Vibrator assembly

Abstract

A vibrator assembly for mounting a pile into the ground is disclosed. The vibrator assembly comprises: a connecting device configured to engage with a pile wherein the connecting device comprises at least one connecting member; a first vibrator including a first actuator coupled to the first mass, the first actuator configured to, when actuated, vibrate the first mass along a first linear path, the first linear path being tangent to or parallel to a tangent to a surface of the pile; and a second vibrator including a second actuator coupled to the second mass, the second actuator configured to vibrate the second mass along a second linear path when actuated, the second linear path being tangent to or parallel to a tangent to the surface of the pile.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vibrator assembly for installing a pile into the ground. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a vibrator assembly for installing offshore piles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Offshore piles, for example foundation piles such as monopiles or jacket piles, are driven into the soil to provide a foundation for a structure above water.

[0003] Axial forces are generally used to drive piles into the ground. The axial forces can be in the form of continuous axial impacts or impulses provided by a driving tool, for example a pile hammer. The axial forces can also be in the form of vibrational axial forces applied to the pile. Clearly, driving a pile with axial forces requires sufficient energy to be transferred to the pile to overcome the resistance provided by the soil. This resistance includes direct forces acting on the toe or lower edge of the pile, as well as frictional forces acting on the inner and outer radial surfaces of the pile.

[0004] As the pile is driven into the soil, in order to overcome the direct forces acting on the toe, the pile must displace ground material out of the path of the toe. The diameter of the pile can be, for example, between 6 m and 13 m, and the wall thickness can be, for example, 100 mm. Thus, the surface area of the toe can be, for example, 4 m2. Therefore, to move the pile 250 mm into the soil, up to 1 m3of soil can need to be displaced, which requires a large amount of energy. Furthermore, as the pile is moved deeper, the soil is arranged more densely and thus the resistance provided by the soil to the toe increases, requiring more energy to be transferred to the pile.

[0005] It will be appreciated that the frictional forces acting on the radial faces of the pile also increase with depth, as there is more surface in contact with the soil. Furthermore, as the pile is driven deeper into the soil, the direct forces acting on the radial faces increase due to the soil being arranged more densely, increasing the frictional forces.

[0006] Overcoming these resistances generally requires very large axial forces to be applied to the pile. These axial forces create large stress fluctuations in the pile, which sometimes cause damage or even failure of the pile or associated structure. This damage can be fatigue damage, which affects the residual fatigue carrying capacity of the pile, which in turn affects the lifetime of the pile and associated structure. Therefore, the pile must be designed to have sufficient strength to withstand the high impact forces, which increases the cost of the pile. For example, the load required to drive the pile can determine the wall thickness of the pile. Furthermore, the vibrations of the pile caused by the impacts transferred by the installation tool create a large amount of noise during driving, which has a negative impact on the environment and also increases the health risk to nearby personnel.

[0007] It is known that vibrating the pile can reduce the resistance offered by the soil. In this way, the axial force required to be applied is reduced, or in some cases completely not required, while the pile instead "sinks" into the soil while the pile is being vibrated. However, known systems, such as those disclosed in WO2021040523A1 and US3383531, utilise a mass to be rotated to vibrate the pile, resulting in additional complexity. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of these limitations.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vibrator assembly for installing a pile into the ground, the vibrator assembly comprising:

[0010] a connection device configured to engage with the pile, wherein the connection device comprises at least one connection member;

[0011] a first vibrator comprising a first actuator coupled to a first mass, the first actuator configured to, when actuated, vibrate the first mass along a first linear path that is tangential to or parallel to a tangent to a surface of the pile; and

[0012] a second vibrator comprising a second actuator coupled to a second mass, the second actuator configured to, when actuated, vibrate the second mass along a second linear path that is tangential to or parallel to a tangent to a surface of the pile,

[0013] wherein the first vibrator and the second vibrator are coupled to the connection device such that forces resulting from the vibrations of the first mass and the second mass are transmitted to the pile by the connection device.

[0014] By the claimed arrangement, the reaction forces from the vibrations of the first mass and the second mass are transmitted to the pile via the connecting members. This results in the pile being vibrated in the XY-plane, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pile extends in the Z-direction. Since the linear vibrations act tangentially on the outer surface of the pile, these linear vibrations result in a transmission of torsional vibrations to the pile. That is, the pile is caused to vibrate around its longitudinal axis. The vibrations of the pile serve to at least partially liquefy the soil below / around the pile, thereby reducing the soil resistance so that the pile can be "sunk" into the ground. Thus, the energy required to install the pile to a predetermined depth is greatly reduced and no impact hammer is needed, resulting in a quieter installation. The use of linear vibrators is simpler than known solutions, e.g. solutions using rotating masses. Furthermore, the driving in of the pile can be achieved in the same way or even in a more controllable way than by rotating the mass to achieve the driving in of the pile. That is, the use of linear actuators provides an enhanced sensitivity between the vibration of the mass and the resulting vibration of the pile. This enables a better control of the installation of the pile.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the at least one connecting member comprises:

[0016] a first connecting member positioned to engage a surface of the pile at a first circumferential position; and

[0017] a second connecting member positioned to engage the surface of the pile at a second circumferential position.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the first vibrator is positioned to be circumferentially aligned with the first circumferential position of the surface of the pile, wherein the first linear path is tangential to the surface of the pile or parallel to a tangent of the surface of the pile at the first circumferential position, and the second vibrator is positioned to be circumferentially aligned with the second circumferential position of the surface of the pile, wherein the second linear path is tangential to the surface of the pile or parallel to a tangent of the surface of the pile at the second circumferential position.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the first linear path is substantially parallel to the second linear path.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the first vibrator is positioned to be circumferentially aligned with the first connecting member, wherein the first linear path is tangential to the surface of the pile or parallel to a tangent of the surface of the pile at the first circumferential position, and the second vibrator is positioned to be circumferentially aligned with the second connecting member, wherein the second linear path is tangential to the surface of the pile or parallel to a tangent of the surface of the pile at the second circumferential position.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position are diametrically opposite.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first actuator is configured to cause the first mass block to vibrate along a first linear path at a frequency of about 40 Hz to about 80 Hz, wherein the second actuator is configured to cause the second mass block to vibrate along a second linear path at a frequency of about 40 Hz to about 80 Hz.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vibrator assembly includes a control system that communicates with the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the control system is configured to actuate the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to actuate the first actuator and the second actuator according to a vibration mode, wherein the vibration mode is configured such that during the simultaneous vibration of the first mass block and the second mass block, the first mass block moves along a first linear path in a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction surrounding the surface of the pile, and the second mass block moves along a second linear path in a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction surrounding the surface of the pile.

[0025] In some implementations, the control system includes a memory storing vibration patterns.

[0026] In some implementations, the vibrator assembly includes at least one pressure sensor configured to monitor the force applied to the pile by the vibrator.

[0027] In some embodiments, the vibrator assembly further includes at least one axial vibrator, each of the at least one axial vibrator including an actuator coupled to a mass block, the actuator being configured to vibrate the mass block along a path parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pile when actuated.

[0028] In some implementations, the actuator of the axial vibrator is configured to cause the mass block to vibrate along the path at a frequency of about 25 Hz to about 40 Hz.

[0029] In some implementations, the vibrator assembly includes a connection point for connecting to the lifting equipment.

[0030] In some implementations, at least one connecting member is a hydraulic clamp.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for installing piles into the ground is provided, the system comprising:

[0032] Vibrator assembly according to the first aspect of the invention; and

[0033] A support structure for supporting the pile at the installation location in a predetermined orientation.

[0034] In some implementations, the system also includes sensors configured to determine the relative position between the pile and the supporting structure during installation.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a complete set of components is provided, comprising:

[0036] A vibrator assembly according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; and

[0037] pile.

[0038] In some implementations, the piles are monopiles or jacket piles.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for installing piles into the ground is provided, the method comprising:

[0040] Position the pile at the installation location;

[0041] The connection device for connecting the pile to the vibrator assembly includes at least one connecting member.

[0042] The first actuator of the first vibrator is actuated to cause the first mass block to vibrate along a first linear path tangent to or parallel to the surface of the pile; and

[0043] The second actuator of the second vibrator is actuated to cause the second mass block to vibrate along a second linear path that is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the pile surface;

[0044] The first vibrator and the second vibrator are connected to the connecting device, so that the force generated by the vibration of the first mass block and the second mass block is transmitted to the pile through the connecting device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the vibrator assembly is a vibrator assembly according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

[0046] In some embodiments, engaging the pile with the connecting device includes:

[0047] The surface of the pile is engaged with a first connecting member of at least one connecting member at a first circumferential position; and

[0048] The surface of the pile is engaged with a second connecting member in at least one connecting member at a second circumferential position.

[0049] In some implementations, the piles are monopiles or jacket piles.

[0050] In some implementations, the installation location is at sea.

[0051] In some implementations, once the piles are driven into the ground to a predetermined depth, the pile structure creates a support for structures above the ground, such as wind turbines.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method further includes actuating the actuator of the axial vibrator to cause the mass block to vibrate along a path parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pile.

[0053] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable instruction is provided, which, when executed by a computer, is configured to perform a method according to a fourth aspect of the invention.

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored, which, when executed by one or more electronic processors, cause one or more electronic processors to perform the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0055] As used herein, the location of features of the vibrator assembly can be described relative to the pile, representing a "use" configuration of the vibrator assembly. The location of features of the vibrator assembly can also be defined relative to a plane and an axis orthogonal to that plane, wherein the plane corresponds to the upper surface of the pile and the axis corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the pile. For example, the circumferential location of the connecting members and the first and second linear paths can be defined relative to a circle extending about the axis within that plane. This circle can correspond to the outer and inner curved surfaces of the pile. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The vibrator assembly will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 An exploded view of the vibrator assembly (shown in a side cross-section) and the pile (shown in a perspective view) is shown;

[0058] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The vibrator assembly and pile shown are shown in a side cross-sectional view.

[0059] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The vibrator assembly and pile shown are shown in a top cross-sectional view.

[0060] Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of another vibrator assembly is shown;

[0061] Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of another vibrator assembly is shown; and

[0062] Figure 6 A top view of another vibrator component is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Now go to Figure 1 The image shows a vibrator assembly 100 for installing a pile 200 into the ground.

[0064] In this example, pile 200 is a single pile, but it should be understood that the vibrator assembly 100 disclosed herein can be used to install other piles such as jacket piles. Pile 200 is schematically illustrated as a continuous cylindrical pile with an annular cross-section, but it should be understood that pile 200 can have any suitable shape or structure. For example, pile 200 can consist of one or more cylindrical segments, each with a different diameter. The upper section of pile 200 can be truncated conical in shape.

[0065] In the illustrated example, vibrator assembly 100 is used for offshore applications. That is, vibrator assembly 100 is used to drive piles 200 into the soil of an underwater surface, marked 300. Once the piles 200 are driven into the ground to a predetermined depth, the piles are configured to support structures above the ground, such as wind turbines. The soil can be any known soil type suitable for piling or installing piles, such as clay or sand. It should be understood that vibrator assembly 100 is also suitable for onshore applications.

[0066] The vibrator assembly 100 includes a connection device configured to engage with the pile 200. In this example, the connection device includes a first connection member 102 positioned to engage with the surface of the pile in a first circumferential position. The connection device also includes a second connection member 104 positioned to engage with the surface of the pile in a second circumferential position.

[0067] Any suitable connecting member can be used, as long as it is configured to transmit vibration from the vibrator to the pile 200 as described below. In this example, the first connecting member 102 and the second connecting member 104 are hydraulic clamps. Hydraulic clamps can be of the type disclosed in US6302222B1. The connecting member may include at least one sensor to monitor pretension prior to the installation operation.

[0068] Each hydraulic clamp may be configured to engage with the outer curved surface of the pile 200, the inner curved surface of the pile 200, or both, to fix the position of the vibrator assembly 100 relative to the pile 200. It should be understood that, for flanged piles, the first connecting member 102 and the second connecting member 104 may engage with the upper and lower surfaces of the flange to fix the position of the vibrator assembly 100 relative to the pile. As used herein, the “surface” engaging with each connecting member 102, 104 may be any of the aforementioned surfaces, depending on the type of connecting members 102, 104 used and the structure of the pile 200. In this document, by way of example, the outer surface 202 of the reference pile 200 will be referred to as the “surface”.

[0069] The vibrator assembly 100 includes a first vibrator comprising a first actuator 106 coupled to a first mass 110. The first actuator 106 is configured to vibrate the first mass 110 when actuated. The vibrator assembly 100 also includes a second vibrator comprising a second actuator 108 coupled to a second mass 112. The second actuator 108 is configured to vibrate the second mass 112 when actuated.

[0070] Actuators 106 and 108 can be any type of actuator or exciter suitable for causing mass blocks 110 and 112 to vibrate at a desired frequency. For example, actuators 106 and 108 may each include a linear actuator, or a rotor or motor connected to the respective mass blocks 110 and 112 by means of a rack and pinion arrangement.

[0071] The first and second vibrators are connected to a connecting device such that the force generated by the vibration of the first mass block 110 and the second mass block 112 is transmitted to the pile 200 through the connecting device. For example, the actuators 106, 108 of each of the first and second vibrators can be connected to the connecting device to allow force transmission between the actuator and the connecting device.

[0072] In the illustrated example, a first actuator 106, a second actuator 108, a first mass 110, and a second mass 112 are housed within a housing 122, wherein a first connecting member 102 and a second connecting member 104 extend from and / or connect to the housing 122. In this way, when the actuators 106, 108 vibrate the mass 110, 112, the reaction force exerted by the vibrating mass 110, 112 on the actuators 106, 108 is transmitted via the housing 122 to the connecting members 102, 104. In other examples, such as in… Figure 6 In the example, actuators 106, 108 and connecting members 102, 104 can each be mounted on a plate, frame or collar.

[0073] The first actuator 106 is configured to vibrate the first mass 110 along a first linear path 124 when actuated, the first linear path 124 being tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200. In the same manner as the first actuator 106, the second actuator 108 is configured to vibrate the second mass 112 along a second linear path 126 when actuated, the second linear path 126 being tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200.

[0074] In this example, the first vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with a first circumferential position of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200, wherein the first linear path 124 at the first circumferential position is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200. Similarly, the second vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with a second circumferential position of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200, wherein the second linear path 126 at the second circumferential position is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200. As used herein, “circumferential alignment” refers to alignment along the radius of the pile 200.

[0075] It should be understood that the relative radial position of each mass block 110, 112 with respect to the pile 200 will determine whether the corresponding linear path is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200. For example... Figure 3 As best illustrated, the first mass block 110 (as an example) is radially spaced from the annular profile of the pile 200, such that the first linear path 124 is parallel to the tangent of the outer surface 202 of the pile 200. In other examples, the first mass block 110 may be positioned directly above the pile 200, such that the first linear path 124 is substantially tangent to the outer surface 202 of the pile 200.

[0076] The pile installation or driving operation involving the vibrator assembly 100 includes: positioning the pile 200 at the installation position; engaging the outer surface 202 of the pile 200 with the first connecting member 102 at a first circumferential position; and engaging the outer surface 202 of the pile 200 with the second connecting member 104 at a second circumferential position. Then, the first actuator 106 is actuated to vibrate the first mass 110 along a first linear path 124, and the second actuator 108 is actuated to vibrate the second mass 112 along a second linear path 126.

[0077] The reaction force from the vibrations of the first mass block 110 and the second mass block 112 is transmitted to the pile 200 via connecting members 102 and 104. This causes the pile 200 to follow... Figure 1The vibration occurs in the XY plane of the coordinate system marked therein, where the longitudinal axis of pile 200 extends along the Z direction. Since the linear vibrations act tangentially on the outer surface 202 of pile 200, these linear vibrations cause torsional vibrations to be transmitted to pile 200. That is, they cause pile 200 to vibrate about its longitudinal axis.

[0078] The vibration of pile 200 is used to at least partially liquefy the soil beneath / around pile 200, thereby reducing soil resistance and allowing pile 200 to "sink" into the ground. Therefore, the energy required to drive pile 200 to the predetermined depth is significantly reduced, and an impact hammer is not required, resulting in a quieter installation. Using a linear vibrator is simpler than known solutions, such as those using a rotating mass block. Furthermore, pile 200 can be driven in the same or even more controlled manner compared to driving it by rotating a mass block. That is, using a linear actuator provides enhanced sensitivity between the vibration of the mass block and the resulting vibration of pile 200. This allows for better control over the installation of pile 200.

[0079] The mass blocks can use any suitable structure and / or material, such as solid blocks. Mass blocks 110 and 112 can each have, for example, a mass of approximately 0.2 tons to approximately 1 ton, appropriately approximately 0.5 tons to approximately 0.9 tons. It should be understood that the required mass for each mass block 110 and 112 will depend on the installation capacity of the vibrator assembly 100 and the number of vibrators in the assembly 100.

[0080] In this example, actuators 106 and 108 are configured to cause mass blocks 104 and 106 to vibrate along their respective linear paths at frequencies ranging from approximately 40 Hz to approximately 80 Hz. It has been found that vibration at these frequencies helps ensure that pile 200 is sufficiently vibrated to reduce soil resistance, but the system remains stable during the vibration of pile 200.

[0081] In this example, the vibrator assembly 100 includes a control system 120 that communicates with the first actuator 106 and the second actuator 108.

[0082] The control system 120 may include one or more of a controller, a processing device, and a memory. The processing device may be one or more electronic processing devices operably executing computer-readable instructions. The memory may be one or more storage devices. The memory may be electrically connected to the processing device. The memory may be configured to store instructions. For example, the processing device may be configured to access the memory and execute instructions stored in the memory. The controller may include input devices and output devices. The input devices may include electrical inputs of the controller. The output devices may include electrical outputs of the controller. The inputs are configured to receive, for example, input signals from a user or signals from a sensor. The outputs are configured to output actuation commands to the vibrator of the vibrator assembly 100 as described herein.

[0083] The control system 120 can communicate wirelessly with the first actuator 106 and the second actuator 108. Alternatively, a wired connection can exist between the control system 120 and the first actuator 106 and the second actuator 108. The control system 120 can be located within the housing 122 or positioned away from other components of the vibrator assembly 100.

[0084] The control system 120 is configured to actuate the first actuator 106 and the second actuator 108. In this example, the control system 120 is configured to actuate the first actuator 106 and the second actuator 108 according to a vibration mode. The vibration mode may be stored in the memory of the control system 120.

[0085] The vibration mode is configured such that during the simultaneous vibration of the first mass block 110 and the second mass block 112, the first mass block 110 moves along a first linear path 124 in a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction surrounding the outer surface 202 of the pile 200, and the second mass block 112 moves along a second linear path 126 in a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction surrounding the outer surface 202 of the pile 200. That is, each mass block 110, 112, during simultaneous vibration, follows the same clockwise or counterclockwise direction along its respective linear paths 124, 126. Therefore, the vibrations of the mass blocks 110, 112 are coordinated to generate a moment about the longitudinal axis of the pile 200. These rotational or torsional pile vibrations reduce soil resistance in the manner described above.

[0086] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment of the vibrator assembly 100 is illustrated, wherein the vibrator assembly 100 further includes an axial vibrator, which includes an actuator 114 coupled to a mass block 116. The actuator 114 is configured to, when actuated, cause the mass block 116 to vibrate along a path 128 parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pile. Figure 4 and Figure 5In the example, at least actuator 114 is housed within housing 122. It should be understood that in examples including plates or collars, actuator 114 may also be mounted on the plate or collar to transmit the reaction force from vibrating mass block 116 to pile 200. The vertical reaction force from vibrating mass block 116 helps to drive or gently force pile 200 through at least partially liquefied soil, which always depends on the amount of water in the soil and / or the compaction of the soil below the pile toe, and utilizes reduced soil resistance. In this way, gentle vertical vibration can replace the impact from a hammer or vibratory hammer, resulting in reduced energy input and noise.

[0087] The mass block 116 may be, for example, from about 1 ton to about 15 tons, suitably from about 2 tons to about 10 tons, or suitably from about 2 tons to about 6 tons. It should be understood that the required mass of each mass block 116 will depend on the installation capacity of the vibrator assembly 100 and the number of vertical vibrators in the assembly 100. For example, the actuator 114 may cause the mass block 116 to vibrate along an axial path at a frequency of about 25 Hz to about 40 Hz.

[0088] The vibrator assembly 100 may include at least one pressure sensor configured to monitor the force applied to the pile 200 by the axial vibrator.

[0089] During pile installation, the pile 200 can be supported at the installation location in a predetermined orientation by a supporting structure, such as an overhanging frame or pile clamp mounted on a floating installation vessel. The installation system may include sensors configured to determine the relative position of the pile 200 to the supporting structure during installation. In this way, the installation process can be monitored and vibration settings adjusted accordingly.

[0090] Various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible. For example, although Figures 1 to 5 The vibrator assembly 100 illustrated includes two vibrators, but the vibrator assembly 100 may include any number, such as three, four or more vibrators (or be referred to as a torsional vibrator due to the torsional effect on the pile 200). Figure 6 An example is shown in which the vibrator assembly 100 includes four vibrators arranged around and mounted to an annular plate or collar member 400. In some embodiments, it is preferred to use a larger number of vibrators, so that the mass block used for each vibrator can be smaller and therefore easier to move. Suitablely, there are four to sixteen vibrators. Similarly, the vibrator assembly 100 may include any number, such as one, three or more, axial vibrators and / or connecting members.

[0091] As described above, the mass of the mass block for each vibrator (both torsional and axial vibrators) can vary depending on the number of vibrators and the required installation capacity of the vibrator assembly 100. For example, in an assembly 100 with a larger number of vibrators, the mass of the mass block can be lower. This consumes energy as the total mass of the vibrators (i.e., the dynamic mass of the vibrator assembly 100) moves with the pile. Therefore, it is preferable to keep the total dynamic mass as low as possible, for example, less than 10% of the mass of the pile 200 to be installed.

[0092] In a first non-limiting specific example, the vibrator assembly 100 includes:

[0093] • Four torsional vibrators, each weighing approximately 0.9 tons; and

[0094] • Four axial vibrators, each with a mass of approximately 2.3 tons.

[0095] In a second, non-limiting specific example, the vibrator assembly 100 includes:

[0096] • Sixteen torsional vibrators, each weighing approximately 0.7 tons; and

[0097] • Six axial vibrators, each with a mass of approximately 4.8 tons.

[0098] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the example, the first linear path 124 is substantially parallel to the second linear path 126. This helps ensure that the vibration generates a moment about the longitudinal axis of the pile 200, rather than simply causing the pile 200 to sway from side to side. However, it should be understood that other arrangements of the vibrators are possible. For example, three (or any number) vibrators may be arranged equidistantly around the edge of the pile 200. To increase the number of vibrators in the vibrator assembly 100, two or more vibrators may be provided at each circumferential location, such as radially inner vibrators and radially outer vibrators.

[0099] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the example, the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position are opposite each other in the diametrical direction. This helps ensure that vibration generates a moment about the longitudinal axis of pile 200, rather than simply causing pile 200 to sway from side to side. However, it should be understood that other arrangements of the connecting members are possible. For example, three (or any number) connecting members can be arranged equidistantly around the edge of pile 200.

[0100] exist Figures 1 to 5In the example, the first vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with the first connecting member 102, and the first linear path 124 is tangent to or parallel to the surface of the pile 200 at the first circumferential position. Similarly, the second vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with the second connecting member 104, and the second linear path 126 is tangent to or parallel to the surface of the pile 200 at the second circumferential position. This arrangement is particularly effective in transmitting reaction forces between the vibrators and the connecting members 102, 104. However, it should be understood that different arrangements are possible. For example, in Figure 6 In the example, the vibrator is circumferentially positioned between the connecting members. Similarly, it may be advantageous to circumferentially align the axial vibrator with the connecting members to ensure effective force transmission to the pile. However, other arrangements are also possible.

[0101] The vibrator assembly 100 may include a connection point for connecting to a lifting device. The connection point may be a lifting ring for connecting to a crane to allow deployment of the vibrator assembly 100. The vibrator assembly 100 may include a damping device configured to attenuate vibrations between the vibrator and the connection point. The damping device may include a static mass or any other suitable damping device.

[0102] The connection point can be pivotally connected to the body of the vibrator assembly 100, which is the housing 122, the annular plate 400, etc. In this way, the vibrator assembly 100 can be used as a pile flipping tool. In this way, the same tool can be used for flipping, deploying, and installing piles 200.

[0103] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the features described with respect to any of the above embodiments can be applied interchangeably between different embodiments. The above embodiments are examples used to illustrate various features of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vibrator assembly for driving piles into the ground, the vibrator assembly comprising: A connecting device configured to engage with a pile, wherein the connecting device includes at least one connecting member; A first vibrator, comprising a first actuator coupled to a first mass block, the first actuator configured to, when actuated, cause the first mass block to vibrate along a first linear path, the first linear path being tangent to or parallel to the surface of the pile; and A second vibrator, comprising a second actuator coupled to a second mass block, is configured to, when actuated, cause the second mass block to vibrate along a second linear path tangent to or parallel to the surface of the pile. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are connected to the connecting device, so that the force generated by the vibration of the first mass block and the second mass block is transmitted to the pile through the connecting device.

2. The vibrator assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one connecting member includes: A first connecting member, positioned to engage with the surface of the pile at a first circumferential position; and A second connecting member is positioned to engage with the surface of the pile at a second circumferential position.

3. The vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in, The first vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with a first circumferential position on the surface of the pile, wherein the first linear path is tangent to or parallel to a tangent on the surface of the pile at the first circumferential position. The second vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with a second circumferential position on the surface of the pile, wherein the second linear path is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the surface of the pile at the second circumferential position.

4. The vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first linear path is substantially parallel to the second linear path.

5. The vibrator assembly according to claim 2, in, The first vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with the first connecting member, wherein the first linear path is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the pile's surface at the first circumferential position. The second vibrator is positioned circumferentially aligned with the second connecting member, wherein the second linear path is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the surface of the pile at the second circumferential position.

6. The vibrator assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The first circumferential position and the second circumferential position are opposite each other in the diametrical direction.

7. The vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first actuator is configured to cause the first mass block to vibrate along the first linear path at a frequency of approximately 40 Hz to approximately 80 Hz, wherein the second actuator is configured to cause the second mass block to vibrate along the second linear path at a frequency of approximately 40 Hz to approximately 80 Hz.

8. The vibrator assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a control system in communication with the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein, The control system is configured to actuate the first actuator and the second actuator.

9. The vibrator assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The control system is configured to actuate the first actuator and the second actuator according to a vibration mode, wherein the vibration mode is configured such that during the simultaneous vibration of the first mass block and the second mass block, the first mass block moves along the first linear path in a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction surrounding the surface of the pile, and the second mass block moves along the second linear path in a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction surrounding the surface of the pile.

10. The vibrator assembly of claim 9, wherein, The control system includes a memory that stores the vibration modes.

11. The vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The vibrator assembly includes at least one pressure sensor configured to monitor the force applied to the pile by the vibrator.

12. The vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims further includes at least one axial vibrator, each of the at least one axial vibrator including an actuator coupled to a mass block, the actuator being configured to vibrate the mass block along a path parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pile when actuated.

13. The vibrator assembly of claim 12, wherein, The actuator of the axial vibrator is configured to cause the mass block to vibrate along the path at a frequency of approximately 25 Hz to approximately 40 Hz.

14. The vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The vibrator assembly includes connection points for connecting to lifting equipment.

15. The vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one connecting component is a hydraulic clamp.

16. A system for installing piles into the ground, the system comprising: vibrator assembly according to any of the preceding claims; as well as A support structure for supporting the pile at the installation position in a predetermined orientation.

17. The system of claim 16 further includes a sensor configured to determine the relative position between the pile and the support structure during installation.

18. A complete set of components, comprising: The vibrator assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15; as well as pile.

19. The complete set of components according to claim 18, wherein, The piles are either single piles or jacket piles.

20. A method for installing piles into the ground, the method comprising: Position the pile at the installation location; The connection device of the pile and the vibrator assembly is engaged, wherein the connection device includes at least one connecting member; The first actuator of the first vibrator is actuated to cause the first mass block to vibrate along a first linear path, the first linear path being tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the pile surface; and The second actuator of the second vibrator is actuated to cause the second mass block to vibrate along a second linear path, which is tangent to or parallel to the tangent of the surface of the pile. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are connected to the connecting device, so that the force generated by the vibration of the first mass block and the second mass block is transmitted to the pile through the connecting device.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, Connecting the pile to the connecting device includes: The surface of the pile is engaged with the first connecting member of the at least one connecting member at a first circumferential position; and The surface of the pile is engaged with the second connecting member of the at least one connecting member at the second circumferential position.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The piles are either single piles or jacket piles.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The installation location is at sea.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein, Once the pile is installed in the ground to a predetermined depth, the pile is configured to support a structure above the ground, such as a wind turbine.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein, The method further includes actuating the actuator of the axial vibrator to cause the mass block to vibrate along a path parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pile.

26. A computer-readable instruction, which, when executed by a computer, is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 20 to 25.

27. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more electronic processors, cause the one or more electronic processors to perform the method according to any one of claims 20 to 25.

Images