OA12145A - Apparatus and method for deploying an object underwater. - Google Patents

Description

12145

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING AN OBJECT UNDER WATER

The invention relates to a deployment apparatus for deployment of an object in a fluid,e.g. the sea, by means of at least a first and a second cable, to be connected to theobject, the apparatus comprising winch means for reeling in and out the cables in orderto allow movement of the object with respect to the apparatus.

The apparatus and method according to the présent invention can be used for deployingan object, for instance from avessel towards the seabed. ït is known to use severalcables for connecting such an object to the vessel. A first cable being a load carryingcable and a second cable being a data and power umbilical. In this text reference will bemade towards such a lifting cable and such an umbilical. However it should be notedthat the présent invention could also be used when three of more cables are used whendeploying the object, by adapting the basic design of the apparatus.

The load carrying cable and the data and power umbilical, when deploying a load in thesea, will hâve a different flow profile and therefore a different drag profile. Especiallywhen employing at high depth, there will always be a risk thaï both cables will gettensed by the current and get entangled into each other.

It is the object of the présent invention to provide an apparatus and a method fordeploying an object, e.g. from a vessel towards the seabed, without having the risk ofcables getting entangled, while providing more control of the cables when deployingthe object.

This object according to the présent invention is achieved in that the apparatus isprovided with a bundling apparatus for bundling the cables, when reeled out, in order toprovide a single cable assembly between the apparatus and the object duringdeployment.

Because of this measure the drag will be exerted on the assembly in stead of onseparate cables, therefor the control on the movement can be improved. 12145

According to the invention it is possible that the bundling apparatus is adapted to enclose the first and the second cable by means of discrète bundling éléments. These discrète bundling éléments preferably are formed as rings or clips.

In order to be able to use the apparatus not only during deployment, but during recovery as well, it is preferred that the bundling apparatus is adapted for application toand removal from the bundling éléments from the cables.

According to one embodiment of the invention the bundling apparatus is provided witha storage for bundling éléments, such as clips. Moreover the bundling apparatus isprovided with a dispenser assembly, the dispenser assembly being movable between astorage position adjacent the storage for feeding one or more clips to the dispenserassembly and a cable position, adjacent to the path of the cables through or along theapparatus, for application of the clips around the at least first and second cable.

For applying and removing of the clips from the cable assembly the dispenser assemblyis provided with means for opening and closing a clip, wherein the means for openingand closing a clip comprise pins, which pins cooperate with respective holes in theclips. In an embodiment the pins for opening and closing a clip are fixed on a first and asecond lever, the levers being connected to a single actuating element. It is possible thatthe actuating element is a pneumatic cylinder.

As an alternative it is possible that the apparatus is provided with a cable guide, forguiding the cables along the cable position.

As an alternative the bundling means are adapted for enclosing the first and secondcable by means of a continuons enclosure, wherein the bundling means are adapted toenclose the first and second cable by means of an enclosure foil.

As a further alternative the bundling apparatus is adapted for connection by both first and second cable by means of a continuous snap lock. 12145 3

Preferably the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a first winch forreeling in and out a first cable and a second winch for reeling in and out a second cable,wherein the first and second winch are provided with control means which cooperate inorder to synchronise the cable speed of both first and second cable. Moreover theapparatus can comprise sensor means for measuring the movement ofthe first winch,the sensor means, by means of processing means, being connected to the control meansof the second winch, for controlling the speed of the second winch dépendent on thespeed of the first winch.

In order to ensure safe and secure connection of the bundling éléments to the cables theapparatus is provided with sensor means for measuring the speed of the cables withrespect to the apparatus, the sensor means being connected to apparatus by means ofProcessing means, such as a computer, for controlling the apparatus dépendent on thespeed of the cables.

According to a possible embodiment the apparatus is provided with a frame, the framecarrying a sheave for guiding the cables, wherein the bundling apparatus is positioneddownstream of the sheave when regarding the cable movement during deployment,wherein the sheave is provided with a double groove for accommodating both a firstand a second cable, in order to synchronise the cable speed of both cables.

The invention also relates to a clip adapted to receive a first and a second cable, the clipbeing movable from a first position for receiving the cables and a second position,wherein the clip is closed for enclosing the cables, wherein the clip is provided with asnap lock. The clip according to the invention the clip is provided with two or morethrough holes, the through holes being adapted to receive opening and closing pins. Theclip comprise a relatively stiff section, for receiving a first cable, which stiff sectionadjoins a relatively flexible section, for receiving a second cable, wherein the snap lockis provided in the relatively flexible section.

According to a further aspect according to the invention, the invention relates to amethod for deploying a load in a fluid, e.g. the sea, the load being raised and loweredby means of at least a first and a second cable. 12145

The method according to the invention is characterised in that the first and secondcables are connected to form a single cable assembly prior to lowering the cables intothe water.

According to the invention the cables are connected by means of discrète bundlingéléments, wherein the discrète bundling éléments are interconnected by means ofthreads, wherein a further bundling element engages the cables by pulling the furtherbundling éléments towards the cables by means of the interconnection, wherein thecable speed is used for engagement of the further bundling element to the cable.

As an alternative the cables are connected by means of a continuous bundling element,wherein the continuous bundling element has the form of a continuous snap lockelement, the éléments being adapted for receiving at least a first and a second cable.

The cables can also be connected by means of braiding.

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:

Figure 1 shows a vessel, deploying an object wherein the object is connected to thevessel by means of two cables, the cables being free to move with respect to each other.

Figure 2 shows the deployment of an object according to the présent invention whereina first and a second cable are bundled.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a possible position of the bundling apparatusSystem according to the présent invention on the vessel.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus according to the invention for bundling a first and asecond cable.

Figure 5 shows a further detail of the apparatus according to figure 4.

Figure 6 shows basic shapes for éléments for connecting a first and a second cable. 12145

Figure 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a clip according to the présent invention.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the clip provided with a tension spring.

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the clip according to the présent inventionprovided with a compression spring.

Figure 10 shows the loads exerted on a clip provided for bundling a fîrst and a secondcable.

Figure 11 shows a further mechanism for opening and closing a clip according to theprésent invention.

Figure 12 shows an opening and closing System according to a static pin concept.

Figure 13 shows a clip to be used with the System according to figure 12.

Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of an element for connecting the first andsecond cable.

Figure 15 shows a connecting element in the form of a continuous open sheet forconnecting a first and second cable.

Figure 16 shows a continuous snap lock for connecting a first and second cable.

Figure 17 shows a braiding wheel for connecting a first and a second cable.

Figure 18 shows a System using interconnected closed rings for connecting a first witha second cable.

In figure 1 a vessel 1 is shown provided with means 2 for deploying an object 3. Theobject 3 is connected to the deployment means by cables 4 and 5. The cable 4 being a 12145 load carrying cable, or lifting cable, and the cable 5 being a data and power umbilical.Both cables 4, 5 will hâve a different flow profile. As diagrammatically shown in figure1 the cables will be free in the water and will be moving with respect to each other.Therefore the danger will be présent that both cables 4, 5 will be entangled. Moreoverwhen both cables 4, 5 will move independently through the water the control for themovement of the object 3 with respect to the vessel 1 will be endangered.

In figure 2 the vessel 1 is shown wherein an object 3b is deployed by means of adeployment device 2. According to figure 2 the first and second wire 4, 5 are connectedto each other by means of bundling means. This means can be provided in the form ofclips, as will be described below. The object 3b according to figure 2 can be aProMaster as described in the earlier filed patent application PCT/NL99/00242.

Because of the connection between both cables 4, 5 there is no danger for entangling.Moreover the control of the ProMaster 3b with respect to the vessel 1 can be achievedwith more accuracy than in case both wires would be free to move independently.

In figure 3 the means for deploying the ProMaster 3b are shown schematically. Themeans comprise an A-frame 6 which is movably connected to the vessel 1. Moreoverthe means are provided with winches 7a and 7b for reeling in and out both cables 4 and 5. In figure 3 two winches are shown. A first winch 7a will be referred to as being themain winch. This winch is used for reeling in and out a load carrying cable 4. Thiscable for instance could be a synthetic cable. A second winch 7b will be referred to asbeing an umbilical winch. This winch will be used for reeling in and out an umbilical 5,while being synchronised from a control point of view and the tension is monitored.Between the winches 7 and a sheave 8 (attached to the A-frame 6) the device 10according to the présent invention is inteiposed, as a possible embodiment. In figure 3the position of the device 10 can be referred to as being at the vessel side. It is alsopossible to position the device 10 opposite to the sheave 8. In this case the position ofthe device 10 will be at the "water side" of the sheave 8. The device 10 could bereferred to as a Storage Transfer Application Removal System (STAR) because whenreeling out the cable, bundling means, such as clips from a storage will be transferredtowards the cables in order to be fixed to the cables. When reeling in the cables it is 1214 5 7 necessary to remove the bundling means in order to be able to reel in both cables, eachon a respective winch at a monitored speed and tension.

In figure 4 a possible embodiment of the device 10 according to the présent invention isshown. The device 10 comprises a storage unit 11 wherein multiple clip stacks 12 areprésent, each comprising clips 13. From the storage 11 individual clips 13 can bepresented to a dispenser assembly 14 which is adapted to move the clips towards thecables 4, 5 to be bundled and to fix the clips around the cable assembly 4, 5. Knowingthat the clip will exert more pressure on the lifting cable/rope than on the umbilical,when the section of the clip will be 1 mm bigger than the section of the umbilical inorder for the latter to be allowed to move vertically at a slightly different speed than thehoisting cable/rope. The storage unit 11 is movable in guides 15, the guides 15 beingessentially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the dispenser assembly 14. Inorder to ensure a safe and correct positioning of each clip around the cable assembly 4,5, further guide means 16 are présent, in the présent embodiment shown as sheaves, inorder to guide the cable assembly through the device 10. Therefore the distancebetween the cable assembly 4, 5 and the dispenser assembly 14 is known duringapplication and removal of the clips from the cable assembly 4,5. Hereafter the detailsof the device 10 and the functioning thereof will be described, wherein reference willbe made to a "storage position", being a possible position of the storage unit 11. In thestorage position the clip is transferred from the storage unit to the dispenser assemblyor visa versa. Further reference will be made to a "cable position", being a possibleposition of the dispenser assembly 14 and the clip 13. In this position the clip 13 can beconnected to or disconnected from the cables 4,5.

The dispenser assembly 14 comprises a dispenser slide 20. The dispenser slide 20slides in a plane to move a clip 13 from the "storage position" to the "cable position".The movement is achieved by means of an opening cylinder 21 (see figure 5).Moreover the dispenser assembly 14 comprises a push back cylinder 22. This pushback cylinder will be used when a clip is removed from the cable assembly 4,5. Bymeans of the push back cylinder 22 a clip 13 will be pushed from the guide pins 23 (seefigure 5) onto guide bars 24, which are présent in the storage unit. Moreover thedispenser assembly 14 comprises a dispenser cylinder 25. This dispenser cylinder 25 12145 8 will be used to move the dispenser slide 20 from the storage position to the cableposition and visa versa. The device comprises a further cylinder with reference number26. This cylinder is called a lifting cylinder, and is used to push a pile of clips 12upwards towards the dispenser assembly 14.

According to figure 4 two guide bars 24 are présent. Both guide bars 24 fit in the holeswhich are présent in the clip 13. The guide bars are used to position the clips duringstorage. According to figure 4 the guide bars are aligned with the guide pins 23, whichare présent in the dispenser assembly.

The device 10 also comprises a storage cylinder 27. This storage cylinder is used tomove the storage units 11 to and from the storage position.

With reference to figure 5 a bottom view is shown of the assembly 14 according tofigure 4. In figure 5 the opening cylinder 21 is shown, which is used to move openinglevers 28. Both opening levers 28 are provided with a guide pin 23. Both guide pins 23fit in corresponding holes, provided in the clips 13. The guide pins are used to open theclips by transferring the movement of the opening lever 28. Both opening levers 28 areconnected to the dispenser assembly 14 by means of a hinge. In order to transfer themovement of the opening cylinder 21 to the guide pins 23.

When using the apparatus according to figure 4 and 5, when deploying a load from avessel 1 by means of a first and second cable 4, 5, it is important to make a connectionbetween an heave compensating System présent on the vessel and the apparatus 10according to figure 4 and 5. Because of the heave compensating Systems the cableswill move up and down with respect to the apparatus 10 when reeling in the cables 4, 5and when reeling out both cables at a high speed. Therefore, the apparatus according tothe présent invention will hâve to be able to work at a high speed. The speed of thecable with respect to the vessel can be as high as 2.3 m/s. This will require a very highmovement of the apparatus itself.

In order to ensure safe and correct connection of the clips with the cables, it isadvantageous to be able to measure the speed of the cables with respect to the ship and 12145 9 with respect to the apparatus itself. Therefor sensor means are présent (not shown) inorder to measure the speeds of the respective cables. Those sensor means can becoupled to processor means, such as a computer (not shown). Those processor meanshâve to be adapted for processing the data generated by the sensor means, in order to beable to control the bundling apparatus correspondingly.

According to the présent invention it is advantageous to detect the heave compensationwhich is exerted on the main winch 7a, in order to control the movement of a load withrespect to the seabed. The heave compensating on the main winch will be referred to asbeing a "master compensating". The constant tension of the umbilical winch 5a will be"slaved" to the compensation of the main winch. Therefore the movement of bothcables 4, 5 with respect to the vessel and therefore with respect to the apparatus 10 willbe linked.

Because of the fact that the apparatus 10 according to the présent invention is able tocooperate with the heave compensating System on the hoisting machine on a vessel, adistinction is made between reeling cables in and out:

When the general direction of the cables 4, 5 is reeling out, the situation might occurthat the heave compensation System requires the cables 4, 5 to be reeled in just after theapplication of a clip 13. In that case the clip 13 has to be disconnected from the cables4, 5 again. With the current configuration of the apparatus 10, the dispenser assembly14 keeps its position at the cable position (== cable transfer point). The clip 13 then isapplied to and removed from the cables 4, 5 until the travel of the cables 4, 5 becomeslarger than the travel due to heave compensation. Only then, the dispenser assembly 14retracts to the storage position (= dispenser transfer point) where a new clip 13 istransferred from the storage unit 11 to the dispenser assembly 14.

When the general direction of the cables is reeling in, the dispenser assembly 14removes a clip 13 from the cable assembly 4,5 as soon as the clip 13 reaches the cableposition (= cable transfer point). The dispenser assembly 14 immediately retracts to thestorage position and the clip 13 is put back in the storage unit 11. Thereafter thedispenser assembly 14 retums to the cable position and waits for the next clip to beremoved from the cable, assembly 4,5. 10 12145

Because of the heave compensation procedure described above, the storage unit 11 andthe dispenser assembly 14 can be designed as separate éléments of the apparatus 10.

For the clip 13 to be used with the apparatus 10 according to the présent invention threebasic types can be distinguished. These basic clip-types are shown in figures 6a, 6b and6c respectively. The clip shape according to figure 6a requires a large opening in theclip, the large opening being able to accommodate both the load carrying cable 4 andthe umbilical cable 5.

According to the shape shown in figure 6b both cables 4, 5 are fully enclosed by theclip.

According to figure 6c an other shape is provided for fully enclosing both cables 4, 5.By means of the clips according to figure 6c the load carrying cable 4 will be tightlyclamped by means of the clip. The larger umbilical is vulnérable and the clampingforce on the outside of this umbilical 5 cannot be too high. Therefore it is advantageousnot to exceed the clamping force with the clip on the umbilical 5.

In figure 7 a possible embodiment of a clip 13 according to the type shown in figure 6cis shown. In figure 7 in full Unes the clip 13 is shown in the closed position, where is indashed fines the clip 13 is shown in an open position to receive a first and a secondcable. The clip 13 is able to receive a first (smaller) lifting and a bigger umbilical (datacable). In order to be able to let the data cable essentially ffee (limit the clamping forceon the outside of the data cable) a relatively stiff bottom section 30 is présent toaccommodate an umbilical. At this relatively stiff part of the clip 13 a hinge 31 isprésent in order to be able to open the clip 13. The stiff section 30 by means ofopenings 32 is connected to a flexible section 31. The openings 32 being adapted foraccommodating pins, which form part of an opening and closing mechanism. A furtheropening 33 is présent, for receiving a further pin, being part of the mentioned openingand closing System. The relatively stiff bottom section 30 is connected to amoreflexible upper section 34. The upper section in use being adapted for accommodatingthe load carrying cable 4. A first opening and closing mechanism is described with 1214 5 11 référencé to figures 4 and 5. A further opening and closing mechanism will bedescribed wilh reference to figure 12.

The clip according to figure 7 can be produced using injection moulding. It isadvantageous to produce the clips in the open position, as shown in dashed Unes infigure 7. This has the advantage that if the clips are stored, this will be in the openposition and therefore in a stress-free state. If the machine is designed such that theclips in the apparatus 10 will be fixed to the pins 23, 24 respectively, by friction, thenthe clips should be manufactured in a position in between the fully closed and the fullyopen position. In the open position then the clips will exert a normal force to the pins23, 24. The clips for instance could be made front polypropylene (PP) or Carilon. Bothmaterials can be used for injection molding and hâve a high Chemical résistance.Carilon is more expensive but has an even higher Chemical résistance and durabilitythan PP.

In order to increase the clamping force exerted on the cables a spring could be added tothe clip. In figure 8 a first embodiment is shown of a clip provided with a tensionspring 40.

In figure 9 a further embodiment is shown when the clip is provided with acompression spring 41. The springs 40,41 according to figures 8 and 9 could be usedin stead of or in addition to the closing mechanism of the clip according to figure 7.

Figure 10 shows the forces of the cables acting on the clip 13. The clip 13 is shown in adiagram. The cables 4, 5 hâve virtually no bending stiffness, so in order to exert ahorizontal load, the cables 4,5 hâve to be under a certain angle. The horizontalcomponent of the cable tension load equals the clip load. Since the tension in the cablesis high, the angles will be small. For the lifting cable 4, with a pretension of 160.000 Nthe angle is sin ((1252/2)/160.000) = 0,22°. A possible impact on the clip can bededucted. 12145 12

When the force is exerted on the clip F > 2000 N, and the clip is made of PP thethickness of a clip for clamping a standard load carrying cable and a standard umbilicalwill be approximately 30 mm.

With respect to figure 11 a further embodiment of an opening and closing mechanism50 is shown, for instance to be used as a dispenser assembly 14, in the apparatus shownin figure 4. The assembly 50 comprises one opening cylinder 51 connected with a firsthinge element 52. This hinge element 52 is provided with a lock cylinder 53. The îockcylinder 53 is connected to a lock pin lever 54. The lock pin lever comprising a lockpin 55 for opening and closing the clip 13. The System 50 further comprises a secondhinge element 56 provided with a pin 57 at the end thereof.

In use, the reeling speed of the cables 4,5 with respect to the apparatus 10 according tothe présent invention will be high, leading Utile time available to connect anddisconnect the clip 13 from the cable assembly 4,5. In order to increase the availabletime the application direction could be chosen orthogonal to the moving direction of thecables. According to this embodiment the clips 13 will be opened and closed by meansof guiding pins along which the clips 13 can slide while they are being connected to ordisconnected from the cables 4, 5. Increasing the length of the guide pins 60 willincrease the time available for disconnecting or connecting the clip 13. A possibleembodiment of guide pins 60 is shown in Figure 12. Moving a clip 13 downwardsalong the guide pins 60 the clip 13 can be closed, whereas a clip moving upwards alongthe guide pins 60 will be opened.

The length of the pins 60 govems the time needed to open and close the clips 13. Forinstance, if the clip is 50 mm high and the pins are 100 mm long, the maximum slidingdistance is 50 mm. With a maximum speed of 2.4 m/s, the closing/opening time will be0.02 seconds. Even when using pneumatic cylinders this is a very short time. A typicalcylinder with a diameter of 50 mm and a stroke of 50 mm uses 0.3 seconds for itscomplété travel. The mass that has to be accelerated is rather low, the travel distancecan be small, but the opening force can be high. 12145 13

Increasing the pin length increases the time frame for the opening/closing sequence.

But the length of the pins is limited. If the pins are too long, the stiffness will be lostand therewith accuracy. The diameter of the pins is in the order of magnitude of 10mm, and the length of 1000 mm is suspected not to be feasible. An option to overcomethis problem is to use slots instead of holes in the clip, as is shown in figure 13. Nowthe pins 60 can be supported and the length is not limited anymore. If the pins are 750mm long, the opening/closing time will be approximately 0.3 seconds. As shown infigure 12, the static guide pins 60 will be static but curved, such that the clip isautomatically closed or opened if the clip is forced to move along these pins. If thefriction between the cable and the clip is high enough, the cable can move the clipsalong the static curved pins. If the friction between cables 4, 5 and clip 13 is not highenough or when the cables are standing still, the clip 13 has to be actively moved alongthe pins. This concept éliminâtes the demanding influence of the cable speed on thedesign.

When using the closing and opening mechanism as described with reference to figures12 and 13, the storage could be provided above the guiding pins 60. If the clip 13 is tobe removed from the cables, it can hâve any position on the pins 60. There has to be adevice to move it from this position back into a storage area. If the clip is to be appliedto the cables, it has to be at the top of the pins 60 to be able to use the full slidingdistance. This implies that if the storage area for the clips 13 is above the pins, thislatter movement is much smaller, which will resuit in a cheaper and quicker System.

For the static pins 60 according to figure 12, there is another important advantage inlocating the storage above the dispenser. The clip 13 will be closed if it is released atthe bottom of the pins 60, and opened and stress-free if it is released at the top, andready to be fed to the storage.

In the présent text reference is made to the possibility for bundling at Ieast a first and asecond cable, for instance a load carrying cable 4 and an umbilical 5. Moreover in thetext as bundling means clips 13 are described, for instance with reference to figures 7, 8,9 and 13. However, as an alternative several other possibilities could be used forbundling at least a first and a second cable, for instance when deploying a load from a 12145 14 vessel towards the seabed. The first alternative solution is shown in figure 14. In thisfigure bundling means such as clips 70 will be applied to a cable assembly 71. In thesolution according to figure 14 the connecting means 70 are interconnected by threads72. From a storage (not shown) the interconnected means 70 will be fed towards thecable assembly 71. A further possibility for bundling two or more cables is shown in figure 15, in this casethe connecting means consist of a continuous foil 80 with a closing mechanismattached to it. The foil is led around the cable assembly 82 and then closed. Themechanism is referred to as number 81, being a zipper, Velcro, hooks andloops, a snapfastener or a hook and wire solution.

The advantage of this solution is that the strip can be reeled in and thus can beexchanged without disconnecting the cables. In this solution Velcro seems to be themost feasible way for connecting the foil. Due to the necessary speed, robustness, it’slow necessary accuracy during closing and a larger number of cycles. Velcro comprisestwo different tapes, the hook and loops. When closing the Velcro it needs to be pressedat both sides. The design of the hooks and loops dépend upon the spécifications, suchas the number of cycles, strengths, etc. There are types of Velcro that can be opened orclosed a thousand of times. The strengths of these types are lower than that of the typesthat are meant for a few numbers of cycles only. However, a typical strength of a largecycle Velcro type is 5 N/cm2. A further alternative for connecting an umbilical 5 and a load carrying cable 4 is shownin figure 16. In this case, both cables 4, 5 are connected by means of a continuous strip90, which holds the cables 4, 5 in a snaplock. The locking mechanism is thus theflexibility of the strip 90. Therefore, the strip 90 best can be made of a thermoplastic.Because of the fact that the strip 90 is continuous, the clamping force per unit lengthcan be low compared to the concept using discrète clamps. An advantage of thisconcept is that the cables are protected over a large part of their surface.

In the configuration according to figure 16 the enclosure by means of the continuousstrip can only be taken off the vessel side of the sheaves. So, the enclosure should not 12145 15 be damaged by the sheaves. A larger diameter of the sheave can be used to decrease thesurface pressure on the sheave, and thus on the enclosure 90. The material of theenclosure 90 should be able to withstand this pressure without damage. 5 A further possibility for connecting first and second cables 4, 5 is shown in figure 17.

In fact, figure 17 a braiding wheel 100 is shown having 4 carriers 101, each of thecarriers 101 adapted for applying yams of fibre around the cables 4, 5. The braidingprocess aceording to figure 17 is widely used in other industries, such as the textileindustry where braiding is used for creating yams out of fibres and in the composite 10 industry for the creating of carbon and glass fibre. Aceording to the invention a possible braiding process has to be réversible.

In the présent invention reference is made to an apparatus and a method for deploymentof an object in water. It should be noted that the apparatus and the method aceording to 15 the présent invention also be used during recovery. When the cables are reeled inbundling éléments can be removed from the cables in order to be able to reel in thecables separately.

It should be noted that for the man skilled in the art it is possible to dérivé other 20 solutions for connecting a first and second cable, while deploying a load, for instancefrom a vessel towards the seabed. Such modifications are meant to be described in thefollowing daims.

Claims (28)

16 Claims 12145

1. Deployment apparatus for deployment of an object in a fluid, e.g. the sea, bymeans of at least a first and a second cable, such as a load carrying cable and a data-end-power umbilical, to be connected to the object, the apparatus comprising first andsecond winch means for respectively reeling in and out the first and second cable inorder to allow movement of the object with respect to the apparatus, the winch meansbeing connected to a heave compensating System, in order to control the movement ofthe load with respect to the seabed during deployment thereof, characterised in that, thefirst and second winch are provided with control means which cooperate in order tosynchronise the cable speed of both first and second cable and wherein the apparatus isprovided with a bundling apparatus for bundling the cables, when reeled out, in order toprovide a single cable assembly between the apparatus and the object duringdeployment, the bundling apparatus being provided with sensor means for measuringthe speed of the cables with respect to the bundling apparatus, the sensor means beingconnected to the bundling apparatus by means of processing means, such as acomputer, for controlling the bundling apparatus dépendent on the speed of the cables.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bundling apparatus is adapted toenclose the first and the second cable by means of discrète bundling éléments,

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the discrète bundling éléments areformed as rings or clips.

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundlingapparatus is adapted for application to and removal from the bundling éléments fromthe cables.

5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundlingapparatus is provided with a storage for bundling éléments, such as clips.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bundling apparatus is provided witha dispenser assembly, the dispenser assembly being movable between a storage 17 12145 position adjacent the storage for feeding one or more clips to the dispenser assemblyand a cable position, adjacent to the path of the cables through or along the apparatus,for application of the clips around the at least first and second cable.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the dispenser assembly is provided withmeans for opening and closing a clip. S. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for opening and closing a clipcomprise pins, which pins cooperate with respective holes in the clips.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the pins for opening and closing aclip are fixed on a first and a second lever, the levers being connected to a singleactuating element.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the actuating element is a pneumaticcylinder.

11. Apparatus according one of the preceding daims, wherein the apparatus isprovided with a cable guide, for guiding the cables along the cable position.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bundling means are adapted forenclosing the first and second cable by means of a continuons enclosure.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the bundling means are adapted toenclose the first and second cable by means of an enclosure foil.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the bundling apparatus is adapted forconnection by both first and second cable by means of a continuous snap lock.

15. Apparatus according to one of the preceding daims, wherein the apparatuscomprises sensor means for measuring the movement of the first winch, the sensormeans, by means of processing means, being connected to the control means of the 12145 18 second winch, for controlling the speed of the second winch dépendent on the speed ofthe first winch.

16. Apparatus according to one of the preceding daims, wherein the apparatus isprovided with a frame, the frame carrying a sheave for guiding the cables, wherein thebundling apparatus is positioned downstream of the sheave when regarding the cablemovement during deployment.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the sheave is provided with a doublegroove for accommodating both a first and a second cable, in order to synchronise thecable speed of both cables.

18. Clip, to be used with the apparatus according to daims 1-17, wherein the clip isadapted to receive a first and a second cable, the clip being movable from a firstposition for receiving the cables and a second position, wherein the clip is closed forenclosing the cables.

19. Clip according to claim 18, wherein the clip is provided with a snap lock.

20. Clip according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the clip is provided with two or morethrough holes, the through holes being adapted to receive opening and closing pins.

21. Clip according to daims 18-20, wherein the clips comprise a relatively stiffsection, for receiving a first cable, which stiff section adjoins a relatively flexiblesection, for receiving a second cable.

22. Clip according to claim 21, wherein the snap lock is provided in the relativelyflexible section.

23. Vessel comprising an apparatus according to one of the daims 1-17.

24. Method for deploying a load in a fluid, e.g. the sea, the load being raised andlowered by means of at least a first and a second cable, characterised in that the first 19 12145 and second cable are connected to form a single cable assembly prior to lowering thecables into the water.

25. Method according to claim 24, wherein the cables are connected by means of5 discrète bundling éléments.

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the discrète bundling éléments areinterconnected by means of threads, wherein a further bundling element engages thecables by pulling the further bundling éléments towards the cables by means of the 10 interconnection, wherein the cable speed is used for engagement of the further bundlingelement to the cable.

27. Method according to claim 24, wherein the cables are connected by means of acontinuous bundling element. 15

28. Method according to claim 27, wherein the continuous bundling element has theform of a continuous snap lock element, the éléments being adapted for receiving atleast a first and a second cable.

29. Method according to claim 28, wherein the cables are connected by means of braiding.