Floating platform tension leg mooring system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of mooring equipment, in particular to a floating platform tension leg mooring system which comprises at least three sets of tension tendons connected with a floating platform, and each tension tendon is composed of a steel cable locking device, a steel cable, a mooring connecting arm and a universal joint base from the upper platform end to the lower anchoring end. The tension tendons are connected with the floating platform through the steel cable locking devices, accurate adjustment of tension is achieved through the tension adjusting locking connectors, the tension consistency of the tension tendons is achieved, the tension adjusting locking connectors can be locked on the steel cable locking devices, and one ends of the tension adjusting locking connectors are directly connected with the steel cables. According to the floating platform tension leg mooring system, through the design of the tension adjusting locking connectors, the tension of each group of tension tendons can be accurately adjusted, and it is ensured that the tension of each group of tension tendons is kept consistent. Therefore, the stability and the reliability of the whole mooring system are improved, and the platform movement deviation caused by uneven tension is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of mooring equipment, and more specifically, to a tension leg mooring system for a floating platform. Background Art

[0002] In the field of offshore floating platforms, tension leg floating platforms have attracted much attention due to their excellent motion performance. The motion of this type of platform in the out-of-plane direction (such as heave, roll, and pitch) is extremely small, which can significantly reduce the impact on platform equipment and improve the reliability and overall efficiency of equipment operation at sea. At the same time, the mooring system of the tension leg floating platform occupies a small sea area, which helps to reduce the occupation of marine resources.

[0003] However, the tension leg mooring system is subjected to high-frequency loads during the in-service period of the platform, which poses extremely high requirements on the strength and fatigue performance of the tension legs. The mooring system of traditional oil and gas tension leg platforms usually consists of high-strength steel pipes. This kind of material has high cost and complex installation procedures, and does not meet the requirements of offshore platforms for cost control. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a tension leg mooring system for a floating platform to solve the problem that the mooring system of traditional oil and gas tension leg platforms usually consists of high-strength steel pipes, which has high material cost and complex installation procedures and does not meet the requirements of offshore platforms for cost control as mentioned in the above background art.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides a tension leg mooring system for a floating platform, which includes at least three groups of tension tendons connected to the floating platform. Each tension tendon is composed of a cable stopper, a cable, a mooring connection arm, and a universal joint base from the upper platform end to the lower anchoring end; all the tension tendons are connected to the floating platform through cable stoppers, and precise adjustment of the tension is achieved through tension adjustment locking joints to achieve the tension consistency of each group of tension tendons. The tension adjustment locking joint can be locked on the cable stopper, and one end of the tension adjustment locking joint is directly connected to the cable.

[0006] Preferably, the tension adjustment locking joint includes a cylinder, and a number of circular protrusions are equidistantly installed on the outer wall of the cylinder. The cable stopper includes a threaded sleeve, and external threads are provided on the outer wall of the protrusion. The threaded sleeve is threadedly connected to the protrusion. One end of the threaded sleeve is connected and matched with the floating platform through a connector, and a flared opening for facilitating the insertion of the tension adjustment locking joint is installed at the other end of the threaded sleeve.

[0007] Preferably, the three groups of tension tendons are equally spaced in a circle with the middle of the floating platform as the center, and a tower barrel and floating platform facilities and equipment are sequentially installed on the upper part of the floating platform.

[0008] Preferably, each group of the tension tendons is composed of 2-4 tendons, which are all vertically arranged and in a tensioned state.

[0009] Preferably, one end of the steel cable away from the tension adjustment locking joint is connected to the seabed anchor through a mooring connecting arm.

[0010] Preferably, a cable joint is installed at one end of the steel cable away from the tension adjustment locking joint. The cable joint is connected with a mooring connecting arm through an H-shaped shackle. The mooring connecting arm is installed with a gimbal base through a connecting shackle, and the gimbal base is fixed on the seabed anchor.

[0011] Preferably, the steel cable stopper is installed below the waterline on the outer side of the side pontoon of the floating platform.

[0012] Preferably, a steel rope is connected to one side of the floating platform close to the connector. A chuck that is clamped and matched with the connector is installed at the outer end of the steel rope, and the chuck is clamped and matched with the connector.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0014] In the tension leg mooring system of the floating platform, through the design of the tension adjustment locking joint, the tension of each group of tension tendons can be accurately adjusted to ensure that the tensions of each group of tension tendons are consistent. This helps to improve the stability and reliability of the entire mooring system and reduce the platform movement deviation caused by uneven tension.

[0015] The tension tendons are composed of a steel cable stopper, a steel cable, a mooring connecting arm, a gimbal base, etc. This modular design makes the mooring system easier to adapt to different marine environments and platform requirements. At the same time, the lockable characteristic of the tension adjustment locking joint also increases the flexibility of the system, facilitating maintenance and adjustment during the operation of the platform.

[0016] Compared with the traditional high-strength steel pipe mooring system, the tension leg mooring system of the floating platform uses a steel cable as the main load-bearing element, significantly reducing the material cost. At the same time, the modular design and simple connection method of the system also simplify the installation procedure and improve the construction efficiency.

[0017] The steel cable has high strength and fatigue resistance, can withstand the action of high-frequency loads, and meets the stringent requirements of the tension leg mooring system during the in-place period of the platform. In addition, the design of the gimbal base enables the mooring system to better adapt to the changes in the seabed topography, improving the durability and reliability of the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2Schematic installation diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 Top view structural schematic diagram of the floating platform in the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 Cooperating schematic diagram of the steel cable locking device and the tension adjusting locking joint in the present invention;

[0022] The meanings of each label in the figure are as follows:

[0023] 1. Tension tendon; 2. Floating platform; 3. Tower barrel; 4. Facilities and equipment on the floating platform; 5. Steel cable locking device; 51. Threaded sleeve; 52. Bell mouth; 53. Connector; 6. Tension adjusting locking joint; 61. Cylinder; 62. Protrusion; 7. Steel cable; 8. Cable joint; 9. H-shaped shackle; 10. Mooring connection arm; 11. Connecting shackle; 12. Universal joint base. Detailed implementation manner

[0024] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] The present invention provides a floating platform tension leg mooring system, as Figures 1 - 4 shown, including at least three groups of tension tendons 1 connected to the floating platform 2. The tension tendons 1 are respectively composed of a steel cable locking device 5, a steel cable 7, a mooring connection arm 10, and a universal joint base 12 from the upper platform end to the lower anchoring end; the tension tendons 1 are all connected to the floating platform 2 through the steel cable locking device 5, and the precise adjustment of the tension is realized through the tension adjusting locking joint 6 to achieve the tension consistency of each group of tension tendons 1. The tension adjusting locking joint 6 can be locked on the steel cable locking device 5, and one end of the tension adjusting locking joint 6 is directly connected to the steel cable 7. Through the connection of at least three groups of tension tendons 1 to the floating platform 2, a stable and adjustable mooring system is constructed. The tension tendons 1 are successively composed of a steel cable locking device 5, a steel cable 7, a mooring connection arm 10, and a universal joint base 12 from the upper platform end to the lower anchoring end. This structural design makes the functions of each part of the mooring system clear and easy to assemble and maintain.

[0026] In particular, the tension tendons 1 are firmly connected to the floating platform 2 through the steel cable lock 5, and the tension is precisely adjusted through the tension adjustment locking joint 6. The tension adjustment locking joint 6 can be locked on the steel cable lock 5 to ensure the reliability and stability of the tension adjustment. One end of the tension adjustment locking joint 6 is directly connected to the steel cable 7. This direct connection method reduces the intermediate links and improves the efficiency and accuracy of tension transmission.

[0027] In this embodiment, the tension adjustment locking joint 6 includes a cylinder 61, and a plurality of circular protrusions 62 are installed at equal intervals on the outer wall of the cylinder 61. This design enables the tension adjustment locking joint 6 to have good adjustment and locking functions. By threading with the threaded sleeve 51 of the steel cable locker 5, precise adjustment of the tension is achieved. The technical effect is that a reliable tension adjustment mechanism is provided to ensure the tension consistency and stability of the tension tendon 1. The steel cable locker 5 includes a threaded sleeve 51, and the outer wall of the protrusion 62 is provided with an external thread. The threaded sleeve 51 is threadedly connected with the protrusion 62, one end of the threaded sleeve 51 is connected and matched with the floating platform 2 through a connector 53, and the other end of the threaded sleeve 51 is installed with a bell mouth 52 for facilitating the insertion of the tension adjustment locking joint 6. This design enables the steel cable locker 5 to be firmly connected to the floating platform 2, and facilitates the insertion and adjustment of the tension adjustment locking joint 6. The technical effect is that the connection stability between the mooring system and the floating platform 2 is enhanced, and the tension adjustment process is simplified.

[0028] Specifically, three groups of tension tendons 1 are equally spaced and arranged in a circle in the middle of the floating platform 2, and the tower 3 and the floating platform facilities and equipment 4 are sequentially installed on the upper part of the floating platform 2. This arrangement makes the floating platform 2 evenly stressed and improves the stability of the platform. The technical effect is that the distribution of the tension tendons 1 is optimized and the wind and wave resistance of the floating platform 2 is enhanced.

[0029] Furthermore, each group of tension tendons 1 has 2-4 tendons, which are arranged vertically and in a tensioned state. This design enables the tension tendons 1 to fully exert their bearing function and improve the overall bearing capacity of the mooring system. The technical effect is that the number and tension state of the tension tendons 1 are increased, and the safety and reliability of the mooring system are improved.

[0030] Furthermore, one end of the steel cable 7 away from the tension adjustment locking joint 6 is connected to the seabed anchor through the mooring connecting arm 10. This connection mode enables the steel cable 7 to be firmly anchored on the seabed, providing a stable mooring force for the floating platform 2. The technical effect is that the reliable connection between the steel cable 7 and the seabed anchor is ensured, and the stability of the mooring system is enhanced.

[0031] Furthermore, a cable joint 8 is installed at one end of the steel cable 7 away from the tension adjustment locking joint 6. The cable joint 8 is connected to a mooring connecting arm 10 through an H-shaped shackle 9. The mooring connecting arm 10 is installed with a universal joint base 12 through a connecting shackle 11, and the universal joint base 12 is fixed on the seabed anchor. This connection design enables flexible and reliable connection among the steel cable 7, the mooring connecting arm 10, and the universal joint base 12. The technical effect is: providing a detailed connection solution and enhancing the flexibility and reliability of the mooring system.

[0032] Furthermore, the steel cable stopper 5 is installed below the waterline on the outer side of the side pontoon of the floating platform 2. This installation position enables the steel cable stopper 5 to be protected by the side pontoon of the floating platform 2, reducing the influence of external factors such as sea waves and wind on the steel cable stopper 5. The technical effect is: optimizing the installation position of the steel cable stopper 5 and improving its service life and safety.

[0033] Furthermore, a steel rope is connected to one side of the floating platform 2 close to the connector 53. A chuck that is engaged with the connector 53 is installed at the outer end of the steel rope. The chuck is of an annular structure and is engaged with the connector 53. The bell mouth 52 is made of a plastic material with deformation ability, which enables the chuck to be conveniently sleeved into the steel cable stopper 5 from one end of the bell mouth 52. This additional connection design enables better connection stability and reliability between the floating platform 2 and the steel cable stopper 5. The technical effect is: providing an additional connection mechanism and enhancing the connection strength between the floating platform 2 and the steel cable stopper 5.

[0034] When the floating platform tension leg mooring system of the present invention is in use, first at least 3 groups of tension tendons 1 are connected to the floating platform 2 to construct a stable and adjustable mooring system. Each group of tension tendons 1 is sequentially composed of a steel cable stopper 5, a steel cable 7, a mooring connecting arm 10, and a universal joint base 12 from the upper platform end to the lower anchoring end. The tension tendons 1 are all firmly connected to the floating platform 2 through the steel cable stoppers 5. The steel cable stopper 5 includes a threaded sleeve 51, and one end thereof is connected and matched with the floating platform 2 through a connector 53, ensuring the firm connection between the mooring system and the floating platform.

[0035] The tension adjustment locking joint 6 is used to achieve precise adjustment of the tension. The tension adjustment locking joint 6 includes a cylinder 61, and a plurality of circular protrusions 62 are installed at equal intervals on the outer wall of the cylinder 61. The outer wall of the protrusion 62 is provided with an external thread, which is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve 51 of the steel cable locker 5. By rotating the tension adjustment locking joint 6, the tension of the tension tendon 1 can be accurately adjusted to achieve the consistency of the tension of each group of tension tendons 1. The tension adjustment locking joint 6 can be locked on the steel cable locker 5 to ensure the reliability and stability of the tension adjustment. One end of the tension adjustment locking joint 6 is directly connected to the steel cable 7. This direct connection method reduces the intermediate links and improves the efficiency and accuracy of tension transmission.

[0036] The three groups of tension tendons 1 are evenly spaced and arranged in a circle in the middle of the floating platform 2. This arrangement makes the floating platform 2 evenly stressed and improves the stability of the platform. Each group of tension tendons 1 has 2-4 tendons, which are arranged vertically and in a tensioned state. This design enables the tension tendons 1 to fully exert their bearing function and improve the overall bearing capacity of the mooring system.

[0037] One end of the steel cable 7 away from the tension adjustment locking joint 6 is connected to the seabed anchor through the mooring connecting arm 10. This connection mode enables the steel cable 7 to be firmly anchored on the seabed, providing a stable mooring force for the floating platform 2.

[0038] Specifically, a cable joint 8 is installed at one end of the steel cable 7 away from the tension adjustment locking joint 6, and the cable joint 8 is connected to a mooring connecting arm 10 through an H-shaped shackle 9. The mooring connecting arm 10 is installed with a universal joint base 12 through a connecting shackle 11, and the universal joint base 12 is fixed on the seabed anchor. This connection design allows the steel cable 7, the mooring connecting arm 10 and the universal joint base 12 to be flexibly and reliably connected together.

[0039] The steel cable lock 5 is installed below the waterline surface on the outer side of the side buoy of the floating platform 2. This installation position allows the steel cable lock 5 to be protected by the side buoy of the floating platform 2, reduces the impact of external factors such as waves and wind on the steel cable lock 5, and improves its service life and safety.

[0040] A steel rope is connected to one side of the floating platform 2 close to the connector 53 , and a clamping head which is engaged with the connector 53 is installed at the outer end of the steel rope. The clamping head is an annular structure and is engaged with the connector 53 .

[0041] The bell mouth 52 is made of a deformable plastic material, which can facilitate the clamp head to be inserted into the cable locker 5 from one end of the bell mouth 52. This additional connection design makes the connection between the floating platform 2 and the cable locker 5 have better stability and reliability, and enhances the connection strength between the floating platform and the cable locker.

[0042] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, and the above embodiments and the descriptions in the specification are only preferred examples of the present invention, which are not used to limit the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention will have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present invention claimed. The scope of the present invention claimed is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A floating platform's tension leg mooring system, comprising at least three groups of tension tendons (1) connected to the floating platform (2), characterized in that: The tension tendon (1) consists of a cable stopper (5), a cable (7), a mooring connecting arm (10), and a gimbal base (12) from the upper platform end to the lower anchoring end; the tension tendon (1) is connected to the floating platform (2) through the cable stopper (5), and the precise adjustment of the tension is achieved through the tension adjustment locking joint (6) to ensure the tension consistency of each group of tension tendons (1). The tension adjustment locking joint (6) can be locked on the cable stopper (5), and one end of the tension adjustment locking joint (6) is directly connected to the cable (7).

2. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 1, wherein: The tension adjustment locking joint (6) includes a cylinder (61), and a number of circular protrusions (62) are equidistantly installed on the outer wall of the cylinder (61).

3. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cable stopper (5) includes a threaded sleeve (51). The outer wall of the protrusion (62) is provided with an external thread, and the threaded sleeve (51) is threadedly connected to the protrusion (62). One end of the threaded sleeve (51) is connected and matched with the floating platform (2) through a connector (53).

4. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The other end of the threaded sleeve (51) is installed with a flared opening (52) for the insertion of the tension adjustment locking joint (6).

5. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The three groups of tension tendons (1) are equally spaced in a circular shape centered on the middle of the floating platform (2). The tower barrel (3) and the floating platform facilities and equipment (4) are successively installed on the upper part of the floating platform (2).

6. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each group of tension tendons (1) has 2 - 4 roots and is arranged vertically in a tensioned state.

7. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The end of the cable (7) far from the tension adjustment locking joint (6) is connected to the seabed anchor through the mooring connecting arm (10).

8. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 7, wherein: A cable joint (8) is installed at the end of the cable (7) far from the tension adjustment locking joint (6). The cable joint (8) is connected to the mooring connecting arm (10) through an H-shaped shackle (9). The mooring connecting arm (10) is installed with a gimbal base (12) through a connecting shackle (11), and the gimbal base (12) is fixed on the seabed anchor.

9. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 8, wherein: The cable stopper (5) is installed below the waterline on the outer side of the side pontoon of the floating platform (2).

10. The floating platform tension leg mooring system according to claim 9, characterized in that: A steel rope is connected to one side of the floating platform (2) near the connector (53). A chuck that is clamped and matched with the connector (53) is installed at the outer end of the steel rope, and the chuck is clamped and matched with the connector (53).

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