WO2002018711A1 - Appareil et dispositif destines a entrainer un objet au moyen d'une vibration ou d'un choc - Google Patents

Appareil et dispositif destines a entrainer un objet au moyen d'une vibration ou d'un choc Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002018711A1
WO2002018711A1 PCT/NL2000/000600 NL0000600W WO0218711A1 WO 2002018711 A1 WO2002018711 A1 WO 2002018711A1 NL 0000600 W NL0000600 W NL 0000600W WO 0218711 A1 WO0218711 A1 WO 0218711A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
processing arrangement
vessel
thrusters
acoustic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2000/000600
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
François Bernard
Original Assignee
Bernard Francois
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bernard Francois filed Critical Bernard Francois
Priority to AU2000273232A priority Critical patent/AU2000273232A1/en
Priority to PCT/NL2000/000600 priority patent/WO2002018711A1/fr
Publication of WO2002018711A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002018711A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D7/00—Methods or apparatus for placing sheet pile bulkheads, piles, mouldpipes, or other moulds
    • E02D7/18—Placing by vibrating
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D11/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for both placing and removing sheet pile bulkheads, piles, or mould-pipes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D7/00—Methods or apparatus for placing sheet pile bulkheads, piles, mouldpipes, or other moulds
    • E02D7/02—Placing by driving
    • E02D7/06—Power-driven drivers
    • E02D7/10—Power-driven drivers with pressure-actuated hammer, i.e. the pressure fluid acting directly on the hammer structure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for driving an object by vibration or impact, in particular a pile or sheet to be driven into the ground or to be removed therefrom, at an underwater target position, comprising drive means, such as an eccentrically rotatable weight, and means for activating said drive means.
  • drive means such as an eccentrically rotatable weight
  • the prior art apparatus comprises drive means having a first eccentrically rotatable weight and a second eccentrically rotatable weight, which weights are interconnected by a phaseshifter which is capable of adjusting the rotational position of the weights relative to each other.
  • Vibration can be produced by having an eccentrically rotatable weight, that is, a rotatable mass whose center of gravity does not lie on the axis of rotation, rotate about its axis. If said vibration comprises sufficient energy, it is possible to set an object vibrating therewith so as to drive said object into the ground by vibration.
  • the alternating upwards and downwards movements generated by the cyclic movement of the apparatus will cause a reduction in the soil strength and will temporarily liquefy the soil such that the foundation or anchoring device is penetrating the soil by its own weight.
  • the apparatus for driving an object by vibration is fixed, to for instance a pile, and deployed towards the underwater target position by means of a hoisting wire.
  • the movement of the vessel itself will be used.
  • an object has to be driven into the seabed at an increasing depth it is not longer possible to achieve the required accuracy in positioning the object above the target position, using the movement of the vessel only.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to enhance the accuracy of the positioning of an apparatus as defined at the outset during deployment thereof.
  • the apparatus comprises a beacon to transmit acoustic rays and plurality of thrust- ers to control the position of said apparatus with respect to the underwater target posi- tion.
  • the apparatus is controlled by controlling equipment on board of a vessel floating on the seasurface.
  • the controlling equipment needs to know the exact location of the apparatus as accurate as possible.
  • the beacon on board of the apparatus transmits acoustic rays through the seawater to the vessel.
  • An appropriate acoustic receiver receives these acoustic rays and converts them into electrical signals used to calculate the position of the apparatus with respect to the vessel.
  • the thrusters can be used to control the position of said apparatus with respect to the underwater target po- sition.
  • the apparatus comprises a first unit provided with the drive means, such as an eccentrically rotatable weight, and, a second unit provided with the beacon and the plurality of thrusters, the first and second unit being provided with coupling means for coupling the first and the second unit.
  • the drive means such as an eccentrically rotatable weight
  • the second unit provided with the beacon and the plurality of thrusters, the first and second unit being provided with coupling means for coupling the first and the second unit.
  • the drive means When the drive means are activated, these drive means will not only induce vibration to the object to be driven into the ground, but also to the apparatus itself. That means that components of the apparatus must be able to withstand the forces, vibrations and other loads induced by the driving means.
  • the apparatus according to the invention however comprises delicate components such as the beacon to transmit acoustic rays and the thrusters. In order not to risk damaging of these delicate components during installation of a pile or a sheet in the seabed, it is advantageous to be able to decouple a first unit provided with the drive means from a second unit provided with the more delicate components. Before the actual installing of the object to be driven into the seabed, both units will be split. After the installation has been finished, both units can be coupled to each other in order to be able to remove the apparatus from the underwater target posi- tion.
  • the apparatus is provided with connector means to provide an electrical and/or hydraulical connection between the first and second unit.
  • the connector means comprise a plug- and socket-assembly, the first unit comprising a first part of said plug- and socket-assembly, and the second unit comprising a corresponding second part of said plug- and socket-assembly.
  • the connector means comprise a connector line and a reel for selectively reeling in and out the connector line in order to be able to respectively decrease or increase the distance between the first and second unit.
  • the connection between both units can be maintained by having an electrical/hydraulic connection between the two.
  • the first unit is equipped with an umbilical reel, being a constant tension umbilical reel.
  • the umbilical will be reeled in automatically, and cannot get stuck between both units, or between other items when recoupling both units.
  • the wording "coupling means” refers to means for physically fixing a first unit to a second unit.
  • the word “connecting means” refers to for instance an umbilical, for transferring electrical and/or hydraulic energy.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention When the apparatus according to the present invention is used at even increasing depth for instance up to 3,000 meter or more, it is found that the accuracy of the location measurement decreases due to bending of the acoustic rays in the seawater.
  • a sound velocity profile i.e., data as to the sound velocity as a function of depth in the fluid. From these data, local bending of the acoustic rays can be determined on-line (real time). This allows corrections of location measurements in real time.
  • the thrusters comprise a first set of thrusters arranged to provide a torque control function and a second set of thrusters arranged to provide at least a translation function, each thruster of the second set of thrusters being provided with a rotary actuator.
  • the apparatus In order to be able to get even more information about the position of the apparatus and the characteristics of the surrounding fluid, it is advantageous to provide the apparatus according to the present invention with a gyrocompass with motion sensors, to sense heading, acceleration, roll and pitch of the apparatus in use; a Doppler-log unit, to measure current strength of said fluid, load cells to measure weight of a load engaged by the apparatus; a temperature sensor to measure temperature in the surrounding fluid and to transmit temperature data real time; and to provide the apparatus with a salinity meter, to measure salinity of said fluid and to transmit salinity data real time.
  • a gyrocompass with motion sensors, to sense heading, acceleration, roll and pitch of the apparatus in use
  • a Doppler-log unit to measure current strength of said fluid, load cells to measure weight of a load engaged by the apparatus
  • a temperature sensor to measure temperature in the surrounding fluid and to transmit temperature data real time
  • a salinity meter to measure salinity of said fluid and to transmit salinity data
  • the apparatus according to the present invention will be deployed using a lifting wire in combination with one or more umbilicals. It is known to provide such lifting wires with a heave compensation system, in order to compensate movements of the vessel with respect to the seabed due to influences of waves and the wind. Because of the fact that it is essential to be able to position the apparatus according to the present invention with a high accuracy, it is advantageous to be able to fine-tune such a heave compensation system.
  • the apparatus is provided with a lifting assembly to deploy and recover the apparatus with respect to a vessel, wherein the lifting assembly is provided with a hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder being connected to means for controlling the length of the cylinder for controlling the vertical position of the apparatus with respect to the target position.
  • the cylinder has the form of a double-working hydraulic cylinder. That means that the cylinder is provided with a plunger, which engages a fluid reservoir on both sides thereof. By controlling the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the plunger can be moved. By moving the plunger in the cylinder, the heave compensation can be fine-tuned.
  • the cylinder provides a secondary heave compensation system, which can either be connected to the same software as the primary heave compensation system or which could perform a lock-on motion, taking reference from the seabed. Therefore the cylinder will work in phase with the primary heave compensation system or alternatively will be set independently.
  • the apparatus is provided with a pressure sensor to measure the depth in a fluid surrounding said apparatus and to transmit pressure data in real time.
  • the apparatus is provided with a sonar unit to determine the position of said apparatus with respect to at least one object external to said appa- ratus.
  • the invention also relates to a vibratory hammer comprising one or more excentrally rotatable weights, wherein said weights are accomodated in a housing, the housing being filled with a liquid, such as oil, in order to make the weights run in the liquid.
  • a liquid such as oil
  • means are provided for selectively introducing liquid in the housing, or removing liquid from the housing, in order to adjust the liquid pressure inside the housing.
  • Vibratory hammers normally comprise rotatable weight, the weight being rotatably fixed inside the housing filled with air.
  • the housing is filled with a liquid in order to balance those pressures.
  • the housing comprises a member, such as a cylinder able to move under influence of pressure exerted on the interior and the exterior of said member, in order to keep the liquid inside the housing at ambient pressure.
  • a member such as a cylinder able to move under influence of pressure exerted on the interior and the exterior of said member, in order to keep the liquid inside the housing at ambient pressure.
  • the wall of the housing comprises a channel equipped with a free-moving cylinder, during deployment the cylinder can move through the channel in order to balance between the pressures inside the gearbox and outside the gearbox.
  • a membrane such as a flexible membrane.
  • the hammer comprises means, such as a valve, to respectively permit or prevent the movement of said member.
  • This member such as a cylinder, could be embodied in the form of a free moving member.
  • the weight in the hammer When the hammer is activated, the weight in the hammer will be rotating. The rotation of the weight in the liquid will introduce rapid increases and decreases in liquid pressure. Therefore if the free moving member, such as a cylinder, would be able to response to the alterations of pressures, the free moving member would be moving at a high speed, and almost constantly. Because of this uncontrolled movement of the free moving member several problems could occur. For instance the seals between the free moving member and the channel where the free moving member is positioned in, could be deteriated because of wear. Also ambient water could be introduced in the housing, when the effectiveness between the cylinder and the housing would suffer from the uncontrolled movement of the member.
  • the free moving member such as a cylinder.
  • the locking of the member could be achieved by means of a solinoid. It would be possible to activate the solinoid when the hammer itself is actuated.
  • the rotatable weight according to the present invention rotates in a liquid
  • said weights are shaped cylindrically, the body of the weight being provided with one or more cavities.
  • the weight would encounter too much friction inside the liquid when the weight would be rotated.
  • the weight would work like a "liquid pump”. It is necessary to provide the cavities in order to be able to induce a excentrical force when rotating the weight.
  • the cavities are in communication with the liquid inside the housing. Because of the fact that the cavities inside the weight are in communication with the liquid inside the housing, it is possible that the cavities are filled with, for instance, oil. Because of the fact that the specific weight of oil is much lower than the specific weight of a suitable material for the weight, such as steel, the weight will induce a vibrational movement when rotating the weight.
  • the invention also relates to a processing arrangement arranged to drive an apparatus for driving an object by vibration or impact, at an underwater target position, the apparatus being provided with a beacon to transmit acoustic rays, a plurality of thrusters to control positioning of said apparatus with respect to said underwater target position, and a sound velocity meter to measure velocity of sound in a fluid surrounding said apparatus and to transmit sound velocity data in real-time, the processing arrangement being provided with an acoustic receiver to receive said acoustic rays, the processing arrangement is arranged to use data derived from said acoustic rays in a calculation to determine the position of the apparatus characterized in that the processing arrangement is arranged to receive on-line sound velocity meter data from said sound velocity meter to determine a sound velocity profile in said fluid and to calculate from said sound velocity profile bending of said acoustic rays transmitted by the apparatus through the fluid and to use this in the calculation to determine the position of said apparatus in real-time.
  • Such a processing arrangement is able to control the driving of said apparatus to a target underwater location in a desired orientation with very high accuracy, even at great depth under water. While the apparatus with the object to be driven into the seabed is lowered, the processing arrangement constantly receives sound velocity data and determines a sound velocity profile comprising sound velocity data from the water surface to the depth of the apparatus. The processing arrangement uses these data to determine acoustic ray bending as a function of the depth in the water and thus corrects any position calculation of the apparatus.
  • Such a processing arrangement may be on board of a vessel floating on the water surface. However, it is to be understood that part of the functionality of determining the sound velocity profile and calculating the acoustic ray bending may be carried out by one or more processors located elsewhere, even on board of the apparatus itself.
  • a further sound velocity meter is provided just below the water surface to provide actual data regarding any ray bending in the water surface layers and thus to further correct any position calculation of the apparatus.
  • Reception of the acoustic rays transmitted by the apparatus is preferably performed by an acoustic array attached to the hull of the vessel.
  • the vessel, the acoustic array and the apparatus are all provided with a distinct gyrocompass measuring respective heading, acceleration, heave, roll and pitche. Output data from these gyrocompasses are used to further increase accuracy of the position measurement of the apparatus.
  • the invention also relates to a system comprising such a vessel and an apparatus together.
  • the invention relates to a vessel provided with a processing arrangement, as mentioned above.
  • the invention also relates to a system comprising a vessel and an apparatus, wherein the apparatus and the processing arrangement on a vessel are arranged to communicate with one another.
  • the apparatus and the processing arrangement will be connected by means of multiple cables, which cables can be reeled out and reeled in from a vessel. It is advantageous not to have the risk of the cables getting entangled, when the cables are set overboard. This will improve the control, in terms of vortex shading, over the cables when the apparatus is deployed. Therefore the system according to the invention is preferably provided with a bundling apparatus for bundling the cables, when reeled out, in order to provide a single cable assembly between this bundling apparatus and the apparatus according to the invention.
  • the invention also relates to a method for controlling the apparatus for driving an object by vibration or impact, according to the present invention, which methods comprise the steps of:
  • This method can be improved by using the apparatus which is provided with a sound velocity meter to measure velocity of sound in a fluid surrounding said apparatus and to transmit velocity data in real time, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
  • the invention also relates to a computer program product comprising data and instructions that after being loaded by a processing arrangement provides said arrangement with the capacity to carry out a method as defined above.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically the driving of a pile in the seabed according to the prior art.
  • Figure 2 shows the deployment of a pile to be driven into the seabeds, from a vessel according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows actual driving of a pole in the seabeds using the apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 shows an A-frame for deploying the apparatus according to the present invention.
  • Figure 6 shows a clamp for clamping the inside of a hollow structure such as a pile, to be used with the apparatus according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the hammer according to the invention.
  • Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a eccentric weight to be used in the hammer according to figure 7.
  • Figure 9 shows a detail of the second unit, showing a rotary platform fixed to the frame of the second unit, and showing a stub received in the second unit.
  • Figure 10 shows a detail of the coupling between the stub and the second unit.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a vessel 1 to be used for deploying a pile 2 to be driven in the seabed 3.
  • the apparatus 4 is a hammer, provided with for instance eccentric rotatable weight, in order to induce vibration, or a falling weight to induce impact.
  • the pile 2 is fixed to the hammer 4.
  • the hammer 4 and the pile 2 are deployed by means of a hoisting wire 5 which is connected to a crane 6.
  • the vessel is also connected to the hammer by means of an umbilical 7.
  • the pile 2 according to figure 1 is to be driven into the seabed 3 at the target position 8.
  • the movement of the ves- sel 1 and the crane 6 will be used.
  • the pile 2 has to be driven into the seabed 3 at an increasing depth, it is not longer possible to achieve the required accuracy in positioning the pile above the target position 8, using the movement of the vessel and the crane only.
  • FIG 2 schematically a vessel is shown which could be used in combination with the apparatus for driving an object by vibration, according to the present invention.
  • the vessel 10 comprises an A-frame 11 which can be used to set the apparatus according to the invention overboard. Possible embodiments of the A-frame 11 are shown with reference to figure 5.
  • the vessel comprises multiple winches for selectively reeling in and out at least one lifting wire and at least one umbilical, for respectively deploying the apparatus according to the present invention and for supplying the required electrical energy to this apparatus.
  • FIG 2 schematically one winch 12 is shown. Possible embodiments of the positioning of the winches with respect to the A-frame 11 is shown in figure 5.
  • FIG 2 the apparatus according to the invention 15 is shown schematically. A possible embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is shown in more detail in figures 3 and 4.
  • a pile 2 to be driven into the seabed initially can lie on the deck of the vessel 10 and brought overboard in an essential horizontal position. This is drawn in dashed lines. Before deployment the pile 2 will be upended outboard using a pile rotating support 16. The pile 2 will be placed outboard and will be lowered by means of a winch. Thereafter the apparatus 15 according to the present invention will be set overboard and will clamp onto the pile 2. Alternatively it is also possible to clamp the pile 2 onto the apparatus 15 and then deploy the apparatus 15 and the pile 2 together.
  • the assembly of the apparatus 15 and the pile 2 will be lowered by means of a lifting wire while using a multiple heave compensation system.
  • a primary heave compensation system will compensate for the movements of the vessel 10 with respect to the seabed due to influence of wind and waves.
  • the system further comprises a secondary heave compensation system which is linked to the primary heave compensation system. An embodiment of the secondary heave compensation system will be described with reference to figure 4.
  • a lifting wire winch be set in a heave compensation or a constant tension mode.
  • This umbilical will provide electrical power from the vessel towards the apparatus and will provide fibre optic data communication between the vessel and the apparatus.
  • the umbilical winch or winches will be working at a constant tension. It is advantageous to pro- vide the system with a second umbilical, for solely providing electrical power to the drive mechanism, such as an eccentrically rotatable platform, which is present in the apparatus 15.
  • a winch for reeling out and reeling in the second umbilical will also be working at a constant tention.
  • Constant tention of both winches will be determined by load cells positioned in the A-frame 11 and the apparatus lifting attachments which in turn are integrated in a control system operating the winches.
  • the primary heave compensation for compensating waves and winds, can be activated.
  • an acceleration meter will be present.
  • the apparatus will provided with a depth sensor and both acceleration meter and the depth sensor will send information to a control unit present on the vessel 10, using optic fibre, and integrated software in order to achieve real-time response to the lifting rope winch.
  • the secondary heave compensation which is built into the lifting connection between the lifting wire and the apparatus 15, can be used for achieving very small vertical displacements.
  • the secon- dary heave compensation will be activated when the pile 2 reaches the target position at the seabed.
  • the apparatus 15 When the pile 2 has reached the target position at the seabed the apparatus 15 is split up into a first unit provided with the drive means, such as an eccentrically rotatable weight, and a second unit provided with more delicate parts of the apparatus, such as a beacon and a plurality of thrusters. This situation is shown in figure 3.
  • the drive means such as an eccentrically rotatable weight
  • a second unit provided with more delicate parts of the apparatus, such as a beacon and a plurality of thrusters.
  • the pile 2 is ready to be driven into the seabed by means of the apparatus 15 according to the present invention. According to figure 3 the pile 2 is used to provide an interface between the soil 3 and the superstructure 20 positioned on the seabed 3.
  • the apparatus 15 comprises a first unit 151 which serves as a hammer, for driving the pile 2 in the seabed 3 by means of vibration or impact.
  • the second unit 152 has been disengaged from the first unit 151.
  • a connector line 153 is present between both units 151, 152 for providing an electrical and/or a hydraulical connection between the units 151, 152.
  • the connector line 153 is connected the a rotary table 158, which is present at the underside of the second unit 152.
  • the second unit itself comprises thrusters 154 in order to control the position of the apparatus with respect to the underwater target position, in this case the superstructure 20.
  • the second unit 152 comprises a set of clamps 155 in order to couple the second unit 152 to the first unit 151.
  • the unit 151 could comprise a stub as is shown in figure 4 and 7.
  • the second unit 152 In order to drive the drive means present in the first unit, a relatively high amount of energy is needed. Therefore on the second unit 152 multiple electric/hydraulic power conversion stations will be present. The stations can be seen in figure 4. It is possible to connect the second unit 152 to the vessel 10 by means of a first umbilical in order to provide energy to the second unit 152 and to provide a fibre-optic connection between the vessel 10 and the second unit 152 in order to transfer information. A secondary um- bilical could be used solely to provide the electric hydraulic conversion stations with the required amount of energy.
  • the single cable assembly 21 comprises multiple lifting wires and umbilicals.
  • the cables are connected by means of bundling elements, such as rings or clips during the deployment of the multiple cables. Because of the presence of these bundling elements there is no risk of the cables getting entangled. Moreover, when deploying the apparatus 15 and the pile 2 there will be more control of the cables.
  • a preferred bundling apparatus is disclosed in the co-pending application PCT/NL00/00183, in the name of the same applicant.
  • the RON 156 is drawn schematically. For instance the RON is provided with a light source and a camera.
  • FIG 4 a possible embodiment of the apparatus 15 according to the present invention is shown.
  • Figure 4 shows the first unit 151 to be used as a hammer for driving a pile 2.
  • the unit 151 is fixed to the pile 2 by means of a clamping system 30.
  • a connector line 153 is present.
  • This connector line 153 is for instance an umbilical.
  • the first unit 151 is provided with an umbilical reel 31. Using this umbilical reel it is possible to reel in and reel out collector line 153.
  • a plug 32 is present. This plug can be used for a quick coupling of the connector line 153 with the corresponding socket 40 present on the second unit 152.
  • On top of the first unit 151 a stub 157 is shown.
  • the set of clamps 155 present on the second unit 152 can be used in order to fix the second unit 152 on the stub 157.
  • the second unit 152 resembles an apparatus for deploying a load, which has been disclosed in the co-pending patent application PCT/NL00/00184 in the name of the same applicant.
  • the second unit 152 comprises a main module 41 and a counter module 42.
  • the second unit 152 comprises an arm 43.
  • the arm 43 is provided with the recess 44.
  • two clamps or jacks 155 are provided, at least one of which can be moved relative to the other.
  • an object such as a pile 2 (drawn in dashed lines) can be clamped.
  • the respective ends of the jacks 155 are accommodated with clamping shoes, lined with friction elements.
  • the second unit 152 is coupled to a vessel by means of a lifting wire 50, which can be operated using hoist means, for instance a winch. Furthermore between the vessel and the second unit 152 an umbilical 51 will be present.
  • the electricity wiring for providing power to the unit 152, as well as electric wiring or optical fibres, are accommodated in this umbilical 51.
  • the hydraulic power will be used for controlling i.a. the thrusters 154 and auxiliary tooling amenities present in the unit 152.
  • the module 152 is provided with electric/hydraulic power conversion stations in order to convert electrical power into hydraulic power. Because of the fact that the first unit 151 in use will require a lot of energy, a number of electric/hydraulic units 47 will be present in the system.
  • the units 47 are positioned on a rotary table 158, which is fixed to the underside of the main module 41.
  • the rotary table 158 could comprise a first and a second part, the parts being connected by means of bolts.
  • the first part is rotatably fixed to the main module 41. Then, depending on specific energy requirements a second part provided with a certain amount of electric/hydraulic units 47 can be bolted to the first part.
  • the second module 152 further comprises sensor means and control means that will be explained in detail below.
  • the unit 152 is equipped with a sensor junction box.
  • the module 152 comprises light-sources, a gyrocompass including heave, roll and pitch sensors, a pan and tilt and colour camera, a USBL-transponder including a digiquartz depth sensor, a sound velocity meter, and a sonardyne mini rovnav.
  • a pan and S.I.T.-camera At the underside of the unit 152 are mounted on several platforms light-sources, a pan and S.I.T.-camera, an altimeter, a Doppler log unit and dual head scanning sonar. They are installed there to have only clear seawater below them in use.
  • a heave compensation system During the deployment of the apparatus 15 with respect to the vessel, movements of the vessel with respect to the seabed due to influence such as waves and wind will be compensated for by means of a heave compensation system.
  • heave compensation systems are well-known in the prior art.
  • a heave compensation comprises a computer which receives data about roll and pitch of the vessel and which converts those data into control signals in order to control a winch.
  • the working of such a heave composition system can be too limited in order to provide the required accuracy at great depth.
  • the secondary heave compensation 60 comprises at least one double acting hydraulic cylinder.
  • a pressure sensor 6 will be used to measure the depth in the fluid surrounding the apparatus 15.
  • These pressure data in combination with an accelerometer will be transmitted to the processing arrangement and will be used for controlling the length of the cylinder(s) of the secondary heave compensation system 60.
  • a sonar unit can be used in order to determine the relative position of the second unit 152 with respect to at least one object external to the unit 152. This object external to the unit 152 for instance is the superstructure 20 positioned on the seabed.
  • FIG 5 a possible embodiment is shown of the A-frame 11 to be used for setting the apparatus 15 according to the present invention overboard.
  • the A-frame 11 is connected to the deck 70 of the vessel by means of hydraulic cylinders 71.
  • unit two 152 of the apparatus 15 according to the present invention is shown.
  • the unit 152 of the apparatus according to the present invention is connected to the vessel by means of at least a primary winch lifting wire to be reeled out and reeled in from a primary winch 73, and a primary umbilical to be reeled in and reeled out from a primary umbilical winch 72.
  • a secondary umbilical can be connected to the apparatus to be reeled out and reeled in on a secondary umbilical winch 74.
  • the multiple cables When deploying the apparatus the multiple cables will be bundled to a single cable assembly by means of a bundling apparatus 80 to be connected to the A-frame 11.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention which has been described above can be used for piles or sheets, or other objects to be used as a connection between a seabed superstructure and the sea bottom.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention would be clamped on the outside of such an object the object could not be driven into the sea bottom completely.
  • On the upper side of the objects to be driven into the seabed always a ridge must be left free in order to clamp the apparatus on the outside thereof.
  • a clamp which is able to grab the object to be driven into the seabed from inside.
  • a tool is shown which could be used as an interface between the apparatus according to the invention and the object to be driven into the seabed.
  • the tool according to figure 6 has an upper part 80 which can be clamped by means of the clamps of the second unit of the apparatus according to the present invention. Moreover the tool according to figure 6 has a bottom part 81 provided with clamps 82 which can move with respect to the center of the tool. The upper part 80 and the bottom part 81 can be separated. The upper part 80 could be fixed on top of the first unit, or hammer, 151 as shown in figure 4, the bottom part 81 being fixed to the underside of the first unit 151, in order to grap and hold an object, such as a pile 2.
  • the first unit 151 is designed as a vibratory hammer.
  • the hammer comprises an outerframe 160, at the top thereof provided with a stub 157.
  • the stub 157 can be used in order to provide coupling means to couple the hammer to a second unit 152, as described above.
  • the outerframe 160 by means of shock absorbing elements 161, is connected to the mounting plates 172 of the gearbox 162.
  • the gearbox 162 forms a housing to accomodate multiple eccentrically rotating weights 163-170.
  • the weights 163-169 are all connected the the adjacent weights 164-170. Contrary to the prior art hammers, the gearbox is filled with a liquid in stead of air.
  • At least one free moving cylinder 171 is present.
  • the cilinder 171 will experience the pressure of the ambient fluid (seawater) at one side and the pressure of the oil inside the gearbox at the other side. A slight imbalance of pressure on one side of the cilinder will make it move to a position to balanced position, as the cilinder is not restrained by any means other than the friction of its own seals.
  • the weights 163-170 When the hammer is activated, the weights 163-170 will be rotating. The rotation of those weights 163-170 will introduce pressure fluctuations inside the housing.
  • the cylinder 171 When the cylinder 171 is not locked in any way, the cylinder 171 during the use of the hammer would be moving up and down at a high speed. Therefore it is advantageous just before activating the hammer, to lock the cylinder 171 in its position, in order to have a constant liquid pressure inside the housing. Therefore a lock 200 is present in order to restrict the flow of liquid from the housing towards the cylinder 171 and backwards.
  • the cylinder itself could be provided with a lock, in order to lock the cylinder 171 in its respective position.
  • the weights 163-170 are shaped cylindrical.
  • FIG 8 a possible embodiment of a excentrically rotatable weight 133-170 is shown.
  • the rotatable weight 163 is shaped cylindrically.
  • the weight 163 is provided with teeth 100 in order to operate with teeth of the adjacent weight.
  • the weight 163 can be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel or ordinary steel.
  • the body of the weight 163 is provided with several chambers or cavities 101.
  • the cavities 101 by means of small apertures 103 are in communication with the surrounded liquid in the housing 162 (see figure 7). Because of the presence of the apertures 103 liquid can enter the cavities 101.
  • the specific weight of liquid will be much lower than the specific weight of the keel body of the weight. Therefore, when rotating the weight 163, a vibration motion will be caused due to the unbalance of the weight 163.
  • the body of the weight 163 In order to enhance the vibrating motion of the weight 163 when rotating the weight 163, it is also possible to provide the body of the weight 163 with further chambers or cavities 102. These cavities 102 can be filled with a material having a higher specific weight than steel. The cavities for instance could be filled with lead. Also, the cavities 102 by means of apertures 104 are in communication with the surrounding liquid. Because of the apertures 104 possible differences in pressure in the cavities 102 and the surrounding liquid can be compensated.
  • FIG 9 shows the rotary platform 158 which is rotatably connected to the frame 110 of the mean module, which is described with reference to figure 4.
  • the frame 110 is provided with members 111, which are positioned in the frame 110.
  • the rotary table 158 can rotate with respect to the members 111.
  • the outside of the rotary table for instance is covered with a coating such as Teflon in order to lower the friction between the rotary table and the members 111.
  • the rotary table itself could be used to carry tools, such as the electric/hydraulic conversion rotations which were described with reference to figure 4.
  • Different types of platforms 158a can be bolted to the rotary platform 158.
  • the rotation of the platform 158 with respect to the frame 110 will be achieved by hydraulic means, such as a hydraulic motor or cylinder.
  • a cylindric housing is present, suited to accomodate a docking stub 112, on which a load can be hung.
  • the docking stub 112 for instance could be connected to the bottom part 81 which has been described with reference to figure 6.
  • the docking strip 112 is provided with guiding members 113 and the cylindrical housing with a guiding member 114 so as to secure the positioning of the docking strip 112 within the cylindric housing inside the rotary platform 158.
  • the docking stub is provided with several latches 115, which will be described with reference to figure 10.
  • the members 111 which form a spider frame, are connected by means of a cover 118.
  • this cover 118 At the underside of this cover 118 a protruding multi-angular shape is fixed.
  • the cap of the strip is provided with a void having a corresponding multi-angular shape.
  • the protruding element at the underside of the cover 118 and the void inside the strip 112 will avoid rotation of the strip with respect to the frame 110. Therefore it is possible to exert a torque at the load connected to the strip 112.
  • the docking stub 112 can be removed from the cylindric housing inside the rotary table 158 by moving the latches 115. Removing of the latches 115 is controlled by means of a cylinder 116. The function thereof will be clarified hereinbelow.
  • FIG 10 a detail of the connection between the cover 118 and the docking stub 112 is shown.
  • the cover 118 is provided with the cylinder 116. Inside the cylinder 116 a plunger 117 is present, by means thereof a bolt 120 can be moved up and down with respect to the cover 118.
  • the bolt 120 moves inside the protruding elements 119 at the underside of the cover 118.
  • the latches 115 will be moving inside the docking stub 112, because of the presence of spring elements 121.
  • the latches 115 will be moved outwardly in order to fix the docking stub inside the cylindric housing of the rotary table 158.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
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  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil destiné à entraîner un objet au moyen d'une vibration ou d'un choc, et notamment une pile à enfoncer dans le sol ou à extraire du sol, au niveau d'une position cible sous l'eau. Cet appareil comprend un organe d'entraînement tel qu'un poids pouvant tourner de manière excentrique, ainsi qu'une unité destinée à activer cet organe d'entraînement. L'invention se caractérise en ce que l'appareil comprend une balise destinée à émettre des rayons sonores ainsi qu'une pluralité de propulseurs (154) permettant de régler la position dudit appareil par rapport à la position cible sous l'eau.
PCT/NL2000/000600 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Appareil et dispositif destines a entrainer un objet au moyen d'une vibration ou d'un choc WO2002018711A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2000273232A AU2000273232A1 (en) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 An apparatus and a device for driving an object by vibration or impact
PCT/NL2000/000600 WO2002018711A1 (fr) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Appareil et dispositif destines a entrainer un objet au moyen d'une vibration ou d'un choc

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/NL2000/000600 WO2002018711A1 (fr) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Appareil et dispositif destines a entrainer un objet au moyen d'une vibration ou d'un choc

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WO2002018711A1 true WO2002018711A1 (fr) 2002-03-07

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AU (1) AU2000273232A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002018711A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004033358A1 (fr) 2002-10-03 2004-04-22 Oceaneering International, Inc. Systeme et procede de compensation de mouvement a l'aide d'un capteur sous-marin
EP2527539A1 (fr) 2011-05-27 2012-11-28 BAUER Maschinen GmbH Agencement de forage sous-marin et procédé d'introduction d'un élément de fondation dans le sol d'une étendue d'eau
WO2020207903A1 (fr) 2019-04-09 2020-10-15 Gbm Works Bv Pieu de fondation
NL2022909B1 (en) 2019-04-09 2020-10-20 Gbm Works Bv A foundation pile

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3122930A (en) * 1964-03-03 Vibrating mechanism and unbalancing rotor
US3336572A (en) * 1965-04-29 1967-08-15 Texaco Inc Sonic means and method for locating and introducing equipment into a submarine well
US3608651A (en) * 1968-06-27 1971-09-28 Inst Francais Du Petrole Apparatus for driving elongated elements into underwater grounds
US4105356A (en) * 1977-05-19 1978-08-08 Koehring Corporation Vibratory roller
US4293265A (en) * 1977-09-09 1981-10-06 Preussag Aktiengesellschaft Hydraulically operated hoisting apparatus for a ship for picking floating objects up out of the sea
EP0059648A1 (fr) * 1981-03-04 1982-09-08 John T. Ostgaard Méthode et dispositif pour ancrer des constructions off-shore
EP0263967A1 (fr) * 1986-10-14 1988-04-20 Menck Gmbh Dispositif de battage immergeable
US4819740A (en) * 1987-11-16 1989-04-11 Vulcan Iron Works Inc. Vibratory hammer/extractor
US5667341A (en) * 1993-01-05 1997-09-16 Kuehn; Hans Apparatus for signal and data transmission for controlling and monitoring underwater pile drivers, cut-off equipment and similar work units
DE19631992A1 (de) * 1996-08-08 1998-02-19 Abi Maschinenfabrik Und Vertri Vibrationsbär mit Steuervorrichtung
US5788418A (en) * 1993-01-05 1998-08-04 Kuehn; Hans Detachable connector for the transmission of drive energy to submersible pile drivers, cut-off equipment or similar work units
WO1999047757A1 (fr) 1998-03-19 1999-09-23 International Construction Equipment B.V. Dispositif vibrateur et technique permettant d'entrainer un objet par vibrations
WO1999061307A1 (fr) 1998-05-28 1999-12-02 Bernard Francois Appareil et procede de deploiement d'un objet ou d'une charge sur le plancher oceanique

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3122930A (en) * 1964-03-03 Vibrating mechanism and unbalancing rotor
US3336572A (en) * 1965-04-29 1967-08-15 Texaco Inc Sonic means and method for locating and introducing equipment into a submarine well
US3608651A (en) * 1968-06-27 1971-09-28 Inst Francais Du Petrole Apparatus for driving elongated elements into underwater grounds
US4105356A (en) * 1977-05-19 1978-08-08 Koehring Corporation Vibratory roller
US4293265A (en) * 1977-09-09 1981-10-06 Preussag Aktiengesellschaft Hydraulically operated hoisting apparatus for a ship for picking floating objects up out of the sea
EP0059648A1 (fr) * 1981-03-04 1982-09-08 John T. Ostgaard Méthode et dispositif pour ancrer des constructions off-shore
EP0263967A1 (fr) * 1986-10-14 1988-04-20 Menck Gmbh Dispositif de battage immergeable
US4819740A (en) * 1987-11-16 1989-04-11 Vulcan Iron Works Inc. Vibratory hammer/extractor
US5667341A (en) * 1993-01-05 1997-09-16 Kuehn; Hans Apparatus for signal and data transmission for controlling and monitoring underwater pile drivers, cut-off equipment and similar work units
US5788418A (en) * 1993-01-05 1998-08-04 Kuehn; Hans Detachable connector for the transmission of drive energy to submersible pile drivers, cut-off equipment or similar work units
DE19631992A1 (de) * 1996-08-08 1998-02-19 Abi Maschinenfabrik Und Vertri Vibrationsbär mit Steuervorrichtung
WO1999047757A1 (fr) 1998-03-19 1999-09-23 International Construction Equipment B.V. Dispositif vibrateur et technique permettant d'entrainer un objet par vibrations
WO1999061307A1 (fr) 1998-05-28 1999-12-02 Bernard Francois Appareil et procede de deploiement d'un objet ou d'une charge sur le plancher oceanique

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004033358A1 (fr) 2002-10-03 2004-04-22 Oceaneering International, Inc. Systeme et procede de compensation de mouvement a l'aide d'un capteur sous-marin
EP1554213A1 (fr) * 2002-10-03 2005-07-20 Oceaneering International, Inc. Systeme et procede de compensation de mouvement a l'aide d'un capteur sous-marin
EP1554213A4 (fr) * 2002-10-03 2008-04-02 Oceaneering Int Inc Systeme et procede de compensation de mouvement a l'aide d'un capteur sous-marin
EP2527539A1 (fr) 2011-05-27 2012-11-28 BAUER Maschinen GmbH Agencement de forage sous-marin et procédé d'introduction d'un élément de fondation dans le sol d'une étendue d'eau
WO2020207903A1 (fr) 2019-04-09 2020-10-15 Gbm Works Bv Pieu de fondation
NL2022909B1 (en) 2019-04-09 2020-10-20 Gbm Works Bv A foundation pile

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