A sealing device and method for steel pile float-over transportation

Abstract

The application provides a sealing device and method for steel pile floating and towing transportation, which comprises a lifting device, a driving mechanism, a plurality of lateral positioning devices, an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, the lifting device is fixedly connected with the upper surface of the upper cover plate, the plurality of lateral positioning devices are installed on the upper cover plate in the circumferential direction, the lower cover plate is assembled below the upper cover plate, and the two sides of the driving mechanism are connected with the lifting device and the lower cover plate respectively. The application has compact structure, high reliability and can realize operation in harsh sea conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering transportation technology, and more particularly to a sealing device and method for floating towed transport of steel piles. Background Technology

[0002] The transportation of pile foundations for offshore structures is mostly done by barge, but floating tow is more economical. Floating tow typically relies on its own buoyancy or the use of pontoons and buoys to keep it afloat. Offshore wind turbine pile foundations are steel pile structures, and sealing devices on both sides of the steel piles are sufficient to meet buoyancy requirements. However, existing technologies using airbag seals or inflatable seals are prone to rupture during towing operations, leading to buoyancy loss and compromising safety and reliability. Currently, there are no domestic cases of using pile plug seals for the floating tow transportation of offshore wind turbine steel pile foundations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In response to the aforementioned technical problems, a sealing device and method for floating transport of steel piles are provided.

[0004] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0005] A sealing device for floating transport of steel piles includes: a hoisting device, a drive mechanism, multiple lateral positioning devices, an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate. The hoisting device is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the upper cover plate. The multiple lateral positioning devices are spaced apart on the upper cover plate in a circumferential direction. The lower cover plate is assembled below the upper cover plate. The two sides of the drive mechanism are connected to the hoisting device and the lower cover plate.

[0006] Furthermore, the drive mechanism is a main loading hydraulic cylinder.

[0007] Furthermore, the hoisting device adopts a balance boom, which is integrally welded from steel plates, with its lower end welded to the upper surface of the upper cover plate;

[0008] The upper end of the balance boom is welded with a lifting hinge, which is used to lift the sealing device and connect to the hull during floating towing transportation; the lower end of the balance boom is welded with a hydraulic cylinder upper hinge, which is hinged to one end of the main loading hydraulic cylinder.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple lateral positioning devices are evenly distributed. Each lateral positioning device consists of a small hinge lug welded to the upper end face of the upper cover plate, a lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder, and a chuck. One end of the lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the small hinge lug, and the chuck is connected to the other end of the lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder through a chuck hinge lug. The chuck is also hinged to the side ear plate of the upper cover plate through a shaft. A rubber pad is also installed at the front end of the chuck.

[0010] Furthermore, a ring plate is welded to the upper end face of the upper cover plate, and a first through hole is opened on the ring plate at the position corresponding to the transverse positioning device. A side ear plate is welded to the outer side of the first through hole for installing the claw.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper end face of the upper cover plate is provided with a plurality of limiting devices evenly distributed along the circumference. The limiting device is inverted L-shaped and consists of a vertical support and a horizontal support connected to the top of the vertical support. The vertical support is connected to the inner side of the ring plate, and the front end of the horizontal support extending out of the ring plate is provided with a hook for locking the end of the steel pile. A rubber ring is installed on the outer ring of the lower end ring plate of the upper cover plate.

[0012] Furthermore, a second through hole is provided in the center of the upper cover plate, and a middle cylinder is installed in the middle of the lower cover plate. The middle cylinder is inserted into the second through hole, and a limit ring is welded to the upper end of the middle cylinder that protrudes from the second through hole. A sealing ring is installed on the side of the second through hole.

[0013] Furthermore, a lower base plate is welded to the lower end of the middle cylinder, and a lower hinge lug of the hydraulic cylinder is welded to the middle of the lower base plate. The lower hinge lug of the hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the other end of the main loading hydraulic cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, multiple reinforcing ribs are welded to the outer side of the middle cylinder, and an inner ring plate is connected to the outer side of the multiple reinforcing ribs. The inner ring plate and the outer ring plate are connected through an outer bottom plate. A pushing ring is welded to the inner ring plate, and the rubber ring of the upper cover plate is installed between the pushing ring and the lower ring plate.

[0015] The present invention also provides a sealing method for a sealing device used in the floating transport of steel piles, comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1. The external crane uses two hinges at the upper end of the balance boom to place the sealing device inside the steel pile. The placement depth is controlled by a limiting device that holds the end of the steel pile in place, thus achieving axial positioning.

[0017] S2. The lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder in the lateral positioning device extends out, drives the chuck to rotate around the shaft and push out, pressing the rubber pad at the front end of the chuck against the inner wall of the steel pile, thus laterally positioning the sealing device.

[0018] S3. The main loading hydraulic cylinder connected between the balance boom and the lower cover plate drives the lower cover plate to compress axially; at the same time, it drives the push ring to compress the rubber ring towards the lower end ring plate, and the rubber ring undergoes elastic deformation to seal the gap between the steel pile and the rubber ring.

[0019] S4. Place a sealing device on the other end of the steel pile and repeat steps S1 to S3 to seal the steel pile.

[0020] S5. Use the hinge lugs to lift the steel pile and place it in the water. Connect the steel pile to the tugboat, and then it can be floated for transport.

[0021] S6. If the above operation is performed in reverse, it is the process of releasing the seals at both ends of the steel pile.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] 1. The sealing device and method for floating transport of steel piles provided by the present invention consists of five main parts: a balance boom, a main loading hydraulic cylinder, a lateral positioning device, an upper cover plate, and a lower cover plate. It has a compact structure, high reliability, and can be operated in harsh marine conditions.

[0024] 2. The sealing device and method for floating transport of steel piles provided by the present invention uses a main loading hydraulic cylinder to drive the rubber sealing ring, and its compression synchronization is easy to ensure, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0025] 3. The sealing device and method for floating transport of steel piles provided by the present invention are less prone to water leakage accidents due to airbag rupture compared with airbags or inflatable seals, and are therefore safer.

[0026] 4. The sealing device and method for floating transport of steel piles provided by the present invention are reusable and applicable to sealing of steel piles with similar pipe diameters, and have good versatility.

[0027] 5. The sealing device and method for floating towing transportation of steel piles provided by the present invention have lower costs compared with barge transportation.

[0028] Based on the above reasons, this invention can be widely promoted in fields such as marine engineering and transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall sealing device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the balance boom of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lateral positioning device of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a detailed view of the claw of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper cover plate of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lower cover plate of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the placement of the steel pile inside the sealing device of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Balance boom; 2. Main loading hydraulic cylinder; 3. Lateral positioning device; 4. Upper cover plate; 5. Lower cover plate; 6. Lifting hinge; 7. Upper cylinder hinge; 8. Small hinge; 9. Lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder; 10. Claw; 11. Side ear plate; 12. Claw hinge; 13. Shaft; 14. Rubber pad; 15. Ring plate; 16. Limiting device; 17. Sealing ring; 18. Lower end ring plate; 19. Rubber ring; 20. Middle cylinder; 21. Limiting ring; 22. Lower bottom plate; 23. Lower cylinder hinge; 24. Reinforcing rib plate; 25. Inner ring plate; 26. Pushing ring; 27. Outer bottom plate; 28. Outer ring plate; 29. ​​Steel pile. Detailed Implementation

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0041] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0043] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0045] During the floating towed transport of marine structures, the motion response of the towed structure in six degrees of freedom, especially the sway and roll responses, is significantly affected by environmental loads such as wind, waves, and currents, and thus has a substantial impact on the safety of towing. Therefore, much research has been conducted both domestically and internationally on the stress and motion response of marine structures under environmental loads during towing. However, towing operations both domestically and internationally largely rely on operational procedures and experience, with relatively little prior towing research. Offshore wind turbine steel pile foundations can also be transported using floating towed methods. By installing pile plugs at both ends of the steel pile, the pile can float on the sea surface.

[0046] This invention provides a sealing device for floating towing of steel piles. It is a simple, reliable, and easily recyclable steel pile sealing device, belonging to the field of marine engineering transportation. It is used for sealing and floating towing of steel piles at sea, and for sealing the outriggers of offshore platforms, steel piles of wind power equipment, and other large-diameter cylindrical components during floating towing transportation.

[0047] like Figure 1-7 As shown, the sealing device for the floating transport of steel piles mainly consists of five parts: a balance boom 1, a main loading hydraulic cylinder 2, multiple lateral positioning devices 3, an upper cover plate 4, and a lower cover plate 5. The balance boom 1 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the upper cover plate 4. Multiple lateral positioning devices 3 are evenly installed on the upper cover plate 4 along the circumferential direction. The lower cover plate 5 is assembled below the upper cover plate 4. The two sides of the main loading hydraulic cylinder 2 are connected to the balance boom 1 and the lower cover plate 5.

[0048] In this embodiment, the counterbalance boom 1 adopts a gantry structure, which is U-shaped and faces the upper cover plate 4. After the counterbalance boom 1 is welded as a whole from steel plates, the lower end is welded to the upper surface of the upper cover plate 4. The lifting hinge 6 welded to the upper end of the counterbalance boom 1 can be used to lift the sealing device and connect the hull during floating towing transportation. The lower end of the counterbalance boom 1 is welded with a hydraulic cylinder upper hinge 7, which is hinged to the upper end of the main loading hydraulic cylinder 2.

[0049] In this embodiment, four transverse positioning devices 3 are provided, consisting of small hinge lugs 8 welded to the upper end face of the upper cover plate 4, transverse positioning hydraulic cylinders 9, and claws 10. One end of the transverse positioning hydraulic cylinder 9 is hinged to the small hinge lugs 8, and the claws 10 are connected to the piston rod at the other end of the transverse positioning hydraulic cylinder 9 through claw hinge lugs 12. The claws 10 are also hinged to the side ear plate 11 of the upper cover plate 4 through shaft 13. A rubber pad 14 is installed at the front end of the claws 10.

[0050] In this embodiment, a ring plate 15 is welded to the upper end face of the upper cover plate 4. A hole (i.e., a first through hole) is drilled in the ring plate 15 at a position corresponding to the transverse positioning device 3. A side ear plate 11 is welded to the side of the hole (the side ear plate 11 is welded to the outer wall of the ring plate 15) for installing the claw 10. The upper end face of the upper cover plate 4 is provided with six limiting devices 16 evenly distributed along the circumference. The limiting device 16 is inverted L-shaped and consists of a vertical support and a transverse support connected to the top of the vertical support. The vertical support is welded to the inner side of the ring plate 15, and the front end of the transverse support extending out of the ring plate 15 is provided with a hook for locking the end of the steel pile. The large hole in the middle of the upper cover plate 4 (i.e., the second through hole) is used to install the lower cover plate 5. A sealing ring 17 is installed on the side of the hole, and a rubber ring 19 is installed on the outer ring of the lower end ring plate 18 connected to the lower end face of the upper cover plate 4.

[0051] In this embodiment, a middle cylinder 20 is installed in the middle of the lower cover plate 5. The middle cylinder 20 has a second through hole. A limiting ring 21 is welded to the upper end of the middle cylinder 20, and a lower bottom plate 22 is welded to the lower end of the middle cylinder 20. A lower cylinder hinge lug 23 located inside the middle cylinder 20 is welded to the middle of the lower bottom plate 22. The lower cylinder hinge lug 23 is connected to the lower end of the main loading hydraulic cylinder 2. Multiple reinforcing ribs 24 are welded to the outside of the middle cylinder 20. The outer side of the multiple reinforcing ribs 24 is connected to an inner ring plate 25. The inner ring plate 25 and the outer ring plate 28 are connected through an outer bottom plate 27. A pushing ring 26 is welded to the inner ring plate 25. A rubber ring 19 is installed between the pushing ring 26 and the lower ring plate 18.

[0052] The sealing device of the present invention is placed at both ends of the steel pile, and its sealing process is as follows:

[0053] S1. The external crane uses two hinges 6 at the upper end of the balance boom 1 to place the sealing device inside the steel pile 29. The placement depth is controlled by the limiting device 16 to hold the end of the steel pile, thus achieving axial positioning.

[0054] S2. The lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder 9 in the lateral positioning device 3 extends out, drives the claw 10 to rotate around the shaft 13 and push out, pressing the rubber pad 14 at the front end of the claw 10 against the inner wall of the steel pile 29, thus laterally positioning the sealing device.

[0055] S3. The main loading hydraulic cylinder 2, which is connected between the balance boom 1 and the lower cover plate 5, drives the lower cover plate 5 to compress axially; at the same time, it drives the push ring 26 to compress the rubber ring 19 towards the lower end ring plate 18, and the rubber ring 19 undergoes elastic deformation to seal the gap between the steel pile 29 and the rubber ring 19.

[0056] S4. A sealing device is placed on the other end of the steel pile 29 and the above operation is repeated to seal the steel pile.

[0057] S5. Use hinge lug 6 to lift the steel pile and place it in the water, then connect the steel pile 29 to the tugboat for floating towing transport.

[0058] S6. If the above operation is performed in reverse, it is the process of releasing the seals at both ends of the steel pile.

[0059] This invention's sealing device consists of five main parts: a balance boom, a main loading hydraulic cylinder, a lateral positioning device, an upper cover plate, and a lower cover plate. It features a compact structure, high reliability, and the ability to operate in harsh marine conditions. A single main loading hydraulic cylinder drives the compression of the rubber sealing ring, ensuring synchronized compression and excellent sealing performance. Compared to airbags or inflatable seals, it is less prone to leaks due to airbag rupture, offering higher safety. This sealing device is reusable and applicable to sealing steel piles of similar diameters, demonstrating good versatility. Compared to barge transport, using this sealing device for floating towed transport of steel piles is more cost-effective. After the sealing device is installed into the steel pile, the loading hydraulic cylinder is activated, applying pressure to the rubber sealing ring, causing it to deform elastically and press against the inner wall of the steel pile, achieving a seal. This device can be used for the floating towed transport of single offshore wind turbine steel piles, making the transport of offshore wind turbine steel piles more economical.

[0060] Compared with traditional barge transportation, this invention has the following advantages in transportation and installation: a. Small tugboats can be used during transportation, saving the cost of renting large barges; b. One floating crane is sufficient for straightening the steel piles, saving one floating crane compared to traditional transportation; c. The buoyancy of the steel piles during transfer and straightening reduces the impact of inertial forces, avoiding collisions and damage; d. Fewer vessels are located near the steel pile installation site compared to traditional transportation methods, avoiding collisions within the area. The floating towed transportation method for offshore wind turbine steel piles is superior to traditional transportation methods in terms of economy, safety, and application prospects.

[0061] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing device for floating transport of steel piles, characterized in that, include: The hoisting device, drive mechanism, multiple lateral positioning devices (3), upper cover plate (4) and lower cover plate (5) are fixedly connected to the upper surface of the upper cover plate (4), multiple lateral positioning devices (3) are installed on the upper cover plate (4) at intervals along the circumferential direction, the lower cover plate (5) is assembled below the upper cover plate (4), and the two sides of the drive mechanism are respectively connected to the hoisting device and the lower cover plate (5). The drive mechanism is the main loading hydraulic cylinder (2); A rubber ring (19) is installed on the outer ring of the lower end ring plate (18) of the upper cover plate (4), and a push ring (26) is welded on the inner ring plate (25) of the lower cover plate (5). The rubber ring (19) is installed between the push ring (26) and the lower end ring plate (18). When the drive mechanism drives the lower cover plate (5) to compress axially, it drives the push ring (26) to compress the rubber ring (19) towards the lower end ring plate (18), causing the rubber ring (19) to undergo elastic deformation and sealing the gap between the steel pile (29) and the rubber ring (19). The hoisting device adopts a balance boom (1), which is integrally welded from steel plates, and its lower end is welded to the upper surface of the upper cover plate (4). The upper end of the balance boom (1) is welded with a lifting hinge (6), which is used to lift the sealing device and connect the hull during floating towing transportation; the lower end of the balance boom (1) is welded with a hydraulic cylinder upper hinge (7), which is hinged to one end of the main loading hydraulic cylinder (2). Multiple lateral positioning devices (3) are evenly distributed. Each lateral positioning device (3) consists of a small hinge (8) welded to the upper end face of the upper cover plate (4), a lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder (9), and a chuck (10). One end of the lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder (9) is hinged to the small hinge (8). The chuck (10) is connected to the other end of the lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder (9) through a chuck hinge (12). The chuck (10) is also hinged to the side ear plate (11) of the upper cover plate (4) through a shaft (13). A rubber pad (14) is also installed at the front end of the chuck (10). The upper cover plate (4) has a second through hole in the center, and the lower cover plate (5) has a middle cylinder (20) installed in the middle. The middle cylinder (20) is inserted into the second through hole, and a limit ring (21) is welded to the upper end of the middle cylinder (20) that protrudes from the second through hole. A sealing ring (17) is installed on the side of the second through hole. The lower end of the middle cylinder (20) is welded with a lower base plate (22), and the middle part of the lower base plate (22) is welded with a lower cylinder hinge (23). The lower cylinder hinge (23) is hinged to the other end of the main loading hydraulic cylinder (2).

2. The sealing device for floating transport of steel piles according to claim 1, characterized in that, A ring plate (15) is welded to the upper end face of the upper cover plate (4). A first through hole is provided on the ring plate (15) at the position corresponding to the transverse positioning device (3). A side ear plate (11) is welded to the outer side of the first through hole for installing the claw (10).

3. The sealing device for floating transport of steel piles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end face of the upper cover plate (4) is provided with a plurality of limiting devices (16) evenly distributed along the circumference. The limiting device (16) is inverted L-shaped and consists of a vertical support and a horizontal support connected to the top of the vertical support. The vertical support is connected to the inner side of the ring plate (15). The front end of the horizontal support extending out of the ring plate (15) is provided with a hook for locking the end of the steel pile.

4. The sealing device for floating transport of steel piles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the middle cylinder (20) is welded with a plurality of reinforcing ribs (24), and the outer side of the plurality of reinforcing ribs (24) is connected to an inner ring plate (25). The inner ring plate (25) and the outer ring plate (28) are connected through an outer bottom plate (27).

5. A sealing method for a sealing device for floating transport of steel piles as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The external crane uses the two lifting lugs (6) at the upper end of the balance boom (1) to place the sealing device inside the steel pile (29). The placement depth is controlled by the limiting device (16) to hold the end of the steel pile in place, thus achieving axial positioning. S2. The lateral positioning hydraulic cylinder (9) in the lateral positioning device (3) extends out, drives the claw (10) to rotate around the shaft (13) and push out, pressing the rubber pad (14) at the front end of the claw (10) against the inner wall of the steel pile (29) to laterally position the sealing device. S3. The main loading hydraulic cylinder (2) connected between the balance boom (1) and the lower cover plate (5) drives the lower cover plate (5) to compress along the axial direction; at the same time, it drives the push ring (26) to compress the rubber ring (19) towards the lower end ring plate (18), and the rubber ring (19) undergoes elastic deformation, sealing the gap between the steel pile (29) and the rubber ring (19). S4. Place a sealing device on the other end of the steel pile (29) and repeat steps S1 to S3 to seal the steel pile. S5. Use the lifting lug (6) to lift the steel pile and place it in the water. Connect the steel pile (29) to the tugboat for floating transport. S6. If the above operation is performed in reverse, it is the process of releasing the seals at both ends of the steel pile.

Images