Pile retention system

Abstract

A pile retention system for mounting an offshore foundation pile into the ground is provided. The pile holding system includes: a pile gripper assembly; a mounting assembly for attaching the pile retention system to the marine vessel; the connecting assembly comprises a connecting component; and an actuation device connected to at least one of the pile gripper assembly, the mounting assembly, or the connection member. The connection member is pivotably connected to the pile gripper assembly, and the connection member is pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the pile gripper assembly. The connecting member is pivotably connected to the mounting assembly, and the connecting member is pivotable about a second pivot axis relative to the mounting assembly. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are substantially parallel. The actuation device is configured to pivot the connecting member about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis to move the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly between a first extreme position and a second extreme position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a pile retaining system for installing offshore foundation piles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a pile retaining system for installing offshore monopiles. Background Art

[0002] Offshore foundation piles, such as monopiles, are generally installed by hanging the piles from the side of a marine vessel in a vertical configuration to be driven into the ground below the water. The piles are usually lowered through the water and to the ground using a crane, and are usually held against the side of the vessel by a pile retaining system. During the driving of the piles into the ground, the pile retaining system holds the piles in a vertical orientation. In some cases, the pile retaining system supports the piles during deployment, and thus rotates with the piles as they are erected by the crane.

[0003] The pile holding system typically has a pile gripper assembly with jaws that surround the pile. The inner surface of the jaws may have rollers to allow the pile to move through the jaws in a vertical direction as the pile is driven into the ground. The pile holding system typically has a mounting assembly for mounting the pile holding system to a vessel. In some known systems, the mounting assembly has a translation assembly for dynamically adjusting the lateral position of the pile holding system relative to the vessel, orthogonal to the axis of the pile, to compensate for movement of the vessel during pile driving.

[0004] Obviously, due to the large size of offshore foundation piles, the pile holding system is large and occupies considerable space on the ship. It is preferred to place the pile gripper assembly inboard when not in use, and thus this significant occupation of the ship's space is exacerbated. Placing the pile gripper assembly inboard is sometimes achieved by rotating the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly so that the plane of the pile gripper assembly is upright, which is orthogonal to the pile when the pile is in the pile gripper assembly. However, due to this large size, this means that the mounting assembly occupies a large amount of space in the horizontal direction of the ship, and the pile gripper assembly occupies a large amount of space in the vertical direction of the ship. This hinders operations performed on the ship, such as maintenance of the pile gripper assembly, due to the height of the pile gripper assembly and due to the inboard orientation of the pile gripper assembly. The inboard orientation of the pile gripper assembly also increases the complexity of attaching auxiliary equipment, such as a noise mitigation system, to the pile gripper assembly.

[0005] It would therefore be advantageous to overcome at least some of these limitations. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a pile retaining system for installing an offshore foundation pile into the ground, the pile retaining system comprising:

[0007] pile gripper assembly;

[0008] a mounting assembly for attaching the pile retention system to a marine vessel;

[0009] A connection assembly, the connection assembly comprising a connection member; and

[0010] an actuation device connected to at least one of the pile gripper assembly, the mounting assembly, or the connection member;

[0011] wherein the connecting member is pivotably connected to the pile gripper assembly, the connecting member being capable of pivoting relative to the pile gripper assembly about a first pivot axis,

[0012] wherein the connecting member is pivotably connected to the mounting assembly, wherein the connecting member is pivotable relative to the mounting assembly about a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are substantially parallel, and

[0013] Wherein, the actuation means is configured to pivot the connecting member about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis to move the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

[0014] With this system, there are two relative rotation points between the pile gripper assembly and the mounting assembly, thereby enabling the system to be easily manipulated. That is, the pile gripper assembly can rotate about both the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis when moving between the first extreme position and the second extreme position. Therefore, when the pile gripper assembly moves from the outboard position to the inboard position, the pile gripper assembly remains in a substantially horizontal orientation during operation and dwell time. In the inboard position, the pile gripper assembly can be substantially located above the mounting assembly. The result is a more compact solution that takes up less deck space than conventional holding systems. This increases operational flexibility because the additional space can be used for other equipment, such as a noise mitigation system suspended below the pile gripper assembly. In addition, the pile gripper assembly is more easily accessible for maintenance. In addition, the time for operation is significantly reduced.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the first pivot axis extends through a pivotable connection point between the connecting member and the pile gripper assembly, and the second pivot axis extends through a pivotable connection point between the connecting member and the mounting assembly. This enables a very compact system that can service a large number of operations.

[0016] In certain embodiments, in the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the angle between the clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly is less than 90°, preferably less than 45°, and more preferably less than 10°. The clamping plane may be defined as a plane which, in use, is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the offshore foundation pile being clamped.

[0017] Since the pile gripper assembly can rotate about both the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis when moving between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, rotation between the gripping plane of the pile gripper assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly can be limited. That is, the pile gripper assembly is not placed inboard by rotating the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly so that the gripping plane is vertical. Instead, the pile gripper assembly can remain in a substantially horizontal orientation when it moves from the outboard position to the inboard position. Therefore, the pile gripper assembly remains more accessible from the deck of the marine vessel.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the plane of the mounting assembly is substantially parallel to the deck of the marine vessel. This allows the overall system to have a less complex configuration, wherein stresses on key parts of the system are better controlled and / or limited at both extreme positions.

[0019] In certain embodiments, in the first extreme position, the second extreme position and all positions therebetween, the angle between the clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly is less than 45°, and preferably less than 10°.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the pile retaining system is configured so that the plane of the pile gripper assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly are substantially horizontal during installation of the offshore pile into the ground. This allows normal operation of the system during installation of the offshore pile into the ground, while the force bearing capacity of the system is better controlled when the system is used on a floating vessel.

[0021] In certain embodiments, in the first extreme position and the second extreme position, a clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly is substantially parallel to a plane of the mounting assembly.

[0022] In certain embodiments, in all intermediate positions of the pile gripper assembly between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the gripping plane of the pile gripper assembly is substantially parallel to the plane of the mounting assembly.

[0023] In certain embodiments, in the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the pile gripper assembly is in a spaced arrangement from the mounting assembly.

[0024] In this way, auxiliary components, such as a noise mitigation system, can be suspended below the pile gripper assembly. These auxiliary components remain accessible from the deck of the vessel for maintenance in an inboard position.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the pile gripper assembly is in a spaced arrangement with the mounting assembly in the first extreme position, the second extreme position, and all positions between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the connection member is a primary connection member, wherein the connection assembly further comprises an auxiliary connection member, which is pivotably connected to at least one of the pile gripper assembly and the mounting assembly. Advantageously, this provides the possibility of controlling the pile gripper assembly and the mounting assembly for a motion compensation system using the auxiliary connection member when performing pile installation in a floating vessel, since there are two connection members to support the pile gripper assembly during motion compensation.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the auxiliary connection member is pivotably connected to the pile gripper assembly, the auxiliary connection member being pivotable relative to the pile gripper assembly about a third pivot axis, the third pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first axis and the second axis.

[0028] By this arrangement, the pile gripper assembly can be pivoted relative to the connecting assembly about two separate axes, the first pivot axis and the third pivot axis.This helps to support the pile gripper assembly to remain substantially horizontal during retraction from the outboard position to the inboard position.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the auxiliary connecting member is pivotably connected to the mounting assembly, wherein the connecting member is pivotable relative to the mounting assembly about a fourth pivot axis, the fourth pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first axis and the second axis. This provides a very strong and at the same time flexible system, which can withstand large forces and can therefore be easily used for large pile installation work.

[0030] In some embodiments, the auxiliary connection member may be a first auxiliary connection member, and the pile retaining system may include a second auxiliary connection member. The second auxiliary connection member may be pivotally connected to the pile gripper assembly. The second auxiliary connection member is capable of pivoting relative to the pile gripper assembly about a third pivot axis. The second auxiliary connection member may be spaced apart from the pivotal connection between the first auxiliary connection member and the pile gripper assembly. The second auxiliary connection member is capable of pivoting relative to the mounting assembly about a fourth pivot axis. The second auxiliary connection member may be spaced apart from the pivotal connection between the first auxiliary connection member and the mounting assembly.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the primary connection member may be a first primary connection member and the pile retaining system may include a second primary connection member. The second primary connection member may be pivotally connected to the pile gripper assembly. The second primary connection member is pivotable relative to the pile gripper assembly about a first pivot axis. The second primary connection member may be spaced apart from the pivotal connection between the first primary connection member and the pile gripper assembly. The second primary connection member is pivotable relative to the mounting assembly about a second pivot axis. The second primary connection member may be spaced apart from the pivotal connection between the first primary connection member and the mounting assembly.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the pile retaining system may include a cross member connecting the first primary connection member and the second primary connection member together.

[0033] In certain embodiments, any or all of the primary or secondary connecting members may be solid bodies. The primary or secondary connecting members may be solid bodies because no portion of each of the primary or secondary members moves relative to any other portion of the same primary or secondary connecting member. This provides a sturdy assembly with few or minimal movement complications.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the first extreme position is an outboard or deployed position and the second extreme position is an inboard or retracted position.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the actuation means comprises at least one actuation assembly. Each actuation assembly may comprise a linear actuator.

[0036] In certain embodiments, each of the at least one actuation assembly is pivotably connected at one end to the mounting assembly and is pivotably connected at another end to the connecting member.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the actuation assembly is pivotable relative to the connecting member about a further or fifth pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis and the second axis.

[0038] In certain embodiments, each of at least one actuation assembly includes an articulated arm having a first end pivotally connected to a mounting assembly and a second end pivotally connected to a connecting member, and wherein a first end of a corresponding linear actuator is pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and a second end of the corresponding linear actuator is pivotally mounted to the articulated arm.

[0039] In certain embodiments, each articulated arm may include two portions pivotally connected together. A first portion of the two portions may be pivotally connected to the primary connection member or to a respective one of the primary connection members. A second portion of the two portions may be pivotally connected to the mounting assembly. A respective linear actuator may be pivotally connected to the second portion of the articulated arm at a location spaced apart from the pivotal connection between the two portions.

[0040] In some embodiments, the actuating means comprises a winch having an elongated element, such as a wire rope. The elongated element may be connected or connectable to the pile gripper assembly and / or the connecting assembly. The elongated element may be retractable or releasable to pivot the connecting member about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, thereby moving the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the mounting assembly comprises a translation assembly comprising two parallel first tracks and two parallel second tracks, the first tracks and the second tracks being substantially perpendicular to each other, and the translation assembly comprises a drive means configured to move the pile gripper assembly and the connecting assembly along the first tracks and the second tracks to provide dynamic position control of the pile gripper assembly in use.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the pile gripper assembly includes articulated jaws configured to surround the periphery of the pile in use.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the pile retaining system includes a motion control system configured to compensate for the motion of a vessel on which the offshore foundation pile is installed by the pile gripper assembly during use, so that the motion control system can always maintain the orientation of the pile gripper assembly relative to the installation assembly. This enables the pile to remain substantially vertical and in an optimal position while being driven into the seabed.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the translation assembly is controlled by a motion control system such that the movement of the two parallel first tracks and the movement of the two parallel second tracks are perpendicular to each other.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the linear actuator can be controlled by a motion control system.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the motion control system comprises at least one sensor for determining the inclination angle of the pile relative to the vertical axis of the pile. The at least one sensor may be capable of measuring the pile inclination before and during the pile driving operation. Advantageously, this causes the pile holding system to actively adapt to the vessel motion and enables safe and flexible pile driving operations on floating vessels. Furthermore, the simultaneous and active control of the linear actuator and the pile gripper assembly enables good use of the thruster on floating vessels.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a marine vessel, the marine vessel comprising a pile retaining system according to the first aspect of the invention, a mounting assembly of the pile retaining system being mounted to the marine vessel. The mounting assembly may be mounted to a deck of the marine vessel. The mounting assembly may be mounted above or below the deck of the marine vessel. The mounting assembly may be mounted substantially parallel to the deck of the marine vessel.

[0048] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of moving a pile clamp assembly of a pile retaining system between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, the method comprising:

[0049] Actuating means of the pile retaining system to pivot a connecting member of the connecting assembly relative to the pile gripper assembly about a first pivot axis and to pivot the connecting member relative to a mounting assembly of the pile retaining system about a second pivot axis, thereby moving the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the mounting assembly is used to attach the pile retaining system to a marine vessel.

[0050] In some embodiments, in the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the angle between the clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly is less than 45°, and preferably less than 10°. In use, the clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the clamped offshore pile.

[0051] In certain embodiments, in the first extreme position and the second extreme position, a clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly is substantially parallel to a plane of the mounting assembly.

[0052] In certain embodiments, during movement between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, a plane of the pile gripper assembly is substantially parallel to a plane of the mounting assembly.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the pile gripper assembly and the mounting assembly remain in the spaced arrangement during movement between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the first extreme position is an outboard or deployed position and the second extreme position is an inboard or retracted position.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the actuation device comprises at least one actuation assembly, the at least one actuation assembly comprising a linear actuator, and wherein actuation of the actuation device comprises extending or retracting the linear actuator of the at least one actuator assembly.

[0056] In some embodiments, the actuating means comprises a winch having an elongated element, such as a wire rope. The elongated element may be connected or connectable to the pile gripper assembly and / or the connecting assembly. Actuation of the actuating means may comprise retracting or releasing the elongated element from the winch to pivot the connecting member about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, thereby moving the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the post retaining system of the third aspect of the invention is the post retaining system of the first aspect of the invention.

[0058] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing an offshore pile using a pile retaining system mounted to a marine vessel, the method comprising:

[0059] clamping a marine pile in a pile clamp assembly;

[0060] According to the previous aspect of the invention, the pile retaining system is moved from a second extreme position to a first extreme position, the second extreme position being a retracted position and the first extreme position being a deployed position; and

[0061] A pile driving operation is performed to drive offshore piles into the ground.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the method includes actuating a drive means to move the pile gripper assembly and the connection assembly along substantially vertical first and second tracks of a translation assembly included in the installation assembly, the translation assembly also including the drive means to provide dynamic position control of the pile gripper assembly relative to the marine vessel when installing the pile. Advantageously, this can be used to compensate for motion of the vessel, for example when the vessel is floating and thus waves and currents move the vessel. Additionally, or alternatively, this can be used to compensate for wave and current loads on the foundation piles to keep the foundation piles within a tilt tolerance.

[0063] In certain embodiments, clamping the marine pile includes clamping the marine pile between articulated jaws of a pile clamp assembly, the articulated jaws surrounding a perimeter of the marine pile.

[0064] For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein are equally applicable to any aspect of the present invention.For example, the method may include any one or more features or steps associated with one or more features of the pile retaining system.

[0065] Within the scope of the present application, it is explicitly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings and in particular their individual features may be adopted independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or the features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination unless these features are incompatible. To avoid doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", "such as", "for example" and any similar terms as used herein should be interpreted as non-restrictive, so that there is no need to display any features described in this manner. In fact, without departing from the scope of the present invention, any combination of optional features is explicitly envisioned, regardless of whether these combinations are explicitly claimed for protection. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally submitted claims or to submit any new claims accordingly, including the right to modify any originally submitted claims to any features subordinate to any other claims and / or to any features incorporated into any other claims, although not originally claimed for protection in this manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1a to Figure 1d is a schematic diagram of the pile retention system;

[0068] Figure 2a to Figure 2d yes Figure 1a to Figure 1d A schematic diagram of a pile retaining system having an added noise mitigation system; and

[0069] Figure 3a and Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of another pile retention system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] First refer to Figure 1a to Figure 1d , a pile retaining system 1 for installing an offshore foundation pile (not shown) into the ground (not shown) is shown. The pile retaining system 1 has a pile gripper assembly 2 and a mounting assembly 3. In this example, the mounting assembly 3 is attached to a deck D of a marine vessel, however, the mounting assembly may be mounted above or below the deck D. Preferably, the mounting assembly 3 is mounted substantially parallel to the deck D. The pile retaining system 1 is attached to the side of the marine vessel so that the pile retaining system 1 may extend beyond the boundaries of the marine vessel.

[0071] The pile gripper assembly 2 is connected to the mounting assembly 3 via a connection assembly. In this example, the connection assembly has a first primary connection member and a second primary connection member 41 spaced apart from each other. In this example, there is a cross member 41a connecting the two primary connection members 41 together. However, the cross member 41a is optional. In this example, each primary connection member 41 is a solid body, such as a rod, beam or bar. It will be appreciated that any number of primary connection members may be provided, for example there may be one primary connection member.

[0072] The primary connection member 41 is pivotally connected at a first end to the pile gripper assembly 2. The primary connection member 41 is pivotally connected at a second end to the mounting assembly 3. The primary connection member 41 is pivotally connected relative to the pile gripper assembly 2 about a first pivot axis A1. The primary connection member 41 is pivotally connected relative to the mounting assembly 3 about a second pivot axis A2. The first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0073] In this example, the connection assembly has a first auxiliary connection member and a second auxiliary connection member 42. Each auxiliary connection member 42 is a solid body, such as a rod, beam or bar. The auxiliary connection member 42 is pivotally connected to the pile gripper assembly 2 at a first end. The auxiliary connection member 42 is pivotally connected to the mounting assembly 3 at a second end.

[0074] In this example, the two auxiliary connection members 42 have a common pivotable connection with the pile gripper assembly 2, and a separate pivotable connection with the mounting assembly 3. In this way, the auxiliary connection members 42 are separated from each other in a direction away from their first ends to their second ends. In this example, the two auxiliary connection members 42 are connected to each other by a cross member 42a, which is close to the pivotable connection with the mounting assembly 3. It will be understood that either or both of the common pivotable connection with the pile gripper assembly 2 and the cross member 42a can be omitted. For example, the two auxiliary connection members 42 can be spaced apart in a substantially parallel manner. It will also be understood that the auxiliary connection members 42 can be omitted entirely, so that the pile gripper assembly 2 only pivots relative to the main connection member 41.

[0075] The auxiliary connection member 42 is pivotable about a third pivot axis A3 relative to the pile gripper assembly 2. The auxiliary connection member 42 is pivotable about a fourth pivot axis A4 relative to the mounting assembly. The third pivot axis A3 and the fourth pivot axis A4 are substantially parallel to each other and to the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2.

[0076] The pile retaining system 1 comprises actuation means. In this example, the actuation means comprises two actuation assemblies. Each actuation assembly has a linear actuator 51 and an articulated arm formed by a first part 52a and a second part 52b.

[0077] Each linear actuator 51 is pivotally connected to the mounting assembly 3 at one end and pivotally connected to the corresponding articulated arm at the other end. In each articulated arm, the end of the first portion 52a and the end of the second portion 52b are pivotally connected to each other. The other end of the first portion 52a of each articulated arm is pivotally connected to the mounting assembly 3 at a position separated from the pivotable connection between the corresponding linear actuator 51 and the mounting assembly 3. The other end of the second portion 52b of each articulated arm is pivotally connected to the corresponding main connecting member 41 so that the second portion 52b of each articulated arm can pivot about the fifth pivot axis A5 relative to the corresponding main connecting member 41. The fifth pivot axis A5 is spaced apart from and parallel to the first pivot axis A1, the second pivot axis A2, the third pivot axis A3 and the fourth pivot axis A4. Each linear actuator 51 is pivotally connected to the first portion 52a of the corresponding articulated arm at a certain distance along the length of the first portion 52a. In this example, the first parts 52a of the two articulated arms are connected together by a cross member 52c. However, the cross member 52c is optional.

[0078] The actuation means may alternatively be provided by a winch (not shown). An elongate element of the winch, such as a wire rope, is connected or connectable to the pile gripper assembly 2 such that retraction or release of the wire rope moves the pile gripper assembly 2 relative to the mounting assembly.

[0079] The pile gripper assembly 2 has an openable jaw 21 which defines a generally circular passage when closed. The jaw 21 is openable so that an offshore pile (not shown) can be located in the jaw 21 of the pile gripper assembly 2 and gripped by the jaw 21. In this example, the pile gripper assembly 2 has a plurality of roller devices 22 positioned around the periphery of the circular passage. When the jaw 21 is closed around the pile, the pile is gripped by the roller devices 22 and is thus allowed to move in an axial direction, but is prevented from moving in other directions. In this way, the pile gripper assembly 2 can be used to hold the pile in a vertical orientation while the pile is driven into the ground during a pile driving operation.

[0080] In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 3 includes a mounting frame for mounting the pile gripper assembly 2 and the connection assembly to the deck D. The mounting frame may fix the pile retaining system 1 relative to the deck D. However, in other examples, the mounting frame may allow the pile retaining system 1 to move relative to the deck D.

[0081] In this example, the mounting assembly 3 includes a translation assembly having two parallel first rails 31 and two parallel second rails 32. The first rails 31 are substantially perpendicular to the second rails 32. The first rails 31 are capable of being mounted to a marine vessel. In this example, the first rails 31 are mounted to a deck D of the marine vessel, but as previously described, it will be understood that the first rails 31 may be mounted in another manner, such as to another structure present on the deck D, or below the deck D.

[0082] In this example, the first rail 31 and the second rail 32 are coupled together by a movement device, such as a movable carrier or the like.

[0083] In this example, the motion device allows the second rail 32 to move in the axial direction of the first rail 31. In this example, the motion devices are dual-axis couplers because they also allow the second rail 32 to move in the axial direction of the second rail 32. That is, the second rail 32 is allowed to move across the first rail 31 relative to the motion device along the longitudinal axis of the second rail 32. In this way, the second rail 32 can move in a first direction (the axial direction of the first rail 31) and a second direction (the axial direction of the second rail 32).

[0084] In this example, the mounting assembly 3 includes drive means that are operable to drive the second track 32 and / or the motion device to move along the axial direction of the first track 31 and along the axial direction of the second track 32. The drive means may include a motor or the like. The drive means may be coupled to the second track 32 or the motion device. In this example, the drive means is controlled by a motion control system (not shown). The motion control system drives the drive means in response to one or more sensors measuring the inclination of the pile during the pile driving application to keep the pile in a substantially vertical orientation. There may also be other sensors for measuring the position and / or direction of the vessel, and the motion control system may use these other measurements to control the drive means.

[0085] In this example, the primary connection member 41, the secondary connection member 42, the linear actuator 51 and the first part 52a of the articulated arm are all pivotably connected to the second track 32. It will be appreciated that such connection may be direct, as shown in the illustrated example, or indirect, for example via an intermediate platform. In this way, movement of the second track 32 relative to the first track 31 causes the pile gripper assembly 2 to move. This allows the position of the pile gripper assembly 2 relative to the marine vessel to be adjusted or dynamically controlled to compensate for the movement of the marine vessel during the pile driving operation, thereby maintaining the marine pile in a vertical orientation despite the movement of the marine vessel and / or the loads on the foundation pile caused, for example, by waves or currents. It will be appreciated that in other more simplified examples, the mounting assembly may only allow the pile gripper assembly 2 to move in only a single direction relative to the deck D or not at all.

[0086] Figure 1a and Figure 1c The pile retaining system is shown in a first extreme position. In this example, the first extreme position is an outboard or deployed position. Figure 1b and Figure 1d The pile retaining system 1 is shown in a second extreme position. In this example, the second extreme position is the inboard or retracted position. In the outboard position, the pile gripper assembly 2 is located outside the vessel and can be used for piling applications as previously described. When no piling operation is taking place, the pile gripper assembly 2 is stored in the inboard position.

[0087] The pile gripper assembly 2 comprises a plane or gripper plane P1 which is orthogonal to the axis of the circular passage of the pile gripper assembly 2 and hence to the axis of the pile during a pile driving operation. The gripper plane P1 is Figure 1b is visible.

[0088] In the illustrated example, in both the inboard position and the outboard position, the orientation of the gripper plane P1 of the pile gripper assembly 2 remains substantially constant relative to a fixed reference point on the marine vessel. For example, in both the inboard position and the outboard position, the gripper plane P1 of the pile gripper assembly 2 remains substantially parallel to the deck D of the marine vessel or the plane P2 of the mounting assembly, wherein the plane P2 of the mounting assembly is also orthogonal to the axis of the pile during the pile driving operation, and the plane P2 of the mounting assembly is substantially parallel to the deck D of the marine vessel or the plane P2 of the mounting assembly during the pile driving operation. Figure 1b It is also visible in.

[0089] The parallel orientation of the pile gripper assembly 2 relative to the deck D in the inboard position is beneficial because it simplifies access to the pile gripper assembly 2 for maintenance and attachment of auxiliary equipment, such as a noise mitigation system (NMS). This orientation is also an efficient use of space, wherein the volume of space occupied by the pile retaining system 1 above the deck D of the marine vessel is not significantly larger in the inboard position than in the outboard position. It will be appreciated that the planes P1, P2 of the pile gripper assembly 2 and the mounting assembly 3 need not be parallel to achieve these advantages, and it will be appreciated that the angle between the planes P1, P2 may be set by varying the relative lengths of the primary connection member 41 and the secondary connection member 42. However, it is preferred that the angle between the planes P1, P2 is less than 45°, and more preferably less than 10°.

[0090] The movement of the pile retaining system 1 between the inboard position and the outboard position when the pile retaining system 1 is mounted to a marine vessel will now be described. Figure 1b , Figure 1d and Figure 1a , Figure 1c shown.

[0091] When starting from the outboard position, the linear actuator 51 is actuated to extend linearly. This causes the corresponding first portion 52a of the articulated arm to pivot about the pivotable connection with the mounting assembly 3, which in turn causes the second portion 52b of the articulated arm to move in the inboard direction. The movement of the second portion 52b of the articulated arm causes the primary connection member 41 to pivot relative to the mounting assembly about the second axis A2, so that the primary connection member 41 pivots in the inboard direction. The primary connection member 41 also pivots relative to the pile gripper assembly about the first pivot axis A1. The movement of the primary connection member 41 first lifts the pile gripper assembly 2, and then lowers the pile gripper assembly 2 to the inboard position. Due to the pivotable connection at either end of the second portion 52b of each articulated arm, the second portion 52b is free to pivot to be loaded in tension, thereby lifting the primary connection member 41 away from the outboard position. Once the primary connecting member 41 passes the rotation point where the bearing weight line passes through the second pivot axis A2, the second portion 52b of the articulated arm is loaded in compression thereby lowering and supporting the pile gripper assembly 2 to the inboard position.

[0092] When starting from the inboard position, the linear actuator 51 is actuated to linearly retract. This causes the corresponding first portion 52a of the articulated arm to pivot about the pivotable connection with the mounting assembly 3, which in turn moves the second portion 52b of the articulated arm in the outboard direction. The movement of the second portion 52b of the articulated arm causes the primary connection member 41 to pivot relative to the mounting assembly about the second axis A2, so that the primary connection member 41 pivots in the outboard direction. The primary connection member 41 pivots relative to the pile gripper assembly about the first pivot axis A1. The movement of the primary connection member 41 first lifts the pile gripper assembly 2, and then lowers the pile gripper assembly 2 to the outboard position. Due to the pivotable connection at either end of the second portion 52b of each articulated arm, the second portion 52b is free to pivot to be loaded in compression, thereby lifting the primary connection member 41 away from the inboard position. Once the primary connecting member 41 passes the rotation point where the weight bearing line passes through the second pivot axis A2, the second part 52b of the articulated arm is loaded in tension thereby lowering the pile gripper assembly 2 to the outboard position and bearing the weight of the pile gripper assembly 2 in the outboard position.

[0093] In both directions of movement, rotation of the pile gripper assembly 2 relative to the mounting assembly 3 is controlled due to their pivotable connections to the auxiliary connecting member 42 about the third axis A3 and the fourth axis A4 respectively.

[0094] A possible variation of this embodiment of the pile retaining system is that the auxiliary connection member 42 may be an actuator so that the angle of the plane of the pile gripper assembly 2 is adjustable. This may be useful for maintaining or retaining a specific angle between the plane of the pile gripper assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly when moving between the inboard position and the outboard position. As previously mentioned, another variation is that the actuation assembly is replaced by one or more winches, the elongated elements of which can be connected to the pile gripper assembly 2. In this case, the winches can be operated to raise and lower the pile gripper assembly 2 between the inboard position and the outboard position.

[0095] Now refer to Figure 2a to Figure 2d , shows the pile retaining system 1 of FIG. 1 , wherein a noise mitigation system (NMS) 6 is fitted to the pile clamp assembly 2. Figure 2b and Figure 2d As is clear from the figure, orientation of the pile gripper assembly 2 in the inboard position makes it easier to attach and detach the NMS 6 from the pile gripper assembly 2. The NMS 6 may be a hydroacoustic damper (HSD) system or a resonator system tuned to a specific frequency.

[0096] The structure and operation of the pile retaining system 1 with the NMS 6 attached is the same as that of the pile retaining system 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 .

[0097] Now refer to Figure 3a to Figure 3b , shows a further embodiment of a post retaining system 11 according to the invention. The post retaining system 11 is similar to the post retaining system 1 of the previous embodiment and like features are indicated by like reference numerals with a prefix of '1'.

[0098] The pile retaining system 11 of this embodiment differs from the pile retaining system of the previous embodiment in that the two linear actuators 151 are directly pivotably connected to the cross member 141a connecting the two main connecting members 141. Therefore, there is no articulated arm in the pile retaining system 11 of this embodiment.

[0099] The primary connection members 141 of this embodiment also differ from those of the previous embodiment in that each primary connection member is generally triangular in shape, formed of three elongate sections, each of which is joined at either end to a respective one of the other two elongate members. A first one of the elongate members of each primary connection member 141 has a pivotal connection to the mounting assembly 13 at one end, and a pivotal connection to the pile gripper assembly 2 at the other end. A second one of the elongate members of each primary connection member 141 has a pivotal connection to the mounting assembly 13 at one end, and a cross member 141a at the other end. A third one of the elongate members of each primary connection member 141 has a pivotal connection to the pile gripper assembly 2 at one end, and a cross member 141a at the other end.

[0100] It will be appreciated that other variations in the geometry, configuration or number of each of the primary connection members 41 , 141 , the auxiliary connection members 42 , 142 , the linear actuators 51 , 151 are possible.

[0101] The mounting assembly 13 is substantially the same as that of the previous embodiment, and has a pivotal connection between the primary connection member 141 , the secondary connection member 142 and the linear actuator 151 and the second track 132 .

[0102] The pile gripper assembly 22 and the auxiliary connecting member 142 are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment and will not be described further. The operation of the pile gripper assembly 22 and the mounting assembly 13 is also the same as that of the previously described pile gripper assembly and the mounting assembly and will not be described further. Figure 3a to Figure 3b It can be seen that there is a NMS 16 on the pile clamp assembly 22, such as Figure 2a to Figure 2d However, NMS16 can be omitted, as in Figure 1a to Figure 1d As shown in the implementation method of .

[0103] The movement of the pile gripper assembly 22 between the outboard position and the inboard position will now be described.

[0104] When starting from the outboard position, the linear actuator 151 is actuated to extend linearly. This pushes the cross member 141a connecting the primary connection members 141 together in the inboard direction, thereby pivoting the primary connection members 141 about the second pivot axis A12 relative to the mounting assembly 13. This in turn lifts the pile gripper assembly 22, and the primary connection member 141 pivots about the first pivot axis A11 relative to the pile gripper assembly 22. Continued extension of the linear actuator 151 lowers the pile gripper assembly 22 to the inboard position.

[0105] When starting from the inboard position, the linear actuator 151 is actuated to linearly retract. This pulls the cross member 141a connecting the primary connection members 141 together in the outboard direction, thereby pivoting the primary connection members 141 about the second pivot axis A12 relative to the mounting assembly 13. This in turn lifts the pile gripper assembly 22, and the primary connection member 141 pivots about the first pivot axis A11 relative to the pile gripper assembly 22. Continued extension of the linear actuator 151 lowers the pile gripper assembly 22 to the outboard position.

[0106] As in the previous embodiment, in both directions of movement, rotation of the pile gripper assembly 22 relative to the mounting assembly 13 is maintained due to their pivotable connection to the auxiliary connecting member 142 about the third and fourth axes A13 and A14 respectively.

[0107] As in the previous embodiment, a possible variation is that the auxiliary connection member 142 may be an actuator so that the angle of the plane of the pile gripper assembly 22 is adjustable. This may facilitate maintenance, or to maintain a specific angle when moving between the inboard and outboard positions.

Claims

1. A pile retaining system for installing an offshore foundation pile into the ground, the pile retaining system comprising: pile gripper assembly; a mounting assembly for attaching the pile retention system to a marine vessel; A connection assembly, the connection assembly comprising a connection member; as well as an actuation device connected to at least one of the pile gripper assembly, the mounting assembly, or the connection member; wherein the connecting member is pivotably connected to the pile gripper assembly, the connecting member being capable of pivoting relative to the pile gripper assembly about a first pivot axis, wherein the connecting member is pivotably connected to the mounting assembly, wherein the connecting member is pivotable relative to the mounting assembly about a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are substantially parallel, and Wherein, the actuation means is configured to pivot the connecting member about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis to move the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly between a first extreme position and a second extreme position.

2. The pile retaining system according to claim 1, wherein: In the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the angle between the clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly is smaller than 45°, and preferably smaller than 10°.

3. A pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, wherein: In the first extreme position and the second extreme position, a clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly is substantially parallel to a plane of the mounting assembly.

4. The pile retaining system according to claim 3, wherein: In all intermediate positions of the pile gripper assembly between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the gripping plane of the pile gripper assembly is substantially parallel to the plane of the mounting assembly.

5. A pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, wherein: In the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the pile gripper assembly is in a spaced arrangement from the mounting assembly.

6. A pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The connection member is a primary connection member, wherein the connection assembly further comprises an auxiliary connection member pivotably connected to at least one of the pile gripper assembly and the mounting assembly.

7. The pile retaining system according to claim 6, wherein: The auxiliary connection member is pivotably connected to the pile gripper assembly, the auxiliary connection member being pivotable relative to the pile gripper assembly about a third pivot axis, the third pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first axis and the second axis.

8. A pile retaining system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: The auxiliary connecting member is pivotably connected to the mounting assembly, wherein the connecting member is pivotable relative to the mounting assembly about a fourth pivot axis, the fourth pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first axis and the second axis.

9. A pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first extreme position is an outboard or deployed position and the second extreme position is an inboard or retracted position.

10. A pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The actuation means comprises at least one actuation assembly, each actuation assembly comprising a linear actuator.

11. The pile retaining system according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the at least one actuation assembly is pivotably connected at one end to the mounting assembly and at another end to the connecting member.

12. The pile retaining system according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the at least one actuation assemblies comprises an articulated arm having a first end pivotably connected to the mounting assembly and a second end pivotably connected to the connecting member, and wherein the first end of the respective linear actuator is pivotably connected to the mounting assembly and the second end of the respective linear actuator is pivotably mounted to the articulated arm.

13. A pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The mounting assembly comprises a translation assembly including two parallel first tracks and two parallel second tracks, the first tracks and the second tracks being substantially perpendicular to each other, and the translation assembly comprises drive means configured, in use, to move the pile gripper assembly and the connecting assembly along the first tracks and the second tracks to provide dynamic position control of the pile gripper assembly.

14. A pile retaining system according to claim 13, further comprising a motion control system configured to compensate, in use, for movement of the vessel on which the offshore foundation pile is mounted, via the pile gripper assembly.

15. The pile retaining system of claim 14, wherein: The translation assembly is controlled by the motion control system so that the movements of the two parallel first rails and the two parallel second rails are perpendicular to each other.

16. A pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The pile gripper assembly comprises an articulated jaw configured to surround a periphery of a pile in use.

17. A marine vessel comprising a pile retaining system according to any preceding claim, the mounting assembly of the pile retaining system being mounted to the marine vessel.

18. A method of moving a pile gripper assembly of a pile retaining system between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, the method comprising: an actuation device of the pile retaining system to pivot a connecting member of a connecting assembly relative to the pile gripper assembly about a first pivot axis and pivot the connecting member relative to a mounting assembly of the pile retaining system about a second pivot axis, thereby moving the pile gripper assembly relative to the mounting assembly, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the mounting assembly is used to attach the pile retaining system to a marine vessel.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The pile gripper assembly has a gripping plane which, in use, is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of a gripped offshore foundation pile, and wherein, in the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the angle between the gripping plane of the pile gripper assembly and the plane of the mounting assembly is less than 45°, and preferably less than 10°.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: In the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the clamping plane of the pile clamp assembly is substantially parallel to the plane of the mounting assembly.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: During movement between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the plane of the pile gripper assembly is substantially parallel to the plane of the mounting assembly.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein: During movement between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the pile gripper assembly and the mounting assembly remain in a spaced arrangement.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein: The first extreme position is an outboard or deployed position and the second extreme position is an inboard or retracted position.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein: The actuation means comprises at least one actuation assembly, the at least one actuation assembly comprising a linear actuator, and wherein actuation of the actuation means comprises extending or retracting the linear actuator of the at least one actuation assembly.

25. A method of installing a marine pile using a pile retaining system mounted to a marine vessel, the method comprising: clamping the offshore pile in a pile clamp assembly; 22, moving the pile retaining system from a second extreme position to a first extreme position, the second extreme position being a retracted position and the first extreme position being a deployed position; as well as A piling operation is performed to drive the offshore piles into the ground.

26. The method of claim 25, comprising actuating a drive means to move the pile gripper assembly and the connecting assembly along first and second substantially vertical tracks of a translation assembly included in a mounting assembly, the translation assembly also comprising the drive means to provide dynamic position control of the pile gripper assembly relative to the marine vessel when installing the pile.

27. A method according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein: Clamping the offshore pile includes clamping the offshore pile between articulated jaws of the pile clamp assembly, the articulated jaws surrounding a perimeter of the offshore pile.

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