Air floatation structure mounting process based on buoyancy tank

Abstract

The invention provides an air floating structure mounting process based on buoyancy tanks, which comprises the following steps: loading an air floating structure onto a semi-submersible barge, mounting a plurality of buoyancy tanks on the air floating structure, and carrying the air floating structure and the buoyancy tanks to a to-be-mounted area by the semi-submersible barge; a water inlet and an exhaust port in the air floating structure are closed, a closed cavity is formed in the air floating structure, buoyancy is provided for the air floating structure, the semi-submersible barge dives to be separated from the air floating structure, and then the air floating structure is dragged out of the dock in a wet mode; after the air flotation structure is mopped to the installation position in a wet mode, a plurality of traction ropes are connected to the air flotation structure, and the other ends of the traction ropes are fixed to positioning square barges on the two sides of the air flotation structure respectively; through the traction effect of the traction rope, the air floating structure can be accurately positioned at the installation position, the exhaust port of the air floating structure is opened, water enters the air floating structure, and therefore the buoyancy of the air floating structure is reduced, and the air floating structure sinks. After entering water, the floating box can provide righting torque for the air floating structure and prevent the air floating structure from overturning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of component installation technology, and more specifically, relates to an air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon. Background Art

[0002] In the field of marine engineering, air-floating structures use the principle of buoyancy to remain above the water surface or perform horizontal displacement at specific stages to facilitate subsequent operations. However, the marine environment is complex and changeable, including but not limited to the combined effects of various natural factors such as wind, waves, tides, and ocean currents, which have a significant impact on the sinking process of air-floating structures. Specifically, when an air-floating structure begins to sink, even slight fluctuations in sea conditions may cause the components to deflect, affecting their ability to sink smoothly according to the predetermined trajectory and posture. The impact of wind and waves may cause the components to shake, while the drag of ocean currents may change their direction of movement. These uncertainties greatly increase the difficulty and risk of the sinking operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide an air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon to solve the technical problems in the prior art of poor stability and inaccurate positioning of air-floating structures during installation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0005] A buoyancy-based air-floating structure installation process is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Loading the air-floating structure onto a semi-submersible barge, installing a plurality of pontoons on the air-floating structure, and carrying the air-floating structure to the area to be installed by the semi-submersible barge;

[0007] The water inlet and the exhaust port of the air-floating structure are closed to form a closed cavity in the air-floating structure to provide buoyancy for the air-floating structure; the semi-submersible barge dives until it is separated from the air-floating structure, and then wet-tows the air-floating structure out of the dock;

[0008] Connecting a plurality of traction ropes to the air flotation structure, with the other ends of the traction ropes being fixed to the positioning barges on both sides of the air flotation structure;

[0009] The air outlet of the air float structure is opened to allow water to enter the air float structure, causing the air float structure to sink; after the float box enters the water, a righting torque is provided for the air float structure; when the air float structure is suspended in the water, the water inlet of the air float structure, as well as the vent valve and the water inlet valve of the float box are opened, and the air float structure is leveled until it sinks to a leveling distance from the bottom of the water.

[0010] After leveling, the air-floating structure and the buoyancy box continue to be filled with water until the air-floating structure settles and rests on the bottom of the water, and water is pumped into the cavity of the air-floating structure to increase weight, so that the air-floating structure settles into place;

[0011] After the buoyancy box is disconnected from the air flotation structure, the traction rope is recovered, and air is inflated into the buoyancy box to discharge the water in the buoyancy box. After the buoyancy box is self-floating, the buoyancy box is recovered.

[0012] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0013] Optionally, when the air floating structure is put into water, one corner of the short side of the air floating structure is put into water first, then the short side of the air floating structure and one corner of the long side that is at the same angle as the short side are put into water, and finally the other corner of the long side of the air floating structure is put into water.

[0014] Optionally, when the air-floating structure sinks to a distance of at least 0.5 m from the bottom of the water, the air-floating structure is leveled.

[0015] Optionally, the buoyancy box includes a box body, a connecting piece and a latch assembly, the box body has a cavity; the connecting piece is arranged at the bottom of the box body, and the connecting piece has a connecting hole; the latch assembly is arranged on one side of the connecting piece, and the latch assembly includes a latch and a latch driving piece, the fixed end of the latch driving piece is connected to the bottom of the box body, and the latch is driven and connected to the movable end of the latch driving piece; when the connecting hole is aligned with the external docking hole, the latch driving piece drives the latch to be inserted into the connecting hole and the external docking hole.

[0016] Optionally, the connecting members are vertical plates arranged in pairs, and each of the vertical plates is provided with a connecting hole.

[0017] Optionally, the air flotation structure has a docking piece, which includes a first docking plate and a second docking plate. The first docking plate and the second docking plate are both provided with coaxially arranged docking holes. The first docking plate can be extended between the vertical plates arranged in pairs. The second docking plates are arranged in pairs, and one end of the traction rope is arranged between the second docking plates arranged in pairs. When the docking holes are aligned with the connecting holes, the pin driving member drives the pin to pass through the docking hole on the second docking plate, the docking hole on the first docking plate and the connecting hole in sequence.

[0018] Optionally, the vent valve of the float box is arranged at the top of the box body, and the water inlet valve of the float box is arranged at the bottom of the box body, and the vent valve and the water inlet valve are both connected to the cavity.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the air-floating structure installation process based on the pontoon provided in this application are:

[0020] The pontoon-based air-floating structure installation process of the present application loads the air-floating structure onto a semi-submersible barge, and then installs multiple pontoons on the air-floating structure to increase the buoyancy of the air-floating structure. The semi-submersible barge then carries the air-floating structure and pontoons to the installation area. The water inlet and exhaust ports on the air-floating structure are closed to form a sealed cavity within the air-floating structure, providing buoyancy for the air-floating structure and allowing it to float in the water. The semi-submersible barge dives until it separates from the air-floating structure, and then wet-tows the air-floating structure out of the dock. After wet-towing the air-floating structure to the installation location, multiple towing ropes are connected to the air-floating structure, and the other ends of each towing rope are fixed to the positioning square barges on both sides of the air-floating structure. The towing action of the towing ropes allows the air-floating structure to be precisely positioned at the installation location, preventing it from shifting due to sea conditions. The exhaust port of the air-floating structure is opened to allow water to enter the air-floating structure, thereby reducing the buoyancy of the air-floating structure and causing it to sink. Once the pontoon enters the water, it provides a righting torque for the air-floating structure, preventing it from capsizing. While the air-floating structure is suspended in the water, the structure's water inlet is opened to allow water to enter the structure's cavity, increasing its own weight. Furthermore, the pontoon's vent valve and water inlet valve are opened to allow water to enter the pontoon, thereby reducing its buoyancy. The entry of water into the pontoon also improves the structure's stability and reduces the impact of sea conditions on its installation. Once the structure has sunk to the leveling distance from the bottom surface, the structure is leveled by controlling the water level within the structure's cavity or the pontoon. After the structure is leveled, water continues to flow into the structure and pontoon until it settles to the bottom surface. Water is then pumped into the structure's cavity to increase its weight, allowing it to settle into place. The buoyancy box is then disconnected from the air flotation structure, the traction rope is recovered, and air is inflated into the buoyancy box to discharge the water in the buoyancy box and increase the buoyancy of the buoyancy box. After the buoyancy box floats, each buoyancy box is lifted in turn to recover the buoyancy box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or descriptions of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the main structure of the air flotation structure and semi-submersible barge provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the air flotation structure and semi-submersible barge provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 3Schematic diagram of the air flotation structure and semi-submersible barge provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the main structure of the air flotation structure and semi-submersible barge provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the installation process of the air flotation structure provided in this application. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the installation process of the air flotation structure provided in this application. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the air flotation structure provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the locally enlarged structure in .

[0030] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0031] 1. Air floatation structure; 11. Docking parts;

[0032] 111. First docking plate; 112. Second docking plate;

[0033] 2. Semi-submersible barge; 3. pontoon;

[0034] 31. Box body; 32. Connectors;

[0035] 33. Latch assembly; 331. Latch;

[0036] 332. Latch drive member; 4. Traction rope;

[0037] 5. Positioning square rebuttal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0041] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0042] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0043] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] In the following description, suffixes such as “module,” “component,” “assembly,” or “unit” are used only to facilitate the description of the present invention and have no specific meanings. Therefore, they can be used interchangeably.

[0045] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The present application provides a buoyancy-based air-floating structure installation process, comprising the following steps:

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air-floating structure 1 is loaded onto a semi-submersible barge 2, and a plurality of pontoons 3 are installed on the air-floating structure 1 to increase the buoyancy of the air-floating structure 1. The semi-submersible barge 2 then carries the air-floating structure 1 and the pontoons 3 to the area to be installed.

[0048] Close the water inlet and outlet on the air-floating structure 1 to form a closed cavity inside the air-floating structure 1, providing buoyancy for the air-floating structure 1 and allowing it to float in the water. Submerge the semi-submersible barge 2 until it is separated from the air-floating structure 1, maintaining a gap greater than 0.5m between the semi-submersible barge 2 and the air-floating structure 1, and then wet-tow the air-floating structure 1 out of the dock.

[0049] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, after the air flotation structure 1 is wet-dragged to the installation location, multiple towing ropes 4 are connected to the air flotation structure 1, and the other ends of each towing rope 4 are respectively fixed to the positioning square barges 5 on both sides of the air flotation structure 1; through the traction effect of the towing ropes 4, the air flotation structure 1 can be accurately positioned at the installation location to prevent the air flotation structure 1 from being offset due to the influence of sea conditions.

[0050] The exhaust port of air-floating structure 1 is opened to allow water to enter, thereby reducing its buoyancy and causing it to sink. Once submerged, pontoon 3 provides a righting torque for structure 1, preventing it from capsizing. Once air-floating structure 1 is suspended in the water, its water inlet is opened again to allow water to enter its cavity, increasing its gravity. Furthermore, the vent valve and water inlet valve of pontoon 3 are opened to allow water to enter, thereby reducing its buoyancy. The entry of water into pontoon 3 also improves the stability of structure 1 and reduces the impact of sea conditions on its installation.

[0051] When the air-floating structure 1 sinks to a leveling distance from the bottom surface, the air-floating structure 1 is leveled by controlling the water level in the cavity of the air-floating structure 1 or the water level in the float box 3 .

[0052] like Figure 7As shown, after the air-floating structure 1 is leveled, water is continuously added to the air-floating structure 1 and the buoyancy box 3 until the air-floating structure 1 sinks to the bottom of the water, and water is continuously pumped into the cavity of the air-floating structure 1 to increase the weight so that the air-floating structure 1 sinks into place.

[0053] Then the buoyancy box 3 is disconnected from the air flotation structure 1, and the traction rope 4 is recovered. Air is also inflated into the buoyancy box 3 to discharge the water in the buoyancy box 3 and increase the buoyancy of the buoyancy box 3. After the buoyancy box 3 floats, each buoyancy box 3 is lifted in turn to recover the buoyancy box 3.

[0054] In a specific embodiment of the present application, when the air-floating structure 1 is submerged in water, the short side corner of the air-floating structure 1 is first submerged, followed by the short side and the long side corner that is at the same angle as the short side, and finally the other long side corner of the air-floating structure 1. Submerging the air-floating structure 1 in this order can prevent the air-floating structure 1 from shaking significantly, thereby preventing sudden stress increases at the joints that can easily lead to fracture. It also reduces the shaking of the air-floating structure 1, ensuring the safety of the entire structure.

[0055] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the air-floating structure 1 is leveled when it sinks to a distance of at least 0.5 m from the bottom surface of the water. During leveling, it is necessary to ensure that there is sufficient clearance between the bottom surface of the air-floating structure 1 and the bottom surface of the water, so as to avoid contact with the bottom surface of the water before the air-floating structure 1 is leveled, thereby increasing the resistance experienced by the air-floating structure 1.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, in a specific embodiment of the present application, the buoyancy chamber 3 includes a housing 31, a connector 32, and a latch assembly 33. The housing 31 has a cavity inside to provide buoyancy for the buoyancy chamber. The connector 32 is located at the bottom of the housing 31 and has a connection hole to facilitate docking of the buoyancy chamber 3 with the air-floating structure 1 located below it. The latch assembly 33 is located on one side of the connector 32 and includes a latch 331 and a latch driver 332. The fixed end of the latch driver 332 is connected to the bottom of the housing 31, and the latch 331 is driven and connected to the movable end of the latch driver 332. The latch 331 can move in a linear direction under the drive of the latch driver 332. The latch driver 332 is specifically a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, an electric push rod, etc. When it is necessary to connect the buoyancy chamber 3 to the air-floating structure 1, it is only necessary to align the connection hole with the external docking hole. Subsequently, the latch driver 332 is activated, driving the latch 331 along a straight trajectory into the connecting hole and the docking hole of the air-floating structure 1, thereby forming a mechanical lock and thus achieving a stable connection between the buoyancy chamber 3 and the air-floating structure 1. Conversely, when it is necessary to release the connection between the buoyancy chamber 3 and the air-floating structure 1, the latch driver 332 is activated again, causing the latch 331 to move in the opposite direction and withdraw from the connecting hole and the docking hole, thereby achieving a smooth separation of the buoyancy chamber 3 from the air-floating structure 1.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, in a specific embodiment of the present application, the connecting member 32 is a pair of vertical plates, each of which is provided with a connecting hole.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, in a specific embodiment of the present application, an air-floating structure 1 includes a docking member 11, comprising a first docking plate 111 and a second docking plate 112. Both the first and second docking plates 111, 112 are provided with coaxially arranged docking holes. The first docking plate 111 can be inserted between the paired vertical plates, and the paired vertical plates restrict the lateral movement of the first docking plate 111 relative to the vertical plates. The second docking plates 112 are arranged in pairs, and one end of the traction rope 4 is positioned between the paired second docking plates 112. After the latch 331 passes through the paired second docking plates 112, the traction rope 4 is latched onto the latch 331. When the docking holes and the connecting holes are aligned, the latch driver 332 drives the latch 331 sequentially through the docking hole on the second docking plate 112, the docking hole on the first docking plate 111, and the connecting hole. Thus, a single insertion of the latch 331 locks the second docking plate 112 and the first docking plate 111 in both positions. On the contrary, the latch 331 can be withdrawn from the connecting hole and the docking hole at the same time to achieve unlocking of the two positions.

[0059] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the vent valve (not shown) of the float 3 is provided at the top of the box body 31, and the water inlet valve (not shown) of the float 3 is provided at the bottom of the box body 31, and both the vent valve and the water inlet valve are connected to the cavity. When the water inlet valve is opened, external water can enter the cavity through the water inlet valve, or, under the condition of pressurization in the cavity, the water in the cavity can be discharged to the outside. By adjusting the height of the water level in the cavity, the buoyancy and stability of the float 3 can be adjusted. The higher the water level in the cavity, the smaller the buoyancy and the better the stability; the lower the water level in the cavity, the greater the buoyancy and the relatively weaker the stability. When the vent valve is opened, the air in the cavity can be discharged; or, air can be injected into the cavity to control the height of the water level in the cavity, thereby adjusting the buoyancy and stability of the float.

[0060] In one specific embodiment of the present application, an air-floating structure 1 comprises a bottom box structure and a vertical tube structure. The vertical tube structure is positioned above the bottom box structure and extends vertically. The bottom box structure has multiple bottomless water inlet chambers, each with a water inlet connected to the outside. Exhaust valves are connected to the water inlet chambers. After the air-floating structure 1 enters the water, sealing water enters the bottom box structure, lowering the center of gravity of the entire air-floating structure 1 and providing buoyancy stability. The vertical tube structure has a closed bottom and an open top, and the vertical tube structure also has a water inlet. The bottom box structure also has a water pumping hole for connecting to a negative pressure device to generate negative pressure in the water inlet chamber, allowing the air-floating structure 1 to sink further under the help of negative pressure. When the air-floating structure 1 is lowered for installation, the exhaust valve is opened, allowing air in the water inlet chamber to be discharged through the exhaust valve, and water to enter the water inlet chamber through the water inlet. When the bottom box structure is completely submerged in water, the water inlet of the vertical tube structure is opened, allowing water to enter the vertical tube, causing the entire air-floating structure 1 to sink. When the air-floating structure 1 is leveled, the water inflow of each water inlet chamber can be controlled to achieve the leveling effect of the air-floating structure 1 .

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A floating structure installation process based on a pontoon, characterized in that: The steps include: The air-floating structure (1) is loaded onto a semi-submersible barge (2), and a plurality of pontoons (3) are installed on the air-floating structure (1), and the semi-submersible barge (2) carries the air-floating structure (1) to the area to be installed; The water inlet and the exhaust port of the air-floating structure (1) are closed to form a closed cavity in the air-floating structure (1) to provide buoyancy for the air-floating structure (1); the semi-submersible barge (2) dives until it is separated from the air-floating structure (1), and then wet-tows the air-floating structure (1) out of the dock; A plurality of traction ropes (4) are connected to the air-floating structure (1), and the other end of each traction rope (4) is fixed to the positioning barges (5) on both sides of the air-floating structure (1); The exhaust port of the air-floating structure (1) is opened to allow water to enter the air-floating structure (1), causing the air-floating structure (1) to sink; after the float box (3) enters the water, a righting moment is provided for the air-floating structure (1); when the air-floating structure (1) is suspended in the water, the water inlet of the air-floating structure (1), as well as the vent valve and the water inlet valve of the float box (3) are opened, and when the air-floating structure (1) sinks to a leveling distance from the bottom of the water, the air-floating structure (1) is leveled; After leveling, the air-floating structure (1) and the buoyancy box (3) continue to be filled with water until the air-floating structure (1) settles and rests on the bottom of the water, and water is pumped into the cavity of the air-floating structure (1) to increase weight, so that the air-floating structure (1) settles into place; After the buoyancy box (3) is disconnected from the air flotation structure (1), the traction rope (4) is recovered, and air is inflated into the buoyancy box (3) to discharge the water in the buoyancy box (3), so that the buoyancy box (3) floats on its own, and then the buoyancy box (3) is recovered.

2. The air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: When the air-floating structure (1) is put into water, one corner of the short side of the air-floating structure (1) is put into water first, then the short side of the air-floating structure (1) and one corner of the long side that is at the same angle as the short side are put into water, and finally the other corner of the long side of the air-floating structure (1) is put into water.

3. The air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: When the air-floating structure (1) sinks to a distance of at least 0.5 m from the bottom surface of the water, the air-floating structure (1) is leveled.

4. The air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The buoyancy box (3) comprises a box body (31), a connecting piece (32) and a latch assembly (33), wherein the box body (31) has a cavity; the connecting piece (32) is arranged at the bottom of the box body (31), and the connecting piece (32) has a connecting hole; the latch assembly (33) is arranged on one side of the connecting piece (32), and the latch assembly (33) comprises a latch (331) and a latch driving piece (332), wherein the fixed end of the latch driving piece (332) is connected to the bottom of the box body (31), and the latch (331) is drivingly connected to the movable end of the latch driving piece (332); when the connecting hole is aligned with the external docking hole, the latch driving piece (332) drives the latch (331) to be plugged into the connecting hole and the external docking hole.

5. The air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting members (32) are vertical plates arranged in pairs, and each vertical plate is provided with a connecting hole.

6. The air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The air-floating structure (1) has a docking member (11), and the docking member (11) includes a first docking plate (111) and a second docking plate (112). The first docking plate (111) and the second docking plate (112) are both provided with coaxially arranged docking holes. The first docking plate (111) can be extended between the vertical plates arranged in pairs. The second docking plates (112) are arranged in pairs. One end of the traction rope (4) is arranged between the second docking plates (112) arranged in pairs. When the docking holes are aligned with the connecting holes, the latch driving member (332) drives the latch (331) to pass through the docking hole on the second docking plate (112), the docking hole on the first docking plate (111), and the connecting hole in sequence.

7. The air-floating structure installation process based on a pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The vent valve of the float box (3) is arranged at the top of the box body (31), and the water inlet valve of the float box (3) is arranged at the bottom of the box body (31). Both the vent valve and the water inlet valve are in communication with the cavity.

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