KR20060119878A - Submarine emergency evacuation system - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and a method for evacuating personnel from an offshore unit are described. The evacuation system comprises at least one submarine evacuation module attached to the offshore unit. A submarine evacuation module comprises a submarine for transporting personnel to be evacuated and a watertight submarine bay fixed to the offshore unit for holding the submarine, the bay having a door to permit the launch of the submarine from the bay. The evacuation module bay includes a control system, which may have hydraulic, electrical and mechanical systems, for flooding the submarine bay, for operating the door, and for decoupling a hook mechanism that couples the submarine to the submarine. The evacuation module bay may also include a roller system for cradling the submarine and guiding its movement into and out of the bay, and a sonar system for detecting obstructions near the bay door outside of the bay. The method of evacuating personnel from an offshore unit having a portion adapted to be submerged below the water level comprises having the personnel enter the submarine, flooding the bay, opening the door in the submarine bay and propelling the submarine from the bay to a predetermined location remote from the offshore unit.

Description

Submarine Emergency Evacuation System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to marine installation structures or evacuation systems for vessels, and more particularly to submersible evacuation systems.

Emergency evacuation systems currently recognized for international maritime use are classified into dry, semi-wet and wet systems. Dry systems, such as helicopters, are one of the preferred methods because they prevent people from being exposed to the marine environment. Nevertheless, these systems face the limitation of excluding air transport structures when weather conditions such as wind, rain, sleet, hail or snow. Unfortunately, marine facilities are often exposed to these weather conditions if they are at risk.

Semi-wet systems, such as Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft (TEMPSC) and lifeboats, are required for all offshore structures, but these do not always meet expectations. Although necessary, these systems also have limitations. Launching of motor-propelled lifeboats from rigs can be dangerous under extreme weather conditions, and often large waves pose a deadly threat to these craft.

Wet systems, such as life jackets and wetsuits, serve as a complement to dry and semi-wet systems. They are the last resort of rescue, evacuation and rescue (EER) and are used only when the operator has to enter the ocean. All EER systems in use today have something in common: the final evacuation must be carried out by either air or surface craft. In most cases of emergency evacuation, atmospheric or sleeping conditions pose a deadly threat to life.

Accordingly, there is a need for an evacuation system that can operate in various types of emergency situations under extremely dangerous ambient conditions.

The present invention relates to an evacuation system for offshore structures. The evacuation system includes at least one submersible evacuation module attached to the offshore structure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a submersible evacuation module includes a submersible transporting a worker to evacuate and a waterproof submersible bay installed in a marine structure to accommodate the submersible; The bay has a door formed at one or both ends thereof to allow the submersible to oscillate from the bay. The evacuation system further includes a shaft that connects the submersible bay to a predetermined location on the offshore structure in order to allow the evacuation worker access to the submersible bay.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the submersible evacuation module is attached to the marine structure below the water surface; The evacuation module may be located inside or on top of a pontoon of a semi-submersible offshore structure, or inside a hold of a ship offshore structure.

In connection with one embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation module bay includes a flooding device for filling the submersible bay with water, a device for operating the door, a hook device for connecting the submersible to the submersible bay and the flooding, door operation and It is provided with a control system for operating the hook device. The control system may consist of hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems. The evacuation module bay may also have a roller system for seating the submersible and guiding movement into and out of the bay and a sonar system for detecting obstacles adjacent to doors outside the bay.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation module may comprise a dry entry tube, which may be made of a flexible material, which is a universal mating system submersible from a submersible bay hatch. The submersible universal mating system hatch is connected to the submersible bay wall hatch to provide a watertight passage to the universal mating system submarine hatch. The hatch may also include a switch to activate the control system.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the submersible may have a connector for connecting the submersible to the hook device, wherein the connector may have a U-bolt that can be cut in the submersible. The submersible may also be provided with a control system capable of directly manipulating the flooding and door operating device.

The present invention also relates to a method of evacuating an operator from a marine structure, a portion of which submerges below the surface, wherein the marine structure includes one or more submersible modules including submersibles housed within a waterproof submersible bay; The method includes embarking a worker on a submersible, filling a bay with water, opening a door inside the submersible bay, and pushing the submersible to a predetermined area away from the marine structure in the bay.

According to another feature of the present invention, the first step of the evacuation method is to summon a worker to a muster station (muster station), to check the personnel of the assembled worker, to inspect the submersible and to board the worker to the submersible It may include the step of.

According to another feature of the present invention, the first step of the evacuation method is the step of bringing a worker to a gathering place on the offshore structure deck, checking the number of the assembled workers and moving the worker to a gathering place of the submersible bay. It may include the step of checking the personnel of the worker at the submersible bay convening place, the step of inspecting the submersible, and the step of boarding the worker to the submersible.

In addition to other features and advantages of the present invention, structures or operation methods of various embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the following description of the invention based on the accompanying drawings.

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic representation of a semi-submersible drilling rig;

2 is a side sectional view of an evacuation system module;

3 is a front sectional view of an evacuation system module;

4a and 4b show the location of an improved evacuation module according to the invention installed on or within a pontoon of a drilling rig;

5 is a view showing the position of the newly constructed evacuation module according to the present invention installed inside the pontoon of the drilling rig;

6a and 6b are plan views showing the position of the evacuation module installed on or inside the pontoon of the drilling rig;

7a and 7b schematically show the position of the evacuation module according to the invention installed inside the ship;

FIG. 8 shows the Universal Mating System (UMS) for the evacuation module of FIG. 5; FIG.

9A, 9B, 9C are front, side and plan views of the sliding door structure for the evacuation module of FIG. 5;

10A and 10B show a seal between the vessel hull and the tube door for the evacuation module of FIG. 7;

11A and 11B show a submarine hold-fast hook for the evacuation module of FIG. 5;

12 shows a submersible U-bolt for the evacuation module of FIG. 5;

13A, 13B, and 13C show the roller system for the evacuation module of FIGS. 5 and 6;

14 shows a manual release device of a submersible U-bolt;

15 shows the hydraulic system for the evacuation module of FIG. 5; And

16A and 16B are flowcharts showing the evacuation process using the evacuation module according to the present invention.

The submersible evacuation system according to the invention will be described in connection with a semi-submersible drilling rig 1 of the type as shown in FIG. 1. However, the present invention can be used in any type of structure or vessel, such as platforms and oil field jack up equipment, drilling ships or other ships that operate on large volumes of water, such as lakes or oceans. Can be. Boarders usually work or reside on these offshore structures for a predetermined period of time, but must evacuate from time to time under extreme emergency conditions such as harsh weather conditions. The submersible evacuation system includes one or more underwater modules attached to or built on offshore structures that are not affected by surface conditions. Each module has a submersible that launches and launches contingent workers from offshore structures. Submersibles may also be triggered during maintenance inspections and training. The main purpose of submersible evacuation systems is to evacuate workers in emergency situations, but submersibles can also be used to transport workers and cargo into and out of offshore structures.

As shown in FIG. 1, the semi-submersible drilling rig 1 has a pair of pontoons with a plurality of vertical columns or pillars 12 supporting the upper hull 13. 11). Some columns 12 may be partially hollow to form passages from the upper hull 13 to the pontoon 11. The hull 13 has an accommodation area 14 comprising a drilling floor, a device and a tower 15 as well as a helicopter landing deck. The strength of the structure is maintained by a transverse brace 16 between the columns 12 and another brace 17 between the columns 12 and the hull 13. The pontoon 11 includes ballast tanks 18 filled with water to submerge the drilling rig 1 to a predetermined depth for stability. The drilling rig 1 may have a self-propelled system 19 for moving from one position to another, but in general can be towed by a tug in the long distance. While in the drilling position, the drilling rig 1 can be fixed in place by an anchor or dynamically positioned by the use of thrusters.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the submarine evacuation module 20 according to the present invention is enclosed in the form of a large tube-shaped shielding bay for receiving a submersible type, such as a self-propelled underwater transporter 21. bay 22, which is mounted on or within the marine structure described below. The submersible 21 is seated inside the bay 22 by a roller system 23 comprising five sets of rollers 231-235 installed longitudinally along the bay. Three sets of rollers 231-233 support the bottom and bottom sides of submersible 21 and the remaining sets of rollers 234 and 235 are positioned to contact submersible 21 at the upper side of the submersible. The submersible evacuation system 20 also has a hold fast hook 24 connected to the U-bolt 26 to secure the submersible 21 in place. The bay 22 controls the filling of the bay 22 with water by means of a sea chest valve 28, the opening of the bay door 29 by the valve 295, and a sump. It further comprises a hydraulic control system 27 for controlling deflooding of the bay by means (30). Furthermore, the module 20 has a vent 33 on its surface, such that water entering the tube 22 and the replaced air through the chest chest valve 28 are drawn out through the outlet. (22) will be completely filled with water. In addition, the pipe 34 is connected to the pontoon ballast system so that the submersible can be used to leave the module 20 and drain water from the tube 22 after the door 29 is closed if necessary. A universal mating system hatch (UMS hatch) 25 connected to a dry entry tube 31 is located at the top of the submersible and the dry inlet tube 31 is submersible 21. It is formed to extend between the inner wall of the submersible 21 and the module 20 to board. The components of this bay 22 will be described in detail later.

As described above, in operation, some columns 12 of the pontoon 11 and semi-submersible drilling rig 1 will be submerged in water. Thus, the submersible evacuation module 20 is disposed below the water surface as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B for improvement. As shown in FIG. 4A, the submersible evacuation module 20 is disposed just above the pontoon 11 next to the column 12, and includes a watertight utility shaft 40 and the passage 40 and the module ( The submersible evacuation module 20 is accessible by a dry inlet tube 32 between 20). The waterproof passage 40 may have a staircase 41 as well as an upper deck 131 of the upper hull 13 as well as a pair of evacuation poles 42 extending from the lower deck 132. Additionally or alternatively, the evacuation system of the waterproof passage 40 toward the tube 32 may include evacuation chutes. These may be of the type manufactured by DBC Marine Safety Systems Ltd. (www.dbcmarine.com). Since the submersible evacuation module 20 is disposed above the pontoon 11, when the semi-submersible drilling equipment is moved, the module 20 is on the upper surface of the water. In this arrangement, the module 20 may have a surface launch capability, thereby allowing the submersible 21 to oscillate to the surface.

In FIG. 4B, the submersible evacuation module 20 is located at the ends of the pontoon 11 so that the module 20 is located under the water surface even when the semi-submersible drilling equipment moves. The waterproof passage 40, the corridor 43, and the tube 32 allow access to the module 20.

In another embodiment of the retrofit system, the submersible evacuation module 20 may be located above the water surface, such as the lower deck 132. In such an embodiment, the submersible 21 may include a chute for submersion. During training and the like, the submersible 21 must be raised back into position using a crane.

As shown in FIG. 5, for the newly manufactured semi-submersible drilling rig 1, the submersible evacuation module 20 may occupy a space used for a ballast tank and the waterproof passage 40 is It goes down to the upper part of the pontoon (11). In this embodiment, the space around the tube bay 22 can still be used for ballast, and even after the submersible 21 has departed, the space in the tube bay 22 can be used for the ballast.

6A and 6B are plan views of the pontoon 11 showing the position where the submersible evacuation module 20 can be placed above or inside the pontoon 11. In the embodiment where the submersible evacuation module 20 is located inside the pontoon 11, the bay door 29 is located towards the hull of the pontoon 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the bay door 29 is formed at one end of the module 20, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 6B, the bay door 29 is formed at both ends of the module 20 so that the submersible 21 ) To escape from both ends of the module (20). This structure is particularly advantageous when the drilling rig 1 is inclined to one side or the other side as it ensures wet ejection of the submersible 21.

In the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the submersible evacuation system 20 is located next to the column 12, allowing the operator to descend into the submersible module 20. Although having a watertight passage 40, a generally hollow column 12 may be used to access the upper surface of the pontoon 11 from the upper and lower decks 131, 132.

As shown in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the submersible evacuation module 20 may also be installed below or above the water surface, inside a vessel, such as a drilling vessel 70 or other vessel. Drilling lines 70 are typically divided into watertight compartments by partitions 72. The submersible evacuation module 20 may be disposed in one or more compartments 71 on both sides of the vessel 70. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7B, the partitions connecting the ends between the modules 20 can be removed to form the long module 20a, thereby placing two submersibles in succession. The doors of the port and starboard allow two submersibles 21 to exit module 20a from one end or the other end of module 20a. In other words, this allows for wet ejection, which is particularly advantageous when the ship is tilted. However, submersibles 21 may deviate from the opposite end if they are in their own module 20.

The submersible bay 22 may be formed in a suitable form to accommodate the submersible 21. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for a generally cylindrical cylindrical submersible 21, the bay 22 has its one end shielded by a wall 222 and the other end by a bay door system 29. It may be made of a tubular body 221 that is shielded. The tubular body 221 may have a cross-sectional area of circular, elliptical, square, and rectangular. Marinel, ultra high strength cupronickel alloy, K0500 is a suitable material for the structure of the bay 22. Tubes suitable for this purpose are manufactured by Metals Unlimited (www.metalsunlimited.com).

The submersible 21, such as Odyssey, manufactured by ISE Ltd. (ISE Ltd.) (www.ise.bc.ca), is provided with a seat 210 to transport workers from the drilling rig 1. Like all submersibles, the submersible 21 has a ballast tank 211 and a ballast tank valve 212 to control the descent and rise into the water. The submersible 21 also has an air tank 213 and an outlet 214. Submersible propulsion systems include electric motors 215 and diesel motors (not shown) driven by batteries housed in a stainless steel battery storage area 216 without seams. The diesel motor can be used to drive the submersible or recharge the battery, and can be operated while the submersible 21 is on the surface or submerged. The submersible 21 is equipped with a UMS hatch 25 for entering the submersible 21 and is located in a coxswain compartment in front of the submersible 21 to override the evacuation process if necessary. control center) 217 may be further included. Submersible 21 may also typically include its own sonar system 296 for diving navigation.

While it is preferable to drain the bay 22 while the submersible 21 is located inside the bay 22 and is not used, a case may occur in which the bay 22 is filled with water as necessary. Dry inlet tube 31 is needed to reach. The tube 31 is disposed between the hatch 221 of the bay 22 and the UMS hatch 25 to allow workers to move from the top of the module 20 wall into the submersible 21. The tube 31 is permanently sealed to the bay hatch 221 by the compressible pipe connector 222 of the bay 22 and presses against the cowling 251 on the UMS hatch 25. It is releasably sealed to the UMS hatch 25 of the submersible 21 by an expandable pipe connector 250. Expandable pipe connector 250 is designed to be released after hatch 25 is closed and sealed. The bay hatch 221 prevents water from entering the space above the bay 22 from the inside of the tube when separated from the submersible 21. The tube 31 may be made of a type of material capable of withstanding the pressure of the surrounding water and is preferably made of a flexible material such as rubber or Tefron®. In addition, the operation button 313 is disposed inside the UMS hatch 25, so that the last worker can start the oscillation process when boarding the submersible (21). The actuation button 313 is located in a seal of the hatch 25 to actuate when the hatch 25 is closed.

In order to prevent the ballast water inside the pontoon 11 from entering the watertight passage 40 or the bay 22, as shown in FIG. 5, a similar flexible tube with a compressible pipe connector is shown. 32 can be used to permanently seal the tunnel between the bay 22 hatch 221 and the watertight passage 40.

Watertight door systems 29 of the type shown in FIGS. 9A-9C are used to separate submersible bays 22 from water outside the marine structure 1. This door system 29 may be a sliding door type as shown, but a swinging door type system may be used. The watertight door system 29 may be of the Jefferson type manufactured by USA Sliding Doors, Inc. (www.usaslidingdoors.com). The watertight door system 29 includes a door 290 that slides inside a frame 291. The system 29 is integrally installed by welding the frame to the hull 299 of the pier 11 or another vessel. The hydraulic cylinder 292 applies pressure to close the door in the frame 291. In addition, the spring 294 is arranged in the frame 291 in a compressed state so that when the pressure in the cylinder 292 falls, the door 290 is pushed open. The sliding door system 29 is preferably made of the same material as the offshore structure hull 299, thereby preventing the generation of electrical currents between different metals in seawater. For example, if offshore structure hull 299 is made of H30 steel, door system 29 is made of steel of the same grade. In addition, a sonar system 296, which is a transmitting and receiving unit, is capable of detecting obstacles that may prevent submersibles 21 from leaving submersible bays 22. And may be attached to 299.

In order to ensure the waterproofing of the bay 22, the seal 294 is located along the outer edge of the wall of the bay 22 and the inner wall of the hull 299 as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. These seals 294 also make the door waterproof.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 11A and the top view of FIG. 11B, a release hook system 24 which prevents the forward and backward movement of the submersible 21 while the submersible 21 is seated in the bay 22 is provided. It can consist of a Z series quick release hook manufactured by Zlada Technology (www.zaldatechnology.com). The hook system 24 comprises a base 240 which can be bolted or preferably welded to the bay 22 wall. The frame 241 of the hook system 24 is rotatably mounted to the base 240, thereby allowing movement on a horizontal plane. The hook 242 is latched inside the frame 241 to be in the closed position. Manual release / safety lock may be actuated by arm 243 to release hook 242. In addition, the hook system 24 can be operated remotely with electrical, compressed air, or hydraulic control. Hook system 24 may also measure and display the load acting on hook 242.

As shown in FIG. 12, the submersible 21 is firmly connected to the hook system 24 by a U-bolt 26. U-bolt 26 is secured to submersible 21, and when submersible 21 backs into bay 22, U-bolt 26 passes over hook 242 and hook 242. Is clamped on the U-bolt 26 by applying a force upward, so that the submersible 21 is properly fitted to prevent the submersible 21 from moving back and forth. For strength and durability, U-bolt 26 may be made of Grade 8, 1541 stretch reinforced stainless steel with a physical galvanizing finish. The rear of the submersible 21 includes a waterproof compartment 261 as shown in FIG. The compartment 261 sealed by the waterproof hatch 262 houses a U-bolt 26 that secures the submersible 21 to the hook device 24. Further, a hydraulic jack 263 is provided in the compartment 262. The jack 263 can be used to quickly cut off the end of the U-bolt 26 if the hook device 26 is not working properly.

Each roller system 231-235 consists of a continuous three-foot chain roller portion, the roller portion 232 being shown in a front view of FIG. 13A, a side view of 13B, and a plan view of FIG. 13C. . Each portion 236 is welded to the steel channel 237, which is welded to the interior of the bay 22 in the positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, resulting in five contact points outside the submersible 21. Will form. Each roller system 231-235 includes a three-foot roller portion 236 disposed as closely as possible. The roller systems 231-235 seat the submersible 21 and act as a guide to start and reenter the submersible 21. The roller system also prevents lateral movement of the submersible 1 while in the sub bay 22. The roller unit 236 may be made of an ERF Series Chain Action Steel Roller System having a 120 ton capacity manufactured by Hilman Rollers (www.hilmanrollers.com).

Each submersible evacuation module 20 is equipped with its own control system 27 to manipulate the mounting and oscillation of the submersible 21. As shown in FIG. 15, the control system 27 includes components of an evacuation system operated by hydraulic and / or electrical wiring. Control system 27 includes an equipment rig hull sonar 273, a hydraulic reservoir 271, a hydraulic pump 272 and a hydraulic controller 273, which controller 273 is a conventional one-way valve. A hydraulic accumulator, and a pressure transmitter for each component. Suitable hydraulic units are manufactured by Prohold Workholding, Inc. (www.prohold.com). The control system 27 also includes a hydraulic and electrical control box 270, and an actuation button 313, which automatically opens a sea chest bay flooding valve 28, a door opening valve 295. And hook 242 release valve 245. The sea chest bay flooding valve 28, which is a pressure release valve, acts to fill the bay 22 with water. When the water is full after the predetermined time elapses, the pressure inside and outside the door 29 becomes uniform, and the operation becomes easy. In addition, the control system 27 receives sonar information from the sonar system 296 to determine whether there is an obstacle that may prevent the submersible 21 from oscillating. On the other hand, a manual override control center 217 connected to the control box by umbilical connection can be used to assist the automatic control system 27. As shown in FIG. 15, the manual auxiliary control center 217 includes an operation stop button 313a that can stop the oscillation process in any situation if necessary. Further, the manual auxiliary control center 217 is connected to the flood valve 28 by the line 28a via the control box 270 and the hook 24 release valve 245 and the line 295a by the line 245a. The valve 29 is controlled by the door 29.

However, through a mechanical connection, a mechanical system can be provided that allows the process of oscillating the submersible 21 to be carried out when all operators are on board. The steps performed by the mechanical connection system are as follows:

Step 1-The hatch 25 is closed and locked when all workers are on board.

Step 2-When the hatch 25 is locked, the dry inlet tube 31 is released.

Step 3-The seed chest valve 28 is opened to fill the evacuation module 20 with water when the tube 31 is released.

Step 4-The door 29 opens when the module is filled with water.

Step 5-The hold fast hook 24 is released when the door is opened.

Thus, in each module 20 the control system 27, the manual auxiliary control center 217 or the mechanical system basically fills the submersible bay 22 with water, opens the bay door 29 and removes the bay 22 from the bay 22. It is used to release the hook 242 to safely move the submersible 21. This process is reversed when the submersible 21 reenters into the bay 22 where the submersible is guided into position by the roller systems 231-235, ie the submersible 21 is connected to the hook 242. The bay door 29 is closed, and the bay 22 is drained by the sump 30.

In particular, in the event of an operator having to leave the marine structure 1 due to an extreme emergency, a skilled coxswain and an assistant coxswain are required to provide a safe operation of the submersible evacuation module 20. 20) can be arranged to handle. The helmsman is responsible for the operation and operation of the submersible 21, and the auxiliary helmsman is responsible for taking over the duties from the helmsman if the evacuating worker, the oscillation process and the helm cannot meet their duties.

The process of evacuating the workers assigned to the particular submersible evacuation module 20 from the marine structure 1 in an emergency is illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B. Although only certain processes have been described in the present invention, it is obvious that less important steps may be omitted or added depending on the evacuation situation. The process includes the following steps:

Step A-Marine Structure (1) Under the captain's command, a general evacuation alarm sounds to the marine structure (1).

Step B-Workers find their life jackets and move to the first place 161 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The first gathering place 161 is generally located in the lower deck 132 near the waterproof passage 40.

Step C-The auxiliary key manager checks the personnel at the first convocation place 161.

Step D-Workers descend to the bottom of the waterproof passage 40 and move to the second place 162. The second gathering place 162 is located at the bottom of the waterproof passage 40 in the UMS hatch 312 towards the submersible bay 22.

Step E-A key guard performs a second personnel check at the second convocation site.

Step F-The keyman boards the submersible 21 to pre-check all gauges, navigation devices and fuel, and to check the engine and system startup to ensure the submersible evacuation module 20 is in the ready mode.

Step G-Final instructions are given as to whether to evacuate from the structure 1 or remain on board immediately from the captain of the marine structure 1. Workers remain in the second convocation place 162 until the instruction is given. The keykeeper confirms that the instruction has been received and confirms that all workers are present. When an evacuation order is given, workers return to their workplaces.

Step H-When instructed to evacuate from the structure 1, workers move to board the submersible 21 and sit in their seats.

Step I-The key taker performs a final personnel check.

Step J-The assistant keyman finally boards the submersible 21 via the dry inlet tube 31 and presses the operating button to activate the submersible oscillation control system 27.

Step K-When the submersible oscillation control system 27 is actuated, the secondary keyer closes the hatch and verifies that it is properly sealed. If the hatch is not properly sealed, the key presses the stop button 313a to stop the submersible oscillation control system 27 so that the submersible oscillation control system 27 is operated again, so that the hatch 25 is opened and closed again. do.

Step L-The bay 22 is filled with water under the control of the submersible oscillation control system 27.

Step M-The bay door 29 is opened under the control of the submersible oscillation control system 27.

Step N-The submersible evacuation module sonar 296 attached to the hull 299 confirms that there are no obstacles at the inlet of the bay 22 that can prevent the submersible 21 from oscillating.

Step O-Unhook the hook 242 to free the submersible 21.

Step P-The submersible 21 moves from the bay 22 to the open ocean and continues to move to the surface or to the surface, either under water or using a diesel engine if conditions are guaranteed.

In the situation where the submersible oscillation control system 27 does not operate after step J is performed, the following steps are performed:

Step KK-Auxiliary key holder closes hatch 25 and verifies that the hatch is properly sealed.

Step LL-Fill the bay 22 with water under the control of a manual auxiliary control center 217.

Step MM-Open the bay door 29 under the control of the manual auxiliary control center 217.

Step NN-submersible evacuation module sonar 296 attached to hull 299 confirms that there is no obstruction at the entrance of bay 22 that may prevent submersible 21 from oscillating.

Step OO-The U-bolt 26 is cut to free the submersible 21.

Step P-The submersible 21 moves from the bay 22 to the open ocean and continues to move to the surface or to the surface, either under water or using a diesel engine if conditions are guaranteed.

In this type of evacuation system, periodic maintenance, education and training must be carried out based on certain principles. The practice should be carried out in accordance with continuing principles such as replacing the current evacuation procedure. It is advisable to carry out these exercises even in harsh weather in order to properly prepare all workers.

The submersible evacuation system according to the present invention provides an underwater evacuation module for launching a submersible in any type of ship or fixed structure in a place with a lot of water, such as the ocean. The advantage of this system is that it avoids the harsh weather conditions that occur above the water surface in emergency evacuation situations.

Although the invention has been described as what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent structures and acts may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Accordingly, the invention as defined in the claims should be construed as broadly as possible to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures and operations.

Claims (38)

In an evacuation system for offshore structures, at least a portion of which submerges below the surface, At least one submersible evacuation module installed in the offshore structure, including a submersible for transporting workers to be evacuated; ; And And a passage for connecting the submersible bay with a predetermined position of the offshore structure so that workers can access the submersible bay. The method of claim 1, Evacuation system for offshore structures, characterized in that the submersible evacuation module is installed in the marine structure under the water surface. The method of claim 2, The submersible evacuation module further includes a flooding means for filling the submersible bay with water. The method of claim 3, The submersible evacuation module further includes means for operating the door. The method of claim 4, wherein The submersible evacuation module further comprises a control system for operating the flooding means and the door operating means in sequence. The method of claim 5, The submersible evacuation module further includes a dry inlet tube connecting the submersible universal mating system hatch with a hatch on the wall of the submersible bay. The method of claim 6, And said dry inlet tube comprises a watertight passageway from said submersible bay hatch to said universal mating system submersible hatch. The method of claim 7, wherein And said dry inlet tube is made of a flexible material. The method of claim 5, And said universal mating system hatch comprises a switch for activating said control system. The method of claim 4, wherein The submersible evacuation module further includes a hook device for connecting the submersible to the submersible bay. The method of claim 10, The submersible evacuation module further comprises a control system for operatively operating the flooding means, the door operating means and the release means for the hook device. The method of claim 11, The control system is an evacuation system for offshore structures, characterized in that the hydraulic, electrical and mechanical systems. The method of claim 11, The submersible evacuation module further includes a sonar system on the outer surface of the bay for detecting an obstacle near the bay door. The method of claim 1, The submersible bay is evacuated system for offshore structures, characterized in that the door is formed at both ends. The method of claim 2, The submersible evacuation module is an evacuation system for offshore structures, characterized in that installed inside the pontoon of the semi-submersible drilling equipment. The method of claim 2, The submersible evacuation module is an evacuation system for offshore structures, characterized in that installed on the upper pontoon of the semi-submersible drilling equipment. The method of claim 2, The submersible evacuation module is an evacuation system for a marine structure, characterized in that installed in the hold (hold) of the vessel (vessel) offshore structure. The method of claim 17, The submersible evacuation module is an evacuation system for offshore structures, characterized in that oscillating the submersible above the surface. A submersible evacuation module installed in a marine structure to evacuate workers from the marine structure, Submersibles for transporting workers to evacuate; And A submersible evacuation module, comprising: a waterproof submersible bay installed under the water surface to accommodate the submersible, the submersible bay having a door capable of oscillating the submersible. The method of claim 19, The submersible bay further includes a hook device for connecting the submersible to the submersible bay. The method of claim 20, The submersible bay further includes a roller system for seating the submersible therein and for guiding movement of the submersible into and out of the bay. The method of claim 21, The submersible bay further comprises a flooding means for flooding the bay with water. The method of claim 22, The submersible bay further comprises a means for evacuating the submersible module. The method of claim 23, wherein The submersible bay further comprises a submerged evacuation module, characterized in that it further comprises a release means for the hook device. The method of claim 24, The submersible bay further comprises a control system for sequentially operating the flooding means, the door operating means and the release means for the hook device. The method of claim 25, The control system includes a submersible evacuation module, characterized in that the hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical system. The method of claim 25, The submersible bay further comprises a sonar system for detecting an obstacle near the bay door on the outer surface of the bay. The method of claim 20, The submersible module includes a submersible evacuation module comprising a connector means for connecting the submersible to the hook device. The method of claim 28, Submersible evacuation module, characterized in that the connector means consists of a U-bolt that can be cut from the inside of the submersible. The method of claim 29, The submersible further comprises a control system for operating the flooding means and the door operating means. The method of claim 19, The submersible bay submersible evacuation module, characterized in that the door is formed at both ends. The method of claim 29, The submersible further submersible evacuation module, characterized in that it further comprises a propulsion motor means. A method of evacuating an operator from an offshore structure, the submerged module having one or more submersible modules housed within a waterproof submersible bay, the portion of which submerges below the surface. Boarding a worker on the submersible; Filling the bay with water; Opening a door inside the submersible bay; And Propelling the submersible to a predetermined position away from the marine structure in the bay. The method of claim 33, wherein Releasing the submersible from the submersible bay. The method of claim 33, wherein Releasing the submersible from the submersible bay after the opening of the door. The method of claim 33, wherein The step of boarding the worker on the submersible, Bringing a worker to a meeting place; Inspecting the assembled personnel; An inspection step of inspecting the submersible; And And evacuating the operator to the submersible. The method of claim 33, wherein The step of boarding the worker on the submersible, Convening a worker at a gathering place on the marine structure deck; Inspecting the assembled personnel; Moving a worker to a place where the submersible bay is located; Inspecting the personnel of the worker at the submersible bay muster; Inspecting the submersible; And And evacuating the worker to the submersible. The method of claim 37, And evacuating the worker to the submersible after the final evacuation order has been made.

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