US20240067308A1 - Improved mooring connector - Google Patents

Improved mooring connector Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240067308A1
US20240067308A1 US18/256,605 US202118256605A US2024067308A1 US 20240067308 A1 US20240067308 A1 US 20240067308A1 US 202118256605 A US202118256605 A US 202118256605A US 2024067308 A1 US2024067308 A1 US 2024067308A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
connector
line
movable
arrangement
transverse axis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/256,605
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English (en)
Inventor
Richard Taylor
David Smith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Flintstone Technology Ltd
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Flintstone Technology Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB2019391.8A external-priority patent/GB202019391D0/en
Application filed by Flintstone Technology Ltd filed Critical Flintstone Technology Ltd
Assigned to FLINTSTONE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED reassignment FLINTSTONE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TAYLOR, RICHARD, SMITH, DAVID
Publication of US20240067308A1 publication Critical patent/US20240067308A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B63B21/507—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers with mooring turrets
    • B63B21/508—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers with mooring turrets connected to submerged buoy
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/20—Adaptations of chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like, or of parts thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B63B21/502—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers by means of tension legs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B63B21/507—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers with mooring turrets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B2021/003—Mooring or anchoring equipment, not otherwise provided for
    • B63B2021/005—Resilient passive elements to be placed in line with mooring or towing chains, or line connections, e.g. dampers or springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/20—Adaptations of chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like, or of parts thereof
    • B63B2021/203—Mooring cables or ropes, hawsers, or the like; Adaptations thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector or mooring connector, such as a marine/floating/buoyant/subsea/underwater/offshore (mooring) connector, for example, for connecting a line or lines, such as a mooring line(s), to a structure, such as a marine/floating/buoyant/subsea/underwater/offshore structure, for example, a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy.
  • the invention also relates to an associated apparatus, structure and methods.
  • a mooring line for example, a wire, chain or synthetic mooring line (such as polyester line) used subsea, for example, in the oil, gas, offshore wind, or tidal energy industries, or the like, can be attached to a (subsea) structure by means of a connector.
  • the mooring of such a structure may be permanent.
  • degradation of the line for example, corrosion of the wire or chain may require replacement of the degraded line.
  • ROV remotely operated vehicle
  • WO2014/155094 discloses a subsea connector comprising a first portion comprising a male part, a second portion comprising a female part, and a means or arrangement for connecting the first and second portions, wherein
  • the prior art suffers from a number of problems and/or disadvantages.
  • An object of at least embodiment of at least one aspect of present invention may be to seek to obviate or at least mitigate one or more problems and/or disadvantages in the prior art.
  • a connector such as a mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector and/or offshore connector.
  • the connector may comprise a first portion.
  • the connector may comprise a second portion.
  • the connector may comprise an arrangement for releasably locking the first portion and the second portion.
  • the releasable lock arrangement may comprise at least one movable lock or stopper member which may be (resiliently/sprung) biased toward(s) a first position.
  • the first portion may comprise a male portion.
  • the second portion may comprise a female portion.
  • the first portion may be receivable within the second portion.
  • the second portion may comprise a through-bore.
  • the through-bore may have first portion entry and/or exit ends.
  • The/each at least one movable lock member may be provided on the second portion, such as at or adjacent a/the exit end of a/the through-bore, and may be connected, for example, hingeably attached thereto.
  • the at least one movable lock member When in the first position the at least one movable lock member may overlap (with) a/the through-bore of the second portion when viewed along an axis of the through-bore.
  • the at least one movable lock member may be resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of a spring or biasing arrangement) from the first position to a second position and to a third position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion.
  • each lock or stopper member may be resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of a/the spring or biasing arrangement) from the third position to the second position and to the first position by withdrawal of the first portion from the second portion.
  • the first position and the third position may be one and the same.
  • the first position may be a radially proximal position
  • the second position may be a radially distal position
  • the third position may be a radially proximal position relative to an/the axis of a/the through-bore of the second portion.
  • the or each stopper member may be movable against the action of a biasing arrangement by insertion of the first portion into the second portion and/or by removal of the first portion from the second portion.
  • the releasable lock arrangement may be adapted to take or transmit tension between a line, such as a mooring line, and a structure through the connector.
  • the connector may comprise an (rotation) arrangement for rotating the first portion relative to the second portion when the first portion is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the second portion.
  • the rotation arrangement may cause the first portion and second portion to adopt a pre-selected rotational disposition when mated.
  • the rotation arrangement may comprise at least one or one cam follower, pin or protrusion on one of the first portion (or the second portion) and a guide or cam track on (the other of) the second portion (or the first portion).
  • At least one biasing arrangement/member or spring member There may be provided at least one biasing arrangement/member or spring member.
  • a first end of the/each biasing member may be connected to a first movable lock member.
  • a second end of the/each biasing member may be connected to a second movable lock member.
  • a first end of the first movable lock member may be connected to a first end of a (first) biasing member.
  • a second end of the first movable lock member may be connected to the second biasing member.
  • a first end of the second movable lock member may be connected to a second end of the (first) biasing member. (A second end of the second movable lock member may be connected to the second biasing member).
  • the first portion may comprise at least one recess or notch adapted to receive the/one of the movable lock-member(s), such as in a lock position, such as a/the third position.
  • the first portion may comprise at least one opposing pair of recesses or notches adapted to lock or engage with a/the pair of opposing or facing movable lock members, such as when in a/the respective third positions.
  • the first portion may provide a mooring line connection arrangement.
  • the first portion may have a first end adapted for insertion into the second portion.
  • the first portion may have a second end adapted for connection to a mooring line.
  • the first portion may have an arrangement for allowing movement of the first portion relative to a mooring line, preferably the movement allowing arrangement being provided at or adjacent an end/the second end of the first portion and/or being adapt to allow relative movement in two perpendicular axes.
  • the connector may comprise a mooring line or leg connector for use with a mooring line or leg extending up from a floor of a body of water, such as a sea floor, for example, to connect a floating structure to be moored to the floor of the body of water.
  • Connection and disconnection of the connector or the line may be done by pulling in and/or out on the first portion (which may comprise an elongate body), for example, using a work line.
  • the at least one movable lock member may comprise at least part of a latch mechanism for connecting or fixing a/the line to a/the structure to be moored.
  • an arrangement for releasably connecting the first and second portions Preferably there may be provided an arrangement for releasably connecting the first and second portions.
  • the at least one movable lock member may comprise at least part of the releasable connection arrangement.
  • the releasable connection arrangement may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage in the second portion.
  • the first portion may comprise an arrangement/means for connecting or connection to one or more lines, such as mooring lines, preferably allowing rotational movement around or about at least one transverse axis of the first portion with respect to the line.
  • lines such as mooring lines
  • the second portion may comprise an arrangement/means for connecting or connection to a (subsea) structure, preferably allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the second portion with respect to the structure.
  • the transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion (e.g., when the first and second portions are connected/mated).
  • A/the through-passage of the second portion may be capable of receiving a work-line or wire.
  • A/the arrangement for connecting the first portion to a line may comprise one or more first bearing means.
  • the one or more first bearing means may comprise a clevis arrangement.
  • A/the arrangement for connecting the second portion to a structure may comprise one or more second bearing means.
  • the one or more second bearing means may comprise one or more protrusions or trunnions.
  • the one or more protrusions or trunnions may provide a/the transverse axis of the second portion.
  • A/the transverse axis of the second portion may be substantially horizontal (for example, in use).
  • A/the transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion, for example, in use, when the first and second portions are connected.
  • the connector may comprise the first portion, the second portion, and a/the arrangement for connecting the first and second portions, wherein the arrangement for connecting may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage in the second portion, the through-passage optionally being capable of receiving a work-line or wire, the first portion comprising an arrangement for releasably connecting to the work-line or wire, the line connecting arrangement preferably comprising first and second line connection means, the first line connection means preferably being configured for releasably engaging with the second line connection means, and the engagement between the first and second line connection means preferably being caused by tension created between the work line or wire and the first portion of the connector.
  • the connector may comprise a/the first portion comprising a male part, a/the second portion comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means for connecting the first and second portions, wherein
  • the connector may comprise a/the first portion comprising a male part, a second portion comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means for connecting the first and second portions, wherein
  • the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion.
  • the at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the second portion/member.
  • Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the third position to the second position by yet further insertion of the first portion into the second portion.
  • the at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the first position be removal of the first portion/member from the second portion/member.
  • Such yet further insertion and removal may be referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion.
  • the at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the second portion/member.
  • Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member may be moved from the third position to the second position by a release member.
  • the release member may be moved/controlled by a release line, e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line.
  • the at least one movable member may be moved from the second position to the first position by a/the at least one biasing member and/or the release member, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line thereby allowing the at least one biasing member to act on the at least one movable lock member.
  • Such pulling and release of the release line may be referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • the first portion may be removed from the second portion by yet further insertion of the first portion into the second portion followed by removal of the first portion from the second portion.
  • Such yet further insertion and removal may be referred to a/the “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • the first implementation may be referred to as “an automatic connector”.
  • the second implementation may be referred to as “a semi-automatic connector”.
  • a connector such as a mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector and/or offshore connector.
  • the connector may comprise:
  • the at least one movable lock member may be moved from a first (closed) position to the second (opened) position by insertion of the first portion into the second portion, e.g., into a through-bore of the second portion.
  • the at least one movable member may be moved from the second (opened) position to a third (closed) position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the second portion/member.
  • Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member may be moved from a/the third (closed) position to a/the second (opened) position by a release member.
  • the release member may be moved/controlled by a release line, e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line.
  • the at least one lock movable member may be moved from the second (opened) position to a/the first (closed) position by at least one biasing member and/or the release member, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line thereby allowing the at least one biasing member to act on the at least one movable lock member.
  • the first portion may be removed from the second portion by yet further insertion of the first portion into the second portion followed by removal of the first portion from the second portion. Such yet further insertion and removal may be referred to a/the “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • Such pulling/tensioning, release/de-tensioning and release of the release line and (intermediate) further insertion of the first portion into the second portion may be referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • Embodiments of the invention according to the second aspect of the present invention may be referred to as “a semi-automatic connector”.
  • a connector according to the first/second aspect of the present invention may optionally and/or beneficially comprise or include one or more features of a connector according to the second/first aspect of the present invention.
  • a structure or a marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater and/or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, when moored by one or more lines.
  • At least one or more lines may be connected to the structure, or the marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, by a connector according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
  • the structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may comprise: a buoy, for example, a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy.
  • the structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may be adapted to be semisubmersible.
  • the structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may comprise a floating (oil or gas) platform, for example, a production platform or SPAR, or (offshore) renewable energy generator or wind turbine.
  • a floating (oil or gas) platform for example, a production platform or SPAR, or (offshore) renewable energy generator or wind turbine.
  • a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of mooring, anchoring or fixing a structure, or floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater and/or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, by one or more lines.
  • the method may comprise the step of connecting at least one line to a structure, or a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure, by using a connector according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of a mooring connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 ( a ) a cross-sectional side view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 2 ( b ) a further side view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 a perspective view of a first portion of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 ( a ) a perspective view of a second portion of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 ( b ) a further perspective view of the second portion of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 ( a ) a perspective view of the first portion of FIG. 3 being engaged or mated with the second portion of FIG. 4 ( a ) ;
  • FIG. 5 ( b ) a first partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 ( a ) a second partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 ( b ) a third partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 ( a ) a fourth partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 ( b ) a fifth partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 ( a ) a sixth partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 ( b ) a seventh partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring connector of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 9 a perspective view of the first portion of FIG. 3 being disengaged from the second portion of FIG. 4 ( a ) ;
  • FIGS. 10 ( a ) to ( e ) a series of side views of the first portion of FIG. 3 illustrating relative movement between a cam track of the first portion and a cam follower or pin of the second portion during an engage and a disengage procedure;
  • FIG. 11 a schematic view of a (subsea) structure connected to a vessel with the structure moored to the seabed with one or more mooring connectors according to FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 12 a schematic view of a mooring connector according to FIG. 1 connected to a structure
  • FIGS. 13 ( a ) and ( b ) schematic views of the mooring connector of FIG. 12 where the first portion is being pulled towards the second portion;
  • FIG. 14 a schematic view of the mooring connector of FIG. 12 where the first portion has been received within the second portion;
  • FIG. 15 a schematic view of the structure of FIG. 11 , the structure having retaining members configured for (releasably) securing the second portion to the structure;
  • FIGS. 16 ( a ) and ( b ) a perspective view of the first portion of the mooring connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of the mooring connector of the second embodiment;
  • FIGS. 17 ( a ) and ( b ) a perspective view of the first portion of the mooring connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of the mooring connector of the third embodiment;
  • FIGS. 18 ( a ) to ( f ) a series of figures illustrating an install sequence of the mooring connector of FIG. 17 ( b ) ;
  • FIG. 19 a partial side view of the mooring connector of FIG. 17 ( a ) illustrating a release stage
  • FIGS. 20 ( a ) to ( c ) a series of figures of a side view of a second portion of the mooring connector of FIG. 17 ( b ) illustrating a release;
  • FIGS. 21 ( a ) and ( b ) first and second drawings of a top view of the second portion of the mooring connector of FIG. 17 ( b ) corresponding to FIGS. 20 ( a ) and 20 ( c ), respectively.
  • FIGS. 1 to 10 e there is shown a connector (mooring connector), generally designated 5 , according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the connector 5 comprises a first portion 10 .
  • the connector 5 comprises a second portion 15 .
  • the connector 5 comprises an arrangement, generally designated 20 , for releasably locking the first portion 10 and the second portion 15 .
  • the releasable lock arrangement 20 comprises at least one movable lock or stopper member 25 which is (resiliently/sprung) biased toward(s) a first position—see FIG. 4 ( a ) .
  • the first portion 10 comprises a male portion 30 .
  • the second portion 15 comprises a female portion 35 .
  • the first portion 10 is receivable within the second portion 15 .
  • the second portion 15 comprises a through-bore 40 .
  • the through-bore 40 has first portion entry and exit ends 45 , 50 .
  • The/each at least one movable lock member 25 is provided on the second portion 15 , such as at or adjacent a/the exit end 50 of the through-bore 40 , and is hingeably attached thereto by hinges 55 .
  • the at least one movable lock member 25 overlaps with a/the through-bore 40 of the second portion 15 when viewed along an axis A of the through-bore 40 .
  • the at least one movable lock member 25 is resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of at least one biasing arrangement, member or spring 60 ) from the first position ( FIGS. 5 ( a ) and ( b ) , to a second position ( FIGS. 6 ( a ) and ( b ) ), and to a third (locked) position ( FIGS. 7 ( a ) and ( b ) ) by insertion of the first portion 10 into the second portion 15 .
  • the or each movable lock member 25 is resiliently movable (e.g., against an action of biasing arrangement or spring 60 ) from the third position to the second position and to the first position by withdrawal of the first portion 10 from the second portion 15 .
  • the first position and the third position can be one and the same.
  • the first position is a radially proximal position
  • the second position is a radially distal position
  • the third position is a radially proximal position relative to the axis X of the through-bore 40 of the second portion 15 .
  • the or each movable lock member 25 is movable against the action of the biasing arrangement 60 by insertion of the first portion 10 into the second portion 15 and/or by removal of the first portion 10 from the second portion 15 .
  • the releasable lock arrangement 20 is adapted to take or transmit tension between a line 100 , such as a mooring line, and a structure 105 through the connector 5 .
  • the connector 5 comprise an arrangement, generally designated 61 , for rotating the first portion 10 relative to the second portion 15 when the first portion 10 is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the second portion 15 .
  • the rotation arrangement 61 comprises at least one or one cam follower, pin or protrusion 62 on one of the first portion 10 (or the second portion 15 ) and a guide or cam track 63 on (the other of) the second portion 15 (or the first portion 10 ).
  • At least one (a first) biasing member or spring 60 a is also provided.
  • a first end 65 a of the biasing member 60 a is connected to the first movable lock member 25 a .
  • a second end 70 a of the biasing member 60 a is connected to the second movable lock member 25 b.
  • a first end 75 a of the first movable lock member 25 a is connected to the first end 65 a of the biasing member 60 a .
  • a second end 80 a of the first movable lock member 25 a is connected to a second biasing member 60 b ).
  • a first end 75 b of the second movable lock member 25 b is connected to a second end 70 a of the biasing member 60 a .
  • a second end 80 b of the second movable lock member 25 b is connected to the second biasing member 60 b ).
  • the first portion 10 comprises at least one recess or notch 82 adapted to receive the/one of the movable lock member(s) 25 , such in a lock position, such as a/the third position.
  • the first portion 10 comprises at least one opposing pair of recesses or notches 82 a , 82 b adapted to lock or engage with a/the pair of opposing or facing movable lock members 25 a , 25 b , such as when in a/the respective third positions.
  • the first portion 10 provides a (mooring) line connection arrangement, generally designated 84 .
  • the first portion 10 has a first end 86 adapted for insertion into the second portion 15 .
  • the first portion 10 has a second end 88 adapted for connection to a (mooring) line 100 .
  • the first portion 10 has an arrangement, generally designated 90 , for allowing movement or articulation of the first portion 10 relative to a (mooring) line 100 , advantageously the movement allowing arrangement 90 being provided at or adjacent an end/the second end 88 of the first portion 10 and/or being adapt to allow relative movement in two perpendicular axes B, C.
  • the connector 5 comprise a mooring line or leg connector for use with a mooring line or leg extending up from a floor of a body of water, such as a sea floor, for example, to connect a floating structure to be moored to the floor of the body of water.
  • connection and disconnection of the connector or the line 100 can be done by pulling in and/or out on the first portion 10 comprising an elongate body, for example, using a work line 92 (see FIGS. 13 ( a ), ( b ) and 14 ).
  • the at least one movable lock member 25 comprises at least part of a latch mechanism for connecting or fixing a/the line 100 to a/the structure 105 to be moored.
  • the at least one movable member 25 comprises at least part of the releasable connection arrangement 20 .
  • the releasable connection arrangement 20 comprises at least part of a/the through-bore or through-passage 40 in the second portion 15 .
  • the first portion 10 comprises means for connecting or connection to one or more lines 100 , such as mooring lines, advantageously allowing rotational movement around or about at least one transverse axis B, C of the first portion 10 with respect to the line 100 .
  • lines 100 such as mooring lines
  • the second portion 15 comprises means 94 for connecting or connection to a (subsea) structure, advantageously allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis D of the second portion 15 with respect to the structure 105 .
  • the transverse axis B of the first portion 10 is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis D of the second portion 15 , in use.
  • the through-bore 40 of the second portion 15 is capable of receiving a work-line or wire 92 .
  • the arrangement 90 for connecting the first portion 10 to a line 100 comprise one or more first bearing means 95 .
  • the one or more first bearing means 95 comprise a clevis arrangement.
  • the arrangement 94 for connecting the second portion 15 to a structure 105 comprises one or more second bearing means 96 .
  • the one or more second bearing means 96 comprise one or more protrusions or trunnions.
  • the one or more protrusions or trunnions provide a/the transverse axis D of the second portion 15 .
  • A/the transverse axis D of the second portion 15 is typically substantially horizontal (for example, in use).
  • A/the transverse axis B of the first portion 10 is substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the transverse axis D of the second portion 15 , in use, when the first and second portions 10 , 15 are connected.
  • the connector 5 comprises the first portion 10 , the second portion 15 , and a/the arrangement 20 for connecting the first and second portions 10 , 15 , wherein the arrangement 20 for connecting comprises at least part of a/the through-bore 40 in the second portion 15 , the through-bore being capable of receiving a work line or wire 92 , the first portion 10 comprising an arrangement 97 for releasably connecting to the work line or wire 92 , the work line connecting arrangement 97 comprising first and second line connection means 98 , 99 , the first line connection means 98 being configured for releasably engaging with the second line connection means 99 , and the engagement between the first and second line connection means 98 , 99 being caused by tension created between the work line or wire 100 and the first portion 10 of the connector 5 , for example, by pulling on the work line 100 .
  • the connector 5 comprises a/the first portion 10 comprising a male part, a/the second portion 15 comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means 20 for connecting the first and second portions 10 , 15 , wherein
  • the connector 5 comprises a/the first portion 10 comprising a male part, a second portion 15 comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means 20 for connecting the first and second portions 10 , 15 , wherein
  • FIGS. 11 to 15 there is shown a structure, or subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, generally designated 105 , moored by one or more lines 100 .
  • At least one or more lines 100 is/are connected to the structure 105 by a connector 5 as hereinbefore described.
  • the structure, or underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel can comprise, for example, a submerged turret loading, a submerged turret production buoy, floating (oil/gas) production platform or SPAR, or (offshore) renewable energy generator or wind turbine.
  • an ROV (not shown) can run the work line or wire 100 through the through-bore 40 of the female part.
  • the ROV can connect the work line or wire 100 which comprises the first line connection means 98 to the second line connection means 99 of the male part.
  • first line connection means 98 and the second line connection means 99 can be facilitated by tensioning, that is pulling, the work-line 100 in an upward direction (see FIGS. 13 ( a ) and ( b ) ) thereby creating tension between the work-line or wire 100 and the first portion 10 of the connector 5 .
  • the ROV can pull the male part towards the female part such that the male part is inserted into the female part.
  • a (temporary/removable) sheave member 110 mounted on or to the structure 105 facilitates the pulling of the first portion 10 towards the second portion 15 .
  • insertion of the male part into the female part may cause the rotation arrangement 61 to act by causing the cam follower 62 to follow the cam track 63 thereby rotating the first portion 10 until the cam follower reaches a lock position in the cam track 63 where the notches 82 a , 82 b are rotationally aligned with the first and second lock members 25 a , 25 b and the lock members 25 a , 25 b are biased or spring into the notches 82 a , 82 b , respectively, thereby locking the first portion 10 within the second portion 15 in a predetermined rotational disposition.
  • the work-line 100 and/or sheave can then be removed using the ROV. (See FIGS. 7 ( a ) and ( b ) ).
  • the work-line 100 and/or sheave can be reinstalled using an ROV, and the work-line 105 connected to the first portion 10 .
  • the work line 100 can (again) be tensioned or pulled causing the cam follower 62 to follow the cam track 63 thereby rotating the first part 10 out of the predetermined rotational (lock) alignment with the second portion 15 . That is to say the notches 82 a , 82 b are rotated out of alignment with the lock members 80 a , 80 b .
  • This facilitates removal of the first portion 10 from the second portion 15 , and therefore disconnection of the work-line 100 from the structure 105 . (See FIGS. 8 ( a ) and ( b ) ).
  • FIGS. 11 to 14 there is provided a method of mooring, anchoring or fixing a structure, or marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, by one or more lines.
  • the method may comprise the step of connecting at least one line to a structure, or a marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure by using a connector 5 as hereinbefore described.
  • FIGS. 16 ( a ) and ( b ) there is shown a connector (mooring connector), generally designated 205 , according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the connector 205 is similar in many respects to the connector 5 of FIGS. 1 to 10 ( e ), like parts being designated with like numerals but iterated by “200”.
  • FIGS. 17 ( a ) to 21 ( b ) there is shown a connector (mooring connector), generally designated 305 , according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the connector 305 is similar in many respects to the connector 5 of FIGS. 1 to 10 ( e ), like parts being designated with like numerals but iterated by “300”.
  • the at least one movable lock member 25 ; 225 is moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion 10 ; 215 into the second portion 15 ; 215 .
  • the at least one movable member 25 ; 225 is moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion 10 ; 210 into the second portion 15 ; 215 .
  • Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member 25 ; 225 in use, is moved from the third position to the second position by yet further insertion of the first portion 10 ; 210 into the second portion 215 .
  • the at least one movable member 25 ; 225 is moved from the second position to the first position be removal of the first portion 10 ; 210 from the second portion 15 ; 215 .
  • Such yet further insertion and removal is referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member 325 is moved from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315 .
  • the at least one movable member 325 is moved from the second position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315 .
  • Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member 325 in use, is moved from the third position to the second position by action of a release member 356 .
  • the release member 356 is moved/controlled by a release line 357 , e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line 357 .
  • the at least one movable member 325 is moved from the second position to the first position by the at least one biasing member 360 and/or the release member 356 , e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line 357 thereby allowing the at least one biasing member 360 to act on the at least one movable lock member 325 .
  • Such pulling and release of the release line is referred to a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • the first portion 310 is removed from the second portion 315 by yet further insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315 followed by removal of the first portion 310 from the second portion 315 .
  • Such yet further insertion and removal is referred to a/the “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • the connectors 5 ; 205 of the first and second embodiments may be referred to as “an automatic connector”.
  • the connector 305 of the third embodiment may be referred to as “a semi-automatic connector”.
  • the connector 305 of the third embodiment differs from the connector 5 of the first embodiment in a number of respects.
  • the connector 305 (mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector and/or offshore connector) comprises:
  • the at least one movable lock member 325 is moved from a first (closed) position to the second (opened) position by insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315 , e.g., into the through-bore of the second portion 315 .
  • the at least one movable member 325 is moved from the second (opened) position to the third (closed) position be further insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315 .
  • Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an “engage/install/lock sequence”.
  • the at least one movable lock member 325 is moved from the third (closed) position to the second (opened) position by a release member 356 .
  • the release member 356 is moved/controlled by a release line 357 , e.g., by pulling/tensioning the release line 357 .
  • the at least one lock movable member 325 is moved from the second (opened) position to the first (closed) position by at least one biasing member 325 and/or the release member 356 , e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line 357 thereby allowing the at least one biasing member 360 to act on the at least one movable lock member 325 .
  • the first portion 310 is removed from the second portion 315 by yet further insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315 followed by removal of the first portion 310 from the second portion 315 .
  • Such pulling/tensioning, release/de-tensioning and release of the release line and (intermediate) further insertion of the first portion into the second portion is referred to (part of) a “disengagement/de-install/release sequence”.
  • a surface of the/each movable lock member 25 a , 25 b that faces the through-bore 44 of the second portion can be of a concave shape, for example, to facilitate abutment with the first portion 10 and ease of movement of the movable lock members 25 a , 25 b between the first position and the second position upon insertion of the first portion 10 into the second portion 15 , and/or ease of movement of the movable lock members 25 a , 25 b between the second position and the first position upon removal of the first portion 10 from the second portion 15 .

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
US18/256,605 2020-12-09 2021-11-30 Improved mooring connector Pending US20240067308A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2019391.8 2020-12-09
GBGB2019391.8A GB202019391D0 (en) 2020-12-09 2020-12-09 Improved mooring connector
GB2115851.4 2021-11-04
GB2115851.4A GB2598677B (en) 2020-12-09 2021-11-04 Improved mooring connector
PCT/EP2021/083529 WO2022122466A1 (en) 2020-12-09 2021-11-30 Improved mooring connector

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20240067308A1 true US20240067308A1 (en) 2024-02-29

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/256,605 Pending US20240067308A1 (en) 2020-12-09 2021-11-30 Improved mooring connector

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20240067308A1 (ko)
EP (1) EP4240645A1 (ko)
JP (1) JP2023554613A (ko)
KR (1) KR20230113811A (ko)
AU (1) AU2021394549A1 (ko)
CA (1) CA3201578A1 (ko)
WO (1) WO2022122466A1 (ko)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2624178A (en) * 2022-11-08 2024-05-15 Flintstone Tech Limited Support apparatus for a mooring device
KR102626590B1 (ko) * 2023-12-12 2024-01-19 주식회사 에이스이앤티 해상 부유체의 계류하중 완충장치

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2414217B1 (en) * 2009-04-02 2013-04-17 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Disconnectable chain connector
FR2959476A1 (fr) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-04 Techlam Connecteur sous-marin destine a la connexion d'une installation petroliere muni d'un dispositif d'anti-deconnexion
GB2512312B (en) 2013-03-25 2015-04-29 Ftl Subsea Ltd Subsea connector comprising male and female portions
AU2016259758B2 (en) * 2015-05-12 2020-10-22 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Mooring line connector assembly for connecting a mooring line to a floating structure
GB2551716B (en) * 2016-06-27 2019-02-06 Balltec Ltd A connector with locking elements releasable under load
NO343647B1 (en) * 2017-10-16 2019-04-23 Apl Tech As System and method for connecting a mooring line to a body
NO345639B1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2021-05-25 Apl Tech As Dual axis connection device for connecting a floating body and a fixed body and two uses thereof

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AU2021394549A1 (en) 2023-06-29
JP2023554613A (ja) 2023-12-28
KR20230113811A (ko) 2023-08-01
WO2022122466A1 (en) 2022-06-16
EP4240645A1 (en) 2023-09-13
CA3201578A1 (en) 2022-06-16

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