut against and grip the pile, to allow the weight (or lack of buoyancy) or the pile to assist with lowering to a seabed, or the like.
  • the apparatus can be removed and deflated and readily stacked for further use.
  • the above described apparatus 3000 may additionally be used with the piling template shown, for example in Figures 5 to 9 , etc.
  • the one or more segments may be used with the piling template, and may be configured to move between sockets, as will be appreciated by the skilled reader.
  • the apparatus 1000, 3000 of any of the Figures 6 to 9 or 10 to 18 may also have any of the features described in relation to the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 , 2 , 4 or 5 , and vice versa.
  • the guide portion 1100 additionally comprises, arms, vanes or radial members, for example, in addition to dampening structure such as bladders, foam, etc. (some or all of which may be configured to mitigate any acoustic transmission between the pile 200 and the apparatus 1000, 3000), which extend inwardly from the guide portion and assist with locating the pile within the guide portion when being closed around a located pile 200.
  • the guide portion additionally comprises outer dampening material to assist further with the attenuation of acoustic emissions.
  • offshore While in this specification the term, "offshore”, has been referred to, it will be understood that this term is not to be considered to be limited to at sea, but rather offshore can refer to any region or expanse of water, such as, seas, lochs, lakes, forths, estuaries, etc. Some examples of the apparatus may be useful in water depth of at least 40, 50, 60 metres or even greater. Further, while it has been helpful to describe the above exemplary embodiments in relation to installing supporting piles, or like, for wind turbine assemblies, it will readily be appreciated that the invention is also useable when constructing other structures offshore, including bridges, harbours, coastal walks, oil and gas structures, or the like.
  • the above apparatus may be used for securing piles, or other apparatus that are not piles, as such, but nevertheless are secured to a seabed or the like using a hammer, or other such device that would cause unwanted acoustic emissions.
  • a hammer or other such device that would cause unwanted acoustic emissions.

Landscapes

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

Claims (15)

  1. Führungsvorrichtung (100, 1000) für einen Offshore-Pfahl (200), wobei die Vorrichtung einen Führungsabschnitt (110, 1100) umfasst, der konfiguriert ist, um eine akustische Barriere zwischen einem Pfahl und einem umgebenden Wasserkörper während der Einrichtung eines Pfahls an einem Wasserkörper bereitzustellen, wobei der Führungsabschnitt eine Dämpfungsstruktur umfasst, die konfiguriert ist, um die akustische Barriere bereitzustellen, wobei der Führungsabschnitt ein oder mehrere Segmente (3010) umfasst, wobei die Führungsvorrichtung (100, 1000) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass jedes Segment ein inneres Gewebematerial (3075) umfasst, welches vom Fallmaschentyp ist.
  2. Führungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das innere Material gegenüber einem Fluid durchlässig ist und/oder wobei das innere Material radial zu einer axialen Mittellinie des Führungsabschnitts ausgerichtet ist.
  3. Führungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das innere Material senkrecht zu einem Teil oder einer ganzen Oberfläche des Segments wirkt, um eine gewünschte Konfiguration des Segments bereitzustellen.
  4. Führungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Führungsabschnitt so konfiguriert ist, das die Dämpfungsstruktur gegen einen Pfahl anschlägt, wenn diese mit dem Führungsabschnitt positioniert wird.
  5. Führungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Dämpfungsstruktur eine Mehrzahl von gasfüllbaren Blasen (2000) umfasst, welche konfiguriert sind, um aufgeblasen und entleert zu werden.
  6. Führungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jedes Segment konfiguriert ist, um einen Pfahl zu umgeben.
  7. Führungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, wobei jedes der Segmente konfiguriert ist, um geöffnet und geschlossen zu werden, um einen Pfahl zu umgeben, und optional wobei
    die Segmente so konfiguriert sind, dass sie aufblasbar sind, um eine geschlossene umgebende Konfiguration anzunehmen, und wobei die Segmente so konfiguriert sind, dass sie, wenn aufgeblasen, zu der geschlossenen Konfiguration vorgespannt sind.
  8. Führungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die Vorrichtung zusätzlich ein Pfählungsmuster (120, 1200) umfasst, wobei das Pfählungsmuster konfiguriert ist, um auf einem Gewässergrund positioniert zu werden, und wobei der Führungsabschnitt konfiguriert ist, um das Muster zu lokalisieren und mit diesem positioniert zu werden, um die Führung eines Pfahls bis zu einem Gewässergrund zu ermöglichen, und optional wobei
    das Pfählungsmuster eine Mehrzahl von Führungsbuchsen (125, 1250) umfasst, wobei jede Führungsbuchse konfiguriert ist, um das Lokalisieren eines Führungsabschnitts mit dem Pfählungsmuster zu ermöglichen und um die Führung eines Pfahls zu einem Gewässergrund zu ermöglichen, wobei die Führungsvorrichtung konfiguriert ist, um eine Bewegung des Führungsabschnitts zwischen den Führungsbuchsen zu ermöglichen, und in diesem Falle und optional wobei
    die Führungsbuchsen umfangsseitig auf dem Pfählungsmuster getrennt sind und wobei die Vorrichtung konfiguriert ist, um den Führungsabschnitt bogenförmig zwischen den Führungsbuchsen zu bewegen.
  9. Führungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei der Führungsabschnitt trennbar ist, um einem Pfahl zu ermöglichen, innerhalb des Führungsabschnitts angeordnet zu werden, und optional wobei der Führungsabschnitt eine offene Konfiguration und eine geschlossene Konfiguration umfasst, wobei der Führungsabschnitt entlang einer Längskörperachse (1700) geöffnet und geschlossen werden kann, um die Einführung eines Pfahls zu ermöglichen.
  10. Führungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Führungsabschnitt zwei oder mehr segmentierte Abschnitte umfasst, wobei mindestens einer bewegbar ist, um sich um einen Pfahl zu öffnen und zu schließen.
  11. Führungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, 9 oder 10, wobei der Führungsabschnitt und das Pfählungsmuster komplementäre Passelemente umfassen, um den Eingriff des Führungsabschnitts mit einer bestimmten Buchse zu ermöglichen, wenn der Führungsabschnitt sich in einer geschlossenen Konfiguration befindet.
  12. Führungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 11, wobei das Pfählungsmuster einen oder mehrere Stabilisatoren (1400) umfasst, welche konfiguriert sind, um die Vorrichtung zu stabilisieren und/oder mit einem Gewässergrund auszurichten, wenn eingerichtet, und wobei der oder jeder Stabilisator eine verlangsamte und eingerichtete Konfiguration aufweist.
  13. Verfahren zum Einrichten eines Offshore-Pfahls an einem Offshore-Standort, umfassend:
    Lokalisieren eines Offshore-Pfahls mit einem Führungsabschnitt einer Führungsvorrichtung an einem Offshore-Standort und das Bereitstellen einer akustischen Barriere zwischen dem Pfahl und einem Wasserkörper, wobei der Führungsabschnitt eine Dämpfungsstruktur umfasst, die konfiguriert ist, um die akustische Barriere bereitzustellen, wobei der Führungsabschnitt ein oder mehrere Segmente umfasst, wobei jedes Segment ein inneres Gewebematerial umfasst, welche vom Fallmaschentyp ist,
    darauffolgendes Befestigen des Pfahls an einem Gewässergrund am Offshore-Standort.
  14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei die akustische Barriere durch Umgeben des Pfahls mit einer gasgefüllten Dämpfungsstruktur bereitgestellt wird.
  15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, wobei die Vorrichtung zusätzlich ein Pfählungsmuster umfasst, wobei das Pfählungsmuster zwei oder mehr Führungsbuchsen zum Lokalisieren des Führungsabschnitts mit dem Pfählungsmuster aufweist, und wobei das Verfahren ferner nach dem Befestigen des Pfahls das Bewegen des Führungsabschnitts zu einer zweiten Buchse umfasst, um das Befestigen eines zweiten Pfahls zu ermöglichen, und/oder wobei
    der Schritt des Lokalisierens des Offshore-Pfahls mit dem Führungsabschnitt am Offshore-Standort umfasst:
    Aufnehmen des Pfahls innerhalb des Führungsabschnitts in einer offenen Konfiguration, und
    Schließen des Führungsabschnitts um den aufgenommenen Pfahl, um den Pfahl teilweise oder vollständig zu umgeben.
EP13723535.4A 2012-03-29 2013-04-02 Offshore-strukturen sowie zugehörige vorrichtung und verfahren Active EP2834423B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1205543.0A GB201205543D0 (en) 2012-03-29 2012-03-29 Offshore structures and associated apparatus and methods
GBGB1217367.0A GB201217367D0 (en) 2012-09-28 2012-09-28 Offshore structures and associated apparatus and methods
GB201221241A GB201221241D0 (en) 2012-11-26 2012-11-26 Offshore structures and associated apparatus and methods
PCT/GB2013/050870 WO2013144659A2 (en) 2012-03-29 2013-04-02 Offshore structures and associated apparatus and methods

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2834423A2 EP2834423A2 (de) 2015-02-11
EP2834423B1 true EP2834423B1 (de) 2019-10-23

Family

ID=48464028

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13723535.4A Active EP2834423B1 (de) 2012-03-29 2013-04-02 Offshore-strukturen sowie zugehörige vorrichtung und verfahren

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20150110564A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2834423B1 (de)
WO (1) WO2013144659A2 (de)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2402511B1 (de) * 2010-07-02 2016-03-02 IHC Holland IE B.V. Vorlage und Verfahren zur Installation mehrerer Fundamentelemente in einer Untertagegrundformation
NL2012951B1 (en) * 2014-06-05 2016-06-22 Ihc Holland Ie Bv Assembly and method for installing foundation elements in a ground formation.
GB2527111A (en) * 2014-06-12 2015-12-16 Rentavent Ltd An acoustic barrier and method of pile driving
NL2013349B1 (en) * 2014-08-21 2016-09-23 Ihc Holland Ie Bv Method of and system for installing foundation elements in an underwater ground formation.
DE102014113676A1 (de) * 2014-09-22 2015-12-17 Karl-Heinz ELMER Hydroschalldämpfer und Verfahren zur Handhabung eines Hydroschalldämpfers
NL2014069B1 (en) * 2014-12-29 2016-10-12 Ihc Holland Ie Bv Noise mitigation system
NL2014689B1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2017-01-18 Ihc Iqip Uk Ltd A pile guide for guiding a pile during submerged pile driving and a method of installing a pile in the sea bottom.
CN105155569B (zh) * 2015-08-03 2017-05-31 浙江华蕴海洋工程技术服务有限公司 一种后打桩海上风机基础的施工装置及施工方法
CN108930271B (zh) * 2017-05-26 2023-10-31 上海雄程船舶工程有限公司 打桩施工中的工程桩导向装置
CN109115884B (zh) * 2018-09-27 2020-10-09 广州市建筑科学研究院有限公司 一种基于声波透射法的基桩完整性检测系统
GB2590051B (en) * 2019-08-26 2023-10-11 Planet 42 Ltd Stablization methods and system
CN110629854B (zh) * 2019-09-18 2020-09-01 中国化学工程第六建设有限公司 适用于海岛环境高压旋喷桩结合排污泵的排水施工方法
CN112554186A (zh) * 2020-11-27 2021-03-26 陈云涛 一种可适应不同直径的钢桩及防倾斜的打桩设备
US20230184047A1 (en) * 2021-12-09 2023-06-15 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Noise mitigation of subsea oil and gas equipment using subsea acoustic insulation

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007150028A2 (en) * 2006-06-22 2007-12-27 Gunderboom, Inc. Sound attenuating sleeve for use on a piling
DE102008017418B4 (de) * 2008-04-03 2010-08-19 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover Vorrichtung zur Reduzierung der Übertragung und Ausbreitung von Schall und/oder Wellenbewegungen in einer Flüssigkeit
EP2402511B1 (de) * 2010-07-02 2016-03-02 IHC Holland IE B.V. Vorlage und Verfahren zur Installation mehrerer Fundamentelemente in einer Untertagegrundformation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20150110564A1 (en) 2015-04-23
WO2013144659A2 (en) 2013-10-03
EP2834423A2 (de) 2015-02-11
WO2013144659A3 (en) 2014-05-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2834423B1 (de) Offshore-strukturen sowie zugehörige vorrichtung und verfahren
US8025463B2 (en) Offshore foundation system with integral elements for preloading and extracting
US9758941B2 (en) Offshore tower for drilling and/or production
EP2917097B1 (de) Schwimmfähige transport- und installationsstruktur für transport und installation einer schwimmenden windturbine, schwimmende windturbine und verfahren für transport und installation davon
US7021402B2 (en) Method for using a multipurpose unit with multipurpose tower and a surface blow out preventer
JP6912490B2 (ja) 浅水域掘削ターミナルを提供するための海底支持ユニットおよび方法
US8899881B2 (en) Offshore tower for drilling and/or production
EP2171159B1 (de) Vorrichtung und verfahren für eine meeresturmstruktur
US20130272796A1 (en) Modular Relocatable Offshore Support Tower
US8573891B2 (en) Tension buoyant tower
US6203248B1 (en) Sliding-resistant bottom-founded offshore structures
WO2014080233A1 (en) Offshore structures and associated apparatus and methods
US2865179A (en) Offshore drilling structure
WO2012046077A1 (en) Apparatus and method for the erection of a wind turbine
US4038830A (en) Modular geometric offshore structures system
US20100186965A1 (en) Method for installing an off-shore structure
KR20150140792A (ko) 극지의 신축형 이동식 해양 시추 유닛
WO2009147448A2 (en) Transportation device and method
US20230392339A1 (en) Method for Anchoring a Hollow Tubular Element in a Water Bottom, and Assembly of the Tubular Element and a Closing Body
AU2016314786A1 (en) A fixed to bottom jacket system and method of installation for an offshore structure
CA1298712C (en) Removable bottom founded structure
US10415315B2 (en) Arctic drilling process
DK178712B1 (en) Arctic Drilling Process

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: 20140924

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20171017

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: E02D 13/00 20060101AFI20190228BHEP

Ipc: E02D 13/04 20060101ALI20190228BHEP

Ipc: E02D 11/00 20060101ALI20190228BHEP

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190415

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602013061968

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1193749

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20191115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20191023

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

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

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200123

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200123

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200224

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200124

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

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

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200224

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

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602013061968

Country of ref document: DE

PG2D Information on lapse in contracting state deleted

Ref country code: IS

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

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200223

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1193749

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20191023

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

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

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200724

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

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20200430

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20200402

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20200430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200430

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20200430

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

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

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

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191023

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

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20230510

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230512

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230510

Year of fee payment: 11

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230504

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602013061968

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: PLANET 42 LTD., GB

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: W3G PILING NOISE MITIGATION LTD., ABERDEEN, GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20240307 AND 20240313