WO2023093959A1

WO2023093959A1 - Quick release fastening clamp for securing a component to a vessel and method for operating such fastening clamp when loading and unloading a component from a vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2023093959A1
Application number: PCT/DK2022/050246
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Just SØRENSEN; Thomas Hedegaard
Original assignee: Enabl A/S
Priority date: 2021-11-23
Filing date: 2022-11-23
Publication date: 2023-06-01
Also published as: DK181119B1; DK181119B8; DK202170581A1

Abstract

There is described a fastening clamp for securing a component to a vessel. The clamp comprises a clamp lever arranged rotatable on a pivot pin between a locked and a free position. The clamp lever comprises an operation portion at one side of the pivot pin for operating the fastening clamp and a hook portion on the other side of the pin for en¬ gagement with the component to be secured. The hook portion is arranged with an angle in relation to the clamp lever which angle is between 5° and 85°, in order to cooperate with a correspondingly angled surface associated with the component. The operation portion is connected with a first actuator, which is arranged for effecting a pivoting of the clamp lever between the closed position and the open position. The clamp lever comprises an opening for cooperating with a fastening pin arranged on a second actuator which is arranged for effecting a movement of the fastening pin between an engagement position in engagement with the opening in the clamp lever, thereby locking the clamp lever against pivoting and a free position where the clamp lever is free to pivot. The first and second actuator are connected with a drive unit comprising a controller for effecting the desired movements of the actuators. One objective is to achieve a quick release sea-fastening clamp.

Description

Quick release fastening clamp for securing a component to a vessel and method for operating such fastening clamp when loading and unloading a component from a vessel

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a quick release fastening clamp for securing a component, e.g. a wind turbine component to a vessel. I.e., a sea fastening clamp for quick release.

More specific the invention relates to a fastening clamp for securing a component to a vessel, which clamp comprises a clamp lever arranged rotatable on a pivot pin between an open and a closed position and which clamp lever comprises an operation portion at one side of the pivot pin for operating the fastening clamp and a hook portion on the other side of the pin for engagement with the component to be secured, where the hook portion is arranged with an angled surface with an angle in relation to the clamp lever which angle is between 5° and 85°, preferably between 10° and 60° and more preferably between 15° and 25° in order to cooperate with a correspondingly angled surface associated with the component, that the operation portion is connected with a first actuator, which is arranged for effecting a pivoting of the clamp lever between the closed position and the open position.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such fastening clamp when loading and unloading a component from a vessel.

The method for operating the fastening clamp when loading a component onto a vessel comprises the steps of

- providing the fastening clamp on a vessel deck,

- lowering a component to the vessel deck with the fastening clamp in an open position,

- supporting the component on the vessel deck and

- activating the first actuator for pivoting the clamp lever to the closed position.

The method for operating the fastening clamp when unloading a component from a vessel comprises the step of - providing the fastening clamp on a vessel deck with a component secured therein.

Background of the Invention

The invention is specifically developed in connection with a marine vessel for transporting wind turbine components to offshore windfarms. The wind turbine components (including, but not limited to nacelles, blades and towers) are placed on a marine vessel which is transporting the components from a logistics harbor/quayside to the offshore site for installation. At the offshore site, the components are lifted from the vessel and onto pre-installed foundations using a large marine crane.

However, the fastening clamp and the method according to the invention may also be used for other component, for example component for offshore oil exploitation platforms or other offshore constructions.

In the following the invention will be explained in connection with fastening a wind turbine tower to a vessel deck. The fastening clamp is used securing such wind turbine tower during transport to an offshore windfarm and the fastening clamp makes it possible to establish a quick release when the wind turbine tower is lifted from the vessel.

The operational steps for transporting the wind turbine tower involves a number of steps.

After placing the components on the vessel deck at a quayside, the components are secured to the vessel normally using bolted or welded sea fastening connections, which can be labor intensive and time consuming to prepare.

Later when the components are to be removed from the vessel at the offshore site, the sea fastening connections shall be disconnected, which again is labor intensive and time consuming, and can also pose a risk to personnel in vicinity of the component being released.

If components are lifted from a floating vessel via a crane mounted on another vessel, it is required to release the sea fastening connection at an instance, to avoid overloading crane and damaging the vessel or components. The vessel may be a feeder barge. Such barge may have a size of 120m x 30m.

With the expression sea fastening connection as used in the present application is meant a connection or a clamp which is used for securing a component releasable to a vessel deck.

Therefore, there is a need for a fastening clamp which allows for secure fastening of the component during transport, and which allows for a quick release when the component shall be lifted from the vessel.

The fastening clamp shall also be able to be released in a precise and secure way since a failure in releasing the connection precisely at a desired time may cause damage to the vessel and/or components.

DE 202018102253 U1 disclose a fastening clamp of the type described by way of introduction and defined in the preamble of claim 1. However, there is no disclosure of a second actuator having a fastening pin for cooperating with an opening in the clamp lever.

Object of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening clamp which improve the safety of a fastening clamp, and which allows for a quickly and mechanically attachment of a component to a vessel deck and a secure fastening of the component during transport and which allows for a quick release when the component shall be lifted from the vessel.

It is a further object of the invention that the fastening clamp should also be able to be released in a precise and secure way without posing a risk to personnel when releasing the component.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of operation such fastening clamp. Description of the Invention

The object is obtained with a fastening clamp described by way of introduction and defined in the preamble of claim 1 and which is peculiar in that the clamp lever comprises an opening for cooperating with a fastening pin arranged on a second actuator which is arranged for effecting a movement of the fastening pin between an engagement position in engagement with the opening in the clamp lever thereby locking the clamp lever against pivoting and a free position where the clamp lever is free to pivot and that the first and second actuator are connected with a drive unit comprising a controller for effecting the desired movements of the actuators.

The method for loading according to the invention is peculiar in that the method comprises the step of

- activating the second actuator for moving the fastening pin into the engagement position in engagement with the opening in the clamp lever.

The method for unloading according to the invention is peculiar in that the method comprises the steps of

- activating the second actuator for moving the fastening pin out of the engagement position and to the free position where the clamp lever is free to pivot,

- activating the first actuator for pivoting to the open position, and

- lifting the component off the vessel deck with the fastening clamp in an open position.

The system has been developed to improve the duration and safety of the operations for loading and unloading components from a vessel, which components may be wind turbine components like tower, nacelles and blades.

The fastening clamp may also be denoted as a sea fastening clamp as the use of the clamp predominantly is for fastening components to a vessel where wave motions require a quick release when unloading the components at sea and where there is a need for secure fastening of the components to the deck of the vessel during transportation. The fastening clamp can quickly and mechanically attach the components to the vessel deck and create the sea fastening connections, with a minimum of personnel involved at the quayside. The system is powered by hydraulics and operated via remote control from a safe position.

Moreover, the fastening clamp can quickly release the sea fastening connection at the offshore site via remote control, without personnel being close to the component released.

The quick-release sea fastening system consists of an actuated fastening clamp which rotates about a pivot pin. The interface to the structure is at an angle to avoid locking of the system. The system is by the actuator acting on the fastening clamp, turning the clamp around a pivot pin.

The fastening clamp can be opened by retracting the actuator quickly or, by unlocking the actuator. If the actuator is unlocked, the component can be lifted, and the fastening clamp will move back towards is open position due to the angled surface between the clamp and adaptor.

Even though it is possible with the angled surface between clamp and adapter to obviate an unwanted locking of the system occurs then the angle need not to be too large as a larger angle will give rise to a pivoting of the clamp lever through a greater angle. Accordingly, in order to obtain a quick release, it is preferred that the angle which is established for the hook portion is in the lower part of the possibl e range for the angle.

In practice it has shown that even a small angle which is 5° or even angle being less than this limit will provide a secure fastening of the component when the fastening clamp is in the closed position and locked with the fastening pin and thereby hindering a pivoting of the clamp lever.

According to a further embodiment, the fastening clamp according to the present invention is peculiar in that the actuators are linear actuators. The actuators may have a different form. However, it is preferred to have linear actuators seeing that these are technically simple constructions. Moreover, linear actuators will give a reliable operation of the clamp lever.

According to a further embodiment, the fastening clamp according to the present invention is peculiar in that the actuators are hydraulic piston-cylinder units and the drive unit comprises remotely controlled valves for actuating the two actuators.

It is possible to use electrical or hydraulic actuators.

Seeing that the drive unit is provided with valves which are remotely controlled it is secure that no person would be near the fastening clamp when it is released. Accordingly, the system may be operated from a safe position without any risk for personnel operating the fastening clamp when unloading a component.

According to a further embodiment of the fastening clamp, where the actuators are hydraulic piston-cylinder units the hydraulic system driving the actuators may comprise one or more pressure tanks connected locally to the piston-cylinder units, such that a very' quick opening time, preferably below 2 seconds of the clamps can be achieved or even below 1 second.

This may be achieved be a fast release or reduction of the pressure in the piston-cylinder units can be achieved when the pressure tank is locally connected i.e., connected in the close vicinity of the piston-cylinder units.

According to a further embodiment, the fastening clamp according to the present invention is peculiar in that the operation portion of the clamp lever has a length between I and 5 times the length of the hook portion of the clamp lever.

It may be preferred to have a different length on the lever. Hereby an increased force may be obtained in the action exerted by the hook portion on the component. However, this must be balanced in view of the travel path of the actuator when operating the clamp lever. A difference in length may thus be preferred to be in range of 1 to 2 or 1 to 3. An increase in travel length with increase the operation time of the fastening clamp. Hence, to obtain a quick release the travel length should be as short as possible. In that respect, a 1 to 1 ratio of the length of operation portion of the clamp lever and the length of the hook portion of the clamp lever may be preferred.

According to a further embodiment, the fastening clamp according to the present invention is peculiar in that the fastening clamp comprises a component adapter which is provided with the angled surface for cooperating with the angled surface of the hook portion of the clamp lever and which is arranged for attachment to the component to be secured.

In some situations, the component to be transported will not comprise an angled surface which could cooperate with the hook portion of the clamp lever. Therefore, it is preferred to provide an adaptor in association with the component. The adaptor will be provided with the angled surface for cooperating with the hook portion and simultaneously the component adaptor will be provided with an interface for attaching the component to the adaptor.

The adaptor may be removed from the component after the component has been lifted free from the vessel deck.

According to a further embodiment, the fastening clamp according to the present invention is peculiar in that the fastening clamp comprises a grillage which is arranged for being secured to a vessel deck and which is arranged for supporting the clamp lever and actuators.

The fastening clamp may be attached directly to the vessel deck. However, it is preferred that the fastening clamp will comprise a grillage. Accordingly, the grillage may be secured to the vessel deck and the grillage will also serve as support for the clamp lever and actuators. The component to be transported will be arranged on a surface of the grillage and alternatively the component adaptor mentioned above may be provided on the grillage and the component will be attached to the component adaptor. According to a further embodiment the methods according to the present invention is peculiar in that the actuators are hydraulic actuators and that the activations steps of the actuators are performed by remotely controlling valves in a hydraulic drive unit.

As mentioned above it is preferred to use hydraulic actuators. When using hydraulic actuators, it is preferred that the operation is affected by remotely controlling the valves in the hydraulic drive unit in order to obviate risk of personnel operating the fastening clamp.

The fastening clamp of the present invention is especially suitable for cooperation with the system disclosed in international patent application PCT/DK2021/050241 of the same applicant. Likewise, the fastening clamp is suitable for use in the co-pending application filed by the applicant for a load stabilizer for use when loading and unloading wdnd turbine components from a transport vessel.

Description of the Drawing

In the following embodiments of the present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a fastening clamp according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross section through the fastening clamp in Fig. 1 seen along 2-2,

Fig. 3 is a hydraulic diagram of a drive unit for the fastening clamp illustrated in Figs.

1 and 2,

Figs. 4-11 illustrate steps of loading a structure when using the fastening clamp illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and

Figs. 12-17 illustrate steps of unloading a structure when using the fastening clamp illustrated in Figs I and 2.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In the different figures identical or corresponding elements will be denoted with the same reference numeral. Accordingly, each item will not be described in connection with each figure. Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a side view respectively a cross section according to line 2-2 in figure 1.

A fastening clamp 1 comprises a clamp lever 2. The clamp lever 2 rotates around a pivot pin 3 as a central opening 4 is provided in the clamp lever 2. The clamp lever comprises an operation portion 5 at one side of the pivot pin 3 and a hook portion 6 on the other side of the pivot pin 3.

The hook portion 5 is provided with an angled surface 7 for corporation with a corresponding angled surface 8 provided in association with the component to be lifted. In the illustrated situation the surface is provide on an adaptor 9 which is a component adaptor which is arranged for being attached to the component.

The angled surface forms an angle 8’ which is between 5° and 85°. And the illustrated embodiment is approximately 10°.

The fastening clamp comprises a first actuator 10 which is arranged for affecting a pivoting of the clamp lever 2 around the pivot pin 3 by acting on the operation portion 5 on the clamp lever.

The clamp lever 2 is provided with an opening 11.

As illustrated in figure 2 a second actuator 12 is provided transversal to the clamp lever 2 and aligned with the opening 11. The second actuator 12 comprises a fastening pin 13 which in the illustrated form is provided in a free position where the clamp lever 2 is free to pivot. When actuating the second actuator 12 the fastening pin 13 is extended through the opening 1 1 and brings the fastening pin 13 into an engagement position in engagement with the opening 11 thereby locking the clamp lever 2 against pivoting.

The fastening clamp 1 comprises a grillage 14. The different components are attached to the grillage 14 and the grillage 14 is attached to a vessel deck 15.

The grillage 14 also serves as support for the component or support for the adaptor 9 as illustrated in figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates a drive unit. The drive unit comprises a hydraulic system including an oil tank 17 and a pressure tank 18. Moreover, the drive unit comprise a number of valves 19 which are controlled by a controller 20 in order to operate the actuators 10 and 12 in a desired way. Through the valves 19 it is possible to affect a movement on the actuators 10 and 12 in order to operate the clamp lever between the closed and open position and in order to bring the fastening pin between the engagement position and the free position.

The controller 20 is connected with the valves through wires or through wireless connections.

Figures 4-11 illustrate the different step in a method of loading the structure onto a vessel and activating the fastening clamp in order to attach the component to the vessel.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate how the component is lowered on to the vessel which is indicated by arrow 21. In this situation the clamp lever 2 is in the open position and the fastening pin 13 is in the free position.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the situation where the component is lowered and supported on the grillage 14.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the next step where the actuator 10 is actuated and brings the clamp lever 2 into the closed position where the surface 7 is in contact with the surface 8.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a following step where the mechanical locking is affected as the second actuator 12 is actuated thereby bringing the fastening pin 13 into the engagement position. The fastening pin 13 will be in engagement with the opening 11. Hereby the clamp lever is locked against pivoting around the pivot pin 3.

The component is now attached securely to the vessel and is ready for transportation to an offshore site where the component should be unloaded and attached to an offshore construction. Figures 12-17 illustrate the different step in a method of unloading the structure from the vessel and activating the fastening clamp in order to free the component from the vessel.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the situation where the vessel with the component has arrived at the offshore site. As a first step the second actuator 12 is actuated whereby the fastening pin 13 is retracted to the free position. Hereby, clamp lever 2 is free to rotate when the actuator 10 is unlocked.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a following step where the first actuator 10 is actuated and thereby pivoting the clamp lever 2 to the open position. Hereby the hook portion 6 is swung to a position outside the surface of the component/adaptor 9 and accordingly the component may be lifted free from the vessel.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the situation where the component is lifted free from the vessel. This is indicated by the adaptor 9 provided in the elevated position above the grillage 14. In this situation the first actuator 10 is maintained in the open position and the second actuator 12 is provided in the position with the fastening pin 13 in the free position.

The system with the angled interference surfaces 7 and 8 between the clamp lever 2 and the component has a further advantage.

In case the first actuator 10 is not actuated but ensures a pivoting of the clamp lever 2 by being unlocked (i.e. the valves are at least partly open), then a starting lifting operation of the component will bring the clamp lever 2 to the open position. (See figure 1). An edge 22 on the surface 8 of the adaptor will force the clamp lever to swing to the open position when lifting the component free of the grillage on the vessel deck. Hereby it is secured that the lifting will not be hindered even if the first actuator 10 is not fully- opened. As mentioned earlier it is possible for the actuators, especially the first actuator 10, to be a quick acting actuator which ensures very precise and quick opening and closing of the clamp lever 2. It is especially important that the actuator 10 is a quick acting actuator when bringing the clamp lever 2 into the open position .

This may be achieved by installing one or more pressure tanks connected locally to the piston-cylinder units, such that a fast release/reduction of the pressure in the piston- cylinder units can be achieved.

Claims

1. Fastening clamp (1) for securing a component to a vessel, which clamp comprises a clamp lever (2) arranged rotatable on a pivot pin (3) between a closed and a open position and which clamp lever (2) comprises an operation portion (5) at one side of the pivot pin for operating the fastening clamp and a hook portion (6) on the other side of the pin for engagement with the component to be secured, where the hook portion (6) is arranged with an angled surface (7) with an angle in relation to the clamp lever which angle is between 5° and 85°, preferably between 10° and 60° and more preferably between 15° and 25° in order to cooperate with a correspondingly angled surface (8) associated with the component, that the operation portion (5) is connected with a first actuator (10), which is arranged for effecting a pivoting of the clamp lever (2) between the closed position and the open position, characterized in that the clamp lever (2) comprises an opening (11) for cooperating with a fastening pin (13) arranged on a second actuator (12) which is arranged for effecting a movement of the fastening pin (13) between an engagement position in engagement with the opening (11) in the clamp lever (2) thereby locking the clamp lever (2) against pivoting and a free position where the clamp lever (2) is free to pivot and that the first and second actuator (10 and 12) are connected with a drive unit comprising a controller (20) for effecting the desired movements of the actuators (10 and 12).

2. Fastening clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuators (10 and 12) are linear actuators.

3. Fastening clamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuators (10 and 12) are hydraulic piston-cylinder units and the drive unit comprises remotely controlled valves (19) for actuating the two actuators.

4. Fastening clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive unit comprises a locally connected pressure tank (18) for fast release of the hydraulic piston-cylinder units.

5. Fastening clamp according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening clamp comprises a component adapter (9) which is provided with the angled surface (8) for cooperating with the angled surface (7) of the hook portion (5) of the clamp lever (2) and which is arranged for attachment to the component to be secured.

6. Fastening clamp according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening clamp (1) comprises a grillage (14) which is arranged for being secured to a vessel deck (15) and which is arranged for supporting the clamp lever (2) and actuators (10 and 12).

7. Method for operating the fastening clamp according to any of the preceding claim when loading a component onto a vessel, wherein the method comprises the steps of

- providing the fastening clamp (1) on a vessel deck (15),

- lowering a component to the vessel deck with the fastening clamp (1) in an open position,

- supporting the component on the vessel deck (15) and

- activating the first actuator (10) for pivoting the clamp lever (2) to the closed position, characterized in that the method comprises the step of

- activating the second actuator (12) for moving the fastening pin (13) into the engagement position in engagement with the opening (11) in the clamp lever (2).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuators (10 and 12) are hydraulic actuators and that the activations steps of the actuators are performed by remotely controlling valves (19) in a hydraulic drive unit.

9. Method for operating the fastening clamp according to any of the preceding claim when unloading a component from a vessel, wherein the method comprises the step of

- providing the fastening clamp (1) on a vessel deck (15) with a component secured therein, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of- activating the second actuator (12) for moving the fastening pin (13) out of the engagement position and to the free position where the clamp lever (2) is free to pivot,

- activating the first actuator (10) for pivoting to the open position, and

- lifting the component off the vessel deck (15) with the fastening clamp (1) in an open position.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuators (10 and 12) are hydraulic actuators and that the activations steps of the actuators are performed by remotely controlling valves (19) in a hydraulic drive unit.