Apparatus and method for mitigating washout around subsea facilities

Abstract

The invention provides an anti-scour device (1, 20) and a method of preventing scour around a foundation of a substantially tubular subsea facility (5), the anti-scour device (1, 20) being adapted to be immersed in a body of water. The anti-scour device is provided with: an internal through-hole (2) located on the outer periphery of the subsea facility (5) when in use; and a lowermost substantially planar surface (9) which, in use, sits on the seabed surface. The device also has an outermost periphery (19) and a substantially water-impermeable uppermost surface (22), where at least a portion of the uppermost surface (22) comprises at least two flow diverting means (15, 44, 46, 48) disposed thereon, and each flow diverting means (15, 44, 46, 48) is spaced apart from each adjacent flow diverting means (15, 44, 46, 48) by a groove arrangement (21). The anti-scour device (1, 20) in use reduces seabed scours occurring around the connection of the substantially tubular subsea facility (5) and the seabed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to mitigating and / or preventing scouring around subsea facilities (such as wind turbine towers or other offshore equipment), and more specifically to eliminating or at least reducing the need for conventional rock dumping around such facilities. Background Technology

[0002] The rise of monopile systems for offshore wind turbine towers (especially the most popular monopile, i.e., suction piles) and other offshore subsea installations (including mooring points, subsea suction buckets or sleeves, energy production or processing equipment (including power distribution or oil or gas exploration or production platforms), and any other subsea installations—hereinafter referred to as monopiles or “subsea installations”) has led to a significant problem: the water currents around the base of the monopile or subsea installation itself (e.g., due to oncoming currents and waves) can cause a number of different scouring effects, which are caused by a variety of different eddy / flow characteristics, such as (but not limited to):

[0003] • Downward eddy current;

[0004] • Horseshoe-shaped vortex;

[0005] • Lee-wake vortices;

[0006] • Accelerates flow.

[0007] Any one or a combination of two or more of these (or other) eddy / flow characteristics can lead to shear bed stress, which (if a critical value is exceeded) causes material (such as sand or rock or other materials) to move from a location around the junction of the subsea facility and the seabed, resulting in scouring around the junction (i.e., scouring holes), which will have extremely adverse effects on the foundation of the subsea facility.

[0008] Figure 1 is a technical paper titled "Influence of Scour on Lateral Behavior of Monopile," published in the proceedings of the 17th ECSMGE-2019 Conference on Future Geotechnical Engineering Foundations (ISBN 978-9935-9436-1-3) (currently available at https: / / www.ecsmge-2019.com / uploads / 2 / 1 / 7 / 9 / 21790806 / 0775-ecsmge-2019 bayton.pdf). It illustrates the scour of the borehole caused by eddies around the bottom of the monopile (similar effects can occur around other subsea facilities).

[0009]

[0010] Figure 1. Formation of localized scour holes

[0011] Such scour holes can cause severe erosion of the foundation around the bottom of a monopile or other subsea facility, resulting in a reduction in the foundation of such a monopile or other subsea facility.

[0012] Typically, the primary method for mitigating scour damage around the bottom of monopiles or other subsea installations is to lay or dump large quantities of rock around the bottom of the monopile or other subsea installation. However, this traditional method is relatively costly and / or difficult to lay, especially when the monopile or other subsea installation has a large diameter. Furthermore, the rocks are often irregularly sized, thus failing to provide a uniform surface or a uniform flow path for water, which can cause additional problems for the flow. Moreover, this existing method (which typically involves placing a disc around the bottom of the monopile or subsea installation) usually requires the rock disc to extend from the outer periphery of the monopile or subsea installation to its far edge, a length approximately 4 to 5 times the diameter of the monopile or subsea installation. This means the rock disc needs to extend a relatively long distance. Consequently, the length of the power output cable exposed in the water (typically located at the outlet point of the monopile or subsea installation at its bottom / towards the outer edge of the rock disc—at which point the power output cable is buried in a trench for protection) is relatively long, meaning the cable will experience greater fatigue than expected during its service life.

[0013] Another more recent, traditional approach to mitigating scour damage to monopile foundations or other subsea facility foundations is that of SPT Offshore, with its Scour Protection System (ScPS). TM The system, disclosed in EP3228754 and / or WO / 2022 / 194891, provides a flexible mat with fabric strips on its upper surface that mimic seaweed, thus acting to some extent as a flexible barrier in the water to slightly slow the flow through the ScPS. TM The seawater flow rate. Other prior art patent documents that may help in understanding the background of this invention include GB1134154A, KR102624682, CA1046296, CN117230843 and CN116145712.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide an anti-scour device and a method for preventing scour, which helps to reduce shear bed stress, preferably below a critical value that would otherwise cause material (e.g., sand, rock or other substances) to be removed from the area around the seabed connection between the subsea facility and the seabed, thereby helping to prevent scour and thus helping to protect the foundation of the subsea facility. Summary of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, an anti-erosion device is provided, which is suitable for immersion in water, the anti-erosion device comprising:

[0016] Internal through-holes, which are suitable for use around the outer periphery of a generally tubular subsea facility;

[0017] The lowest, generally planar surface is designed to sit on the seabed surface during use;

[0018] The outermost periphery; and

[0019] The uppermost surface is substantially impermeable, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface includes at least two flow deflection devices disposed thereon, and each flow deflection device is spaced apart from each adjacent flow deflection device by means of a groove.

[0020] The anti-scour device reduces seabed scour around the junction of the generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed during use.

[0021] According to the present invention, a method for preventing erosion around the foundation of a generally tubular subsea facility is also provided, the method comprising:

[0022] An anti-scouring device is provided, the anti-scouring device being suitable for immersion in water, the anti-scouring device comprising: an internal through-hole located around the outer periphery of a generally tubular subsea facility in use; a lowermost generally planar surface adapted to rest on the seabed surface in use; an outermost periphery; and an uppermost surface.

[0023] Wherein, at least the upper surface of the anti-erosion device is substantially impermeable, and at least a portion of the upper surface is provided with at least two flow deflection devices, and each repeating ring is spaced apart from each adjacent ring by grooves, and each shape within a ring is spaced apart from an adjacent shape by at least one groove, and

[0024] At the junction of the generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed, the anti-scouring device is arranged around the outer periphery of the generally tubular subsea facility.

[0025] Preferably, each flow deflector includes a shape such that at least a portion of the upper surface of the anti-scour device includes at least two repeating shapes disposed thereon, and more preferably includes a ring of at least two repeating shapes disposed thereon, and each ring of repeating shapes is spaced apart from each adjacent ring by a groove arrangement, and each shape within the ring is preferably spaced apart from an adjacent shape by at least one groove.

[0026] Preferably, the lowermost planar surface is the lowermost planar disk-shaped surface.

[0027] Typically, the outermost perimeter includes the outermost generally elliptical circumference, or more preferably the outermost generally circular circumference.

[0028] Preferably, the depth of the anti-erosion device increases from the outermost periphery towards the through hole, such that the depth at the through hole is greater than the depth at the outermost periphery. Typically, the upper surface of the anti-erosion device gradually tapers upwards from the outermost periphery towards the through hole, thus increasing the depth of the anti-erosion device from the outermost periphery towards the through hole.

[0029] Preferably, the anti-erosion device is generally conical, more preferably generally truncated conical around a central through hole, the central through hole extending along the central longitudinal axis of the anti-erosion device.

[0030] Preferably, the scour protection device may consist of two or more sub-elements or sections. Preferably, the two or more sections include two or more interconnecting portions that, when connected together, form the scour protection device. Preferably, it may include three sections, each defining 120 degrees, and when they are joined together, they surround the lower mounting end of the monopile or other subsea facility with a generally relatively short vertical height. Each of the three sections preferably includes at least one, more preferably at least two straps and / or lugs or similar features to assist in transporting each section from the water surface to its mounting location on the seabed during transport on land and / or in water, surrounding the periphery of a generally tubular subsea facility fixed within the seabed.

[0031] Alternatively, the anti-scour device may be formed of two or more sub-elements or portions, and the two or more sub-elements or portions may be arranged to be joined together to form a generally conical element before being transported on land, or more preferably joined together to form a generally conical element before being transported by water from the water surface to an installation position on the seabed surrounding the periphery of a generally tubular seabed installation fixed within the seabed, such that the generally conical element descends along the periphery of the generally tubular seabed installation fixed within the seabed until it reaches the seabed.

[0032] Preferably, the integrated unit is formed by two or more segments, and the two or more segments are preferably two or more interconnected segments. When the two or more interconnected segments are connected together, they form an integrated anti-scouring device.

[0033] Preferably, the portion or each portion is formed by two or more segments, more preferably two or more interconnected segments, which, when connected together, form each portion of the anti-scouring device.

[0034] Typically, each pair of segments includes a connecting device for joining them together. The connecting device can include any suitable connecting mechanism, such as a screw or bolt, more preferably a flexible connecting mechanism, but even more preferably, a binding arrangement. Most preferably, the binding arrangement includes suitable connecting straps, chains, wires, or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as "straps"), arranged to pass through a substantially linear radial (refer to the radial direction when the anti-erosion device 1R is formed) channel, the channel being formed at least partially through a portion of the segment and more preferably through a socket. The connecting straps also preferably (at least partially) pass through at least one channel formed in a slot in adjacent segments to connect two adjacent segments together (i.e., by the connecting straps). The two channels of adjacent segments are preferably arranged such that when the corresponding two segments are joined together, the two channels are radially aligned, such that the connecting straps are linearly arranged such that the two portions of the connecting straps passing through the channels are radially aligned with each other.

[0035] The connecting straps are secured by wrapping them around the remaining outer circumference or circumference (radially) of the joint between adjacent segments to lock two adjacent segments together, and the ends of the connecting straps can be secured to each other by suitable locking devices. The flexible connection mechanism preferably includes a flexible strapping arrangement that securely locks two adjacent segments together, preventing them from separating, but also allows one segment to bend, fold, or twist relative to the other, enabling the flexible connection mechanism to be movable, thus allowing each segment to adapt to non-standard (i.e., non-flat) seabeds. Therefore, the flexible connection mechanism allows the scour protection device to adapt to and conform to undulating seabeds to ensure full contact with the seabed during use, and most preferably, to adapt to seabed changes if underpinning is observed during the service life of the scour protection device. Therefore, it has the advantage of preventing underpinning caused by water flowing under the scour protection device, which would otherwise result in seawater eroding parts of the seabed.

[0036] Preferably, there may be three parts, each defined by 120 degrees, and when they are put together, the lower mounting end of the monopile or other subsea facility surrounding the through hole typically has a relatively short vertical height.

[0037] Preferably, two or more repeating ring shapes redirect the flow path of water passing through corresponding grooves and / or force water impacting the repeating shapes into the corresponding grooves, thereby generating significant turbulence in the water, which further slows the water flow. This has a significant advantage over conventional methods, namely, providing stronger scour protection. Furthermore, the repeating shapes (preferably protruding repeating shapes projecting upwards from the upper surface and including one or more channels therebetween) disrupt and / or deflect the flow, thereby reducing far-field shear bed stress. This provides a significant advantage over prior art scour protection systems (e.g., which may include a disc of rock arranged around the bottom of a monopile or subsea facility), which typically require the installation of a rock disc extending from the periphery of the monopile or subsea facility to the far edge of the rock, at a distance 4 to 5 times the diameter of the monopile or subsea facility. The protruding shapes on the upper surface of this embodiment significantly reduce the distance required to extend to approximately 2 to 2.5 times the diameter of the monopile or subsea facility. For embodiments of the invention, the reduced distance offers a significant advantage: the amount of power output cable exposed to water (typically located at the bottom of the monopile or subsea facility's outlet point / between the edge of the scour protection device embodiment and towards its bottom) is significantly reduced, and this, in turn, significantly reduces the fatigue the cable will experience during its operational life. Furthermore, the reduced diameter of embodiments of the scour protection device of the invention compared to prior art systems is particularly significant for large wind turbine towers, monopiles, or subsea facilities installed offshore in recent years and in the future (turbine towers will become increasingly larger over time to allow for taller, vertically mounted turbines with longer blades, meaning they can withstand greater wind speeds and higher wind loads—meaning significantly more powerful turbines can be used, generating significantly more electricity). Preferably, the repeating shape is a solid / rigid / non-flexible shape.

[0038] Preferably, each repeating shape within each ring is identical. This maximizes the number of shapes within each ring.

[0039] Preferably, each ring disposed on the upper surface includes a repeating shape that is identical to the shape of each other ring, such that all shapes disposed on the upper surface are identical.

[0040] These shapes can be triangles, circles, squares, rectangles, or pentagons, but most preferably they are hexagons. This has the advantage that the total number of shapes can be maximized given a given upper surface area. Most preferably, the given surface area comprises a hexagonal tessellation structure. This also has the advantage that the hexagonal pattern can produce a more favorable flow pattern, thereby reducing the interference of water flow through the grooves and thus improving flow suppression efficiency; this is for a variety of reasons, but one of the main or most important reasons is that the hexagonal pattern and the surrounding groove arrangement provide multiple flow redirection points.

[0041] Alternatively, these shapes can be concave, providing recesses or similar features on their upper surfaces, thus protruding from the upper surfaces into the depth of the erosion protection device. More preferably, these shapes are convex, protruding upward and outward from the tapered upper surface, thereby increasing the depth of the erosion protection device at their respective locations compared to the recesses between them.

[0042] Preferably, most of the upper surface and optionally the entire upper surface comprises a hexagonal tessellation structure, wherein every three adjacent hexagons intersect at each adjacent vertex, and the remaining hexagons repeat this arrangement on most of the upper surface, more preferably, on most or all of the erosion-resistant at least conical upper surface.

[0043] Typically, the vertices between two adjacent sides of each shape (preferably each hexagon) include the radius and are preferably not sharp corners.

[0044] Typically, repeating shapes are arranged in rings coaxially with each other, such that each corresponding additional outer ring is further downward on the upper surface of the cone. Preferably, each ring includes the same number of repeating shapes as its adjacent inner or outer ring, and the shapes within all rings have the same dimensions. More preferably, the width of the groove around the outer ring is greater than the width of the groove around the next inner ring, such that the width of the groove preferably increases as the ring moves further away from the through-hole. This has the advantage that the disturbance effect caused by multiple flow redirection points is enhanced when water flows upward from the outer periphery along the upper surface of the cone towards the through-hole.

[0045] Furthermore, the arrangement of hexagons around the ring on the upper surface can be viewed as a form of staggered columns with equally spaced diameters around the upper surface, wherein each column fits closely with the next adjacent column (although its stagger width is half that of the hexagon compared to the first column), and the same is true for the other columns around the upper surface.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the upper surface is provided with such a hexagonal inlay structure, wherein the hexagons protrude outward and generally upward from the upper surface due to the arrangement of the grooves. This provides a great advantage in maximizing the number of shapes within each ring and / or column and / or the entire upper conical surface, and therefore has the great advantage of providing the most effective possible fluid interruption for the anti-erosion device.

[0047] Preferably, the scour protection device is suitable for placement around a generally tubular subsea facility that is fixed in place within the seabed of a body of water (e.g., ocean or sea or other water bodies) when in use. The generally tubular subsea facility may be a tower (e.g., a turbine tower), a monopile including suction piles, other offshore subsea facilities (including mooring points, subsea suction barrels or suction sleeves, energy production or processing equipment (including power distribution or oil or gas exploration or production platforms, etc.), and any other subsea facility - referred to below as a monopile or "subsea facility".

[0048] Preferably, the method further includes lowering the anti-scour device from the water surface to the junction of the generally tubular seabed facility and the seabed.

[0049] The method preferably further includes fixing the anti-scouring device around the outer periphery of the generally tubular subsea facility at the connection between the generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed.

[0050] The anti-scouring device, which is an integral unit, can be lowered from the water surface to the connection point of the generally tubular subsea facility.

[0051] Alternatively, the anti-scouring device, which consists of two or more parts, can be lowered from the water surface to the connection point of the generally tubular seabed facility, and further, the two or more parts can be connected and / or fixed together around the periphery of the generally tubular seabed facility at the connection point between the generally tubular seabed facility and the seabed.

[0052] Preferably, the method further includes transporting the anti-scour device from a manufacturing and / or storage location to a water body edge spaced apart from each other, and the method may further include transporting two or more portions of the anti-scour device from a manufacturing and / or storage location to a water body edge spaced apart from each other.

[0053] The accompanying drawings illustrate present exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the general description given above and the detailed embodiments given below, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure by way of example.

[0054] In the following description, the same parts are labeled with the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown at an exaggerated scale or in a slightly schematic form, and details of certain conventional elements may not be shown for clarity and brevity. The invention may be implemented in different forms. Specific embodiments of the invention have been shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, but it should be understood that this disclosure should be considered as an illustration of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to what is shown and described herein. It should be fully appreciated that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below can be used alone or in any suitable combination to produce the desired results.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of the present invention can be implemented individually or in combination with one or more other aspects. Various aspects of the present invention can be selectively combined with one or more optional features of other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, optional features described for one embodiment can generally be combined individually or in combination with other features in different embodiments of the invention. Moreover, any feature disclosed in the specification can be combined individually or in combination with other features in the specification to form an invention.

[0056] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the full description, including the accompanying drawings, which illustrate many exemplary embodiments, aspects, and implementations. The invention may also take on other different embodiments and aspects, and various modifications may be made to certain details without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057] Any discussions of literature, actions, materials, devices, articles, etc. contained in this specification are for the purpose of providing background information on the invention. They do not imply or imply that any or all of such content constitutes prior art or common general knowledge in the relevant field of this invention.

[0058] Therefore, the accompanying drawings and description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Furthermore, the terminology and wording used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, are intended to have a broad meaning, covering the subjects listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subjects not mentioned, and do not exclude other additions, components, integers, or steps. In this disclosure, whenever a composition, element, or group of elements is preceded by the transitional term “comprising,” it should be understood that we also contemplate using the transitional terms “consistently made of,” “composed of,” “selected from the group consisting of,” “comprising,” or “is” before describing the same composition, element, or group of elements, and vice versa. In this disclosure, “generally” or “optionally” should be understood as intended to indicate optional or non-essential features of the invention that are present in some examples but may be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0059] All numerical values ​​in this disclosure should be understood to be modified by “about”. All elements or any other components (including, but not limited to, components of the apparatus described herein) in the singular form should be understood to include their plural forms, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1a This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an anti-scour device suitable for immersion in water according to the present invention. The anti-scour device is shaped and arranged to reduce seabed scour occurring around the junction of a generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed. The anti-scour device is shown as three separate parts, each formed by five sub-elements or sections. The three separate parts are:

[0062] They can be connected together at the water surface around the periphery of the generally tubular subsea facility (to form an anti-scour device), and can be installed at a location partially lowered to where the generally tubular subsea facility connects to the seabed; or

[0063] The three independent parts of the scour protection device can each lower a column of water through the water body, and can be connected together around the periphery of the generally tubular subsea facility at the installation location where the generally tubular subsea device connects to the seabed (to form the scour protection device).

[0064] Figure 1b yes Figure 1aA perspective view of the first embodiment of the anti-scouring device, but now showing three separate parts connected together (at the water surface or at the connection between the generally tubular subsea device and the seabed, although the generally tubular subsea device is not shown at the seabed). Figure 1b (as shown in the image)

[0065] Figure 1c yes Figure 1b A perspective view of the first embodiment of the anti-scour device shows three separate parts already positioned on the water surface surrounding the upper end of the generally tubular seabed facility (in the area before the anti-scour device is lowered to its installation position at the connection between the suction barrel and the seabed). Figure 1c The suction barrels are connected at the top (the middle part).

[0066] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the anti-scour device, shown as an integral unit formed by multiple interconnected segments. Before the anti-scour device, as an integral unit, is lowered to its installation position at the connection point between the suction barrel and the seabed, the multiple interconnected segments are already connected together and shown located at the upper end surrounding a generally tubular seabed structure (in...). Figure 2 The water surface at the top of the suction bucket;

[0067] Figure 3 yes Figure 1a , 1b 1c (not Figure 2 A perspective view of a single segment of the anti-erosion device in a first embodiment, wherein, Figure 3 Each segment has a cross-shaped gap through-hole, through which a suspension cross or other lifting connection point can be inserted to provide a lifting point for the crane wire rope / ropes / chains, etc., thereby allowing the lifting or lowering of segments and individual or integrated anti-scouring devices, and Figure 3 A single segment in it is on its left side (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown) It also includes a fully notched gap to allow the fully notched gap to extend across the socket of the adjacent segment, thereby assisting in completing the final connection and forming Figure 1a , 1b The anti-erosion device in 1c, and Figure 1a , 1b The anti-erosion device in 1c only includes Figure 3 One segment ( Figure 3 The segments are color-coded to distinguish them from other parts.

[0068] Figure 4 yes Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 A perspective view of a second embodiment of a single segment of a central anti-scouring device, wherein... Figure 4The segment has a partially notched slot to allow for connection with the socket of an adjacent segment, wherein... Figure 1a , 1b The scour protection device of 1c includes Figure 4 The eleven segments in the text Figure 2 The anti-scouring device includes Figure 4 The twelve segments in Figure 2 It has 15 total segments (but it should be noted that the total number of individual segments and the total number of segments vary depending on the application, installation location and other factors, so it can be determined on a case-by-case basis).

[0069] Figure 5 yes Figure 1a , 1b 1c (but not) Figure 2 A perspective view of a third embodiment of a single segment of the anti-erosion device, wherein... Figure 3 Each segment has a cross-shaped gap through which a suspension cross can be inserted ( Figure 5 (Also shown in the exploded view) to provide lifting points for crane wire ropes / ropes / chains, etc., thereby allowing for the lifting or lowering of segments and individual or integrated anti-erosion devices, wherein Figure 5 The segments are provided with partially notched slots to facilitate connection with the sockets of adjacent segments, and Figure 1a , 1b The anti-erosion device in 1c contains five Figure 5 The segments in Figure 2 The anti-erosion device in the middle contains three Figure 5 The segments in;

[0070] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of two segments joined together (so that the socket of one segment is lowered into the gap or slot of a partial notch in the other segment) and it is shown Figure 4 The segments have bottom face cutouts and can be varied during manufacturing to provide quality or weight control, and also provide channels for lifting through holes;

[0071] Figure 7 From Figure 3 Another stereoscopic view of the segment from a slightly different angle;

[0072] Figure 8 From Figure 5 Another perspective view of the segment from a slightly different angle, but with a suspension cross installed to provide lifting points for the crane wire rope / rope / chain or similar to allow for raising or lowering the segment and individual sections or integrated anti-scour devices;

[0073] Figure 9This is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the segment, viewed from the right side. The segment is related to... Figure 4 The segments are somewhat similar, but the difference lies in... Figure 9 The segments and from Figure 4 The upper side of the segment protrudes upward and outward, and the upper pad eye and from Figure 4 The lower side of the segment has downward and outward protruding lower side eyelets integrally formed, wherein the eyelets provide lifting points for crane wire ropes / ropes / chains or the like to allow lifting or lowering of segments and individual parts or integral anti-scour devices;

[0074] Figure 10 From Figure 9 Another perspective view, taken from above the segment, shows the upper side of the segment at the socket end;

[0075] Figure 11 From Figure 9 Another stereoscopic view of the segment below shows the lower side of the segment;

[0076] Figure 12 This is a perspective view taken from the right side (with the socket) of the fifth embodiment of the segment, which is similar to... Figure 9 The embodiments are somewhat similar, the difference being that... Figure 12 The embodiment is integrally formed with one or more (two shown) encapsulation straps that are accessible when the embodiment is inverted or upright, and that protrude outward from the left side of the slot with a partial notch and outward from the right side with a protruding insert, and the encapsulation straps allow and facilitate the lifting and handling of the segment;

[0077] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Another perspective view of the middle segment, but viewed from a different angle, also shows that the corresponding ends of a pair of lifting straps have been gathered together and lifted upwards in preparation for lifting the segment by a crane or similar device;

[0078] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the fourteen segments, which have been arranged in a ring, with the last (fourteenth) segment lowered into position. The sixth embodiment of the segments is consistent with... Figure 4 The segments are somewhat similar, but the differences are... Figure 14 The segments in the middle form flat sides (therefore there are no) Figure 4 Instead of a slot or notch in the segment, the sixth embodiment has holes formed on its side for fasteners such as bolts to pass through, thereby connecting each segment to its adjacent segment, and the shape of the segments in this sixth embodiment makes... Figure 14 All segments in the anti-erosion device formed in the process are identical;

[0079] Figure 15This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the anti-erosion device, which has alternating, uneven spacing between its various parts and consists of seven segments as a seventh embodiment and seven sections as an eighth embodiment. The segments of the seventh embodiment include a socket on each side, and the segments of the eighth embodiment include a slot with a partial notch on each side to facilitate connection with the socket of the adjacent segment of the seventh embodiment.

[0080] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the anti-erosion device, which has uniform spacing between its segments, but differs from others in other respects. Figure 15 Similar to the anti-erosion device, it consists of seven segments (i.e., the segments of the ninth embodiment) and seven segments (i.e., the segments of the tenth embodiment);

[0081] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the anti-erosion device, which consists of fifteen segments. This is the eleventh embodiment of the segments, wherein the eleventh embodiment of the segments includes a connecting strap arrangement, wherein one end of the connecting strap is fixed to one end of a channel formed on one side of the segment, and the connecting strap passes through the channel and leaves the channel, further extends around the periphery of the segment and enters a channel formed in a similar position in an adjacent segment, and its other end is fixed in the channel of the adjacent segment so as to strap each segment to each adjacent segment;

[0082] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Another perspective view of the anti-erosion device, but it shows Figure 17 A partial cross-section of the five segments at the front to show the internal arrangement of the strapping within the channel;

[0083] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 Another three-dimensional line drawing of two segments of the anti-erosion device;

[0084] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the anti-erosion device, which consists of fifteen segments. It is the twelfth embodiment of the segments, wherein the tenth embodiment of the segments is similar to... Figure 4 The second embodiment of the segment shown differs in that the twelfth embodiment of the segment includes a serrated or recessed partially spherical pit texture or shape arrangement formed on the upper surface of the segment, wherein the pits provide an alternative flow disturbance mechanism to the protruding hexagonal arrangement of the first to eleventh embodiments of the segment.

[0085] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 Another stereoscopic view of one segment, but viewed from a different angle;

[0086] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Another perspective view of the segment, but shown in cross-section, to illustrate the pit texture of the upper surface of the segment;

[0087] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the anti-erosion device, which consists of fifteen segments. It is the thirteenth embodiment of the segmented device, wherein the thirteenth embodiment of the segmented device is similar to... Figure 20 The twelfth embodiment of the segment shown differs in that the thirteenth embodiment of the segment includes an outwardly projecting or raised dome texture or shape arrangement formed on the upper surface of the segment, wherein the dome texture provides an alternative flow disturbance mechanism to the protruding hexagonal arrangement of the first to eleventh embodiments of the segment.

[0088] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Another stereoscopic view of one segment, but viewed from a different angle;

[0089] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 Another perspective view of the segment, but shown in cross-section, to illustrate the outwardly projecting or raised dome texture formed on the upper surface of the segment;

[0090] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the anti-erosion device, which consists of fifteen segments. It is the fourteenth embodiment of the segments, wherein the fourteenth embodiment of the segments is similar to... Figure 23 The thirteenth embodiment of the segment shown differs in that the fourteenth embodiment of the segment includes an outwardly projecting hexagonal texture or shape arrangement formed on the upper surface of the segment, wherein the height of the outwardly projecting hexagonal shape arrangement increases as each ring extends inward, such that the height of the outwardly projecting hexagonal ring is the smallest for the outer ring and the highest for the inner ring, and each outwardly projecting hexagon provides a flow disturbance mechanism.

[0091] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 One segment and Figure 26 A three-dimensional view of the separation of other segments;

[0092] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the anti-erosion device, which consists of fifteen segments. It is the fifteenth embodiment of the segments, wherein the fifteenth embodiment of the segments is similar to... Figure 23 The thirteenth embodiment of the segment shown differs in that the fifteenth embodiment of the segment includes an outwardly projecting triangular texture or shape arrangement formed on the upper surface of the segment, wherein each outwardly projecting triangle provides a flow disturbance mechanism;

[0093] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 One segment (with) Figure 28 A three-dimensional view of the segmental separation (in which other segments are separated) shows the slot seat with a partial notch on its left side;

[0094] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 Different perspective views of the segments, showing the insertion port protruding from the right side on the right side of the segment;

[0095] Figure 31(a) is a three-dimensional partial line drawing of two preferred segments that form part of an anti-erosion device in another embodiment, wherein these two segments are the sixteenth embodiment and also the preferred segments, wherein the segments of the fourteenth embodiment include a preferred connecting strap arrangement, wherein the connecting strap is arranged to be pushable, pullable, passable, threaded or otherwise pass through a channel formed at least partially through a portion of the segment, in which case the channel preferably passes through a socket, and the connecting strap also passes through (at least partially) at least one channel formed within (preferably on one side) adjacent segments and extends from said channel, and further preferably extends around the outer periphery of the relevant segment pair (in the radial direction of the annular basic disc-shaped ring of the anti-erosion device), each end of the connecting strap being secured (preferably secured together) so as to strap each segment to each adjacent segment;

[0096] Figure 31(b) is another three-dimensional partial line drawing of the two optimal segments in Figure 31(a), but viewed through the through-hole of the anti-erosion device in Figure 31(a), specifically showing that the two ends of the connecting strap are hooked together; and

[0097] Figure 31(c) is another three-dimensional partial line drawing of two segments in Figure 31(a). Detailed Implementation

[0098] Figure 1a A first embodiment of an anti-scour device 1 suitable for immersion in a body of water (not shown), such as the sea or ocean, is shown. The shape and arrangement of the anti-scour device 1 are designed to reduce seabed scour around the joints (not shown) of a generally tubular subsea facility 5, which may include any subsea facility, such as:

[0099] • A monopile (i.e., a single tubular structure extending upwards from a foundation on the seabed surface through a column of water); or

[0100] • A jacket foundation, comprising a frame, the lower end of which typically has 3 or 4 suction barrels, which are stacked into the seabed surface to support the jacket foundation; and

[0101] According to the seabed of the present invention (not shown), the seabed facility 5 can support another structure located above the sea surface (e.g., a wind turbine tower or an offshore platform).

[0102] The anti-erosion device 1 is shown as three independent parts 3a, 3b, and 3c, each part consisting of five sub-elements or segments 10, wherein the three independent parts 3a, 3b, and 3c are:

[0103] like Figure 1c As shown, the generally tubular seabed facility 5 can be connected together around the outer periphery of the water surface by a suitable connecting mechanism, more preferably a flexible connecting mechanism (to form an anti-scour device 1 with through holes 2), and can be lowered to the installation position at the junction of the generally tubular seabed facility 5 and the seabed by crane wire ropes, chains or ropes, etc., connected to each of the six suspension crosses 12 (which protrude upward from the upper surface 22 of the anti-scour device 1 and provide wire or rope connection points or shackle connection points (if more suitable) (especially if chains are used)) in a fully connected and combined arrangement; or

[0104] like Figure 1a As shown, the three independent parts 3a, 3b, and 3c of the anti-scouring device can be lowered downwards by passing through the water column of the water body via crane wire ropes, chains, or ropes connected to each of the two suspension crosses 12 (each part 3a, 3b, and 3c includes a suspension cross 12 at each end), and once lowered, can be... Figure 1b As shown, the components are connected together around the outer periphery of the generally tubular subsea facility 5 at the installation location (to form an anti-scour device), and the installation location is at the junction of the generally tubular subsea facility 5 and the seabed.

[0105] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the anti-scour device 20, shown as an integral unit 20 formed of multiple interconnected portions 10 connected together. It also shows that before the anti-scour device 20 of the integral unit 20 is lowered to its installation position at the connection point between the suction barrel 5 and the seabed, the multiple interconnected portions 10 are located at the upper end of a generally tubular subsea facility (in...). Figure 2 The middle part is the upper end of the wind turbine tower, and its lower end is the water surface, for example, with an arrangement of suction buckets 5 or monopile 5.

[0106] Figure 3 yes Figure 1a , 1b 1c (but not) Figure 2 A perspective view of a single segment 10A of the anti-erosion device of the first embodiment, wherein... Figure 3Each segment 10A is provided with a cross-shaped gap through-hole 11A through which a suspension cross 12 (as shown in Figure 5) or other lifting connection point can be inserted to provide a lifting point for the crane wire rope / rope / chain (not shown) or the like, so as to allow lifting or lowering of segment 10A and individual parts 3a, 3b, 3c or integrated anti-scouring device 20, and Figure 3 A single segment on its left (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown) A fully notched gap 13 is also provided to allow the fully notched gap 13 to extend across the socket 14 of the adjacent segment, thereby assisting in completing the final connection and forming Figure 1a , 1b The anti-erosion device in 1c, and Figure 1a , 1b The anti-erosion device in 1c includes only one Figure 3 Segment 10A (and Figure 3 Segment 10A in the middle uses color coding to distinguish it from other segments 10.

[0107] Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 Each segment 10 in the structure includes a lowermost planar surface 9A, such that when they are all connected together to form the anti-scour device 1, they provide the anti-scour device 1 with a lowermost generally or partially planar disc-shaped surface 9.

[0108] also, Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 Each of the segments 10 in the segment 10 includes a partial circumference 19A with a substantially constant radius, such that when they are all connected together to form the anti-scouring device 1, they provide the anti-scouring device 1 with an outermost generally elliptical circumference, or more preferably an outermost generally circular circumference 16A, and thus provide the anti-scouring device 1 with a lowermost generally or partially planar disc-shaped surface 9.

[0109] Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 Each segment 10 tapers downwards in a substantially linear manner along its upper surface 22A from its through-hole 2A to its outer perimeter 16A, such that when they are all connected together to form the anti-erosion device 1, they cause the depth of the anti-erosion device 1 to gradually increase from the outermost approximately circular circumference 16A towards the through-hole 2A, such that the depth at the through-hole 2A is greater than the depth at the outermost perimeter 16A. In other words, the upper surface 22A of the anti-erosion device 1 tapers from the outermost perimeter 16A towards the through-hole 2A, causing the depth of the anti-erosion device 1 to gradually increase from the outermost perimeter towards the through-hole 2A.

[0110] Therefore, the anti-scour devices 1 and 20 are generally truncated cones, with a central through-hole 2 extending along its central longitudinal axis 8. This provides the following advantages in use: water flowing through the anti-scour devices 1 and 20 will be forced to flow upward along the upper conical surface 22, thus, due to gravity (in addition to the flow disturbances caused by the various shapes 15, which will be described later), the upper conical surface 22 will at least partially slow down the water flow velocity. Furthermore, the truncated cone shape helps prevent the water flow from accelerating around the subsea facility 5, particularly its foundation and / or the devices 1 and 20 themselves, because the truncated cone shape reduces the hydrodynamic resistance of the anti-scour devices 1 and 20 within the water column, thereby ensuring that the water level at the edge (i.e., the outermost generally circular circumference of the anti-scour devices 1 and 20) drops to the ambient level, thereby minimizing scour (and thus providing scour protection for the foundation of the subsea facility 5).

[0111] Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 Each segment 10 includes a plurality of shapes 15 disposed on its upper surface 22, and preferably a plurality of repeating shapes 15. For the embodiments of Figures 1 to 19, most preferably a plurality of spaced-apart outwardly projecting hexagonal shapes 15A having channels or grooves 21 therebetween. Each of the plurality of shapes 15 projects upward from the conical upper surface 22, and the channels or grooves 21 therebetween are located on the upper surface 22 of the truncated conical anti-erosion device 1, 20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that... Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 The size and / or number of shapes 15 provided on each segment 10 can vary depending on the application, project, installation location and / or other factors, and can therefore be determined by the supplier and / or operator and / or installer of the scour protection devices 1, 20 and / or any other relevant party involved in a particular application or project, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0112] In all embodiments described herein, the multiple shapes 15 are arranged in rows (typically two shapes 15 per row), such that when segments 10A are first joined together to form part 10, and then the disc-shaped anti-erosion device 1 is formed, the shapes 15 are arranged in twenty or more rings 7, and in the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, preferably three rings 7A, 7B, 7C, wherein:

[0113] The inner ring 7A is closest to the longitudinal central axis 8 of the disc-shaped anti-scouring device 1 (therefore, the diameter of ring 7A is the smallest of all rings 7).

[0114] The outer ring 7C is furthest from the longitudinal central axis 8 of the disc-shaped anti-scouring device 1 (therefore, the diameter of ring 7 is the largest of all rings 7).

[0115] The intermediate ring 7B is a ring between 7A and 7C (therefore, the diameter of ring 7B is smaller than that of ring 7C, but larger than that of ring 7A).

[0116] Therefore, preferably, the number of shapes 15 in each ring 7 is the same; more preferably, all shapes 15 in each ring 7 have the same size; and even more preferably, the width of the groove 21 surrounding the outer ring 7C is greater than the width of the groove 21 surrounding the middle ring 7B, such that the width of the groove 21 preferably increases as the ring 7 moves further away from the through hole 2.

[0117] Its advantage is that when water flows from the outer periphery along the upper surface of the cone to the through hole 2, the interference effect caused by multiple flow redirection points is enhanced.

[0118] Preferably, all grooves 21 are arranged on the uppermost surface 22 of the generally truncated cone of the scour protection devices 1, 20, such that water in contact with the upper surface 22 of the scour protection devices 1, 20 is deflected into the grooves 21 and flows upward from the inlet side, surrounding the sides of the scour protection devices 1, 20 or the periphery of the monopile or subsea facility. The scour protection devices 1, 20 are preferably made of an impermeable or non-permeable material such as concrete or metal, so that the lower surface of the grooves 21 is generally solid to ensure that water flows along the grooves 21 so that water cannot pass through the upper surface of the scour protection devices 1, 20, and this has the advantage over prior art arrangements (e.g., arrangements shown in GB1134154 or CA1046296, which disclose the possible formation of perforated fabric sheets therein), which substantially prevent water from contacting the seabed near the junction of the lower end of the monopile or subsea facility with the seabed, thus providing significant scour protection for that area of ​​the seabed.

[0119] Furthermore, each segment 10 is provided with a connecting device in the form of a flexible connecting mechanism, so that each segment 10 can be connected to its two adjacent segments (one adjacent segment on each side), more preferably, securely connected. Figure 3 In the embodiment of segment 10A shown, segment 10A includes a circumferentially extending socket 14A (e.g. Figure 3 As shown, located on its right) and the gap 13A with a complete notch (as shown) Figure 3As shown (located on its left), the circumferentially extending socket 14A includes a mating and correspondingly shaped socket (functioning similarly to a plug) that, when inserted into a mating and correspondingly shaped fully notched gap 13A, functions similarly to a slot and accepts the insertion of the circumferentially extending socket 14A. Preferably, the circumferentially extending socket 14A and the fully notched gap 13A are arranged to have at least a clearance fit between them during use. Thus, although the circumferentially extending socket 14A and the fully notched gap 13A do not provide a secure connection between them in the vertical or lateral direction, they do provide a secure connection between them in the radial direction, thereby facilitating the construction of the scour protection device 1 into its truncated conical shape.

[0120] Therefore, each segment 10 is a block, which can be assembled into any one or two of the individual parts 3a, 3b, 3c, or further assembled into an integral unit 20, depending on how the installers of the anti-scour devices 1 and 20 plan to install them.

[0121] Segment 10A also includes one or more lifting through holes 24A (in addition to the cross-shaped gap through hole 11), and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, segment 10A includes four lifting through holes 24A, which are preferably arranged along a central radial axis and coincide with the center of gravity thereon, such that when a suitable lifting aid (e.g., a hook (not shown)) is secured to the lifting through holes 24A, a crane wire rope, chain, or rope can be attached to the hook, and segment 10A can be safely lifted from a transport device such as a vehicle trailer or flatbed truck to the assembly position.

[0122] Segment 10A also includes one or more fixing holes 25A that pass vertically through the socket 14A, into which a suitable fixing device (e.g., a bolt (not shown)) can be inserted (and as described later, a suitable fixing device can further extend into a fixing hole 26B formed through the gap of the partial notch or the bottom of the slot 13B, so that the socket 14 of the adjacent segment 10 and the slot 13B of the segment 10B can be fixed to each other).

[0123] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 A second embodiment of a single segment 10B of the anti-erosion device. Figure 4 The difference between segment 10B and segment 10A is that 10B has a partially notched slot 13B for connection with the insertion port 14 of the adjacent segment 10. Figure 1a , 1b The scour protection device 1 in 1c contains eleven Figure 4 Segment 10B in the middle, and Figure 2The scour protection device 1 contains twelve Figure 4 Segment 10 in the middle.

[0124] However, a skilled reader should understand:

[0125] • The number of different embodiments of the segments 10 used in the specific anti-erosion devices 1 and 20 according to the present invention;

[0126] • The total number of segments of each segment in the specific embodiments of the segment 10 used in the specific anti-erosion devices 1 and 20 according to the present invention; and

[0127] • According to the present invention, the total number of integral segments 10 used in specific anti-scour devices 1, 20 may vary depending on the application, project, installation location and / or other factors, and may therefore be determined by the supplier and / or operator and / or installer of the anti-scour device 1, 20 and / or any other relevant parties involved in a particular application or project, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0128] Figure 4 Another difference between segment 10B and segment 10A is that segment 10B does not have the cross-shaped gap through hole 11, but has a gap or fixing hole 26B that passes vertically through the part of the notch or the bottom of the slot 13B, so that the insertion port 14 of adjacent segment 10 and the slot 13B of segment 10B can be fixed to each other after alignment and insertion. In addition, Figure 4 The remaining features of segment 10B are similar to those of segment 10A, and the suffix B replaces the suffix A.

[0129] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1a , 1b 1c and Figure 2 The third embodiment of the single segment 10C of the anti-erosion device in the middle, wherein Figure 5 The single segment 10C is similar to Figure 3 Segment 10A (which also has a cross-shaped gap through-hole 11C, Figure 5 The suspension crossbar 12, shown in an exploded view, can be inserted through the through-hole to provide lifting points for the crane wire rope / chain, etc., to raise or lower segment 10C and individual parts 3a, 3b, 3c or integrated anti-erosion device 20, wherein... Figure 5 The segment 10C in the middle is provided with a partially notched slot 13C (with... Figure 4 The slot 13B of segment 10B is the same as that of segment 10B, so as to connect with the socket 14 of the adjacent segment 10, and Figure 1a , 1b The anti-erosion device in 1c contains five Figure 5 Segment 10C. In addition, Figure 5The remaining features of segment 10C are similar to those of segment 10A, and are shown using the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or by using suffix C instead of suffix A.

[0130] Figure 6 It shows that Figure 4 The two segments 10B are joined together (so that the socket 14B of one segment is lowered into the gap or slot 13B of the partial notch of the other segment), and are shown Figure 4 The segment 10B has a lower side cutout 28, the size of which can be changed during the manufacturing process of the segment 10 to provide quality or weight control, and also provides a channel for lifting the through hole 24B.

[0131] Figures 9 to 11 A fourth embodiment of segment 10D is shown, which is similar to... Figure 4 Segment 10B in the text is somewhat similar, but the difference is that... Figure 9 The segment 10D is integrally formed with an upper pad 27U and a lower pad 27L (not a lifting through hole). The upper pad 27U protrudes upward and outward from the upper surface 22 of the segment 10, and the lower pad 27L protrudes upward and outward from the upper surface 22 of the segment 10. Figure 4 The lower surface 17 of segment 10D protrudes downward and outward. Upper eyelets 27U and lower eyelets 27L provide lifting points for the crane wire rope / ropes / chains, etc., to raise or lower segment 10D and the individual or integrated anti-erosion device 20. In addition, Figures 9 to 11 The remaining features of segment 10D are similar to those of segment 10B and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with suffix D instead of suffix B.

[0132] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A fifth embodiment of segment 10E is shown, which is related to... Figure 9 The segments 10D are somewhat similar, but the differences are... Figure 12 Segment 10E is provided with various forms of flexible connection mechanisms. Segment 10E is integrally formed with one or more (two shown in the figure) encapsulation straps 29 (not eyelets), which are accessible when segment 10E is inverted or upright. These encapsulation straps protrude outwards from the left and right sides, with a partially notched slot 13E on the left and a protruding insertion port 14E on the right. The encapsulation straps 29 allow and assist in the lifting and handling of the segment. Apart from this, the remaining features of segment 10E are similar to those of segment 10D and are shown using the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or by using suffix E instead of suffix D.

[0133] Figure 14A sixth embodiment of the fourteen segments 10F is shown, arranged in a ring to provide another example of the anti-erosion device 1F, wherein the last (fourteenth) segment 10F is lowered into place, wherein this sixth embodiment of the segments 10F is similar to... Figure 4 Segment 10B is somewhat similar, but the difference is... Figure 14 The segments form flat sides 30 (therefore no Figure 4 Instead of a slotted or partially notched socket for the segment 10F, side holes 31 are formed on its sides for passing through suitable fasteners such as bolts (not shown) to connect each segment 10F to its adjacent segment 10F, and the shape of this sixth embodiment of segment 10F makes it possible to... Figure 14 All segments 10F formed in the anti-erosion device 20F are identical. The sixth embodiment of the fourteen segments 10F also differs from the previous embodiments in that some shapes 15FH are halved compared to the remaining shapes 15F due to the lack of sockets and partially or completely notched receptacles; however, when segments 15F are joined together, these half-shapes 15FH match the corresponding half-shapes 15FH. Furthermore, the remaining features of segments 10F are similar to those of segments 10B and are indicated using the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or by using suffix F instead of suffix B.

[0134] Figure 15 The seventh and eighth embodiments are shown, comprising fourteen segments 10H, which together constitute another example of an anti-erosion device 1H. The anti-erosion device 1H has alternating, non-uniform spacing between two different types of segments 10H, and these segments 10H include:

[0135] i) Seven male segments 10HM, which is the seventh embodiment of segment 10HM, have transversely outward protruding insertion ports 14H on both sides;

[0136] ii) Seven female segments 10HF, which is the eighth embodiment of segment 10HF, each having a slot 13H with a partial notch on both sides for connection with the socket 14H of the seventh embodiment of the adjacent segment 10HM.

[0137] This arrangement of segments 10HM and 10HF results in a uniform spacing 32 between each segment, but the spacing between some grooves 21 is not uniform compared to the other grooves 21 - for example, the width of groove 21HA is 1.8 times that of groove 21HB.

[0138] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10H are similar to those of segment 10F, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix H instead of suffix F.

[0139] Figure 16The ninth and tenth embodiments of fourteen segments 10K are shown, which, when combined, constitute another example of an anti-erosion device 1K. The anti-erosion device 1K has alternating, non-uniform spacing between two different types of segments 10K, and these segments 10K include:

[0140] i) Seven male segments 10KM, which is the ninth embodiment of the 10KM segment, have transversely outward protruding insertion ports 14K on both sides;

[0141] ii) Seven female segments 10KF, which is the eighth embodiment of segment 10KF, have slots with partial notches on both sides for connection with the socket 14K of the seventh embodiment of adjacent segment 10KM.

[0142] This arrangement of segments 10KM and 10KF results in uneven spacing 34A and 34B between the corresponding segments 10K.

[0143] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10K are similar to those of segment 10H, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix K instead of the suffix H.

[0144] Figures 17 to 19 An eleventh embodiment of fifteen segments 10L is shown, which, when combined, constitute another example of an anti-erosion device 1L. The anti-erosion device 1L comprises 15 identical segments 10L, each segment 10L including a connecting strap arrangement 36, wherein one end 39 of a connecting strap 38 is secured to one side formed in each segment 10L. Figures 17 to 19 One end of the channel 40 (shown on the left) extends from the inner through-hole 2L to the outer periphery 19L. (As shown on the left) Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the connecting strap 38 passes through the channel 40 and extends out of the channel 40 at the outer perimeter 19L, then extends further along the outer perimeter of the segment 10L from left to right around the outer perimeter 19L of the segment 10L, and crosses the joint 42 of the adjacent segment 10L, enters the channel 40 formed in a similar position within the adjacent segment 10L, and secures its other end 39 within the inner end of the channel 40 of the adjacent segment 10L, so as to secure each segment 10L to each adjacent segment 10L.

[0145] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10L are similar to those of segment 10K, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix L instead of suffix K.

[0146] Figure 20 The twelfth embodiment, consisting of fifteen segments and 10M, is shown (in...). Figure 21 and Figure 22(A more detailed illustration is provided), these segments 10M are arranged in a ring to provide another example of a scour protection device 1M, wherein this twelfth embodiment of the segments 10M is similar to... Figure 4 Segment 10B is somewhat similar, but the difference is... Figure 20 The segments form serrated or recessed partially spherical pit shapes 44, which form the pit texture or arrangement of partially spherical pit shapes 44 formed in the upper surface 22M of the segment 10M (rather than) Figure 4 The hexagonal protruding shape 15B of segment 10B, wherein the recess 44 provides an alternative flow disturbance mechanism for the protruding hexagonal arrangement of the first to eleventh embodiments of segment 10.

[0147] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10M are similar to those of segment 10B, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix M instead of suffix B.

[0148] Figure 23 The thirteenth embodiment of the 10N with fifteen segments is shown (in Figure 24 and Figure 25 (A more detailed illustration is provided), these segments 10N are arranged in a ring to provide another example of an anti-erosion device 1N, wherein this thirteenth embodiment of the segments 10N is similar to... Figure 4 Segment 10B is somewhat similar, but the difference is... Figure 24 The segment 10N has an outwardly protruding or convex partial spherical dome shape 46, which is formed on the upper surface 22N of the segment 10N (rather than) Figure 21 The serrated or recessed spherical pit shape 44 of segment 10M, wherein the dome 46 provides an alternative flow disturbance mechanism for the prominent hexagonal arrangement of the first to eleventh embodiments of segment 10.

[0149] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10N are similar to those of segment 10B, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix M instead of suffix B.

[0150] Figure 26 The fourteenth embodiment of the 15-segment 10P is shown (in Figure 27 (A more detailed illustration is provided), these segments 10P are arranged in a ring to provide another example of an anti-erosion device 1P, wherein this fourteenth embodiment of the segments 10P is similar to... Figure 4 Segment 10B is somewhat similar, but the difference is... Figure 24The segment 10P is formed with a series of hexagonal protruding rings 15P, which are formed on the upper surface 22P of the segment 10P. As each ring extends inward, its height increases, such that the height of the outwardly protruding hexagonal rings 15PO is the smallest for the outer rings 15PO and the highest for the inner rings 15PI (therefore the height of the middle rings 15PM is greater than the height of the smallest (outer) ring 15PO, but less than the height of the highest (inner) ring 15PI). Each outwardly protruding hexagonal ring 15P provides an alternative flow disturbance mechanism for the protruding hexagonal arrangement of the first to eleventh embodiments of the segment 10.

[0151] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10P are similar to those of segment 10B, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix P instead of suffix B.

[0152] Figure 28 The fifteenth embodiment of the 10Q segment is shown (in Figure 29 and Figure 30 (A more detailed illustration is provided), these segments 10Q are arranged in a ring to provide another example of an anti-erosion device 1Q, wherein this fifteenth embodiment of the segments 10Q is similar to... Figure 24 The 10N segment is somewhat similar, but the difference is that... Figure 28 Segment 10Q forms an outwardly protruding triangular shape 48 (not...). Figure 23 The serrated or protruding portion of the segment 10N has a spherical dome shape 46, and a protruding triangular shape 48 is formed on the upper surface 22Q of the segment 10Q. The triangular shape 48 provides an alternative flow disturbance mechanism to the protruding dome shape 46 of the thirteenth embodiment of the segment 10N. Additionally, the outwardly protruding triangular shape 48 can be arranged as an upward-facing triangle 48U (e.g., Figure 29 (as shown) or a downward triangle (as shown) Figure 30 (As shown).

[0153] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10Q are similar to those of segment 10N, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix Q instead of the suffix N.

[0154] Figures 31(a) to 31(c) The sixteenth embodiment of two preferred segments 10R is shown, which, when combined with an appropriate number of other segments 10R of similar shape (to form a suitable total number of segments 10R, such as fourteen or fifteen segments 10R), can form part of yet another embodiment of the anti-erosion device 1R.

[0155] The two segments 10R are the sixteenth embodiment of segment 10, and also the most preferred embodiment, wherein the sixteenth embodiment of segment 10R and Figure 17 The eleventh embodiment of segment 10L disclosed herein is most similar because it also includes a connecting strap arrangement 50 comprising at least one connecting strap 51 (folded in half as shown in Figures 31(a) to (c)), the connecting strap 51 being configured to be pushable, pullable, passable, insertable, or otherwise passable through a radially (refer to the radial direction of the formed anti-erosion device 1R) substantially linear channel 53, which at least partially passes through a portion of segment 10R, preferably through a socket 14R (which, like the other sockets 14, extends circumferentially from one side of segment 10R), the connecting strap 51 also (at least partially) passing through at least one channel 54 formed in a fully notched gap seat 13R or a partially notched gap seat (not shown in Figures 31(a) to (c), but this may replace the fully notched gap seat 13R shown in Figures 31(a) to (c)) in order to connect two adjacent segments 13R together (i.e., by means of the connecting strap 51). The two channels 53 and 54 are preferably arranged such that when the corresponding two segments 10R are joined together, the two channels 53 and 54 are radially aligned, such that the connecting strap 51 is linearly arranged such that the two portions of the connecting strap 51 passing through the channels 53 and 54 are radially aligned with each other (i.e., they are located on the same approximately radially oriented axis).

[0156] Then, the two adjacent segments 13R can be secured together by wrapping the connecting strap 51 around the outer periphery or circumference (radial) of the joint between adjacent segments 10R. In other words, if the segments 10R are joined together to form a disc-shaped anti-erosion device 1R with a through hole 2R, and the disc-shaped anti-erosion device 1R is approximately annular (such that the outermost approximately circular circumference 16R corresponds to the annular direction), then the connecting strap 51 can be secured in place by wrapping the connecting strap 51 around the outermost periphery or circumference of the joint between adjacent segments 10R. The two ends 52 of the connecting strap 51 can be secured or locked to each other by a suitable locking device 55 (e.g., hook 55 or similar device).

[0157] Apart from the above, the remaining features of segment 10R are similar to those of segment 10L, and are shown with the same reference numerals (without suffixes) or with the suffix R instead of suffix L.

[0158] In general, each embodiment of the anti-scour devices 1, 20 described herein is arranged to surround a generally relatively short vertical height around its through-hole 2, for example, in the range of about 0.5 meters to 5 meters at the lower mounting end of a monopile or other subsea facility 5, and the outer diameter can be in the range of about 8 to 20 meters.

[0159] In addition to the advantages described above in embodiments 1 and 20 of the present invention, the geometry of the shapes 15, 44, 46, 48, and the most preferred hexagonal protruding shape 15, provided on or inside the upper surface 22 of each embodiment, helps to prevent the formation of horseshoe-shaped vortices, which may occur without shape 15. Those skilled in the art will understand that the repeating shapes 15, 44, 46, 48, and the most preferred hexagonal protruding shape 15, provided on or inside the upper surface 22 of each embodiment, are solid / rigid / non-flexible shapes 15, 44, 46, 48, which further helps to prevent the formation of horseshoe-shaped vortices, which may occur if shape 15 is not solid and non-flexible.

[0160] In addition to the advantages of embodiments 1 and 20 of the present invention described above, the flexible connection mechanism disclosed herein not only securely locks two adjacent segments 10 together to prevent them from separating from each other, but also allows one segment 10 to flex, bend, or twist to a certain extent relative to the connected segment 10. This allows the flexible connection mechanism to allow the two segments 10 to be movably connected relative to each other, enabling each segment 10 to conform to a non-standard (i.e., non-flat) seabed. Therefore, the flexible connection mechanism disclosed herein allows the anti-scour devices 1 and 20 to adapt to and conform to the undulating seabed, ensuring full contact with the seabed during use, and most preferably, if undercutting is observed during the installation service life of the anti-scour devices 1 and 20, it can correspond to changes in the seabed during the installation service life of the anti-scour devices 1 and 20. This provides the advantage that undercutting caused by water flowing beneath the anti-scour devices 1 and 20 can be prevented, which would otherwise cause water to scour out a portion of the seabed.

[0161] According to embodiments 1 and 20 of the present invention, it can be made of any suitable impermeable or impermeable material, including but not limited to:

[0162] ○ Concrete;

[0163] ○ Reinforced concrete;

[0164] ○ Glass-reinforced plastics; and / or

[0165] ○ Suitable fiber-filled epoxy material.

[0166] Embodiments 1 and 20 of the present invention provide a solution to mitigate scouring around the subsea facility 5, eliminating or significantly reducing the need for conventional rock dumping (depending on environmental parameters). Various embodiments of segment 10 according to the present invention also take into account road transport.

[0167] Embodiments 1 and 20 of the present invention have the advantage of significantly reducing scouring around the junctions of wind turbine tower monopile installations 5 (particularly the most common type of monopile 5 being suction piles 5) with other offshore subsea installations 5 (including mooring points, subsea suction buckets or suction sleeves, energy production or processing equipment (including power distribution or oil or gas exploration or production platforms), and any other subsea installations 5) because they significantly reduce the effects of water flow (e.g., due to oncoming water flow and waves) around the bottom of the monopile or subsea installation 5 itself, including many different scouring effects, such as (but not limited to):

[0168] • Downward eddy current;

[0169] • Horseshoe-shaped vortex;

[0170] • Leeward wake vortex;

[0171] • Accelerate flow; and

[0172] • It helps reduce shear bed stress below a critical value that would otherwise cause material (such as sand or rock or other materials) to move.

[0173] Furthermore, the repeating shape 15 of the various embodiments disclosed herein (preferably a protruding repeating shape 15 projecting upward from the upper surface 22 and including one or more grooves 21 therebetween) disrupts and / or deflects the flow of water or waves in contact with the anti-scour devices 1, 20, thereby reducing far-field shear bed stress. This provides a significant advantage to these embodiments, as they differ from prior art scour protection systems (e.g., which may include a disc-shaped rock arrangement around the bottom of a monopile or subsea facility 5, typically requiring a disc-shaped rock foundation extending from the outer periphery of the monopile or subsea facility 5 to the far edge of the rock disc, with a diameter 4 to 5 times the diameter of the monopile or subsea facility 5), while the protruding repeating shape 15 on the upper surface 22 of the embodiments of the present invention significantly reduces the distance required for this embodiment to extend to approximately 2 to 2.5 times the diameter of the monopile or subsea facility 5. For embodiments of the invention, the reduction in distance provides a significant advantage, namely, a significant reduction in the number of power output cables exposed to water (typically located at the bottom of a monopile or subsea facility at its exit point / towards the edge of the embodiment of the scour protection device 1, 20—since they are subsequently buried in a trench for protection), and this in turn significantly reduces the fatigue that the cables will experience during their operational life.

[0174] Embodiments of the present invention can be used with a monopile or other subsea facility 5 having a generally cylindrical element profile, as disclosed in PCT Patent Publication No. WO2019 / 077370, arranged around it (i.e. around the actual monopile or cylindrical structure 5 extending upward from the seabed) to reduce vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and / or drag acting on the monopile or other subsea facility 5.

[0175] Modifications and improvements can be made to the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An anti-erosion device suitable for immersion in water, the anti-erosion device comprising: Internal through-holes, which are suitable for use around the outer periphery of a generally tubular subsea facility; The lowest, generally planar surface is designed to sit on the seabed surface during use; outermost periphery; as well as The uppermost surface is substantially impermeable, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface includes at least two flow deflection devices disposed thereon, and each flow deflection device is spaced apart from each adjacent flow deflection device by means of a groove. The anti-scour device reduces seabed scour around the junction of the generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed during use.

2. The anti-erosion device according to claim 1, wherein, The lowest planar surface is the lowest planar disk-shaped surface, and the outermost perimeter includes the outermost generally circular circumference.

3. The anti-erosion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The depth of the anti-erosion device increases from the outermost periphery toward the through hole, such that the depth at the through hole is greater than the depth at the outermost periphery, and the upper surface of the anti-erosion device gradually tapers upward from the outermost periphery toward the through hole.

4. The anti-erosion device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The anti-erosion device is in the shape of a roughly truncated cone surrounding a central through hole, which extends along the central longitudinal axis of the anti-erosion device.

5. The anti-erosion device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The anti-erosion device is formed by two or more interconnected parts, and when the two or more interconnected parts are connected together, the anti-erosion device is formed.

6. The anti-erosion device according to claim 5, wherein, Each part is formed by two or more interconnected segments, which, when connected together, form each part of the anti-scouring device.

7. The anti-erosion device according to claim 6, wherein, Each pair of segments includes a connecting device for connecting them together.

8. The anti-erosion device according to claim 7, wherein, The connecting device includes a flexible connecting mechanism that securely locks two adjacent segments together and prevents them from separating from each other, but also allows one segment to move relative to the other segment, thus allowing a movable connection between the two adjacent segments.

9. The anti-erosion device according to claim 8, wherein, The flexible connection mechanism includes a binding arrangement comprising binding straps arranged to pass through radially substantially linear channels, the channels being formed at least partially through a portion of the segment and through a socket formed in the segment. The binding straps also (at least partially) pass through at least one channel formed in a slot in an adjacent segment to connect two adjacent segments together. The two channels of the adjacent segments are arranged such that when the corresponding two segments are joined together, the two channels are radially aligned, such that the binding straps are linearly arranged such that the two portions of the binding straps passing through the channels are radially aligned with each other.

10. The anti-erosion device according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting strap is secured by wrapping it around the remaining outer circumference or circumference (radially) of the joint between adjacent segments to lock two adjacent segments together, and the two ends of the connecting strap are secured to each other by locking devices.

11. The anti-erosion device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least two flow deflection devices disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface comprise at least two rings of repeating shapes.

12. The anti-erosion device according to claim 11, wherein, Each repeating shape of the ring is spaced apart from each adjacent ring by a groove arrangement, and each shape within the ring is spaced apart from the adjacent shape by at least one groove.

13. The anti-erosion device according to claim 12, wherein, Two or more loops of the repeating shape redirect the flow path of water through the corresponding grooves, thereby generating significant turbulence in the water, which further slows down the flow of water.

14. The anti-erosion device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, Each repeating shape within each ring is identical, and each ring on the upper surface includes a repeating shape identical to the shape of each other ring, such that all shapes on the upper surface are identical.

15. The anti-erosion device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The upper surface comprises a hexagonal tessellation structure, wherein every three adjacent hexagons intersect at each adjacent vertex, and the remaining hexagons repeat this arrangement on most of the upper surface of the conical upper surface of the erosion protection device.

16. The anti-erosion device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, The vertex between two adjacent edges of each shape has a radius.

17. The anti-erosion device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The repeating shapes are arranged in rings that are coaxial with each other, such that each corresponding additional outer ring is further downward on the upper surface of the cone, and each ring includes the same number of repeating shapes as its adjacent inner or outer ring, and the shapes in all rings have the same dimensions, and the width of the groove around the outer ring is greater than the width of the groove around the next inner ring, such that the width of the groove increases as the ring moves further away from the through hole.

18. The anti-erosion device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, The arrangement of the hexagons on the upper surface surrounding the ring is in the form of staggered columns with equal diameters around the upper surface, wherein each column fits tightly with the next adjacent column, and the same applies to the other columns surrounding the upper surface.

19. The anti-erosion device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The anti-scouring device is suitable for placement around a generally tubular subsea facility, which is fixed to the seabed in the water body during use.

20. A method for preventing scouring around the foundation of a generally tubular subsea facility, the method comprising: A scour protection device is provided, the scour protection device being suitable for immersion in water, the scour protection device comprising: an internal through-hole located around the outer periphery of a generally tubular subsea facility in use; a lowermost generally planar surface adapted to rest on the seabed surface in use; an outermost periphery; and an uppermost surface; wherein at least the upper surface of the scour protection device is substantially impermeable, and at least a portion of the upper surface is provided with at least two flow deflectors, and each repeating ring is spaced apart from each adjacent ring by grooves, and each shape within a ring is spaced apart from an adjacent shape by at least one groove, and At the junction of the generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed, the anti-scouring device is arranged around the outer periphery of the generally tubular subsea facility.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The method further includes lowering the anti-scouring device from the water surface to the junction of the generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The method further includes fixing the anti-scouring device around the outer periphery of the generally tubular subsea facility at the connection between the generally tubular subsea facility and the seabed.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The method also includes lowering the anti-scouring device, which is an integral unit, from the water surface to the connection point of the generally tubular subsea facility.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The method further includes lowering the anti-scouring device, which consists of two or more parts, from the water surface to the connection point of the generally tubular seabed facility, and further includes connecting and fixing the two or more parts together around the outer periphery of the generally tubular seabed facility at the connection point between the generally tubular seabed facility and the seabed.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The method also includes transporting the anti-scouring device from its manufacturing and / or storage location to the edge of a water body spaced apart from each other.

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