WO2018035272A1 - Biased fairlead clump weight - Google Patents
Biased fairlead clump weight Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2018035272A1 WO2018035272A1 PCT/US2017/047234 US2017047234W WO2018035272A1 WO 2018035272 A1 WO2018035272 A1 WO 2018035272A1 US 2017047234 W US2017047234 W US 2017047234W WO 2018035272 A1 WO2018035272 A1 WO 2018035272A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- clump weight
- fairlead
- toggle
- latch
- chain
- Prior art date
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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
- B63B21/04—Fastening or guiding equipment for chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like
- B63B21/10—Fairleads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B73/00—Building or assembling vessels or marine structures, e.g. hulls or offshore platforms
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to clump weights, fairleads, and assemblies thereof, as well as to methods of installation and use thereof.
- Clump weights are attached to mooring lines to add weight, providing tautness to the mooring lines.
- Fairleads are used to guide mooring lines on floating vessels.
- An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fairlead and clump weight assembly.
- the fairlead and clump weight assembly includes a fairlead.
- the fairlead includes a chain guide support structure and a clump weight engagement member.
- the fairlead and clump weight assembly includes a clump weight assembly.
- the clump weight assembly includes a clump weight body, a clump weight coupled to the clump weight body, and a spring housing. At least one spring is operatively coupled between the spring housing and the clump weight.
- the clump weight body is selectively engageable and disengageable with the fairlead, such as via chain latches on the fairlead or toggle latches on the clump weight assembly.
- the fairlead includes a fairlead body.
- the fairlead body includes a chain guide support structure and a clump weight engagement member.
- the fairlead includes a chain guide coupled to the chain guide support structure.
- the clump weight assembly includes a clump weight body, a clump weight coupled to the clump weight body, and a spring housing. At least one spring is operatively coupled between the spring housing and the clump weight.
- Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of installation and use of a clump weight. The method includes providing a fairlead on a floating structure. The fairlead includes a chain guide support structure and a clump weight engagement member. The method includes providing a clump weight assembly.
- the clump weight assembly includes a clump weight body, a clump weight coupled to the clump weight body, and a spring housing.
- At least one spring is operatively coupled between the spring housing and the clump weight.
- the method includes installing the clump weight assembly on the fairlead. Installing the clump weight assembly on the fairlead includes engaging the spring housing with the clump weight engagement member, and latching the clump weight body to the clump weight engagement member, such as via chain latches on the fairlead or toggle latches on the clump weight assembly.
- the fairlead and clump weight assembly includes a fairlead and a clump weight assembly.
- the clump weight assembly includes a clump weight and a spring housing. At least one spring is operatively coupled between the spring housing and the clump weight. The clump weight is selectively engageable and disengageable with the fairlead.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fairlead and clump weight assembly with a messenger wire routed through the fairlead in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the fairlead and clump weight assembly showing a sea-fastening pin and toggle latch assembly thereof in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIGs. 3A-3C are perspective views of portions of the fairlead and clump weight assembly showing a toggle latch interlock thereof in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIGs. 4A-4C are perspective views of a clump weight assembly and portions thereof in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fairlead and clump weight assembly with the messenger wire attached to a clump weight chain in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIGs. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the fairlead and clump weight assembly with the sea-fastening pin released from the toggle interlock in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fairlead and clump weight assembly with the toggle interlock released from the toggle latches in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fairlead and clump weight assembly with the clump weight pulled up by the messenger wire to release the toggle latches in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the fairlead and clump weight assembly with the clump weight lowered by the messenger wire in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIG. 9B is a depiction of the spring housing of FIG. 9A, showing the capture of the toggle latches therein in accordance with certain embodiments.
- FIGs. 10A and 10B are perspective views of another embodiment of a fairlead and clump weight assembly, and portions thereof.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fairlead and clump weight assembly of FIGs. 10A and 10B, with the clump weight pulled upwards.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fairlead and clump weight assembly of FIG. 11 with chain latches engaged with a portion of the clump weight.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the of the fairlead and clump weight assembly of FIGs. 10A and 10B showing a sea-fastening pin thereof and ROV access for routing.
- FIGs. 14A-14C are perspective views showing the fairlead and clump weight assembly of FIGs. 10A and 10B passing over a stern roller of a floating structure.
- Fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 includes fairlead 100 and clump weight 200.
- Fairlead 100 is coupled to a portion of floating structure 300.
- Floating structure 300 may be, for example and without limitation, an offshore floating platform, a ship, or other floating vessel.
- fairlead 100 is movably (e.g., rotatably and/or pivotably) coupled to floating structure 300, between brackets 302.
- Fairlead 100 includes a fairlead body composed of chain guide support structure 102 and clump weight engagement member 104.
- Chain guide 108 is coupled to chain guide support structure 102.
- chain guide 108 is a chain wheel, including but not limited to single or dual chain wheels, such as the chain wheels shown and described in U. S. Patent Application No. 13/669,310, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. While chain guide 108 is shown and described as a chain wheel, fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 is not limited to chain wheels as the chain guide, and may include other chain guides well known to those skilled in the art, such as a bending shoe.
- Fairlead 100 also includes toggle latch eyes 106, which are holes extending through clump weight engagement member 104. Each toggle latch eyes 106 is spaced from the bottom of clump weight engagement member 104.
- Clump weight 200 may be installed in dry dock before submergence of fairlead 100, with or without a messenger wire 502 attached thereto. In some embodiments, operational flexibility is enhanced if the messenger wire 502 is removable for tow operations.
- Clump weight 200 may be configured to resist corrosion, including self-protection from cathodic corrosion. For example, clump weight 200 may be painted and/or coated with one or more layers that provide cathodic protection thereto.
- clump weight 200 may be submerged within water (e.g., ocean water) for more than one year without experiencing substantial corrosion.
- Clump weight 200 is coupled to clump weight body 202.
- clump weight body 202 is an elongated body.
- Clump weight body 202 may be attached to or integral with clump weight 200.
- Clump weight 200 includes a connection point, such as lifting eye 216.
- Clump weight body 202 includes include a connection point, such as lifting eye 218, for attachment to a chain, cable, wire, or the like.
- lifting eye 218 may be coupled to clump weight chain 220 (clump weight 220 chain lashing not shown, for clarity).
- Clump weight 200 may have a weight sufficient to lift an anchor chain from a chain locker on floating vessel 300.
- clump weight 200 may be configured to be recoverable over a stern roller of floating structure 300.
- clump weight 200 is suspended via one or more springs 206 from spring housing 204.
- Clump weight 200 is movable relative to spring housing 204, or a portion thereof (e.g., upper housing wall 208).
- spring housing 204 is coupled to clump weight body 202.
- spring housing 204 is a weldment.
- Spring housing 204 includes upper housing wall 208, lower housing wall 210, and sidewalls 212.
- One or more springs 206 are positioned within spring housing 204, between upper and lower housing walls 208 and 210. Each spring 206 is coupled to upper housing wall 208 at one end and to lower housing wall 210 at the opposite end, extending there-between.
- lower housing wall 210 is a portion of clump weight 200, such as a top surface thereof. As such, clump weight 200 is operatively coupled to upper housing wall 208 via springs 206, such that clump weight 200 is movable toward and away from upper housing wall 208 with compression and extension of springs 206, respectively.
- upper housing wall 208 is movable with respect to lower housing wall 210, and springs 206 compress when upper housing wall 208 and lower housing wall 210 move toward one another.
- Springs 206 may have sufficient spring tension to secure clump weight 200 in position.
- each spring 206 is, or all springs combined are, configured to provide a compressive force of at least 1 metric ton.
- each spring 206, or all springs combined may be configured to provide a compressive force ranging from 1 metric ton to 10 metric tons, or from 2 metric tons to 8 metric tons, or from 3 metric tons to 7 metric tons, or from 4 metric tons to 6 metric tons, or 5 metric tons.
- clump weight engagement member 104 is sized and/or shaped to engage with spring housing 204, or at least the upper portion thereof.
- clump weight engagement member 104 includes engagement recesses 1 10 configured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) to receive a portion of spring housing 204, spring housing engagement portion 214.
- toggle latches 222a and 222b are movably (e.g., pivotably and/or rotatably) connected to clump weight body 202.
- toggle latches 222a and 222b are shown in the open configuration, with toggle latches 222a and 222b extending outward from clump weight body 202.
- First toggle latch 222a and second toggle latch 222b are each connected to clump weight body 202.
- First and second toggle latches 222a and 222b are configured to rotate with respect to clump weight body 202 and with respect to each other.
- Toggle latches 222a and 222b are maintained in the open configuration, at least in part, via shear pin 224, engaged therewith.
- shear pin 224 limits the movement of toggle latches 222a and 222b relative to clump weight body 202, resisting premature release and/or rotation of toggle latches 222a and 222b.
- Toggle latches 222a and 222b are configured to move relative to clump weight body 202 when shear pin 224 is removed from engagement with toggle latches 222a and 222b.
- Torsion spring 226 is engaged to clump weight body 202. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, pivot pin 228 extends outwardly from a surface of clump weight body 202. Toggle latches 222a and 222b and torsion spring 226 are each engaged on pivot pin 228. Torsion spring 226 is also engaged to toggle latches 222 via torsion spring engagement pin 230. Toggle latches 222a and 222b are movable from a position of horizontal alignment (as shown), downwardly to a position of vertical alignment against clump weight body 202.
- torsion spring 226 biases first and second toggle latches 222a and 222b to rotate downwards, and into alignment with and against clump weight body 202.
- Toggle latches 222a and 222b are engaged with tracks 232, such as via torsion spring engagement pin 230 or via a portion of toggle latches 222a and 222b extending into tracks 232.
- toggle latches 222a and 222b move downwards and into alignment with clump weight body 202, toggle latches 222a and 222b move along tracks 232.
- the endpoints of tracks 232 define the maximum downwards rotation available to toggle latches 222a and 222b, preventing movement of toggle latches 222a and 222b there-beyond.
- toggle latches 222a and 222b are configured such that toggle latches 222a and 222b are prevented from moving (e.g., pivoting and/or rotating) upwards (i.e., towards lifting eye 218 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 A).
- Prevention of movement of toggle latches 222a and 222b upwards may be accomplished via biasing from torsion spring 226, endpoints of tracks 232 defining the range of motion for toggle latches 222a and 222b, gravity, or combinations thereof.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 includes sea-fastening pin 400.
- Sea fastening pin 400 is movably connected to fairlead 100.
- Sea-fastening pin 400 includes upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 and lower sea fastening pin keeper 406.
- Upper and lower sea-fastening pin keepers 404 and 406 are operable to selectively maintain a position of sea-fastening pin 400 relative to fairlead 100.
- upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 is shown in FIG. 2 in a locked configuration.
- upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 In the locked configuration of upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404, upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 is engaged with a portion of fairlead 100, fairlead bracket 101, preventing movement of sea-fastening pin 400.
- Upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 is movable into an unlocked configuration, such that upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 is no longer engaged with fairlead bracket 101, allowing sea-fastening pin 400 to be moved relative to fairlead 100 to disengage sea-fastening pin 400 from toggle interlock 402.
- Lower sea-fastening pin keeper 406 functions in the same manner as upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 to selectively move between locked and unlocked configurations.
- Toggle interlock 402 is removably connected to and between sea fastening pin 400 and toggle latch 222a. Toggle interlock 402 may be maintained in engagement with toggle latch 222a via toggle interlock keeper 403. For example, a portion of toggle interlock 402 may extend through toggle latch throughhole 223 from a topside thereof. Toggle interlock keeper 403 may then be engaged with toggle interlock 402 on a bottom side of toggle latch throughhole 223, retaining toggle interlock 402 in engagement with toggle latch 222a.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 is not limited to the particular structures and configurations, as shown, and that modifications to the structures and/or arrangements thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
- retention of engagement between clump weight 200 and fairlead 100 is shown as being achieved via toggle latches 222a and 222b engaged with clump weight engagement member 104 and sea-fastening pin 400 via toggle interlock 402
- toggle latches 222a and 222b are maintained in position via shear pin 224 and biased via torsion spring 226, one skilled in the art would understand that other structures or combinations of structures could be used to achieve the same ends.
- FIG. 1 depicts fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 with a messenger wire 502 positioned in relate to clump weight 200.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 may be arranged into a "tow configuration" without a messenger wire coupled therewith.
- the tow configuration is a suitable configuration during, for example, towing of floating structure 300.
- clump weight 200 is engaged with fairlead 100, and secured to fairlead 100 by a self-latching mechanism, toggle latches 222a and 222b, that engages within toggle latch eyes 106.
- Clump weight 200 is also secured to fairlead 100 and locked in place via a sea-fastening system, including sea-fastening pin 400, pin keepers 404 and 406, toggle interlock 402, and toggle interlock keeper 403.
- sea-fastening pin 400 In the tow configuration, both upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 and lower sea-fastening pin keeper 406 are in the locked configuration, with sea-fastening pin 400 engaged with toggle interlock 402.
- Toggle interlock 402 is engaged with toggle latch 222a and toggle interlock keeper 403.
- Both toggle latches 222a and 222b are disposed in the open configuration, with toggle latches 222a and 222b each extending through toggle latch eyes 106.
- shear pin 224 is not yet sheared, maintaining a position of toggle latches 222a and 222b.
- springs 206 are partially compressed, preventing movement of clump weight 200 by: (1) applying a downward force to clump weight 200 and toggle latches 222a and 222b, and (2) applying an upward force to spring housing 204 against fairlead 100.
- toggle latches 222a and 222b secured via toggle interlock 402
- toggle latches 222a and 222b are prevented from folding downward until sea-fastening pin 400 is pulled upwards from engagement with toggle interlock 402, and toggle interlock 402 is removed from engagement with toggle latch 222a.
- FIG. 1 also depicts fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 with messenger wire 502 being routed through fairlead 100 to be connected with clump weight 200 via an ROV.
- an ROV may operatively engage with messenger wire 502 via engaging ROV engagement member 500 (e.g., a hook or eye) on messenger wire 502.
- Messenger wire 502 may be attached to the top of clump weight 200 (e.g., at lifting eye 218) by an ROV, or by a diver.
- a cross-haul wire from an anchor handling tug (AHT) may be attached to the bottom of clump weight 200 (e.g., at lifting eye 216) via an ROV or a diver.
- AHT anchor handling tug
- messenger wire 502 After routing messenger wire 502 through fairlead 100, messenger wire 502 is attached to clump weight chain 220, as shown in FIG. 5.
- the sea-fastening pin 400, toggle interlock 402, toggle latches 222a and 222b, and associated components are in the same configurations in FIG. 5 as described with respect to FIG. 1.
- FIGs. 6A and 6B depict fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 and details thereof with upper sea-fastening pin keeper 404 in an unlocked configuration, and with sea-fastening pin 400 pulled upwards out of engagement with toggle interlock 402.
- Toggle interlock 402 is still engaged with toggle latch 222a.
- toggle interlock 402 may be removed from engagement with toggle latch 222a, such as via a diver or an ROV.
- toggle interlock 402 may be removed from engagement with toggle latch 222a, as shown in FIG. 7.
- clump weight 200 may be pulled upwards via messenger wire 502, as shown in FIG. 8.
- Messenger wire 502 may be moved by a chain jack, for example.
- shear pin 224 is sheared, toggle latches 222a and 222b are released from engagement within toggle latch eyes 106, and torsion spring 226 biases toggle latches 222a and 222b downwards.
- springs 206 may compress.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 is configured such that toggle latches 222a and 222b cannot be opened without pre-tension applied on messenger wire 502, without sea-fastening pin 400 being released from toggle interlock 402, or combinations thereof.
- clump weight 200 may be lowered by messenger wire 502, as shown in FIG. 9A.
- springs 206 may be uncompressed.
- released toggle latches 222a and 222b are captured and contained within inner spring housing 205.
- Inner spring housing 205 may coupled to or form a portion of spring housing 204.
- clump weight 200 provides a counter balance force, allowing a chain jack or other type of mooring line tensioner to pay out messenger wire 502 and any attached anchor chain and anchor, lifting messenger wire 502 and any attached anchor chain and anchor from an inboard locker over chain guide 108 and guiding messenger wire 502 and any attached anchor chain and anchor down to fairlead 100.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 is configured such that no unplanned releases of clump weight 200 occur, or at least a reduced number of unplanned releases of clump weight 200 occur.
- at least three independent actions are required to release clump weight 200 from fairlead 100, including: (1) release of sea-fastening pin 400 from engagement with toggle interlock 402; (2) release of toggle interlock 402 from engagement with toggle latch 222a; and (3) raising of clump weight 200 by messenger chain 502 to release toggle latches 222a and 222b from engagement with toggle latch eyes 106.
- Fairlead and clump weight 1000 may be configured such that clump weight 200 may be reliably released from fairlead 100 when required.
- clump weight 200 may be released from fairlead 100 without getting stuck in engagement with fairlead 100, damaging fairlead 100, rattling while being released from fairlead 100, impacting fairlead 100, becoming wedged into any portion of fairlead 100, scraping any paint off of fairlead 100, or combinations thereof.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 may have one or more features that provide failure tolerance thereto, including but not limited to: toggle latches 222a and 222b configured to not open unless pre-tension is first applied to messenger wire 502; and toggle latches 222a and 222b configured to not open unless sea-fastening pin 400 is released.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 and portions thereof are depicted.
- like reference numerals relative to those in FIGs 1-9B are used to designate like elements (e.g., reference numeral " 100" indicates fairlead in FIGs. 1-9B, and reference numeral " 100b” indicates fairlead in FIGs. 10A-14C).
- reference numeral " 100" indicates fairlead in FIGs. 1-9B
- reference numeral " 100b” indicates fairlead in FIGs. 10A-14C.
- many attributes of fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 are equally applicable to fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000.
- clump weight 200b and clump weight body 202b couple to fairlead 100b in a different manner than clump weight 200 and clump weight body 202 couple to fairlead 100, as shown and described with respect to FIGs. 1-9B.
- Fairlead 100b includes chain latches 600.
- Each chain latch 600 has a latch pocket 602, a surface feature configured to engage with a chain (e.g., messenger wire and/or anchor chain).
- Latch pocket 602 may be a concavity formed on a surface of chain latch 600.
- Latch pocket 602 may also be configured to engage clump weight body 202b.
- clump weight body 202b may include one or more surface features 203b configured to engage within latch pocket 602.
- Surface features 203b may be a convexity configured to engage within and mate with the concavity of latch pocket 602.
- Chain latches 600 are configured to selectively move between an open configuration (as shown in FIG.
- chain latches 600 are open, providing clearance for any chain to pass there-through. Also, in the open configuration, a portion of clump weight body 202b may pass between chain latches 600, such that surface features 203b are positioned to engage with latch pockets 602 upon closing of chain latches 600 into the closed configuration.
- chain latches 600 are hydraulically controlled to selectively move between the open and closed configurations.
- hydraulic actuator 610 is configured to extend and retract along rods 613 to move chain latches 600 between the open and closed configurations.
- Hydraulic actuator 610 is operatively coupled to latch links 612 via link coupler 614.
- Latch links 612 are operatively coupled to levers 615, which are in turn operatively coupled to latch pins 616, which are in turn operatively coupled to chain latches 600.
- Latch coupler 614 is also operatively coupled to latch springs 618, which are in turn operatively coupled to a portion of fairlead 100b.
- Clump weight 200b may include spring engagement members configured to engage with springs 206.
- the spring engagement members may be protrusions, extending vertically from lower housing wall 210b (top surface of clump weight 200b), configured such that springs 206b are slidably engageable about the spring engagement members.
- clump weight 200b is of sufficient weight to allow a chain jack to lower messenger wire 502b and to lift a chain (e.g., anchor chain) from a chain locker on the floating structure.
- clump weight 200b may have a weight about five metric tons.
- Clump weight 200b may be installed in drydock before flood, with or without messenger wire 502b attached thereto.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 is placed into an initial configuration, in which: (1) chain latches 600 are open; (2) no preload is placed on messenger wire 502b attached to lifting eye 218b; and (3) and springs 206b are uncompressed.
- Clump weight body 202b is inserted through clump weight engagement member 104b, and spring housing 204b is engaged with clump weight engagement member 104b.
- clump weight body 202b is extended further into fairlead 100b, such as via raising clump weight 200b using a messenger wire 502b, with chain latches 600 maintained in the open configuration; a preload on the messenger wire 502; and with springs 206b compressed.
- the preload on the messenger wire 502b may be 2 metric tons and the springs 206b may be compressed by 300 mm during this operation.
- the magnitudes of load and spring compression are not limited to these particular values, and may vary depending upon the particular application.
- clump weight body 202b is secured via chain latches 600.
- chain latches 600 With surface feature 203b positioned in operative relation to latch pockets 603, chain latches 600 are closed via latch actuator 610.
- latch pockets 602 engage with surface features 203b, such that chain latches 600 grip and hold a position of clump weight body 202b.
- the preload on the messenger wire 502b may be removed, and the messenger wire 502b may be removed.
- the springs 206b within spring housing 204b may be compressed.
- the springs 206b within spring housing 204b may be compressed by 150 mm in response to application of a 1 metric ton force.
- the magnitudes of load and spring compression are not limited to these particular values, and may vary depending upon the particular application.
- Fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 is shown in a tow configuration in FIG. 12, suitable for towing the floating structure that fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 is coupled with.
- FIG. 13 depicts ROV 500b, which may be used to attach a messenger wire (not shown) to clump weight body 202b.
- a messenger wire not shown
- FIG. 13 depicts ROV 500b, which may be used to attach a messenger wire (not shown) to clump weight body 202b.
- messenger wire 502b is attached to clump weight body 202b at lifting eye 218b
- cross-haul wire 503b is attached to clump weight 200b at lifting eye 216b
- sea- fastening pin 400b is unpinned
- latches 600 are actuated to enter the open configuration, clear of clump weight body 202b and the surface feature 603b thereof.
- release of clump weight 200b may be performed in four steps, including: (1) release of sea-fastening pin 400b; (2) application of tension to messenger wire 502b; (3) opening of latches 600, and holding latches 600 in the open configuration; and (4) lowering of clump weight 200b.
- Rotating chain wheel 108b may guide the lowering of clump weight 200b.
- the tension applied to messenger wire 502b may be, for example and without limitation, two metric tons.
- each of step (1)- (4) must be performed, in sequence, in order to release clump weight 200b. The requirement of at least four independent actions to release clump weight 200b may reduce or prevent the occurrence of unplanned clump weight 200b releases.
- sea-fastening pin 400b locks clump weight engagement member 104b to floating structure 300, preventing clump weight engagement member 104b from pivoting relative to floating structure 300.
- sea-fastening pin 400b engages with latches 600 (e.g., with latch pins) to lock a position of latches 600, such as to lock latches 600 in the opened or closed configuration.
- latches 600 are selectively movable between the open and closed configurations. In FIG. 13, a portion of spring housing 204b is not shown.
- latch structure 61 1 includes one or more sensors configured to sense a position of latches 600, such as whether or not latches 600 are in the open or closed configuration.
- springs 206b are compressed sufficiently to apply sufficient pressure onto latches 600 to maintain latches 600 in position (e.g., in the closed configuration).
- latch springs 618 are configured to operate to close latches 600, such as upon the occurrence of hydraulic failure of associated with the latch rods 613 and/or latch actuator 610.
- fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 have a shape and size configured to allow fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 to be released from or pulled in over a stern roller 800 of a floating structure.
- a deck winch on the floating structure may be used to pull in cross-haul wire 503b.
- Fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 may have one or more features that provide failure tolerance thereto. For example and without limitation, in the case of over-tension on messenger wire 502b during tow of the floating structure, or by human error: (1) springs 206b may compress (e.g., up to three metric tons); thereby absorbing shock loads, and portions of spring housing 204b may contact clump weight 200b and stop; and (2) if latches 600 are not in the open configuration and/or not maintained in the open configuration, latches 600 will prevent clump weight 200b from falling, thus reducing tension.
- springs 206b may compress (e.g., up to three metric tons); thereby absorbing shock loads, and portions of spring housing 204b may contact clump weight 200b and stop; and (2) if latches 600 are not in the open configuration and/or not maintained in the open configuration, latches 600 will prevent clump weight 200b from falling, thus reducing tension.
- latches 600 are configured such that latches 600 cannot enter the open configuration: without first applying pre-tension to messenger wire 502b; without first releasing sea-fastening pin 400b; or combinations thereof.
- the messenger wire 502b and cross-haul wire 503b load path is a single, solid steel casting.
- the strength of springs 206b exceeds the minimum breaking load (MBL) of messenger wire 502b.
- Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include method of installation and use thereof the fairleads, clump weights, and fairlead and clump weight assemblies provided herein.
- a first embodiment of such a method may be implemented, for example and without limitation, using fairlead and clump weight assembly 1000 as depicted in FIGs. 1-9B.
- the first method includes installing the clump weight on the fairlead, which may be performed in drydock before submergence of the fairlead, with or without a messenger wire attached thereto.
- Installing the clump weight on the fairlead includes: (1) engaging the spring housing with the clump weight engagement member; (2) engaging the toggle latches on the clump weight body within toggle latch eyes of clump weight engagement member; and (3) engaging the sea-fastening pin with the toggle interlock and engaging the toggle interlock with one of the toggle latches.
- the first method includes releasing the fairlead and clump weight assembly for towing.
- the fairlead and clump weight assembly may be released over a stern roller of the floating structure.
- the first method includes towing the floating structure to a desired location, with the fairlead and clump weight assembly in the tow configuration.
- the first method includes, at the desired location, routing the messenger wire through the fairlead, and connecting the messenger wire with the clump weight (e.g., via the clump weight chain), such as via an ROV or diver.
- the first method includes attaching the cross-haul wire from an anchor handling tug to the bottom of the clump weight, such as via an ROV or a diver. [0067] The first method includes releasing the sea-fastening pin from the toggle interlock, and releasing the toggle interlock from the toggle latches.
- the first method includes pulling the clump weight upwards via the messenger wire at least until the shear pin is sheared, and the toggle latches are released from engagement within the toggle latch eyes.
- the first method includes lowering the clump weight using the messenger wire; thereby paying- out the messenger wire and any attached anchor chain and anchor, such as from an inboard locker over the chain guide.
- the first method includes recovering the fairlead and clump weight assembly over a stern roller of the floating structure by pulling-in the fairlead and clump weight assembly, such as by using the chain guide and/or deck winch.
- a second embodiment of such a method may be implemented, for example and without limitation, using fairlead and clump weight assembly 2000 as depicted in FIGs. 10A-14C.
- the second method includes installing the clump weight on the fairlead, which may be performed in drydock before submergence of the fairlead, with or without a messenger wire attached thereto.
- Installing the clump weight on the fairlead includes: (1) engaging the spring housing with the clump weight engagement member; (2) closing the latches of the fairlead at least until the latch pockets engage with the surface features of the clump weight body; and (3) engaging the sea-fastening pin with the chain latches to lock the chain latches into the closed configuration.
- the second method includes releasing the fairlead and clump weight assembly for towing.
- the fairlead and clump weight assembly may be released over a stern roller of the floating structure.
- the second method includes towing the floating vessel to a desired location, with the fairlead and clump weight assembly in the tow configuration.
- the second method includes, at the desired location, routing the messenger wire through the fairlead, and connecting the messenger wire with the clump weight (e.g., via the clump weight chain), such as via an ROV or diver.
- the second method includes attaching the cross-haul wire from an anchor handling tug to the bottom of the clump weight, such as via an ROV or a diver.
- the second method includes releasing the sea-fastening pin to unlock the chain latches, applying a pre-tension to the messenger wire, opening the chain latches at least until the latch pockets are no longer engaged with the surface features of the clump weight body, maintaining the chain latches in the open configuration, and lowering the clump weight.
- the clump weight may be lowered using the messenger wire; thereby paying-out the messenger wire and any attached anchor chain and anchor, such as from an inboard locker over the chain guide.
- the second method includes recovering the fairlead and clump weight assembly over a stern roller of the floating structure by pulling-in the fairlead and clump weight assembly, such as by using the chain guide and/or deck winch.
- some embodiments of the fairlead and clump weight assembly may be configured to: (1) provide adequate clump weight to pull down on the messenger wire and any topside chain; (2) enable efficient connection of cross-haul cables to the clump weight via ROV or diver without any central processing facility (CPF) topside line handling to minimize vessel time for initial hook-up and tensioning operations; (3) provide a stern roller friendly shape; (4) protect sea-fastening mechanisms (e.g., pins); (5) reliably release the clump weight only when required; (6) be easily installed in drydock (not underwater); (7) survive tows with or without a messenger wire attached, enhancing operational flexibility; (8) substantially reduce risk by installing messenger wires at the end of or late in tow; (9) allow for easy and efficient messenger wire connection to clump weight underwater by divers and/or ROV; (10) reduce or eliminate any further design work, or added vessel weight, structure and equipment that might otherwise be
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Flexible Shafts (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2017313123A AU2017313123B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2017-08-16 | Biased fairlead clump weight |
EP17842085.7A EP3500483A4 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2017-08-16 | Biased fairlead clump weight |
BR112019003238A BR112019003238A2 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2017-08-16 | weight oriented cable guide clump |
KR1020197004538A KR102411876B1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2017-08-16 | Pressurized Fairlead Clump Weights |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662375817P | 2016-08-16 | 2016-08-16 | |
US62/375,817 | 2016-08-16 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2018035272A1 true WO2018035272A1 (en) | 2018-02-22 |
Family
ID=61197099
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2017/047234 WO2018035272A1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2017-08-16 | Biased fairlead clump weight |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10392080B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3500483A4 (en) |
KR (1) | KR102411876B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2017313123B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112019003238A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018035272A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10759628B2 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2020-09-01 | Bardex Corporation | Link coupler, chainwheel, and assembly thereof for coupling and moving chains of different sizes |
EP3837159A4 (en) | 2018-08-17 | 2022-05-25 | Bardex Corporation | Mooring and tensioning methods, systems, and apparatus |
EP4182217A4 (en) | 2020-07-20 | 2024-09-18 | Bardex Corp | Handling tail chains of mooring lines |
Citations (6)
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US3397664A (en) * | 1966-09-16 | 1968-08-20 | Hydronautics | Vessel stabilizer |
GB2069954A (en) * | 1980-02-22 | 1981-09-03 | Navire Cargo Gear Int Ab | A mooring device |
JPS59220426A (en) * | 1983-05-26 | 1984-12-11 | Sanwa Tekki Corp | Easy installation type weight falling preventing apparatus |
US5364075A (en) * | 1992-09-03 | 1994-11-15 | Smith Berger Marine, Inc. | Retractable mount for a mooring line guide and process for operating the same |
GB2484840A (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2012-04-25 | Subsea 7 Ltd | Apparatus for tensioning a buoy to an anchoring location |
US8967066B1 (en) * | 2011-04-19 | 2015-03-03 | Ivan Bekey | Automatic docking line management system |
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US5307753A (en) * | 1991-04-16 | 1994-05-03 | Besonen Sr Paul W | Water motion cushioning device |
US5845893A (en) | 1997-03-14 | 1998-12-08 | Bardex Engineering, Inc. | Underwater self-aligning fairlead latch device for mooring a structure at sea |
GB2483717A (en) * | 2010-09-20 | 2012-03-21 | Subsea 7 Ltd | Apparatus for gripping a chain |
US8915205B2 (en) | 2010-12-23 | 2014-12-23 | Bardex Corporation | Fairlead latch device |
BR112014010516B1 (en) | 2011-11-03 | 2021-05-25 | Bardex Corporation | chain wheel and method for manipulating a chain |
FR3019519B1 (en) * | 2014-04-07 | 2017-10-27 | Ifp Energies Now | ANCHORING LINE FOR FLOATING SUPPORT COMPRISING AN ELASTIC DEVICE |
US9562399B2 (en) * | 2014-04-30 | 2017-02-07 | Seahourse Equipment Corp. | Bundled, articulated riser system for FPSO vessel |
CN205004932U (en) * | 2015-09-07 | 2016-01-27 | 瑞声光电科技(常州)有限公司 | Linear motor |
-
2017
- 2017-08-16 US US15/679,105 patent/US10392080B2/en active Active
- 2017-08-16 WO PCT/US2017/047234 patent/WO2018035272A1/en unknown
- 2017-08-16 AU AU2017313123A patent/AU2017313123B2/en active Active
- 2017-08-16 BR BR112019003238A patent/BR112019003238A2/en unknown
- 2017-08-16 KR KR1020197004538A patent/KR102411876B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2017-08-16 EP EP17842085.7A patent/EP3500483A4/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3397664A (en) * | 1966-09-16 | 1968-08-20 | Hydronautics | Vessel stabilizer |
GB2069954A (en) * | 1980-02-22 | 1981-09-03 | Navire Cargo Gear Int Ab | A mooring device |
JPS59220426A (en) * | 1983-05-26 | 1984-12-11 | Sanwa Tekki Corp | Easy installation type weight falling preventing apparatus |
US5364075A (en) * | 1992-09-03 | 1994-11-15 | Smith Berger Marine, Inc. | Retractable mount for a mooring line guide and process for operating the same |
GB2484840A (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2012-04-25 | Subsea 7 Ltd | Apparatus for tensioning a buoy to an anchoring location |
US8967066B1 (en) * | 2011-04-19 | 2015-03-03 | Ivan Bekey | Automatic docking line management system |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See also references of EP3500483A4 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20190038568A (en) | 2019-04-08 |
US20180086421A1 (en) | 2018-03-29 |
KR102411876B1 (en) | 2022-06-22 |
AU2017313123A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 |
EP3500483A4 (en) | 2020-03-18 |
AU2017313123B2 (en) | 2021-12-16 |
EP3500483A1 (en) | 2019-06-26 |
BR112019003238A2 (en) | 2019-06-18 |
US10392080B2 (en) | 2019-08-27 |
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