Crane, vessel comprising such a crane and method for erecting an elongated structure

Abstract

A crane with a pivoting lifting boom. The crane has first and second main lifting systems configured for independent operation. Each system includes a lifting cable, an upper pulley block, a lifting trolley assembly suspended from the upper pulley block in a multiple descent configuration via the lifting cable, and a lifting winch. Each upper pulley block of the first and second main lifting systems can pivot independently relative to the lifting boom about a common pivot axis. Each lifting trolley assembly includes a lifting trolley body, a plurality of fixed pulleys fixed to the lifting trolley body, and a plurality of disconnectable pulley members, each disconnectable pulley member including a frame and at least one pulley rotatably supported by the frame.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane, a ship including such a crane, and a method for erecting slender structures.

[0002] The crane according to the invention is particularly suitable for the installation and / or maintenance of offshore wind turbines. Existing offshore wind turbines require foundations, for example, in the form of monopiles. The wind turbine is then installed on the monopile in one or more pieces.

[0003] To effectively utilize wind energy, the trend is towards increasing the diameter of wind turbine rotors. In the near future, wind turbine blades with lengths of 60-90 meters or even longer may become very common; for example, see the Haliade-x12MW wind turbine with a 220-meter rotor. However, this will also increase the size and weight of all other components, including the foundation. It is anticipated that long and large-diameter monopiles weighing, for example, exceeding 2000 tons will be required. Practical monopiles with lengths of approximately 100 meters or even longer have been proposed.

[0004] Whether the wind turbine is installed on land or at sea, the transportation of monopiles to the installation site is mostly done with the monopiles in a roughly horizontal orientation. In order to drive the monopiles into the ground, a crane is needed to erect them to achieve the required vertical orientation.

[0005] Many offshore wind turbine installation vessels are jack-up, with extendable outriggers and a crane for installing the wind turbine (including its base). In known designs, the crane is a leg-mounted crane.

[0006] In the practice of erecting monopiles, known existing technical solutions include methods where a crane lifts only the upper end of the monopile, while the lower end is held in place by the ground or the ship's deck, for example, via an inclined support frame. One drawback of this method is that controlling the lower end is very challenging, especially when the lower end needs to be moved relative to the ground or deck, such as when unloading the monopile from a ship. Furthermore, erection can typically only be carried out in a limited number of locations with sufficient space to erect a monopile using a crane.

[0007] In WO2017 / 217845, Figure 18 shows a crane using two independent main lifting systems to operate the upper and lower ends of a monopile separately during the erection process.

[0008] WO2018 / 052291 discloses a crane in which the boom includes an A-frame with two boom legs, the two boom legs being connected at one end to the crane housing and connected to each other at the opposite ends by a hammer structure. The crane has three independent main lifting systems. Each main lifting system includes:

[0009] - Lifting cable;

[0010] - Upper pulley assembly, having one or more pulleys rotatable about a pulley rotation axis, the upper pulley assembly being arranged on the hammer head structure of the lifting arm;

[0011] - A lifting trolley, which is suspended from the upper pulley block by lifting cables; and

[0012] - A lifting winch, which raises and lowers a lifting trolley by pulling in or releasing a lifting cable.

[0013] Here, the upper pulley assembly of each main lifting system is pivotable relative to the lifting arm about a pivot axis parallel to the pivot axis of the lifting arm. The pulley rotation axis of one or more pulleys of the upper pulley assembly is perpendicular to the corresponding pivot axis of the upper pulley assembly. In such known cranes, the upper pulley assemblies of the three main lifting systems are arranged side by side. WO2018 / 052291 discloses a method for erecting a monopile, for example, as shown in [reference]. Figure 11-1 3. The figure shows that two of the three main lifting systems are combined to increase the lifting capacity required for the upper end of the monopile, while the remaining lifting system is used to manipulate the lower end during erection.

[0014] The object of this invention is to provide an improved solution for erecting slender structures (e.g., monopiles or towers for wind turbines). For example, it is desirable to avoid providing an intermediate connecting member, such as in WO2018 / 052291, between the two lifting trolleys of the combined lifting system and the tool engaging the upper end of the monopile. Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0015] This invention provides a crane according to claim 1. The crane of this invention has a first main lifting system and a second main lifting system. Each of these main lifting systems is configured to operate independently. Each main lifting system includes:

[0016] - Lifting cable;

[0017] - Upper pulley assembly, which has pulleys that can rotate around the pulley rotation axis, is arranged on the lifting arm;

[0018] - A lifting trolley assembly, which is suspended from the pulley block in a multiple descent configuration via lifting cables; and

[0019] - A lifting winch configured to raise and lower the lifting trolley assembly by pulling in or releasing a lifting cable.

[0020] Each of the upper pulley groups of the first and second main lifting systems can pivot independently relative to the lifting arm about a common pivot axis, which is parallel to the pivot axis of the lifting arm, and the pulley rotation axis of each upper pulley group is perpendicular to the common pivot axis of the upper pulley group.

[0021] Each lifting trolley assembly includes:

[0022] - A lifting trolley body configured to suspend the load from the lifting trolley assembly;

[0023] - Multiple fixed pulleys, which are fixed to the lifting trolley body;

[0024] - Multiple disconnectable pulley components, each disconnectable pulley component including a frame and at least one pulley rotatably supported by the frame.

[0025] In the crane of the present invention, the frame of each detachable pulley member is provided with a first connector member, and the lifting trolley body is provided with an associated second connector member, the first and second connector members being configured to provide a releasable connection between the pulley member and the lifting trolley body. The frame of each detachable pulley member is provided with a first positioning member, and the upper pulley assembly is provided with an associated second positioning member, such that each detachable pulley member is selectively operable in either a lifting capacity increase configuration or a lifting speed increase configuration. In the lifting capacity increase configuration, the first and second connector members are interconnected and the detachable pulley member is connected to the lifting trolley body; in the lifting speed increase configuration, the first and second connector members are disconnected and the first and second positioning members are engaged, such that the detachable pulley member rests against the upper pulley assembly.

[0026] Compared to the arrangement disclosed in WO2018 / 052291, since the crane of the present invention allows the crane to be operated in a multi-descent configuration in a first lifting system that is different from the multi-descent configuration in the second lifting system, and the multi-descent configuration of each main lifting system can be selected in the best manner for the lifting operation at hand, it is preferable to omit the provision of a third main lifting system.

[0027] In practice, this is more efficient than the combination of two main lifting systems, for example, used to lift the upper part of a monopile, as described in WO2018 / 052291. Compared to WO2017 / 217845, the system of the present invention is also more efficient because the effective number of descents in the main lifting system is constant, making it impossible to optimize lifting capacity and / or lifting speed for a specific lifting operation to be performed.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lifting trolley body has a length parallel to the pulley rotation axis and a longitudinal end, a first group of one or more (e.g., a pair) of fixed pulleys is arranged near one longitudinal end (axial end), a second group of one or more (e.g., a pair) of fixed pulleys is arranged near another longitudinal end, a third group of one or more (e.g., a pair) of fixed pulleys is arranged between the first and second groups, at least one second connector member for the first disconnectable pulley member is arranged between the first and third groups, and at least one second connector member for the second disconnectable pulley member is arranged between the third and second groups.

[0029] In the implementation scheme, the lifting cable of each main lifting system has a dead end fixed to the lifting arm, the lifting cable extends from the dead end to a third set of fixed pulleys, and from there extends via an upper pulley group to a first disconnectable pulley member, and from there extends via the upper pulley group to the first set of fixed pulleys. The main lifting system includes a balance pulley mounted on the upper pulley group. The lifting cable extends from the first set of fixed pulleys via the balance pulley to a second set of fixed pulleys, and from there extends via the upper pulley group to a second disconnectable pulley group, and from there extends via the upper pulley group to a third set of fixed pulleys, and from there extends via the third set of fixed pulleys to an upper guide block mounted on the upper pulley group, and from there extends to a lifting winch.

[0030] In the implementation plan, the first, second and third groups of fixed pulleys each have two pulleys.

[0031] In the implementation scheme, the first and second disconnectable pulley groups each have two pulleys, and preferably, they are combined with the first, second, and third fixed pulley groups each having two pulleys.

[0032] In one embodiment, the lifting trolley body is provided with a protruding spacer and a positioning member extending upwards from the pulley assembly. The upper pulley assembly is provided with a mating engagement member, allowing the lifting trolley assembly to be raised to a storage position near the upper pulley assembly. The protruding spacer and the positioning member are adjacent to the mating engagement member. For example, the protruding spacer and the positioning member have bifurcated ends defining open end slots, and the mating engagement member is configured to be received in the slots. For example, the protruding spacer and the positioning member are located between the pulleys of a third set of fixed pulleys.

[0033] In one embodiment, the lifting trolley body has parallel and horizontally extending fastening ribs projecting from the underside of the lifting trolley body, the fastening ribs being provided with a plurality of holes perpendicular to the ribs. For example, a crane includes a hook connection assembly with a horizontal shaft supported at its end by a pair of support plates having aligned holes into which the shaft extends. The support plates are releasably fixed to opposite sides of the fastening ribs. The shaft has a central vertical hole through which a rotating shaft is suspended, the rotating shaft supporting the crane hook assembly.

[0034] In the implementation scheme, the first and second main lifting systems have the same multiple descent configuration between the respective upper pulley groups and the respective lifting trolley assemblies, and the selective disconnection of the disconnectable pulley components allows for different numbers of effective descents to be provided in the main lifting system.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a vessel including a crane as described herein.

[0036] In the implementation scheme, the vessel is a self-elevating vessel as known in the art, including:

[0037] -The hull, with the crane mounted on it.

[0038] -At least three self-elevating outriggers

[0039] - Each outrigger has an outrigger drive mechanism that allows the corresponding outrigger to move vertically relative to the hull, in order to allow the hull to be lifted out of the water and / or stabilized when lifting activities are carried out using a crane.

[0040] In the implementation plan, the base structure and the crane shell of the crane are arranged around the self-elevating outriggers, making the crane a leg-mounted crane.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method for erecting slender structures, wherein a crane or vessel as described herein is used, the method comprising the following steps:

[0042] a) Provides an elongated structure having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end in a generally horizontal orientation;

[0043] b) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the first main lifting system to the first longitudinal end or end of the elongated structure;

[0044] c) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the second longitudinal end or end of the slender structure;

[0045] d) Operate the winches of the first and second main lifting systems until the elongated structure is generally vertically oriented and the first longitudinal end is above the second longitudinal end.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a method for erecting a longitudinal structure, wherein a crane or vessel as described herein is used, the method comprising the following steps:

[0047] a) Provides a longitudinal structure having an upper end and a lower end in a generally horizontal orientation;

[0048] b) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the first main lifting system to the upper or end of the longitudinal structure;

[0049] c) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the lower or end of the longitudinal structure;

[0050] d) Operate the winches of the first and second main lifting systems until the longitudinal structure is substantially vertically oriented and the upper end is above the lower end.

[0051] In the implementation scheme, the method includes:

[0052] - Disconnect one or more disconnectable pulley components from the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system in order to obtain a lower effective descent number in the second lifting system than in the first lifting system.

[0053] In the implementation plan, step c) includes the following steps:

[0054] c1) Provides clamping elements;

[0055] c2) A clamping element is provided around the second longitudinal end or end portion of the elongated structure; and

[0056] c3) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the clamping element.

[0057] In the implementation plan, the elongated structure serves as a base for an offshore wind turbine or a monopile for the tower of a wind turbine.

[0058] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0059] Figure 1 A side view of a ship with a crane according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 2 This shows the process during the erection of a single pile. Figure 1 Ship cranes;

[0061] Figure 3 This shows the configuration with the maximum number of effective descents. Figure 1 The main lifting system of the crane;

[0062] Figure 4 This shows the configuration with the minimum number of effective descents. Figure 3 Main lifting system;

[0063] Figure 5 The main lifting system of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a configuration with the maximum number of effective descents. A single-load suspension configuration and a dual-load suspension configuration are shown in the same figure.

[0064] Figure 6 This shows the configuration with the minimum number of effective descents. Figure 5 The main lifting system of this embodiment is shown in the same figure in both a single-load suspension configuration and a dual-load suspension configuration;

[0065] Figure 7 The main lifting system of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a configuration with the maximum number of effective descents. A single-load suspension configuration and a dual-load suspension configuration are shown in the same figure.

[0066] Figure 8 This shows the configuration with the minimum number of effective descents. Figure 5 The main lifting system of this embodiment is shown in the same figure in both a single-load suspension configuration and a dual-load suspension configuration;

[0067] Figure 9 The same main lifting system of this embodiment is shown in a configuration with the minimum number of effective descents (with a single-load suspension configuration);

[0068] Figure 10 The same main lifting system of this embodiment is shown in a configuration with the minimum number of effective descents (with a dual-load suspension configuration);

[0069] Figure 11 A crane according to the invention is shown, which has Figure 5-10 The main lifting system (with single-load suspension configuration);

[0070] Figure 12a , Figure 12b The illustration shows the respective locations in Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 The lifting system in the configuration.

[0071] Figure 1 The vessel 1 includes a hull 2 ​​having four openings in the hull 2, wherein the openings extend vertically through the hull 2 ​​to receive corresponding jack-up outriggers 3.

[0072] Each outrigger 3 is provided with an outrigger drive device 4, which allows the corresponding outrigger 3 to move vertically up and down relative to the hull 2 ​​to lift the hull 2 ​​out of the water 5, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Therefore, the exemplary vessel 1 is a jack-up vessel. When the outriggers are retracted to sail with the vessel, the height of the outriggers 3 relative to the hull 2 ​​is indicated by the dashed lines above each outrigger.

[0073] A crane 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed on the ship 1. Figure 2 It is also shown separately in the middle. Figure 9 Another crane according to the invention is shown in the figure - having the same crane features as discussed below.

[0074] The crane 10 includes a base structure 11, a slewing bearing 12, and a crane housing 13. The base structure 11 is mounted to the hull 2, and the crane housing 13 is movably mounted to the base structure 11 via the slewing bearing 12 to allow the crane housing 13 to rotate relative to the base structure 11 about a generally vertical slewing axis 14.

[0075] The crane 10 also includes a pivoting boom 15. The boom 15 is pivotally mounted to the crane housing 13 to allow the boom 15 to pivot relative to the crane housing 13 about a generally horizontal first pivot axis 16.

[0076] exist Figure 1 In the image, the lifting boom 15 is depicted in two different angular orientations: a lower transport orientation in which the lifting boom 15 is supported by the ship at a certain distance from the horizontal lifting boom pivot 16, and a vertical lifting orientation in which the lifting boom 15 is almost vertical.

[0077] exist Figure 9 The image shows a lower transport orientation in which the boom 15 is supported by the ship on its boom support 19, located at a distance from the horizontal boom pivot axis 16. The boom is also depicted in an intermediate lifting orientation, pivoting at an angle about the first pivot axis 16 relative to the lower transport position.

[0078] The lifting arm 15 is non-hinged.

[0079] The boom 15 includes an A-frame with two boom legs, one end of which is connected to the crane housing for pivoting about a boom pivot axis 16. The lattice-shaped boom legs are adjacent in a box-shaped structure 17.

[0080] The crane 10 also includes a pitch motion system for setting the angular orientation of the boom 15 relative to the crane housing 13. The pitch motion system includes one or more pitch motion winches 20 on the crane housing 13 and one or more pitch motion cables 22 extending between the one or more pitch motion winches 20 and the boom 15.

[0081] Crane 10 has a first main lifting system 30 and a second main lifting system 60 as the main lifting equipment. These two main lifting systems 30 and 60 are configured to operate independently, for example, for... Figure 2 It is necessary to describe a stage of the erection process.

[0082] Since the overall layout of system 60 is the same, only the first lifting system 30 is described in this description. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first embodiment is shown. Figures 5-10A second embodiment is shown. However, as can be verified from the accompanying drawings, the features according to the invention described below apply to both embodiments.

[0083] The main lifting system 30 includes:

[0084] - Lifting cable 31;

[0085] - Upper pulley assembly 35, which has pulleys 36 rotatable about pulley rotation axis 37, the upper pulley assembly is arranged on lifting arm 15;

[0086] - A lifting trolley assembly 40, which is suspended from the upper pulley block 35 in a multi-descent configuration via lifting cables 31; and

[0087] - Lifting winch 55, configured to raise and lower lifting trolley assembly 40 by pulling in or releasing lifting cable 31.

[0088] The upper pulley groups 35 and 65 of the first and second main lifting systems 30 and 60 can each pivot independently relative to the lifting arm 15 about a common pivot axis 75.

[0089] The common pivot axis 75 of the upper pulley blocks 35 and 65 is parallel to the pivot axis 16 of the lifting arm 15.

[0090] The pulley rotation axis 37 of pulley 36 in each upper pulley group 35, 65 is perpendicular to the common pivot axis 75 of the upper pulley group 37.

[0091] Each lifting trolley assembly 40, 70 includes:

[0092] - Lifting trolley body 41, configured to suspend the load from the lifting trolley assembly;

[0093] - Multiple fixed pulleys 42a, b, 43a, b, 44a, b are fixed on the lifting trolley body;

[0094] - A plurality of disconnectable pulley components 45, 47, each disconnectable pulley component including a frame 46, 48 and at least one pulley 45a, b, 47a, b rotatably supported by the frame 46, 48.

[0095] Each frame 46, 48 of the disconnectable pulley components 45, 47 is provided with a first connector component 46c, 48c. The lifting trolley body 41 is provided with an associated second connector component 46b, 48b. For example, both the first and second connector components are embodied as portions forming one or more holes configured to receive connector pins 46a, 48a, wherein when the pulley components 45, 47 are connected to the trolley body 41, the holes are aligned with each other, and the connector pins 46a, 48a extend through the aligned holes, thereby connecting the first and second connector components 46c, 46b to each other.

[0096] The first and second connector components 46c, b, 48c, b are configured to provide a releasable connection between the pulley components 45, 47 and the lifting trolley body 41.

[0097] Each disconnectable pulley assembly 45, 47 has a frame 46, 48 provided with a first positioning member 50, 51. The upper pulley assembly is provided with associated second positioning members 52, 53, such that each disconnectable pulley assembly 45, 47 in an increased lifting capacity configuration (see reference) Figure 3 Or in the configuration that increases the lifting speed (see...) Figure 4 The system can be selectively operated. In the configuration with increased lifting capacity, the first and second connector members 46c, b, 48c, b associated with pulley members 45, 47 are interconnected and the pulley members can be disconnected from the lifting trolley body 41. In the configuration with increased lifting speed, the first connector members 46c, 48c are disconnected from the second connector members 46b, 48b, and the first and second positioning members 50, 51, 52, 53 engage so that the disconnectable pulley members rest against the upper pulley assembly 35.

[0098] As shown in the figure, the lifting trolley body 41 has a length of pulley rotation axis 41e parallel to pulleys 42a, b, 43a, b, 44a, b, and has a longitudinal end.

[0099] The first set of fixed pulleys 42a and b are arranged near one longitudinal end. The second set of fixed pulleys 44a and b are arranged near the other longitudinal end. The third set of fixed pulleys 43a and b are arranged between the first and second sets.

[0100] The second connector member 46b for the first disconnectable pulley member 45 is arranged between the first group 42a, b and the third group 43a, b.

[0101] The second connector member 48b for the second disconnectable pulley member 47 is arranged between the third group 43a, b and the second group 44a, b.

[0102] like Figure 12a , Figure 12b As shown, the lifting cable 31 of the main lifting system 30 has, for example, a dead end 31a of an anchor fixed to the lifting arm 15 near the upper pulley block.

[0103] The lifting cable 31 extends from the dead end 31a to the third set of fixed pulleys 43a and b on the lifting trolley body 41, and from there extends through the upper pulley group 35 to the first disconnectable pulley member 45, and from there extends through the upper pulley group 35 to the first set of fixed pulleys 42a and b.

[0104] The main lifting system 30 includes a balance pulley 38 mounted on the upper pulley block 35.

[0105] The lifting cable 31 extends from the first set of fixed pulleys 42a, b via the balance pulley 38 to the second set of fixed pulleys 44a, b, and from there via the upper pulley group 35 to the second disconnectable pulley group 47, and from there via the upper pulley group 35 to the third set of fixed pulleys 43a, b, and from the third set of fixed pulleys 43a, b to the upper guide block 39 mounted on the upper pulley group 35, and from there, for example via one or more pulleys 56 on the lifting arm 15, for example along the lifting arm 15 with a winch mounted near the lower end of the lifting arm 15, to the lifting winch 55.

[0106] As shown in the figure, and preferably, the first, second and third groups of fixed pulleys each have two pulleys.

[0107] As shown in the figure, and preferably, the first and second disconnectable pulley groups 45 and 47 each have two pulleys.

[0108] The figure shows a lifting trolley body 41 with a protruding spacer and a positioning member 54 extending upwards from the pulley assembly 35. The upper pulley assembly is provided with a mating engagement member, allowing the lifting trolley assembly to be raised to a storage position near the upper pulley assembly, wherein the protruding spacer and the positioning member are adjacent to the mating engagement member. As shown, the protruding spacer and the positioning member 54 have a bifurcated end defining an open end slot 54a. The mating engagement member is configured to be received in the slot 54a.

[0109] The figure shows the protruding spacer and positioning member 54 located between pulleys 43a and b of the third set of fixed pulleys.

[0110] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows a lifting trolley body 41 with parallel and horizontally extending fastening ribs 41c, d projecting from the underside of the lifting trolley body. These fastening ribs are provided with multiple holes perpendicular to the ribs. The crane includes a hook connection assembly 90 with a horizontal shaft 91, each end of which is supported by a pair of support plates 92a, b, 93a, b, having aligned holes into which the shaft extends. These support plates 92a, b, 93a, b are releasably secured to opposite sides of the fastening ribs 41c, d. The shaft 91 has a central vertical hole through which a rotating shaft is suspended, supporting the crane hook assembly 95.

[0111] Figure 5-Figure 8 The second implementation scheme is shown in a two-dimensional view. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is the main view. Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is a side view. Figure 5 and Figure 7The description includes features that enhance lifting capabilities. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The configuration with increased lifting speed is described. It should be noted that... Figure 12a , Figure 12b The diagrams for the two upgrade configurations also apply to this implementation scheme.

[0112] Specifically, the first and second connecting members 46b, c, 48b, c are interconnected by pins 46a, 48a, and the first and second positioning members 50, 51, 52, 53 are engaged by pins 50a, 51a. Figure 5-Figure 8 It is shown in more detail below.

[0113] Most of the above features of the first implementation scheme can also be found in Figure 5-Figure 8 The above discussion, which identifies and relates to this, also applies – therefore, it will not be repeated here. Instead, only the features that differ from the first embodiment will be discussed.

[0114] The implementation plan and Figures 2-4 The difference in the implementation scheme is that the lifting trolley 41 does not have fastening ribs 41c and d, but can use single and double load suspension configurations. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each of the `<head>` tags together describes two configurations—their presentation is only for contextual purposes. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the diagram, the main lifting system is shown in single-load suspension configuration and dual-load configuration, as in actual applications.

[0115] exist Figure 10 In the dual-load suspension configuration shown, the crane hook assembly 95 is attached to the two corresponding lifting trolley bodies 41 of the two lifting trolley assemblies 40 and 70 via the corresponding hook connection assembly 90.

[0116] exist Figure 9 In the single-load suspension configuration shown, a single crane hook assembly 95 is suspended below a single hook connection assembly 90s, which is attached to a corresponding lifting trolley body 41 at each side end to interconnect the lifting trolley bodies 41. The connection assembly 90s is provided with a concave upper connecting member 90c of a connector system, which is described in detail in the applicant's WO2020055249. This concave upper tool connector 90c is configured to releasably engage with a convex lower tool connector 95c of the crane hook assembly 95s. Figure 9In the diagram, a convex lower tool connector 95c connects to a concave upper tool connector 90c to connect the crane hook assembly 95s to the connecting assembly 90s. To illustrate the connection principle of the connector system, a system as described in WO2020055249 is shown in detail in the lower left corner. This detail shows the crane hook assembly 95s, which has a convex lower tool connector 95c and is disconnected from the concave upper connecting member 90s. By inserting the convex lower tool connector 95c upwards into the concave upper tool connector 90c, the crane hook assembly 95s can be connected to the connecting assembly 90s.

[0117] Refer again Figure 5-Figure 8 The interconnection of the first and second connecting members 46b, c, 48b, c in this embodiment corresponds to Figures 2-4 Interconnection of implementation schemes in the process. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The top frame of the figure shows details of the interconnection between connecting members 48b and c via pin 48a. Figure 7 In the diagram, pin 48a extends through a hole formed by portions 48b and c that form the first and second connecting members, such that portions 48b and c are interconnected. Arrows indicate the removal of these pins to release the interconnection, thereby enabling switching to... Figure 8 The lifting speed has been increased. Figure 8 It shows that the pin has been removed from the hole and parts 48b and c have been separated.

[0118] also, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The shape and arrangement of the protruding spacer and positioning member 54 extending toward the upper pulley block 35 and their mating engagement members are shown.

[0119] Figure 5 and 6 The diagram illustrates the insertion of pins 50a and 51a through positioning members 50, 51, 52, and 53. These positioning members 50, 51, 52, and 53 are similar to the first and second connecting members 46b, c, 48b, and c, each embodied as a portion forming a corresponding hole that can be aligned with each other, such that... Figure 6 In the configuration shown, the increased lifting speed causes pins 50a and 51a to extend through it. Here, Figure 5 This shows that it was done by hand from the manned gondola 18.

[0120] In the lifting method, Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The lifting capacity shown is enhanced with configuration and Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8The lifting speed is switched between configurations. In practice, this can be done, for example, via the lifting arm support 19 in the lower transport position while the lifting arm 15 is supported by the ship. The lifting trolley assembly is first raised to the upper position of the lifting trolley assembly 40, abutting against... Figure 5 and Figure 7 The upper pulley assembly 35 shown is used for any switching.

[0121] To switch from a configuration with increased lifting capacity to a configuration with increased lifting speed, positioning components 50, 51, 52, and 53 are subsequently engaged. In these embodiments, such as... Figure 5 As shown, this is accomplished by aligning the holes formed by portions 50, 51, 52, and 53 and subsequently inserting pins 50a and 51a. Furthermore, the first and second connecting members 46b,c and 48b,c are disconnected. In these embodiments, as... Figure 7 As shown, this is accomplished by removing pins 46a and 48a.

[0122] To switch from the increased lifting speed configuration to the increased lifting capacity configuration, the first and second connecting members 46b,c and 48b,c are interconnected – here by aligning the holes formed by portions 46b,c and 48b,c and subsequently inserting pins 46a, 48a. Furthermore, the positioning members 50, 51, 52, 53 are disengaged, here by removing pins 50a, 51a.

[0123] After the switch, the lifting boom 15 can pitch, and the lifting trolley assembly can be lowered again to perform lifting operations using the selected configuration.

[0124] like Figure 2 As shown, based on the disclosures of WO2017 / 217845 and WO2018 / 052291, it will be understood that a crane with independently operable main lifting systems 30 and 60 allows manipulation of the upper and lower ends of the monopile 100 during the erection process.

[0125] In one embodiment, a method for erecting a monopile 100 or other elongated structures such as a jacket foundation or tower for a wind turbine includes the following steps:

[0126] a) Provides an elongated structure 100 having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end in a generally horizontal orientation;

[0127] b) Connect the lifting trolley assembly 40 of the first main lifting system 30 to the first longitudinal end or end of the elongated structure 100;

[0128] c) Connect the lifting trolley assembly 80 of the second main lifting system 60 to the second longitudinal end or end of the elongated structure 100;

[0129] d) Operate the winches 55 of the first and second main lifting systems 30 and 60 until the elongated structure is in a generally vertical orientation above the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end.

[0130] In practice, the method may include disconnecting one or more disconnectable pulley components from the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system in order to achieve a lower effective descent count in the second lifting system 60 than in the first lifting system 30.

[0131] It should be understood that when the preferred systems 30 and 60 are generally the same, it is not important which system acts as the first or second system in the erection method. It is desirable to have the most effective descents in the system at the top of the control structure and the fewest effective descents in the main lifting system at the second longitudinal end of the control structure.

[0132] In one implementation, step c) includes the following steps:

[0133] c1) Provides clamping element 110;

[0134] c2) A clamping element 110 is provided around the second longitudinal end or end portion of the elongated structure 100; and

[0135] c3) Connect the lifting trolley assembly 80 of the lifting system to the clamping element.

[0136] It should be understood that crane 10 can also be used for other lifting operations, such as those related to the installation of offshore wind turbines. For example, the crane can be used to lift the nacelle at the top of the tower, lift the blades of the wind turbine, etc.

Claims

1. A crane, comprising: - Lifting arm, which pivots about a horizontally oriented lifting arm pivot axis; - A pitch motion system configured to set the angle orientation of the lifting arm; - A first main lifting system and a second main lifting system, the main lifting systems being configured to operate independently, wherein each main lifting system includes: Elevating cable; The upper pulley block has pulleys that can rotate around the pulley rotation axis, and the upper pulley block is arranged on the lifting arm; A lifting trolley assembly, which is suspended from the upper pulley block in a multi-descent configuration via lifting cables; and A lifting winch is configured to raise and lower a lifting trolley assembly by pulling in or releasing a lifting cable. In this system, each of the upper pulley groups of the first and second main lifting systems is capable of independently pivoting relative to the lifting arm about a common pivot axis, which is parallel to the pivot axis of the lifting arm. Furthermore, the pulley rotation axis of each upper pulley group is perpendicular to the common pivot axis of the upper pulley group. Each lifting trolley assembly includes: - A lifting trolley body configured to suspend the load from the lifting trolley assembly; - Multiple fixed pulleys, which are fixed to the lifting trolley body; - Multiple disconnectable pulley components, each disconnectable pulley component including a frame and at least one pulley rotatably supported by the frame, In this configuration, each detachable pulley component has a frame with a first connector component, and the lifting trolley body has an associated second connector component. The first and second connector components are configured to provide a releasable connection between the pulley component and the lifting trolley body. Each detachable pulley component's frame also has a first positioning component, and the upper pulley assembly has an associated second positioning component. This allows each detachable pulley component to be selectively operated in either a lifting capacity increase configuration or a lifting speed increase configuration. In the lifting capacity increase configuration, the first and second connector components are interconnected, and the detachable pulley component is connected to the lifting trolley body. In the lifting speed increase configuration, the first and second connector components are disconnected, and the first and second positioning components are engaged, causing the detachable pulley component to rest against the upper pulley assembly. The lifting trolley body has a length parallel to the pulley rotation axis and a longitudinal end. A first group of one or more fixed pulleys is arranged near one longitudinal end, a second group of one or more fixed pulleys is arranged near another longitudinal end, and a third group of one or more fixed pulleys is arranged between the first and second groups. At least one second connector member for the first disconnectable pulley member is arranged between the first and third groups, and at least one second connector member for the second disconnectable pulley member is arranged between the third and second groups. Each main lifting system has a lifting cable with a dead end fixed to the lifting arm. The lifting cable extends from the dead end to a third set of fixed pulleys, and from there extends via an upper pulley group to a first disconnectable pulley member, and from there extends via the upper pulley group to the first set of fixed pulleys. The main lifting system includes a balance pulley mounted on the upper pulley group. The lifting cable extends from the first set of fixed pulleys via the balance pulley to a second set of fixed pulleys, and from there extends via the upper pulley group to a second disconnectable pulley group, and from there extends via the upper pulley group to a third set of fixed pulleys. From the third set of fixed pulleys, it extends to an upper guide block mounted on the upper pulley group, and from there extends to a lifting winch.

2. The crane according to claim 1, wherein, The first, second, and third groups of fixed pulleys each have two pulleys, and / or the first and second disconnectable pulley groups each have two pulleys.

3. The crane according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting trolley body is provided with a protruding spacer and a positioning member extending upwards from the pulley block. The upper pulley block is provided with a mating engagement member, which enables the lifting trolley assembly to be lifted to a storage position near the upper pulley block. The protruding spacer and the positioning member are adjacent to the mating engagement member.

4. The crane according to claim 3, wherein, The protruding spacer and positioning member are located between the pulleys of the third set of fixed pulleys.

5. The crane according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting trolley body has parallel and horizontally extending fastening ribs protruding from the lower side of the lifting trolley body, and the fastening ribs are provided with a plurality of holes perpendicular to the ribs.

6. The crane according to claim 5, wherein, The crane includes a hook connection assembly with a horizontal shaft supported at its end by a pair of support plates having aligned holes, the shaft extending into the aligned holes, the support plates being releasably secured to opposite sides of fastening ribs, the shaft having a central vertical hole through which a rotating shaft is suspended, the rotating shaft supporting the crane hook assembly.

7. The crane according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second main lifting systems have the same multiple descent configuration between each upper pulley group and each lifting trolley assembly.

8. The crane according to claim 1, wherein, Cranes include: -Base structure; - Slewing bearing; - The crane housing is mounted to the base structure via a slewing bearing to allow the crane housing to rotate relative to the base structure about a vertical slewing axis; The lifting arm is mounted to the crane housing and pivots relative to the crane housing about a horizontally oriented lifting arm pivot axis.

9. A vessel comprising the crane according to claim 1.

10. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein, The vessels are jack-up vessels, including: -The hull, with the crane mounted on it. -At least three self-elevating outriggers - Each outrigger has an outrigger drive mechanism that allows the corresponding outrigger to move vertically relative to the hull, in order to allow the hull to be lifted out of the water and / or stabilized when lifting activities are carried out using a crane.

11. The vessel according to claim 10, wherein, The crane's base structure and shell are arranged around the self-elevating outriggers, making the crane a leg-mounted crane.

12. A method for erecting an elongated structure, wherein a crane according to claim 1 is used, the method comprising the steps of: a) Provide an elongated structure having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end in a generally horizontal orientation; b) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the first main lifting system to the first longitudinal end or end of the elongated structure; c) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the second longitudinal end or end of the slender structure; d) Operate the winches of the first and second main lifting systems until the elongated structure is oriented substantially vertically and the first longitudinal end is above the second longitudinal end.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method includes: - Disconnect one or more disconnectable pulley components from the lifting trolley body of the second main lifting system in order to obtain a lower effective descent number in the second lifting system than in the first lifting system.

14. A method for erecting an elongated structure, wherein a crane is used, said crane comprising: - Lifting arm, which pivots about a horizontally oriented lifting arm pivot axis; - A pitch motion system configured to set the angle orientation of the lifting arm; - A first main lifting system and a second main lifting system, the main lifting systems being configured to operate independently, wherein each main lifting system includes: Elevating cable; The upper pulley block has pulleys that can rotate around the pulley rotation axis, and the upper pulley block is arranged on the lifting arm; A lifting trolley assembly, which is suspended from the upper pulley block in a multi-descent configuration via lifting cables; and A lifting winch is configured to raise and lower a lifting trolley assembly by pulling in or releasing a lifting cable. In this system, each of the upper pulley groups of the first and second main lifting systems is capable of independently pivoting relative to the lifting arm about a common pivot axis, which is parallel to the pivot axis of the lifting arm. Furthermore, the pulley rotation axis of each upper pulley group is perpendicular to the common pivot axis of the upper pulley group. Each lifting trolley assembly includes: - A lifting trolley body configured to suspend the load from the lifting trolley assembly; - Multiple fixed pulleys, which are fixed to the lifting trolley body; - Multiple disconnectable pulley components, each disconnectable pulley component including a frame and at least one pulley rotatably supported by the frame, In this configuration, each detachable pulley component has a frame with a first connector component, and the lifting trolley body has an associated second connector component. The first and second connector components are configured to provide a releasable connection between the pulley component and the lifting trolley body. Each detachable pulley component has a frame with a first positioning component, and the upper pulley assembly has an associated second positioning component. This allows each detachable pulley component to be selectively operated in either a lifting capacity increase configuration or a lifting speed increase configuration. In the lifting capacity increase configuration, the first and second connector components are connected to each other, and the detachable pulley component is connected to the lifting trolley body. In the lifting speed increase configuration, the first and second connector components are disconnected, and the first and second positioning components are engaged, causing the detachable pulley component to rest against the upper pulley assembly. The method includes the following steps: a) Provide an elongated structure having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end in a generally horizontal orientation; b) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the first main lifting system to the first longitudinal end or end of the elongated structure; c) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the second longitudinal end or end of the slender structure; d) Operate the winches of the first and second main lifting systems until the elongated structure is oriented substantially vertically and the first longitudinal end is above the second longitudinal end. The method includes: - Disconnect one or more disconnectable pulley components from the lifting trolley body of the second main lifting system in order to obtain a lower effective descent number in the second lifting system than in the first lifting system.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Step c) includes the following steps: c1) Provides clamping elements; c2) A clamping element is provided around the second longitudinal end or end portion of the elongated structure; and c3) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the clamping element.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, Step c) includes the following steps: c1) Provides clamping elements; c2) A clamping element is provided around the second longitudinal end or end portion of the elongated structure; and c3) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the clamping element.

17. A crane, comprising: - Lifting arm, which pivots about a horizontally oriented lifting arm pivot axis; - A pitch motion system configured to set the angle orientation of the lifting arm; - A first main lifting system and a second main lifting system, the main lifting systems being configured to operate independently, wherein each main lifting system includes: Elevating cable; The upper pulley block has pulleys that can rotate around the pulley rotation axis, and the upper pulley block is arranged on the lifting arm; A lifting trolley assembly, which is suspended from the upper pulley block in a multi-descent configuration via lifting cables; and A lifting winch is configured to raise and lower a lifting trolley assembly by pulling in or releasing a lifting cable. In this system, each of the upper pulley groups of the first and second main lifting systems is capable of independently pivoting relative to the lifting arm about a common pivot axis, which is parallel to the pivot axis of the lifting arm. Furthermore, the pulley rotation axis of each upper pulley group is perpendicular to the common pivot axis of the upper pulley group. Each lifting trolley assembly includes: - A lifting trolley body configured to suspend the load from the lifting trolley assembly; - Multiple fixed pulleys, which are fixed to the lifting trolley body; - Multiple disconnectable pulley components, each disconnectable pulley component including a frame and at least one pulley rotatably supported by the frame, In this configuration, each detachable pulley component has a frame with a first connector component, and the lifting trolley body has an associated second connector component. The first and second connector components are configured to provide a releasable connection between the pulley component and the lifting trolley body. Each detachable pulley component's frame also has a first positioning component, and the upper pulley assembly has an associated second positioning component. This allows each detachable pulley component to be selectively operated in either a lifting capacity increase configuration or a lifting speed increase configuration. In the lifting capacity increase configuration, the first and second connector components are interconnected, and the detachable pulley component is connected to the lifting trolley body. In the lifting speed increase configuration, the first and second connector components are disconnected, and the first and second positioning components are engaged, causing the detachable pulley component to rest against the upper pulley assembly. The lifting trolley body is provided with a protruding spacer and a positioning component extending upward to the pulley block, and the upper pulley block is provided with a mating engagement component, so that the lifting trolley assembly can be lifted to a storage position near the upper pulley block, and the protruding spacer and the positioning component are adjacent to the mating engagement component.

18. The crane according to claim 17, wherein, The lifting trolley body has a length parallel to the pulley rotation axis and a longitudinal end. A first group of one or more fixed pulleys is arranged near one longitudinal end, a second group of one or more fixed pulleys is arranged near another longitudinal end, and a third group of one or more fixed pulleys is arranged between the first and second groups. At least one second connector member for a first disconnectable pulley member is arranged between the first and third groups, and at least one second connector member for a second disconnectable pulley member is arranged between the third and second groups. A protruding spacer and a positioning member are located between the pulleys of the third group of fixed pulleys.

19. A vessel comprising a crane according to claim 17.

20. The vessel according to claim 19, wherein, The vessels are jack-up vessels, including: -The hull, with the crane mounted on it. -At least three self-elevating outriggers - Each outrigger has an outrigger drive mechanism that allows the corresponding outrigger to move vertically relative to the hull, in order to allow the hull to be lifted out of the water and / or stabilized when lifting activities are carried out using a crane.

21. A method for erecting an elongated structure, wherein a crane according to claim 17 is used, the method comprising the steps of: a) Provide an elongated structure having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end in a generally horizontal orientation; b) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the first main lifting system to the first longitudinal end or end of the elongated structure; c) Connect the lifting trolley assembly of the second main lifting system to the second longitudinal end or end of the slender structure; d) Operate the winches of the first and second main lifting systems until the elongated structure is oriented substantially vertically and the first longitudinal end is above the second longitudinal end.

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