Open Cell Spudcan for Offshore Jack-Up Barge to Remove the Static Pressure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spud can. A spud can according to an embodiment of the present invention is a spud can in which fluid and soil are introduced and discharged internally and externally, such that the internal and external pressure difference is formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value. It comprises: an inner tube formed in the center and including an internal space of the inner tube; and an outer tube extending radially outward from the outer surface of the inner tube. At least one leg unit is coupled to the upper side of at least a portion of the inner tube and the outer tube to support the leg unit, and at least one hole is formed on the outer surface of at least a portion of the inner tube and the outer tube, such that fluid and soil are introduced and discharged internally and externally through the at least one of the inner tube and the outer tube, such that the internal and external pressure difference is formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spud can and an offshore jack-up barge including the same, and more specifically, to a spud can and an offshore jack-up barge for securing a structure for offshore work. Background Technology

[0003] Offshore plants, which are structures for offshore operations, encompass various fields such as marine resource development involving the drilling, production, storage, and transportation of crude oil, gas, and mineral resources located on the seabed; marine energy development utilizing wind, tidal, and wave power; and marine space development such as artificial islands and marine aquaculture. As accessible onshore resources become depleted, interest in seabed resources and / or offshore resources is increasing. Since general vessels tend to move relatively more at sea due to the influence of waves, specialized equipment is utilized to perform precise tasks such as the installation of offshore wind power structures and the extraction of seabed resources. Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WITVs) for installing offshore wind power structures and jack-up barges for extracting seabed resources may be used.

[0004] An offshore jack-up barge (or jack-up rig) is an offshore facility that performs drilling operations by fixing a retractable steel column mounted on the hull to the seabed. The hull is fixed by inserting a spud can (referred to as a spud can in this invention) formed at the bottom of the steel column (which may be referred to as a leg unit in the specification of this invention) into the seabed, allowing the hull to be raised to a certain height (approximately 15m) above the waves. The spud can is inserted into the seabed to transfer the load of the hull to the ground and fix its position. Once the insertion of the spud can is complete, the offshore jack-up barge cannot move to another section. When the operation is finished at that location, the spud can and steel column inserted into the seabed are extracted from the seabed, and the hull is allowed to float on the sea surface, enabling the offshore jack-up barge to move to another area.

[0005] At this time, penetration and recovery technologies are required to prevent excessive load concentration on the offshore jack-up barge and the spud can during the penetration and extraction process.

[0006] Spud cans, located at the bottom of steel columns and serving to secure offshore jack-up barges, are exposed to different load conditions during the penetration and extraction processes. In particular, during penetration, not only are there superimposed loads that the spud can must support, but also water pressure and earth pressure. These water and earth pressures increase proportionally as the penetration depth increases, and during extraction, a very large negative pressure is generated between the bottom plate of the spud can and the ground. Furthermore, since the negative pressure applied during extraction is opposite to the direction of the load applied during penetration, it shortens the fatigue life of the structure.

[0007] Conventional spud cans are manufactured with all components connected by welding and featuring a sealed structure that prevents the inflow of fluids and / or soil from the outside. Consequently, in conventional technology, methods such as optimizing the cross-sectional slope, adding reinforcement, or using high-strength materials were considered to minimize stress related to pressure during the extraction and penetration of the spud can. Additionally, a water jet method is being considered, which involves connecting a water pipe to the inserted spud can to disturb the ground with water and facilitate extraction. However, spud cans produced using such conventional methods suffered from the problem of consuming significant resources and causing excessive increases in design and manufacturing costs.

[0008] Meanwhile, the legs used in an offshore jack-up barge (which may be referred to as leg units in the present invention) may include cylindrical legs and truss-type legs. Cylindrical legs and truss-type legs differ in their operating environments and performance depending on their respective structural characteristics.

[0009] The cylindrical leg is formed from a single steel tube structure and can support high loads due to its simple and robust design. However, there is a high possibility that pressure concentration will occur during the interaction with the ground when the cylindrical leg penetrates the seabed.

[0010] Truss-type legs are designed to have a lattice structure formed by multiple steel frames, facilitating lightweighting and structural load distribution. Therefore, compared to cylindrical legs, truss-type legs can effectively distribute earth pressure and water pressure during penetration into and extraction from the seabed. However, while truss-type legs are advantageous for load distribution, they are a structure suitable for large-capacity jack-up barges, and fundamentally, the pressure and load acting on the legs are high.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a demand for fixing device technology to cope with the pressure acting during the extraction and insertion of spud cans, and in particular, there is an industry demand for fixing devices that can be universally applied to leg units including cylindrical leg structures and truss-type leg structures. Prior art literature

[0013] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1422237 (Published July 23, 2014) The problem to be solved

[0014] To resolve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a spud can that reduces static pressure by removing pressure (earth pressure and water pressure, etc.) acting during extraction and penetration, and an offshore jack-up barge including the same.

[0015] In addition, the present invention provides a spud can that reduces static pressure through a plurality of holes formed on the outer surface of an inner tube and a portion of an outer tube without supplying a separate external force, and an offshore jack-up barge including the same.

[0016] In addition, the present invention provides a spud can having an optimal structure applicable to each of a cylindrical leg and a truss leg, which maximizes the pressure reduction effect, and an offshore jack-up barge including the same. means of solving the problem

[0018] A spud can according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner tube formed in the center and including an inner tube internal space, wherein fluid and soil are introduced and discharged into and out of the inner and outer parts so that the internal and external pressure difference is formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value, and an outer tube extending radially outward from the outer surface of the inner tube. At least one leg unit is coupled to the upper side of at least a portion of the inner tube and the outer tube to support the leg unit, and at least one hole is formed on the outer surface of at least a portion of the inner tube and the outer tube, so that fluid and soil are introduced and discharged into and out of at least one of the inner tube and the outer tube through the at least one hole, thereby forming the internal and external pressure difference to be less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value.

[0019] Additionally, the inner tube includes an inner tube top plate, an inner tube bottom plate, and an inner tube side plate formed on the outer edge of the inner tube to connect the inner tube top plate and the inner tube bottom plate, and the inner tube, the outer tube, and the leg unit are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner tube top plate is connected to the lower part of the leg unit, and the diameter of the inner tube is greater than or equal to the diameter of the leg unit, and the diameter of the outer tube may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the inner tube.

[0020] Additionally, the outer tube further includes a plurality of partitions formed between the inner tube and the outer tube, which divide the space between the inner tube and the outer tube into a plurality of portions in the circumferential direction, and at least one of the plurality of partitions has a partition hole formed therein, and the multiple internal spaces of the outer tubes formed by dividing the space into the plurality of partitions can be connected by the partition hole.

[0021] Additionally, the outer tube further includes an outer tube upper plate extending upward from the inner tube upper plate to the outer tube, an outer tube lower plate extending downward from the inner tube lower plate to the outer tube, and an outer tube side plate formed on the outer edge of the outer tube and connecting the outer tube upper plate and the outer tube lower plate, wherein the distance between the outer tube upper plate and the outer tube lower plate gradually decreases as it goes from the inner tube side plate to the outer tube side plate, and the outer tube upper plate and the outer tube lower plate can support vertical external forces by means of the plurality of partitions and the outer tube side plate.

[0022] In addition, at least one hole may be formed in at least one of the inner tube top plate, the inner tube bottom plate, the inner tube side plate, the outer tube top plate, the outer tube bottom plate, and the outer tube side plate.

[0023] In addition, at least one of the inner tube and the outer tube may further include a hole reinforcing unit formed to extend inwardly by a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the hole.

[0024] Additionally, at least a portion of the outer surface of the hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the outer tube side or the inner tube side, and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the hole reinforcing unit may include at least a portion of the bulkhead.

[0025] In addition, at least one of the plurality of bulkheads may further include a bulkhead depression formed on the radially inner side of the hole reinforcing unit and formed to a predetermined height in the vertical direction.

[0026] Additionally, the upper plate hole formed in the upper plate of the outer casing is located above at least one of the plurality of bulkheads, and fluid or soil may be introduced or discharged into the plurality of outer casing internal spaces in contact with the at least one bulkhead through the upper plate hole, and the lower plate hole formed in the lower plate of the outer casing is located below at least one of the plurality of bulkheads, and fluid or soil may be introduced or discharged into the plurality of outer casing internal spaces in contact with the at least one bulkhead through the lower plate hole.

[0027] In addition, at least one inner tube support unit is formed in the inner tube, connecting the upper plate of the inner tube and the lower plate of the inner tube, so as to support a vertical external force applied to the inner tube.

[0028] And, according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a spud can comprises, wherein the inner tube includes an inner tube top plate, an inner tube bottom plate, and an inner tube vertical partition formed on the outer edge of the inner tube and connecting the inner tube top plate and the inner tube bottom plate; and the outer tube includes an outer tube top plate extending from the inner tube top plate toward the upper side of the outer tube, an outer tube bottom plate extending from the inner tube bottom plate toward the lower side of the outer tube, an outer tube side plate formed on the outer edge of the outer tube and connecting the outer tube top plate and the outer tube bottom plate, and an outer tube internal space formed toward the outer tube top plate, the outer tube bottom plate, the outer tube side plate, and the inner tube side; and the leg unit can be coupled at a position spaced apart from the center of the inner tube.

[0029] Additionally, the outer casing may further include a side plate edge where the outer casing's outer edge is formed in a polygonal shape and the outer casing's side plate meets each other, and a partition section that divides the inner space of the outer casing into multiple sections. The partition section may further include a plurality of main partitions, one side of which is connected to the side plate edge and the other side of which is connected to the inner casing; a plurality of sub-partitions formed between the plurality of main partitions and extending from the outer casing's side plate toward the inner casing; and a plurality of support partitions, one side of which is connected to the main partition and the other side of which is connected to the sub-partition.

[0030] Additionally, the leg unit is located above the intersection where the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead meet, and the lower surface of the leg unit may be formed to include at least a portion of the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead.

[0031] Additionally, the hole may further include a main hole located at the upper or lower part of the intersection where the leg unit is not formed among the intersections where the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead meet, for introducing or discharging fluid or soil into a plurality of internal spaces of the outer casing partitioned by the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead; a sub hole located at the upper or lower part of the intersection where the sub bulkhead and the outer casing side plate meet, for introducing or discharging fluid or soil into a plurality of internal spaces of the outer casing partitioned by the sub bulkhead and the outer casing side plate; and a bulkhead hole formed in at least one of the main bulkhead, the sub bulkhead, and the support bulkhead.

[0032] Additionally, the hole further includes a hole reinforcing unit extending inward from the inner surface of the hole, and the hole reinforcing unit further includes a main hole reinforcing unit extending by a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the main hole toward the inner space of the outer casing, and a sub-hole reinforcing unit extending by a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the sub-hole toward the inner space of the outer casing, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the main hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the main bulkhead, and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the main hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the support bulkhead, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the sub-hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the sub-bulkhead, and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the sub-hole reinforcing unit may include at least a portion of the outer casing side plate.

[0033] In addition, the above bulkhead may further include a bulkhead recess formed radially inward of the main hole reinforcement unit and the sub hole reinforcement unit, and formed by being recessed to a predetermined height in the vertical direction.

[0034] In addition, at least one inner tube support unit is formed vertically within the internal space of the inner tube, and at least a portion of the upper plate of the inner tube and the lower plate of the inner tube, which are supported vertically by the inner tube support unit, may be formed horizontally. Effects of the invention

[0036] According to the proposed embodiment, the internal and external pressure difference of the spud can inserted into the seabed is formed to be below a predetermined pressure value, thereby providing the advantage of improving fatigue life.

[0037] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of improving the stability and durability of spud cans and offshore jack-up barges containing them by improving interaction with the seabed and maximizing pressure reduction.

[0038] In addition, since internal and external fluids (and sediment) can move through at least one hole formed on the outer surface of at least a portion of the inner and outer parts of the spud can, there is an advantage of eliminating pressure imbalance inside the spud can that occurs depending on the penetration position of the spud can.

[0039] In addition, by using the spud can according to the embodiment of the present invention and the offshore jack-up barge including it, the design strength limited by water depth can be overcome, thus providing the advantage of expanding the manufacturing capacity and installable water depth of the jack-up barge. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0041] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an offshore jack-up barge including a spud can according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of part 'A' of FIG. 1. Fig. 3(a) is a drawing showing the exterior of the spud can of Fig. 2 in three dimensions. Figure 3(b) is a three-dimensional drawing showing the interior of the spud can of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spud can of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the spud can of Figure 2 in three dimensions. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing another embodiment of part 'A' of FIG. 1. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the spud can of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a drawing showing the spud can of Figure 6 in three dimensions. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the process of a spud can being inserted into and extracted from the seabed in sequence. Figure 10 is a drawing showing the hole reinforcement unit of a spud can in detail. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0043] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0044] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0045] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical interlocking and operation are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or together in an interlocking relationship.

[0046] Meanwhile, potential effects that may be expected from the technical features of the present invention that are not specifically mentioned in the specification of the present invention are treated as described in the specification, and since the embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those with average knowledge in the art, the contents illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to the actual embodiment of the invention, and detailed descriptions of configurations that are judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted or described briefly.

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an offshore jack-up barge (1) including spud cans (200, 600) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, an offshore jack-up barge (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a spud can (200, 600) and a hull (10) supported by a plurality of spud cans (200, 600).

[0051] More specifically, at least one leg unit (100) is attached to the upper side of the spud can (200, 600), so that the hull (10) is supported by the spud can (200, 600).

[0052] At this time, fluid and soil are introduced and discharged into and out of the spud can (200, 600), and the internal and external pressure difference is formed to be below a predetermined pressure value.

[0054] The configuration of a spud can (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below. A spud can (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used to support an offshore jack-up barge (1) having a leg unit having a cylindrical structure.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an embodiment of part 'A' of FIG. 1, FIG. 3(a) is a drawing showing the exterior of the spud can of FIG. 2 in three dimensions, FIG. 3(b) is a drawing showing the interior of the spud can of FIG. 2 in three dimensions, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spud can of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the spud can of FIG. 2 in three dimensions.

[0056] First, referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, a spud can (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner tube (210) formed in the center and including an inner tube internal space (2104), and an outer tube (220) extending radially outward from the outer surface of the inner tube (210). At least one leg unit (101) is coupled to at least a portion of the upper side of the inner tube (210) and the outer tube (220) to support the leg unit (101). At least one hole (2001) is formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner tube (210) and the outer tube (220), so that fluid and soil flow in and out through at least one of the inner tube (210) and the outer tube (220) through the at least one hole (2001), thereby forming an internal and external pressure difference of less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value.

[0057] More specifically, the inner tube (210) includes an inner tube upper plate (2101), an inner tube lower plate (2102), and an inner tube side plate (2103) formed on the outer edge of the inner tube to connect the inner tube upper plate (2101) and the inner tube lower plate (2102).

[0058] Additionally, the inner tube (210), the outer tube (220), and the leg unit (101) are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner tube top plate (2101) is connected to the lower part of the leg unit (101). The diameter of the inner tube (210) is greater than or equal to the diameter of the leg unit (101), and the diameter of the outer tube (220) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the inner tube (210).

[0059] For example, the inner tube (210) and the leg unit (101) may be formed as a single unit, but the internal space is separated from each other by the inner tube top plate (2101).

[0060] Additionally, the outer tube (220) further includes an outer tube upper plate (2201) extending from the upper plate of the inner tube (21) to the upper side of the outer tube (220), an outer tube lower plate (2202) extending from the lower plate of the inner tube (2102) to the lower side of the outer tube (220), and an outer tube side plate (2203) formed on the outer edge of the outer tube (220) and connecting the outer tube upper plate (2201) and the outer tube lower plate (2202).

[0061] At this time, the distance between the outer tube upper plate (2201) and the outer tube lower plate (2202) gradually decreases as it goes from the inner tube side plate (2103) to the outer tube side plate (2203), and the outer tube upper plate (2201) and the outer tube lower plate (2202) are formed between the inner tube (210) and the outer tube (220), and the vertical external force is supported by a plurality of partitions (230) that divide the space between the inner tube and the outer tube into multiple parts in the circumferential direction.

[0062] Additionally, a partition hole (2301) is formed in at least one of the plurality of partitions (230), and the plurality of internal spaces (2204) of the outer casings formed by dividing the plurality of partitions (230) are connected by the partition hole (2301).

[0063] Meanwhile, at least one hole (2001) is formed in at least one of the inner tube top plate (2101), inner tube bottom plate (2102), inner tube side plate (2103), outer tube top plate (2201), outer tube bottom plate (2202), and outer tube side plate (2203).

[0064] However, if the diameter of the inner tube (210) and the diameter of the leg unit (101) are the same, a hole (2001) is not formed in the upper plate (2101) of the inner tube.

[0065] Additionally, structural stability may be evaluated during the design process so that a hole (2001) is not formed in the outer casing side plate (2203).

[0066] In addition, the sum of the areas of all holes (2001) is formed to be between 1% and 30% of the total area of ​​the spud can (200).

[0067] According to the proposed embodiment, fluid and soil are introduced into and discharged from the inside and outside of the spud can (200), thereby reducing the soil pressure and water pressure acting on the spud can (200).

[0069] Next, referring to FIG. 4, at least one of the inner tube (210) and the outer tube (220) includes a hole reinforcing unit (2002) that is formed to extend inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the hole (2001) by a predetermined thickness.

[0070] At this time, the hole reinforcing unit (2002) formed in the inner tube (210) is extended toward the inner space (2104) of the inner tube, and the hole reinforcing unit (2002) formed in the outer tube (220) is extended toward the outer space (2204) of the outer tube.

[0071] For example, the hole reinforcing unit (2002) may be formed in a trapezoidal or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] At this time, at least a portion of the outer surface of the hole reinforcement unit (2002) includes at least a portion of the inner tube side (2103) or the outer tube side (2203), and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the hole reinforcement unit (2002) includes at least a portion of the bulkhead (230).

[0073] That is, the hole reinforcement unit (2002) is formed by a curved surface formed between the partition wall (230) and the inner tube side (2103) or the outer tube side (2203) and the partition wall (230) and the inner tube side (2103) or the outer tube side (2203).

[0074] Additionally, a partition wall recess (2304) is formed in the partition wall (230) on the radial inner side of the hole reinforcement unit (2002) and formed by being recessed to a predetermined height in the vertical direction.

[0075] For example, the height of the bulkhead depression (2304) can gradually decrease from the outer side of the hole reinforcement unit (2002) toward the center.

[0076] According to the proposed embodiment, when fluid and soil are introduced into and out of the spud can (200), the hole reinforcement unit (2002) shares the pressure applied to the surface of the hole (2001), the inner tube (210) adjacent to the hole (2001), and the outer tube (220), thereby improving fatigue life.

[0078] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the top plate hole (2205) formed in the top plate (2201) of the outer casing is located on the upper part of at least one of the multiple partitions (230), and through the top plate hole (2205), fluid or soil is introduced into or discharged into the multiple outer casing internal spaces (2204) that are in contact with at least one partition (230).

[0079] Additionally, the bottom plate hole (2206) formed in the bottom plate (2202) of the outer casing is located at the bottom of at least one of the multiple partitions (230), and through the bottom plate hole (230), fluid or soil is introduced into or discharged into the multiple outer casing internal spaces in contact with at least one partition (230).

[0080] According to the proposed embodiment, when fluid and soil are introduced into and out of the spud can (200), the flow of fluid and soil is divided by the partition wall (230) and introduced into multiple outer casing internal spaces (2204), thereby reducing pressure deviation with a simple structure, which provides an economic advantage.

[0082] The configuration of a spud can (600) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below. A spud can (600) according to another embodiment of the present invention can be used to support an offshore jack-up barge (1) having a leg unit having a truss-type structure.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing another embodiment of part 'A' of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the spud can of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the spud can of FIG. 6 in three dimensions, and FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the hole reinforcement unit of the spud can in detail.

[0084] First, referring to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, a spud can (600) according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner tube (610) formed in the center and including an inner tube internal space (6104), and an outer tube (620) extending radially outward from the outer surface of the inner tube (610). At least one leg unit (102) is coupled to at least a portion of the upper side of the inner tube (610) and the outer tube (620) to support the leg unit (102). At least one hole (6001) is formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner tube (610) and the outer tube (620), so that fluid and soil flow in and out through at least one of the inner tube (610) and the outer tube (620) through the at least one hole (6001), thereby forming an internal and external pressure difference of less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value.

[0085] More specifically, the inner tube (610) includes an inner tube upper plate (6101), an inner tube lower plate (6102), and an inner tube vertical partition (6103) formed on the outer edge of the inner tube to connect the inner tube upper plate (6101) and the inner tube lower plate (6102).

[0086] And, the outer tube (620) includes an outer tube upper plate (6201) extending from the inner tube upper plate (6101) toward the upper side of the outer tube (620), an outer tube lower plate (6202) extending from the inner tube lower plate (6102) toward the lower side of the outer tube (620), an outer tube side plate (6203) formed on the outer edge of the outer tube and connecting the outer tube upper plate (6201) and the outer tube lower plate (6202), and an outer tube internal space (6204) formed by the outer tube upper plate (6201), the outer tube lower plate (6202), the outer tube side plate (6203), and the inner tube vertical partition (6103).

[0087] Meanwhile, the leg unit (102) is connected at a position spaced apart from the center of the inner tube (610).

[0088] And, the distance between the outer tube top plate (6201) and the outer tube bottom plate (6202) gradually decreases as it goes from the inner tube vertical bulkhead (6103) to the outer tube side plate (6203).

[0089] Additionally, at least one inner tube support unit (6105) is formed vertically in the inner space (6104) of the inner tube, and at least a portion of the inner tube upper plate (6101) and inner tube lower plate (6102) supported vertically by the inner tube support unit (6105) is formed horizontally.

[0091] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the outer edge of the outer tube (620) is formed in a polygonal shape, and the outer tube (620) has a side plate edge (6205) formed at the outermost edge of the outer tube, where the outer tube side plates (6203) meet each other.

[0092] Additionally, a partition section (630) is formed to divide the inner space (6204) of the outer section into multiple sections. The partition section (630) includes a plurality of main partitions (6301) with one side connected to the side plate edge (6205) and the other side connected to the vertical partition (6103) of the inner section, a plurality of sub-partitions (6302) formed between the plurality of main partitions (6301) and extending in a direction toward the inner section (610) from the side plate (6203) of the outer section, and a plurality of support partitions (6303) with one side connected to the main partition (6301) and the other side connected to the sub-partition (6302).

[0093] For example, the sub-bulk (6302) may be formed at 3 / 4 of the distance between the outer tube side plate (6203) and the inner tube vertical bulkhead (6103), but is not limited thereto.

[0094] Additionally, the leg unit (102) is located above the intersection where the main bulkhead (6301) and the support bulkhead (6303) meet, and the lower surface of the leg unit (102) is formed to include at least a portion of the main bulkhead (6301) and the support bulkhead (6303).

[0095] That is, the vertical external force acting on the part where the leg unit (102) and the spud can (600) are joined can be shared by the main bulkhead (6301) and the support bulkhead (6303).

[0096] And, the hole (6001) includes (1) a main hole (6401) located at the upper or lower part of the intersection where the main bulkhead (6301) and the support bulkhead (6303) meet, and for introducing or discharging fluid or soil into a plurality of outer casing internal spaces (6204) partitioned by the main bulkhead (6301) and the support bulkhead (6303); (2) a sub hole located at the upper or lower part of the intersection where the sub bulkhead (6302) and the outer casing side plate (6203) meet, and for introducing or discharging fluid or soil into a plurality of outer casing internal spaces (6204) partitioned by the sub bulkhead (6302) and the outer casing side plate; and (3) a bulkhead hole (6304) formed in at least one of the main bulkhead (6301), the sub bulkhead (6302), and the support bulkhead (6303).

[0097] At this time, the main hole (6401) is located at the upper or lower part of the intersection where the main bulkhead (6301) and the support bulkhead (6303) meet, where the leg unit (102) is not formed.

[0098] In addition, the sum of the areas of all holes (6001) is formed to be 1% or more and 30% or less of the total area of ​​the spud can (600), preferably 5% or more and 15% or less, and more preferably 7% or more and 10% or less.

[0100] Next, referring to FIG. 10, the hole (6001) further includes a hole reinforcing unit (6002) that extends inward from the inner surface of the hole (6001).

[0101] Additionally, the hole reinforcement unit (6002) further includes a main hole reinforcement unit (6402) formed to extend a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the main hole (6401) toward the outer casing internal space (6204), and a sub hole reinforcement unit (6502) formed to extend a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the sub hole (6501) toward the outer casing internal space (6204).

[0102] Additionally, the inner tube vertical partition (6103) further includes an inner tube hole (not shown) that connects the inner tube internal space (6104) and the outer tube internal space (6204), and the inner tube hole further includes an inner tube hole reinforcing unit (not shown) that is formed to extend a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the inner tube hole toward the inner space (6104).

[0103] For example, the hole reinforcing unit (6002, 6402, 6502) may be formed in a trapezoidal or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] Additionally, at least a portion of the outer surface of the main hole reinforcement unit (6402) includes at least a portion of the main bulkhead (6301), and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the main hole reinforcement unit (6402) includes at least a portion of the support bulkhead (6303).

[0105] And, at least a portion of the outer surface of the sub-hole reinforcement unit (6502) includes at least a portion of the sub-bulkhead (6302), and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the sub-hole reinforcement unit (6502) includes at least a portion of the outer casing side plate (6203).

[0106] Additionally, a partition wall recess (6304) is formed in the partition wall portion (630), which is formed radially inward of the main hole reinforcement unit (6402) and the sub hole reinforcement unit (6502) and is formed to a predetermined height in the vertical direction.

[0107] For example, the height of the bulkhead depression (6304) can gradually decrease from the outer side of the hole reinforcement unit (6002, 6402, 6502) toward the center. According to the proposed embodiment, the earth pressure and water pressure acting on the spud can are reduced, thereby improving the durability of the spud can, and there is an advantage that no expensive device is required in the pressure reduction process and no additional operation is required.

[0109] Below, the pressure reduction process of the spud can (200, 600) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the process of a spud can being inserted into and extracted from the seabed. More specifically, FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the process of fluid or soil flowing into the spud can (200, 600) at the point where insertion begins, FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the state where the fluid or soil has flowed into the spud can (200, 600) and pressure reduction has been completed, and FIG. 9(c) is a diagram showing the process of fluid or soil being discharged from the spud can (200, 600).

[0111] First, referring to FIG. 9(a), the spud can (200, 600) enters the fluid, and the fluid and soil are introduced through the plurality of holes (2001, 6001), and the air is discharged, and the penetration process of the spud can (200, 600) begins.

[0112] Next, referring to FIG. 9(b), the spud can (200, 600) is fully inserted into the soil, and the inflow of fluid and soil into the spud can (200, 600) is also completed.

[0113] Next, referring to FIG. 9(c), the process of extracting the spud can (200, 600) from the soil and fluid involves discharging the soil and fluid from the internal space of the spud can (200, 600) through the hole (2001, 6001).

[0114] According to the proposed embodiment, fluid and soil are effectively introduced into or discharged from the spud can (200, 600) by gravity, thereby reducing the external internal pressure difference to below a predetermined pressure value and improving the fatigue life of the spud can (200, 600).

[0116] In another embodiment, a main hole (6401) may be formed at the upper and lower portions of the intersection where the sub-bulkhead (6302) and the support bulkhead (6303) meet, and a sub-hole (6501) may be formed at the upper and lower portions of the intersection where the main bulkhead (6301) and the side plate edge (6205) meet.

[0117] According to the proposed embodiment, when fluid and soil are introduced into and out of the spud can (600), the flow of fluid and soil is divided by the partitions (630, 6301, 6302, 6303) and introduced into the internal space (6204) of the multiple outer tubes, thereby reducing pressure deviation with a simple structure, which provides an economic advantage.

[0119] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention, and the attached drawings, and such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0120] 100, 101, 102: Leg Unit 200: Spud Can 2001, 6001: Hall 2002, 6002: Hole reinforcement unit 210: Internal Communications Department 2101: Inner tube top plate 2102: Lower plate of the inner tube 2103: Inner tube side plate 2104: Internal space of the inner tube 2105: Internal Communications Support Unit 220: Foreign Affairs Department 2201: Foreign Office Top 2202: Outer casing bottom plate 2203: External side panel 2204: Internal space of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2205: Top plate hole 2206: Bottom plate hole 230: Bulkhead 2301: Bulkhead hole 2304: Bulkhead depression 600: Spud Can 610: Internal Communications Department 6101: Inner tube top plate 6102: Lower plate of the inner tube 6103: Vertical bulkhead of the inner section 6104: Internal space of the inner tube 6105: Internal Communications Support Unit 620: Foreign Affairs Department 6201: Foreign Affairs Board 6102: Outer casing bottom plate 6203: External part side panel 6204: Internal space of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 6205: Side panel edge 630: Bulkhead 6301: Main bulkhead 6302: Sub-bulkhead 6303: Support bulkhead 6304: Bulkhead depression 6304: Bulkhead hole 6401: Main Hall 6402: Main Hall Reinforcement Unit 6501: Sub Hole 6502: Sub-hole reinforcement unit

Claims

Claim 1 A spud can in which fluid and soil are introduced and discharged internally and externally, such that the internal and external pressure difference is formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value, comprising: an inner tube formed in the center and including an internal space of the inner tube; and an outer tube formed extending radially outward from the outer surface of the inner tube; wherein at least one leg unit is coupled to the upper side of at least a portion of the inner tube and the outer tube to support the leg unit, and at least one hole is formed on the outer surface of at least a portion of the inner tube and the outer tube, such that fluid and soil are introduced and discharged internally and externally through the at least one hole of the inner tube and the outer tube, such that the internal and external pressure difference is formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined pressure value. Claim 2 A spud can according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner tube top plate, an inner tube bottom plate, and an inner tube side plate formed on the outer edge of the inner tube and connecting the inner tube top plate and the inner tube bottom plate, and wherein the inner tube, the outer tube, and the leg unit are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner tube top plate is connected to the lower part of the leg unit, and the diameter of the inner tube is greater than or equal to the diameter of the leg unit, and the diameter of the outer tube is greater than the diameter of the inner tube. Claim 3 A spud can according to claim 2, wherein the outer tube further comprises a plurality of partitions formed between the inner tube and the outer tube, dividing the space between the inner tube and the outer tube into a plurality of portions in the circumferential direction, wherein at least one of the plurality of partitions has a partition hole formed therein, and the plurality of internal spaces of the outer tubes formed by dividing the partitions are connected by the partition holes. Claim 4 A spud can according to claim 3, wherein the outer tube further comprises an outer tube upper plate extending upward from the inner tube upper plate to the upper side of the outer tube, an outer tube lower plate extending downward from the inner tube lower plate to the lower side of the outer tube, and an outer tube side plate formed on the outer edge of the outer tube and connecting the outer tube upper plate and the outer tube lower plate, wherein the outer tube upper plate and the outer tube lower plate support a vertical external force by means of the plurality of partitions and the outer tube side plate. Claim 5 A spud can according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one hole is formed in at least one of the inner tube top plate, the inner tube bottom plate, the inner tube side plate, the outer tube top plate, the outer tube bottom plate, and the outer tube side plate. Claim 6 A spud can according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion further comprises a hole reinforcing unit formed to extend inwardly by a predetermined thickness from the inner circumferential surface of the hole. Claim 7 A spud can according to claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the hole reinforcing unit comprises at least a portion of the outer tube side or the inner tube side, and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the hole reinforcing unit comprises at least a portion of the bulkhead. Claim 8 A spud can according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of partitions further comprises a partition recess formed radially inward of the hole reinforcing unit and formed to a predetermined height in the vertical direction. Claim 9 A spud can according to claim 5, wherein the upper plate hole formed in the upper plate of the outer casing is located above at least one of the plurality of bulkheads, and through the upper plate hole, fluid or soil is introduced or discharged into the plurality of outer casing internal spaces in contact with the at least one bulkhead, and the lower plate hole formed in the lower plate of the outer casing is located below at least one of the plurality of bulkheads, and through the lower plate hole, fluid or soil is introduced or discharged into the plurality of outer casing internal spaces in contact with the at least one bulkhead. Claim 10 A spud can according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one inner tube support unit is formed in the inner tube portion, connecting the upper plate of the inner tube portion and the lower plate of the inner tube portion, to support a vertical external force applied to the inner tube portion. Claim 11 The spud can according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner tube upper plate, an inner tube lower plate, and an inner tube vertical partition formed on the outer edge of the inner tube and connecting the inner tube upper plate and the inner tube lower plate; the outer tube comprises an outer tube upper plate extending from the inner tube upper plate toward the upper side of the outer tube; an outer tube lower plate extending from the inner tube lower plate toward the lower side of the outer tube; an outer tube side plate formed on the outer edge of the outer tube and connecting the outer tube upper plate and the outer tube lower plate; and an outer tube internal space formed by the outer tube upper plate, the outer tube lower plate, the outer tube side plate, and the inner tube vertical partition; and wherein the leg unit is coupled at a position spaced apart from the center of the inner tube. Claim 12 A spud can according to claim 11, wherein the outer casing is formed in a polygonal shape, the outer edge of the outer casing is the outermost edge of the outer casing, and further comprises a side plate edge where the outer casing side plates meet each other, and a partition section that divides the inner space of the outer casing into a plurality of sections, wherein the partition section further comprises a plurality of main partitions, one side of which is connected to the side plate edge and the other side of which is connected to the inner casing, a plurality of sub-partitions formed between the plurality of main partitions and extending from the outer casing side plate toward the inner casing, and a plurality of support partitions, one side of which is connected to the main partition and the other side of which is connected to the sub-partition. Claim 13 A spud can according to claim 12, wherein the leg unit is located above the intersection where the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead meet, and the lower surface of the leg unit is formed to include at least a portion of the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead. Claim 14 A spud can according to claim 13, wherein the hole comprises: a main hole located at the upper or lower portion of an intersection where the leg unit is not formed among the intersections where the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead meet, for introducing or discharging fluid or soil into a plurality of internal spaces of the outer casing partitioned by the main bulkhead and the support bulkhead; a sub hole located at the upper or lower portion of an intersection where the sub bulkhead and the outer casing side plate meet, for introducing or discharging fluid or soil into a plurality of internal spaces of the outer casing partitioned by the sub bulkhead and the outer casing side plate; and a bulkhead hole formed in at least one of the main bulkhead, the sub bulkhead, and the support bulkhead. Claim 15 The above hole further comprises a hole reinforcing unit extending inward from the inner surface of the hole, and the hole reinforcing unit further comprises a main hole reinforcing unit extending by a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the main hole toward the inner space of the outer casing, and a sub-hole reinforcing unit extending by a predetermined thickness from the inner surface of the sub-hole toward the inner space of the outer casing, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the main hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the main bulkhead, and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the main hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the support bulkhead, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the sub-hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the sub-bulkhead, and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the sub-hole reinforcing unit includes at least a portion of the side plate of the outer casing. A spud can further comprising a bulkhead hole formed in at least one of the main bulkhead, the sub-bulkhead, and the support bulkhead. Claim 16 A spud can according to claim 15, wherein the partition wall further comprises a partition wall recess formed radially inward of the main hole reinforcing unit and the sub-hole reinforcing unit and formed to a predetermined height in the vertical direction. Claim 17 A spud can according to claim 12, wherein at least one inner tube support unit is formed vertically within the inner tube internal space, and at least a portion of the inner tube upper plate and the inner tube lower plate supported vertically by the inner tube support unit are formed horizontally.

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