A method for floating deployment of cylindrical components

Abstract

This application provides a method for the floating deployment of a cylindrical component. First, the cylindrical component is loaded onto a semi-submersible barge, and a buoyancy device is installed on the inner side of the component. After the semi-submersible barge submerges until the bottom surface of the buoyancy device contacts the liquid surface, the air intake and exhaust pipes of the buoyancy device are opened. When the cylindrical component sinks to a preset water depth, air is pumped into the stabilization chamber through the air intake and exhaust pipes until the buoyancy device can float in the water, and then the air intake and exhaust pipes are closed. The buoyancy device is then adjusted to be coaxial with the cylindrical component; air is pumped into the stabilization chamber a second time through the air intake and exhaust pipes until the buoyancy of the buoyancy device is sufficient to lift the cylindrical component and suspend it in the water, causing it to automatically separate from the semi-submersible barge. The cylindrical component can then be towed out of the dock to the deployment position. After the gas pumped into the stabilization chamber is expelled, the cylindrical component begins to sink. After adjusting the verticality of the cylindrical component, it is finally sunk to the bottom of the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of component transportation and installation technology, and more specifically, it relates to a floating placement method for cylindrical components. Background Technology

[0002] Cylindrical components, as important structural elements, are widely used in various fields such as subsea pipeline laying, offshore platform foundation construction, and underwater tunnel construction. Due to their generally large volume and weight, traditional methods for transporting cylindrical components primarily rely on large lifting equipment. While this method can meet transport needs to some extent, the rental and operating costs of these facilities are high, and in some remote or deep-sea areas, the accessibility and operability of large floating cranes are limited, further increasing the complexity and cost of transport. During the sinking process, cylindrical components are also susceptible to the effects of wind and waves, leading to positional shifts. Traditional sinking methods struggle to achieve precise control over the sinking position of cylindrical components, resulting not only in inaccurate placement but also potentially adversely affecting subsequent installation work and the stability of the entire structure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a floating deployment method for cylindrical components to solve the technical problems of high difficulty in transporting and installing cylindrical components in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0005] A method for floating and deploying a cylindrical component is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0006] The cylindrical component is loaded onto a semi-submersible barge; a buoyancy device is installed inside the cylindrical component, the buoyancy device including a buoyancy cavity and a stabilization cavity, the buoyancy device being used to provide buoyancy so that the cylindrical component can float in the water;

[0007] After the semi-submersible barge submerges until the bottom surface of the buoyancy device contacts the liquid surface, the air intake and exhaust pipes of the buoyancy device are opened to allow water to enter the stabilization chamber of the buoyancy device.

[0008] When the cylindrical component sinks to a preset water depth, air is introduced into the stabilizing cavity through the air inlet and outlet pipes. When the buoyancy device floats up, the air inlet and outlet pipes are closed. The buoyancy device includes an axial limiting component and a radial support component at both ends of the axial direction. The axial limiting component and the radial support component are used to adjust the buoyancy device to be coaxially arranged with the cylindrical component.

[0009] The stabilizing chamber is inflated a second time through the air intake and exhaust pipes until the buoyancy device drives the cylindrical component to float and hover in the water, and automatically separates from the semi-submersible barge.

[0010] The cylindrical component is pulled to the placement position and connected to the buoyancy device via hoisting equipment;

[0011] Open the air inlet and outlet pipes to allow the cylindrical component to sink to a preset distance between its bottom surface and the bottom substrate, then close the air inlet and outlet pipes; adjust the verticality of the cylindrical component by adjusting the water level in the stabilizing chamber.

[0012] Open the air intake and exhaust pipes to allow the cylindrical component to sink to the bottom of the waterbed; when the buoyancy of the buoyancy device is less than its weight, disconnect the buoyancy device from the cylindrical component and lift the buoyancy device out of the cylindrical component using hoisting equipment.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0014] Optionally, the cylindrical component sinks to a preset distance of not less than 1m between its bottom surface and the underwater substrate.

[0015] Optionally, the buoyancy device includes multiple baffles that divide the stabilizing cavity into multiple independent sub-cavities arranged in a circumferential direction. The verticality of the buoyancy device can be adjusted by adjusting the water level in the sub-cavities.

[0016] Optionally, the buoyancy device includes a float, and both the buoyancy cavity and the stabilization cavity are disposed within the float. The bottom of the stabilization cavity is provided with an inlet and outlet.

[0017] Optionally, the axial limiting assembly is disposed at the lower end of the buoyancy device. The axial limiting assembly includes a first driving member, a limiting member, and a first guide member. The first driving member is mounted on the float, and the limiting member is drivenly connected to the first driving member. The first driving member is used to drive the limiting member to contact the cylindrical member, so that the buoyancy device is axially limited relative to the cylindrical member. The first guide member has a first guide groove extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical member, and the limiting member is slidably connected in the first guide groove.

[0018] Optionally, the radial support assembly is disposed at the upper end of the buoyancy device. The radial support assembly includes a second drive member, a support member, and a second guide member. The second drive member is mounted on the float, and the support member is drivenly connected to the second drive member. The second drive member is used to drive the support member to abut against the inner wall of the cylindrical member. The second guide member is connected to the float and has a second guide groove extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical member. The support member is slidably connected to the second guide groove.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the floating deployment method for cylindrical components provided in this application are as follows:

[0020] The floating deployment method for the cylindrical component of this application includes the following steps: First, the cylindrical component is loaded onto a semi-submersible barge, and a buoyancy device is installed inside the cylindrical component. The buoyancy device includes a buoyancy chamber and a stabilizing chamber to provide buoyancy, thereby enabling the cylindrical component to float in the water and facilitating its towing and floating transport. The semi-submersible barge begins to submerge until the bottom surface of the buoyancy device contacts the liquid surface. Then, the air inlet and outlet pipes of the buoyancy device are opened, allowing water to enter the stabilizing chamber, thereby increasing the stability of the buoyancy device. When the cylindrical component sinks to a preset water depth, air is pumped into the stabilizing chamber through the air inlet and outlet pipes, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the buoyancy device. Once the buoyancy device has sufficient buoyancy to float freely in the water, the air inlet and outlet pipes are closed to maintain buoyancy. The buoyancy device includes axial limiting components and radial support components located at both ends. The axial limiting components and radial support components are used to adjust the buoyancy device to be coaxially aligned with the cylindrical component, preventing the buoyancy device from tilting and becoming stuck in the cylindrical component. Secondary inflation of the stabilization chamber is achieved through the air intake and exhaust pipes until the buoyancy of the buoyancy device is sufficient to lift the cylindrical component to a suspended position in the water, automatically separating it from the semi-submersible barge. The cylindrical component can then be towed out of the dock to its deployment location. After being pulled to the deployment position, the cylindrical component is connected to the buoyancy device via hoisting equipment. The air intake and exhaust pipes are then opened to expel the gas from the stabilization chamber, reducing the buoyancy of the buoyancy device and initiating the sinking of the cylindrical component. Once the cylindrical component has sunk to a predetermined distance between its bottom surface and the seabed, the air intake and exhaust pipes are closed to ensure the component remains suspended at its current sinking height. Based on this, the water level in the stabilization chamber is adjusted to level the buoyancy device, thus adjusting the verticality of the cylindrical component to ensure accurate vertical sinking. After adjusting the verticality, the air intake and exhaust pipes are reopened to allow the cylindrical component to sink to the seabed, completing the deployment of the cylindrical component. As the intake and exhaust pipes continue to exhaust air, when the buoyancy of the buoyancy device is less than its weight, the connection between the buoyancy device and the cylindrical component is released, and then the buoyancy device is lifted out of the cylindrical component by hoisting equipment, so as to realize the reuse of the buoyancy device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of step one of the floating deployment method for the cylindrical component provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 2A schematic diagram of step two of the floating deployment method for the cylindrical component provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of step three of the floating deployment method for the cylindrical component provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of step four of the floating deployment method for the cylindrical component provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of step five of the floating deployment method for the cylindrical component provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of step six of the floating deployment method for the cylindrical component provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 7 A structural schematic diagram of step seven of the floating deployment method for the cylindrical component provided in this application.

[0029] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0030] 1. Cylindrical components; 2. Semi-submersible barges;

[0031] 3. Buoyancy device; 4. Lifting equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] In the following description, suffixes such as "module," "part," "component," or "unit" are used only for the purpose of illustrative purposes and have no specific meaning in themselves. Therefore, they can be used interchangeably.

[0039] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0040] This application provides a method for floating and deploying cylindrical components, comprising the following steps:

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the cylindrical component 1 is first loaded onto the semi-submersible barge 2, and a buoyancy device 3 is installed on the inner side of the cylindrical component 1. The buoyancy device 3 includes a buoyancy chamber and a stabilizing chamber to provide buoyancy for the buoyancy device 3, so that the cylindrical component 1 can float in the water, which facilitates the towing and floating transportation of the cylindrical component 1 in the water.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the semi-submersible barge 2 begins to submerge. After the bottom surface of the buoyancy device 3 contacts the liquid surface, the air intake and exhaust pipes of the buoyancy device 3 are opened, allowing water to enter the stabilization chamber of the buoyancy device 3, thereby increasing the stability of the buoyancy device 3.

[0043] When the cylindrical component 1 sinks to the preset water depth, air is introduced into the stabilizing chamber through the air inlet and outlet pipes, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the buoyancy device 3. Once the buoyancy device 3 has sufficient buoyancy to float freely in the water, the air inlet and outlet pipes are closed to maintain buoyancy. The buoyancy device 3 includes axial limiting components and radial support components located at both ends of the axial direction. The axial limiting components and radial support components are used to adjust the buoyancy device 3 to be coaxially arranged with the cylindrical component 1, preventing the buoyancy device 3 from tilting and getting stuck in the cylindrical component 1.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the stabilizing chamber is filled with air again through the air intake and exhaust pipes until the buoyancy of the buoyancy device 3 is sufficient to lift the cylindrical component 1 to float and hover in the water, and automatically separate it from the semi-submersible barge 2. Then the cylindrical component 1 can be wet-towed out of the dock to the deployment position.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, after the cylindrical component 1 is pulled to the placement position, it is connected to the buoyancy device 3 through the hoisting equipment 4.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the air inlet and outlet pipes are opened to expel the gas filled in the stabilization chamber, reducing the buoyancy of the buoyancy device 3, thereby causing the cylindrical component 1 to begin to sink. Once the cylindrical component 1 has sunk to a preset distance between its bottom surface and the bottom substrate, the air inlet and outlet pipes are closed to ensure the cylindrical component 1 remains suspended at its current sinking height. Based on this, the water level in the stabilization chamber is adjusted to adjust the level of the buoyancy device 3, that is, to adjust the verticality of the cylindrical component 1, ensuring the vertical sinking accuracy of the cylindrical component 1.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, after adjusting the verticality of cylindrical component 1, the air inlet and outlet pipes are then opened to allow cylindrical component 1 to sink to the bottom of the waterbed, completing the sinking and placement of cylindrical component 1. Figure 7 As shown, as the intake and exhaust pipes continue to exhaust, when the buoyancy of the buoyancy device 3 is less than its weight, the connection between the buoyancy device 3 and the cylindrical component 1 is released, and then the buoyancy device 3 is lifted out of the cylindrical component 1 by the hoisting equipment 4, so as to realize the reuse of the buoyancy device 3.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this application, the cylindrical component 1 sinks to a preset distance of not less than 1m between its bottom surface and the underwater base, so as to avoid the cylindrical component 1 directly contacting the underwater base before it is accurately positioned, thereby causing too much resistance to the position adjustment of the cylindrical component 1.

[0049] In one specific embodiment of this application, the buoyancy device 3 includes multiple partitions that divide the stabilizing cavity into multiple independent sub-cavities arranged along the circumferential direction. By controlling the water level in each sub-cavity, the horizontal or vertical orientation of the buoyancy device 3 can be adjusted, thereby driving the cylindrical component 1 to adjust its vertical orientation.

[0050] In one specific embodiment of this application, the buoyancy device 3 includes a float, and both a buoyancy cavity and a stabilization cavity are disposed within the float. The buoyancy cavity is used to provide the basic buoyancy of the buoyancy device 3. The bottom of the stabilization cavity is provided with an inlet and outlet, through which water is introduced or drained from the stabilization cavity.

[0051] In one specific embodiment of this application, an axial limiting component is disposed at the lower end of the buoyancy device 3. The axial limiting component includes a first driving member, a limiting member, and a first guide member. The first driving member is mounted on the float, and the limiting member is drivenly connected to the first driving member. The first driving member is used to drive the limiting member to contact the cylindrical member, so that the buoyancy device 3 is axially limited relative to the cylindrical member. The first driving member can specifically be a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, an electric push rod, etc. The first guide member has a first guide groove extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical member 1, and the first guide groove provides an accurate movement path for the limiting member. The limiting member 22 is slidably connected in the first guide groove to ensure the accuracy of the movement path of the limiting member 22.

[0052] In one specific embodiment of this application, the inner wall of the cylindrical member 1 is provided with a groove and flanges on the upper and lower sides of the groove. A first driving member is used to drive the limiting member to extend into the groove. Through the cooperation between the flanges and the limiting member, the buoyancy device 3 is axially limited relative to the cylindrical member. At the same time, the buoyancy of the buoyancy device is also transmitted to the cylindrical member 1 through the limiting member and the flanges. When the first driving member drives the limiting member to exit the groove, the axial limitation between the buoyancy device 3 and the cylindrical member 1 is released.

[0053] In one specific embodiment of this application, a radial support assembly is disposed at the upper end of the buoyancy device 3. The radial support assembly includes a second drive member, a support member, and a second guide member. The second drive member is mounted on the float, and the support member is drivenly connected to the second drive member. The second drive member is used to drive the support member to abut against the inner wall of the cylindrical member. The second drive member can specifically be a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, an electric push rod, etc. The second guide member is connected to the float and has a second guide groove extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical member 1. The second guide groove provides an accurate movement path for the support member 32. The support member 32 is slidably connected in the second guide groove to ensure the accuracy of the movement path of the support member 32.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for floating and deploying cylindrical components, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The cylindrical component (1) is loaded onto the semi-submersible barge (2); a buoyancy device (3) is installed inside the cylindrical component (1), the buoyancy device (3) including a buoyancy cavity and a stabilization cavity, the buoyancy device (3) is used to provide buoyancy so that the cylindrical component (1) can float in the water; After the semi-submersible barge (2) submerges to the bottom surface of the buoyancy device (3) and contacts the liquid surface, it opens the air intake and exhaust pipes of the buoyancy device (3) to allow water to enter the stabilizing chamber of the buoyancy device (3). When the cylindrical component (1) sinks to a preset water depth, air is supplied to the stabilizing cavity through the air inlet and outlet pipe. When the buoyancy device (3) floats up, the air inlet and outlet pipe is closed. The buoyancy device (3) includes an axial limiting component and a radial support component at both ends of the axial direction. The axial limiting component and the radial support component are used to adjust the buoyancy device (3) to be coaxially arranged with the cylindrical component (1). The stabilizing cavity is filled with air through the air intake and exhaust pipe until the buoyancy device (3) drives the cylindrical component (1) to float and hover in the water, and automatically separates from the semi-submersible barge (2); The cylindrical component (1) is pulled to the placement position and connected to the buoyancy device (3) by the hoisting equipment (4); Open the air inlet and outlet pipes, and after the cylindrical component (1) sinks to a preset distance between its bottom surface and the bottom bed, close the air inlet and outlet pipes; adjust the verticality of the cylindrical component (1) by adjusting the water level in the stabilizing cavity; Open the air intake and exhaust pipes to allow the cylindrical component (1) to sink to the bottom of the waterbed; when the buoyancy of the buoyancy device (3) is less than its weight, disconnect the buoyancy device (3) from the cylindrical component (1) and lift the buoyancy device (3) out of the cylindrical component (1) using the hoisting equipment (4). The buoyancy device (3) includes multiple partitions that divide the stabilizing cavity into multiple independent sub-cavities arranged along the circumferential direction. The verticality of the buoyancy device (3) is adjusted by adjusting the water level in the sub-cavities. The buoyancy device (3) includes a float, and the buoyancy cavity and the stabilization cavity are both located in the float. The bottom of the stabilization cavity is provided with an inlet and outlet. The axial limiting component is located at the lower end of the buoyancy device (3). The axial limiting component includes a first driving member, a limiting member, and a first guide member. The first driving member is mounted on the float. The limiting member is driven to the first driving member. The first driving member is used to drive the limiting member to contact the cylindrical member so that the buoyancy device (3) is axially limited relative to the cylindrical member. The first guide member has a first guide groove extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical member (1). The limiting member is slidably connected in the first guide groove.

2. The floating deployment method for the cylindrical component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical component (1) sinks to a predetermined distance of not less than 1 m between its bottom surface and the bottom of the waterbed.

3. The floating deployment method for the cylindrical component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The radial support assembly is located at the upper end of the buoyancy device (3). The radial support assembly includes a second drive member, a support member, and a second guide member. The second drive member is mounted on the float. The support member is driven to connect with the second drive member. The second drive member is used to drive the support member to abut against the inner wall of the cylindrical member. The second guide member is connected to the float. The second guide member has a second guide groove extending in the radial direction of the cylindrical member (1). The support member is slidably connected to the second guide groove.

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