A method for buoyancy stabilization of a cylindrical member

Abstract

The application provides a floating stability method for a cylindrical member, loading the cylindrical member to a semi-submersible barge, and installing a partition structure inside the cylindrical member to divide the cylindrical member into an upper buoyancy compartment and a lower stability compartment. The semi-submersible barge starts to submerge, and the cylindrical member is forced to press into the stability water of an initial liquid level under the action of its own weight; the air pipe on the partition structure is opened to discharge the air in the stability compartment; the stability compartment continues to fill with water under the action of the weight of the cylindrical member. After the liquid level is flush with the bottom surface of the partition structure, the air pipe on the partition structure is closed; the partition structure floats after contacting the liquid surface and stops against the cylindrical member; the semi-submersible barge continues to submerge, and the cylindrical member and the partition structure are forced to press into the stability water of a secondary liquid level in the stability compartment and the cavity of the partition structure under the action of their own weight, until the gravity of the cylindrical member and the partition structure is balanced with the buoyancy of the cylindrical member and the partition structure, so that the cylindrical member is floated in the water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of component transportation technology, and more specifically, relates to a floating stabilization method for cylindrical components. Background Technology

[0002] Cylindrical components, as important structural elements, are widely used in various fields such as subsea pipeline laying, offshore platform foundation construction, and underwater tunnel construction. Transporting cylindrical components from the manufacturing site to the installation site presents numerous challenges.

[0003] Because cylindrical components are generally large in size and weight, traditional transportation methods often rely on large lifting facilities for hoisting operations. These facilities are not only expensive to rent and use, but also have limited accessibility and operability in some remote or deep-sea areas, further increasing the complexity and cost of transportation.

[0004] Therefore, how to ensure the safety and stability of the transfer while effectively reducing reliance on large lifting equipment and lowering transfer costs has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a floating stabilization method for cylindrical components, so as to solve the technical problems of high transportation difficulty and high transportation cost of cylindrical components in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0007] A method for stabilizing the float of a cylindrical component is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0008] The cylindrical components were loaded onto the semi-submersible barge;

[0009] A compartment structure is installed inside the cylindrical component, which divides the cylindrical component into a buoyancy compartment and a stabilization compartment arranged vertically. The buoyancy compartment is located above the compartment structure, and the stabilization compartment is located below the compartment structure.

[0010] The semi-submersible barge begins to submerge, and the cylindrical component, under its own weight, is forced to inject stable water at the initial liquid level into the stabilization chamber;

[0011] Open the air pipe on the compartment structure to expel the air from the stabilizing chamber; under the weight of the cylindrical component, water continues to enter the stabilizing chamber until the liquid level is flush with the bottom surface of the compartment structure, then close the air pipe on the compartment structure.

[0012] When the compartment structure comes into contact with the liquid surface, it generates buoyancy, causing it to float upwards and press against the cylindrical component.

[0013] The semi-submersible barge continues to submerge, and under the weight of the cylindrical component and the compartment structure, it is forced to inject stable water at a secondary liquid level into the cavity of the stabilizing chamber and the compartment structure until the weight of the cylindrical component and the compartment structure is balanced with the buoyancy of the cylindrical component and the compartment structure, so that the cylindrical component floats in the water.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0015] Optionally, air can be pumped into the cavity of the compartment structure through an air pipe to expel the stable water in the cavity of the compartment structure, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the cylindrical component and causing the cylindrical component to float to a certain height.

[0016] The semi-submersible barge continues to submerge in order to separate the semi-submersible barge from the cylindrical component.

[0017] Optionally, the liquid level in the cavity of the compartment structure is at least 1.5m lower than the liquid level in the stabilization tank.

[0018] Optionally, the cylindrical component is a hollow cylindrical component, and the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical component has a slot structure. When the compartment structure is engaged with the slot structure, the hollow cylindrical component is divided into a buoyancy compartment and a stabilization compartment arranged vertically.

[0019] Optionally, the slot structure includes a slot and flanges on the upper and lower sides of the slot, and the compartment structure is engaged with the slot to divide the cylindrical component into buoyancy compartments and stabilization compartments arranged vertically.

[0020] Optionally, the compartment structure includes a compartment body and a snap-fit ​​assembly. The compartment body is provided with a sliding groove. The snap-fit ​​assembly includes a slider and a telescopic member. The slider is slidably connected to the sliding groove. One end of the telescopic member is connected to the compartment body, and the other end of the telescopic member is driven to the slider. The telescopic member is used to drive the slider to extend out of the compartment body to snap into the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0021] Optionally, the cavity of the compartment structure is located in the compartment body, and the bottom end of the cavity has an opening. The opening is annular to divide the bottom plate of the compartment structure into an inner bottom plate portion and an outer bottom plate portion.

[0022] Optionally, after the cylindrical component settles to the level of the liquid level with the bottom surface of the compartment structure, it is inflated by inflating the inflatable waist seal surrounding the compartment structure until it expands to contact the inner wall of the cylindrical component to seal the stabilizing compartment.

[0023] Optionally, the compartment structure further includes a laser rangefinder, which is mounted on the compartment body and used to measure the distance between the compartment structure and the center of the cylindrical member, so as to adjust the extension of the telescopic member and make the compartment structure coaxial with the cylindrical member.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the floating stabilization method for cylindrical components provided in this application are as follows:

[0025] The floating stabilization method for cylindrical components provided in this application first loads the cylindrical component onto a semi-submersible barge with sufficient load-bearing capacity. A compartment structure is then installed inside the cylindrical component, dividing it into an upper and lower buoyancy chamber and a stabilization chamber. The buoyancy chamber is located above the compartment structure, and the stabilization chamber is located below it. The buoyancy chamber ensures sufficient buoyancy for the cylindrical component to float on the water surface, thus enabling its floating transport. The stabilization chamber is filled with stabilizing water to ensure stability when the cylindrical component floats on the water surface. The semi-submersible barge begins to submerge, and the cylindrical component, under its own weight, is forced into the stabilization chamber at an initial water level. An air pipe on the compartment structure is then opened to expel air from the stabilization chamber. Water continues to enter the stabilization chamber under the weight of the cylindrical component. Once the liquid level is level with the bottom of the compartment structure, the air pipe on the compartment structure is closed. Due to the buoyancy generated when the compartment structure comes into contact with the liquid surface, it is forced to float upwards and thus press against the cylindrical component. The semi-submersible barge continues to submerge, and under the self-weight of the cylindrical component and the compartment structure, it is forced to inject stabilizing water at a secondary liquid level into the cavity of the stabilizing tank and the compartment structure until the weight of the cylindrical component and the compartment structure is balanced with the buoyancy of the cylindrical component and the compartment structure, so that the cylindrical component floats in the water.

[0026] Therefore, only small-tonnage tugboats are needed to tow the cylindrical components to the designated sea area, eliminating the need for large loading vessels to carry them, thus reducing the difficulty and cost of transportation. Furthermore, with stabilizing water in the stabilization tank, it possesses a certain degree of floating stability, ensuring safe transportation in various sea conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the first state of transport of the cylindrical component based on the floating stabilization device provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the second state of transport of the cylindrical component based on the floating stabilization device provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of the third state of transport of a cylindrical component based on a floating stabilizing device provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the fourth state of transport of a cylindrical component based on a floating stabilizing device provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the fifth state of transport of the cylindrical component based on the floating stabilization device provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of the sixth state of transport of a cylindrical component based on a floating stabilizing device provided in this application;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the structure.

[0035] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0036] 1. Cylindrical components; 11. Buoyancy chambers;

[0037] 12. Stabilizing chamber; 13. Card slot structure;

[0038] 131. Card slot; 132. Flange;

[0039] 2. Semi-submersible barge; 3. Compartmentalized structure;

[0040] 31. Silo body; 311. Slide groove;

[0041] 32. Snap-fit ​​assembly; 321. Slider;

[0042] 322. Telescopic components; 33. Inflatable waist belt;

[0043] 34. Laser rangefinder. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention 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 intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0045] 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," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0046] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] 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 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0049] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] In the following description, suffixes such as "module," "part," "component," or "unit" are used only for the purpose of illustrative purposes and have no specific meaning in themselves. Therefore, they can be used interchangeably.

[0051] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0052] This application provides a method for stabilizing the floating of cylindrical components, comprising the following steps:

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cylindrical component 1 is first loaded onto a semi-submersible barge 2 with sufficient load-bearing capacity. A compartment structure 3 is then installed inside the cylindrical component 1, dividing it into a buoyancy chamber 11 and a stabilization chamber 12 arranged vertically. The buoyancy chamber 11 is located above the compartment structure 3, and the stabilization chamber 12 is located below it. The buoyancy chamber 11 ensures sufficient buoyancy for the cylindrical component 1 to float on the water surface, thus enabling its floating transport. The stabilization chamber 12 is used to fill with stabilizing water to ensure the cylindrical component 1 maintains a certain level of stability while floating on the water surface.

[0054] The semi-submersible barge 2 begins to submerge, and the cylindrical component 1, under its own weight, is forced to inject stable water at the initial liquid level into the stabilization chamber 12;

[0055] The air pipe on the compartment structure 3 is opened to expel the air from the stabilizing chamber 12; under the weight of the cylindrical component 1, water continues to enter the stabilizing chamber 12. Figure 3 As shown, after the liquid level is flush with the bottom surface of the compartment structure 3, close the air pipe on the compartment structure 3;

[0056] As the buoyancy generated by the compartment structure 3 after it comes into contact with the liquid surface, the compartment structure 3 is forced to float upward and thus press against the cylindrical component 1.

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the semi-submersible barge 2 continues to submerge. Under the weight of the cylindrical component 1 and the compartment structure 3, it is forced to inject stable water at a secondary liquid level into the cavity of the stabilizing chamber 12 and the compartment structure 3 until the weight of the cylindrical component 1 and the compartment structure 3 is balanced with the buoyancy of the cylindrical component 1 and the compartment structure 3, so that the cylindrical component 1 floats in the water.

[0058] Therefore, only a small-tonnage tugboat is needed to tow the cylindrical component 1 to the designated sea area, eliminating the need for large loading vessels to carry it, thus reducing the difficulty and cost of transporting the cylindrical component 1. Furthermore, with the stabilizing tank 12 filled with stabilizing water, it possesses a certain degree of floating stability, thereby ensuring its safe transport in various sea conditions.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this application, air is injected into the cavity of the compartment structure 3 through the air pipe on the compartment structure 3 to discharge the stable water in the cavity of the compartment structure 3, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the cylindrical component 1 and causing the cylindrical component 1 to float to a certain height; as the semi-submersible barge 2 continues to submerge, the semi-submersible barge 2 and the cylindrical component 1 can be automatically separated.

[0060] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one specific embodiment of this application, the liquid level in the cavity of the compartment structure 3 is at least 1.5m lower than the liquid level in the stabilizing tank 12. This setting is based on the aim of preventing the water level rise in the cavity of the compartment structure 3 from threatening the system stability under extreme conditions, such as sudden water inrush or changes in external pressure. By ensuring that the water level in the compartment structure 3 is at least 1.5m lower than the sealing tank water level, a sufficient safety buffer zone is provided for the system, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the overall structure.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown in a specific embodiment of this application, the cylindrical component 1 is specifically a hollow cylindrical component with openings at both ends. The inner wall of the hollow cylindrical component has a slot structure 13. When the compartment structure 3 is engaged with the slot structure 13, the hollow cylindrical component can be divided into a buoyancy compartment 11 and a stabilization compartment 12 arranged vertically.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this application, the slot structure 13 includes a slot 131 and flanges 132 disposed on the upper and lower sides of the slot 131. The flanges 132 serve to limit the movement of the compartment structure 3 and to transmit force. When the compartment structure 3 is engaged in the slot 131, it divides the cylindrical member 1 into a buoyancy compartment 11 and a stabilization compartment 12 arranged vertically.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this application, the compartment structure 3 includes a compartment body 31 and a snap-fit ​​assembly 32. Specifically, the compartment body 31 is provided with a groove 311, which provides a precise movement path for the snap-fit ​​assembly 32 and ensures the smoothness and stability of the snap-fit ​​process. The snap-fit ​​assembly 32 includes a slider 321 and a telescopic member 322. The slider 321 is slidably connected to the groove 311. One end of the telescopic member 322 is connected to the compartment body 31, and the other end of the telescopic member 322 is driven to the slider 321. The telescopic member 322 is used to drive the slider 321 to extend out of the compartment body 31 to snap into the snap-fit ​​groove 131. The telescopic member 322 can be a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder or an electric push rod, etc.

[0064] like Figure 7As shown, in a specific embodiment of this application, the cavity of the compartment structure 3 is provided in the compartment body 31, and the bottom end of the cavity has an opening. The opening is annular to divide the bottom plate of the compartment structure 3 into an inner bottom plate portion and an outer bottom plate portion.

[0065] When the floating stabilizing compartment tilts, the annular opening minimizes gas leakage within the cavity, ensuring buoyancy stability during tilting. The space reserved within the cavity also accommodates free water movement, reducing the required water seal height for the cylindrical component 1 during floating and towing, thus lowering the overall height of the compartment structure 3 and reducing material usage.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, in a specific embodiment of this application, after the cylindrical component 1 sinks to the level of the liquid level with the bottom surface of the compartment structure 3, it is inflated to the inflatable waist seal 33 surrounding the compartment structure 3 until it expands to contact the inner wall of the cylindrical component 1, so as to seal the stabilizing compartment 12 and effectively prevent water in the stabilizing compartment 12 from seeping into the buoyancy compartment 11.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown in one specific embodiment of this application, the compartment structure 3 further includes a laser rangefinder 34, which is mounted on the compartment body 31 and used to measure the distance between the compartment structure 3 and the center of the cylindrical member 1. During actual operation, the laser rangefinder 34 continuously emits a laser beam and receives the reflected signal. By calculating parameters such as the round-trip time or phase difference of the laser beam, the relative distance between the current position of the compartment structure 3 and the center of the cylindrical member 1 can be determined. Once the system detects a deviation in the position of the compartment structure 3 relative to the center of the cylindrical member 1, it feeds this deviation signal back to the control system, automatically calculates the amount that needs to be adjusted, and adjusts the extension length of the telescopic member 322 accordingly, thereby effectively bringing the compartment structure 3 back to a coaxial state with the cylindrical member 1.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for buoyancy stabilization of a cylindrical member, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: loading a cylindrical member (1) onto a semi-submersible barge (2); installing a partition structure (3) inside the cylindrical member (1), which separates the cylindrical member (1) into a buoyancy compartment (11) and a stabilizing compartment (12) arranged in a top-bottom manner, the buoyancy compartment (11) being located above the partition structure (3), and the stabilizing compartment (12) being located below the partition structure (3); starting the submersion of the semi-submersible barge (2), and the cylindrical member (1) is forced to press into the stabilizing compartment (12) under its own weight to be filled with stabilizing water to an initial liquid level; opening an air pipe on the partition structure (3) to discharge air in the stabilizing compartment (12), and the stabilizing compartment (12) continues to be filled with water under the self-weight of the cylindrical member (1), and the air pipe on the partition structure (3) is closed after the liquid level reaches the bottom surface of the partition structure (3); after the partition structure (3) contacts with the liquid surface, the partition structure (3) generates buoyancy to float upward and stop against the cylindrical member (1); the semi-submersible barge (2) continues to submerge, and the cylindrical member (1) and the partition structure (3) are forced to press into the stabilizing compartment (12) and the cavity of the partition structure (3) under their own weight to be filled with stabilizing water to a secondary liquid level, until the weight of the cylindrical member (1) and the partition structure (3) is balanced with the buoyancy of the cylindrical member (1) and the partition structure (3), so that the cylindrical member (1) is suspended in water; the cylindrical member (1) is a hollow cylindrical member, the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical member is provided with a clamping groove structure (13), and the partition structure (3) is clamped to the clamping groove structure (13) to separate the hollow cylindrical member into the buoyancy compartment (11) and the stabilizing compartment (12) arranged in a top-bottom manner; the clamping groove structure (13) comprises a clamping groove (131) and a flange (132) arranged on the upper and lower sides of the clamping groove (131), and the partition structure (3) is clamped into the clamping groove (131) to separate the cylindrical member (1) into the buoyancy compartment (11) and the stabilizing compartment (12) arranged in a top-bottom manner; the partition structure (3) comprises a compartment body (31) and a clamping assembly (32), the compartment body (31) is provided with a sliding groove (311), the clamping assembly (32) comprises a sliding block (321) and an extension piece (322), the sliding block (321) is slidably connected in the sliding groove (311), one end of the extension piece (322) is connected to the compartment body (31), and the other end of the extension piece (322) is drivingly connected with the sliding block (321), and the extension piece (322) is used for driving the sliding block (321) to extend out of the compartment body (31) to be clamped into the clamping groove (131).

2. The method for buoyancy stabilization of a cylindrical member according to claim 1, wherein, air is filled into the cavity of the partition structure (3) through the air pipe on the partition structure (3) to discharge the stabilizing water in the cavity of the partition structure (3), so as to increase the buoyancy of the cylindrical member (1) and make the cylindrical member (1) float to a certain height; the semi-submersible barge (2) continues to submerge to realize the separation of the semi-submersible barge (2) and the cylindrical member (1).

3. The buoyancy stabilizing method for a cylindrical member according to claim 2, characterized by, The liquid level in the cavity of the partitioned chamber structure (3) is at least 1.5 m lower than the liquid level in the stable chamber (12).

4. The buoyancy stabilizing method for a cylindrical member according to claim 1, wherein The cavity of the partitioned chamber structure (3) is arranged in the chamber body (31), and the bottom end of the cavity is provided with an annular opening to separate the bottom plate of the partitioned chamber structure (3) into an inner ring bottom plate portion (161) and an outer ring bottom plate portion (162).

5. The buoyancy stabilizing method for a cylindrical member according to claim 1, wherein After the cylindrical member (1) is lowered to the liquid level and the bottom surface of the partitioned chamber structure (3) is flush, air is supplied to the air inflation waist seal (33) arranged on the outer periphery of the partitioned chamber structure (3) until the air inflation waist seal (33) is inflated to be in contact with the inner wall of the cylindrical member (1) to seal the stable chamber (12).

6. The buoyancy stabilizing method for a cylindrical member according to claim 1, wherein The partitioned chamber structure (3) further comprises a laser range finder (34) mounted on the chamber body (31) to measure the distance of the partitioned chamber structure (3) relative to the center of the cylindrical member (1) to adjust the extension amount of the telescopic member (322) to make the partitioned chamber structure (3) coaxial with the cylindrical member (1).

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