Detachable tower fork arm mooring system and method of use thereof

Abstract

A fork arm mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea. The system may include a support structure having one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank may be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a fork arm may extend from the ballast tank and be connected to the ballast tank. The fork arm may include a tower connector, which is arranged on the second end of the fork arm for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system may be located on the support structure and connected to the fork arm via a first line or a first cable near the second end of the fork arm. A second winch system may be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or a second cable.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 830,082, filed on April 5, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The described embodiments generally relate to offshore mooring systems. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to mooring systems for connecting a vessel to an offshore tower structure, such as a tower structure used for hydrocarbon production, at sea. Background Art

[0004] In the drilling and production of offshore oil and gas, mooring systems have been used to connect floating production storage and offloading vessels (FPSO), floating storage and offloading vessels (FSO) and other floating vessels to various tower structures in the open sea. Some conventional mooring systems are permanent, meaning that the connected ship can be kept in a position with a fixed heading. Therefore, such permanent mooring systems depend on locations where bad weather may be directed. Other conventional mooring systems are detachable, allowing the ship to leave the site, such as avoiding bad weather events and conditions such as bad seas, typhoons, hurricanes, and icebergs.

[0005] Conventional mooring systems (whether permanent or detachable) have used rotation systems to allow the ship to change direction with the wind around its mooring point to better adapt to changing sea conditions. Conventional rotation systems use turret systems located inside or outside the ship and turntable type buoys. Such rotatable systems allow the ship to move with the wind in normal to severe conditions, including those harsh environments at sea where seasonal cyclonic weather systems or icebergs dominate.

[0006] Turret-type buoys are not suitable for harsh offshore environments. Turret-type systems are more common. However, a problem with conventional turret systems may be the size and complexity of the system and the need for an associated rotating stack for fluid, gas, chemical, hydraulic power, electricity, and control transmission. Another problem with conventional turret-type mooring systems may be the need to detach the ship in a timely manner to avoid typhoons, hurricanes, icebergs, and other extremely dangerous situations that may or may not have proper advance notice. The detachment and reconnection sequence may be time consuming, which results in more loss of production time, injuries, or worse.

[0007] Tower mooring system is another type of mooring solution used in shallow waters, wherein the tower structure can be fixed to the seabed. Conventional tower structures generally include a bearing system that allows a component to rotate around a fixed geological static component. When moored to the rotating component of the tower structure with a mooring connection, the ship can move with the wind around the geological static component of the tower structure. Typical mooring connections include cable systems or other ropes, chains or slender connectors. Another type of mooring connection is a soft yoke wishbone type system, which includes a rigid steel frame that can be connected to the tower structure using a series of hinges and connected to the ship by means of a pendulum structure. Production fluids are transmitted from the tower to the ship through a rotating member located on a turntable and from the turntable through a hose. The tower generally includes a deck space for manifolds and other processing equipment. The tower can be entered via a channel extending from the ship through the fork arm to the tower.

[0008] Typical tower yoke mooring systems are used in areas of shallower waters that are not prone to large storms or extreme sea conditions that require the vessel to temporarily leave the area to avoid danger. Conventional tower yoke mooring systems can be detached, but the process can be very time consuming and often requires external intervention.

[0009] For safe use in areas subject to more extreme offshore conditions, it may be highly desirable to have a pylon mooring system that can be easily detached and reconnected from the vessel itself without external intervention, and that can be connected and disconnected in hours rather than days or weeks. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention provides an improved system and method for connecting and disconnecting a floating vessel from a tower structure at sea using the vessel itself, without external intervention and performed in hours rather than days or weeks. In one embodiment, a yoke mooring system includes: a support structure; one or more extension arms, the one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure; a ballast tank, the ballast tank connected to the one or more extension arms; a yoke, the yoke extending from the ballast tank and connected to the ballast tank at a first end of the yoke, the yoke including a tower connector, the tower connector arranged on a second end of the yoke; a first winch system, the first winch system is located on the support structure, the first winch system is connected to the yoke near the second end of the yoke via a first line or a first cable; and a second winch system, the second winch system is connected to the ballast tank via a second line or a second cable.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method for mooring a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea is provided. The method may include providing: a floating vessel having a support structure mounted on an upper deck of the floating vessel; one or more extension arms, the one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure; a ballast tank, the ballast tank connected to the one or more extension arms; a fork arm, the fork arm extending from the ballast tank and connected to the ballast tank at a first end of the fork arm, the fork arm including a tower connector, the tower connector arranged on a second end of the fork arm; a first winch system, the first winch system located on the support structure, the first winch system connected to the fork arm via a first line or a first cable near the second end of the fork arm; and a second winch system, the second winch system connected to the ballast tank by a second line or a second cable. The method further includes positioning a vessel proximate to the tower structure, the tower structure including a yoke head connector attached thereto, the yoke head connector being adapted to receive a tower connector; pulling the vessel toward the tower structure using a third winch system, the third winch system being located on the vessel and connected to the tower structure via a pull-in line or cable; aligning the tower connector with the yoke head connector; controlling vertical movement of the yoke using a first winch system located on the support structure; and actuating a hydraulic cylinder within the yoke head connector to mechanically connect the tower connector to the yoke head connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various aspects and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon understanding the following detailed description of the invention, read in light of the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification.

[0013] Figure 1 Depicted is a schematic diagram of an illustrative fork arm mooring system according to one or more embodiments provided herein. The fork arm mooring system may be shown secured to the bow of a vessel.

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one or more embodiments provided herein is depicted, depicting a method for connecting to Figure 1 Illustrative tower structure of a fork arm.

[0015] Figure 3 An illustrative schematic diagram is depicted depicting a fork arm in a position ready to be connected to a tower according to one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0016] Figure 3A A schematic plan view of a bow of a vessel is depicted to show illustrative arrangements for controlling movement of ballast tanks using various winch systems in accordance with one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0017] Figure 4Depicted is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a pull-in line from a vessel connected to a tower prior to connection, in accordance with one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0018] Figure 5 An illustrative schematic diagram is depicted depicting a fork arm connected to a tower according to one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0019] Figure 6 Depicted is an enlarged perspective view of a yoke head on a vessel and a yoke head connector on a tower prior to connection according to one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0020] Figure 7 Depicted is a partial cross-sectional view of a yoke head on a vessel and a yoke head connector on a tower before connection according to one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0021] Figure 8 Depicted is a partial cross-sectional view of a yoke head connected to a yoke head connector according to one or more embodiments provided herein.

[0022] Fig. 9 An enlarged perspective view of a yoke head connected to a yoke head connector according to one or more embodiments provided herein is shown.

[0023] Fig.10 Depicted is a schematic perspective view of a vessel moored to a tower with a fluid transfer system connected between the vessel and the tower according to one or more embodiments provided herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the attached claims defines a separate invention, which is considered to include the equivalents of various elements or technical features specified in the claims for infringement purposes. Depending on the context, in some cases, all references to the "invention" refer only to certain specific or preferred embodiments. In other cases, references to the "invention" refer to the subject matter stated in one or more but not necessarily all claims. It should be understood that the following disclosure describes multiple exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures or functions of the present invention. The following describes exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements and configurations to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in various exemplary embodiments and in the drawings provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself specify the relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and / or configurations discussed in the figures. In addition, in the following description, the formation of a first feature above or on a second feature includes an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are formed to be in direct contact, and also includes an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first feature and the second feature so that the first feature and the second feature are not in direct contact. The exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be shown in scale or schematically enlarged for clarity and / or conciseness.

[0025] In addition, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to specific components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various objects may refer to the same components by different names, and therefore, unless otherwise specifically defined herein, the naming conventions of the elements described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the naming conventions used herein are not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same functions. In addition, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open manner, and therefore should be interpreted to mean "including but not limited to."

[0026] Unless otherwise specifically stated, all numerical values ​​in the present disclosure are exact or approximate ("about"). Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without deviating from the intended range.

[0027] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to cover both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless otherwise expressly provided herein. The indefinite articles "a" and "an" refer to both the singular (i.e., "one") and the plural referents (i.e., one or more), unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "up" and "down"; "upward" and "downward"; "upper" and "lower"; "upwardly" and "downwardly"; "above" and "below"; and other similar terms used herein refer to relative positions relative to each other and are not intended to indicate a particular spatial orientation, as devices and methods of using the devices may be equally effective at different angles or orientations.

[0028] Each invention will now be described in more detail below, including specific or preferred embodiments, versions and examples, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when the information in this disclosure is combined with publicly available information and technology.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary fork arm mooring system 100 according to one or more embodiments provided herein is depicted. The fork arm mooring system ("YMS") 100 may be located or otherwise arranged on a vessel 105, for example, on top of the vessel 105. The system 100 may include a fork arm 110, a ballast tank 130, and one or more connecting rods or extension arms 140 connected to a support structure 150. The system 100 may also include a first winch system or a fork arm lifting winch system 160 and a second winch system or a fork arm pull-back winch system 170. Each fork arm lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 may be electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. Each fork arm lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 may also have motion compensation, including active heave compensation (AHC) and / or passive heave compensation (PHC). In certain embodiments, each of the yoke hoist winch system 160, the second winch system 170 may use any combination of AHC, PHC, and tension control to quickly and precisely lift and / or pull back the yoke 110 as needed in harsh offshore environments.

[0030] As explained in more detail below, each fork arm lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 is capable of fast movement and fast reaction time under the necessary tension and load to safely manipulate and control the movement of the fork arm 110 while connecting and / or disconnecting with the tower structure at sea using only the facilities located on the ship 105 itself. The fork arm lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 can be used independently or together. Each fork arm lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 can be or can include any combination of a dedicated hydraulic power unit and one or more winches, controllers, compensation cylinders, pulleys, accumulators and / or oil coolers. The one or more winches and one or more compensation cylinders can be used in parallel or in series. The one or more compensation cylinders can be vertical or horizontal. In certain embodiments, the one or more winches and one or more compensating cylinders can be used in tandem (i.e., in series) such that the compensating cylinders operate at high speed and low tension to quickly gather line to control the swinging movement of the fork arm 110, the ballast tank 130, or both, and the winches can be designed to handle higher tension requirements, for example, such as during initial lifting and / or during pull-back upon separation.

[0031] In operation, the first winch system or fork arm lifting winch system 160 can be used to maintain and control the movement of the fork arm 110, including the vertical movement of the fork arm 110, while connecting and / or disconnecting with the tower structure. For example, when the vessel 105 is pulled to the tower structure 200 for connection, the fork arm lifting winch system 160 can be used to lift, lower and hold the fork arm 110 in place; and during separation from the tower structure 200, it can be used to support, handle and quickly lift the fork arm 110. The second winch system 170 can be used to maintain and control the movement of the ballast tank 130, including the horizontal movement of the ballast tank 130 during separation and during storage for transportation. The second winch system 170 can be used to affect the yaw angle of the ballast tank 130 and the fork arm 110. For example, during separation, the yoke lifting winch system 160 and the second winch system 170 can be used together to lift, lower, pull back and / or hold the yoke 110 to prevent the yoke 110 from colliding with the tower structure 200 and causing physical damage to itself or the tower or both. The second winch system 170 can be used to manipulate and control the movement of the ballast tank during connection. In some embodiments, the second winch system 170 is not used during connection.

[0032] Still see Figure 1 The fork arm 110 may be any elongated structure having sufficient strength to connect the vessel 105 to an offshore structure. For example, the fork arm 110 may be composed of one or more tubular members ( Figure 6 and 10111, 112 shown in Figure 1). Each tubular member may have a circular, square or other polygonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the fork arm 110 may have two legs arranged in a "V" shape, which are connected to the ballast tank 130 at one end and connected to the conical coupler or fork arm head 115 at the other end. When connected, the ballast tank 130, the extension arm 140 and the fork arm 110 form a triangular shaped frame. As explained in more detail below, the ballast tank 130, the extension arm 140 and the fork arm 110 provide a restoring force for mooring the ship 105 to the tower structure 200.

[0033] The support structure 150 may be an elevated tower or other frame-like structure for supporting the fork arm 110, the ballast tank 130, and the extension arm 140. The support structure 150 may include a generally vertical section 153 and a generally horizontal section 155. The generally horizontal section 155 may be cantilevered. The generally horizontal section 155 may extend beyond the bow of the vessel 105 and help support the weight of the fork arm 110 and the ballast tank 130. One or more transport or connecting arms 146 may be used to hold and secure the fork arm 110 to the support structure 150 during transport.

[0034] The ballast tank 130 may be any container, drum, or the like capable of holding water or other ballast. The ballast tank 130 may be connected to the fork arm 110 and / or the extension arm 140. The ballast tank 130 serves as a balancing or restoring force when the vessel 105 moves at sea. The ballast tank 130 may be connected to the support structure 150 via one or more extension arms 140.

[0035] The extension arm 140 may be connected to a generally horizontal section 155 of a support structure 150 via one or more upper U-joints 142. The extension arm 140 may also be connected to the ballast tank 130 using one or more lower U-joints 144. The extension arm 140 may include one or more joint sections that are mechanically connected together. The support structure 150 suspends the ballast tank 130 via the connection through the extension arm 140. The U-joints 142, 144 are provided as one type of coupler that may be used, however, the one type of coupler may equally employ any type of coupling that allows for angular movement between its connected members.

[0036] The ballast tank 130 may be secured to a generally vertical section 153 of the support structure 150 by one or more transport or connection arms 145. Each transport or connection arm 145 may be a retractable or rigid member that may be connected to the ballast tank 130 during transport or storage of the vessel 105. Figure 1, the YMS 100 may be shown in a stowed or transport position on top of the bow of the vessel 105, whereby the transport or connecting arm 145 is fixedly attached to the ballast tank 130, preventing the ballast tank 130 from moving independently of the vessel 105. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , for example, the transport or connecting arm 145 is shown in a retracted position and is not connected to the ballast tank 130 , thereby allowing the ballast tank 130 to swing freely relative to the movement of the vessel 105 .

[0037] By "vessel", it may mean any type of floating structure, including but not limited to tankers, boats, ships, FSO, FPSO, etc. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the YMS 100 may be installed on a modified vessel as well as a newly built vessel.

[0038] Figure 2 Depicted is a schematic diagram depicting a circuit for connecting to Figure 1 1. An illustrative tower structure 200 of the fork arm 110 of FIG. The tower structure 200 may generally be fixed to the seabed, but may also be floating, anchored and / or moored. The tower structure 200 may include a base or support structure 210 that can be fixedly attached to the seabed and a plurality of decks 220, 222, 224 (three are shown) arranged on support columns 230 at different heights above the waterline. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the decks 220, 222, 224 are arranged and designed to support various processing equipment, manifolds, etc.

[0039] The tower structure 200 may further include a turntable 250 disposed on the support column 230. The turntable 250 may include a roller bearing ( Figure 6 251 in the figure) to allow the connected vessel 105 to move freely with the wind direction around the tower structure 200 via the fork arm 110 of the vessel 105. Preferably, one or more decks (including a hose deck) are located above the turntable 250 and can rotate with the turntable 250.

[0040] See again Figure 1, the yoke lifting winch system 160 may be connected to the yoke 110, and the second winch system 170 may be connected to the ballast tank 130 using ropes, cables, wires, etc. or any combination thereof. The yoke lifting winch system 160 may be used to control the movement of the yoke 110, and the second winch system 170 may be used to control the movement of the ballast tank 130. Each yoke lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 may be motion compensated to support the yoke 110 during connection and disconnection with the tower structure 200. Each yoke lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 may be located on the support structure 150 or on the deck of the vessel 105. The size, weight, and overall geometry of the yoke lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170 may at least partially determine the most advantageous location on the system 100 or the vessel 105.

[0041] Figure 3 An illustrative schematic diagram is depicted according to one or more embodiments provided herein, which depicts the fork arm 110 in a position ready to be connected to a tower. As shown, the ballast tank 130 can be connected to the second winch system 170 via a wire or rope or other elongated element 172, and the second end or distal end of the fork arm 110 can be connected to the fork arm lifting winch system 160 via a wire or rope or other elongated element 162. As depicted, the transport or connecting arm 145 has been released from the ballast tank 130, and the transport or connecting arm 146 has been released from the fork arm 110. After releasing the transport or connecting arm 145, the transport or connecting arm 146, the fork arm 110 and the ballast tank 130 can move freely relative to the vessel 105, and this movement can be limited, manipulated and controlled by the fork arm lifting winch system 160, the second winch system 170.

[0042] Figure 3AA schematic plan view of the bow is depicted to show an illustrative arrangement for being able to use multiple winches to control the movement of the ballast tank 130. For example, a third winch system 175 or a spring line winch system 175 can be used in conjunction with the second winch system 170 to control the movement of the ballast tank 130 using two or more wires or ropes, etc. (spring lines) 176. Specifically, the second winch system 170 can be used to control the forward and aft movement of the ballast tank 130 (e.g., to and from the support structure 150), while the spring line winch system 175 can be used to control the movement of the ballast tank 130 from side to side. Like the other fork arm lifting winch systems 160, the second winch system 170, the spring line winch system 175 can be or can include any combination of a dedicated hydraulic power unit and one or more winches, controllers, compensation cylinders, accumulators, and oil coolers to provide fast and reliable response times. Two sets of horizontal cylinders 310 and pulleys 320 are shown and are configured to work in conjunction or in series with the second winch system 170 and the spring line winch system 175 for controlling the movement of the ballast tank 130.

[0043] The YMS 100 may further include a fourth winch system or a pull-in winch system 180 for pulling the vessel 105 toward the tower structure 200, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 An illustrative schematic diagram showing a pull-in line 182 from a pull-in winch system 180 through the fork arm 110 to the tower structure 200 is depicted. The pull-in winch system 180 and the pull-in line 182 can provide guidance for the structural connection of the fork arm 110 to the tower structure 200. The pull-in line 182 can be any rope, cable, wire, etc., and any combination thereof. Like the other fork arm lifting winch systems 160, the second winch system 170, and the spring line winch system 175, the pull-in winch system 180 can be or can include any combination of a dedicated hydraulic power unit and one or more winches, controllers, compensation cylinders, pulleys, accumulators, and / or oil coolers to provide fast and reliable response times.

[0044] Figure 5 An illustrative schematic diagram is depicted depicting a yoke 110 connected to a tower structure 200. To facilitate this connection, the tower structure includes a yoke head connector 270 located on a turntable 250 that receives a tapered coupler or yoke head 115 located on or near the distal end of the yoke 110. The tapered coupler or yoke head 115 may also be referred to as a tower connector. Figure 6 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the yoke head 115 and the yoke head connector 270, and Figure 7A partial cross-sectional view of the fork arm head 115 and the fork arm head connector 270 is depicted before connection. The fork arm head connector 270 may be arranged and designed to mate with the fork arm head 115. Both the fork arm head 115 and the fork arm head connector 270 may have conical or frustoconical surfaces: the inner surface (female connector) of the fork arm head 115 and the outer surface (male connector) of the fork arm head connector 270. These complementary surfaces provide sliding surfaces to facilitate and guide the connection between the fork arm head 115 and the fork arm head connector 270.

[0045] See also Figure 6 and 7 , the fork arm head connector 270 can be mounted to the turntable 250 using one or more joints or connectors 275 that allow pivotal movement relative to the turntable 250. In a preferred embodiment, the fork arm head connector 270 is a trunnion mounted to the turntable 250. The trunnion connector 275 can extend outwardly from the trunnion housing 277. One or more rolling bearings 278 can be used to allow the fork arm head connector 270 to rotate relative to the turntable 250. One or more cylinders 280 ( Figure 4 ), preferably a hydraulic cylinder, may be attached to the trunnion housing 277 and the turntable 250. The cylinder 280 may be used to help move the yoke head connector 270 to facilitate connection with the yoke head 115.

[0046] Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of the working internal components of the yoke head 115 and the yoke head connector 270 is shown. As depicted, the hydraulic connection assembly 705 can be installed within the yoke head connector 270. The hydraulic connection assembly 705 can include a housing 710 having a hole 715 formed therethrough. The housing 710 can have an outwardly facing shoulder 720 and an extension or protrusion 722 formed thereon. One or more spaced apart fingers or collet sections 740 can be arranged around the housing 710 between the shoulder 720 and the protrusion 722. The outwardly facing shoulder 720 can be adjacent to and in contact with the finger or collet section 740.

[0047] A movable sleeve 730 may be disposed about the housing 710. The movable sleeve 730 may have an inwardly directed flange 732 at one end and a band 734 at an opposite end. The band 734 may be adjacent to and configured to contact one or more fingers or clamp sections 740. Linear movement of the sleeve 730 in a first direction (toward the vessel 105) allows the fingers or clamp sections 740 to rotate or pivot to a closed or locked position, and linear movement of the sleeve 730 in an opposite second direction (toward the tower 200) allows the fingers or clamp sections 740 to rotate or pivot about an outer surface of the housing 710 to an open or unlocked position.

[0048] One or more hydraulic cylinders or actuators 750 may be used to move the sleeve 730 around the outer surface of the housing 710, thereby allowing the finger or chuck section 740 to rotate or pivot open and close. The one or more actuators 750 may be positioned between and connected to the inwardly directed flange 732 of the movable sleeve 730 and the outwardly facing shoulder 720 of the fixed housing 710. The actuator 750 may be hydraulic or pneumatic, and is preferably a hydraulic cylinder. When more than one actuator 750 is used, the actuators 750 are controlled by a single controller to provide simultaneous operation and movement of the sleeve 730. The actuators 750 may be actuated from the tower structure 200 by an accumulator and a telemetry control valve. Accumulators and telemetry control valves are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0049] Still see Figure 7 , the fork arm head 115 may include a mating hub 760 for receiving and connecting to the hydraulic connection assembly 705 of the fork arm head connector 270. An annular adapter or member 761 may be provided on the fork arm head 115 and may be used to mount the mating hub 760. The mating hub 760 may also be an annular member having a hole 762 formed therethrough. The mating hub 760 may include a recessed section or receiver 765 that may be sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 722 on the assembly housing 710. The mating hub 760 may also include a notched or contoured outer surface 770. As shown in FIG. Figure 8 As depicted, the profiled outer surface 770 may be configured to engage and retain a wave-like profile that may be disposed on the finger or chuck segment 740 such that the formed profile on the finger or chuck segment 740 and the outer surface 770 of the mating hub 760 matingly engage with each other when the finger or chuck segment 740 is rotated or pivoted to their locked or closed position.

[0050] Figure 8A partial cross-sectional view of the yoke head 115 connected to the yoke head connector 270 is depicted. As depicted, the actuator 750 has caused the movable sleeve 730 to move in a first direction toward the vessel 105, pushing the finger or collet section 740 to rotate or pivot inward (toward the outer surface of the housing 710) so that the finger or collet section 740 on the yoke head connector 270 engages the outer surface 770 of the mating hub 760. In this closed position, the finger or collet section 740 is generally parallel to the hole 715 of the housing 710 and overlaps the contoured outer surface 770 on the mating hub 760, thereby forming a locked and keyed engagement therebetween. Also in this closed position, the protrusion 722 on the housing 710 can be positioned within the receiver 765 of the mating hub 760. Thus, the yoke head connector 270 is able to fully engage with the yoke head 115, and the vessel 105 can be securely moored to the tower structure 200. When engaged, the yoke head 115 cannot move or rotate independently of the yoke head connector 270 .

[0051] Fig. 9 An enlarged perspective view of the yoke head 115 connected to the yoke head connector 270 extending from the turntable 250 is depicted. Although not shown, a second mechanical lock in line with the actuator 750 can be used to maintain the connection without the need for hydraulic pressure. A suitable second mechanical lock can be an interference sleeve lock, such as the Bear-Loc manufactured by Wellman Dynamics Machining and Assembly Inc. of York, Pennsylvania. TM Locking device.

[0052] It should be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hydraulic connection assembly 705 and mating hub 760, as provided herein, allow for rapid disconnection under load and are capable of performing offshore in harsh conditions.

[0053] See again Figure 7 , pull in the winch system 180 (in Figure 4 2 and 3. A rope or line 182 (best shown in FIG. 1 ) can be connected or otherwise attached to an eyelet 279 disposed on a trunnion housing 277 of the yoke head connector 270. The pull-in line 182 can be passed through the holes 715 and 762 of the yoke head connector 270 and the yoke head 115, respectively, and serve as a guide for the yoke 110 and the yoke head 115 during pull-in of the boat 105. Figure 7 As shown, one or more cord guides 723 may be disposed within apertures 715 , 762 to reduce chafing or wear of cord 182 .

[0054] Fig.10A schematic perspective view of a vessel 105 moored to a tower structure 200 and a fluid transfer system connected therebetween is depicted according to one or more embodiments provided herein. The fluid transfer system may include one or more flexible jumpers 1100, which may be any conduit for transferring oil, gas, water, and tools between the tower 200 and the vessel 105. The flexible jumper 1100 may be a U-shaped catenary to accommodate movement of the vessel 105 relative to the tower 200. During normal operation of the vessel 105 moored to the tower 200, one or more hoses, flow lines, and jumpers 1100 provide fluid communication and / or electrical communication between the vessel 105 and the tower 200.

[0055] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a connection or mooring sequence for connecting the vessel 105 to the tower structure 200 may be described in more detail. In operation, the yoke hoist winch system 160 may be attached to the yoke 110 adjacent to the yoke head 115, and the vessel 105 may be moved closer to the tower structure 200 by its own propulsion (e.g., using stern thrust applied by the vessel's main propulsion system, etc.). The vessel 105 may also be moved closer to the tower structure 200 or otherwise maneuvered around the tower structure 200 using one or more external interventions (exclusively or in combination with the vessel's main propulsion system, such as by one or more tugs, boats, ships, or other vessels, etc.). "Close" means less than 400 meters away, such as about 200 to 350 meters away, or less than 60 meters away, etc. When the vessel 105 is in the vicinity of the tower structure 200, the pull-in line 182 can be cast onto the tower structure 200, wherein one end of the line 182 can be manually connected to the trunnion housing 277 within the yoke head connector 270. Another lead or line (not shown) can be used to pull the pull-in line 182 through the trunnion housing 277 to facilitate connection of the pull-in line 182 within the yoke head connector 270.

[0056] The pull-in line 182 extends through the mating hub 760 of the yoke head 115 and is connected to the pull-in winch system 180. The pull-in line 182 can extend through the hydraulic connection assembly 705 and a plurality of line guides 723 within the mating hub 760 to provide initial guidance of the yoke head 115 as it approaches the yoke head connector 270 for connection. Additional guidance can be provided by the mating tapered surfaces of the yoke head 115 and the yoke head connector 270. Once the pull-in line 182 is secured to the yoke head connector 270, the propulsion of the vessel is reversed to ensure that the vessel 105 does not collide with the tower structure 200. As the vessel 105 is reversed or otherwise propelled away from the tower structure 200, the pull-in winch, working against the propulsion of the vessel 105, winds the pull-in line 182, pulling the vessel 105 toward the yoke head connector 270 until the tapered surface of the yoke head 115 substantially overlaps the yoke head connector 270. During this step, the cylinder 280 helps align and guide the fork arm connector 270 as the extension arm 140 and the fork arm lifting winch system 160 support and guide the fork arm head 115. The fork arm lifting winch system 160 can be used to make small adjustments when the fork arm head 115 approaches the fork arm head connector 270. Once the tapered surfaces of the fork arm head 115 and the tapered surfaces of the fork arm head connector 270 are roughly engaged, the actuator 750 in the hydraulic connection assembly 705 is actuated to move the sliding sleeve 730 and the finger-shaped member or the clamp section 740, thereby mechanically connecting the hydraulic connection assembly 705 to the mating hub 760. When the fork arm head 115 enters the fork arm head connector 270, a proximity switch can provide a signal. This signal can be sent to the solenoid-actuated control valve to actuate the hydraulic connection assembly 705 in the fork arm head connector 270 and begin to close the finger-shaped member or the clamp section 740. The internal finger clamp system provides a secure mechanical connection between the hydraulic connection assembly 705 of the yoke head connector 270 and the mating hub 760 within the yoke head 115. At this point, the vessel 105 is connected to the tower structure 200 and successfully moored.

[0057] The proximity switch can provide an indication that the finger or clamp section 740 is fully closed and locked. After the proximity switch sends a signal to the controller and monitoring system indicating that the fork arm head connector 270 and the fork arm head 115 are locked, the cylinder 280 can be disengaged from the fork arm head connector 270, and the fork arm lifting winch system 160 can be disengaged from the fork arm 110. The line 182 pulled into the winch system 180 can also be disconnected from the fork arm head connector 270.

[0058] The present disclosure further relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments:

[0059] 1. A fork arm mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea, the system comprising: a support structure; one or more extension arms, the one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure; a ballast tank, the ballast tank connected to the one or more extension arms; a fork arm, the fork arm extending from the ballast tank and connected to the ballast tank at a first end of the ballast tank, the fork arm including a tower connector arranged on a second end of the fork arm; a first winch system, the first winch system being located on the support structure, the first winch system being connected to the fork arm near the second end of the fork arm via a first line or a first cable; and a second winch system, the second winch system being connected to the ballast tank by a second line or a second cable.

[0060] 2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the first winch system is arranged above the fork arm and located on the support structure.

[0061] 3. The system of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the second winch system is arranged below the first winch system and generally to the side of the ballast tank.

[0062] 4. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the tower connector includes a mating hub having a recess and a notch profile disposed on an outer surface of the mating hub, the mating hub being an annular member having a hole formed therethrough.

[0063] 5. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first winch system and the second winch system are each electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or a combination thereof.

[0064] 6. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the first winch system and the second winch system include both electric actuation components and hydraulic actuation components.

[0065] 7. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising a third winch system connected to the ballast tank by a third line or cable for controlling the movement of the ballast tank from side to side.

[0066] 8. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, the system further comprising one or more conveying arms, the one or more conveying arms being connected to the support structure at one end thereof, and the one or more conveying arms being connected to the ballast tank at a second end thereof, the one or more conveying arms being configured to prevent the ballast tank from moving independently of the vessel.

[0067] 9. A system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, the system further comprising one or more transport arms, wherein the one or more transport arms are connected to the support structure at one end of the one or more transport arms, and the one or more transport arms are connected to the fork arm at a second end thereof, and the one or more transport arms are configured to prevent the fork arm from moving independently of the ship.

[0068] 10. A method for mooring a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea, the method comprising: providing a floating vessel, the floating vessel comprising: a support structure mounted on an upper deck of the support structure; one or more extension arms, the one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure; a ballast tank, the ballast tank connected to the one or more extension arms; a fork arm extending from the ballast tank and connected to the ballast tank at a first end of the fork arm, the fork arm comprising a tower connector arranged on a second end of the fork arm; a first winch system, the first winch system being located on the support structure, the first winch system being connected to the second end of the fork arm via a first line or a first cable the yoke being connected to the ballast tank near the end; and a second winch system, the second winch system being connected to the ballast tank by a second line or a second cable; positioning the vessel near a tower structure, the tower structure including a yoke head connector attached to the tower structure, the yoke head connector being adapted to receive a tower connector; pulling the vessel toward the tower structure using a third winch system, the third winch system being located on the vessel and connected to the tower structure via a pull-in line or cable; aligning the tower connector with the yoke head connector; controlling the vertical movement of the yoke using the first winch system located on the support structure; and actuating a hydraulic cylinder within the yoke head connector to mechanically connect the tower connector to the yoke head connector.

[0069] 11. The method of embodiment 10, wherein close to the tower structure means less than 60 meters away.

[0070] 12. The method of any one of embodiments 10 or 11, wherein the pull-in line passes through the fork arm connector and the tower connector.

[0071] 13. The method of any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the third winch system is located on the vessel below the first winch system.

[0072] 14. The method of any one of embodiments 10 to 13, wherein the second winch system and the third winch system are located on the vessel below the first winch system.

[0073] 15. The method of any one of embodiments 10 to 14, wherein the first winch system is located above the ballast tank.

[0074] 16. The method of any one of embodiments 10 to 15, wherein the tower connector includes a mating hub having a recess and a notch profile disposed on an outer surface of the mating hub, the mating hub being an annular member having a hole formed therethrough.

[0075] 17. The method of any one of embodiments 10 to 16, wherein each winch system is electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or a combination thereof.

[0076] 18. The method of any one of embodiments 10 to 17, wherein each winch system includes both electric and hydraulic actuation components.

[0077] 19. The method of any one of embodiments 10 to 18, wherein the floating vessel further comprises one or more transfer arms connected at one end thereof to the support structure and at a second end thereof to the ballast tank, the one or more transfer arms being configured to prevent the ballast tank from moving independently of the vessel.

[0078] 20. A method according to any one of embodiments 10 to 19, wherein the floating vessel further comprises one or more transfer arms connected at one end thereof to the support structure and at a second end thereof to the fork arm, the one or more transfer arms being configured to prevent the fork arm from moving independently of the vessel.

[0079] 21. The system or method of any one of embodiments 7 to 20, wherein the third winch system comprises a spring wire winch system.

[0080] 22. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising one or more transport arms connected at one end thereof to the support structure and at a second end thereof to the ballast tank, the one or more transport arms being configured to prevent the ballast tank from moving independently of the vessel.

[0081] 23. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 7 or 22, further comprising one or more transport arms connected at one end thereof to the support structure and at a second end thereof to the fork arm, the one or more transport arms being configured to prevent the fork arm from moving independently of the vessel.

[0082] Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, ranges including combinations of any two values ​​(e.g., any lower value combined with any higher value, any two lower values ​​combined, and / or any two higher values ​​combined) are contemplated. Certain lower limits, upper limits, and ranges appear in one or more of the following claims. All numerical values ​​are "about" or "approximately" the indicated values, and take into account experimental errors and variations expected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0083] Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim cannot be defined above, it should be given the broadest definition given to that term by persons in the art as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. In addition, the entire contents of all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions where such incorporation is permitted.

[0084] Although some preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail above, it is obvious that those skilled in the art will think of its modification and adaptation. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that such modification and adaptation can be designed without departing from its basic scope, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fork arm mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea, the system comprising: Support structure; one or more extension arms, the one or more extension arms depending from the support structure; a ballast tank connected to the one or more extension arms; a yoke extending from the ballast tank and connected to the ballast tank at a first end of the yoke, the yoke including a tower connector disposed on a second end of the yoke; a first winch system located on the support structure, the first winch system connected to the fork arm via a first line or a first cable near the second end of the fork arm; a second winch system connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable; and at least one of: (i) one or more first conveying arms, the one or more first conveying arms being configured to be connected to the support structure at a first end of the one or more first conveying arms and being configured to be connected to the ballast tank at a second end of the one or more first conveying arms, and (ii) one or more second conveying arms, the one or more second conveying arms being configured to be connected to the support structure at a first end of the one or more second conveying arms and being configured to be connected to the fork arm at a second end of the one or more second conveying arms, wherein, if the one or more first conveying arms are present, the one or more first conveying arms are configured to prevent the ballast tank from moving independently of the vessel when connected to the support structure and the ballast tank, and wherein, if the one or more second conveying arms are present, the one or more second conveying arms are configured to prevent the fork arm from moving independently of the vessel when connected to the support structure and the fork arm.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first winch system is arranged above the fork arm and located on the support structure.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The second winch system is arranged at Below the first winch system and on the side of the ballast tank.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The tower connector includes a mating hub having a recess and a notch profile disposed on an outer surface of the mating hub, the mating hub being an annular member having a hole formed therethrough.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first winch system and the second winch system are each electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or a combination thereof.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first winch system and the second winch system include both electric and hydraulic actuation components.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third winch system connected to the ballast tank via a third line or cable, the third winch system configured to control movement of the ballast tank from side to side.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes the one or more first transport arms.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes the one or more second transport arms.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The ballast tank includes a ballast medium disposed within an interior volume of the ballast tank such that the ballast tank is configured to function as a balancing or restoring force when the vessel is moving at sea.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes: the one or more first transport arms; and the one or more second transport arms.

12. A method for mooring a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea, the method comprising: A floating vessel is provided, the floating vessel comprising: a supporting structure mounted on an upper deck of the supporting structure; one or more extension arms, the one or more extension arms depending from the support structure; a ballast tank connected to the one or more extension arms; a yoke extending from the ballast tank and connected to the ballast tank at a first end of the yoke, the yoke including a tower connector disposed on a second end of the yoke; a first winch system located on the support structure, the first winch system connected to the fork arm via a first line or a first cable near the second end of the fork arm; a second winch system connected to the ballast tank via a second line or a second cable; and at least one of: (i) one or more first conveying arms, the one or more first conveying arms being configured to be connected to the support structure at a first end of the one or more first conveying arms and being configured to be connected to the ballast tank at a second end of the one or more first conveying arms, and (ii) one or more second conveying arms, the one or more second conveying arms being configured to be connected to the support structure at a first end of the one or more second conveying arms and being configured to be connected to the fork arm at a second end of the one or more second conveying arms, wherein, if the one or more first conveying arms are present, the one or more first conveying arms are configured to prevent the ballast tank from moving independently of the vessel, and wherein, if the one or more second conveying arms are present, the one or more second conveying arms are configured to prevent the fork arm from moving independently of the vessel; positioning the vessel proximate the tower structure, the tower structure comprising a yoke connector attached to the tower structure, the yoke connector being adapted to receive the tower connector; pulling the vessel towards the tower structure using a pull-in winch system located on the vessel and connected to the tower structure via a pull-in line or cable; aligning the tower connector with the yoke head connector; controlling vertical movement of the fork arm using the first winch system on the support structure; and A hydraulic cylinder within the yoke head connector is actuated to mechanically connect the tower connector to the yoke head connector.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The second winch system is located on the vessel below the first winch system.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first winch system is located above the ballast tank, and the second winch system and the pull-in winch system are located on the vessel below the first winch system.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Each winch system is electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or a combination thereof.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Each winch system includes both electric and hydraulic actuation components.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The floating vessel includes the one or more first transfer arms.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The floating vessel includes the one or more second transfer arms.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The ballast tank includes a ballast medium disposed within an interior volume of the ballast tank such that the ballast tank is configured to function as a balancing or restoring force when the vessel is moving at sea.

20. The method of claim 12, further comprising controlling the side-to-side movement of the ballast tank using a third winch system disposed on the vessel and connected to the ballast tank via a third line or cable.

21. A fork arm mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea, the system comprising: Support structure; one or more extension arms, the one or more extension arms depending from the support structure; a ballast tank connected to the one or more extension arms; a yoke extending from the ballast tank and connected to the ballast tank at a first end of the yoke, the yoke including a tower connector disposed on a second end of the yoke; a first winch system, the first winch system being located on the support structure, the first winch system being connected to the fork arm proximate the second end of the fork arm via a first line or a first cable; a second winch system connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable; and at least one of: (i) one or more first conveying arms, the one or more first conveying arms being configured to be connected to the support structure at a first end of the one or more first conveying arms and being configured to be connected to the ballast tank at a second end of the one or more first conveying arms, and (ii) one or more second conveying arms being configured to be connected to the support structure at a first end of the one or more second conveying arms and being configured to be connected to the fork arm at a second end of the one or more second conveying arms, wherein, if the one or more first conveying arms are present, the one or more first conveying arms are configured to prevent the ballast tank from moving independently of the vessel when connected to the support structure and the fork arm, and wherein, if the one or more second conveying arms are present, the one or more second conveying arms are configured to prevent the fork arm from moving independently of the vessel when connected to the support structure and the fork arm; as well as A third winch system is connected to the ballast tank via a third line or a third cable for controlling the left and right movement of the ballast tank.

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