WO2023001747A1 - A tension monitoring device - Google Patents

A tension monitoring device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023001747A1
WO2023001747A1 PCT/EP2022/070032 EP2022070032W WO2023001747A1 WO 2023001747 A1 WO2023001747 A1 WO 2023001747A1 EP 2022070032 W EP2022070032 W EP 2022070032W WO 2023001747 A1 WO2023001747 A1 WO 2023001747A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tension
link
pcu
mooring
ppu
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/070032
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Torkjell Lisland
Original Assignee
Seasystems As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seasystems As filed Critical Seasystems As
Publication of WO2023001747A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023001747A1/en

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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
    • 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
    • B63B21/18—Stoppers for anchor chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B79/00—Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation
    • B63B79/10—Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B79/00—Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation
    • B63B79/30—Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation for diagnosing, testing or predicting the integrity or performance of vessels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/20—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
    • G01L1/22—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/04—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands
    • G01L5/045—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands for measuring the tension across the width of a band-shaped flexible member
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/04—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands
    • G01L5/10—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means
    • G01L5/101—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means using sensors inserted into the flexible member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/10—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B2021/003—Mooring or anchoring equipment, not otherwise provided for
    • B63B2021/008—Load monitors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B2035/448—Floating hydrocarbon production vessels, e.g. Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels [FPSO]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B2035/4486—Floating storage vessels, other than vessels for hydrocarbon production and storage, e.g. for liquid cargo
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/00032—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by data exchange
    • H02J7/00034—Charger exchanging data with an electronic device, i.e. telephone, whose internal battery is under charge

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tension monitoring device and in particular a tension monitoring device for mooring lines.
  • the tension monitoring devices are found in a wide range of varieties and types. The most widely used types are either direct in-line monitoring, indirect monitoring or angular displacement and position monitoring
  • Direct in-line monitoring systems require a monitoring element which can take the full mooring load and it is acting as a structural part of the mooring system.
  • this element is a shear load bolt connecting two links of the mooring line.
  • Indirect tension monitoring can be achieved in a number of ways.
  • a typical example is to measure the strain/elongation in the structural steel of a mooring line component with a strain gauge, linear transducer or a solution based on optics.
  • Angular displacement and position monitoring is a method where the relative angle of the mooring line is measures with an angular transducer, typically an inclinometer or accelerometer.
  • Indirect and angular displacement principles have advantages, as they may be replaced without interfering with the actual mooring line. If a replacement of the direct in-line monitoring equipment is to be performed, the tension in the mooring line has to be relieved, and the remaining mooring lines will have to take up the load of the subjected mooring line.
  • CA2062815 which describes a sensor arranged on a shaft for measuring torsion in the shaft.
  • a detector outside the shaft contains a transceiver to communicate with the sensor via an antenna.
  • EP2554962 describes the use of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors to detect stress or tension in the part to be monitored. The reading of the sensors is done by an inductive coupling with an external reader.
  • SAW surface acoustic wave
  • EP3517914 describes a load measuring device monitoring an element subjected to load.
  • the measure data are transferred wirelessly to an external unit by either RFID or WLAN.
  • DE102019000605 describes a sensor with a power supply.
  • the power supply can receive energy from an external energy transmitter to be charged.
  • information can also be sent wirelessly between the sensor and an external receiver.
  • US20200182715 describes a strain sensor to be attached by adhesive to a structural element. The signals from the sensor can be transferred wirelessly to a receiver. The sensor can be supplied with power through an inductive coupling.
  • US20100076701 describes a load gauge that can communicate wirelessly with an external receiver.
  • EP2912417 describes a waterproof sensor that can communicate wirelessly.
  • GB2501303 describes a waterproof sensor unit that can communicate wirelessly with the surface.
  • the power supply and communication unit is thoroughly encapsulated into a link that is placed between chain links in a mooring chain. Since the unit is thoroughly encapsulated it has to be mounted and removed while the link is on the deck of the floating structure or a support vessel. Consequently, the mooring line has to be slackened and pulled out of the sea for change of batteries or other types of service to the electronic unit. This is a substantive operation that may require a special anchor handling vessel.
  • the cable either has to be connected when the mooring line is being deployed or it has to be connected after deployment.
  • the latter imposes hazard to the persons involved in the hook-up of the cable, as they have to work on the outside of the floating structure in the splash zone.
  • the former involves the risk of the cable becoming snatched and break during the deployment.
  • the present invention has as its main objectives to improve long term tension monitoring and reduce the cost of replacement by moving the tension monitoring device away from the hull of the floating structure and removing the need for exposed electric cabling and connectors.
  • the device according to the invention therefore has no protruding parts when it is being deployed into the sea.
  • the outer boundary or outer surface of the H-link also can be formed by a protective structure integrated welded, welded to or otherwise firmly fixed to the H-link, so that the protective structure effectively is in one piece with the H-link.
  • Figure 1 shows the H-link of the invention in an isometric view
  • Figure 2 shows the H-link of the invention in a longitudinal cross-section.
  • a mooring line typically consists of several elements extending from a seabed anchor to the attachment structure on the hull. These elements are usually joined with one or more so-called H-links, which typically is a unitary H-shaped forged piece with opposite fork-shaped ends and a bolt extending between and through each of the forked ends. A mooring chain, wire or rope extends around each bolt.
  • H-link elements are lying on the seabed and some are situated in mid-water.
  • the H-links are handled by the installation vessel and typically deployed over the stern roller or the installation vessel. For this reason, they should have as few protruding parts as possible.
  • the H-link structure is the load bearing structure that together with the shear load bolt is taking the full mooring load.
  • the mooring line can be a fiber rope, wire or chain. If a fiber rope is attached there is typically a fiber rope thimble around the bolt, ensuring a smooth contact surface and suitable bending radius for the fiber rope.
  • one bolt of the H-link is a shear load bolt equipped with a tension sensor or strain gauge.
  • Figure 1 shows an H-link 1 according to the invention. It has two bolts 2, 3, of which the bolt 2 is a solid bolt without any tension monitoring function and the bolt 3 is equipped with a strain gauge.
  • the tension monitoring bolt 3 in the preferred embodiment, does not have any internal power supply or signal communication unit. Instead the power supply and communication functions are included in a separate power and communication unit (PCU) 4, which can be received by the tension monitoring bolt 3, as will be explained below.
  • PCU power and communication unit
  • the PCU 4 When the mooring line with the H-link 1 is being installed, the PCU 4 is not connected to the bolt 3.
  • the PCU 4 is installed by a diver or an ROV only after the mooring line is in place. To facilitate this installation, and to enable replacement of the PCU 4, it is equipped with an ROV handle 5.
  • the PCU 4 can be received in a recess 6 (see also figure 2) at one end of the bolt 3. Conveniently, an outer end 7 of the PCU 4 and the internal surface of the recess 6 are equipped with a respective part of a bayonet joint. The ROV manipulator can then stab the PCU 5 into the recess 6 and twist the PCU 4 until it locks with the bayonet socket 8 of the recess.
  • the coupling may also be a screw coupling, a press-fit, a magnet coupling or other types of er se known couplings.
  • a bayonet coupling has been found to be the most convenient coupling when ease of connection and durability are taken into account.
  • the shear load bolt 3 is a structural steel bolt with strain gauge(s) (not visible in the figures).
  • the bolt 3 is shown fully flush with the outer surface of the H-link, except for the recess. It is also possible for the bolt itself to be recessed relative to the outer surface of the H-link. It is also possible that the bolt protrudes from the surface proper of the H-link, but that a protective structure is integrated with, welded to, bolted to or otherwise firmly attached to the outer surface of the H-link, so that the bolt is fully within the outer surface of this protective structure.
  • the protective structure may, e.g., be a collar formed around the end of the bolt.
  • the recess 6 has a section 9 into which a power and processing unit (PPU) 10 has been placed.
  • the PPU 10 is coupled to the strain gauge of the bolt.
  • the strain gauge(s) is not visible in the figures but is integrated with the bolt 3 in a per se known way.
  • the strain gauge(s) is powered and monitored by the PPU 10.
  • These two units, gauges and PPU 10, are permanently sealed by fusion or welding, ensuring no penetration of seawater.
  • the PCU 4 transfers electric power to the PPU 10 inside the shear load bolt 3 over an inductive interface.
  • the signals containing tension values are transmitted through the same interface to the PCU 4.
  • the PCU communicates with a receiver on the floating structure over an acoustic link to transmit the tension values.
  • the power supply, signal processing, storage and data transfer can be done through different option:
  • Power can be supplied on a permanent basis from the PCU 4 with no electric source within the shear load bolt 3.
  • power can be stored inside the shear load bolt 3 PPU 10, such as in an integrated battery.
  • An external additional power unit can be added at the opposite end of the shear load bolt 3 from the PCU 4.
  • the connection can be similar to the connection of the CPU 4.
  • Full signal processing can be performed in the shear load bolt 3 PPU 10. Possibly also with data storage in the PPU 10. The processed data can then be transferred to the PCU 4 either on request or continuously.
  • Raw data can be sent to the external PCU 4 for processing in the PCU 4.
  • Processed data will be communicated to the floating structure by the CPU 4. This communication is preferably done by acoustic transfer. Acoustic transfer has proven itself as a reliably way of communication in water, albeit having a somewhat narrow bandwidth. It is therefore more convenient to transfer processed data than raw data.
  • the communication between the PCU 4 on the H-link 1 and the floating unit can be at pre-defined intervals, intelligent transfer of data at pre-defined occurrences or on-demand transfer based on 2-way communication between the floating unit and the PCU 4.
  • data can be retrieved by docking an ROV on the H-link 1 and connecting directly to the PCU 4, such as by an inductive coupling, to read data from this.
  • the installation can be done by an ROV or a diver.
  • the H-link is placed in the mooring line at a safe distance from the floating installation but at a readily reachable depth.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Tension Adjustment In Filamentary Materials (AREA)
  • Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)

Abstract

A tension monitoring device, in particular for monitoring tension in mooring lines, comprising an H-link (1) for coupling into a mooring line, and a power and communication unit (4). The H-link (1) comprises at least one shear load bolt (3), containing at least one strain gauge. The shear load bolt (3) comprises an integrated power and processing unit (PPU) (10) and having a receptacle capable of receiving the power and communication unit (PCU) (4) after the H-link has been deployed into the sea.

Description

A TENSION MONITORING DEVICE
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a tension monitoring device and in particular a tension monitoring device for mooring lines.
Background Art
[0002] When mooring lines are used to moor a floating structure, such as a drilling vessel, an FPSO (Floating production and Storage Offloading system), a floating wind turbine, fish farms, etc., it is important to ensure both that the pre-tension, that the mooring line has received during installation, is maintained and also that the mooring line is not subjected to tension exceeding the design limits of the components. Hence there have for a long time been applied tension measuring devices to such mooring lines to monitor the tension. The tension is recorded over time to evaluate fatigue of the mooring components.
[0003] The tension monitoring devices are found in a wide range of varieties and types. The most widely used types are either direct in-line monitoring, indirect monitoring or angular displacement and position monitoring
[0004] Direct in-line monitoring systems require a monitoring element which can take the full mooring load and it is acting as a structural part of the mooring system. Typically, this element is a shear load bolt connecting two links of the mooring line.
[0005] Indirect tension monitoring can be achieved in a number of ways. A typical example is to measure the strain/elongation in the structural steel of a mooring line component with a strain gauge, linear transducer or a solution based on optics.
[0006] Angular displacement and position monitoring is a method where the relative angle of the mooring line is measures with an angular transducer, typically an inclinometer or accelerometer.
[0007] From an accuracy point of view, the direct in-line monitoring is the best. In direct and angular displacement monitoring have challenges with respect to accuracy of the actual tension monitoring even though the monitoring equipment itself may be very accurate.
[0008] From an operability and service point of view. Indirect and angular displacement principles have advantages, as they may be replaced without interfering with the actual mooring line. If a replacement of the direct in-line monitoring equipment is to be performed, the tension in the mooring line has to be relieved, and the remaining mooring lines will have to take up the load of the subjected mooring line.
[0009] An additional challenge of all the above-mentioned equipment is that they will have to be located close to the hull of the floating installation so that electrical wires and connectors can be coupled to read the signals from the tension monitoring devices. In this location the environment is hostile and difficult to access with ROV and divers for service and replacement.
[0010] In general, long term tension monitoring is very hard to achieve due to failure of the electronics in the shear load bolt, cabling, and electrical connectors in a hostile environment close to the hull. This equipment does fail over time and replacement is challenging and expensive.
[0011 ] There are many known devices for transferring data or power through an inductive coupling, such as:
[0012] CA2062815, which describes a sensor arranged on a shaft for measuring torsion in the shaft. A detector outside the shaft contains a transceiver to communicate with the sensor via an antenna.
[0013] EP2554962 describes the use of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors to detect stress or tension in the part to be monitored. The reading of the sensors is done by an inductive coupling with an external reader.
[0014] EP3517914 describes a load measuring device monitoring an element subjected to load. The measure data are transferred wirelessly to an external unit by either RFID or WLAN.
[0015] DE102019000605 describes a sensor with a power supply. The power supply can receive energy from an external energy transmitter to be charged. Moreover, information can also be sent wirelessly between the sensor and an external receiver.
[0016] US20200182715 describes a strain sensor to be attached by adhesive to a structural element. The signals from the sensor can be transferred wirelessly to a receiver. The sensor can be supplied with power through an inductive coupling. [0017] US20100076701 describes a load gauge that can communicate wirelessly with an external receiver.
[0018] EP2912417 describes a waterproof sensor that can communicate wirelessly.
[0019] GB2501303 describes a waterproof sensor unit that can communicate wirelessly with the surface. The power supply and communication unit is thoroughly encapsulated into a link that is placed between chain links in a mooring chain. Since the unit is thoroughly encapsulated it has to be mounted and removed while the link is on the deck of the floating structure or a support vessel. Consequently, the mooring line has to be slackened and pulled out of the sea for change of batteries or other types of service to the electronic unit. This is a substantive operation that may require a special anchor handling vessel.
[0020] Despite the above known solutions to communicate wirelessly with a strain gauge and also to provide power through an inductive coupling, no known attempts have been made to implement such technology into direct in-line monitoring of mooring lines. In this field the load sensor is coupled by a cable to the receiver at the floating installation. Hence, the strain gauge is placed as close as possible to the floating structure, so that the cable becomes as short as possible. As described above, this places the strain gauge in a very hostile environment, where it is subjected to impact from waves and a very corrosive environment with a mixture of air and seawater.
[0021] Moreover, the cable either has to be connected when the mooring line is being deployed or it has to be connected after deployment. The latter imposes hazard to the persons involved in the hook-up of the cable, as they have to work on the outside of the floating structure in the splash zone. The former involves the risk of the cable becoming snatched and break during the deployment.
Summary of invention
[0022] The present invention has as its main objectives to improve long term tension monitoring and reduce the cost of replacement by moving the tension monitoring device away from the hull of the floating structure and removing the need for exposed electric cabling and connectors. The device according to the invention therefore has no protruding parts when it is being deployed into the sea. [0023] These and other objectives are achieved by the features defined in the appended independent claim 1.
[0024] What is important here is that no parts of the shear load bolt can be damaged when the H-link is installed. It should therefore be understood that the outer boundary or outer surface of the H-link also can be formed by a protective structure integrated welded, welded to or otherwise firmly fixed to the H-link, so that the protective structure effectively is in one piece with the H-link.
Brief description of drawings
[0025]
Figure 1 shows the H-link of the invention in an isometric view, and Figure 2 shows the H-link of the invention in a longitudinal cross-section.
Detailed description of the invention
[0026] A mooring line typically consists of several elements extending from a seabed anchor to the attachment structure on the hull. These elements are usually joined with one or more so-called H-links, which typically is a unitary H-shaped forged piece with opposite fork-shaped ends and a bolt extending between and through each of the forked ends. A mooring chain, wire or rope extends around each bolt.
[0027] Some of these H-link elements are lying on the seabed and some are situated in mid-water. During installation of the mooring system the H-links are handled by the installation vessel and typically deployed over the stern roller or the installation vessel. For this reason, they should have as few protruding parts as possible.
[0028] The H-link structure is the load bearing structure that together with the shear load bolt is taking the full mooring load. The mooring line can be a fiber rope, wire or chain. If a fiber rope is attached there is typically a fiber rope thimble around the bolt, ensuring a smooth contact surface and suitable bending radius for the fiber rope.
[0029] According to the invention, one bolt of the H-link is a shear load bolt equipped with a tension sensor or strain gauge. Figure 1 shows an H-link 1 according to the invention. It has two bolts 2, 3, of which the bolt 2 is a solid bolt without any tension monitoring function and the bolt 3 is equipped with a strain gauge. [0030] The tension monitoring bolt 3, in the preferred embodiment, does not have any internal power supply or signal communication unit. Instead the power supply and communication functions are included in a separate power and communication unit (PCU) 4, which can be received by the tension monitoring bolt 3, as will be explained below.
[0031] When the mooring line with the H-link 1 is being installed, the PCU 4 is not connected to the bolt 3. The PCU 4 is installed by a diver or an ROV only after the mooring line is in place. To facilitate this installation, and to enable replacement of the PCU 4, it is equipped with an ROV handle 5.
[0032] The PCU 4 can be received in a recess 6 (see also figure 2) at one end of the bolt 3. Conveniently, an outer end 7 of the PCU 4 and the internal surface of the recess 6 are equipped with a respective part of a bayonet joint. The ROV manipulator can then stab the PCU 5 into the recess 6 and twist the PCU 4 until it locks with the bayonet socket 8 of the recess.
[0033] As an alternative to a bayonet coupling, the coupling may also be a screw coupling, a press-fit, a magnet coupling or other types of er se known couplings. However, a bayonet coupling has been found to be the most convenient coupling when ease of connection and durability are taken into account.
[0034] The shear load bolt 3 is a structural steel bolt with strain gauge(s) (not visible in the figures). In the figures, the bolt 3 is shown fully flush with the outer surface of the H-link, except for the recess. It is also possible for the bolt itself to be recessed relative to the outer surface of the H-link. It is also possible that the bolt protrudes from the surface proper of the H-link, but that a protective structure is integrated with, welded to, bolted to or otherwise firmly attached to the outer surface of the H-link, so that the bolt is fully within the outer surface of this protective structure. The protective structure may, e.g., be a collar formed around the end of the bolt.
[0035] Below the bayonet socket 8 the recess 6 has a section 9 into which a power and processing unit (PPU) 10 has been placed. The PPU 10 is coupled to the strain gauge of the bolt. The strain gauge(s) is not visible in the figures but is integrated with the bolt 3 in a per se known way. The strain gauge(s) is powered and monitored by the PPU 10. These two units, gauges and PPU 10, are permanently sealed by fusion or welding, ensuring no penetration of seawater. [0036] The PCU 4 transfers electric power to the PPU 10 inside the shear load bolt 3 over an inductive interface. The signals containing tension values are transmitted through the same interface to the PCU 4. The PCU communicates with a receiver on the floating structure over an acoustic link to transmit the tension values.
[0037] According to the invention, the power supply, signal processing, storage and data transfer can be done through different option:
[0038] Power can be supplied on a permanent basis from the PCU 4 with no electric source within the shear load bolt 3.
[0039] Alternatively, power can be stored inside the shear load bolt 3 PPU 10, such as in an integrated battery.
[0040] An external additional power unit can be added at the opposite end of the shear load bolt 3 from the PCU 4. The connection can be similar to the connection of the CPU 4.
[0041] Full signal processing can be performed in the shear load bolt 3 PPU 10. Possibly also with data storage in the PPU 10. The processed data can then be transferred to the PCU 4 either on request or continuously.
[0042] Raw data can be sent to the external PCU 4 for processing in the PCU 4.
[0043] Processed data will be communicated to the floating structure by the CPU 4. This communication is preferably done by acoustic transfer. Acoustic transfer has proven itself as a reliably way of communication in water, albeit having a somewhat narrow bandwidth. It is therefore more convenient to transfer processed data than raw data.
[0044] The communication between the PCU 4 on the H-link 1 and the floating unit can be at pre-defined intervals, intelligent transfer of data at pre-defined occurrences or on-demand transfer based on 2-way communication between the floating unit and the PCU 4.
[0045] It is also possible to retrieve data without any wireless communication between the PCU 4 and the floating structure. With a data storage in the PCU 4, the PCU 4 can be retrieved by an ROV and replaced with a new unit at regular intervals. The retrieved PCU 4 can then be coupled to a reader onboard the floating structure to download the data.
[0046] Alternatively, data can be retrieved by docking an ROV on the H-link 1 and connecting directly to the PCU 4, such as by an inductive coupling, to read data from this.
[0047] The two last options are convenient for retrieval of larger amounts of data.
[0048] When the H-link is installed, this is without the PCU 4. The mooring line will be deployed over the stern roller of the installation vessel without the PCU 4. Hence there are no protruding parts that can become damaged during the installation of the mooring line.
[0049] Only after the mooring line has been completely installed and an initial tensioning of the mooring line has been completed, the PCU 4 is brought down to the H-link and docked into this. The PPU 10 will be initiated by the connection of the PCU 4 and start to send tension data. Then the further tensioning of the mooring line can commence until the prescribed pre-tension has been reached.
[0050] The installation can be done by an ROV or a diver. The H-link is placed in the mooring line at a safe distance from the floating installation but at a readily reachable depth.

Claims

Claims
1. A tension monitoring device, in particular for monitoring tension in mooring lines, comprising an H-link (1) for coupling into a mooring line, and a power and communication unit (4); said H-link (1) comprising at least one shear load bolt (3), containing at least one strain gauge, and said shear load bolt (3) comprising an integrated power and processing unit (PPU) (10) and having a receptacle capable of receiving the power and communication unit (PCU) (4) after the H-link has been deployed into the sea.
2. The tension monitoring device, wherein said shear load bolt (3) is placed fully within the outer boundary of the H-link (1) or any protective structure effectively being in one piece with the H-link, i.e. having no portion protruding outside the outer surface of the H-link or protective structure
3. The tension monitoring device of claim 1 or 2, wherein said PCU (4) is capable of communicating with the PPU (10) through an inductive coupling.
4. The tension device of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein said receptacle is a recess in the shear load bolt (3).
5. The tension monitoring device of claim 4, wherein said receptable comprises a part of a bayonet coupling, a screw coupling, a press-fit or a magnet coupling.
6. The tension device of any of the preceding claims, wherein said PCU (4) comprises a handle for handling by a diver or an ROV.
7. The tension device of any of the preceding claims, wherein said PCU (4) comprises a battery and that there is an inductive coupling between said CPU (4) and said PPU (10) to transfer electric energy from said battery to said PPU (10).
8. The tension device of any of the preceding claims, wherein said PCU (4) has an acoustic transmitter capable of communicating data with a receiver on a floating structure.
9. The tension device of any of the preceding claims, wherein raw data from the at least one strain gauge are processed by the PPU (10) before transfer to the PCU (4).
10. The tension device of any of the claims 1 -8, wherein raw data is transferred to the PCU (4) for processing.
11. The tension device of any of the preceding claims, wherein said H-link is forming a structural component of a mooring line for mooring a floating structure with said shear load bolt (3) taking up the whole mooring tension of the mooring line.
PCT/EP2022/070032 2021-07-20 2022-07-18 A tension monitoring device WO2023001747A1 (en)

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Citations (12)

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US3992934A (en) * 1974-04-26 1976-11-23 Strainstall Limited Mooring device
DE7715093U1 (en) * 1977-05-12 1977-09-08 Aktien-Gesellschaft Weser, 2800 Bremen SHEAR BOLTS FOR BRACKET DEVICES
CA2062815A1 (en) 1989-06-28 1990-12-29 Carl H. Tyren Sensor
US20030128138A1 (en) * 1997-04-21 2003-07-10 Deep Blue Technology, Ag Anchor/anchor chain monitoring device
US20100076701A1 (en) 2004-04-09 2010-03-25 Loadstar Sensors, Inc. Resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface
EP2554962A1 (en) 2011-08-01 2013-02-06 Honeywell Romania S.R.L. Wireless saw differential strain gauge
GB2501303A (en) 2012-04-19 2013-10-23 Pulse Structural Monitoring Ltd Monitoring of underwater mooring lines
EP2912417A1 (en) 2012-10-25 2015-09-02 Mettler Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology A load cell wireless kit
US20170225749A1 (en) * 2014-07-01 2017-08-10 Flinstone Technology Limited Subsea connection assembly provided with inductive elements for data transmissions
EP3517914A2 (en) 2017-08-02 2019-07-31 Neumann & Müller GmbH & Co. KG Load measuring device and operating method for same
DE102019000605B3 (en) 2019-01-30 2020-03-12 Ewald Dörken Ag Use of a sensor system arrangement in the construction sector and / or construction industry
US20200182715A1 (en) 2018-12-05 2020-06-11 4Iiii Innovations Inc. Adhesive strain sensing pods

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3992934A (en) * 1974-04-26 1976-11-23 Strainstall Limited Mooring device
DE7715093U1 (en) * 1977-05-12 1977-09-08 Aktien-Gesellschaft Weser, 2800 Bremen SHEAR BOLTS FOR BRACKET DEVICES
CA2062815A1 (en) 1989-06-28 1990-12-29 Carl H. Tyren Sensor
US20030128138A1 (en) * 1997-04-21 2003-07-10 Deep Blue Technology, Ag Anchor/anchor chain monitoring device
US20100076701A1 (en) 2004-04-09 2010-03-25 Loadstar Sensors, Inc. Resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface
EP2554962A1 (en) 2011-08-01 2013-02-06 Honeywell Romania S.R.L. Wireless saw differential strain gauge
GB2501303A (en) 2012-04-19 2013-10-23 Pulse Structural Monitoring Ltd Monitoring of underwater mooring lines
EP2912417A1 (en) 2012-10-25 2015-09-02 Mettler Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology A load cell wireless kit
US20170225749A1 (en) * 2014-07-01 2017-08-10 Flinstone Technology Limited Subsea connection assembly provided with inductive elements for data transmissions
EP3517914A2 (en) 2017-08-02 2019-07-31 Neumann & Müller GmbH & Co. KG Load measuring device and operating method for same
US20200182715A1 (en) 2018-12-05 2020-06-11 4Iiii Innovations Inc. Adhesive strain sensing pods
DE102019000605B3 (en) 2019-01-30 2020-03-12 Ewald Dörken Ag Use of a sensor system arrangement in the construction sector and / or construction industry

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