Operation method for single pulling of umbilical cable in narrow space

By optimizing the design of the umbilical cable pigtail section and formulating a new operating process, the problem of multiple pulling of the umbilical cable in a small space was solved, and a single pulling was achieved, which improved construction efficiency and reduced risks.

CN120638174APending Publication Date: 2025-09-12SHENZHEN OFFSHORE OIL ENG UNDERWATER TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510623493.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-15
Publication Date
2025-09-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In marine engineering, multiple pulling and retracting operations of umbilical cables in a confined space result in low construction efficiency and high risks, and existing technologies make it difficult to achieve a single pulling and retracting operation.

Method used

The design of the umbilical cable pigtail section was optimized, and a new operating process was developed, including site survey, winch layout, guide platform and guide pulley setting, cutting platform, umbilical cable inspection and fixation, terminal connection and safety inspection, to ensure that the umbilical cable can be pulled out in a small space in one go.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the single pulling and retraction of the umbilical cable in a narrow space, improves construction efficiency, reduces manpower input and operation risks, and avoids the complexity of multiple operations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to pulling of an umbilical cable, in particular to an operation method for single-time pulling of the umbilical cable in a narrow space, which comprises the following steps: S1, field preparation and reconnaissance; s2, cutting the offshore platform; s3, umbilical cable drawing operation; s4, fixing the umbilical cable and connecting the terminal; s5, checking and testing after operation; s6, platform recovery and security check are carried out; the umbilical cable is stored on a cable winding drum on a deck of the workboat and then drawn out through a cable winding tower in front of the cable winding drum, the end of the umbilical cable is connected with a traction portion, the traction portion comprises a pigtail, a hanging body and a dragging head, the pigtail is fixedly arranged between the hanging body and the dragging head, and the hanging body is connected with the umbilical cable. The design of the pigtail section of the umbilical cable is optimized, a new operation process is formulated for the umbilical cable, the umbilical cable can be pulled in a narrow space at a time, multiple operations are avoided, the construction efficiency is improved, the human input is reduced, and the operation risk is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to drawing out an umbilical cable, and in particular to an operation method for drawing out an umbilical cable in a narrow space at a single time. Background Art

[0002] In marine engineering, umbilical cables are responsible for transmitting important media such as electricity, signals, and liquids to ensure the normal operation of oil and gas field control systems. During the construction of offshore oil and gas platforms, the installation of umbilical cables is one of the most important steps. However, due to limitations such as the layout of the platform junction box, the platform wiring method, and the umbilical cable hanging position, it is often necessary to pull and connect the umbilical cables in some small or confined spaces. This leads to problems such as insufficient space, complex operations, and long construction time. Traditional umbilical cable layout methods usually require multiple pulling and connecting operations, which is inefficient and risky. Therefore, a single pulling and connecting method for umbilical cables suitable for small spaces is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for single-time pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space, so as to solve the problems raised in the related art.

[0004] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space is provided, comprising the following steps: S1: site preparation and investigation;

[0005] S1.1: Pre-operation investigation;

[0006] S1.2: Arrange winch;

[0007] S1.3: Arrange the guide platform and guide pulley;

[0008] S2: Cutting offshore platforms;

[0009] S2.1: Preparation work before cutting offshore platforms;

[0010] S2.2: Preparation work before cutting offshore platform pipelines;

[0011] S2.3: Cutting operations;

[0012] S3: umbilical cable pulling operation;

[0013] S3.1: Inspect the umbilical cable;

[0014] S3.2: Monitor the umbilical cable;

[0015] S4: umbilical cable fixing and terminal connection;

[0016] S4.1: Suspension of umbilical cable;

[0017] S4.2: Bracket design;

[0018] S4.3: Install terminal connectors;

[0019] S4.4: Install the fixing bracket;

[0020] S5: Post-operation inspection and testing;

[0021] S6: Platform recovery and safety check;

[0022] S6.1: Restore the platform structure;

[0023] S6.2: Safety inspection.

[0024] Furthermore, a jacket is fixedly provided below the offshore platform, and the jacket is fixedly provided on the seabed.

[0025] Furthermore, a catheter for the umbilical cable to pass through is fixedly provided on the catheter rack.

[0026] Furthermore, a platform winch is fixedly provided on the offshore platform, and a steel wire rope is wound around the platform winch. The steel wire rope passes through the upper end of the conduit and then passes through the lower end thereof.

[0027] Furthermore, the offshore platform is also provided with a guide platform, a plurality of guide pulleys and a plurality of A-frames. The guide platform and the A-frames are fixedly connected to the offshore platform, and the guide pulleys are fixedly connected to the offshore platform through the A-frames.

[0028] Furthermore, the umbilical cable is stored on a cable drum on the deck of the construction vessel and then drawn out through a cable winding tower in front of the cable drum. The end of the umbilical cable is connected to a pulling part.

[0029] Furthermore, the pulling portion includes a pig tail, a suspension body and a pulling head, the pig tail is fixed between the suspension body and the pulling head, and the suspension body is connected to the umbilical cable.

[0030] Furthermore, a deck winch and a tensioner are fixedly provided on the deck, and the umbilical cable passes through the tensioner and is connected to the deck winch.

[0031] Furthermore, a water entry bridge is provided at the outer end of the tensioner, and the water entry bridge is fixedly connected to the deck.

[0032] Furthermore, a bend limiter is provided on the water inlet bridge.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0034] The present invention optimizes the design of the umbilical cable pigtail section and develops a new operating process for it, which can complete the pulling and drawing of the umbilical cable in a small space at one time, avoiding multiple operations, improving construction efficiency, reducing manpower input, and lowering operational risks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the umbilical cable pulling of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pulling portion structure of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the guide device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the crane-assisted towing head passing through the water bridge of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the crane-assisted bend limiter passing through the water bridge of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the traction head reaching the limit position of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the load transfer to the hand chain hoist of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the winch for transferring load to the platform according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the umbilical cable of the present invention being pulled into place.

[0044] Reference numerals:

[0045] 1. Offshore platform; 2. Jacket; 3. Construction vessel; 4. Deck; 5. Umbilical cable; 6. Pulling unit; 7. Working platform; 8. Tensioner; 9. Crane; 10. Guide nose; 11. Cable reel; 12. Cable drum; 13. Deck winch; 14. Jacket; 15. Lifting rigging; 16. Hook; 17. Robot; 18. Pigtail; 19. Suspension body; 20. Towing head; 21. Platform winch; 22. Guide platform; 23. Guide pulley; 24. A-frame; 25. Wire rope; 26. Launching bridge; 27. Bend limiter; 28. Hand chain hoist. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In order to further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined purpose of the invention, the specific implementation methods, structures, features and effects of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0047] This embodiment provides a method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space, comprising the following steps: S1: site preparation and investigation;

[0048] S1.1: Pre-operation investigation;

[0049] Check the platform structure, pulling path and equipment layout, and confirm whether the umbilical cable 5's crossing route is unobstructed, especially the path passing through different decks of the platform.

[0050] S1.2: Arrange winch;

[0051] Use a hydraulic winch or an electric winch to pull the umbilical cable 5 , and ensure that the pulling force is controlled within a safe range to avoid overloading or breaking the umbilical cable 5 .

[0052] S1.3: Arrange the guide platform 22 and the guide pulley 23;

[0053] The guide pulleys 23 and supporting equipment are arranged along the pulling route to ensure that the umbilical cable 5 can smoothly pass through the designated path and avoid damage caused by friction or excessive bending.

[0054] S2: Cutting offshore platform 1;

[0055] S2.1: Preparation work before cutting offshore platform 1;

[0056] If the platform deck needs to be cut, the accuracy of the cutting position must be ensured to avoid affecting the structural safety of the platform. When it comes to cutting beams, a structural analysis is required.

[0057] S2.2: Preparation work before cutting the pipeline on offshore platform 1;

[0058] The pipelines on the platform usually transport oil, gas or other critical fluids. Cutting the pipeline will interrupt the transportation and may cause production to stop. When it comes to cutting the pipeline, an assessment is required. In actual operations, the pipeline must be closed, the pipeline must be emptied, and isolation measures must be taken.

[0059] S2.3: Cutting operations;

[0060] When cutting, the fire protection requirements of the platform must be taken into consideration, and the appropriate cutting method, cold cutting or thermal cutting, should be selected according to whether the platform is in production.

[0061] S3: umbilical cable 5 pulling operation;

[0062] S3.1: Check umbilical cable 5;

[0063] Before pulling out, the umbilical cable 5 must be fully inspected and relevant optical fiber, pressure, resistivity and other tests must be carried out to ensure that there is no damage.

[0064] S3.2: Monitor umbilical cable 5;

[0065] During the umbilical cable pulling process, a robot 17 or a diver is required to observe the status of the umbilical cable in real time at the platform protection tube bell mouth to ensure that it is not stuck or damaged at a critical position.

[0066] S4: umbilical cable 5 fixed and terminal connected;

[0067] S4.1: Suspension umbilical cable 5;

[0068] According to the platform structure, the suspension point position is reasonably arranged, and a suitable special suspension device for the umbilical cable 5 is selected and suspended after the pulling operation is completed.

[0069] S4.2: Bracket design;

[0070] Design the corresponding cable bracket based on the platform structure and the routing plan of the umbilical cable 5. Plan the routing path of the umbilical cable 5 in advance to avoid crossing or interfering with other pipelines and cables.

[0071] S4.3: Install terminal connectors;

[0072] After the umbilical cable 5 is pulled into place, the terminal connector needs to be installed and fixed, which involves operations such as hydraulic connection, electrical connection and optical fiber connection.

[0073] S4.4: Install the fixing bracket;

[0074] After the umbilical cable 5 is laid, a suitable fixing fixture is used to firmly fix the umbilical cable 5 on the bracket to ensure its stability and prevent shaking or slipping.

[0075] S5: Post-operation inspection and testing;

[0076] After completing the wiring, the umbilical cable 5 needs to be fully functional tested to ensure the normal operation of the electrical, hydraulic and optical fiber lines.

[0077] S6: Platform recovery and safety check;

[0078] S6.1: Restore the platform structure;

[0079] If a cut is made to the platform deck, the platform structure needs to be restored after the work is completed to ensure the integrity of the platform.

[0080] S6.2: Safety inspection;

[0081] After all work is completed, a comprehensive safety inspection is carried out to ensure that all parts of the umbilical cable 5 installation meet safety standards, and the site is cleaned up to eliminate potential risks.

[0082] Job preparation stage:

[0083] The pigtail section 18 should be made of flexible stainless steel material to withstand axial tension and partial radial extrusion force at the same time, and be able to achieve bending and turning under the action of support.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the platform winch 21, guide platform 22, guide pulley 23 and A frame 24 are arranged according to the design drawings to ensure that the equipment positions can meet the space and path requirements for pulling the umbilical cable 5.

[0085] Perform platform cutting and protective pipe pigging operations to ensure that the umbilical cable 5 can pass through the protective pipe and platform without obstruction.

[0086] After the cleaning operation is completed, the pulling winch wire rope 25 on the platform is passed through the protective pipe and pulled to the construction ship 3 for temporary fixation, preparing for the pulling operation.

[0087] Initial connection and positioning:

[0088] Open the tensioner 8 frame to ensure that there is enough space for the umbilical cable 5 to pass through.

[0089] The initialization winch wire rope 25 of the construction vessel 3 is passed through the tensioner 8 along the planned path and connected to the head end of the umbilical cable 5 through a shackle.

[0090] The crane 9 on the construction vessel 3 is connected to the head end of the umbilical cable 5 through corresponding rigging to ensure that the head end of the umbilical cable 5 can be lifted smoothly.

[0091] Initial pulling of the umbilical cable:

[0092] The crane 9 gradually lifts the head end of the umbilical cable 5 to a certain height by means of the lifting rigging 15 and the hook 16 . The construction workers slowly operate the initialization winch to allow the umbilical cable 5 to smoothly pass through the tensioner 8 on the deck 4 .

[0093] The initial winch stops recovery, the frame of the tensioner 8 is closed, and the crawler clamps the umbilical cable 5 to prevent it from sliding.

[0094] Disconnect the connection of the initialization winch of the construction vessel 3, and connect the head end of the umbilical cable 5 to the platform winch 21 through a universal joint to prepare for the next operation.

[0095] The umbilical cable is pulled underwater:

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the tensioner 8 controls the gradual lowering of the umbilical cable 5, while the platform winch 21 slowly retracts the wire rope 25, and the crane 9 assists the head end of the umbilical cable 5 to pass through the water-entering bridge 26 to ensure that the umbilical cable 5 enters the water smoothly.

[0097] The crane 9 is disconnected from the umbilical 5 .

[0098] The platform winch 21 continues to recycle the wire rope 25, while the tensioner 8 of the construction vessel 3 keeps releasing the cable synchronously. The robot 17 observes the status of the umbilical cable 5 underwater to ensure that the umbilical cable 5 remains in the correct position and angle after entering the water.

[0099] Install the bend limiter and center clamp:

[0100] When the center clamp installation position of the umbilical cable 5 reaches the operating area between the tensioner 8 and the launching bridge 26, the center clamp and the bend limiter 27 are installed to control the bending radius of the umbilical cable 5 to prevent the umbilical cable 5 from being damaged due to excessive bending.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, the platform winch 21 continues to recover at a uniform speed, the tensioner 8 keeps releasing the cable, and the crane 9 uses the corresponding rigging to lift the center clamp and the bend limiter 27 to avoid scratching the pipe and cable accessories and the water-entry bridge 26 as much as possible.

[0102] Pull the umbilical cable to the designated location:

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the platform operator pays close attention to the position of the umbilical cable 5. When the towing head 20 of the umbilical cable 5 reaches the limit, the winch operation should be stopped immediately.

[0104] The umbilical cable 5 is connected to the towing head 20 using a hand chain hoist 28 pre-arranged on the deck 4 .

[0105] Figure 7 As shown, slowly release the platform winch 21 to gradually transfer the load to the hand hoist 28 until the winch wire rope 25 is slack, and then remove the platform winch 21 wire rope 25 from the groove of the guide pulley 23 to prepare for the next operation.

[0106] like Figure 8 As shown, the chain hoist 28 is slowly released, and the platform winch 21 wire rope 25 is appropriately retracted, transferring the load back to the platform winch 21 wire rope 25. The pigtail 18 of the umbilical cable 5 is then pulled tightly against the guide platform 22 by the winch. The entire process requires careful operation to ensure that the umbilical cable 5 remains under control. The chain hoist is then removed.

[0107] Final positioning and suspension:

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, the platform winch 21 continues to retract, and the tensioner 8 of the construction vessel 3 simultaneously releases the cable until the pigtail 18 of the umbilical cable 5 reaches the designated hanging position.

[0109] The construction workers use a hanging card to hang and fix the umbilical cable 5 on the platform protection pipe opening.

[0110] The platform winch 21 is released to temporarily fix the pulling head 20 of the umbilical cable 5 , and the single pulling and hanging process of the umbilical cable 5 is completed.

[0111] Tension monitoring and safety assurance:

[0112] Throughout the winch pulling process, platform operators must constantly monitor the dynamometer reading to ensure the pull is within a safe range. If the winch pull increases abnormally, operations must be stopped immediately to identify the cause and resolve it to prevent damage to the cable due to excessive tension or bending.

[0113] like Figure 1 As shown, a jacket 2 is fixedly installed below the offshore platform 1, and the jacket 2 is fixedly installed on the seabed.

[0114] A catheter 14 for the umbilical cable 5 to pass through is fixedly provided on the catheter frame 2 .

[0115] A platform winch 21 is fixedly provided on the offshore platform 1 . A steel wire rope 25 is wound around the platform winch 21 . The steel wire rope 25 passes through the upper portion of the guide tube 14 and then exits from the lower end thereof.

[0116] The offshore platform 1 is also provided with a guide platform 22 , several guide pulleys 23 and several A-frames 24 . The guide platform 22 and the A-frames 24 are fixedly connected to the offshore platform 1 , and the guide pulleys 23 are fixedly connected to the offshore platform 1 through the A-frames 24 .

[0117] The umbilical cable 5 is stored on a cable drum 12 on the deck 4 of the construction vessel 3 and then drawn out through a cable winding tower 11 in front of the cable drum 12 . The end of the umbilical cable 5 is connected to a pulling portion 6 .

[0118] like Figure 2 As shown, the pulling portion 6 includes a pig tail 18 , a suspension body 19 and a pulling head 20 . The pig tail 18 is fixed between the suspension body 19 and the pulling head 20 , and the suspension body 19 is connected to the umbilical cable 5 .

[0119] A deck winch 13 and a tensioner 8 are fixedly provided on the deck 4 , and the umbilical cable 5 passes through the tensioner 8 and is connected to the deck winch 13 .

[0120] A water entry bridge 26 is provided at the outer end of the tensioner 8 , and the water entry bridge 26 is fixedly connected to the deck 4 .

[0121] A bend limiter 27 is provided on the water inlet bridge 26 .

[0122] Below the water-entering bridge 26 is the working platform 7 , from which the umbilical cable 5 enters the water. The crane 9 transports the guide nose 10 to the tensioner 8 to facilitate the umbilical cable 5 passing through the tensioner 8 .

[0123] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments using the technical contents disclosed above. However, any brief modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space, comprising: The following steps are also included: S1: Site preparation and investigation; S1.1: Pre-operation investigation; S1.2: Arrange winch; S1.3: Arrange the guide platform (22) and the guide pulley (23); S2: Cutting offshore platform (1); S2.1: Preparation work before cutting offshore platform (1); S2.2: Preparation work before cutting pipelines on offshore platforms (1); S2.3: Cutting operations; S3: umbilical cable (5) pulling operation; S3.1: Check the umbilical cable (5); S3.2: Monitoring umbilical cable (5); S4: umbilical cable (5) fixing and terminal connection; S4.1: Suspension of umbilical cable (5); S4.2: Bracket design; S4.3: Install terminal connectors; S4.4: Install the fixing bracket; S5: Post-operation inspection and testing; S6: Platform recovery and safety check; S6.1: Restore the platform structure; S6.2: Safety inspection.

2. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 1, characterized in that: A jacket (2) is fixedly provided below the offshore platform (1), and the jacket (2) is fixedly provided on the seabed.

3. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 2, characterized in that: A catheter (14) for the umbilical cable (5) to pass through is fixedly provided on the catheter frame (2).

4. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 1, characterized in that: A platform winch (21) is fixedly provided on the offshore platform (1), and a steel wire rope (25) is wound around the platform winch (21). The steel wire rope (25) passes through the upper part of the conduit (14) and then passes out from the lower end thereof.

5. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 4, characterized in that: The offshore platform (1) is further provided with a guide platform (22), a plurality of guide pulleys (23) and a plurality of A-frames (24); the guide platform (22) and the A-frames (24) are both fixedly connected to the offshore platform (1); and the guide pulleys (23) are both fixedly connected to the offshore platform (1) via the A-frames (24).

6. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 1, characterized in that: The umbilical cable (5) is stored on a cable drum (12) on the deck (4) of the construction vessel (3) and then drawn out through a cable winding tower (11) in front of the cable drum (12). The end of the umbilical cable (5) is connected to a pulling part (6).

7. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pulling portion (6) comprises a pig tail (18), a suspension body (19) and a pulling head (20), wherein the pig tail (18) is fixedly arranged between the suspension body (19) and the pulling head (20), and the suspension body (19) is connected to the umbilical cable (5).

8. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 6, characterized in that: A deck winch (13) and a tensioner (8) are fixedly provided on the deck (4); the umbilical cable (5) passes through the tensioner (8) and is connected to the deck winch (13).

9. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer end of the tensioner (8) is provided with a water entry bridge (26), and the water entry bridge (26) is fixedly connected to the deck (4).

10. The method for single pulling of an umbilical cable in a narrow space according to claim 9, characterized in that: The water inlet bridge (26) is provided with a bend limiter (27).