FR3073514A1 - NACELLE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF PEOPLE ON A PETROLEUM PLATFORM - Google Patents

Abstract

A nacelle (1) for transporting persons between a barge and an oil platform, comprising a central mast (10) and a plurality of arms (2), one end (21) of each arm (2) being hingedly mounted on the central mast (10) between a storage position in which each arm (2) extends substantially parallel to the central mast (10), and a use position in which each arm (2) extends substantially orthogonal to the mast central (10) so as to form a support base on which persons can mount in a standing position, the central mast (10) further comprising, at its head (12), a peripheral gripping member (14) adapted to allow people to grab on the move.

Description

NACELLE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF PEOPLE ON AN OIL PLATFORM

GENERAL TECHNICAL AREA AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to the field of transporting people on an oil platform and aims, more particularly, a nacelle for transporting operators.

Today, oil platforms, also known as “offshore” platforms in the English language, are installed offshore to explore, drill and exploit submarine hydrocarbon deposits. Such platforms rest on pillars fixed to the seabed, in the case of a fixed platform, or else on floats, in the case of a floating platform.

The platform is supplied, in a conventional manner, by a barge which is a boat connecting the platform to the coast by the sea. The barge also makes it possible to transport operators to or from the platform.

In order to facilitate loading and unloading of operators from the barge, it is known to use a crane mounted on the platform. To do this, a structure in which the operators climb is hooked by a sling to the crane which then moves the structure between the barge and the platform. Due to the eddies of the waves and gusts of wind, the use of such a structure requires that the operators climb upright in the structure in order to absorb any shocks and be able to extract themselves quickly from the structure in the event of need.

A structure is known in particular comprising two torus-shaped buoys, connected together by ropes. Each buoy is made of reinforced foam to float in water in the event of a fall and a floor is mounted inside the toroidal shape of the buoys to allow operators to stand on this floor while holding onto the ropes . However, such a solution has drawbacks. Indeed, the two buoys being connected by ropes, the distance between the buoys can vary if the tension in the sling lifting such a structure varies. In particular, during a jerk, if the tension of the sling decreases, the buoys approach each other while the operators are between the buoys, which represents a major drawback.

In order to solve some of these problems, an improved structure is known from document US205023853A1, further comprising a rigid central pillar mounted between the two buoys in order to keep them apart. However, since such a structure is more rigid, it takes up more space, especially during storage. This has a significant disadvantage since the space available on an oil platform is precious.

A rigid structure is also known, in which the operators are seated, hooked to the crane. Such a structure is suitable for floating in water. However, it has an even larger size and a significant wind resistance which can cause movements of the structure during its movement. In addition, the operators being seated, it is not possible for them to get out of the structure quickly, nor to absorb vertical shocks.

In another technical field, a military nacelle for a helicopter is known. Such a carrycot includes arms mounted articulated on a mast, in the manner of an umbrella, in order to form a support base during the transport of persons and which can be folded in the storage position in order to limit the space requirement of the carrycot . However, such a nacelle is not suitable for transport between a barge and an oil platform. Indeed, a nacelle for helicopter can move people over long distances. Also, people are seated on the carrycot and tied with a harness. However, as described above, in the case of the oil platform, people must be able to quickly evacuate the nacelle and absorb vertical shocks. A military nacelle also has an opening system attached to the upper end of the mast.

There is therefore a need for a structure which can be connected to the crane of an oil platform and making it possible to move operators in a secure manner while having a reduced bulk, in particular during storage of the structure. There is also a need for a structure capable of floating for a long period, allowing operators 360 ° visibility and allowing transport of different types: people, equipment, people injured on stretchers, etc.

GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the invention relates to a nacelle for transporting people, in particular between a barge and an oil platform, comprising a central mast extending axially between a foot and a lifting head adapted to be connected to a sling in order to move the nacelle, and a plurality of arms extending between a fixing end and a free end, the fixing end of each arm being articulated on the central mast at its foot between a storage position in which each arm extends substantially parallel to the central mast, and a position of use in which each arm extends substantially orthogonally to the central mast so as to form a support base on which people can climb while standing, the central mast further comprising, at the level of its head, at least one peripheral gripping member adapted to allow people to grip lo rs of displacement.

Thanks to the nacelle according to the invention, a person can easily be moved between an oil platform and a barge while climbing on the nacelle connected to a crane. In addition, such movement is secured by the use of a support base on which a person is standing and a peripheral gripping member to which several people can stand simultaneously. Such a grip is moreover ergonomic, in fact, the person will be able to absorb vertical shocks using his legs due to his standing position, and the fact that he grasps the nacelle by hand allows him to stabilize during the displacement. Finally, the nacelle has a limited size in the storage position thanks to the arms which fold along the central mast while being able to be manipulated because of its gripping member.

Preferably, the peripheral gripping member defines a plurality of elementary handles so that each person who climbs on the nacelle can grasp one of the elementary handles, thus allowing several people to grasp the peripheral gripping member at the same time.

Advantageously, the distance between the peripheral gripping member and the connecting end of the arms is greater than the length of an arm so that, in the storage position, the arms do not cover the peripheral gripping member and thus leave free access to the peripheral gripping member so that an operator can grasp it to move the nacelle.

Preferably, the nacelle comprises at least one net mounted between the plurality of arms in order to form the support base with the arms. Such a net mounted between the arms thus forms a large surface allowing several people to climb onto the support base at the same time.

Preferably, each arm is connected to the head of the central mast by at least one cable configured to keep the arm orthogonal to the central mast in the position of use. Thus, the resistance of the arms in the position of use is increased, which allows them to lift the weight of several people.

According to one aspect of the invention, the nacelle comprises a flotation member adapted to allow the nacelle to float in water, preferably, mounted around the central mast in order to keep people safe on the nacelle when the latter falls at the water.

Preferably, the flotation member extends peripherally around the central mast and comprises a plurality of radial imprints adapted to allow the folding of the arms in the storage position in order to limit the size of the nacelle.

Advantageously, the central mast comprises a securing member adapted to allow the securing of a harness, the securing member being placed under the peripheral gripping member. Thus, a person climbing onto the carrycot can attach to the carrycot to reduce the risk of that person falling from the carrycot. In addition, such a placement of the securing member under the peripheral gripping member allows a person to easily access it so that it can attach and detach quickly, thus allowing rapid, even urgent evacuation, of the gondola.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a nacelle as described above and a sling connected to the head of the nacelle, the sling comprising a longitudinal cable and elastic means connecting two portions of said longitudinal cable in order to dampen the vertical movements of the nacelle, especially when it is placed on the deck of a barge.

The invention further relates to a method of using a nacelle as described above for the transportation of people between a barge and an oil platform thus making it possible to transport people easily and securely. Advantageously, such a method makes it possible to transport people, equipment, or both at the same time (in particular in the case of a stretcher).

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a nacelle according to the invention in the use position, Figure 2 is a schematic view of the nacelle of Figure 1 in the storage position and Figure 3 is a schematic perspective representation of the nacelle during the deployment of the arms.

It should be noted that the figures show the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE MODES OF IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

An oil platform is a platform for exploring, drilling and exploiting a hydrocarbon deposit that is installed off the coast, in other words, in the sea, in order to explore, drill or exploit a deposit of submarine hydrocarbon. An oil platform is also known as an “offshore” platform for “offshore” in the English language.

Such an oil platform is a structure, generally metallic, which can rest on the seabed or float on the surface of the water. The platform thus comprises a part immersed in water to allow the platform to rest on the seabed or else to float, and a submerged part located above the water level. Operators of the platform work on the submerged part in order to accomplish their tasks.

The platform being located at a distance from the coast, a transport boat, also called a barge, is generally used to transport equipment as well as operators to and / or from the platform.

The platform includes a crane for moving equipment and operators, especially between the platform and a barge. When the barge is near the platform, the crane allows operators to move from the surface of the water where the barge is located to the submerged part of the platform which extends above the surface of the water. The difference in height between the supply barge and the platform can reach several tens of meters and varies over time. This variation in the vertical height of the barge must be taken into account during displacement operations. To move operators, there will now be presented a nacelle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the nacelle 1 according to the invention comprises a central mast 10 adapted to be connected to a sling E, and a plurality of arms 2 mounted movably on the central mast 10 between a storage position (Figure 2) and a position for use (Figure 1).

Subsequently, the nacelle 1 is described in the reference (X, Z) in which the Z axis extends vertically from the bottom to the top and the X axis extends horizontally from left to right. Referring to Figure 1, the central mast 10 comprises a body extending longitudinally along the vertical axis Z between a lower end and an upper end, designated respectively "foot 11" and "head 12" in the following description . The central mast 10 is made of metallic or composite material so as to have a high mechanical resistance. Preferably, its length is between 1.4 m and 2 m in order to offer optimal comfort to operators while limiting its size.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the central mast 10 includes a connecting member 13 of the nacelle 1 to a crane. In order to keep the central mast 10 vertical during the movement of the nacelle 1, the connecting member 13 is located at the level of the head 12 of the central mast 10, that is to say, at its upper end. The nacelle 1 is thus suspended from the crane, which keeps the central mast 10 vertical under the effect of gravity. More particularly, the connecting member 13 is connected to the sling E which makes it possible to connect the nacelle 1 to the crane. Preferably, the connecting member 13 is in the form of a loop or hook for fixing the sling E.

The arms 2 are movably mounted to the central mast 10 in order to form, in the position of use, a support base on which operators can mount. Each arm 2 comprises a body extending longitudinally between a connection end 21 and a free end 22. In this example illustrated in FIG. 3, each connection end 21 of an arm 2 is connected to the foot 11 of the central mast 10 by an articulation mechanism 23 about an articulation axis which is orthogonal to the axis along which the central mast 10 extends. Preferably, each arm 2 is made of metallic or composite material so as to have a high mechanical resistance. Preferably, the length of an arm 2 is less than the length of the mast 10 and, preferably, between 1 m and 1.9 m in order to allow its storage with the central mast 10.

In this example, the articulation mechanism 23 is in the form of a hinge allowing the rotation of the arm 2 relative to the central mast 10. In other words, the arms 2 are movable relative to the central mast 10 in order to deploy radially like an umbrella.

Referring to Figure 1, in the position of use of the nacelle 1, each arm 2 extends orthogonally to the central mast 10, that is to say horizontally in order to form a support base at the foot 11 of the central mast 10. In this example, the arms 2 extend radially to the central mast 10 in order to form a support base of large dimensions. In the storage position, the free end 22 of each arm 2 is folded towards the head 12 of the central mast 10. In other words, each arm 2 is tilted upwards into the storage position as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the position of storage of the nacelle 1, each of the arms 2 extends vertically, in other words substantially parallel to the central mast 10 in order to limit the size of the nacelle 1.

Preferably, in order to form a support base whose surface is continuous, the nacelle 1 comprises a net (not shown) mounted between the arms 2. The net thus makes it possible to form a support surface between the arms 2 in order to increase the dimensions of the support base and, consequently, the number of operators able to mount on the support base. Such a net also makes it possible to increase stability by providing more space for operators to place their feet. Preferably, the net has a triangle shape and is secured to each arm 2.

Such a net is a flexible structure which can be folded during the tilting of the arms 2 in the storage position. This thus makes it possible to limit the size of the nacelle 1 in the storage position. In addition, a net has a limited mass, which makes it easy to handle the nacelle 1 in the storage position. The net is made of a material which is not or only slightly porous, in order to limit the absorption of water when the nacelle 1 is used at sea as will be described later. Finally, the use of a net makes it possible to limit the wind resistance of the nacelle 1.

In order to limit the opening of each arm to 90 ° relative to the central mast 10, the nacelle 1 further comprises a plurality of cables 31, 32 in order to connect each arm 2 to the central mast 10. In this example, with reference to Figure 1, the nacelle 1 comprises a plurality of first cables 31, connecting the head 12 of the central mast 10 to the free end 22 of each arm 2, and a plurality of second cables 32, connecting the head 12 of the central mast 10 to a central portion of each arm 2, said central portion being located between the connecting end 21 and the free end 22 of each arm 2.

In the position of use, the cables 31, 32 are stretched so as to block the arms 2 in a horizontal plane. This thus keeps the arms 2 horizontal when operators mount on the support base. The use of two types of cables 31, 32 makes it possible to optimize the resistance of the support base but it goes without saying that the nacelle 1 could comprise only one type of cable or more than two types. Preferably, the cables 31, 32 are flexible so as to be folded during the tilting of the arms 2 in the storage position. This makes it possible to limit the size of the nacelle 1 in the storage position. In addition, the cables 31, 32 have, for optimal resistance, a limited mass, which makes it easy to handle the nacelle 1 in the storage position. Finally, during use, the cables 31, 32 make it possible to fulfill a railing function limiting the movement of an operator located on the support base to a sector of the support base.

According to the invention, the central mast 10 comprises, at its head 12, at least one peripheral gripping member 14 adapted to allow people to grip on the move. The peripheral gripping member 14 allows the operators who climb on the nacelle 1 to hold hands. Indeed, as the operators are standing on the support base, they can stabilize their position and keep their balance by holding onto the peripheral gripping member 14. In order to optimize such stabilization, the peripheral gripping member 14 is located at the head 12 of the central mast 10, in particular, under the connecting member 13 so that the operators are not in contact with the sling E. Preferably, the peripheral gripping member 14 s' extends at a distance greater than 10 cm from the connecting end 21 of the arms 2 so that the free end 22 of the arms 2 extends under the peripheral gripping member 14 in the storage position as illustrated in Figure 2. Thus, an operator can grasp the peripheral gripping member 14 in order to move the nacelle 1 to the storage position. Such a peripheral gripping member 14 thus has a double function of stabilizing the operators in the position of use and gripping the nacelle 1 in the storage position.

Preferably, the peripheral gripping member 14 is in the form of a circle, the diameter of which is greater than 50 cm, which is connected to the central mast 10 by radial segments. Such an embodiment makes it possible to define a plurality of elementary handles for the operators.

In this example, still with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the nacelle 1 comprises a securing member 15 to allow operators to attach their harness H. Such a securing member 15 extends peripherally around the central mast 10 and has a plurality of loops to which an operator can attach a carabiner or the like.

The securing member 15 is located under the peripheral gripping member 14 in order to facilitate the operations for manually attaching and detaching the harness H, located at the operator's hips, to the securing member 15. As the securing member 15 is located at the level of the operator's hands, this allows rapid detachment in the event of urgent evacuation of the nacelle 1 while allowing it to hold onto the peripheral gripping member 14.

Preferably, the securing member 15 extends at the height of the free end 22 of the arms 2 in the storage position in order to form a stop during the folding of the arms 2 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Preferably, the diameter of the securing member 15 is determined so that the arms 2 extend substantially parallel to the central mast 10.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the nacelle 1 also comprises a flotation member 7 configured to float the nacelle 1 on the surface of the water in the case where the nacelle 1 is no longer connected to the crane. Thus, even in the event of an incident, the nacelle 1 keeps the operators on the surface of the water. Such a buoyancy member 7 is mounted around the central mast 10, preferably between the head 12 and the foot 11 in order to vertically maintain the central mast 10 and allow the operators to stand on the support base.

The flotation member 7 is made of a material having a density lower than the density of water in order to float.

Preferably, with reference to FIG. 3, the buoyancy member 7 extends peripherally around the central mast 10 and comprises a plurality of radial imprints 71 adapted to allow the folding of the arms 2. In other words, the the buoyancy member 7 comprises a plurality of radial lobes 72 distributed around the periphery of the central mast 10.

The buoyancy member 7 has a certain flexibility, which makes it possible to absorb possible lateral impacts of the operators against the central mast 10.

In this example, the nacelle 1 also comprises shock absorbing members 8 in order to avoid impacts against the barge or the platform. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a shock absorbing member 8 is located at the foot 11 of the central mast 10 when the nacelle 1 is placed. A shock absorbing member 8 is also provided at the free end 22 of each arm 2 in order to absorb the lateral impacts of the nacelle 1, for example against the vertical walls of the barge or of the platform. Thus, when the nacelle 1 is moved close to the barge or the platform, the shocks due to the jolts of the nacelle 1 are absorbed, which limits the risk of operators falling.

Referring to Figure 1, the nacelle 1 is connected to the crane by a sling E. In known manner, the sling E is in the form of a cable extending longitudinally and one end of which can be connected to the crane while the other end can be connected to nacelle 1. A hook can be mounted at at least one of these ends in order to facilitate the operations of hooking and detaching the sling E to the crane and / or in the basket 1.

Preferably, the sling E comprises a vertical catching system making it possible to catch the slack between the crane and the nacelle 1. Such a vertical catching system is in the form of an elastic cable El connecting two portions of the sling E. The elastic cable El thus makes it possible to form a lining of a part of the sling E. The elastic cable El has a length less than this part of the sling E so that, when the sling E is stretched, the elastic cable El stretches and that, when the sling E is not tensioned, the elastic cable El contracts, thus ensuring a tension in the sling E between the two portions which the elastic cable El connects. Thus, a tension is always applied by the sling E between the crane and the nacelle 1, which makes it possible to prevent that the sling E does not disturb the operators on board the nacelle 1 when the crane, or the movement of the barge on the sea generating a vertical pendulum movement cal, give it slack.

An example of the use of the nacelle 1 according to the invention will now be described for landing operators of an oil platform.

First, the nacelle 1 is stored in the storage position in the oil platform in order to reduce its size. When the nacelle 1 is to be used, an operator can grasp the nacelle 1 by the peripheral gripping member 14 in order to place it in a location accessible to the sling E connected to the crane of the oil platform.

Then, the operator deploys the arms 2 so that they deploy in the position of use. The arms 2 are then lowered until the cables 31, 32 are stretched. When the arms 2 are deployed, the net is also stretched in order to form, with the arms 2, the support base.

The nacelle 1 is then connected to the crane using the sling E which is connected to the connecting member

13. The operators then mount standing on the support base, hook their harness H to the securing member 15 and grasp the peripheral gripping member 14 in order to stabilize.

The crane is then actuated in order to lift the nacelle 1 and move the operators to the barge where the latter can quickly evacuate the nacelle 1 by unhooking their harness H. During movement, the shocks are minimized, which limits the risk of fall.

In the event of a fall, the nacelle 1 can float on the surface of the water thanks to the flotation member 7, which leaves time for the emergency services to intervene.

After the operators have been transported, the basket 1 is detached from the sling E then the arms 2 are tilted to the storage position and locked.

A nacelle has been presented for transporting people on an oil platform, but it goes without saying that the invention applies in other fields, in particular, the military field, construction, civil engineering, mining, etc.

Claims (10)

1. Nacelle (1) for transporting people, in particular between a barge and an oil platform, comprising a central mast (10) extending axially between a foot (11) and a lifting head (12) adapted to be connected to a sling (E) in order to move the nacelle (1), and a plurality of arms (2) extending between a fixing end (21) and a free end (22), the fixing end (21) of each arm (2) being articulated on the central mast (10) at its foot (11) between a storage position in which each arm (2) extends substantially parallel to the central mast (10), and a position of use in which each arm (2) extends substantially orthogonally to the central mast (10) so as to form a support base on which people can climb in a standing position, the central mast (10) further comprising , at the level of its head (12), at least one peripheral gripping member eu (14) adapted to allow people to grip on the move. 2. Nacelle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral gripping member (14) defines a plurality of elementary handles. 3. Nacelle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the distance between the peripheral gripping member (14) and the connecting end (21) of the arms (2) is greater than the length of a arm (2). 4. Nacelle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one net mounted between the plurality of arms (2). 5. Nacelle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each arm (2) is connected to the head (12) of the central mast (10) by at least one cable (31, 32) configured to hold the arm (2) orthogonal to the central mast (10) in the position of use. 6. Nacelle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a flotation member (7) adapted to allow the nacelle (1) to float in water, preferably, mounted around the central mast (10). 7. Nacelle (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flotation member (7) extends peripherally around the central mast (10) and comprises a plurality of radial indentations (71) adapted to allow folding. arms (2) in the storage position. 8. Nacelle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the central mast (10) comprises a securing member (15) adapted to allow the securing of a harness, the securing member (15) being placed under the grip 5 peripheral (14). 9. Set of a nacelle (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a sling (E) connected to the head (12) of the nacelle (1), the sling (E) comprising a longitudinal cable and elastic means connecting two portions of said longitudinal cable. 10. Method of using a nacelle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, for the transport of people between a barge and an oil platform.