Real-time tension measuring device for tension tendon of tension leg platform

Abstract

The invention discloses a tension leg platform tension tendon real-time tension measuring device which comprises a rocker arm, a first shackle and a second shackle, the first shackle and the second shackle are connected to the two ends of the rocker arm respectively, the first shackle is connected to a platform, the second shackle is connected to a tension tendon, and the first shackle and the second shackle are connected to the rocker arm. The rocker arm is arranged between the platform and the tension tendon; the rocker arm is connected with a first fixing block and a second fixing block, a tension adjusting arm is connected between the first fixing block and the second fixing block through a connecting rod, and the tension adjusting arm is connected with an optical fiber force transducer, so that when the rocker arm slightly deforms, the tension adjusting arm deforms synchronously, and the optical fiber force transducer outputs a signal through a cable. Therefore, the tension value of the tension tendon is obtained. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendon of the tension leg platform is provided with two sets of measuring systems for respective measurement and mutual verification, and meanwhile, the real-time tension measuring device is simple in structure and convenient to operate, maintain and replace.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine oil engineering technology, and particularly relates to a real-time tension measurement device for tension tendons of a tension leg platform. Background Technology

[0002] As near-shore oil and gas and wind power resource development approaches saturation, marine engineering is gradually expanding into deep water and ultra-deep water areas exceeding 100 meters. Tension leg platforms (TLPs), due to their superior mobility, high stability, wind turbine compatibility, and lightweight floating structure, have become the future development direction for floating wind power. Their core mooring system consists of multiple sets of vertical tension tendons, which connect the platform to the seabed anchorage foundation through pre-tensioning, forming a semi-rigid positioning system. Based on early engineering practices such as the Hutton TLP, a single tension tendon must withstand dynamic loads of up to several thousand tons, and its tension changes directly affect the platform's motion response and structural safety. Traditional tension tendon monitoring mainly relies on strain gauges or hydraulic sensors on the floating structure, which has the following technical drawbacks: 1. Insufficient measurement accuracy: Temperature and pressure fluctuations in deep water environments cause drift in the measurement signals of traditional resistance strain gauges, making it difficult to meet accuracy requirements; 2. Large structural footprint: The sensor is directly integrated into the floating body reinforcement structure, which increases the main dimensions of the floating body and makes it impossible to use it directly on TLP floating wind power or TLP simple oil and gas foundations; 3. High maintenance costs: Corrosion and biological adhesion in the seabed environment shorten the lifespan of the sensor to 3-5 years. Replacement requires towing it back to the factory, and the cost of a single maintenance exceeds one million US dollars.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a real-time tension measurement device for the tension tendons of a tension leg platform to solve the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background art regarding the insufficient measurement accuracy, large structural footprint, and high maintenance costs of traditional tension tendon monitoring methods that rely on strain gauges or hydraulic sensors on the floating structure, a real-time tension measurement device for tension tendons on a tension leg platform is provided to solve the problem of real-time tension measurement of tension tendons.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution of the tension leg platform tension tendon real-time tension measuring device of the present invention is as follows: A real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendon of a tension leg platform includes a rocker arm, a first shackle, and a second shackle. The first shackle and the second shackle are respectively connected to both ends of the rocker arm. The first shackle is connected to the platform, and the second shackle is connected to the tension tendon, so that the rocker arm is positioned between the platform and the tension tendon. A first fixing block and a second fixing block are connected to the rocker arm. A tension adjusting arm is connected to the first fixing block and the second fixing block through a connecting rod. The tension adjusting arm is connected to a fiber optic force sensor so that when the rocker arm undergoes a slight deformation, the tension adjusting arm deforms synchronously. The fiber optic force sensor outputs a signal through a cable, thereby obtaining the tension value of the tension tendon.

[0006] Furthermore, the rocker arm includes a rocker arm body, a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole, the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are respectively connected to the two ends of the rocker arm body, a first shackle is hinged on the first connecting hole and a second shackle is hinged on the second connecting hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the first shackle and the second shackle are respectively hinged to the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole by pins.

[0008] Furthermore, a first fixing block and a second fixing block are connected at intervals along the length direction of the rocker arm body, and both the first fixing block and the second fixing block are vertically connected to the outer wall of the rocker arm body.

[0009] Furthermore, the first and second fixing blocks are respectively provided with connecting holes so that the connecting rods on both sides of the tension adjusting arm can be connected to the connecting holes.

[0010] Furthermore, one end of the tension adjusting arm is connected to a fiber optic force sensor. The side of the fiber optic force sensor away from the tension adjusting arm is connected to the first fixed block via a connecting rod, and the side of the tension adjusting arm away from the fiber optic force sensor is connected to the second fixed block via a connecting rod, so that the tension adjusting arm deforms synchronously with the rocker arm body.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting rod is equipped with a cable outlet so that the fiber optic force sensor can output signals through the cable.

[0012] Furthermore, a main protective frame is connected to the rocker arm body to protect the rocker arm body, tension adjustment arm, and fiber optic force sensor.

[0013] Furthermore, the main protective frame is equipped with a motor, which provides power to the fiber optic force sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, two sets of tension adjustment arms and fiber optic force sensors are symmetrically connected to the first and second fixed blocks via connecting rods, so that when one fiber optic force sensor is being repaired, the reading of the other fiber optic force sensor can be used as a reference.

[0015] The real-time tension measurement device for the tension leg platform tendons of the present invention has the following advantages: By using a high-strength, high-rigidity rocker arm, the entire mooring system is ensured to remain unaffected by the tension measuring device. A measurement system that deforms synchronously with strain is also employed to guarantee measurement accuracy. When one fiber optic force sensor requires maintenance, the tension adjustment arm can be moved to calibrate the new sensor by referencing the reading of the other fiber optic force sensor. This application establishes two measurement systems for separate measurements and cross-verification, while also featuring a simple structure, ease of operation, and convenient maintenance and replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tension leg platform tension tendon real-time tension measuring device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rocker arm of the tension leg platform tension tendon real-time tension measuring device of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of markings in the diagram: 1. Rocker arm; 101. Rocker arm body; 102. First connecting hole; 103. Second connecting hole; 2. First shackle; 3. Second shackle; 4. First fixing block; 5. Second fixing block; 6. Tension adjusting arm; 7. Connecting rod; 8. Fiber optic force sensor; 9. Pin; 10. Cable outlet; 11. Main body protective frame; 12. Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0020] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 2 This invention describes a real-time tension measurement device for tension tendons on a tension leg platform.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, the real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendon of the tension leg platform in this invention includes a rocker arm 1, a first shackle 2, and a second shackle 3. The first shackle 2 and the second shackle 3 are respectively connected to both ends of the rocker arm 1. The first shackle 2 is connected to the platform, and the second shackle 3 is connected to the tension tendon, so that the rocker arm 1 is positioned between the platform and the tension tendon. A first fixing block 4 and a second fixing block 5 are connected to the rocker arm 1. A tension adjusting arm 6 is connected between the first fixing block 4 and the second fixing block 5 through a connecting rod 7. The tension adjusting arm 6 is connected to a fiber optic force sensor 8, so that when the rocker arm 1 undergoes a slight deformation, the tension adjusting arm 6 deforms synchronously. The fiber optic force sensor 8 outputs a signal through a cable, thereby obtaining the tension value of the tension tendon.

[0022] By using a high-strength, high-rigidity rocker arm 1, the entire mooring system is ensured to be unaffected by the tension measuring device. At the same time, a measuring system that can deform synchronously with strain is used to ensure measurement accuracy. When one of the fiber optic force sensors 8 needs maintenance, the tension adjusting arm 6 can be moved to calibrate the reading of the new fiber optic force sensor 8 by referring to the reading of the other fiber optic force sensor 8.

[0023] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rocker arm 1 includes a rocker arm body 101, a first connecting hole 102 and a second connecting hole 103. The first connecting hole 102 and the second connecting hole 103 are respectively connected to the two ends of the rocker arm body 101. A first shackle 2 is hinged to the first connecting hole 102 and a second shackle 3 is hinged to the second connecting hole 103. The first shackle 2 and the second shackle 3 are respectively hinged to the first connecting hole 102 and the second connecting hole 103 by a pin 9.

[0024] In this embodiment, the rocker arm 1 is composed of a rocker arm body 101 and a first connecting hole 102 and a second connecting hole 103 connected to both ends of the rocker arm body 101. That is, the rocker arm body 101, the first connecting hole 102 and the second connecting hole 103 are located on a straight line. A first shackle 2 is hinged on the first connecting hole 102 and connected to the platform through the first shackle 2. A second shackle 3 is hinged on the second connecting hole 103 and connected to the tension tendon through the second shackle 3.

[0025] The first shackle 2 and the second shackle 3 are both rotatably connected to the first connecting hole 102 and the second connecting hole 103 by means of pin 9.

[0026] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first fixing block 4 and a second fixing block 5 are connected at intervals along the length direction of the rocker arm body 1. The first fixing block 4 and the second fixing block 5 are both vertically connected to the outer wall of the rocker arm body 101. The first fixing block 4 and the second fixing block 5 are respectively provided with connecting holes so that the connecting rods 7 on both sides of the tension adjusting arm 6 can be connected to the connecting holes.

[0027] One end of the tension adjusting arm 6 is connected to an optical fiber force sensor 8. The side of the optical fiber force sensor 8 away from the tension adjusting arm 6 is connected to the first fixed block 4 via a connecting rod 7. The side of the tension adjusting arm 6 away from the optical fiber force sensor 8 is connected to the second fixed block 5 via a connecting rod 7, so that the tension adjusting arm 6 deforms synchronously with the rocker arm body 101. The connecting rod 7 is provided with a cable outlet 10 so that the optical fiber force sensor 8 can output signals through a cable.

[0028] In this embodiment, preferably, a first fixing block 4 and a second fixing block 5 are spaced apart and fixedly connected on the outer wall of the rocker arm body 101. The first fixing block 4 and the second fixing block 5 are both vertically connected to the outer wall of the rocker arm body 101. At the same time, a connecting hole is provided on the first fixing block 4 and the second fixing block 5. The first fixing block 4 and the connecting hole of the second fixing block 5 are symmetrically arranged, so that the tension adjusting arm 6 is connected to the connecting hole through the connecting rods 7 on both sides, and the tension adjusting arm 6 is positioned between the first fixing block 4 and the second fixing block 5.

[0029] Preferably, one end of the tension adjusting arm 6 is connected to a fiber optic force sensor 8, and the side of the fiber optic force sensor 8 away from the tension adjusting arm 6 is connected to a connecting rod 7, which is connected to the first fixed block 4 through the connecting rod 7. The side of the tension adjusting arm 6 away from the fiber optic force sensor 8 is also connected to the second fixed block 5 through the connecting rod 7, so that the tension adjusting arm 6 deforms synchronously with the rocker arm body 101, the fiber optic force sensor 8 detects the deformation, and then detects the tension value of the tension tendon.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, two sets of tension adjustment arms 6 and fiber optic force sensors 8 are symmetrically connected to the first fixing block 4 and the second fixing block 5 via connecting rods 7. When one side of the fiber optic force sensor 8 is damaged and needs to be replaced, the value of the new side fiber optic force sensor 8 can be checked by referring to the value of the other side fiber optic force sensor 8. Furthermore, by using two sets of measurement systems to measure and verify each other, the accuracy of the tension value measurement of the tension tendon is ensured.

[0031] The connecting rod 7 between the tension adjusting arm 6 and the second fixed block 5 is provided with a cable outlet 10 so that the fiber optic force sensor 8 can output signals through the cable.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a main protective frame 11 is connected to the rocker arm body 101 to protect the rocker arm body 101, the tension adjusting arm 6 and the fiber optic force sensor 8; the main protective frame 11 is equipped with a motor 12, which provides power to the fiber optic force sensor 8.

[0033] In this embodiment, preferably, a main protective frame 11 is connected to the side wall of the rocker arm body 101. The rocker arm body 101, the tension adjusting arm 6, and the fiber optic force sensor 8 are all located inside the main protective frame 11, thereby protecting the rocker arm body 101, the tension adjusting arm 6, and the fiber optic force sensor 8.

[0034] A motor 12 is fixedly connected to the main protective frame 11, and the motor 12 provides power to the fiber optic force sensor 8.

[0035] Based on the real-time tension measurement device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform, this invention sets up two measurement systems to measure and verify each other. At the same time, the structure is simple, easy to operate, and convenient for maintenance and replacement.

[0036] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of a tension leg platform, characterized in that, It includes a rocker arm, a first shackle and a second shackle. The first shackle and the second shackle are respectively connected to both ends of the rocker arm. The first shackle is connected to the platform and the second shackle is connected to the tension tendon, so that the rocker arm is positioned between the platform and the tension tendon. A first fixed block and a second fixed block are connected to the rocker arm. A tension adjusting arm is connected between the first fixed block and the second fixed block via a connecting rod. The tension adjusting arm is connected to a fiber optic force sensor so that when the rocker arm undergoes a slight deformation, the tension adjusting arm deforms synchronously. The fiber optic force sensor outputs a signal through a cable to obtain the tension value of the tension tendon.

2. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rocker arm includes a rocker arm body, a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole. The first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are respectively connected to the two ends of the rocker arm body. A first shackle is hinged on the first connecting hole and a second shackle is hinged on the second connecting hole.

3. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first shackle and the second shackle are respectively hinged to the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole by pins.

4. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first fixing block and a second fixing block are connected at intervals along the length of the rocker arm body. Both the first fixing block and the second fixing block are vertically connected to the outer wall of the rocker arm body.

5. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second fixing blocks have corresponding connecting holes so that the connecting rods on both sides of the tension adjusting arm can be connected to the connecting holes.

6. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, One end of the tension adjustment arm is connected to a fiber optic force sensor. The side of the fiber optic force sensor away from the tension adjustment arm is connected to the first fixed block via a connecting rod. The side of the tension adjustment arm away from the fiber optic force sensor is connected to the second fixed block via a connecting rod, so that the tension adjustment arm deforms synchronously with the rocker arm body.

7. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting rod is equipped with a cable outlet so that the fiber optic force sensor can output signals through the cable.

8. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rocker arm body is connected to a main protective frame to protect the rocker arm body, tension adjustment arm and fiber optic force sensor.

9. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main protective frame is equipped with a motor, which provides power to the fiber optic force sensor.

10. The real-time tension measuring device for the tension tendons of the tension leg platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two sets of tension adjustment arms and fiber optic force sensors are symmetrically connected to the first and second fixed blocks via connecting rods, so that when one fiber optic force sensor is being repaired, the reading of the other fiber optic force sensor can be referenced.

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