TW202340607A - Disassemblable anchor and method of assembling a disassemblable anchor - Google Patents

Abstract

Disassemblable anchor with a base (100) and a plurality of slabs (200). The base (100) and the slabs (200) comprise a plate-shaped geometry with a thickness substantially smaller than its height and its width. The base (100) comprises a main slat (104) with at least one ring (105) for hoisting the main slat and placing it on the seabed. The base (100) comprises an eyelet (103) configured to engage an anchor cable or chain. Each slab (200) comprises at least one ring (105) for lifting the slab (200) and placing it on the main slat (104). Each slab (200) comprises a slot (201) with an open end so that in its placement on the main slat (104) each slab (200) is positioned transversely to the base (100) with the main slat (104) inserted in the slot (201) of each slab (200).

Description

Detachable anchors and methods of assembling the detachable anchors

The present invention relates to a detachable modular anchor, and in particular to a detachable modular anchor, which is suitable for anchoring a platform of a wind turbine located in the sea.

Floating platforms, particularly those designed to support wind turbines used offshore to generate electricity from wind energy, require anchoring systems to keep the floating platform in position and contribute to its stability. These anchoring systems require elements that enable them to be securely attached to the seabed.

Various anchoring systems are currently known:

- Pile anchors and suction anchors. These systems are similar and both are buried within the seabed.

- Conventional anchors are mainly used in chain anchoring systems where the chain section rests on the seabed.

- Large concrete blocks (rectangular or cylindrical), sometimes called gravity anchors. These are most simple and are used especially when the anchor chain or cable rises to the sea surface vertically or with a slight inclination (the anchor line does not rest on the seabed).

All of the above anchoring systems have, usually at the top, a ring or other fastening device for fastening the anchor cable.

The problem with the above anchoring systems is that as the size of floating platforms of this type grows rapidly, these systems require very large and heavy anchoring elements, in some cases exceeding 1000 tons each. These make them difficult and very expensive to install, in some cases requiring special ships with large cranes to position them to the seabed.

Therefore, in terms of manufacturing and installation costs, traditional anchoring systems require the use of large lifting capacity cranes mounted on specialized vessels, which would be very expensive to rent. Their use is currently acceptable because they are the only viable option.

In order to improve the above shortcomings, the present invention relates to a detachable group anchor.

One object of the present invention is a detachable anchor, and in particular it refers to the anchoring of a platform for a wind turbine located in the sea, where the platform on which the wind turbine is located is attached to the anchor by means of a chain or an anchoring cable.

Compared with other types of traditional anchors, the detachable anchor object of the present invention greatly facilitates the operations of transporting and positioning the anchor.

The detachable anchor object of the present invention can be used in any type of structure that is intended to float on the sea surface and needs to have one or more anchoring points on the seabed for attaching cables or anchoring chains of the floating platform.

The detachable anchor object of the present invention includes a base (or base element) and a plurality of fixed plates (or plates), wherein the base and the fixed plates include a substantially flat geometric shape, with a thickness substantially smaller than its height and width.

The base includes a main slat (or beam) including at least one ring (preferably two rings) configured for lifting the main slat and placing it on the seabed.

The base includes at least one eye configured to engage a cable or anchor chain.

Each stator plate includes at least one ring (preferably two rings) configured to lift the stator plate and place it on the main slat.

Each stair plate includes a slot (or notch) with a width equal to or greater than the width of the base, wherein the slot includes an open end so that it rests on the main slat, and each certain plate is configured to be laterally positioned to the base to allow the main slat to be inserted. (at least partially) within the slot of each fixed plate.

The installation of gravity anchors is facilitated by the above-mentioned detachable anchor structure, as it eliminates the need for large ships with cranes with large load capacities, since the anchors are installed in stages, one by one with the crane (first the base and then the fixing plate) Placed on the base) the loading element achieves a simple and very stable structure against the stress of the cable or anchor chain.

Preferably, the main slat includes a hole configured for inserting a long stick configured to stabilize the base to avoid overturning when the fixed plate has not been placed on the main slat.

Also preferably, the main slats include teeth configured to grip and/or increase friction with the seabed.

According to one aspect of the invention, the base includes a support (or arm) having one end attached to the main slat and having the other end attached to the eyelet, wherein the end attached to the eyelet has a width smaller than the width of the end attached to the main slat .

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the pillars are located in the centers corresponding to the main slats (in this case the base is symmetrical, with the pillars in its centre).

Preferably, the main slat includes a plurality of grooves, wherein each groove is configured to receive a fixed plate.

The groove may include a surface that is inclined toward the abutment.

Furthermore, if the pillars are located in the center of the main slats, the base may include the same number of grooves on each side of the pillars.

Preferably, the slot of each fixed plate has a height (or depth) equal to or greater than the height of the main slats of the base.

The slot of each stair plate may include a chamfer or chamfer profile at its open end, configured to position the stair plate (lowering the stair plate) against the movement of the main slats of the base such that the stair plate tends to be positioned so that the main slats of the base are inserted way inside the slot of the fixed plate. These chamfered edges or chamfered surfaces help center and position each plate on the base.

Each plate may include teeth configured to grip and/or increase friction with the seabed.

According to the first embodiment, the slot of the fixed plate is centered relative to the width dimension of the fixed plate.

According to the second and third embodiments, the slot is offset relative to the width dimension of the fixed plate.

In a third embodiment, the fixed plate has a bevel shape at the corner opposite to the base.

According to a fourth embodiment, the anchor plate includes spacers configured to assist in aligning and positioning the anchor plate on the base of the anchor.

As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a method of assembling a detachable anchor.

The method of assembling a detachable anchor object of the present invention includes using the above-mentioned detachable anchor.

According to the present invention, the method of assembling the detachable anchor includes:

. Lifting and lowering the anchor base to the seabed; and

. Lift and lower each stair plate and place it on the base, matching the slots with the main slats of the base until the main slats are at least partially inserted into the slots of each stair plate.

In the case where the anchors include struts, the assembly method may include alternately placing anchor plates on the main slats on each side of the struts.

In the case where the slots of the stator plate are offset, the assembly method may include placing the stator plate on the main slats so that portions of each side of the slot of the stator plate having smaller and longer lengths alternately protrude from each side of the base. one side.

As mentioned above, the present invention relates to a removable anchor.

The detachable anchor component of the present invention includes a base 100 and a set of slabs 200. The slabs 200 are configured to be assembled in stepped contour grooves 101. The grooves 101 are along the main slat of the base 100. 104 permutations.

The base 100 has a generally planar geometry with a small thickness compared to its height and width. The base 100 includes a main slat 104 and a support 102. One end of the support 102 is connected to the main slat 104, and the other end of the support 102 is crowned by an eyelet 103. The eyelet 103 is configured to engage one end of a cable or anchor chain (not shown), and at its other end, is configured to engage a floating platform (not shown) to support, for example, an offshore wind turbine.

The pillar 102 preferably has a pyramid-like geometry, with one end where the eye hole 103 is located narrower than the end attached to the main slat 104 .

The main slat 104 is divided into two halves by struts 102 .

For the assembly of the anchor, the fixing plates 200 are positioned on the stepped profile grooves 101 of the main slats 104 of the base 100, and the fixing plates 200 are alternately arranged on both sides of the pillars 102, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the anchor, in which the fixing plate 200 can be seen to have been assembled on the main slat 104 , and the eye holes 103 of the support posts 102 can be seen protruding above the fixing plate 200 .

The groove 101 of the main slat 104 of the base 100 has a surface inclined toward the center of the main slat 104, that is, the inclined support 102. In this manner, when the fixed plates 200 are placed, they tend to rest against the pillars 102 , or against the nearest fixed plate 200 in the direction of the pillars 102 .

Figure 4 shows the different parts that make up the base 100 of the anchor.

As shown, the base 100 includes rings 105 at each end of the main lath 104. These rings are configured for lifting and positioning by means of cables or lifting chains from a crane on the vessel (not shown). On the seabed at base 100.

The base 100 includes spikes or teeth 106 that protrude from the underside of the main slat 104 , that is, from the side or edge of the main slat 104 opposite the groove 101 . When the cable or anchor chain pulls the anchor forcefully through a force component parallel to the seabed surface, these spikes or teeth 106 are configured to create a grip on the base 100 on the seabed to avoid or hinder the cable from being pulled. Or the anchor chain causes displacement or drag of the anchor.

The base 100 also includes a sleeve and/or a hole 107 located below the pillar 102, corresponding to the center of the main slat 104, and approximately close to the underside or lower edge of the main slat 104. This hole 107 is configured for inserting and/or embedding and/or clamping long rods 108 protruding from both sides of the flat plate geometry of the base 100 . When the cable or hanging chain lowers the base 100 to the seabed, and when the anchor has not been assembled, and/or the fixed plate 200 has not been placed corresponding to the groove 101 of the main slat 104 of the base 100, the long stick 108 is configured for use To provide lateral stability to the base 100 and prevent the base 100 from flipping and tipping to one side.

The anchor plate 200 has a generally flat plate-like geometry with a small thickness compared to its height and width. Stator plate 200 typically includes the same thickness as base 100 . The fixed plate 200 includes a slot 201 with a height equal to or greater than the height of the main slat 104 of the base 100 (not counting the nail portion or tooth portion 106 of the base 100), and a thickness slightly greater than the main slat 104 of the base 100. In this manner, when the fixed plate 200 is placed corresponding to each groove 101 of the main slat 104 of the base 100, the fixed plate can be aligned by matching its slot 201 with the portion of the main slat 104 having the groove 101. And lower the fixed plate to rest on the groove 101. During the process of lowering the fixed plate 200, the profile or thickness of the main slat 104 of the base 100 is gradually inserted into the slot 201 of the fixed plate 200.

Slot 201 includes chamfered edges 202 at its open end configured to assist in the lowering and maneuvering of fixing plate 200 onto main slats 104 of base 100 and to assist in the positioning of fixing plate 200 so that the main slats of base 100 The outline or thickness of 104 is inserted into the slot 201 of the fixed plate 200.

The stair plates 200 also include rings 203 configured for suspending each stair plate 200 by means of suspension cables or chains to a crane (not shown) arranged on the vessel. In this manner, each plate 200 can be lowered and placed on the base 100 of the anchor.

The anchor plate also includes spikes or teeth 204 configured to grip the seafloor and avoid or hinder dragging of the anchor by cables or anchor chains.

Figure 5 illustrates a first embodiment of an anchor plate 200. According to this first embodiment, the slot 201 of the fixed plate 200 is at a central position relative to the width of the fixed plate 200 . According to this first embodiment of the stator plate 200, the stator plate 200 includes a substantially rectangular geometry.

Figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the anchor plate 200. According to this second embodiment, the slot 201 of the fixed plate 200 is at an offset position relative to the width of the fixed plate 200 . According to this second embodiment of the stator plate 200 , the stator plate 200 includes a substantially rectangular geometry.

Figure 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the anchor plate 200. According to this third embodiment, the slot 201 of the fixed plate 200 is at an offset position relative to the width of the fixed plate 200 . According to this third embodiment of the stator plate 200 , the stator plate 200 includes a generally trapezoidal geometry with upper sides or upper edges including different bevel portions at the upper corners. This construction not only serves aesthetic purposes, but also reduces the weight of the ends of the stator plate 200 and therefore reduces the bending moment of the portion above the slot 201, which can be made taller and therefore more resistant; alternatively, it This allows the stator plate 200 to be made wider and provides greater lateral stability to the anchor assembly.

In Figures 8a, 8b and 8c, it can be seen that all the fixing plates 200 of the anchor are assembled on the base 100, wherein the fixing plates 200 are configured according to the first embodiment of the fixing plate 200.

In Figures 9a and 9b, the process of assembling the first fixed plate 200 to the anchor base 100 is observed, wherein the first fixed plate 200 is configured according to the first embodiment of the fixed plate 200.

In Figure 10a, Figure 10b and Figure 10c, it can be seen that all the fixing plates 200 of the anchor are assembled on the base 100, wherein the fixing plates 200 are configured according to the second embodiment of the fixing plate 200. As can be seen, since in this second embodiment of the stator plate 200, the slots 201 are offset, the stator plates 200 are arranged in an alternating manner, protruding from each side of the base 100 on each side of the slots 201. Side, this part is larger or smaller than the length or width of the fixed plate 200. This configuration provides greater stability to the anchor, as the anchor plate 200 tends to tilt to either side of the base 100, settling its spikes or teeth 204 on the seabed, avoiding or impeding access to either side of the base 100. Possible swing or roll, since the fixed plate 200 is supported on the seabed on each side of the base 100. Therefore, the torsion caused by the asymmetry of the fixed plates 200 arranged on the base 100 increases the friction between the fixed plates 200 and the base 100, making the assembly more firmly combined.

Figure 11 illustrates the process of assembling the fourth fixing plate 200 on the base 100 of the anchor. The fourth fixing plate 200 is a side of the second piece to be positioned to the support 102 of the base 100. On the other side, it is shown that the two fixed plates 200 have been positioned. The fixed plate 200 is configured according to the second embodiment of the fixed plate 200 and is staggeredly placed on the base 100. The smaller and longer length portions on each side of the slot 201 of the fixed plate 200 alternately protrude from the base 100. on each side.

Figures 12a, 12b and 12c are similar to Figures 10a, 10b and 10c, but the fixed plate 200 is configured according to the third embodiment of the fixed plate 200.

Figure 13 is similar to Figure 11, but the fixed plate 200 is configured according to the third embodiment of the fixed plate 200.

Figure 14 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a fixed plate 200, wherein the fixed plate 200 includes spacers 205 (typically wooden guide blocks attached or coupled to the surface of the fixed plate 200, on either side of the fixed plate 200) , configured to assist in aligning and positioning the fixing plate 200 to the base 100 of the anchor.

15a, 15b, 15c and 15d illustrate that the anchor has all the fixing plates 200 assembled on the base 100, wherein the fixing plates 200 are configured according to the fourth embodiment of the fixing plates 200.

Both the base 100 and the fixed plate 200 can be made of reinforced concrete and constructed on a horizontal flat surface, with templates helping to define the outline of each plate (the base 100 and the fixed plate 200). Alternatively, the base 100 and the fixed plate 200 may be metal castings or cut from a metal plate of considerable thickness.

Although the same number of anchor plates 200 have been included on both sides of the strut 102 in all illustrations, for certain applications where the forces generated by the anchor cables are not vertical but have a significant (and permanent) horizontal component, More anchor plates 200 can be placed on opposite sides of the anchoring cable direction to improve its stability. In this case, the main slats 104 are not symmetrical, but have one of the arms (on one side of the strut 102) longer than the other.

The base 100 preferably has a reinforced concrete structure, especially internally reinforced, since it is intended to support all the weight of the fixed plate 200.

The base 100 has an inverted "T" shape as shown.

The inclination of the side walls or edges or sides of the struts 102 serves a dual purpose: on the one hand, it is convenient from a structural point of view, since the pull of the cables or anchor chains can cause important bending moments at the interface with the main lath 104 , and in addition the fixed plates 200 rest against these sides, so that friction prevents movement between the two pieces, and also provides them with stability if the seabed is not ideally level. The slope of the side walls of the pillars 102 allows the stator 200 to rest against the pillars 102 (by gravity) without falling out (even if the entire assembly is uneven). The angle of these side walls will depend on the irregularities of the ground where they are to be installed (especially its maximum slope) and can vary between 10° and 30°.

100: base 101: Groove 102:Pillar 103:eye hole 104: Main slat 105: Ring 106:Tooth part 107:hole 108:Long stick 200: Fixed plate 201:Slot 202: chamfer edge 203: Ring 204:Tooth 205: Spacer pad

The following drawings are included in part to explain at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1: A schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a detachable anchor, showing the anchor partially assembled and in the process of assembly.

Figure 2: A schematic side view of the detachable anchor of Figure 1.

Figure 3: A schematic front view of the detachable assembly anchor of Figure 1.

Figure 4: A schematic three-dimensional view of the base of the detachable anchor shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5: A schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of one of the fixed plates of the detachable anchor.

Figure 6: A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of one of the fixed plates of the detachable anchor.

Figure 7: A schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of one of the fixed plates of the detachable anchor.

Figure 8a: shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a possible embodiment of the detachable anchor. All the fixing plates have been assembled on the base of the anchor, where the fixing plates correspond to the fixing plates of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5.

Figure 8b: A schematic side view of the detachable anchor assembly of Figure 8a.

Figure 8c: A schematic front view of the detachable anchor assembly of Figure 8a.

Figure 9a: A schematic three-dimensional view showing the first fixed plate (the fixed plate according to the first embodiment) being assembled on the base of the anchor.

Figure 9b: shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the anchor of Figure 9a, with the first fixed plate being assembled on the base of the anchor.

Figure 10a: shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a possible embodiment of the detachable anchor. All the fixing plates have been assembled on the base of the anchor, where the fixing plates correspond to the fixing plates of the second embodiment shown in Figure 6.

Figure 10b: A schematic side view of the detachable assembly anchor of Figure 10a.

Figure 10c: shows a schematic front view of the detachable anchor of Figure 10a.

Figure 11: A schematic three-dimensional view showing that the first fixed plate (the fixed plate according to the second embodiment) will be assembled on the base of the anchor (on the right side of the base of the anchor), in which the two fixed plates have been assembled as shown in the figure. To the left of the Anchor's base.

Figure 12a: shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a possible embodiment of the detachable anchor. All the fixing plates have been assembled on the base of the anchor, where the fixing plates correspond to the fixing plates of the third embodiment shown in Figure 7.

Figure 12b: A schematic side view of the detachable assembly anchor of Figure 12a.

Figure 12c: A schematic front view of the detachable anchor assembly of Figure 12a.

Figure 13: A schematic three-dimensional view showing that the first fixed plate (the fixed plate according to the third embodiment) will be assembled on the base of the anchor (on the right side of the base of the anchor), in which the two fixed plates have been assembled as shown in the figure. To the left of the Anchor's base.

Figure 14: A schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of one of the fixed plates of the detachable anchor.

Figure 15a: shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a possible embodiment of the detachable anchor. All the fixing plates have been assembled on the base of the anchor, where the fixing plates correspond to the fixing plates of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 14.

Figure 15b: A schematic side view of the detachable anchor assembly of Figure 15a.

Figure 15c: A schematic front view of the detachable anchor assembly of Figure 15a.

Figure 15d: A schematic plan view of the detachable assembly anchor of Figure 15a.

100: base

200: Fixed board

Claims (17)

A detachable anchor including: a base; and A plurality of fixed plates, wherein the base and the fixed plate have a substantially flat geometry and a thickness substantially smaller than its height and width, wherein the base includes a main slat, the main slat includes at least one ring, configured for Lifting the main plank and placing the main plank on the seabed, wherein the base includes at least one eyelet configured for attaching a mooring cable or chain; wherein each of the fixed plates includes at least one ring configured for lifting the Fixing plates and placing the fixing plates on the main slats, and wherein each of the fixing plates includes a slot with a width equal to or greater than the width of the base, wherein the slot includes an open end, so that when placed on When on the main slats, each fixed plate is configured to be laterally positioned to the base so that the main slats are inserted into the slots of each fixed plate. The detachable anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main slat includes a hole configured for the insertion of a long stick, and when the fixing plate has not been placed on the main slat, the long stick is configured for Stabilize the base to prevent it from flipping over. The detachable anchor as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the main slats include teeth configured to grip and/or increase friction with the seabed. A detachable anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base includes a post having one end attached to the main slat and another end attached to the eyelet, wherein the end attached to the eyelet has a width Less than the width of the end attached to the main slat. The detachable anchor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pillar is located at the center corresponding to the main slat. The detachable anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main slat includes a plurality of grooves, wherein each groove is configured to receive a fixed plate. The detachable anchor as claimed in claim 4 or 5 and claim 6, wherein the grooves include a surface inclined toward the pillar. The detachable anchor as claimed in claim 5 and claim 6 or 7, wherein the same number of grooves are included on each side of the pillar. The detachable anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slot of each fixed plate has a depth equal to or greater than the height of the main slat of the base. A detachable anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slot of each anchor plate includes a chamfered edge at its open end, configured to position the anchor plate during maneuvering of the main slat of the base. , the stator plate tends to be positioned such that the main slat of the base is inserted into the slot of the stator plate. A detachable anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fixed plate includes a toothed portion configured to grip and/or increase friction with the seabed. The detachable anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slot is offset relative to the width dimension of the fixed plate. The detachable anchor of claim 12, wherein the fixed plate has a bevel geometry at a corner opposite to the base. A detachable anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing plate includes spacers configured to assist in aligning and positioning the fixing plate on the base. A method of assembling a detachable anchor, including using the detachable anchor as described in any of the preceding claims, including: lifting and lowering the base on the seabed; and Lift and lower each fixed plate, place it on the base, and match the slot with the main slat of the base until the main slat is at least partially inserted into the slot of each fixed plate. A method of assembling a removable anchor as claimed in claim 15, comprising using a removable anchor as described in any one of claims 4, 5, 7 or 8, including alternately on each side of the pillar. Place the fixing plate on the main slat. The method of assembling the detachable anchor as described in claim 15 or 16 includes using the detachable anchor as described in any one of claim 12 or 13, which includes placing the fixing plate on the main slat so that respectively Smaller and longer length portions on each side of the slot in the stator plate alternately protrude from either side of the base.

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