KR20180134381A - An offshore structure having at least one pair lead - Google Patents

Abstract

An offshore structure 1 such as a floating structure includes at least one fairlead 5 for guiding a fixing element 3 at an anchorage point 4, Means 26 for translating the fusing element 3 from the guiding means to impart tension to the fusing element, means for guiding the element 3 translationally between the structure 1 and the fusing point 4, And locking means capable of preventing the fixing element (3) from translating in the guiding means to moor the structure to the fixing point, and means for translating the fixing element (3) in the guiding means Is integrated in a portion that is separate from the rest of the structure of the fairlead and the rest of the structure of the portion and the fairy includes retractable connecting means.

Description

An offshore structure having at least one pair lead

The present invention relates to an offshore structure.

More particularly, the present invention relates to such offshore structures, in particular, floating structures of this nature.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for the development of renewable marine energy, such as energy production plants based on floating energy production supports, construction platforms, drilling platforms, loading / unloading buoys, or offshore wind power infrastructure or even offshore thermal energy, It is about an offshore structure such as a platform.

Such a floating structure must be maintained in position and subjected to different forces, particularly drift forces, caused by, for example, ocean currents, swells, winds and the like.

For example, a fixing means is used to keep these structures in place, for example, in a work site, and these fixing means have a set of fixing lines, which are made up entirely or partially in chains, particularly at the ends.

These lines are regularly arranged, for example around the structure to be moored or fixed, and extend between the structure and each mooring or settling point, for example at the seabed.

It can be seen that the mooring and settling line (whose first end in chain form is attached to the mooring and settling point) rises to the stray unit and is associated with that stray unit via the chain entry guide means.

This guide means is known in the art as a fairlead.

This fairyard is in fact a mechanical device comprising means for fastening and fastening on the floating structure and chain guide means.

This fairy is also associated in one way or another with the means for imparting tension to the chain and the means for locking the chain to moor the structure.

The tensioning means may comprise, for example, a winch or winch, and the system for locking the chain is also referred to as a chain stopper.

Other embodiments of these various means are already known in the art.

Thus, for example, the winch or winch can be placed on the deck of the stowage unit.

Another embodiment is that the tension applying means and the chain lock system are directly integrated into the pair lead.

Generally, before the chain stop is activated to lock and position the chain, the fusing chain can be placed at the desired tension by tensioning means to accurately moor and fix the floating structure, so that the floating structure can be moored do.

In the event of a problem with the tensioning device, the chain stopper during the application of tension is normally self-locking continuously.

A description of such a guide pair lead can be found, for example, in US 5,934,216.

The guide fair includes, in fact, a tension applying means and locking means as described above.

However, it can be seen that such a structure is relatively complicated and expensive to manufacture.

Also, such tensioning means are usually used very infrequently.

In fact, in such offshore structures, for example suspension, monitoring and control of fixation means, and tensile reactions can be done, for example, every year or every five years, and the fairlead structures as described in the prior US documents, Which is not effective at all.

The present invention therefore aims to solve these problems.

To this end, the invention relates to an offshore structure such as a floating structure, the offshore structure comprising at least one fairlead for guiding a settling element at the settling point, Means for translating the fusing element in the guiding means to impart tension to the fusing element and means for translating the fusing element in the guiding means, Wherein the means for translating the fusing element in the guiding means is integrated in a portion that is separate from the rest of the structure of the fairlead, The remainder of the structure of the fairlead includes retractable connecting means.

The assemblies according to the present invention may include one or more of the following features, when considered singly or in combination with a technically possible combination.

The separate part containing the means for moving the fusing element comprises a support frame for said means of movement which is adapted to engage with the remainder of the guide pair lead, And means for locating the portion in the remainder of the pair lead, wherein the locking means is operatively connected to the operative connection position of the frame in the remainder of the guide pair lead, And can be moved by the first actuator between the releasing retracting positions.

The centering means comprises a centering lug capable of cooperating with a centering element complementary to the rest of the pairing lead to align with the alignment of the locking means, And a lock pin movable by the first actuator between an operative locking position and a relieved retracted position that enter the corresponding locking hole of the remainder of the lead.

The means for translating the fusing element comprises a carriage for moving and applying tension to the fusing element, the carriage being movable back and forth in the guide path of the separate part by means of at least one second actuator .

Characterized in that the carriage for moving and applying tension to the fusing element comprises means for holding a fusing element, by means of at least one third actuator, wherein the tensioning carriage is in contact with the at least one second actuator An actuation position for holding the fusing element so that the fusing element can be moved by the tensioning carriage when moving in one direction under the action of the at least one second actuator and the carriage being free to cause the carriage to return in the other direction under the action of the at least one second actuator The retracted position allowing the discrete portions to be released from the rest of the pair lead.

The locking means capable of locking the translational movement of the fixing element in the guiding means comprises stop means for the fixing element which, under the control of the at least one fourth actuator, Between the action stop position and the retract position releasing the fixation element.

The offshore structure comprising control means of the actuator,

Controlling the first actuator of the locking means at a locking position of a separate part in the remainder of the guiding pair lead,

- controlling the third actuator of said catch means at the operative catch position of said fixation element,

Controlling the fourth actuator of the locking means of the fixing element at the release retracted position of the fixing element,

Controlling the second actuator to move the carriage such that the fusing element is relaxed or relaxed,

Controlling a fourth actuator of the locking means of the fusing element at an operative contact position for locking said fusing element,

- controlling a third actuator of said catch means at a retracted release position of said fixation element,

Controls the first actuator of the locking means in the retracted release position of the separate part so that the separate part can be separated from the rest of the pair lead.

The actuator includes a jack.

The separate part comprises means for attaching to the handling means.

The offshore structure includes a plurality of guide pair leads disposed therearound and the handling and moving means of the separate parts are adapted to move a separate part between at least some of the pair leads of the pair leads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of the invention will be obtained by reading the following description given by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an offshore structure according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of such an offshore structure, showing that a fairlead is installed on the offshore structure.
Fig. 3 shows an isometric top view of such a pair of leads.
Fig. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of such a pair lead. Fig.
Figures 5 and 6 show the upper and lower isometric views, respectively, of a portion of an offshore structure in accordance with the present invention, including means for translationally moving the anchoring elements.
7 is a perspective view showing a catching means included in a fixing pair lead of an offshore structure according to the present invention.
8 shows a perspective view showing the locking means included in the fixing pair lead of an offshore structure according to the present invention.
Figure 9 shows the structure and operation of the actuator control means included in the fixation lid of an offshore structure according to the present invention.
Figures 10 to 13 illustrate the operation of a fusing pair lead of a structure according to the present invention.

These, and in particular Figure 1, represent an offshore structure such as a floating structure, which is indicated generally by the reference numeral "1 ".

This structure 1 is moored to the seabed 2 through fixing and mooring means.

The fusing and mooring means comprise, for example, a fusing line composed of chains.

One of the mooring and settling agents is indicated generally by the reference numeral "3 ".

One end of the chain 3 is associated with the anchoring and mooring point 4 on the undersea 2 and the other end is connected to a fairlead (indicated generally by the reference numeral "5 " in Fig. 1) Which is related to the floating structure.

These fusing and mooring lines and these fairways are regularly dispersed, for example around the floating structure 1, so that the floating structure can be moored on the seabed to maintain its position.

In Fig. 2, the installation of such a pair lead is shown in more detail.

In FIG. 2, a floating offshore structure (e.g., indicated generally by reference numeral "1" as a whole), a fixation and mooring line comprising a chain (generally indicated by reference numeral "3"), Quot;). ≪ / RTI >

This pair lead 5 can be fixed in position by guiding the fusing element 3 and applying tension to the fusing element to maintain the structure as described above.

As will be described in more detail below, the fairy is provided with means for translating the fusing element to impart tension to the fusing element and means for moving the fusing element to a fusing point (e.g., point 4) And means for fixing the fusing element to the desired tension.

Figures 3 and 4 show one possible embodiment of such a pair of leads.

In these figures the guidance fair is still indicated by the reference numeral "5 ".

The guide fair includes means for fastening to the floating structure, wherein the fastening means is indicated generally by the reference numeral "10 ".

The fastening means 10 include any suitable fastening platen fastened to the floating structure 1, for example by welding, bolting or the like.

Guide means 11 for the fixing structure 3 are hingedly mounted to the fastening platen 10, for example.

(11) for translating the fusing element to impart tension to the fusing element, and a lock which can lock the translational movement of the fusing element in the guiding means for pivoting the floating structure to the corresponding fusing point Means.

This structure is generally known from the above-mentioned US literature.

In an offshore structure according to the invention, in particular in its fixing and mooring fairlead construction, means for translating the fixing element in the guiding means are included in separate parts and separated from the rest of the structure of the fairlead, The remainder of the structure of the fairlead includes retractable connecting means.

In these figures, the remainder of the structure of the fairlead is indicated generally by the reference numeral "12 ", and the separate and distinct portions where the means for translating the fixation element are integrated are indicated generally by the reference numeral" 13 ".

In fact, the separate part 13 separating from the rest of the fairlead is in the form of a support frame of means for moving the fixing and mooring elements.

In these figures the support frame is indicated generally by the reference numeral "14 ", and is suitable to be engaged and attached to the rest of the structure of the guide pair lead.

The frame includes means for alignment, centering and position fixation in the remainder of the pair.

4, the means for centering the frame 14 with the remainder 12 of the structure of the fairlead includes a centering lug, and in this lug < RTI ID = 0.0 > One is shown generally in FIG. 4, for example, by reference numeral "15 ", and the lug is adapted to engage and cooperate with the complementary centering element 16 of the rest of the pair lead, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI >

The centering element is formed, for example, as a protruding tab adapted to receive a corresponding lug.

Such centering means are provided on each side of the remainder of the structure of the frame and the pair of leads, for example.

Separate individual parts 13 also include means for locking to the remainder 12 of the pair lead in this part wool assembly position.

There are, for example, four locking means, indicated by reference numerals "17, 18, 19, 20"

The locking means are distributed, for example, in pairs on each side of the frame 14, for example.

The locking means can be moved between the operative connection position of the frame 14 in the remainder 12 of the guide pair lead and the retracted release position of the frame allowing the frame to be separated from the rest of the pair lead.

4, each locking means (e.g., locking means 20) of portion 13 includes a locking pin for locking means 20, and one of these locking pins Quot; 21 "as a whole.

The locking pin can be retracted by the first actuator 22 (e.g., an electromechanical actuator), the retracted release position of the frame 14 relative to the remainder 12 of the pair lead (which can dispose or remove the frame at this position) And in the example of the pin 21 and the first actuator 22 of the locking means 20 the locking pin 21 enters the corresponding locking hole of the pair lead at the operative locking position, The locking hole is indicated generally by the reference numeral "23 ".

As can be seen, when this pin and the first actuator are in the retracted position so that the corresponding pin is free from the corresponding hole in the remainder of the pair lead, the frame 14 is free from the remainder 12 of the pair lead .

Conversely, when the frame 14 is to be placed in the remainder 12 of the fairlead, a centering lug (e.g., lug 15) is placed on its complementary centering element (e.g., centering element 16) So that the frame 14 can be accurately positioned and aligned with the remainder 12 of the fairlead.

Once in this centered position and at the precise aligned position of the frame, a first actuator, such as the actuator 22, is activated such that a locking pin, such as the locking pin 21, And locks the portion 13 to the rest of the fairlead in order to position the frame in the fairlead.

As mentioned previously, this separate discrete portion 13 or frame 14 also comprises a moving means for moving the fixing element 3.

5 to 7 show an exemplary embodiment of the moving means.

In these figures, a separate individual part 13 and its element frame 14 can be seen.

Indeed, in these figures, the means for moving the fusing element 3 are indicated generally by the reference numeral "25 ", and include, for example, a carriage for moving and tensioning the fusing element.

In these figures the carriage is indicated generally by the reference numeral "26 " and can translationally translate back and forth in the corresponding guide paths 27, 28 of the frame 14, for example.

Movement of the carriage 26 is imparted by at least one second actuator positioned between the carriage 26 and the rest of the frame 14. [

In the example shown in these figures, a pair of second actuators of this kind are shown, which are arranged on each side of the frame between the frame and the carriage.

The second actuators are denoted by reference numerals "29, 30" in these figures, respectively.

These actuators can move the carriage 26 back and forth along the guide paths 27, 28 based on the power supply command.

The power supply command of the actuator will be described in more detail later.

The carriage 26 also includes means for holding the fusing element, e.g., the chain 3.

In Figures 5 to 7, the means for catching is indicated generally by the reference numeral "31 ".

The catching means 31 comprises, for example, a member for holding a fusing element, the members of which are indicated generally by the reference numeral "32 ".

The catching means 32 is adapted to be moved by the at least one third actuator such that the tensioning carriage 26 is moved by the tensioning carriage 26 when the tensioning carriage moves in one direction under the action of the at least one second actuator, And a second position in which the carriage 26 is moved back in the other direction under the action of the at least one second actuator or the separate part 13 or frame 14 is moved to the rest 12 of the pair lead, And a retracted position that allows the retracted position to be released from the retracted position.

In fact, this part or catching member 32 is articulated, for example, to the rest of the carriage, and is movable in a retracted position and actuated, for example, by a pair of third actuators (collectively referred to as "33, 34" Can be moved between positions.

This gripping portion 32 can have any suitable shape that allows it to be held in place to allow the chain to be gripped or vice versa.

Thus, the means can adjust the tension of the fusing element by moving the fusing element in the pair lead, based on the need to counteract or reverse the tension.

As mentioned above, the fairy also includes locking means that can lock the translational movement of the fixing element 3 in the guiding means 11 to position the fixing element and thus moor the floating structure.

The locking means comprises means movable between an actuated locking position for locking the fusing element and a retracted position for releasing the fusing element, for example, under the control of at least one fourth actuator.

In fact, and as shown, for example, in Fig. 8, the locking means (denoted generally by the reference numeral "40 " in this figure) comprises, for example, a clamping member.

The member 40 includes, for example, two locking jaws (indicated by reference numerals "41, 42" in Fig. 8) which are opposed to each other. These jaw members include at least one fourth actuator Under the control of the release mechanism (indicated by "43"), between the closed action locking position for locking the fusing element 3 in the pair lead and the open retracted position for releasing the fusing element.

Thus, the fusing element can be locked against the pair lead or vice versa.

In the event of a problem with the tensioning device, the chain stopper during the application of tension is normally self-locking continuously.

The operation of these various actuators is controlled by a power control system, which is controlled by a monitoring computer.

The actuator includes a book, for example.

9, the first, second, third and fourth actuators 17-21, 29 and 30, 33 and 34, 43 can be seen .

These actuators are controlled by a system for monitoring their power supply (denoted generally by the reference numeral "50 " in this figure), which system is controlled by a monitoring computer 51.

Figures 9 and 10-13 illustrate various stages and locations of the various actuators of the structure and illustrate and describe the operation of the fairlead included in the construction of the structure according to the present invention.

Thus, first, during step 60, a separate part 13 is placed in the remainder 12 of the pair lead in the centered position.

In step 61, the first actuators 17,18, 19 and 20 are steered towards their operative positions to position separate portions in the remainder of the fairlead.

This is shown in FIG.

In step 62, as shown in Fig. 11, the third actuators 33, 34 are steered to move the catching means 31 of the fixing element 3 toward its operative catching position.

In step 63, the fourth actuator 43 of the locking means 40 of the fixing element 3 is steered toward the open position to release the fixing element 3.

The fixing element 3 is held in position by the holding means 31.

In step 64, the second actuator 29, 30 is steered to move the carriage 26 and also move the fusing element 3 to this carriage, in order to translate the fusing element in the fairlead and also to tense the fusing element, for example. .

In step 65, the fourth actuator 43 is steered to close the clamp of the locking means 40 and fix the fixing element 3 in the fairlead.

Thus, the carriage 26 can be freed to steer the second actuators 29, 30 to selectively return these actuators to the catch position of the fusing element so that operation can begin, As shown, the loop can be closed by step 67 so that the tension of the fixing element 3 can be adjusted.

When this adjustment is complete and the fixing element 3 is under the correct tension and is locked at the pair lead 12 by the locking means 40 the first actuator 17- 20 can be steered towards the retracted position to release the separate portion 13 from the remainder 12 of the fairlead.

In this way, for example, this separate part 13 can be made free.

As can be seen, this operation includes any number of steps, and the commanding means of the actuator,

Control the first actuator of the locking means at the locking position of the separate part in the remainder of the control pair lead,

- control the third actuator of the means for gripping at the operating position of the fixing element,

- control the fourth actuator of the locking means of the fixing element at the releasing retracted position of the fixing element,

- control the second actuator to move the carriage so that the fusing element is relaxed or relaxed,

The fourth actuator of the locking means of the fixing element at the acting locking position of the fixing element,

- control the third actuator of the catch means at the retracted release position of the fixation element, and finally

The first actuator of the locking means can be controlled, for example, in the retracted release position of the separate part so that the separate part can be separated from the rest of the pair lead.

Thus, once this separate part is released from the rest of the fairlead, for example it can be moved towards at least one other fairlead of the offshore structure.

As a matter of fact and as described above, for example, such an offshore structure includes a plurality of guide pair leads arranged, for example, regularly therearound.

Then, by using a handling means such as a crane or the like, the separate portion 13 can be moved between at least some of the pair leads of the pair leads, and the separate portions can be fitted and attached to the pair leads, The tension of the fixing element can be adjusted.

Thus, only one distinct portion can be used for the different pair leads, the portion having moving means capable of setting or adjusting the tension of the fixing element.

To this end and as shown for example in Fig. 3, the separate part 13 and in particular its frame 14 comprises anchor plates, for example attachment means associated with the handling means.

These plates are indicated generally by the reference numerals "60, 61, 62 and 63" in Fig. 3, for example.

The plate is thus provided at each corner of this separate part 13, for example.

Of course, other embodiments are conceivable.

In this regard, it should be noted that the above-described actuators may include, for example, different kinds of books, such as hydraulic jacks, pneumatic jacks or other jacks.

These are for example connected to an external control station and are also arranged, for example, in an offshore structure.

Such a structure has any number of advantages because the part of the fairway or somehow the fairlead associated with the offshore structure has the simplest and most reduced structure possible.

The moving means for imparting tension to the corresponding fusing element is in fact contained in a separate part that is separate from the rest of the pair of rods so that between each pair of fairs leads to adjust the tension of the fusing element in each pair lead The moving means can be moved together with the portion.

Thus, a single portion of this kind can be used and shared between different pairs of leads.

As a result, the rest of the fairlead is simplified and the manufacturing cost for the function is lowered.

Thus, these moving means are very easily accessible and thus easier to maintain on the moving means.

Of course, another embodiment may be considered.

Claims (10)

Claims 1. An offshore structure (1), such as a floating structure, comprising at least one fairlead (5) for guiding a fixing element (3) at an anchorage point (4) A guide means 11 for translating the fixing element 3 between the structure 1 and the fixing point 4 and a fixing element 3 for applying a tension to the fixing element 3, And locking means (40) capable of preventing the fixing element (3) from translating in the guiding means (11) in order to moor the structure to a fixing point, The means for translating the fixing element 3 in the guiding means 11 are integrated in the parts 13 and 14 which are separate from the rest 12 of the structure of the fairlead, The rest of which is provided with a retractable connection means 15,16,17,18,19,20, . The method according to claim 1,
The separate part (13) containing the means of movement of the fusing element comprises a support frame (14) for said means of movement, which is adapted to be coupled to the remainder (12) of the guide pair lead, (15,16) for centering said part (13), and means (17,18, 19,20) for positioning said part in the rest of the pair lead, said locking means Which is movable by the first actuator 22 between the operative connecting position of the frame 14 in the remainder 12 of the guiding pair lead and the retracted position releasing it from the rest of the pair lead, Offshore structures. 3. The method of claim 2,
The centering means comprise a centering lug (15) cooperating with a complementary centering element (16) with the remainder (12) of said pair lead to achieve centering with alignment of said locking means, Characterized in that the locking means comprises a locking pin (21) movable by the first actuator (22) between an actuated locking position for engaging the corresponding locking hole (23) of the remainder of the pair lead and a releasing retracted position, structure. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The means for translating the fusing element comprises a carriage (26) for moving and applying tension to the fusing element (3), the carriage being driven by at least one second actuator (29, 30) Which can be moved back and forth in the guide paths (27, 28) of the portion of the offshore structure. 5. The method of claim 4,
Characterized in that the carriage (26) for moving and applying tension to the fusing element (3) comprises means (31,32) for holding the fusing element (3), the means comprising at least one third actuator The fixing element 3 can be moved by the tensioning carriage 26 when the tensioning carriage moves in one direction under the action of the at least one second actuator 29, , And an actuating position for releasing the carriage to allow the carriage (26) to return in the other direction under the action of the at least one second actuator (29, 30) or to release the separate portion from the rest of the pair lead An offshore structure capable of moving between retracted positions. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Characterized in that the locking means (40) capable of locking the translational movement of the fixing element (3) in the guide means comprise stop means (41, 42) for the fixing element, Under the control of the actuator (43), between an action stop position for locking the fusing element and a retracted position for releasing the fusing element. The method according to claim 2 or 3, 4, 5, or 6,
Said offshore structure comprising control means (50, 51) of an actuator,
- controlling the first actuators (17-20) of the locking means at the locking position of the separate part in the remainder of the guiding pair lead,
- controlling the third actuators (33, 34) of said catch means at the operative catch position of said fixation element,
- controlling the fourth actuator (42) of the locking means of the fixing element at the release retracted position of the fixing element,
- controlling the second actuator (29, 30) to move the carriage such that the fusing element is tensed or relaxed,
- controlling the fourth actuator (43) of the locking means of the fixing element at the operative contact position locking the fixing element,
- controlling the third actuators (33, 43) of said catching means at the retracted release position of said fixation element,
- controls the first actuators (17-20) of the locking means in a retracted release position of the separate part so that the separate part can be separated from the rest of the pair lead. 8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
Wherein the actuator comprises a jack. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein the separate parts (13, 14) comprise means (60, 61, 62, 63) for attaching to the handling means. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the offshore structure includes a plurality of guide pair leads disposed therearound and the handling and moving means of the separate portion is adapted to move a separate portion between at least some of the pair leads of the pair of leads.

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