WO2021137244A1

WO2021137244A1 - Corrosion protection for a mooring line system

Info

Publication number: WO2021137244A1
Application number: PCT/IL2021/050010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Omer DIAMANT
Original assignee: Diamant Omer
Priority date: 2020-01-05
Filing date: 2021-01-04
Publication date: 2021-07-08
Also published as: IL294499A

Abstract

A mooring line system includes a mooring line, a sinker, a connecting joint, and a corrosion protection device. The connecting joint is a flexible connection between the mooring line and the sinker. The corrosion protection device is formed with an elastomeric material and is casted around the connecting joint.

Description

CORROSION PROTECTION FOR A MOORING LINE SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION/S

This application claims the benefit of priority of Israeli Patent Application No. 271838 filed on January 5, 2020 and Israeli Patent Application No. 276166 filed July 20, 2020, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to mooring line systems and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to corrosion protection features for mooring line systems.

The marine environment is a very aggressive working atmosphere, where structural materials and components are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, a chloride-rich salty environment, frequent wetting and drying cycles, high humidity, the attack of biological microorganisms and marine bacteria. Structural materials and components are also known to be exposed to abrasion and severe wear caused by sand, ocean currents, floating wastes, and contamination. The combined effect of corrosion and wear is known as tribocorrosion.

Mooring line systems are known to be particularly prone to tribocorrosion. Movement of seawater due to waves, wind and ocean currents, generates a relative movement between components, e.g. metal links that leads to a continuous wear in the contact. The components are for example, links in a metal chain and/or links at a connecting joint in the mooring line system. Portions of a mooring line system that lie closer to the seabed are more severely prone to tribocorrosion due abrasion with sand near or at the seabed.

Different coatings are known to be used to protect offshore structures from the aggressive working atmosphere of the marine environment. The coatings are typically sprayed or otherwise applied on a structure as a thin layer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some example embodiments, there is provided mooring line system including a corrosion protection device casted around at least one connecting joint of the system and a method of casting the corrosion protection device around a connecting joint. According to some example embodiments, the corrosion protection device includes elastomeric material casted around the connecting joint. Optionally, the elastomeric material is casted within a sleeve or a jacket positioned around the connecting joint to encapsulate the connecting joint with the elastomeric material. Optionally, the sleeve or jacket is formed from a pliable material. The elastomeric material is configured to prevent or reduce tribocorrosion at the connecting joint while maintaining flexibility in the connection. In some example embodiments, the corrosion protection device is casted around an existing connecting joint in an offshore environment. According to an aspect of some example embodiments, there is provided a protected mooring line including a chain, cable and/or a rope encompassed with a sleeve of pliable material filled with an elastomeric material. Optionally and preferably, a diameter of the sleeve is 1.5 to 5 times a diameter of the chain, cable and/or rope. Optionally, the chain is a metal chain with links.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments, there is provided a mooring line system comprising: a mooring line; a sinker; a connecting joint defining a flexible connection between the mooring line and the sinker; and a corrosion protection device casted around the connecting joint, wherein the corrosion protection device is formed with an elastomeric material.

Optionally, the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A. Optionally, the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 35 Shore A to 50

Shore A.

Optionally, the elastomeric material is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant.

Optionally, the corrosion protection device includes a pliable substrate encompassing the elastomeric material and defining a casting volume in which the elastomeric material is introduced.

Optionally, the pliable substrate is a woven fabric.

Optionally, the woven fabric is coated with polymer including elastomeric properties.

Optionally, the pliable substrate includes a hook-and-loop fastener configured to fixedly wrap the pliable substrate around the connecting joint. Optionally, the pliable substrate is formed with at least one inlet port through which the elastomer material is configured to be received into the casting volume.

Optionally, the inlet port includes a check valve.

Optionally, the pliable substrate is formed with at least one outlet port through which air and/or water is configured to be released from the casting volume. Optionally, the outlet port includes a check valve.

Optionally, the pliable substrate is heat shrink tubing.

Optionally, the corrosion protection device extends over at least a portion of a length of the mooring line. Optionally, the mooring line includes: a sleeve formed with a pliable material; a chain, cable and/or a rope extending within the sleeve; and elastomeric material casted around the chain or the rope within the sleeve.

Optionally, the pliable material is woven fabric.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments, there is provided a corrosion protection device for a mooring line system, the device comprising: a pliable substrate encompassing a connecting joint between a mooring line and a sinker, the encompassing defining a casting volume; and elastomeric material casted on the casting volume, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A.

Optionally, the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 35 Shore A to 50 Shore A.

Optionally, the elastomeric material is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant.

Optionally, the pliable substrate is a woven fabric.

Optionally, the pliable substrate includes a hook-and-loop fastener configured to fixedly wrap the pliable substrate around the connecting joint.

Optionally, the pliable substrate is formed with at least one inlet port through which the elastomer material is configured to be received into the casting volume.

Optionally, the inlet port includes a check valve.

Optionally, the pliable substrate is formed with at least one outlet port through which air and/or water is configured to be released from the casting volume.

Optionally, the outlet port includes a check valve.

Optionally, the pliable substrate is heat shrink tubing.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments, there is provided a corrosion protected mooring line comprising: a chain, cable and/or rope; a sleeve in which the chain, cable and/or rope is received; and elastomeric material casted within the sleeve with the chain, cable and/or rope, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A.

Optionally, the elastomeric material is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant. Optionally, the sleeve has a diameter that is 1.5 to 5 times a diameter of the chain, cable and/or rope.

Optionally, the sleeve is a woven fabric.

Optionally, the woven fabric is coated with polymer including elastomeric properties. Optionally, the sleeve is heat shrink tubing.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments, there is provided a method to protect a mooring line system against corrosion, the method comprising: encompassing a connecting joint defining a flexible connection between two elements in a mooring line system with a pliable substrate, wherein the encompassing is configured to define a casting volume around the connecting joint; securing the pliable substrate around mooring elements of the connecting joint; and casting elastomeric material within the casting volume and around the connecting joint.

Optionally, the encompassing includes fastening the pliable substrate around the connecting joint with a hook-and-loop fastener. Optionally, the securing includes heat shrinking the pliable substrate.

Optionally, the casting is through a check valve positioned through a port formed in the pliable substrate.

Optionally, the encompassing and the casting is performed under water.

Optionally, the method further comprises removing the pliable substrate after the casting. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGiS)

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic drawing of an example mooring line system in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic drawing of another example mooring line system in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic drawing of yet another example mooring line system in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIGS. 4 A and 4B are simplified schematic drawings of two example corrosion protection devices in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic drawing of an example sleeve for a corrosion protection device in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic drawing of an example jacket for a corrosion protection device in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic drawing of an example corrosion protection device positioned over a multi-connection joint in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic drawing of an example jacket for a multi-connection joint shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a simplified flow chart of an example method to protect a connecting joint from corrosion in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIGS. 10A and 10B simplified schematic drawings of an example off shore dispenser for off shore casting, both in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are simplified schematic perspective and top views of an example mooring line, both in accordance with some example embodiments;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified schematic perspective and top views of another example mooring line, both in accordance with some example embodiments; and

FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic drawing depicting forming a corrosion protection device around a mooring line in accordance with some example embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to mooring line system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to corrosion protection for mooring line systems. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

According to some example embodiments, a mooring line system includes a mooring line, a sinker, a connecting joint defining a flexible connection between the mooring line and the sinker and a corrosion protection device casted around the connecting joint. The corrosion protecting device includes an elastomeric material defined to maintain a flexibility between the components in the connecting joint. In some example embodiments, the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A, e.g. 35 Shore A to 50 Shore A or 40 Shore A. In some example embodiments, the elastomeric material is selected to have a specific gravity of 1.1 - 1.5, e.g., 1.2. Optionally, the elastomeric material is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant. Optionally, elastomeric material is based on homopolymer. Optionally, the elastomeric material is or includes rubber and/or silicone. Optionally, the elastomeric material is a two- component elastomer including a base and a hardener. In some examples, the elastomeric material is Sikaflex®-2c SL produced by Sika® headquartered in Baar, Switzerland.

In some example embodiments, the connecting joint may be hermetically encapsulated within the corrosion protection device which fills a niche in the object, where the connecting joint is located. The elastomeric material may be rubber-like, sponge-like, and/or gel-like.

According to some example embodiments, the elastomeric material is casted in a pliable jacket or sleeve positioned around the connecting joint. In some example embodiments, the pliable jacket or sleeve is a tube or is a sheet material wrapped around the connecting joint. Tube or sheet material may be or may include woven fabric, rubber, silicon and/or a polymer material. The pliable jacket or sleeve may be for example be a woven fabric optionally coated with polymer coating to improve liquid or paste impermeability. Optionally, pliable jacket or sleeve is a fire hose or is formed with material used for fire hoses. In other example embodiments, pliable jacket or sleeve is selected to have elastomeric properties. Pliable jacket or sleeve may be an integral part of the mooring line or may be removed after casting the elastomeric material therein. Optionally, the elastomeric material is configured to adhere to the pliable jacket or sleeve to form an integral part including the sleeve, elastomeric material and embedded chain, rope and/or cable. According to some example embodiments, the pliable jacket or sleeve includes one or more inlet ports through which the elastomeric material is configured to be received during casting. Optionally, check valves are installed on the one or more inlet ports. According to some example embodiments, the pliable jacket or sleeve includes one or more outlet ports through which air and/or water may be expelled during casting. Optionally, check valves are installed on the one or more outlet ports.

According to some example embodiments, a pliable jacket includes a plurality of pieces that together cover a connecting joint and are configured to be fastened to one another to define an enclosure in which the elastomeric material may be casted. Optionally, hook-and-loop fasteners are used to fasten pieces of a jacket together around the connecting joint. Optionally, one or more of the pieces includes the inlet port, at least one outlet port and/or check valves for casting the elastomeric material within the jacket. Ends of the jacket may be secured around mooring lines of the connecting joint with a strap, rope, cable fastener and/or tape. Optionally, the jacket may include heat shrink material and the ends of the jacket may be secured by heat shrinking.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments, a protected mooring line includes a chain, cable and/or rope, a sleeve in which the chain, cable and/or rope is received, and elastomeric material casted within the sleeve, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A. According to some example embodiments, the sleeve may be similar to the sleeve or jacket described herein above. According to some example embodiments, the protected mooring line is integrated in the mooring line system. Optionally, the elastomeric material included around the protected mooring line is the same material used for the corrosion protection device configured to protect a connecting joint. Optionally, different material is used. The different materials may be selected based on the amount of flexibility or pliability required. According to some example embodiments, the protected mooring line is prepared at a manufacturing site and is cut to size after casting. Optionally, a portion of the elastomeric material at the ends may be removed to expose end links. Optionally, a diameter of the sleeve and/or protected mooring line may be 1.5 to 5 times greater than a diameter of the chain, cable and/or rope embedded therein.

According to some example embodiments, a method to protect a mooring line system against corrosion includes encompassing a connecting joint with a pliable substrate to define a casting volume around the connecting joint, securing the pliable substrate around mooring elements of the connecting joint and casting elastomeric material within the casting volume and around the connecting joint. The connecting may define a flexible connection between two elements in a mooring line system and the corrosion protection device may maintain at least a portion of the flexibility of the connection.

In other examples, the system, mooring line and methods described herein may be utilized for corrosion protection of other objects, for example climbing devices for children, sportsmen or professionals, electric wires, and/or playground equipment.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 showing a simplified schematic drawing of an example mooring line system in accordance with some example embodiments. A mooring line system generally includes a sinker 504 at or near a seabed 30, a mooring line 100 configured to connect a floater 502 to sinker 504 with a connecting joint 206. Mooring line 100 is shown schematically as being a metal chain line. In other example embodiments, mooring line 100 may be a rope, a cable or any combination of a rope, cable and chain. Connecting joint 206 typically defines a flexible connection between mooring line 100 and sinker 504. Floater 502 may be for example a buoy, a ship, a boat, or a platform. Sinker 504 may be an anchor or weight. Mooring line system may additionally include other connecting joints between more than one mooring line 100 and/or between different elements included in the mooring line system. Some example connecting joints are depicted for example herein below in FIGS. 4A-7.

According to some example embodiments, mooring line system 500 includes sinker 504, mooring line 100, connecting joint 206 and a corrosion protection device 200 casted around connecting joint 206 to protect connecting joint 206 against corrosion while maintaining a flexible (or pliable) connection at connecting joint 206. Optionally and preferably corrosion protection device 200 extends along a defined length of mooring line 100. According to some example embodiments, corrosion protection device 200 includes elastomer material 202 that is casted around connecting joint 206. In some example embodiments, corrosion protection device 200 additionally includes a sleeve or jacket 204 formed from a pliable material and configured to define a casting volume in which elastomeric material 202 is introduced. For example sleeve or jacket 204 is a mold for casting elastomer material 202 around connecting joint 206. In some example embodiments, sleeve or jacket 204 is removed after casting and is not a permanent component of corrosion protection device 200. In other example embodiments, sleeve or jacket 204 is maintained after casting and is an integral part of corrosion protection device 200. Optionally, elastomeric material 202 is configured to adhere to sleeve or jacket 204 during casting and to maintain physical connection to sleeve or jacket 204 after curing and/or hardening elastomeric material 202. According to some example embodiments, elastomeric material 202 is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A, e.g. 35 Shore A to 50 Shore A and/or 40 Shore A. Optionally, elastomeric material 202 is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant. Optionally, elastomeric material 202 is or includes rubber and/or silicone. An example elastomeric material 202 is Sikaflex®-2c SL produced by Sika® headquartered in Baar, Switzerland.

In some example embodiments, sleeve or jacket 204 is a woven fabric. Optionally the woven fabric may be coated with polymer coating to make it liquid impermeable. Optionally, sleeve or jacket 204 is a fire hose or is formed from material used for fire hoses. In other example embodiments, sleeve or jacket 204 may be a tube or sheet material wrapped around connecting joint 206. Tube or sheet material may be or may include rubber, silicon and/or a polymer material. Optionally, sleeve or jacket 204 is selected to have elastomeric properties.

In some example embodiments, corrosion protection device 200 is casted around connecting joint 206 prior to sinking sinker 504. In some example embodiments, corrosion protection device 200 is casted around connecting joint 206 in off shore conditions after sinking sinker 504 onto a seabed 30.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 showing a simplified schematic drawing of another example mooring line system in accordance with some example embodiments. According to some example embodiments, mooring line system 500 additionally includes a corrosion protected mooring line 300 including mooring line 100 that is at least partially encapsulated with elastomeric material 302 e.g.„ a corrosion protected mooring line 300 includes elastomeric material 302 casted around mooring line 100. Elastomeric material 302 may be the same or other than elastomeric material 202. Optionally, elastomeric properties of elastomeric material 302 may be selected to be other than that of elastomeric material 202.

In some example embodiments, elastomeric material 302 is casted within a sleeve 304 encompassing mooring line 100. Optionally and preferably, sleeve 304 is formed with a pliable material. Sleeve 304 may for example be a woven fabric, optionally coated with polymer coating. Optionally, a fire hose is used for sleeve 304, e.g. a recycled fire hose. In other example embodiments, sleeve 304 may be a tube formed with rubber, silicon and/or a polymer material. Optionally, sleeve 304 is selected to have elastomeric properties. Sleeve 304 may be selected to be the same or other than sleeve or jacket 204. According to some example embodiments, corrosion protected mooring line 300 includes sleeve 304, e.g., sleeve 304 is integral to corrosion protected mooring line 300. Optionally and preferably, corrosion protection device 200 for connecting joint 206 is configured to partially overlap corrosion protected mooring line 300 and/or to provide a sealed connection between corrosion protection device 200 and corrosion protected mooring line 300. Optionally, sleeve 304 is configured to partially overlap corrosion protection device 200 to provide the sealed connection.

Optionally, corrosion protected mooring line 300 is added to mooring line 100 during production of mooring line 100 and mooring line 100 together with corrosion protected mooring line 300 is attached to sinker 504 or other elements of mooring line system 500. Corrosion protection device 200 may then be casted around connecting joint 206 and around an end of corrosion protected mooring line 300. Mooring line 100 together with corrosion protected mooring line 300 may be referred to herein as a corrosion protected mooring line.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 showing a simplified schematic drawing of yet another example mooring line system in accordance with some example embodiments. According to some example embodiments, a sleeve 304 may extend from a connecting joint 306 with a connecting link 308 of floater 502, along mooring line 100 and to connecting joint 206 with fixing device 208 of sinker 504. Optionally, ends of sleeve 304 may be flared for receiving each of connecting joint 206 of sinker 504 and connecting joint 306 of floater 502. Optionally, heat shrinking may be applied to secure sleeve 304 around connecting joint 206 and/or connecting joint 306. Optionally, sleeve 304 may be tied with a rope, tape and/or a cable tie at an interface between connecting joint 206 and sinker 504 during casting so that elastomeric material 302 does not leak out during casting. Optionally, sleeve 304 may provide casting elastomeric material 302 over an entire length between connecting joint 306 to connecting joint 206 of sinker 504.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B showing simplified schematic drawings of two example corrosion protection devices in accordance with some example embodiments. According to some example embodiments, a corrosion protection device 400 is configured to protect a connecting joint 406 between two or more mooring lines 100 and/or corrosion protected mooring line 300. According to some example embodiments, corrosion protection device 400 includes elastomeric material 402 casted around connecting joint 406. According to some example embodiments, corrosion protection device 400 additionally includes a sleeve or jacket 404 that encompasses connecting joint 406 and defines a volume in which elastomeric material 402 is introduced for casting elastomeric material 402 around connecting joint 406. According to some example embodiments, sleeve or jacket 404 includes at least one inlet port 22 through which elastomeric material 402 is received into sleeve or jacket 404 and at least one outlet port 23 through which air and/or water is expelled (as elastomeric material 402 is being received). Optionally and preferably, a check valve 24 is installed on one, more than one or all of inlet port 22 and/or outlet port 23 to control a direction of flow therethrough. For example check valve 24 in inlet port 22 provides for injecting elastomeric material 402 into sleeve or jacket 404 and check valve in outlet port 23 provides for expelling water or liquid from present in sleeve or jacket 404. Check valve 24 may include a nozzle 25 and a cap 27 configured to cover nozzle 25 while not in use. Optionally and preferably, outlet port 23 is positioned on an upper surface of jacket 404 and above inlet port 22 to allow all the air within jacket 404 to be expelled. Optionally and preferably, inlet port 22 is positioned on a lower surface of jacket 404. Optionally, nozzle 25 is configured for piercing a membrane in a container including a supply of elastomeric material 402 for injecting elastomeric material 402 into sleeve or jacket 404.

Sleeve or jacket 404 may optionally and preferably be secured around corrosion protected mooring line 300 with a clasp, band, tape, rope and/or cable tie 415 at one or more ends. During casting, caps 27 may be removed for each inlet port 22 and outlet port 23 to introduce elastomeric material into sleeve or jacket 404 and expel air and/or water. When casting elastomeric material 402 into sleeve or jacket 404, connecting joint 406 is encapsulated with elastomeric material 402. Sleeve or jacket 404 may be configured to encompass different types of connecting joints. FIGS 4A and 4B show two example connecting joints 406.

Sleeve or jacket 404 may be an integral part of corrosion protection device 400 and may be maintained on connecting joint 406. Optionally elastomeric material 402 may adhere to sleeve or jacket 404 when injected therein. Alternatively, sleeve or jacket 404 may be removed after casting elastomeric material 402, e.g. after the casted elastomeric material 402 hardens. Sleeve or jacket 404 may be fitted over connecting joint 406 on dry land or off shore (underwater). Elastomeric material 402 may be the same, similar or other than elastomeric material 202 and/or elastomeric material 302.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 showing a simplified schematic drawing of an example sleeve for a corrosion protection device in accordance with some example embodiments. In the example shown in FIG. 5 sleeve or jacket 404 is in the form of a sleeve. According to some example embodiments, sleeve 404 is formed with a pliable material. Optionally, sleeve 404 includes woven fabric. Optionally the woven fabric may be coated with polymer coating to make it liquid impermeable. Optionally, sleeve 404 is a fire hose or is formed from material used for fire hoses. In other example embodiments, sleeve 404 is a rubber, silicon and/or a polymer tube. Optionally, ends 410 may be secured around corrosion protected mooring line 300 with a liquid (or paste) impermeable seal. Sealing may be with a rope or cable tie, band, tape and/or cable tied around each of ends 410 and corrosion protected mooring line 300. Optionally, sleeve 404 includes a heat shrink material configured for allowing ends 410 to tighten around corrosion protected mooring line 300 by applying heat to for heat shrinking. Optionally, sleeve 404 is selected to have elastomeric properties.

According to some example embodiments, at least one inlet port 22 is formed on sleeve 404 including check valve in inlet port 22. Optionally and preferably, sleeve 404 additionally includes at least one outlet port 23 and a check valve installed thereon. In other example embodiments, outlet port 23 is not included and air or water is configured to escape through ends 410.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 showing a simplified schematic drawing of an example jacket for a corrosion protection device in accordance with some example embodiments. In the example shown in FIG. 6 sleeve or jacket 404 is in the form of a jacket that can be wrapped around connecting joint 406. According to some example embodiments, flaps 425 of jacket 404 may wrapped around connecting joint 406 (FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) to define a casting volume for receiving elastomeric material 402. In some example embodiments, jacket 404 includes hook- and-loop fasteners 220 for fastening together flaps 425 of jacket 404. Alternatively or additionally, flaps 425 may be clasped and/or taped together to enclose connecting joint 406 with jacket 404 and to define the casting volume for receiving elastomeric material 402. Optionally, ends 410 may be secured around corrosion protected mooring line 300 with a liquid (or paste) impermeable seal. Sealing may be with a rope, band, tape and/or tie cable tied around each of ends 410 and corrosion protected mooring line 300. Optionally, sleeve 404 includes a heat shrink material configured for allowing ends 410 to tighten around corrosion protected mooring line 300 by applying heat for heat shrinking. According to some example embodiments, jacket 404 is formed with a pliable material.

Optionally, jacket 404 includes woven fabric. Optionally the woven fabric is coated with polymer coating to make it liquid impermeable. Optionally, jacket 404 is formed from material used for fire hoses. In other example embodiments, jacket 404 is a rubber, silicon and/or a polymer material. Optionally, jacket 404 is formed from a same material as sleeve 304 and/or sleeve or jacket 204.

According to some example embodiments, at least one inlet port 22 is formed on jacket 404 including check valve in inlet port 22. Optionally and preferably, jacket 404 additionally includes at least one outlet port 23 and a check valve installed thereon. In other example embodiments, outlet port 23 is not included and air or water is configured to escape through ends

410

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 showing a simplified schematic drawing of an example corrosion protection device positioned over a multi-connection joint and to FIG. 8 showing simplified schematic drawing of an example jacket for a multi-connection joint shown in FIG. 7, all in accordance with some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, a multi connection joint 606 includes a plurality of corrosion protected mooring line 300 or other mooring elements that are connected. In some example embodiments, multi-connection joint 606 may be encased in a corrosion protection device 600 on site, e.g. under water or outside of the water. In some example embodiments, a jacket 604 of a corrosion protection device may include more than one substrates 604’ and 604” that are fastened, taped and/or clasped together to define a casting volume around multi-connection joint 606 for casting elastomeric material 602 in the volume defined by jacket 604. In some example embodiments, substrates 604’ and 604” are fastened together with hook-and-loop fasteners 620. Optionally, edges of substrates 604’ and 604” may be clasped or taped together. Ends 610 may be wrapped around corrosion protected mooring line 300 and may optionally be clasped with a clasp, band, tape, rope and/or cable tie 615 to provide seal to prevent elastomeric material 602 from leaking through ends 610 during casting.

According to some example embodiments, substrates 604’ and 604” are pieces of woven fabric and/or are substrates formed from polymer, silicon and/or rubber. Optionally, substrates 604’ and 604” are formed from material used for making a fire hose. Substrates 604’ and 604” may be formed from a same or similar material as sleeve or jacket 204, sleeve 304 and/or sleeve or jacket 404. Elastomeric material 602 may be similar or the same as elastomeric material 202, 302 and 402.

According to some example embodiments, jacket 604 includes a plurality of check valves and/or ports, e.g. inlet ports 22 and/or outlet ports 23 through which elastomeric material may be injected and/or air and water may be expelled. Although, both inlet ports 22 and outlet ports 23 are shown to be integrated in substrate 604’, optionally, inlet ports 22 may be integrated in one of substrate 604’ and 604” and outlet ports 23 may be integrated in another of substrates 604’ and 604”. Optionally, both substrates 604’ and 604” include inlet port 22 and outlet port 23. Check valves 24 and/or ports, e.g. inlet ports 22 and/or outlet ports 23 may be installed and/or formed on substrate 604’ and/or substrate 604”. Pair of substrates 604’ and 604” provide for forming a corrosion protection device 600 around multi-connection joint 606 while maintaining multi connection joint 606 intact.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 showing a simplified flow chart of an example method to protect a connecting joint from corrosion in accordance with some example embodiments. According to some example embodiments, connecting joints as well as other elements in a mooring line system may be protected with a corrosion protection device during assembly of the connecting joint or post assembly of the connecting joints. The corrosion protection device may be installed on land or under sea. Example connecting joints include connecting joint 206, connecting joint 306, connecting joint 406 and multi-connection joint 606. According to some example embodiments, the corrosion protection device 200 is configured to encapsulate a connecting joint (or other element in a mooring line system) while maintain a desired flexibility in the connection joint.

According to some example embodiments, the connecting joint of a mooring line system is encompassed or covered with a pliable material (block 510). Optionally, pliable material is a pliable tube or substrate formed with a polymer, rubber and/or silicone. Optionally, pliable material is a woven fabric. Optionally, woven fabric may be coated with a polymer material, e.g. a polymer material with elastomeric properties. Optionally, when a substrate or a woven fabric is used, more than one piece may be used to encompass, e.g., cover the connecting joint. Optionally, the pieces may be fastened to one another with fastener(s) and/or clasp(s) to form an enclosed geometry. Optionally, the pieces include hook-and-loop fasteners.

According to some example embodiments, ends of the pliable material is secured around mooring elements, e.g. mooring lines of the connection joint (block 520). Optionally, a rope, band, tape, cable and/or cable tie are used to tie ends of the pliable substrate to the mooring element, e.g. a mooring line. Optionally, the ends are secured with heat shrink plastic tubing, or with removable clasps. According to some embodiments of the present invention, once the pliable material is secured around the connection joints, the elastomeric material is casted within the volume enclosed with the pliable material based on injecting the elastomeric material through one or more dedicated nozzles (block 530).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A and 10B showing simplified schematic drawings of an example off shore dispenser for off shore casting, all in accordance with some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, a dispenser including a nozzle 55 may be filled with elastomeric material 402 for casting a corrosion protection device around a connection joint and/or around other elements of a mooring line system. Alternatively, dispenser may dispense any one of elastomeric material 202, 302 and 602 which may have same or different properties than elastomeric material 402. Optionally, dispenser is a pliable conical bag with a re-closable zipper-like closure 52.

FIG. 10B shows an optional arrangement for coupling container 50 with nozzle 55 to a nozzle 25 on a corrosion protection device, e.g. on sleeve or jacket 404. In a similar manner container may be used to cast elastomeric material in jacket 604. Optionally, nozzle 55 is shaped as a female connector and nozzle 25 is shaped as a counterpart male connector. Optionally, container 50 includes an internal membrane configured to prevent flow through nozzle 55 and nozzle 25 includes a piercing edge configured to pierce an opening in the membrane and initiate flow based on connecting nozzle 55 to nozzle 25. In some example embodiments, container 50 may be used for casting elastomeric material off shore.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A and 11B showing simplified schematic perspective and top views of an example mooring line in accordance with some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, a protected mooring line 300 includes mooring line 100 embedded in elastomeric material 302based on casting elastomeric material 302 casting around mooring line 100 so that becomes integral to mooring line 100. Optionally and preferably, corrosion protected mooring line 300 includes one or more end links 105 or a portion of end links 105 exposed through elastomeric material 302 at each end of corrosion protected mooring line 300. Optionally, exposure of end links 105 and/or exposure of other selected portions is based on removing elastomeric material 302 from around mooring line 100 after casting. Optionally, a diameter of corrosion protected mooring line 300 is 1.5 to 5 times greater than a diameter of mooring line 100.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A and 12B showing simplified schematic perspective and top views of another example mooring line, in accordance with some example embodiments. Corrosion protected mooring line 300 in FIGS. 12A and 12B include mooring line 100 embedded in elastomeric material 302 and covered with sleeve 304. Optionally and preferably, sleeve 304 is formed with pliable material as described herein. Optionally and preferably, elastomeric material is poured and/or injected into sleeve 304 when mooring line 100 is inserted through sleeve 304 and sleeve 304 serves as a cast for receiving elastomeric material 302. In some example embodiment, elastomeric material 302 adheres to sleeve 304 and sleeve 304 becomes an integral part of corrosion protected mooring line 300. In the example shown, mooring line 100 includes a shackle 108 and/or an end loop 105 that extend beyond sleeve 304 so that corrosion protected mooring line 300 may be connected to other elements of a mooring line system. Clearly, a shackle 106 may be also be included in corrosion protected mooring line 300 in FIGS. 11A and 11B and/or may not be included in corrosion protected mooring line 300 in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Optionally, a diameter of sleeve 304 is 1.5 to 5 times greater than a diameter of mooring line 100 Reference is now made to FIG. 13 showing a simplified schematic drawing depicting forming a corrosion protection device around a mooring line in accordance with some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, a mooring line 100, e.g. a chain or a rope or a portion of a mooring line may be inserted through a sleeve 304 and held so that mooring line 100 is oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of sleeve 304. Optionally, one or more fixing elements 310 support mooring line 100 and sleeve in a desired position relative to one another. Optionally, gravitational pull helps extend each of sleeve 304 and mooring line 100 along a vertical direction. Optionally, a lower end of sleeve 304 is knotted, tied and/or clasps and an upper end of sleeve 304 is open. In some example embodiments, an elastomeric material 302 in the form of a paste, liquid or gel is poured into sleeve 304. Elastomeric material 302 may be cured, e.g. with heat or ultraviolet (UV) light or may be allowed to dry naturally (air dried). Optionally and preferably, mooring line 100, sleeve 304 together with elastomeric material 302 define corrosion protected mooring line 300. In some example embodiments, sleeve 304 is removed after elastomeric material 302 is hardened. Optionally, sections are cut from corrosion protected mooring line 300 and elastomeric material is removed from ends of the cut sections to expose end links 105 of mooring line 100.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mooring line system comprising: a mooring line; a sinker; a connecting joint defining a flexible connection between the mooring line and the sinker; and a corrosion protection device casted around the connecting joint, wherein the corrosion protection device is formed with an elastomeric material.

2. The mooring line system of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A.

3. The mooring line system of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 35 Shore A to 50 Shore A.

4. The mooring line system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the elastomeric material is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant.

5. The mooring line system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the corrosion protection device includes a pliable substrate encompassing the elastomeric material and defining a casting volume in which the elastomeric material is introduced.

6. The mooring line system of claim 5, wherein the pliable substrate is a woven fabric.

7. The mooring line system of claim 6, wherein the woven fabric is coated with polymer including elastomeric properties.

8. The mooring line system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the pliable substrate includes a hook-and-loop fastener configured to fixedly wrap the pliable substrate around the connecting joint.

9. The mooring line system of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the pliable substrate is formed with at least one inlet port through which the elastomer material is configured to be received into the casting volume.

10. The mooring line system of claim 9, wherein the inlet port includes a check valve.

11. The mooring line system of any one of claims 6-10, wherein the pliable substrate is formed with at least one outlet port through which air and/or water is configured to be released from the casting volume.

12. The mooring line system of claim 11, wherein the outlet port includes a check valve.

13. The mooring line system of claim 5, wherein the pliable substrate is heat shrink tubing.

14. The mooring line system of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the corrosion protection device extends over at least a portion of a length of the mooring line.

15. The mooring line system of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the mooring line includes: a sleeve formed with a pliable material; a chain, cable and/or a rope extending within the sleeve; and elastomeric material casted around the chain or the rope within the sleeve.

16. The mooring line system of claim 15, wherein the pliable material is woven fabric.

17. The mooring line system of claim 16, wherein the woven fabric is coated with polymer including elastomeric properties.

18. A corrosion protection device for a mooring line system, the device comprising: a pliable substrate encompassing a connecting joint between a mooring line and a sinker, the encompassing defining a casting volume; and elastomeric material casted on the casting volume, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 35 Shore A to 50 Shore A.

20. The device of claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the elastomeric material is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant.

21. The device of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the pliable substrate is a woven fabric.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the woven fabric is coated with polymer including elastomeric properties.

23. The device of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the pliable substrate includes a hook-and- loop fastener configured to fixedly wrap the pliable substrate around the connecting joint.

24. The device of any one of claims 21-23, wherein the pliable substrate is formed with at least one inlet port through which the elastomer material is configured to be received into the casting volume.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the inlet port includes a check valve.

26. The device of any one of claims 21-25, wherein the pliable substrate is formed with at least one outlet port through which air and/or water is configured to be released from the casting volume.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the outlet port includes a check valve.

28. The device of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the pliable substrate is heat shrink tubing.

29. A corrosion protected mooring line comprising: a chain, cable and/or rope; a sleeve in which the chain, cable and/or rope is received; and elastomeric material casted within the sleeve with the chain, cable and/or rope, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 25 Shore A to 70 Shore A.

30. The corrosion protected mooring line of claim 29, wherein the elastomeric material is selected to have a hardness of 35 Shore A to 50 Shore A.

31. The corrosion protected mooring line of claim 29 or claim 30 wherein the elastomeric material is a polyurethane elastomeric sealant.

32. The corrosion protected mooring line of any one of claims 29-31, wherein the sleeve has a diameter that is 1.5 to 5 times a diameter of the chain, cable and/or rope.

33. The corrosion protected mooring line of any one of claims 29-32, wherein the sleeve is a woven fabric.

34. The corrosion protected mooring line of claim 33, wherein the woven fabric is coated with polymer including elastomeric properties.

35. The corrosion protected mooring line of any one of claims 29-31, wherein the sleeve is heat shrink tubing.

36. A method to protect a mooring line system against corrosion, the method comprising: encompassing a connecting joint defining a flexible connection between two elements in a mooring line system with a pliable substrate, wherein the encompassing is configured to define a casting volume around the connecting joint; securing the pliable substrate around mooring elements of the connecting joint; and casting elastomeric material within the casting volume and around the connecting joint.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the encompassing includes fastening the pliable substrate around the connecting joint with a hook-and-loop fastener.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the securing includes heat shrinking the pliable substrate.

39. The method of any one of claims 36-38, wherein the casting is through a check valve positioned through a port formed in the pliable substrate.

40. The method of any one of claims 36-39, wherein the encompassing and the casting is performed under water.

41. The method of any one of claims 36-40, further comprising removing the pliable substrate after the casting.