A multi-platform, moving-to-moving, gallery bridge access system

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-platform moving-pair corridor system for offshore platforms, comprising a first offshore platform, a second offshore platform, a first corridor, a second corridor, and a drive assembly. One end of the first corridor is rotatably connected to the first offshore platform about a horizontal axis, and the other end of the first corridor is equipped with a first electromagnet. One end of the second corridor is rotatably connected to the second offshore platform about a horizontal axis, and the other end of the second corridor is equipped with a second electromagnet. The drive assembly is used to drive the first and second corridors to rotate, so that when the first and second corridors rotate to a horizontal state, the first and second electromagnets are energized and magnetically connected. This multi-platform moving-pair corridor system provides a safe and reliable connection method for both ends of the corridor, resulting in high safety during corridor use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering technology, specifically to a multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system at sea. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore platforms come in various types, such as electrical platforms like booster stations and converter stations, operation and maintenance platforms with personnel living quarters, and processing platforms for hydrogen, ammonia, and alcohol production. Because these different types of offshore platforms have different uses, they cannot be combined into a single structure. To facilitate personnel movement between different offshore platforms, walkways are often installed between adjacent platforms. However, because offshore platforms sway under the influence of wind, waves, and currents, and the sway amplitude varies depending on the size of the platform, the walkways between adjacent platforms are at risk of collapse, resulting in poor safety. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, embodiments of this invention propose a highly safe offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system.

[0004] The offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system of this invention includes a first offshore platform, a second offshore platform, a first corridor, a second corridor, and a drive assembly. The first offshore platform and the second offshore platform are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The first corridor and the second corridor are both located between the first offshore platform and the second offshore platform. One end of the first corridor is rotatably connected to the first offshore platform around a horizontal axis, and the other end of the first corridor is provided with a first electromagnet. One end of the second corridor is rotatably connected to the second offshore platform around a horizontal axis, and the other end of the second corridor is provided with a second electromagnet. The drive assembly is connected to the first corridor and the second corridor and is used to drive the first corridor and the second corridor to rotate so that when the first corridor and the second corridor rotate to a horizontal state, the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are energized and magnetically connected.

[0005] In some embodiments, the length of the first boardwalk is L1, the length of the second boardwalk is L2, the sway stiffness of the first offshore platform is K1, and the sway stiffness of the second offshore platform is K2, wherein L1 / L2 = K1 / K2.

[0006] In some embodiments, the offshore multi-platform moving-opposite corridor system of the present invention further includes a first mounting base, a first connecting rod, and a first hinge ball. The first mounting base is connected to the first corridor. Both ends of the first connecting rod are provided with the first hinge ball. One end of the first connecting rod is hingedly connected to the first mounting base through the first hinge ball, and the other end of the first connecting rod is hingedly connected to the first electromagnet through the first hinge ball.

[0007] In some embodiments, the length of the first connecting rod is 10cm-30cm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system of the present invention further includes a second mounting base, a second connecting rod, and a second hinge ball. The second mounting base is connected to the second corridor. Both ends of the second connecting rod are provided with the second hinge ball. One end of the second connecting rod is hingedly connected to the second mounting base through the second hinge ball, and the other end of the second connecting rod is hingedly connected to the second electromagnet through the second hinge ball.

[0009] In some embodiments, the length of the second link is 10cm-30cm.

[0010] In some embodiments, there are multiple first electromagnets and multiple second electromagnets, with multiple first electromagnets spaced apart in the width direction of the first walkway and multiple second electromagnets spaced apart in the width direction of the second walkway, and each of the multiple first electromagnets corresponds to one of the multiple second electromagnets.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first offshore platform includes a first support column and multiple first platforms, the multiple first platforms being vertically spaced on the first support column, wherein the first corridor bridge is located at the bottom layer of the multiple first platforms.

[0012] The second offshore platform includes a second support column and multiple layers of the second platform, which are vertically spaced on the second support column, wherein the second corridor bridge is located at the bottom layer of the multiple layers of the second platform.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first winch and a first sling, the first winch being located on the first offshore platform, one end of the first sling being connected to the first walkway, and the other end of the first sling being wound around the first winch.

[0014] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a second winch and a second sling, the second winch being located on the second offshore platform, one end of the second sling being connected to the second walkway, and the other end of the second sling being wound around the second winch.

[0015] In this embodiment of the invention, the offshore multi-platform moving-pair corridor system utilizes a drive assembly to rotate the first and second corridors to a horizontal position. When both corridors are horizontal, current is supplied to the first and second electromagnets, causing them to generate opposite magnetic fields and magnetically attract each other, forming a stable connection between the two corridors and ensuring the safe passage of personnel and equipment. When rough sea conditions cause significant swaying of the offshore platform, if the relative force generated by the swaying exceeds the maximum magnetic attraction between the first and second electromagnets, they automatically disengage. This prevents structural damage to the first and second corridors due to the large swaying of the offshore platform, significantly improving the safety of the corridor operation.

[0016] Therefore, the offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system of the present invention can provide a safe and reliable connection method for both ends of the corridor, making the corridor safe to use. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the separation of the first and second covered bridges in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first and second covered bridges connected in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second covered bridges according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system at sea, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 100. Offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system; 1. First offshore platform; 101. First support column; 102. First platform; 2. Second offshore platform; 201. Second support column; 202. Second platform; 3. First corridor bridge; 4. Second corridor bridge; 5. First electromagnet; 6. Second electromagnet; 7. First mounting base; 8. First connecting rod; 9. First articulated ball; 10. Second mounting base; 11. Second connecting rod; 12. Second articulated ball; 13. First winch; 14. First sling; 15. Second winch; 16. Second sling. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system 100 of this invention includes a first offshore platform 1, a second offshore platform 2, a first corridor 3, a second corridor 4, and a drive assembly. The first offshore platform 1 and the second offshore platform 2 are spaced apart in the horizontal direction, and the first corridor 3 and the second corridor 4 are both located between the first offshore platform 1 and the second offshore platform 2. One end of the first corridor 3 is rotatably connected to the first offshore platform 1 about a horizontal axis, and the other end of the first corridor 3 is provided with a first electromagnet 5. One end of the second corridor 4 is rotatably connected to the second offshore platform 2 about a horizontal axis, and the other end of the second corridor 4 is provided with a second electromagnet 6.

[0026] The drive assembly is connected to the first corridor bridge 3 and the second corridor bridge 4, and is used to drive the first corridor bridge 3 and the second corridor bridge 4 to rotate, so that when the first corridor bridge 3 and the second corridor bridge 4 rotate to a horizontal state, the first electromagnet 5 and the second electromagnet 6 are energized and magnetically connected.

[0027] For example, the first offshore platform 1 and the second offshore platform 2 are offshore platforms with different functions. The first offshore platform 1 can be an electrical platform such as a booster station or converter station, while the second offshore platform 2 can be an operation and maintenance platform with personnel living in it.

[0028] In use, the offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system 100 of this invention utilizes a drive assembly to rotate the first corridor 3 and the second corridor 4 to a horizontal position. When both corridors are horizontal, current is supplied to the first electromagnet 5 and the second electromagnet 6, causing them to generate opposite magnetic fields and magnetically attract each other, forming a stable connection channel between the first corridor 3 and the second corridor 4, ensuring the safe passage of personnel and equipment. When rough sea conditions cause significant swaying of the offshore platform, if the relative force generated by the swaying between the first corridor 3 and the second corridor 4 exceeds the maximum magnetic attraction force between the first electromagnet 5 and the second electromagnet 6, for example, 100 kN, the first electromagnet 5 and the second electromagnet 6 automatically disengage, avoiding the risk of structural damage to the first corridor 3 and the second corridor 4 due to the large swaying of the offshore platform, and greatly improving the safety of the corridor operation.

[0029] Therefore, the marine multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system 100 of this invention can provide a safe and reliable connection method for both ends of the corridor bridge, making the corridor bridge safer to use.

[0030] Furthermore, during use, the current supplied to the first electromagnet 5 and the second electromagnet 6 can be adjusted according to the swaying amplitude of the offshore platform, thereby adjusting the threshold of the magnetic attraction force between the first electromagnet 5 and the second electromagnet 6 to adapt to different swaying amplitudes of different offshore platforms, making it highly versatile.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the length of the first corridor bridge 3 is L1, the length of the second corridor bridge 4 is L2, the sway stiffness of the first offshore platform 1 is K1, and the sway stiffness of the second offshore platform 2 is K2, where L1 / L2=K1 / K2.

[0032] It should be noted that the rolling stiffness of an offshore platform refers to its ability to resist lateral displacement when subjected to waves, currents, or other marine dynamics. Rolling stiffness is commonly used to describe the stability and durability of a platform in adverse sea conditions. Calculating the rolling stiffness of an offshore platform typically requires methods such as structural analysis and hydrodynamic simulation.

[0033] Specifically, for example, if the distance between the two platforms is 21m, that is, L1+L2=21, and K1=2000kN / m and K2=1000kN / m are calculated using commercial software such as SACS or ANSYS, that is, K1 / K2=2, then the design lengths of the two corridor bridges are calculated to be L1=14m and L2=7m.

[0034] When the length ratio of the two walkways is equal to the sway stiffness ratio of the two offshore platforms, a dynamic equilibrium can be achieved. This allows the first walkway 3 and the second walkway 4 to sway synchronously with the first offshore platform 1 and the second offshore platform 2 when subjected to external forces. This reduces the large structural deformation caused by asynchronous swaying of the first walkway 3 and the second walkway 4, further improving the safety of the walkways. Additionally, it reduces the transmission of vibration from one platform to the other, which is highly beneficial for improving the comfort and safety of the entire system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system 100 of the present invention further includes a first mounting base 7, a first connecting rod 8, and a first hinge ball 9. The first mounting base 7 is connected to the first corridor 3, and both ends of the first connecting rod 8 are provided with the first hinge ball 9. One end of the first connecting rod 8 is hingedly connected to the first mounting base 7 through the first hinge ball 9, and the other end of the first connecting rod 8 is hingedly connected to the first electromagnet 5 through the first hinge ball 9.

[0036] For example, the thickness of the first mounting base 7 is 5cm, the thickness of the first mounting base 7 is 10cm, the diameter of the first hinge ball 9 is 5cm, and the first hinge ball 9 enters the first mounting base 7 and the hinge depth of the first mounting base 7 is 3cm.

[0037] The presence of the first link 8 allows the first electromagnet 5 to move freely within a certain range, which increases the flexibility of the entire system and enables the first walkway 3 to better adapt to the fluctuations and dynamic changes of the marine environment. In addition, the first articulated ball 9, as a connecting element, can effectively absorb and disperse vibrations caused by ocean waves, thereby reducing the impact of vibrations on the walkway system and improving the system's stability.

[0038] Optionally, the length of the first link 8 is 10cm-30cm.

[0039] For example, the length of the first link 8 is 10cm, 15cm, or 30cm, preferably 15cm. A longer first link 8 can provide a wider range of motion, allowing the first bridge 3 to rotate freely within a greater range. At certain frequencies, a longer first link 8 may reduce system resonance, thereby reducing fatigue damage caused by vibration. However, an excessively long first link 8 may reduce system stability and increase the sway amplitude of the first bridge 3 under harsh sea conditions.

[0040] A shorter first link 8 can improve system stability and reduce the sway amplitude of the first jet bridge 3 during sea conditions. A shorter first link 8 also results in a simpler structural design and fewer maintenance points, reducing design and operating costs. However, an excessively short first link 8 will limit the range of motion of the first jet bridge 3, reducing its flexibility in adapting to different sea conditions. An excessively short first link 8 will also create high stress concentration at the connection point, which, without proper design, could lead to damage.

[0041] Therefore, the length setting of the first link 8 needs to take into account factors such as system stability, flexibility, cost and maintenance. In actual design, the most suitable length range may be selected according to specific application scenarios and performance requirements.

[0042] Optionally, there may be multiple first links 8.

[0043] In some embodiments, the offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor system 100 of the present invention further includes a second mounting base 10, a second connecting rod 11, and a second hinge ball 12. The second mounting base 10 is connected to the second corridor 4, and both ends of the second connecting rod 11 are provided with second hinge balls 12. One end of the second connecting rod 11 is hingedly connected to the second mounting base 10 through the second hinge ball 12, and the other end of the second connecting rod 11 is hingedly connected to the second electromagnet 6 through the second hinge ball 12.

[0044] For example, the thickness of the second mounting base 10 is 5cm, the thickness of the second mounting base 10 is 10cm, the diameter of the second hinge ball 12 is 5cm, and the hinge depth of the second hinge ball 12 into the second mounting base 10 and the hinge depth of the second mounting base 10 is 3cm.

[0045] The presence of the second link 11 allows the second electromagnet 6 to move freely within a certain range, which increases the flexibility of the entire system and enables the second walkway 4 to better adapt to the fluctuations and dynamic changes of the marine environment. The second articulated ball 12, as a connecting element, can effectively absorb and disperse vibrations caused by ocean waves, thereby reducing the impact of vibrations on the walkway system and improving its stability.

[0046] Optionally, the length of the second link 11 is 10cm-30cm.

[0047] For example, the length of the second link 11 can be 10cm, 15cm, or 30cm, preferably 15cm. A longer second link 11 can provide a wider range of motion, allowing the second bridge 4 to rotate freely within a greater range. At certain frequencies, a longer second link 11 can reduce system resonance, thereby reducing fatigue damage caused by vibration. However, an excessively long second link 11 will reduce system stability and increase the sway amplitude of the second bridge 4 under harsh sea conditions.

[0048] A shorter second link 11 can improve system stability and reduce the sway amplitude of the second jet bridge 4 during sea conditions. A shorter second link 11 also results in a simpler structural design and fewer maintenance points, reducing design and operating costs. However, an excessively short second link 11 will limit the range of motion of the second jet bridge 4, reducing its flexibility in adapting to different sea conditions. An excessively short second link 11 will also create higher stress concentration at the connection point, which, without proper design, could lead to damage at the connection point.

[0049] Therefore, the length of the second link 11 needs to comprehensively consider factors such as system stability, flexibility, cost, and maintenance. In actual design, the most suitable length range may be selected based on specific application scenarios and performance requirements.

[0050] Optionally, there may be multiple second links 11.

[0051] In some embodiments, there are multiple first electromagnets 5 and multiple second electromagnets 6. Multiple first electromagnets 5 are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the first corridor bridge 3, and multiple second electromagnets 6 are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the second corridor bridge 4. The multiple first electromagnets 5 and multiple second electromagnets 6 correspond one-to-one.

[0052] The arrangement of multiple electromagnets can improve the stability of the connection between the first bridge 3 and the second bridge 4 because they can act simultaneously at multiple points, distributing the load and reducing connection failures due to single-point failures. Under different operating conditions, multiple electromagnets can adapt to different load requirements, ensuring sufficient connection force under various circumstances. Even if some electromagnets fail, the others can still maintain the connection, which helps maintain the overall operation of the system.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first offshore platform 1 includes a first support column 101 and multiple first platforms 102, which are vertically spaced on the first support column 101, wherein the first corridor bridge 3 is located at the bottom layer of the multiple first platforms 102. The second offshore platform 2 includes a second support column 201 and multiple second platforms 202, which are vertically spaced on the second support column 201, wherein the second corridor bridge 4 is located at the bottom layer of the multiple second platforms 202.

[0054] Understandably, since the sway amplitude of the offshore platform increases with height, the walkway should be located on the lowest platform to reduce the sway amplitude of the first walkway 3 and the second walkway 4, thereby further improving the safety of the walkway.

[0055] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first winch 13 and a first sling 14. The first winch 13 is mounted on the first offshore platform 1, one end of the first sling 14 is connected to the first walkway 3, and the other end of the first sling 14 is wound around the first winch 13. The offshore multi-platform moving-opposite walkway system 100 of this embodiment of the invention, by setting the first winch 13 to retract the first sling 14, causes the first sling 14 to drive the first walkway 3 to rotate, thus achieving centralized control of the rotation of the first walkway 3 and simplifying the operation process. Furthermore, the winch can provide uniform power output, helping to ensure that the walkway rotates smoothly and efficiently to the desired position.

[0056] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a second winch 15 and a second sling 16. The second winch 15 is mounted on the second offshore platform 2, one end of the second sling 16 is connected to the second walkway 4, and the other end of the second sling 16 is wound around the second winch 15. The offshore multi-platform moving-opposite walkway system 100 of this embodiment of the invention, by setting the second winch 15 to retract the second sling 16, causes the second sling 16 to drive the second walkway 4 to rotate, thus achieving centralized control of the rotation of the second walkway 4 and simplifying the operation process. Furthermore, the winch can provide uniform power output, helping to ensure that the walkway rotates smoothly and efficiently to the desired position.

[0057] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0061] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An offshore multi-platform dynamic-to-dynamic walkway system, characterized by, include: A first offshore platform and a second offshore platform are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction; A first corridor bridge and a second corridor bridge are both located between the first offshore platform and the second offshore platform. One end of the first corridor bridge is rotatably connected to the first offshore platform about a horizontal axis, and the other end of the first corridor bridge is equipped with a first electromagnet. One end of the second corridor bridge is rotatably connected to the second offshore platform about a horizontal axis, and the other end of the second corridor bridge is equipped with a second electromagnet. The length of the first corridor bridge is L1, the length of the second corridor bridge is L2, the sway stiffness of the first offshore platform is K1, and the sway stiffness of the second offshore platform is K2, where L1 / L2=K1 / K2. A drive assembly is connected to the first and second walkways and is used to drive the first and second walkways to rotate so that when the first and second walkways rotate to a horizontal state, the first and second electromagnets are energized and magnetically connected. The first mounting base, the first connecting rod, and the first hinge ball are provided at both ends of the first connecting rod. One end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first mounting base through the first hinge ball, and the other end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first electromagnet through the first hinge ball. The second mounting base, the second connecting rod, and the second hinge ball are provided at both ends of the second connecting rod. One end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the second mounting base through the second hinge ball, and the other end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the second electromagnet through the second hinge ball.

2. The offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the first connecting rod is 10cm-30cm.

3. The offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the second link is 10cm-30cm.

4. The offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple of each of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet. Multiple first electromagnets are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the first corridor bridge, and multiple second electromagnets are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the second corridor bridge. Each of the multiple first electromagnets corresponds to one of the multiple second electromagnets.

5. The offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first offshore platform includes a first support column and multiple first platforms, which are vertically spaced on the first support column, wherein the first corridor bridge is located at the bottom layer of the multiple first platforms; The second offshore platform includes a second support column and multiple layers of the second platform, which are vertically spaced on the second support column, wherein the second corridor bridge is located at the bottom layer of the multiple layers of the second platform.

6. The offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first winch and a first sling. The first winch is located on the first offshore platform. One end of the first sling is connected to the first walkway, and the other end of the first sling is wound around the first winch.

7. The offshore multi-platform moving-to-moving corridor bridge system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a second winch and a second sling. The second winch is located on the second offshore platform. One end of the second sling is connected to the second walkway, and the other end of the second sling is wound around the second winch.

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