NO20162036A1 - A support frame for supporting a first subsea structure - Google Patents
A support frame for supporting a first subsea structure Download PDFInfo
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- NO20162036A1 NO20162036A1 NO20162036A NO20162036A NO20162036A1 NO 20162036 A1 NO20162036 A1 NO 20162036A1 NO 20162036 A NO20162036 A NO 20162036A NO 20162036 A NO20162036 A NO 20162036A NO 20162036 A1 NO20162036 A1 NO 20162036A1
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- support
- support frame
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- guide
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- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003351 stiffener Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001018 Cast iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001208 Crucible steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013585 weight reducing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/08—Underwater guide bases, e.g. drilling templates; Levelling thereof
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
- E02D27/32—Foundations for special purposes
- E02D27/52—Submerged foundations, i.e. submerged in open water
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
- E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
- E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/10—Guide posts, e.g. releasable; Attaching guide lines to underwater guide bases
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Paleontology (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a support frame (1) for supporting a first subsea structure (100), the support frame (1) having a center (C) and comprises: a connector interface (11); an outer support structure (13) with a number of guide funnel sections (10) arranged in the outer support structure (13); a number of support arms (12) extending outwards from the connector Interface (11) to the outer support structure (13); each of the support arms (12) comprises at least one support section (17) for resting on a supporting surface (20); and wherein the support sections (17) are arranged between the center of the support frame (1) and the outer support structure (13).The invention relates to a support frame (1) for supporting a first subsea structure (100), the support frame (1) having a center (C) and comprising: a connector interface (11); an outer support structure (13) with a number of guide funnel sections (10) arranged in the outer support structure (13); a number of support arms (12) extending outwards from the connector Interface (11) to the outer support structure (13); each of the support arms (12) comprises at least one support section (17) for resting on a supporting surface (20); and the support sections (17) are arranged between the center of the support frame (1) and the outer support structure (13).
Description
The invention relates to a support frame, such as frames used in supporting subsea structures.
Background of the invention
Traditionally, during transport of X-mas trees, the weight of the X-mas trees will rest on the end face of the guide funnels. The guide funnels are connected to a X-mas tree frame and are arranged at the outermost, or close to outermost, radial positions of the X-mas tree frame. In addition, most of the weight carried by the X-mas tree frame is supported in a center portion of the X-mas tree frame. Thus, this design requires a strong structure to support the weight of the X-mas tree during transport both on land and in sea transport, because the distance between the guide funnels and the center portion supporting the X-mas tree result in a relatively long moment arm which again result in large moments on the end of the arm, requiring heavy massive support arms to withstand the weight of the X-mas tree. Therefore, strong and massive structures are required in the X-mas tree frame such as to withstand the moments experienced in the structure. Stronger structures normally requires more material which again result in heavier structures because more material result in higher total weight.
The applicant has invented a support frame for a subsea structure, such as a X-mas tree, which overcomes the drawbacks related to the prior art solutions and which solves certain objectives of the prior art frames in relation to weight vs. strength ration.
Thus, the objective of the present support frame is to solve at least some of the drawbacks in relation to the prior art frames.
More specific, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a frame with reduced weight but with the same strength as the conventional support frames.
The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.
Summary of the invention
According to the present invention, it is described a support frame for supporting for instance a subsea X-mas tree, or other structures used subsea.
The support frame according to the present invention provides an improved force distribution in the frame. This gives a significant weight reduction of the total system compared to the prior art solutions made of similar material. The idea of the present invention is to move the reaction force area away from the guide funnels, and in towards the center of gravity. By doing this, one achieves a better force distribution in the system when considering weight of the structure as one important input factor. The guide funnels are elements for guiding the structure into the correct position, and not needed for taking vertical forces when installed
The invention relates to a support frame for supporting a first subsea structure, the support frame having a center and comprises:
a connector interface;
an outer support structure with a number of guide funnel sections arranged in the outer support structure;
a number of support arms extending outwards from the connector interface to the outer support structure;
each of the support arms comprises at least one support section for resting on a supporting surface;
and wherein the support sections are arranged between the center of the support frame and the outer support structure.
In the inventive support frame, the support sections supporting the frame on an underlying surface is moved closer to the center of the support frame than in the prior art solutions. By doing this, the weight of the support frame and any structures carried by the support frame when it is positioned on a surface before it is connected up during use, is no longer provided for or taken up by the guide funnels. Thus, if looking at the solution in a force perspective, the moment arm where the guide funnels form an outer extremity in the prior art solutions is made shorter, thus the required force (= (mass) X (arm length)) the frame must withstand, is reduced. This results in a support frame that can be made of less material because the required total strength is reduced and thus the massiveness of the support frame. The center of the support frame may coincide with a center axis of the support frame if the support frame is of symmetric shape (i.e. if the support frame can be mirrored about a transversal plane extending through the center).
A further advantage of the invention is in relation to the connection to the connector, e.g. a H4 connector, where existing design is using a horizontal forged ring as force distributor to a vertical bent and welded ring. These rings are then specified to be full-pen welded with a planeness requirement of /-1 mm. In practice, this involves machining before and after welding. It is thus proposed a new and simpler solution, where the connector ring, i.e. center ring, is comprised of a thin casted geometry instead. The purpose of the ring is rotational alignment and to be strong enough to carry the own mass of the support frame and components attached to the support frame.
The main idea of the invention is to move the transportation support elements closer to center. This involves that the guide funnels are not the lowermost elements anymore, thus making the “moment arm” extending from the center ring to the support point, i.e. the support section, of the structure shorter, thereby reducing the strength requirements of the frame. A further advantage is that the guide funnels do not have to be dimensioned to withstand the weight of the frame and associated equipment.
The support frame is supporting a first subsea structure, e.g. large structures to be installed and used as part of a subsea system, such as a subsea production system. The first subsea structure may exemplified as, but not limited to, horizontal and vertical X-mas trees, manifolds, template, various flow connection modules for production, injection trees, pump modules etc. These structures may have guide structures comprising a central portion attached to said connector, and support arms connected to guide funnels in its outer ends.
In an aspect, the connector interface is a connector ring and the connector ring may be arranged at a higher elevation than the support sections. The connector ring may be a center ring. The use of the term “higher elevation” and “lower elevation” herein, shall be understood as a relatively higher and relatively lower elevation above the supporting surface, i.e. when the support frame is arranged substantially horizontal relative a substantially horizontal supporting surface.
A lower part of the support section may be arranged at the same elevation as a lower part of the guide funnel sections providing a more stable support frame in that the loads are distributed to the support sections and the guide funnel sections.
Alternatively, the lower part of the support section may be arranged at a lower elevation than the guide funnel sections. In this aspect, the guide funnel sections are protected during transport as the guide funnel sections are prevented from coming into contact as well as from resting on the supporting surface.
By arranging the connector ring at a higher elevation than the support section, it is possible to accommodate a connector, such as a H4 connector or other connector, below the connector ring without the risk that a lower end of the connector is damaged during transport etc., as it will be in a position above a lowermost point of the support structure. The connector ring is thus arranged at an elevation sufficient for accommodating a connector where a lower end of the connector is arranged at a higher elevation than the lower part of the support section. The lower end of the connector, when connected to the connector ring, is thus above the lower part of the support section.
Alternatively, in another aspect, a lower part of the support sections may be arranged at the same elevation as the lower part of the guide funnel sections. This aspect of the invention has the effect that the weight of the subsea structure may be supported by both the support section of the support arm as well as the guide funnel sections.
The support frame comprises an outer support structure. The number of support arms extend outwards from the connector interface, e.g. connector ring, in one end and to the outer support structure in the other end. The outer support structure may comprise elongate elements connected between neighboring guide funnel sections. The elongate elements may be connected in each corner end to guide elements (for example guide pipe or guide plate extending upwards or downwards from the guide funnel section) and/or to guide funnel sections. The elongate elements forming the outer support structure thus form a closed circumference with one guide funnel section in, or close to, each corner of the circumference. However, in the simplest form, the outer support structure only comprises the guide funnel section, i.e. without the elongate elements between neighboring guide funnel sections. In this aspect, the support arms may be connected to the part of the outer support structure at the point of the guide funnel sections.
According to an aspect, the support arms may be connected to the guide funnel sections. In this aspect, the support arms may extend and be connected to the guide funnel sections or the guide elements arranged in the outer support structure. The support arms may then be connected either directly to the guide funnel sections, or via the guide elements to the guide funnel sections. In another aspect, the support arms may, instead of being connected to the guide funnel section or guide element, be connected to the elongate element in the outer support structure.
In an aspect, a number of the support arms may comprise a bent section and the support section may be formed by the bent section. The bent section of the support arm may be U-shaped or V-shaped. The support arm may thus be formed of:
- a mainly horizontal section extending to the bent section,
- the bent section having e.g. a U- shape or a V-shape, the bent section extending to - a mainly horizontal section extending to the outer support structure. The support arm may have any form giving a connection point to the connector ring, extending from the connector ring in an outwards direction, further comprising a support section providing a lowermost point and a further extension towards the guide funnels.
In an aspect of the support frame, the support sections may comprise a reinforcement element. Such reinforcement element(s) may prevent collapse or widening of the U- or V-section when supporting heavy structures. The reinforcement element may comprise a stiffener, a buttress, a bar, a strut etc. The reinforcement element may be are arranged in an upper part of the V-shape or U-shape, and may be shaped as a bar or longitudinal element. The reinforcement element may be casted as part of the support frame or be fastened to the U-section or V-section by suitable means, such as by welding, bolts, screws etc,
In an aspect of the invention, the support frame may be formed in one piece. This may be performed by casting or molding, e.g. by using cast iron or cast steel.
Casting has the advantageous effect that the geometrical strength of the frame support frame is optimized. Thus, the support frame will not have any weak spots or points, which may be a risk in frames formed by welding pieces together or by mechanical connections (i.e. screw connections, bolt connections, pins etc.). This is in contrast to existing designs where for instance the connector ring, i.e. the center ring, is made by using a thick horizontal forged ring as force distributor to the thick vertical bent and welded ring.
According to an aspect, a number of the support arms may comprise a protrusion extending downwards towards the supporting surface, and the support section may be formed of the protrusion. The protrusion may be welded, bolted or screwed to the support arm, or, alternatively casted or molded as part of the support arm. The protrusion may be used as an alternative to the bent section on the support arms or, alternatively, in addition to the bent section. The support frame may thus comprise support sections formed of bent sections and protrusions.
According to an aspect, the support frame may comprise four support arms of same length provided at 90 degrees intervals relative neighboring support arms. However, the number of support arms may be both less and more, such as three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc. support arms. The support arms may be arranged at equal intervals relative each other, or alternatively, at unequal intervals relative each other. Examples of equal intervals between support arms, may e.g. be by arranging three support arms at 120 degrees intervals between neighboring support arms, or alternatively by arranging four support arms at 90 degrees intervals between neighboring support arms etc.
Example of unequal intervals, e.g. four support arms with 60 degrees interval between a first and second support arm, a 120 degrees interval between the second and third support arm, a 60 degrees interval between the third and the fourth support arm, and 120 degrees interval between the fourth and the first support arm.
Alternatively, the support frame may be formed of separate elements connected to each other.
The guide funnel section may extend around the whole circumference of a guide funnel. In this alternative, the guide funnel section may, in order to simplify insertion and removal of a guide wire, comprise a slot extending along the whole or full axial length of the guide funnel section.
Alternatively, the guide funnel section may extend along only a portion of a full circumference (i.e. the guide funnel section extends less than 360 degrees along an imaginary circumference). This will result in an additional reduction in the total weight compared to prior art solutions, where the guide funnel extends around a full circumference (or close to the full circumference if being provided with a slot for guide wire). If the guide funnel section extends along only portion of a full circumference, the guide funnel section may comprise a guide ring for passage of guide wire to assist in mating another structure
The guide ring may be movable between an open position where the guide ring is adapted to receive or accommodate a guidepost in a radial direction thereof, and a closed position where the guide ring is adapted to prevent movement of a guidepost in a radial direction thereof.
The system and method is applicable in conventional installation methods, including intervention/maintenance and riserless intervention (RLWI – Riser Light Well Intervention), both with and without use of guide wires.
These and other characteristics of the invention will be clear from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example, with reference to the attached drawings wherein;
Brief description of the drawings
Figs. 1A-1C show examples of prior art support frames for X-mas trees;
Fig. 2A shows an example of the support frame according to the present invention with a X-mas tree mounted thereon;
Fig. 2B shows the support frame according to the present invention without the X-mas tree shown in Fig.2A mounted thereon;
Fig. 3A shows a first embodiment of the support frame according to the invention in an isometric view;
Fig. 3B shows the first embodiment of the support frame according to the invention seen from below;
Fig. 3C shows the first embodiment of the support frame according to the invention seen from the side;
Fig. 3D shows a part cut away of the first embodiment of the support frame according to the invention, seen from below;
Fig. 4A shows an embodiment of the support frame where a lower part of the support sections are arranged at the same elevation as a lower part of the guide funnel sections and where the support arms comprises a bent section;
Fig. 4B shows an embodiment of the support frame where a lower part of the support sections are arranged at the same elevation as a lower part of the guide funnel sections and where the support arms comprises a protrusion extending towards the supporting surface;
Fig. 5A is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the support frame according to the present invention where the support arms comprises a protrusion extending towards a supporting surface, wherein the support arm extends to an outer support structure;
Fig. 5B is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the support frame according to the present invention where the support arms comprises a bent section and extend to an outer support structure;
Detailed description of a preferred embodiment
Fig. 1A shows an example of a prior art support frame 6 with a X-mas tree 100 mounted thereon, seen from below.
Fig. 1B shows an isometric view of a prior art support frame 6 for supporting e.g. X-mas trees (such as a X-mas tree 100 in Fig. 1A).
Fig. 1C shows an isometric view of another prior art support frame 6 for supporting e.g. X-mas trees (such as a X-mas tree 100 in Fig.1A).
The prior art support frames 6 in Figs. 1A-1C have many common features, including a connector ring 11 in a central portion of the prior art support frame 6, the connector ring 11 being arranged at the same elevation as the guide funnel sections 10. The guide funnel sections 10 form part of an outer support frame 13, which outer support frame is connected to the connector ring 11 via support arms 12. The guide funnel section 10 may be provided with a slot 8 for inserting and retrieval of guide wires (not shown).
However, these prior art support frames 6 have drawbacks in that they are heavy, because, during transport of X-mas trees 100, the weight of the X-mas tree 100 and support frame 6 rest on the guide funnel sections 10. As indicated above, the guide funnel sections 10 are connected are arranged at the outermost, or close to outermost, radial positions of the prior art support frame 6. In addition, most of the weight carried by the prior art support frame 6, is supported close to a center portion of the prior art support frame 6. Thus, this design requires a strong structure of the prior art support frame 6 to support the weight of the frame 6 and the X-mas tree 100 during transport on land and sea transport, because the distance between the guide funnel sections 10 and the center portion supporting the X-mas tree 100 result in a relatively long moment arm which again result in a large moments on the end of the arm and requires heavy massive support arms to withstand the weight of the prior art support frame 6 and the X-mas tree 100. Therefore, strong and massive structures are required in the prior art support frames 6 such as to withstand the moments experienced in the structure.
Fig. 2A shows an example of the support frame 1 according to the present invention with a X-mas tree 100 mounted thereon.
Fig. 2B shows the support frame according to the present invention without the X-mas tree 100 shown in Fig. 2A mounted thereon.
With reference to Figures 2A and 2B it is disclosed a support frame 1 for supporting a first subsea structure 100 (e.g. a X-mas tree, cf. Fig. 2A). The support frame 1 having a center C and comprises a connector interface 11 close to the center C of the support frame 1. The connector interface is shown as a connector ring 11. It is further disclosed an outer support structure 13 and a number of support arms 12 extending outwards from the connector interface 11 to the outer support structure 13. In Figures 2A and 2B, the support arms extend to a number of guide funnel sections 10 arranged in the outer support structure 13. Each of the support arms 12 comprises at least one support section 17 for resting on a supporting surface 20. As is clear from the Figures, the support sections 17 are arranged closer to the center C of the support frame than the guide funnel sections 10. The center C of the support frame 1 is coinciding with a (vertical) center axis of the support frame if the support frame is symmetric.
In the corner sections of the support frame 1 it is arranged upwardly extending guide elements 14 for cooperation with guideposts on another subsea structure (not shown). A guide funnel section 10 is arranged in an extension of each of the guide elements 14. The guiding area of the guide funnel section 11 increases in a distance away from the guide element 10. This means that the guiding area of the guide funnel section 11 is larger in a radial extent than the guide element 2. In the Figures, there are disclosed guide funnel sections 10 in each corner of the support frame 1, however this is not necessary. Reducing the number of guide funnel sections 10 will result in less total weight, but has to be considered in relation to the requirement of guiding and aligning.
The guide funnel section may 11 extend around the whole circumference of a guide funnel, as disclosed in Figure 1. The guide funnel section 10 may then, in order to simplify insertion and removal of a guide wire, comprise a slot 8 extending along the whole or full axial length of the guide funnel section.
Alternatively, the guide funnel section 10 may extend along only a portion of a full circumference (i.e. the guide funnel section extends less than 360 degrees along an imaginary circumference), as shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. This will result in an additional reduction in the total weight compared to prior art solutions.
If the guide funnel section 10 extends along only a portion of a full circumference, the guide funnel section 10 may comprise a guide ring 9 (see Fig. 3B) for passage of guide wire to assist in mating with e.g. guideposts on another structure.
The guide ring 9 may be movable between an open position where the guide ring 9 is adapted to receive or accommodate a guidepost in a radial direction thereof, and a closed position where the guide ring 9 is adapted to prevent movement of a guidepost in a radial or lateral direction.
Figs. 3A-3D are different views of the support frame 1 according to the present invention, where Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of the support frame in an isometric view, while Fig. 3B shows the first embodiment of the support frame seen from below, while Fig. 3C shows the first embodiment of the support frame seen from the side, and Fig.3D shows a part cut away of the first embodiment of the support frame 1, seen from below. All of the elements on Figures 3A-3D are disclosed in connection with Fig 2, however Figures 3A, 3C and 3D show more details of the support arms 12, and illustrates that the bent section 23 of the support arm 12 can be V-shaped. Other shapes are also possible such as for example U-shape. It is further disclosed in Figures 3A, 3C and 3D that the support sections 17 may comprise reinforcement element 16 in the form of a stiffener, buttress, strutting etc. to prevent collapse/widening of the U-section or V-section when supporting heavy structures. The reinforcement element 16 are arranged in an upper part of the “V” in the support arm 12 and may be shaped as a bar or longitudinal element.
Fig. 4A shows an embodiment of the support frame where a lower part of the support sections are arranged at the same elevation as a lower part of the guide funnel sections and where the support arms comprises a bent section. Fig. 4A shows the relevant forces for dimensioning of the subsea structure. By moving the support sections 17 closer to the center of gravity, the bending moment/strains is significantly reduced. The downward force F is defined by F = M*a, whereas the opposite force B in each support section (four support sections in total) is B = F/4. The reduced force arm is indicated by arrows A as is clear from the Figure, the reaction force area is moved away from guide-funnels, in towards the center of gravity. One of the dimensioning loads is sea transport, where the sea-fastening shall be dimensioned to withstand 2*g acceleration (a=2*g), with a safety factor of 2. This means to invert the load-picture in the Figure.
Fig. 4B shows an embodiment of the support frame 1 where a lower part of the support sections 17 are arranged at the same elevation as a lower part of the guide funnel sections and where the support arms comprises a protrusion 21 extending towards the supporting surface 20. In Figure 5B the protrusions 21 extends to a lower elevation than the guide funnel sections 10, thus the guide funnel sections 10 are protected during transport. However, it is clear that the protrusions 21 and the guide funnel section 21 may also be at the same elevation, providing a more stable support frame 1 and distributing the loads to the guide funnel sections 10 as well thereby reducing the loads experienced in the support sections 17.
Furthermore, from both Figures 4A and 4B it is shown that the connector ring 11 is arranged at a higher elevation than a lower part of the support sections 17. This makes it possible to accommodate a connector 22, such as a H4 connector 22 or other connector, below the connector ring 11 without the risk that the lower end of the connector 22 is damaged during transport etc. The lower end of the connector is thus above the lower part of the support section.
Fig. 5A is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the support frame 1 according to the present invention where the support arms 12 comprise a protrusion 21 extending towards the supporting surface 20 and wherein the support section 17 is formed of the protrusion.
Fig. 5B is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the support frame 1 according to the present invention where the support arms 12 comprises a bent section 23 and extend to an outer support structure 13.
In the embodiments on Figures 5A and 5B, the support frame 1 comprises four support arms 12 of same length provided at 90 degrees intervals relative neighboring support arms 12. The support arms 12 are connected to a connector ring 11 in one end thereof and to the outer support structure 13 in the other end thereof. The outer support structure 13 is formed of four elongated elements connected in each corner end to guide elements and or to guide funnel sections 10. The elongated elements forming the outer support structure 13 thus form a closed quadrate with one guide funnel section 10 in each corner of the quadrate. It is obvious that the support frame may comprise less than four and more than four support arms.
Thus, at least one of the objectives of the invention is achieved by invention as described in the drawings, i.e. a frame with reduced weight but with the same strength as the conventional frames.
The invention is herein described in non-limiting embodiments. A person skilled in the art will understand that there may be made alterations and modifications to the embodiments that are within the scope of the invention as described in the attached claims.
Claims (10)
1. A support frame (1) for supporting a first subsea structure (100), the support frame (1) having a center (C) and comprises:
a connector interface (11);
an outer support structure (13) with a number of guide funnel sections (10) arranged in the outer support structure (13);
a number of support arms (12) extending outwards from the connector interface (11) to the outer support structure (13);
each of the support arms (12) comprises at least one support section (17) for resting on a supporting surface (20);
and wherein the support sections (17) are arranged between the center of the support frame (1) and the outer support structure (13).
2. The support frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support arms (12) are connected to the part of the outer support structure (13) at the point of the guide funnel sections (10).
3. The support frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector interface (11) is a connector ring (11) and wherein the connector ring (11) is arranged at a higher elevation than the support sections (17).
4. The support frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein a lower part of the support sections (17) is arranged at a lower elevation than a lower part of the guide funnel sections (10).
5. The support frame (1) according to any one claims 1-3, wherein a lower part of the support sections (17) are at the same elevation as a lower part of the guide funnel sections (10).
6. The support frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a number of the support arms (12) comprises a bent section (23), and wherein the support section (17) is formed by the bent section (23).
7. The support frame (1) according to claim 6, wherein the bent section (23) is U-shaped or V-shaped.
8. The support frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support sections (17) comprise a reinforcement element (16).
9. The support frame (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, wherein a number of the support arms (12) comprises a protrusion (21) extending towards the supporting surface (20) and wherein the support section (17) is formed of the protrusion.
10. The support frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame is formed in one piece.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20162036A NO343084B1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2016-12-21 | A support frame for supporting a first subsea structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20162036A NO343084B1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2016-12-21 | A support frame for supporting a first subsea structure |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NO20162036A1 true NO20162036A1 (en) | 2018-06-22 |
| NO343084B1 NO343084B1 (en) | 2018-10-29 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20162036A NO343084B1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2016-12-21 | A support frame for supporting a first subsea structure |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NO (1) | NO343084B1 (en) |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4591296A (en) * | 1983-09-23 | 1986-05-27 | Smith International, Inc. | Temporary guide base retrieval method and apparatus |
| EP0357180A1 (en) * | 1988-09-01 | 1990-03-07 | Cooper Industries, Inc. | Subsea guidebase |
-
2016
- 2016-12-21 NO NO20162036A patent/NO343084B1/en unknown
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4591296A (en) * | 1983-09-23 | 1986-05-27 | Smith International, Inc. | Temporary guide base retrieval method and apparatus |
| EP0357180A1 (en) * | 1988-09-01 | 1990-03-07 | Cooper Industries, Inc. | Subsea guidebase |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO343084B1 (en) | 2018-10-29 |
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