Submersible launch and recovery method and drillship

Abstract

This application discloses a method for deploying and recovering a submersible and a drilling vessel. The method includes: removing the submersible from a storage space and connecting a cable to the submersible; lifting and deploying the submersible using a first lifting device; recovering the submersible; separating the cable from the submersible; and moving the submersible back to the storage space. The drilling vessel is used to implement the above-mentioned method. The drilling vessel includes a storage compartment, which houses a cable storage device, a traction device, and a first lifting device. A cable is mounted on the cable storage device, with one end of the cable sequentially wrapped around the traction device and the first lifting device. The storage compartment has a reserved storage space for accommodating the submersible. The submersible deployment and recovery method provided by this application can meet the needs of submersibles performing deep-sea operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of submersible deployment and retrieval technology, and in particular to a method for deploying and retrieval a submersible and a drilling vessel. Background Technology

[0002] Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are essential equipment for ocean drilling vessels and crucial platforms for deep-sea scientific research and underwater operations. Equipped with various specialized tools, ROVs provide robust support for ocean drilling vessels in performing tasks such as deep-sea underwater wellhead operations, operational support, and seabed monitoring. ROVs are deployed and recovered from ocean drilling vessels via a deployment and retrieval system.

[0003] In related technologies, the deployment and retrieval system includes a hydraulic winch, a gantry, and a transmission unit. The hydraulic winch can store and deploy cables. However, hydraulic winches suffer from problems such as complex installation, high maintenance costs, and a lack of operational flexibility. Moreover, the hydraulic winch, gantry, and transmission unit are usually installed in different independent compartments. This decentralized equipment layout not only increases the complexity of the deployment and retrieval system but also reduces space utilization and increases the difficulty of maintenance. Submersibles are characterized by short preparation cycles, high operational frequency, and long task cycles. Therefore, the aforementioned decentralized equipment layout is difficult to meet the needs of submersibles performing deep-sea operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a method for launching and recovering a submersible and a drilling vessel, and the technical solution adopted is as follows.

[0005] This application provides a method for launching and recovering a submersible. The method is used to launch and recover a submersible on a drilling vessel. The drilling vessel includes a storage compartment, in which a cable storage component, a traction component, and a first lifting component are arranged. A cable is provided on the cable storage component, and one end of the cable is sequentially wrapped around the traction component and the first lifting component. The storage compartment has reserved accommodating space for accommodating the submersible.

[0006] The submersible deployment and retrieval method includes the following steps:

[0007] The submersible is removed from the accommodating space, and the cable is connected to the submersible. The submersible is then lifted and deployed using the first lifting device.

[0008] The submersible is retrieved, the cable is separated from the submersible, and the submersible is moved to the accommodating space.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, a first moving device is arranged within the accommodating space, and a first preset position is further provided in the storage compartment. The first preset position communicates with the accommodating space, and retrieving the submersible from the accommodating space includes:

[0010] The submersible is moved from the accommodating space to the first preset position by the first moving device, and the cable wrapped around the first lifting member is connected to the submersible.

[0011] Retrieving the submersible, detaching the cable from the submersible, and moving the submersible into the accommodating space include:

[0012] The submersible is retrieved to the first preset position, the cable is separated from the submersible, and the submersible is moved from the first preset position to the accommodating space by the first moving device.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a second mobile device is further provided inside the storage compartment. The submersible includes a connected main body and a repeater, with the repeater positioned above the main body. A support frame is provided on the first mobile device. After the cable is separated from the submersible, the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes:

[0014] The main body is separated from the repeater, and the repeater is moved to the support frame by the second moving device;

[0015] Before connecting the cable wound around the first lifting member to the submersible, the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes:

[0016] The repeater is moved above the main body by the second moving device, and the repeater is connected to the main body.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the first moving device includes a telescopic member and a translating member, the telescopic member is connected to the translating member, and the telescopic member is used to drive the translating member to move by its own telescopic movement, the translating member is used to place the submersible, and the support frame is disposed on the translating member.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the second moving device includes a guide rail and a second lifting member, the guide rail being mounted above the accommodating space, and the second lifting member being movably mounted on the guide rail.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, both the cable storage component and the traction component are electric winches, the first lifting component is an A-type gantry, and the A-type gantry is equipped with a sway stop. The first lifting component is capable of lifting the submersible and moving it between a second preset position and a third preset position. The second preset position is located in the storage compartment, and the third preset position is located outside the storage compartment. Both the second preset position and the third preset position are connected to the first preset position. After the first moving device moves the submersible from the accommodating space to the first preset position, the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes:

[0020] The cable wrapped around the first lifting member passes through the anti-sway device to connect with the submersible, and the top of the submersible is in close contact with the anti-sway device. The first lifting member swings outward from the second preset position to the third preset position.

[0021] Lower the cable;

[0022] Retrieving the submersible to the first preset location includes:

[0023] The cable is retrieved and the top of the submersible is brought into close contact with the antislip device, and the first lifting member is swung inward from the third preset position to the second preset position;

[0024] The submersible is placed in the first preset position.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the storage compartment is further provided with a first steering mechanism and a second steering mechanism, the traction member and the cable storage member are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, the cable originates from the cable storage member and passes through the first steering mechanism to connect with the traction member, and the cable originates from the traction member and passes through the second steering mechanism to connect with the first lifting member.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the first steering mechanism includes a first guide pulley and a second guide pulley, the traction member and the second guide pulley are arranged above the cable storage member and the first guide pulley, the cable originates from the cable storage member and is turned by the first guide pulley and then connected to the second guide pulley, the cable is turned by the second guide pulley and then connected to the traction member, and the second steering mechanism includes a third guide pulley, the third guide pulley is arranged above the traction member.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, the storage compartment is further equipped with a cable cleaning and drying device, and the cable extends from the cable storage component and passes through the cable cleaning and drying device to connect with the first guide pulley. The submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes:

[0028] The cable is cleaned by the cable cleaning and drying device during cable laying or retrieval.

[0029] This application also provides a drilling vessel for implementing the above-described submersible deployment and retrieval method.

[0030] The embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects: multiple pieces of equipment, such as the cable storage unit, traction unit, first lifting unit, and submersible, can be placed in the same storage compartment, resulting in a compact structure; the pre-set space in the storage compartment can be used to place and store the submersible, and provides working space for cable connection or disconnection operations; when deploying or recovering the stored submersible, it is not necessary to retrieve or place the submersible from other compartments; this not only saves space on the drilling vessel but also shortens the distance between various pieces of equipment, facilitating simultaneous control, thereby shortening the time required for deploying the submersible, i.e., shortening the preparation cycle for deploying the submersible, and improving deployment efficiency; at the same time, since the various pieces of equipment do not need to be connected across compartments, it is beneficial to the maintenance of each piece of equipment, i.e., it can extend the service life of each piece of equipment, making each piece of equipment suitable for operations with high frequency and long task cycles. Therefore, the submersible deployment and retrieval method provided by this application can meet the needs of submersibles performing deep-sea operations. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The aspects and advantages described and / or added to the embodiments of this application will become apparent and readily understood in conjunction with the following drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings are exemplary and are used only to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0032] Figure 1 A side view of the storage compartment when the submersible is placed in the accommodating space, as provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the submersible deployment and retrieval method provided in this application embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 A side view of the storage compartment when the first lifting component lifts the submersible, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 A top view of the storage compartment provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 A side view of the storage compartment when the first lifting component is swinging, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 Rear view of the storage compartment provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Reference numerals: Storage compartment 100; Cable storage component 210, Cable 211, Cable laying device 220, Cable cleaning and drying device 230, First guide pulley 241, Second guide pulley 242, Traction component 250, Third guide pulley 260, Cable tension compensation device 270; First lifting component 310, Anti-sway device 311, Drive mechanism 320; Submersible 400, Body 410, Repeater 420; Telescopic component 510, Translation component 520, Support frame 521; Guide rail 610, Second lifting component 620; Support frame 700. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments of this application are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "center," "middle," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does 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 of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this embodiment, the positive X-axis direction is considered left, the negative X-axis direction is considered right; the positive Y-axis direction is considered front, the negative Y-axis direction is considered back; the positive Z-axis direction is considered top, and the negative Z-axis direction is considered bottom.

[0043] This application provides a drilling vessel that can be used to implement the submersible deployment and retrieval method described below. Exemplarily, the drilling vessel includes a storage compartment 100, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The storage compartment 100 is equipped with a cable storage component 210, a traction component 250, and a first lifting component 310. A cable 211 is mounted on the cable storage component 210, with one end of the cable 211 successively wound around the traction component 250 and the first lifting component 310. The storage compartment 100 has reserved space for accommodating the submersible 400. Optionally, the submersible 400 is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Optionally, the cable 211 can be an umbilical cable.

[0044] See Figure 2 This application also provides a method for deploying and recovering a submersible, which is used to deploy and recover a submersible 400 on a drilling vessel. The method includes the following steps:

[0045] Step S110: Take the submersible 400 out of the accommodating space, connect the cable 211 to the submersible 400, and use the first lifting device 310 to lift and deploy the submersible 400.

[0046] Step S120: Retrieve the submersible 400, separate the cable 211 from the submersible 400, and move the submersible 400 into the accommodating space.

[0047] Multiple pieces of equipment, including the cable storage unit 210, the towing unit 250, the first lifting unit 310, and the submersible 400, can be housed in the same storage compartment 100, resulting in a compact structure. The pre-set space within the storage compartment 100 can be used to place and store the submersible 400, and also provides working space for cable connection and disconnection operations. When deploying or recovering the submersible 400, it is not necessary to retrieve or place it from other compartments. This not only saves space on the drilling vessel but also shortens the distance between the various pieces of equipment, facilitating simultaneous control and reducing the time required to deploy the submersible 400, thus shortening the deployment preparation cycle and improving deployment efficiency. Furthermore, since the equipment does not require cross-compartment connections, it facilitates maintenance and extends the service life of each piece of equipment, making it suitable for operations with high frequency and long task cycles. Therefore, the submersible deployment and retrieval method provided in this application can meet the needs of the submersible 400 performing deep-sea operations.

[0048] Optionally, in some embodiments, a first moving device is provided in the accommodating space, and a first preset position is also provided in the storage compartment 100, the first preset position being connected to the accommodating space.

[0049] Optionally, the storage compartment 100 has an opening for deploying and recovering the submersible 400. Exemplarily, the storage compartment 100 has an opening on its front side. A first preset position is located near the opening, and a first lifting member 310 is also located near the opening. A receiving space is located on the side of the first preset position away from the opening, i.e., the receiving space is located behind the first preset position and the first lifting member 310.

[0050] Optionally, in some embodiments, step S110, "removing the submersible 400 from the accommodating space," includes the following steps:

[0051] Step S111: Move the submersible 400 from the accommodating space to the first preset position using the first moving device, and connect the cable 211 wrapped around the first lifting member 310 to the submersible 400.

[0052] Optionally, in some embodiments, step S120 above includes the following steps:

[0053] Step S121: Retrieve the submersible 400 to the first preset position, separate the cable 211 from the submersible 400, and move the submersible 400 from the first preset position to the accommodating space using the first moving device.

[0054] Optionally, in some embodiments, a second moving device is also provided inside the storage compartment 100, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The submersible 400 includes a connected body 410 and a repeater 420, with the repeater 420 positioned above the body 410. A support frame 521 is mounted on the first moving device. Optionally, the repeater 420 may be a TMS repeater 420.

[0055] It should be noted that the height of the submersible 400, formed by connecting the main body 410 and the repeater 420, can be as high as 4.5m. This results in the center of gravity of the repeater 420, which is located at the top, being too high. During the drilling vessel's voyage at sea, it is inevitable that it will sway, which will make the repeater 420, with its high center of gravity, prone to swaying. Since the repeater 420 is connected to the main body 410 of the submersible 400 via cable 211, when the repeater 420 sways, it will drag the cable 211 and continuously apply a reciprocating load to the main body 410 of the submersible 400, which may cause damage to the main body 410 of the submersible 400.

[0056] Therefore, when storing the submersible 400, the main body 410 of the submersible 400 needs to be separated from the repeater 420. Since the center of gravity of the repeater 420 is relatively high, it is prone to swaying or tipping. Therefore, a support frame 521 can be set on the first moving device to support the repeater 420 and prevent it from tipping over.

[0057] Optionally, in some embodiments, after "separating the cable 211 from the submersible 400" in step S121, step S121 of the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes the following step:

[0058] Step S1212: Separate the main body 410 from the repeater 420, and move the repeater 420 onto the support frame 521 using the second moving device.

[0059] It is understandable that step S1212 can be performed after "the submersible 400 is moved from the first preset position to the accommodating space by the first moving device". This arrangement can prevent the first lifting device 310 and other devices from affecting the operation of the second moving device.

[0060] Optionally, in some embodiments, before "connecting the cable 211 wrapped around the first lifting member 310 to the submersible 400" in step S111, step S111 of the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes the following steps:

[0061] Step S1111: Move the repeater 420 above the main body 410 using the second moving device, and connect the repeater 420 to the main body 410.

[0062] It is understandable that step S1111 can be performed before "moving the submersible 400 from the accommodating space to the first preset position using the first moving device". This can also avoid the first lifting device 310 and other devices from affecting the operation of the second moving device.

[0063] Alternatively, in some embodiments, see Figure 4 The first moving device includes a telescopic member 510 and a translating member 520. The telescopic member 510 is connected to the translating member 520, and the telescopic member 510 is used to drive the translating member 520 to move by its own telescopic movement. The translating member 520 is used to place the submersible 400, and the support frame 521 is set on the translating member 520.

[0064] Optionally, the translation component 520 is provided with a first placement position for placing at least part of the submersible 400, and the support frame 521 is located behind the first placement position. When the submersible 400 is not in use and is stored in the accommodating space, the body 410 of the submersible 400 can be placed on the first placement position, and the repeater 420 can be placed on the support frame 521; when the submersible 400 needs to be used, the repeater 420 can be installed on the body 410 of the submersible 400, that is, the entire submersible 400 is placed in the first placement position.

[0065] Optionally, the telescopic component 510 is a telescopic hydraulic cylinder, and the translation component 520 is a translation plate. Optionally, the telescopic hydraulic cylinder has a minimum stroke and a maximum stroke. When the telescopic hydraulic cylinder is at its minimum stroke, the translation plate is placed in the accommodating space; when the telescopic hydraulic cylinder is at its maximum stroke, the translation plate can extend to a first preset position, thereby moving the submersible 400 to the first preset position.

[0066] See Figure 3 The second moving device includes a guide rail 610 and a second lifting member 620. The guide rail 610 is installed above the accommodating space, and the second lifting member 620 is movably installed on the guide rail 610.

[0067] Optionally, the guide rail 610 can be arranged in the front-to-back direction so that the second lifting member 620 on the guide rail 610 can lift the repeater 420 and place the repeater 420 on the support frame 521.

[0068] Optionally, the second lifting component 620 is an electric hoist. Of course, the second lifting component 620 can also be a winch or other lifting component, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0069] Optionally, in some embodiments, the cable storage component 210 and the traction component 250 are both electric winches, the first lifting component 310 is an A-type gantry, and the A-type gantry is provided with a sway stop 311. The first lifting component 310 is capable of lifting the submersible 400 and moving it between a second preset position and a third preset position. The second preset position is located in the storage compartment 100, and the third preset position is located outside the storage compartment 100. Both the second preset position and the third preset position are connected to the first preset position.

[0070] Optionally, the second preset position is also located near the opening, and when the first lifting member 310 is in the second preset position, the distance between the bottom surface of the anti-sway device 311 and the deck surface of the storage compartment 100 is greater than the height of the submersible 400, so as to avoid the submersible 400 colliding with the anti-sway device 311 during movement. Optionally, when the first lifting member 310 is in the second preset position, the first preset position can be located directly below the anti-sway device 311.

[0071] It should be noted that, on the one hand, underwater operations inevitably involve frequent acceleration and deceleration processes. Electric winches can directly adjust speed via frequency converters, making the speed change both agile and rapid; while hydraulic winches require speed changes through throttle valves or motor switching, which is cumbersome and inefficient. On the other hand, maintenance of electric winches only requires maintenance of the motor and electrical control cabinet; however, maintenance of hydraulic winches requires maintenance of both pipelines and hydraulic pumps, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and more difficult.

[0072] Therefore, the use of electric winches for both the cable storage component 210 and the traction component 250 not only helps to shorten the operation cycle and increase the operation frequency, but also facilitates maintenance, extends service life, and is beneficial for the submersible 400 to perform deep-sea operations.

[0073] Optionally, the storage compartment 100 is also equipped with a drive mechanism 320 connected to the first lifting member 310. The drive mechanism 320 can be used to drive the first lifting member 310 to swing between a second preset position and a third preset position. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the swinging process of the first lifting component 310 is shown. Optionally, the drive mechanism 320 can be a high-power pump station.

[0074] By setting the anti-sway device 311, the submersible 400 can be prevented from swaying and shaking and causing damage when the first lifting component 310 lifts the submersible 400 and moves it between the second preset position and the third preset position.

[0075] Optionally, in some embodiments, after "moving the submersible 400 from the accommodating space to the first preset position by means of the first moving device" in step S111, step S111 of the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes the following steps:

[0076] Step S1112: The cable 211 wrapped around the first lifting member 310 passes through the anti-sway device 311 to connect with the submersible 400, and the top of the submersible 400 is in close contact with the anti-sway device 311. The first lifting member 310 swings outward from the second preset position to the third preset position; the cable 211 is lowered.

[0077] For example, during the deployment of the submersible 400, the second lifting device 620 can be moved along the guide rail 610 to directly above the repeater 420, and then connected to the repeater 420. The repeater 420 is then lifted by the second lifting device 620 to directly above the main body 410, and the repeater 420 is fixedly connected to the main body 410. The connection between the second lifting device 620 and the repeater 420 is then released. The cable 211, after being deflected by the sway stop 311, is then fixedly connected to the repeater 420. This completes the preparation work before the deployment of the submersible 400.

[0078] Subsequently, the cable storage unit 210 releases the cable, and the traction unit 250 tows the cable 211 outward until the first lifting unit 310, driven by the drive mechanism 320, swings from its initial position outward to a second preset position (still inboard) to increase the height of the stabilizer 311. It should be noted that the first lifting unit 310 in its initial position is tilted towards the side closer to the storage compartment 100. Therefore, when the first lifting unit 310 swings outward at a certain angle, the height of the stabilizer 311 can be increased (i.e., the distance between the bottom surface of the stabilizer 311 and the deck surface of the storage compartment 100 increases). This provides sufficient space for lifting the submersible 400, allowing the first lifting unit 310 to lift the submersible 400 with sufficient cable 211 slack, and also prevents the stabilizer 311 from being too low and colliding with the submersible 400.

[0079] Subsequently, the submersible 400 is moved to a first preset position (i.e., directly below the anti-sway device 311 of the first lifting member 310 located at the second preset position) by the first moving device. Then, the cable 211 is lifted upwards under the traction of the traction member 250 until the top of the submersible 400 is firmly fixed against the anti-sway device 311. At this point, the cable storage member 210 is in the cable retraction state. Subsequently, the first lifting member 310, driven by the drive mechanism 320, swings outwards from the second preset position to a third preset position, while the cable storage member 210 continuously releases the cable until the submersible 400 reaches the preset operating depth.

[0080] Optionally, in some embodiments, the step S121 of "retrieving the submersible 400 to the first preset position" further includes the following steps:

[0081] Step S1211: Retrieve cable 211 and bring the top of submersible 400 into close contact with anti-sway device 311; swing the first lifting device 310 from the third preset position inward to the second preset position; place submersible 400 in the first preset position.

[0082] Understandably, the submersible recovery process is the reverse of the deployment process, so I won't go into details here.

[0083] Optionally, in some embodiments, the storage compartment 100 is further provided with a first steering mechanism and a second steering mechanism, the traction member 250 and the cable storage member 210 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, the cable 211 is connected to the traction member 250 from the cable storage member 210 and through the first steering mechanism, and the cable 211 is connected to the first lifting member 310 from the traction member 250 and through the second steering mechanism.

[0084] Alternatively, in some embodiments, see Figure 6The first steering mechanism includes a first guide pulley 241 and a second guide pulley 242. The traction member 250 and the second guide pulley 242 are arranged above the cable storage member 210 and the first guide pulley 241. The cable 211 is connected to the second guide pulley 242 after being turned from the cable storage member 210 and through the first guide pulley 241. The cable 211 is connected to the traction member 250 after being turned through the second guide pulley 242. The second steering mechanism includes a third guide pulley 260, which is arranged above the traction member 250.

[0085] Alternatively, in some embodiments, see Figure 1 or Figure 3 The storage compartment 100 is also equipped with a cable tension compensation device 270. The cable 211 is connected to the traction member 250 via the second guide pulley 242 and the cable tension compensation device 270. The cable tension compensation device 270 can apply a certain pretension to the cable 211 during the winding and unwinding process.

[0086] For example, a support frame 700 is provided at the rear of the storage compartment 100 to vertically arrange the equipment and improve space utilization. A second placement position is provided at the bottom of the support frame 700, where the cable storage component 210 and the first guide pulley 241 are located, with the first guide pulley 241 positioned to the right of the cable storage component 210. A traction component 250 and a second guide pulley 242 are mounted on the support frame 700, with the second guide pulley 242 positioned to the right of the traction component 250 and vertically aligned with the first guide pulley 241. A cable tension compensation device 270 is located above and behind the traction component 250. A third guide pulley 260 is located above and in front of the traction component 250, allowing the cable 211 to be pulled out from a high position, preventing the cable 211 from being too low and interfering with the operation of other equipment. Optionally, the drive mechanism 320 is also mounted on the bracket 700, and the drive mechanism 320 is located on the left side of the traction member 250.

[0087] The equipment in the storage compartment 100 of this application embodiment is compactly arranged and can be operated in an orderly manner. This not only improves the space utilization of the drilling vessel, but also facilitates the management and maintenance of multiple pieces of equipment, thereby improving deployment efficiency, extending the service life of each piece of equipment, and making each piece of equipment suitable for operations with short preparation cycles, high operation frequency, and long task cycles.

[0088] It should be noted that, on the one hand, the cable 211 on the cable storage unit 210 will accumulate a large amount of dust and other pollutants when stored unused for a long time. If it is put into the sea without being cleaned, it will cause seawater pollution. On the other hand, when the cable 211 is retrieved from the seawater, the cable 211 will be covered with seawater. If the cable 211 is not cleaned before being stored, the seawater on the cable 211 will not only corrode the seawater but also corrode the cable storage unit 210, causing equipment damage.

[0089] Therefore, optionally, in some embodiments, see Figure 6 The storage compartment 100 is also equipped with a cable cleaning and drying device 230. The cable 211 is connected to the first guide pulley 241 via the cable storage component 210 and the cable cleaning and drying device 230. Optionally, the cable cleaning and drying device 230 is also installed in the second placement position.

[0090] Optionally, the cable cleaning and drying device 230 may include an air jet device, a spray device, and a drying device, which can clean the cable 211 by using the air jet device and the spray device, and dry the cable 211 by using the drying device.

[0091] Optionally, in some embodiments, the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes the following steps:

[0092] Step 130: Clean the cable 211 using the cable cleaning and drying device 230 when laying or retrieving the cable.

[0093] Optionally, in some embodiments, a cable manifold 220 is also provided inside the storage compartment 100, through which the cable 211 is connected to the cable cleaning and drying device 230 from the cable storage component 210 and via the cable manifold 220. Optionally, the cable manifold 220 is also provided in the second placement position.

[0094] On the one hand, the cable guide 220 allows for the neat and orderly winding and unwinding of the cable 211. In other words, the cable guide 220 ensures that the cable 211 is neatly wound around the cable storage unit 210 during retrieval, preventing problems such as knotting; it also ensures that the cable 211 is released in an orderly manner during unwinding. On the other hand, the cable guide 220 allows for control of the cable 211's entry angle during winding and unwinding. Optionally, the entry angle can be 90°.

[0095] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" indicates that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. 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.

[0096] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

[0097] In the description of this application, the presence of a comma ("、") in the patent title indicates an "and" relationship, not an "or" relationship. For example, if the patent title is "A type A, B type", it means that the content claimed in this application is: a technical solution with the subject matter title A and a technical solution with the subject matter title B.

Claims

1. A method for launching and recovering a submersible, characterized in that: The submersible deployment and retrieval method is used to deploy and retrieval a submersible on a drilling vessel. The drilling vessel includes a storage compartment, in which a cable storage component, a traction component, and a first lifting component are arranged. A cable is provided on the cable storage component, and one end of the cable is successively wrapped around the traction component and the first lifting component. The storage compartment has reserved accommodating space for accommodating the submersible. The submersible deployment and retrieval method includes the following steps: The submersible is removed from the accommodating space, and the cable is connected to the submersible. The submersible is then lifted and deployed using the first lifting device. The submersible is retrieved, the cable is detached from the submersible, and the submersible is moved to the accommodating space; The storage space is equipped with a first moving device, and the storage compartment is also equipped with a first preset position, which is connected to the storage space. Removing the submersible from the storage space includes: moving the submersible from the storage space to the first preset position using the first moving device, and connecting the cable wrapped around the first lifting member to the submersible; retrieving the submersible, separating the cable from the submersible, and moving the submersible to the storage space includes: retrieving the submersible to the first preset position, separating the cable from the submersible, and moving the submersible from the first preset position to the storage space using the first moving device. The storage compartment is also equipped with a second moving device. The submersible includes a connected body and a repeater. The repeater is located above the body. The first moving device is equipped with a support frame. After the cable is separated from the submersible, the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes: separating the body from the repeater and moving the repeater to the support frame via the second moving device; before connecting the cable wrapped around the first lifting member to the submersible, the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes: moving the repeater above the body via the second moving device and connecting the repeater to the body.

2. The submersible deployment and retrieval method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first moving device includes a telescopic component and a translating component. The telescopic component is connected to the translating component, and the telescopic component is used to drive the translating component to move by its own telescopic movement. The translating component is used to place the submersible, and the support frame is disposed on the translating component.

3. The submersible deployment and retrieval method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second moving device includes a guide rail and a second lifting component. The guide rail is installed above the accommodating space, and the second lifting component is movably installed on the guide rail.

4. The submersible deployment and retrieval method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the cable storage component and the traction component are electric winches. The first lifting component is an A-type gantry, which is equipped with a sway stop. The first lifting component can lift the submersible and move it between a second preset position and a third preset position. The second preset position is located inside the storage compartment, and the third preset position is located outside the storage compartment. Both the second and third preset positions are connected to the first preset position. After the first moving device moves the submersible from the accommodating space to the first preset position, the submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes: The cable wrapped around the first lifting member passes through the anti-sway device to connect with the submersible, and the top of the submersible is in close contact with the anti-sway device. The first lifting member swings outward from the second preset position to the third preset position. Lower the cable; Retrieving the submersible to the first preset location includes: The cable is retrieved and the top of the submersible is brought into close contact with the antislip device, and the first lifting member is swung inward from the third preset position to the second preset position; The submersible is placed in the first preset position.

5. The submersible deployment and retrieval method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage compartment is also equipped with a first steering mechanism and a second steering mechanism. The traction member and the cable storage member are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The cable starts from the cable storage member and passes through the first steering mechanism to connect with the traction member. The cable starts from the traction member and passes through the second steering mechanism to connect with the first lifting member.

6. The submersible deployment and retrieval method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first steering mechanism includes a first guide pulley and a second guide pulley. The traction member and the second guide pulley are arranged above the cable storage member and the first guide pulley. The cable starts from the cable storage member, turns through the first guide pulley, and is connected to the second guide pulley. The cable turns through the second guide pulley and is connected to the traction member. The second steering mechanism includes a third guide pulley, which is arranged above the traction member.

7. The submersible deployment and retrieval method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The storage compartment is also equipped with a cable cleaning and drying device. The cable originates from the cable storage unit and passes through the cable cleaning and drying device to connect with the first guide pulley. The submersible deployment and retrieval method further includes: The cable is cleaned by the cable cleaning and drying device during cable laying or retrieval.

8. A drilling vessel, characterized in that: The drilling vessel is used to implement the submersible deployment and retrieval method according to any one of claims 1-7.

Images