Air floatation structure group transportation and installation method

Abstract

The invention provides an air floating structure group transportation and installation method, which comprises the following steps of: firstly, loading groups of air floating structures onto a semi-submersible barge, and transporting the air floating structures to a preset diving position in a towing manner; according to the method, the two air floating structures with insufficient floating stability are combined to form the whole floating stable structure, the righting torque does not need to be provided by depending on an additional auxiliary structure or device, and the stability problem of the single air floating structure in the transportation process is effectively solved. And when the semi-submersible barge dives to the designed water depth, the air floating structure is separated from the semi-submersible barge. And the air floating structure is dragged out of the semi-submersible barge through the traction ship and guided to the target installation position. Positioning barges are arranged on the two opposite sides of the air floating structure, and hanging cable systems connected with the corresponding sides of the air floating structure are arranged on the positioning barges. A vent valve arranged on the air floating structure and communicated with the buoyancy cavity is opened, so that seawater enters the buoyancy cavity, and the air floating structure starts to controllably sink. And sinking of the air floating structure is adjusted and controlled through a suspension cable system on the positioning barge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of component installation methods, and more specifically, relates to a method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups. Background Art

[0002] In the field of marine engineering, the installation accuracy of air-floating components directly affects the stability and service life of the overall structure. Traditional installation methods of air-floating components mainly rely on lifting equipment and manual positioning. However, in the actual construction process, due to the complexity and variability of the marine environment, sea conditions such as waves, tides, currents and other natural factors often cause the components to be offset or unstable during installation. Especially in deep water areas or under severe weather conditions, this installation deviation problem is more prominent, which not only increases the difficulty of construction, but also may cause safety hazards. Although existing technologies have adopted methods such as GPS positioning and underwater robot assistance to improve installation accuracy, these methods are often costly and have strict technical requirements for operators, making it difficult to achieve stable and reliable installation effects under various sea conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present application is to provide a method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups, so as to solve the technical problem in the prior art that air-floating components have poor stability during installation.

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

[0005] A method for transporting and installing an air-floating structure in groups is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Load the group of air-floating structures onto a semi-submersible barge and tow it to the submerged position;

[0007] The semi-submersible barge dives to a designed water depth, and the air flotation structure floats to be separated from the semi-submersible barge;

[0008] The air-floating structure is towed out of the semi-submersible barge by a tugboat and towed to an installation location;

[0009] Positioning barges are arranged on opposite sides of the air floating structure, and the positioning barges on both sides are connected to the corresponding sides of the air floating structure through hoisting cables;

[0010] The positioning barges on both sides move closer to the air-floating structure and tighten the hoisting cables until the positioning barges are moored in the hoisting position;

[0011] Opening the vent valve on the air-floating structure that is in communication with the buoyancy chamber to allow water to enter the buoyancy chamber and allow the air-floating structure to sink; during the sinking process, the sinking of the air-floating structure is controlled by the hoisting cable on the positioning barge;

[0012] When the air-floating structure sinks to the target depth, the air-floating structure is positioned and corrected, and then sunk to the bottom mud surface until the sinking is completed;

[0013] The grouped air-floating structures are disassembled, the grouped equipment is removed, and the installation of the air-floating structures is completed.

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

[0015] Optionally, in the grouped air-floating structures, the number of the air-floating structures is at least two, and the air-floating structures are sequentially connected in series to form a group through a grouping device.

[0016] Optionally, the grouping equipment includes a pre-tensioning cable and a tensioning device. Each of the air-floating structures has a through prefabricated hole. The pre-tensioning cable is sequentially passed through the prefabricated holes of each of the air-floating structures, and the tensioning device is installed at both ends of the pre-tensioning cable. The pre-tensioning cable is tensioned by the tensioning device to connect the air-floating structures into a group.

[0017] Optionally, a spacer is provided between each of the air flotation structures. The spacer includes a top spacer and a bottom spacer that are spaced apart. The bottom spacer is located below the top spacer. A connecting rope is further connected between the top spacer and the bottom spacer.

[0018] Optionally, when the grouped air-floating structures are ungrouped, the tensioning device relaxes the pre-tightening cables, and then the tensioning device, pre-tightening cables and spacers are removed.

[0019] Optionally, when the air flotation structures on both sides of the spacer have too strong a clamping force on the spacer, causing the spacer to be unable to be pulled out, negative pressure is introduced into the air flotation structure on one side of the spacer, causing the air flotation structure on that side to sink under negative pressure until it is offset from the air flotation structure on the other side, so that the spacer can be pulled out, and then the two air flotation structures are leveled by negative pressure sedimentation.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the group transportation and installation method of air-floating structures provided in this application are:

[0021] The present application provides a method for transporting and installing a group of air-floating structures. The grouped air-floating structures are first loaded onto a semi-submersible barge and transported to a predetermined submerged location by towing. This method combines two air-floating structures with insufficient buoyancy to form a single, stable floating structure, eliminating the need for additional auxiliary structures or devices to provide a righting torque. This effectively addresses the stability issues associated with individual air-floating structures during transportation. When the semi-submersible barge descends to its designed water depth, the air-floating structures naturally rise under the action of buoyancy, achieving a smooth separation from the semi-submersible barge. A towing vessel then tows the air-floating structures from the semi-submersible barge and guides them to their target installation location. During the installation phase, positioning barges are deployed on opposite sides of the air-floating structure. Each positioning barge is equipped with a cable system connected to the corresponding side of the air-floating structure. By controlling the positioning barges to simultaneously approach the air-floating structure and gradually tightening the cable system, the positioning barges are precisely docked in the predetermined drop position. At this point, a vent valve connected to the buoyancy chamber of the air-floating structure is opened, allowing seawater to enter the chamber and the structure to begin a controlled sinking. During the sinking process, the floating structure's sinking posture and position are controlled in real time by the cable system on the positioning barge. When the floating structure reaches the target depth, it undergoes precise positioning corrections and then continues to sink until it rests stably on the mud surface at the bottom of the water, completing the sinking operation. Finally, the grouped floating structures are disassembled and the connecting equipment removed, completing the entire installation process. This method, through the coordinated installation of two floating structures, not only meets the floating stability requirements during transportation and installation, but also significantly improves construction efficiency, achieving a balance between safety and economy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a top view of the first state of the group installation process of the air-floating structure provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a top view of the second state of the group installation process of the air-floating structure provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic top view of the third state of the group installation process of the air-floating structure provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the third state of the group installation process of the air floating structure provided by this application;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the fourth state of the group installation process of the air floating structure provided by this application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the fifth state of the group installation process of the air floating structure provided in this application.

[0029] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0030] 1. Air floatation structure; 2. Semi-submersible barge;

[0031] 3. Position the barge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In the following description, suffixes such as “circuit,” “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.

[0039] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The present application provides a method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the group of air-floating structures 1 is first loaded onto the semi-submersible barge 2 and transported to the predetermined diving position by towing. This method combines two air-floating structures 1 with insufficient floating stability to form an overall floating stable structure, without relying on additional auxiliary structures or devices to provide righting torque, effectively solving the stability problem of a single air-floating structure during transportation. When the semi-submersible barge 2 dives to the designed water depth, the air-floating structure 1 naturally floats under the action of buoyancy, achieving a smooth separation from the semi-submersible barge 2. Figure 2 As shown, the air-floating structure 1 is subsequently towed out from the semi-submersible barge 2 by a tugboat and guided to the target installation location.

[0042] like Figures 3 to 6As shown, during the installation phase, positioning barges 3 are positioned on opposite sides of the air-floating structure 1. Each barge 3 is equipped with a cable system connected to the corresponding side of the air-floating structure 1. By controlling the positioning barges 3 to simultaneously approach the air-floating structure 1 and gradually tightening the cable, the positioning barges 3 are precisely moored at the preset lifting position. At this point, a vent valve connected to the buoyancy chamber of the air-floating structure 1 is opened, allowing seawater to enter the buoyancy chamber, and the air-floating structure 1 begins a controlled sinking. During the sinking process, the cable system on the positioning barges 3 adjusts and controls the sinking posture and position of the air-floating structure 1 in real time. When the air-floating structure 1 reaches the target depth, it undergoes precise positioning corrections and then continues to sink until it is stably seated on the mud surface at the bottom of the water, completing the sinking operation. Finally, the grouped air-floating structures 1 are disassembled and the connecting equipment is removed, completing the installation process. This method, through the coordinated installation of the two air-floating structures 1, not only meets the floating stability requirements during transportation and installation, but also significantly improves construction efficiency, achieving a balance between safety and cost-effectiveness.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one specific embodiment of the present application, the groups of air-floating structures 1 are arranged in series, with at least two air-floating structures 1 present. Each air-floating structure 1 is connected via a grouping device, forming a series of connected structures. This series arrangement enables the multiple air-floating structures 1 to form a stable floating system during transportation, effectively overcoming the instability of a single air-floating structure 1 under wave action.

[0044] In one specific embodiment of the present application, the grouping equipment utilizes a connection method combining pre-tensioned cables and a tensioning device to achieve grouped connection of air-floating structures 1. Each air-floating structure 1 is prefabricated with pre-formed holes that penetrate the structure during manufacture. These pre-formed holes are symmetrically arranged along the axis of the air-floating structure 1. The pre-tensioned cables are made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials and, during construction, are sequentially passed through the pre-formed holes of each air-floating structure 1 to form a series connection. Adjustable tensioning devices are provided at both ends of the pre-tensioned cables, comprising a tension adjustment mechanism and a locking mechanism. By operating the tensioning device, a predetermined tension is applied to the pre-tensioned cables, generating sufficient pre-tensioning force between the series-connected air-floating structures 1, thereby forming a stable, rigid connection. This connection method not only ensures the overall rigidity of the grouped structures, but also facilitates rapid on-site assembly and disassembly, enabling automated underwater dismantling and reuse of the grouped equipment. Furthermore, the pre-formed holes avoid the structural damage that could be caused by welding temporary connectors to the air-floating structures 1.

[0045] In a specific embodiment of the present application, spacers are provided between the groups of air-floating structures 1, which include top spacers, bottom spacers and connecting ropes. The top spacers and bottom spacers are made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials and are respectively installed at the upper and lower positions of the contact surfaces of adjacent air-floating structures 1 to form buffer layers arranged at intervals. The bottom spacer is located directly below the top spacer, and the relative position relationship between the two is maintained by the connecting rope. This upper and lower double-layer spacer effectively prevents direct contact friction between the air-floating structures 1, and ensures the positioning reliability of the spacers through the restraining effect of the connecting rope. When removing the spacers, the top spacer and the bottom spacer can be pulled out together. The top spacer and the bottom spacer can fully absorb the impact load generated during transportation and installation while ensuring structural stability. The length of the connecting rope is adjustable, which is convenient for adjusting the installation spacing of the spacers according to actual working conditions to ensure the buffering and isolation effect.

[0046] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the disassembly operation of the air-floating structure 1 is carried out according to the following steps: first, the tensioning device is operated to gradually relax it, thereby releasing the tension on the pre-tensioned cable; after the pre-tensioned cable is completely relaxed, the tensioning devices installed at both ends of the pre-tensioned cable are removed in sequence; then, the pre-tensioned cable is pulled out of the prefabricated holes of each air-floating structure 1; finally, the top spacer, bottom spacer, and connecting rope provided between adjacent air-floating structures 1 are removed. This disassembly process adopts a sequential operation method to ensure that each connecting component can be removed safely and orderly. The direction of withdrawal of the pre-tensioned cable is consistent with the initial insertion direction to avoid additional wear on the prefabricated holes.

[0047] In a specific embodiment of the present application, when the septum cannot be pulled out normally due to the excessive clamping force of the air-floating structures 1 on both sides, a negative pressure adjustment method is used to perform the disassembly operation. The specific implementation process is: first, negative pressure is introduced into the buoyancy cavity of the air-floating structure 1 on one side of the septum, so that the air-floating structure 1 produces a controllable sinking under the action of the negative pressure until it forms a height difference with the air-floating structure 1 on the other side and is staggered with each other. This dislocation state effectively releases the clamping force on the septum, allowing the septum to be pulled out smoothly. After the septum is removed, the negative pressure state of the air-floating structures 1 on both sides is adjusted so that the air-floating structures 1 on both sides sink to the same depth. The amount of negative pressure introduced is determined by calculation according to the actual working conditions to ensure that the sinking amount and sinking speed of the air-floating structure 1 are within a controllable range.

[0048] In one 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, thereby further sinking the air-floating structure 1. When the air-floating structure 1 is lowered for installation, the exhaust valve is opened, air in the water inlet chamber is discharged through the exhaust valve, and water enters 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 .

[0049] 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 method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups, characterized in that: The steps include: Loading the group of air-floating structures (1) onto a semi-submersible barge (2) and then towing it to a submerged position; The semi-submersible barge (2) dives to a designed water depth, and the air-floating structure (1) floats up to separate from the semi-submersible barge (2); The air-floating structure (1) is towed out of the semi-submersible barge (2) by a tugboat and towed to an installation location; Positioning barges (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the air-floating structure (1), and the positioning barges (3) on both sides are connected to corresponding sides of the air-floating structure (1) via hoisting cables; The positioning barges (3) on both sides move closer to the air-floating structure (1) and tighten the hoisting cables until the positioning barges (3) are moored in the hoisting position; Opening the vent valve on the air-floating structure (1) that is in communication with the buoyancy chamber, allowing water to enter the buoyancy chamber and causing the structure to sink; during the sinking process, controlling the sinking of the air-floating structure (1) by means of the hoisting cable on the positioning barge (3); When the air-floating structure (1) sinks to the target depth, the air-floating structure (1) is positioned and corrected, and then sunk to the bottom mud surface until the sinking is completed; The grouped air-floating structures (1) are ungrouped, the grouping equipment is dismantled, and the installation of the air-floating structures (1) is completed.

2. The method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups according to claim 1, wherein: In the grouped air-floating structures (1), the number of the air-floating structures (1) is at least two, and the air-floating structures (1) are sequentially connected in series to form a group through a grouping device.

3. The method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups according to claim 2, wherein: The grouping equipment includes a pre-tightening cable and a tensioning device. Each of the air-floating structures (1) has a through pre-fabricated hole. The pre-tightening cable is sequentially passed through the pre-fabricated hole of each of the air-floating structures (1). The tensioning device is installed at both ends of the pre-tightening cable. The pre-tightening cable is tensioned by the tensioning device, so that each of the air-floating structures (1) is connected into a group.

4. The method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups according to claim 3, wherein: A spacer is provided between each of the air flotation structures (1), and the spacer comprises a top spacer and a bottom spacer which are arranged at intervals, the bottom spacer is located below the top spacer, and a connecting rope is further connected between the top spacer and the bottom spacer.

5. The method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups according to claim 4, wherein: When the grouped air-floating structures (1) are ungrouped, the tensioning device relaxes the pre-tightening cables, and then the tensioning device, pre-tightening cables and spacers are removed.

6. The method for transporting and installing air-floating structures in groups according to claim 5, wherein: When the air flotation structures (1) on both sides of the spacer have too strong a clamping force on the spacer, causing the spacer to be unable to be pulled out, negative pressure is introduced into the air flotation structure (1) on one side of the spacer, causing the air flotation structure (1) on this side to sink under negative pressure until it is offset from the air flotation structure (1) on the other side, so that the spacer can be pulled out, and then the two air flotation structures (1) are leveled by negative pressure sedimentation.

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