Method, apparatus and system for attaching an anchor member to a floor of a body of water

Abstract

A remotely operable drilling apparatus (6) comprises a body such as frame (10) and drive means arranged to drill annular pile (8), which is loaded in the drilling apparatus (6) into the floor of a body of water. The annular pile comprises a cutting shoe (24). The drive means comprises a power swivel (12) which attaches to the top of the annular pile (8) by means of a drive head. Delivery means is also provided which comprises at least one nozzle to enable flushing fluid and grout to be injected around annular pile (8). The power swivel (12) is raised and lowered by rack and pinion means 14 disposed on either side of the power swivel (12).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for connecting an anchor member to the bottom of a body of water, and in particular but not exclusively to an anchor member for connecting to the bottom of a body of water to enable nailing or tethering of an underwater structure to the bottom of a body of water. Background technique [0002] It is desirable to take advantage of fast flowing water to generate electricity from underwater power generation turbines. In fast flowing water, these turbines require a highly intact subsea turbine support that will not be moved by the high speed current. [0003] In most high-velocity current regions, the bottom surface of a body of water, such as the seabed, may be composed of particularly hard rock formations rather than ooze or sand. This is partly a result of the fact that fast currents tend to wash ooze and sand off the seabed, exposing underlying rock formations. [0004] The combination of...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This connection is prone to failure, especially if the high velocity water washes the mortar away before it has fully set

[0014] 4) The repeated use of the impact drill will cause the wear of the drill, resulting in increased maintenance and operating costs

[0015] 5) This system may require the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

ROVs generally only operate in currents below 1.5 knots, limiting the areas where this system can be used

[0016] 6) If one of the drilling rigs fails, replacing that rig on the seabed and performing piling operations is a complex and expensive operation

This connection is prone to failure, especially if the high velocity water washes the mortar away before it has fully set

Furthermore, the weight and complexity of the assembly is increased by having a mortar reservoir on the structure to be connected to the seabed

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