Self-releasing and recovering device for bottom touch of super deep water well construction suction pile

Abstract

This invention discloses a self-release and recovery device for suction piles in ultra-deepwater well construction, comprising: a hoisting connector, a split-type clamp, a locking actuator, a limiting and anti-detachment mechanism, a bottom-contact state detection sensor, a hoisting signal receiving unit, a control unit, a delay confirmation unit, and a recovery traction component. During the lowering process, the device maintains a hoisting connection with the crane via the hoisting connector and is lowered synchronously with the suction pile. The control unit determines bottom contact based on signals from the bottom-contact state detection sensor and the hoisting signal receiving unit. When preset bottom-contact conditions are met, it enters a pending confirmation state. After a delay confirmation, it controls the split-type clamp to release and detach from the suction pile. The limiting and anti-detachment mechanism limits the degree of separation during the release of the split-type clamp, and the recovery traction component lifts the entire device away from the suction pile and recovers it after release. This invention improves the reliability of bottom-contact identification, release control, and overall recovery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine equipment installation technology, and more specifically, to a self-release and recovery device for suction piles in ultra-deepwater well construction after they reach the bottom. Background Technology

[0002] Suction piles are widely used in offshore oil and gas development, offshore wind power equipment installation, and other engineering fields. During the installation of suction piles, it is usually necessary to first use an engineering vessel and crane to lift the suction pile from the vessel, and then slowly lower it through the seawater section to near the seabed mudline, before proceeding to the subsequent lowering or installation stage.

[0003] In existing technologies, the hoisting and lowering of suction piles in seawater sections relies primarily on the experience of the engineering vessel, crane, and personnel for control. When the suction pile approaches the mudline, it is typically determined whether it has touched the bottom through changes in load, on-site experience, or simple observation, and based on this, a decision is made whether to release the auxiliary connection device. This method can generally meet operational requirements under relatively stable sea conditions and favorable operating conditions. However, in actual ultra-deepwater operating environments, the suction pile is easily affected by factors such as ocean current disturbances, cable elasticity, vessel heave, instantaneous collisions, and attitude fluctuations towards the end of its lowering process. This can lead to inaccurate judgments of the bottom-touching status, resulting in misjudgments, delayed judgments, or premature release.

[0004] If the bottoming judgment is inaccurate, premature release of the auxiliary connection device may cause the suction pile to detach from the auxiliary device early, leading to instability in the suction pile's attitude, localized collisions, or loss of control over the subsequent lowering rhythm. Conversely, premature release will affect the timely entry of the suction pile into the subsequent lowering stage, increasing offshore operation time and raising operational risks. These problems are particularly pronounced under complex wind, wave, and current conditions, affecting not only the continuity of the suction pile lowering process but also compromising operational safety and efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, how to reliably identify the bottoming state of suction piles in the seawater section at the end of the deep-water well-building process, and how to automatically release, limit and prevent detachment of auxiliary devices and recover them as a whole after bottoming out, so as to improve the safety, continuity and reliability of the well-building suction pile lowering operation, has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address at least one of the technical problems mentioned above in the background art, this invention proposes an ultra-deepwater well suction pile self-release recovery device upon bottom contact. The device includes: a hoisting connector, a split-type circumferential clamp, a locking actuator, a limit and anti-detachment mechanism, a bottom contact state detection sensor, a hoisting signal receiving unit, a control unit, a delay confirmation unit, and a recovery traction component. The lifting connector is used to connect with the main lifting point of the crane, so that the entire device maintains a lifting connection with the crane during the lowering process and is lowered synchronously with the suction pile; the split-type ring clamp is used to lock onto the outside of the suction pile during the lowering process; the locking actuator is used to drive the split-type ring clamp to lock or release; the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism is used to limit the degree of separation of the split-type ring clamp during release, so that the split-type ring clamp does not completely separate after release; The bottom-touching state detection sensor is used to collect detection signals characterizing the suction pile's approach to the seabed and the bottom-touching process; the hoisting signal receiving unit is used to acquire hoisting signals from the crane side; the delay confirmation unit is used to confirm the stability of the bottom-touching state within a preset time window; the control unit is used to determine the bottom-touching state based on the signals output by the bottom-touching state detection sensor and the hoisting signal receiving unit, and enters a pending confirmation state when the preset bottom-touching determination conditions are met, and outputs a release command to the locking actuator after confirmation by the delay confirmation unit, so that the locking actuator drives the split-type circumferential clamp to release and detach from the suction pile according to the release command; the recovery traction component is used to lift the entire device away from the suction pile and recover it after the split-type circumferential clamp is released by the lifting action of the crane.

[0007] Optionally, the device also includes an upper support frame, the hoisting connector is connected to the upper support frame, the upper support frame is connected to the split-type circumferential clamp, and provides arrangement space for the locking actuator and the recovery traction component.

[0008] Optionally, the split-type circumferential clamp consists of two semi-rings, with one side of the two semi-rings connected by a clamp hinge assembly, and the locking actuator is located on the other side of the two semi-rings.

[0009] Optionally, the inner side of the split-type circumferential clamp is provided with an inner buffer layer, which is used to improve the fit between the split-type circumferential clamp and the outer wall of the suction pile.

[0010] Optionally, the bottom-touching state detection sensor is arranged at the lower part of the device or at a detection position near the bottom of the suction pile.

[0011] Optionally, the detection signal includes at least one of contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change; the load signal includes at least one of load, tension, load change rate, displacement change, and velocity change.

[0012] Optionally, the delay confirmation unit is specifically used to review the bottoming state within the preset time window when it receives information that the pile has entered the pending confirmation state. When the detection signal continues to exist and the change of the hoisting signal meets the criteria that the suction pile has been supported by the mud surface and the crane no longer applies the main load-bearing force to it, the current bottoming state is confirmed to be valid.

[0013] Optionally, the recovery traction component is mounted on the upper support frame and is used to connect with the auxiliary lifting point of the crane, so that the crane can lift the device as a whole away from the suction pile and recover it after the split-type circumferential clamp is released.

[0014] Optionally, the recovery traction component is in a standby state during the synchronous lowering of the device along with the suction pile.

[0015] Optionally, the locking actuator is an electric lead screw drive mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism, or a rotary motor combined with a bidirectional threaded locking rod drive mechanism.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention, through the inclusion of a hoisting connector, a split-type clamp, a locking actuator, a limiting and anti-detachment mechanism, a bottom-contact state detection sensor, a hoisting signal receiving unit, a control unit, a delay confirmation unit, and a retrieval traction component, enables the device to maintain a hoisting connection with the crane and be lowered synchronously with the suction pile during its descent. Simultaneously, dual bottom-contact determination is achieved through signals from the bottom-contact state detection sensor and the hoisting signal receiving unit, with the release command output only after stability confirmation by the delay confirmation unit. This improves the reliability of bottom-contact identification and release timing control. The split-type clamp is released under the action of the locking actuator and, limited by the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism, does not completely separate after release, thus preventing the device from scattering after release. Furthermore, the retrieval traction component allows the entire device to be lifted away from the suction pile and retrieved after the split-type clamp is released. Therefore, this invention effectively addresses the problems of unreliable bottom-contact identification at the end of the suction pile's seawater descent, difficulty in controlling the release timing, and inconvenience in retrieval after release, thereby improving the safety, continuity, and reliability of the descent operation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a first schematic diagram of the self-release and recovery device for the suction pile of ultra-deep water well construction according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the self-release and recovery device for the suction pile lowering into the bottom of the ultra-deep water well in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a split-type circumferential clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the locking actuator and the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of part of the workflow of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Icon labels: 1. Lifting connectors; 2. Split-type wraparound clamp; 3. Locking actuator; 4. Limiting and anti-detachment mechanism; 5. Bottom-out state detection sensor; 6. Lifting signal receiving unit; 7. Control unit; 8. Suction piles; 9. Clamp hinge assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification, claims and accompanying drawings of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, products or devices.

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] This invention provides a self-release and recovery device for suction piles used in ultra-deepwater well construction, addressing problems in existing technologies such as reliance on manual experience for bottom contact judgment during the seawater section of suction pile deployment, inaccurate release timing, easy scattering of components after release, and inconvenient recovery. This device automatically determines and delays confirmation based on multi-source signals after the suction pile approaches the mudline and touches the bottom, driving a locking mechanism to loosen the outer wall of the suction pile. Simultaneously, a limiting structure keeps the entire device intact, facilitating subsequent lifting and recovery by a crane. This improves the efficiency of ultra-deepwater well construction operations and expands the operational window under complex sea conditions.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the ultra-deep water well suction pile lowering and bottom-reaching self-release recovery device of the present invention includes: a hoisting connector 1, a split-type ring clamp 2, a locking actuator 3, a limit anti-detachment mechanism 4, a bottom-reaching state detection sensor 5, a hoisting signal receiving unit 6, a control unit 7, a delay confirmation unit, and a recovery traction component; The hoisting connector is used to connect with the main hoisting point of the crane, so that the whole device maintains a hoisting connection with the crane during the lowering process and is lowered synchronously with the suction pile. The split-type circumferential clamp is used to lock onto the outside of the suction pile 8 during the lowering process; The locking actuator 3 is used to drive the split-type ring clamp 2 to lock or release; The limiting and anti-detachment mechanism 4 is used to limit the degree of separation of the split-type ring clamp when it is released, so that the split-type ring clamp does not completely separate after release; The bottom contact state detection sensor 5 is used to collect detection signals characterizing the suction pile's approach to the seabed and the bottom contact process; the detection signals include at least one of contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change.

[0025] The hoisting signal receiving unit 6 is used to acquire hoisting signals from the crane side; the hoisting signals include at least one of load, tension, load change rate, displacement change, and velocity change.

[0026] The delay confirmation unit is used to confirm the stability of the bottoming-out state within a preset time window; The control unit 7 is used to determine the bottoming state based on the signals output by the bottoming state detection sensor 5 and the hoisting signal receiving unit 6. When the preset bottoming determination conditions are met, it enters the waiting confirmation state. After confirmation by the delayed confirmation unit, it outputs a release command to the locking actuator 3 so that the locking actuator 3 drives the split-type ring clamp 2 to release and disengage from the suction pile 8 according to the release command. The recovery traction component is used to lift the entire device away from the suction pile and recover it after the split-type circumferential clamp is released, by means of the lifting action of the crane.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting connector 1 may be a lifting lug, lug plate, connecting ring, shackle connection part, or other lifting connection structure suitable for connection with the main lifting point of the crane. It is disposed on the upper part of the device and is used to establish a lifting connection between the device and the crane during the lowering of the suction pile 8, so that the device can be lowered synchronously with the suction pile 8. It should be understood that the specific structural form of the lifting connector 1 is not limited, as long as it can meet the lifting connection and force transmission requirements during the lowering stage of the device.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the split-type ring clamp 2 is used to fit and lock onto the outer wall of the suction pile 8. The split-type ring clamp 2 can be an openable split structure, such as a clamp structure composed of two half-rings, or other openable ring structures that can surround the suction pile 8 in the locked state and release the surround in the released state. By using the split-type ring clamp 2, the auxiliary device can be stably attached to the outside of the suction pile 8 at the end of the seawater immersion stage of the suction pile 8, and the locking state can be quickly released after the release conditions are met, so as to facilitate subsequent overall recovery.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking actuator 3 is tractively connected to the split-type ring clamp 2, and is used to drive the split-type ring clamp 2 to switch between a locked state and a released state. Specifically, the locking actuator 3 maintains the locking state of the split-type ring clamp 2 on the outer wall of the suction pile 8 during the lowering of the device with the suction pile 8, to prevent the device from loosening or shifting during the lowering process; when the control unit 7 outputs a release command, the locking actuator 3 actuates, causing the split-type ring clamp 2 to release from the locking of the outer wall of the suction pile 8, thereby disengaging the device from the suction pile 8. The locking actuator 3 can be electrically driven, hydraulically driven, or other driving methods suitable for realizing the locking / releasing action.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting anti-detachment mechanism 4 is configured in conjunction with the split-type encircling clamp 2 to limit the degree of separation of the split-type encircling clamp 2 when it is released, so that the split-type encircling clamp 2 does not completely separate after release. That is, after the locking actuator 3 drives the split-type encircling clamp 2 into the release state, the limiting anti-detachment mechanism 4 constrains the opening range of the split-type encircling clamp 2 to prevent it from completely disintegrating, falling off, or losing its overall controlled state. This helps to prevent the components from being lost after release and also facilitates the subsequent lifting and recovery of the entire device from the suction pile 8 by the retrieval traction component. The limiting anti-detachment mechanism 4 can be a limiting connector, a limiting rod, a limiting band, a limiting block, a limiting chain, or other structures that can limit the degree of opening and closing.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom-touching state detection sensor 5 is disposed at the lower part of the device or near the bottom of the suction pile 8, and is used to collect detection signals characterizing the process of the suction pile 8 approaching the seabed and touching the bottom. The detection signals may include one or more of contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change. When the suction pile 8 gradually approaches the seabed and comes into contact with it, the force state, vibration state, or contact state near the bottom of the suction pile 8 will change accordingly. The bottom-touching state detection sensor 5 detects these changes, thereby providing bottom-side signal basis for subsequent bottom-touching determination. The bottom-touching state detection sensor 5 may be implemented using one or more combinations of pressure sensors, strain sensors, acceleration sensors, vibration sensors, and displacement sensors.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hoisting signal receiving unit 6 is used to acquire hoisting signals from the crane side. The hoisting signals may include one or more of the following: load, tension, load change rate, displacement change, and velocity change. Since the force and motion state of the suction pile 8 typically changes as it approaches the seabed and eventually touches the bottom, such as changes in load value, tension distribution, load change rate, slower displacement change, or abnormal velocity change, acquiring the hoisting signals allows for further reflection of the suction pile 8's descent and bottom-touching state from the crane side. The hoisting signal receiving unit 6 can be connected to the crane's existing load acquisition system, tension detection system, or motion state acquisition system, or it can be implemented using a separately configured signal acquisition module.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 is electrically or signal-connected to the bottom contact state detection sensor 5, the hoisting signal receiving unit 6, and the locking actuator 3, respectively, for jointly determining bottom contact based on the bottom-side detection signal and the hoisting signal on the crane side. Specifically, the control unit 7 does not determine whether the suction pile 8 has touched the bottom based solely on a single signal source, but rather combines the detection signal output by the bottom contact state detection sensor 5 and the hoisting signal output by the hoisting signal receiving unit 6 to determine the current state. This avoids misjudgments caused by relying solely on a single hoisting change or a single bottom contact change, and helps improve the reliability of bottom contact determination.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the delay confirmation unit is used to confirm the stability of the bottoming state within a preset time window. Specifically, when the control unit 7 determines that the current state meets the preset bottoming judgment conditions based on the signals output by the bottoming state detection sensor 5 and the hoisting signal receiving unit 6, it does not immediately control the locking actuator 3 to perform a release action, but first enters a pending confirmation state, and the delay confirmation unit continues to verify the relevant signals within the preset time window. The preset time window can be preset according to factors such as actual sea conditions, hoisting system response characteristics, suction pile specifications and dimensions, and lowering speed. By setting the delay confirmation unit, misjudgment of bottoming due to short-term fluctuations, instantaneous collisions, local contact, or ocean current disturbances can be avoided, thereby improving the accuracy of the release action timing control. In one embodiment of the present invention, the delay confirmation unit can be an independent module or integrated into the control unit 7.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the delay confirmation unit may confirm at least one of the following within the preset time window: whether the detection signal continues to exist, whether the change in the hoisting signal remains stable, and whether the current hoisting change satisfies the criterion that the suction pile 8 has been supported by the seabed and the crane no longer exerts a major load-bearing effect on it. Only when the relevant confirmation conditions are continuously met within the preset time window will the delay confirmation unit confirm that the current bottoming state is valid, and the control unit 7 will output a release command to the locking actuator 3. Correspondingly, if the relevant signal recovers, fluctuates, or no longer meets the criteria within the preset time window, the pending confirmation state can be exited, and the locking state can be maintained to avoid accidental release.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, after receiving a valid confirmation result from the delay confirmation unit, the control unit 7 sends a release command to the locking actuator 3. Upon receiving the release command, the locking actuator 3 drives the split-type retaining clamp 2 to release its locking of the outer wall of the suction pile 8, causing the device to detach from the suction pile 8. Simultaneously, the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism 4 constrains the opening degree of the split-type retaining clamp 2, ensuring that the split-type retaining clamp 2 remains in an integral state after release and does not completely separate.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recovery traction component is used to lift the entire device away from the suction pile 8 and recover it after the split-type clamp 2 is released, by means of a crane. The recovery traction component can be a sling, traction cable, lug, traction ring, or other recovery component suitable for connection with a crane. During the synchronous lowering of the device along with the suction pile 8, the recovery traction component can be in a standby state; after the split-type clamp 2 is released, the crane lifts the device, which has detached from the suction pile 8, and recovers it to the working platform or recovery position by applying a lifting action to the recovery traction component.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the working process of the device may include the following steps: First, the device is connected to the main lifting point of the crane through the lifting connector 1, and the split-type circumferential clamp 2 is locked to the outer wall of the suction pile 8, so that the device is lowered synchronously with the suction pile 8; then, during the process of the suction pile 8 approaching the seabed and touching the bottom, the bottom-touching state detection sensor 5 continuously collects detection signals characterizing the bottom-touching state, the lifting signal receiving unit 6 continuously acquires the lifting signal from the crane side, and the control unit 7 performs a joint bottom-touching determination based on the two types of signals; when the preset bottom-touching determination conditions are met, the control unit 7 enters the waiting confirmation state, and the delayed confirmation unit performs stability confirmation of the bottom-touching state within a preset time window; after confirming that the current bottom-touching state is valid, the control unit 7 outputs a release command to the locking actuator 3, and the locking actuator 3 drives the split-type circumferential clamp 2 to release and detach from the suction pile 8; after release, under the action of the limiting anti-detachment mechanism 4, the split-type circumferential clamp 2 remains in a state of incomplete separation, and then the device is lifted off the suction pile 8 as a whole by the recovery traction component and the recovery is completed.

[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, reference is made to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ultra-deep water well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device of the present invention includes a hoisting connector 1, a split-type ring clamp 2, a locking actuator 3, a limit and anti-detachment mechanism 4, a bottom-touching state detection sensor 5, a hoisting signal receiving unit 6, a control unit 7, a suction pile 8, and a clamp hinge assembly 9.

[0040] The hoisting connector 1 is used to connect with the main lifting point of the crane, so that the entire device maintains a hoisting connection with the crane during the lowering process and is lowered synchronously with the suction pile 8. The hoisting connector 1 can be a lifting lug, lug plate, connecting ring, shackle connection part or other connection structure suitable for connecting with the main lifting point of the crane. Its specific form is not limited, as long as it can meet the hoisting connection requirements during the lowering stage.

[0041] The split-type ring clamp 2 is used to lock onto the outer wall of the suction pile 8 during the lowering process. Specifically, the split-type ring clamp 2 can adopt an openable and closable ring structure, which surrounds and locks onto the outer wall of the suction pile 8 in the closed state, and releases the constraint on the suction pile 8 in the released state so that the device can subsequently detach from the suction pile 8 and be recovered as a whole.

[0042] In this embodiment, the split-type ring clamp 2 consists of two semi-rings, connected on one side by a clamp hinge assembly 9 to allow the two semi-rings to open and close relative to each other. A locking actuator 3 is located on the other side of the two semi-rings and is used to drive the split-type ring clamp 2 to lock or release. Specifically, during the lowering of the suction pile 8, the locking actuator 3 keeps the split-type ring clamp 2 locked to ensure stable attachment of the device to the outer wall of the suction pile 8; after the control unit 7 outputs a release command, the locking actuator 3 actuates, causing the split-type ring clamp 2 to release and detach from the suction pile 8. The locking actuator 3 can be an electric screw drive mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism, or a rotary motor combined with a bidirectional threaded locking rod drive mechanism.

[0043] The limiting and anti-detachment mechanism 4 works in conjunction with the split-type ring clamp 2 to limit the degree of separation of the split-type ring clamp 2 during release, ensuring that the split-type ring clamp 2 does not completely separate after release. In other words, when the locking actuator 3 drives the split-type ring clamp 2 to release, the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism 4 restricts the degree of separation between the two halves, thereby preventing the split-type ring clamp 2 from completely disintegrating or losing its overall controlled state after release. This helps maintain the integrity of the device after release, facilitating subsequent overall lifting and retrieval.

[0044] The bottom contact state detection sensor 5 is located at the lower part of the device or near the bottom of the suction pile 8, and is used to collect detection signals characterizing the process of the suction pile 8 approaching the seabed and contacting the bottom. The detection signals may include at least one of contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change. That is, as the suction pile 8 gradually approaches the seabed and eventually contacts it, the force state, contact state, or vibration state near the bottom of the suction pile 8 will change. The bottom contact state detection sensor 5 detects these changes to provide bottom-side signal basis for subsequent bottom contact determination. The bottom contact state detection sensor 5 can be implemented using a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a micro-displacement sensor, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The hoisting signal receiving unit 6 is used to acquire hoisting signals from the crane side. The hoisting signals may include at least one of load, tension, load change rate, displacement change, and velocity change. Since the force and motion states of the suction pile 8 change accordingly when it approaches the seabed and touches the bottom, acquiring the hoisting signals from the crane side allows for further reflection of the suction pile 8's lowering and bottom-touching states. The hoisting signal receiving unit 6 can be directly connected to the existing hoisting acquisition system of the crane, or it can acquire relevant data through a separately configured tension measurement module.

[0046] The control unit 7 is connected to the bottom contact state detection sensor 5, the hoisting signal receiving unit 6, and the locking actuator 3, respectively, and is used to determine whether the suction pile 8 has touched the bottom based on the signals output by the bottom contact state detection sensor 5 and the hoisting signal receiving unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 7 does not determine whether the suction pile 8 has touched the bottom based on a single signal, but rather combines the bottom-side detection signal and the hoisting signal on the crane side for joint judgment to improve the reliability of bottom contact identification. When the preset bottom contact judgment conditions are met, the control unit 7 puts the device into a waiting-for-confirmation state.

[0047] In this embodiment, a delay confirmation unit is also provided. The delay confirmation unit is used to confirm the stability of the bottoming state within a preset time window. Specifically, after entering the pending confirmation state, the delay confirmation unit does not immediately determine release, but performs a short-term review of the current bottoming state. If the detection signal continues to exist within the preset time window, and the change in the lifting signal meets the criteria that the suction pile 8 has been supported by the mud surface and the crane no longer applies the main load-bearing force to it, then the current bottoming state is confirmed to be valid. Subsequently, the control unit 7 outputs a release command to the locking actuator 3, causing the locking actuator 3 to drive the split-type ring clamp 2 to release and disengage from the suction pile 8. By setting the delay confirmation unit, erroneous release caused by instantaneous wave impact, local collision, or short-term signal fluctuation can be avoided.

[0048] In this embodiment, the device can be recovered as a whole by lifting it with a crane after release. Specifically, after the split-type ring clamp 2 is released and detached from the suction pile 8, the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism 4 keeps the split-type ring clamp 2 in a partially separated state, thereby keeping the entire device in a whole form. Then, the device is lifted as a whole from the suction pile 8 and recovered by the lifting action of the crane.

[0049] The working process of this embodiment can be summarized as follows: First, the device is connected to the main lifting point of the crane through the lifting connector 1, and the split-type circumferential clamp 2 is locked to the outer wall of the suction pile 8, so that the device is lowered synchronously with the suction pile 8; then, during the process of the suction pile 8 approaching the seabed and touching the bottom, the bottom-touching state detection sensor 5 continuously collects detection signals characterizing the bottom-touching state, the lifting signal receiving unit 6 continuously acquires the lifting signal from the crane side, and the control unit 7 performs a joint bottom-touching determination based on the two types of signals; when the preset bottom-touching determination conditions are met, it enters the waiting confirmation state, and the delayed confirmation unit performs stability confirmation of the bottom-touching state within a preset time window; after confirming that the current bottom-touching state is valid, the control unit 7 outputs a release command to the locking actuator 3, and the locking actuator 3 drives the split-type circumferential clamp 2 to release and detach from the suction pile 8; after release, under the action of the limit anti-detachment mechanism 4, the split-type circumferential clamp 2 remains in a partially separated state, and then the device is lifted away from the suction pile 8 as a whole by the crane and the recovery is completed.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, a crane serves as the external lifting equipment for the entire device during the lowering and retrieval phases, providing upper lifting and lowering power for the suction pile and the self-releasing retrieval device installed outside the suction pile. During the lowering process, the crane uses lifting connectors to ensure the device is lowered synchronously with the suction pile. After the split-type circumferential clamps are released, the crane also assists the retrieval traction device in lifting the entire device away from the suction pile and retrieving it. Simultaneously, information on load, tension, displacement, or velocity changes on the crane side can also serve as an important signal source for bottoming-out determination.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, a lifting signal receiving unit is used to acquire the lifting signal from the crane side and transmit the relevant signal to the control unit for use in bottom contact determination. The lifting signal may include at least one of load, tension, load change rate, displacement change, and velocity change. Since the force and motion state of the suction pile on the crane side typically changes when it approaches and touches the seabed, such as changes in lifting value, tension distribution, or load change rate, acquiring the crane side signal through the lifting signal receiving unit and jointly determining it with the bottom side detection signal improves the reliability of bottom contact identification and reduces the risk of misjudgment and accidental release.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the split-type ring clamp is the main mechanical body of the device, used to lock onto the outer wall of the suction pile during the lowering process, thereby ensuring that the device is stably installed on the outside of the suction pile and moves synchronously with the suction pile. The split-type ring clamp can be composed of two semi-rings, one side of which is connected by a clamp hinge assembly, and the other side cooperates with the locking actuator. In the locked state, the split-type ring clamp grips the outer wall of the suction pile; in the released state, it releases the constraint on the suction pile and remains in a partially separated state under the action of the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism. Thus, the split-type ring clamp serves both as the main load-bearing body for the entire device attached to the suction pile and as the direct execution object of the release action.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, a locking actuator is used to drive the split-type ring clamp to switch between a locked state and a released state. Specifically, during the lowering of the suction pile, the locking actuator maintains the split-type ring clamp in a locked state against the outer wall of the suction pile to ensure a stable connection between the device and the suction pile. After the bottoming confirmation condition is met, the control unit outputs a release command to the locking actuator, which then actuates to release the split-type ring clamp from the suction pile, thereby detaching the device from the suction pile. By setting up a locking actuator, the process that originally relied on manual judgment and manual unlocking can be transformed into an automatically controllable release process, which helps to improve the stability of the release timing control, reduce underwater manual intervention, and improve the continuity and safety of operations.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hoisting connector is used to maintain the connection between the device and the upper hoisting system during operation. During the lowering phase, the hoisting connector lowers the device synchronously with the suction pile; during the recovery phase, the crane continues to control the device via a corresponding traction path, ensuring it remains controllable after release. By using the hoisting connector, the device can be kept in a controllable connection state throughout the entire operation, thereby avoiding problems such as uncontrolled suspension, collision with the suction pile, or difficulty in recovery after release, providing a foundation for overall recovery after automatic release.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, a limiting anti-detachment mechanism is used to limit the relative separation of the two halves of the ring after the split-type ring clamp is released, preventing the split-type ring clamp from completely disintegrating, falling off, or losing its overall controlled state. That is, the limiting anti-detachment mechanism is not responsible for locking, but rather for constraining the separation of the split-type ring clamp after the release action occurs, ensuring that it remains in its integral state after opening. By setting the limiting anti-detachment mechanism, the release process can be controlled as a restricted release, thereby helping to prevent the loss of components and facilitating the subsequent lifting and recovery of the entire device from the suction pile using a retrieval traction component.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, a bottom contact state detection sensor is arranged at the lower part of the device or near the bottom of the suction pile, and is used to detect detection signals characterizing the suction pile's approach to the seabed and the bottom contact process. The detection signals may include at least one of contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change. The bottom contact state detection sensor provides first-hand detection information from the bottom side, directly reflecting whether the suction pile is in contact with the seabed, whether the contact is continuous, and whether the contact state is stable. Compared to relying solely on crane-side signals, the bottom contact state detection sensor can more directly reflect the contact process at the bottom of the suction pile and, together with the crane signal receiving unit, forms the basis for joint bottom contact determination.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction pile is the main engineering component that is lowered and eventually sits on the bottom, while the self-releasing recovery device of the present invention is installed on the outside of the suction pile to serve the bottom-reaching identification, automatic release, anti-detachment limiting, and overall recovery process at the end of the suction pile's lowering. That is to say, the focus of the present invention is not the suction pile body structure, but the bottom-reaching self-releasing recovery device installed on the outside of the suction pile and used in conjunction with the suction pile lowering operation.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the working process of the device can be summarized as follows: Before being lowered into the water, the split-type circumferential clamp is locked to the outer wall of the suction pile, and the device is connected to the crane by the lifting connector, so that the device is lowered synchronously with the suction pile; during the lowering process, the bottoming state detection sensor continuously detects the detection signal of the suction pile approaching the seabed and during the bottoming process, and the lifting signal receiving unit simultaneously acquires the lifting signal from the crane side. The control unit performs a joint bottoming determination based on the above two types of signals; when the preset bottoming determination condition is met, the device enters the confirmation state, and the delayed confirmation unit performs stability confirmation of the bottoming state within a preset time window; after confirming that the current bottoming state is valid, the control unit outputs a release command to the locking actuator, so that the split-type circumferential clamp is released and detached from the suction pile; after release, under the action of the limiting anti-detachment mechanism, the split-type circumferential clamp remains in a partially separated state, and then the device is lifted off the suction pile as a whole by the lifting action of the crane through the recovery traction component and the recovery is completed. This enables a continuous operation process of "bottom contact identification - confirmation - release - anti-detachment - recovery" during the final stage of the suction pile's seawater section descent.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking actuator can be an electric screw drive mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism, or a rotary motor combined with a bidirectional threaded locking rod drive mechanism; the bottom contact state detection sensor can be a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a micro-displacement sensor, or a combination thereof; the hoisting signal receiving unit can be directly connected to the existing hoisting acquisition system of the crane, or it can acquire relevant data through an independent tension measurement module; the delay confirmation unit can be integrated into the control unit or implemented as an independent hardware module to adapt to the matching needs of different marine engineering vessels and control systems.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and bottom-reaching self-release recovery device of the present invention further includes an upper support frame, the hoisting connector is connected to the upper support frame, the upper support frame is connected to the split-type circumferential clamp, and provides arrangement space for the locking actuator and the recovery traction component.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper support frame is disposed above the split-type circumferential clamp, serving as a load-bearing and connecting component of the upper part of the device. Specifically, the hoisting connector is connected to the upper support frame so that the hoisting action of the crane can be transferred to the device during the lowering process; the upper support frame is connected to the split-type circumferential clamp so that the split-type circumferential clamp can be lowered together with the upper structure and maintain the overall stress relationship.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper support frame can be a ring-shaped bracket, a frame-type bracket, a plate-type support, or other structures capable of bearing, connecting, and arranging functions. Its specific shape and size can be set according to the outer diameter of the suction pile, the overall size of the device, and the hoisting method. The upper support frame and the split-type ring clamp can be connected by welding, bolting, pinning, or integral molding, as long as the stability of the overall structure of the device can be maintained during the lowering, release, and retrieval processes.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper support frame, in addition to being connected to the hoisting connector and the split-type circumferential clamp, also provides space for the locking actuator and the retrieval traction component. That is, the upper support frame can serve as a mounting carrier for the upper functional components, allowing the locking actuator and the retrieval traction component to be arranged above or near the split-type circumferential clamp, thereby facilitating the formation of a compact overall structure and maintaining the relative positional relationship between the components during the lowering, releasing, and retrieval phases.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper support frame can also be used to organize the force path of the upper part of the device, so that the lifting action transmitted by the hoisting connector, the locking action of the split-type circumferential clamp on the suction pile, and the lifting action borne by the recovery traction component during the recovery stage can be structurally transmitted and arranged through the upper support frame. By setting the upper support frame, a more stable whole can be formed between the upper connection relationship and the lower locking structure of the device, thereby improving the overall installation stability and operational reliability of the device.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the split-type circumferential clamp is composed of two half-rings, one side of the two half-rings is connected by a clamp hinge assembly 9, and the locking actuator 3 is disposed on the other side of the two half-rings.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side of the split-type circumferential clamp is provided with an inner buffer layer, which is used to improve the fit between the split-type circumferential clamp and the outer wall of the suction pile.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner lining buffer layer is further used to reduce the degree of rigid contact between the split-type circumferential clamp and the outer wall of the suction pile, thereby reducing local damage to the outer wall of the suction pile. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner lining buffer layer may be a rubber layer, an elastic polymer layer, a polyurethane layer, a composite elastic pad layer, a wear-resistant pad layer, or other material layers with elasticity and buffering properties. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner lining buffer layer may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer composite structure; it may be continuously arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the split-type circumferential clamp or spaced apart on the inner side of the split-type circumferential clamp.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom-touching state detection sensor is arranged at the lower part of the device or at a detection position near the bottom of the suction pile.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom-touching state detection sensor may be a pressure sensor, a stress sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a micro-displacement sensor, or a combination thereof. The bottom-touching state detection sensor is used to acquire detection signals characterizing the suction pile's approach to the seabed and the bottom-touching process. The detection signals may include at least one of contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom contact state detection sensor can be one or more. When multiple sensors are used, they can be distributed at circumferential intervals along the lower part of the device, or evenly distributed along a circumferential region near the bottom of the suction pile, thereby improving the detection capability of contact states in different directions.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, multiple bottom-contact state detection sensors may be arranged vertically in layers at different heights below the device or near the bottom of the suction pile to accommodate signal acquisition requirements at different contact stages. The specific number, distribution density, and installation position of the bottom-contact state detection sensors can be set according to the size of the suction pile, the structural form of the device, and the accuracy requirements for bottom-contact recognition.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom contact state detection sensor can be uniformly distributed around the bottom of the device, or it can be non-uniformly distributed according to the expected force area, contact area, or structural installation conditions. The bottom contact state detection sensor can be directly installed on the outer surface of the lower part of the device, or it can be installed on a mounting base, support, or detection base adjacent to the bottom of the suction pile.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 is used to determine whether the suction pile 8 has reached the seabed and touched the bottom based on the signals output by the bottom-touching state detection sensor 5 and the hoisting signal receiving unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 7 is used to receive the detection signal output by the bottom-touching state detection sensor 5 and the hoisting signal output by the hoisting signal receiving unit 6, and determine whether the suction pile 8 has entered the state of approaching the seabed and touching the bottom based on the changes in the detection signal and the hoisting signal.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 is used to analyze the detection signal to determine whether a state change corresponding to contact with the seabed occurs at the bottom of the suction pile 8. Specifically, the control unit 7 is used to determine whether at least one preset change characteristic appears in the detection signal, including enhanced contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristic change, or acceleration change. When the preset change characteristic characterizing the suction pile 8 approaching or making contact with the seabed appears in the detection signal, the control unit 7 determines that the bottom side detection result meets the first determination condition in the bottom contact determination condition.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 is further configured to analyze the hoisting signal to determine whether the force state and motion state on the crane side have changed in accordance with the bottoming out of the suction pile 8. Specifically, the control unit 7 is configured to determine whether at least one preset change characteristic among load change, tension change, load change rate change, displacement change, or velocity change appears in the hoisting signal. When the hoisting signal shows a preset change characteristic that characterizes a change in the lowering state of the suction pile 8, the control unit 7 determines that the detection result on the crane side meets the second determination condition in the bottoming out determination condition.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 is used to determine that the current state meets a preset bottoming condition when both the first and second determination conditions are met simultaneously. That is, the control unit 7 does not determine bottoming solely based on the detection signal output by the bottoming state detection sensor 5 or solely based on the hoisting signal output by the hoisting signal receiving unit 6, but rather jointly determines the bottoming result and the hoisting side detection result; when the bottoming side detection result indicates that the suction pile 8 is approaching or making contact with the seabed, and the hoisting side detection result indicates that the force state or motion state of the hoisting side has changed in a manner corresponding to bottoming, the control unit 7 determines that the suction pile 8 meets the preset bottoming condition.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 is used to put the device into a pending confirmation state when the preset bottoming-out determination condition is met. Specifically, after detecting that the detection signal and the hoisting signal simultaneously meet the preset determination requirements, the control unit 7 does not immediately output a release command to the locking actuator 3, but first outputs information indicating that it has entered the pending confirmation state, and the delayed confirmation unit further confirms the current bottoming-out state. By adopting the above method, the control unit 7 can avoid directly triggering the release action based solely on instantaneous signal changes.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 7 performs bottom contact determination on the detection signal and the hoisting signal, it may include the following process: receiving the detection signal output by the bottom contact state detection sensor 5; determining whether the detection signal has signal characteristics that characterize the suction pile 8 approaching the seabed or making contact; receiving the hoisting signal output by the hoisting signal receiving unit 6; determining whether the hoisting signal has signal characteristics that characterize the change in the force state or motion state on the crane side; when both the detection signal and the hoisting signal meet the corresponding determination requirements, determining that the preset bottom contact determination condition is met, and entering the pending confirmation state.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, when determining whether the detection signal meets the first determination condition, the control unit 7 may employ at least one of the following methods: threshold comparison, trend judgment, or multi-parameter combination judgment. Specifically, the control unit 7 may compare the detection signal with a preset bottoming threshold to determine whether a preset signal level has been reached; it may also determine whether a continuously increasing, continuously fluctuating, or continuously stable contact characteristic has appeared based on the trend of the detection signal over a continuous time period; or it may combine at least two signal change results from contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change for a comprehensive judgment.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, when determining whether the hoisting signal meets the second determination condition, the control unit 7 may also employ at least one of the following methods: threshold comparison, trend judgment, or multi-parameter combination judgment. Specifically, the control unit 7 may determine whether at least one of the following occurs: whether the load value decreases, whether the tension distribution changes, whether the load change rate reaches an inflection point, whether the displacement change slows down, or whether the speed change is abnormal; when at least one of these conditions meets a preset requirement, the control unit 7 determines that the hoisting signal meets the second determination condition.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 can also perform a time correspondence determination on the detection signal and the hoisting signal. Specifically, the control unit 7 is used to determine whether the contact features appearing in the detection signal and the load or motion state changes appearing in the hoisting signal correspond to each other within a preset time range; when the detection signal and the hoisting signal have a time correspondence, the control unit 7 determines that the two types of signals can corroborate each other, thereby improving the reliability of the bottoming-out determination.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 7 may further perform weighted processing, threshold fusion processing, or logical combination processing on the detection signal and the hoisting signal to obtain a bottoming-out determination result. The specific form of the weighted processing, threshold fusion processing, or logical combination processing does not constitute a limitation on the present invention, as long as it is possible to determine whether the suction pile 8 meets the preset bottoming-out determination condition based on the combined changes of the detection signal and the hoisting signal.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 7 determines that the preset bottoming condition is met, the control unit 7 outputs information indicating that it has entered the pending confirmation state; when the delayed confirmation unit confirms that the current bottoming state is valid, the control unit 7 outputs a release command to the locking actuator 3, so that the locking actuator 3 drives the split-type encircling clamp 2 to release and disengage from the suction pile 8 according to the release command.

[0084] The bottom contact determination method of the control unit 7 of the present invention based on the detection signal and the hoisting signal can make the bottom side contact information and the crane side force / movement information mutually corroborate each other, thereby reducing the risk of misjudgment caused by relying on a single signal for bottom contact identification and improving the accuracy and reliability of the bottom contact determination result.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, the delay confirmation unit is used to continuously verify the current bottoming state within a preset time window after receiving information indicating that the state has entered a pending confirmation state. Specifically, the delay confirmation unit is used to continuously receive the detection signal output by the bottoming state detection sensor and the hoisting signal output by the hoisting signal receiving unit within the preset time window, and to confirm whether the current bottoming state is a valid bottoming state based on the continuous changes of the detection signal and the hoisting signal.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, the delay confirmation unit is used to determine whether the detection signal persists continuously within the preset time window. Here, the continuous existence of the detection signal means that the signal characterizing the suction pile's approach to the seabed and its contact with the bottom continuously maintains a bottom-touching indication state within the preset time window, or although there are slight fluctuations, the signal does not deviate from the preset bottom-touching signal range. In other words, the delay confirmation unit does not confirm based solely on the instantaneous detection signal at a certain moment, but rather on the continuity and stability of the detection signal over a period of time, in order to avoid misjudgment caused by local collisions, short-term disturbances, or instantaneous contact.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the delay confirmation unit is further used to determine whether the change in the hoisting signal within the preset time window meets the criterion that the suction pile has been supported by the mud surface and the crane no longer exerts a major load-bearing force on it. Specifically, the criterion may be reflected in at least one of the following: the load value on the crane side decreases relative to the lowering stage; the tension distribution on the crane side changes; the load change rate shows a characteristic of changing from the lowering stage to the bottoming stage; or the displacement change or velocity change shows a trend corresponding to the bottoming state. That is to say, the delay confirmation unit continuously monitors the hoisting signal to determine whether the force state on the crane side has changed from a suspended bearing state to a state in which the suction pile is at least partially supported by the seabed.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, the delay confirmation unit is used to confirm the current bottoming state as valid when the detection signal is continuously present and the changes in the hoisting signal continuously meet a preset criterion. Here, continuously meeting the preset criterion means that within the preset time window, neither the changes in the detection signal nor the hoisting signal exhibit any reverse changes or recovery phenomena that would invalidate the current bottoming judgment. In other words, the delay confirmation unit only outputs a valid confirmation result when the bottom-side detection signal and the crane-side hoisting signal continuously corroborate each other within the preset time window.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the detection signal does not persist within the preset time window, or if the change in the hoisting signal no longer meets the preset criterion, the delay confirmation unit does not confirm the current bottoming state as valid and maintains the device in an unreleased state. That is, during the delay confirmation phase, if either the bottom-side detection signal or the crane-side hoisting signal fails to meet the confirmation condition, the release action is not triggered, thereby avoiding accidental release.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the preset time window can be set according to the size of the suction pile, water depth conditions, sea state level, response characteristics of the hoisting system, and control capabilities of the work vessel. The preset time window can be a fixed time window or a confirmation time window dynamically adjusted according to real-time working conditions. By setting the preset time window, bottoming confirmation can be completed based on continuous signal characteristics within a certain time range, rather than relying on instantaneous signals.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, the process of the delayed confirmation unit verifying the bottoming state may include the following steps: receiving information about entering the pending confirmation state; continuously collecting the detection signal and the hoisting signal within the preset time window; determining whether the detection signal continues to exist; determining whether the change in the hoisting signal meets the criterion that the suction pile has been supported by the mud surface and the crane no longer applies the main load-bearing force to it; when the detection signal continues to exist and the change in the hoisting signal meets the criterion, confirming that the current bottoming state is valid; if any condition is not met, not confirming that the current bottoming state is valid, and maintaining the unreleased state.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recovery traction component is disposed on the upper support frame and is used to connect with the auxiliary lifting point of the crane so that the crane can lift the device as a whole away from the suction pile and recover it after the split-type circumferential clamp is released.

[0093] Figure 4This is a partial sectional view of the locking actuator and the limiting anti-detachment mechanism, showing the movement process of the split-type circumferential clamp in the locked state, the waiting-to-release state, and the released state, as well as the cooperation relationship between the locking actuator and the limiting anti-detachment mechanism. Figure 3 In this design, the locking actuator is used to switch the split-type ring clamp from the locked state to the released state, and the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism is used to limit the opening and closing degree of the split-type ring clamp after it is released, so that the split-type ring clamp remains in a partially separated state.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of the present invention, illustrating the continuous operation process of the device installation, synchronous lowering, initial bottoming judgment, delayed confirmation, automatic release, and overall recovery.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the operation of this device may include the following steps: First, during the installation phase, the split-type circumferential clamp is opened and fitted onto the predetermined installation position on the outer wall of the suction pile. Then, the two semi-circles are closed via the clamp hinge assembly, and locked by the locking actuator, securing the split-type circumferential clamp to the outer wall of the suction pile. Simultaneously, the connection between the lifting connector and the main lifting point of the crane, the arrangement of the traction recovery components, and the connection between the bottom-touching state detection sensor, the lifting signal receiving unit, and the control unit are completed. After the above installation, the suction pile and the device form a unified unit that can be lowered synchronously.

[0096] Subsequently, during the synchronized lowering phase, the crane, through the lifting connector, lowered the device synchronously to the seabed along with the suction pile. During this process, the split-type circumferential clamp maintained a locked position against the outer wall of the suction pile, the retrieval traction component was in standby mode, the bottom-touching detection sensor and the hoisting signal receiving unit continuously acquired relevant signals, and the control unit monitored each signal, awaiting the occurrence of triggering conditions.

[0097] When the suction pile approaches and makes contact with the seabed, it enters the initial contact assessment stage. At this time, the contact status detection sensor collects detection signals characterizing the suction pile's approach to the seabed and the contact process. The lifting signal receiving unit acquires the lifting signal from the crane side. The control unit performs a contact assessment based on the aforementioned detection signals and lifting signals. If the preset contact assessment conditions are met, it enters a pending confirmation state. The assessment result at this stage is a preliminary assessment result and does not directly trigger the release action.

[0098] During the delayed confirmation phase, the delayed confirmation unit verifies the stability of the current bottoming state within a preset time window. Specifically, in the pending confirmation state, the control unit continues to review the bottoming state by combining signals acquired by the bottoming state detection sensor and the hoisting signal receiving unit; when the detection signal persists and the change in the hoisting signal meets the criteria that the suction pile has been supported by the mud surface and the crane no longer applies the main load-bearing force, the current bottoming state is confirmed to be valid. By setting a delayed confirmation phase, false release caused by instantaneous signal fluctuations, local collisions, or unstable contact can be avoided.

[0099] During the automatic release phase, after the delay confirmation unit confirms the current bottoming state is valid, the control unit outputs a release command to the locking actuator. The locking actuator then drives the split-type retaining clamp to release according to the release command, causing the clamp to detach from the suction pile. During the release process, the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism restricts the degree of separation of the split-type retaining clamp, ensuring that it remains partially separated after release. Therefore, while releasing the constraint on the suction pile, the entire device remains under control.

[0100] During the overall recovery phase, after the split-type clamps are released, the crane lifts the entire device away from the suction pile and recovers it using the lifting action of the recovery traction component. Because the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism prevents the split-type clamps from completely separating after release, the device remains in an integral state during recovery, thus facilitating a smooth recovery. After recovery, the device can be lifted to the deck and put back into use after being reset.

[0101] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to a specific embodiment, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0102] Taking the seawater section of a suction pile for a certain ultra-deep water well as an example, the ultra-deep water well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device of the present invention is installed at a predetermined installation position below the top of the suction pile on the outer wall of the suction pile.

[0103] In this embodiment, the split-type ring clamp adopts a two-semi-circular ring structure. One side of the two semi-rings is connected by a clamp hinge assembly, and the other side cooperates with the locking actuator. The inner side of the split-type ring clamp is provided with an inner buffer layer, which can be made of wear-resistant rubber material to improve the fit between the split-type ring clamp and the outer wall of the suction pile, and reduce damage to the outer wall of the suction pile caused by hard metal contact. The locking actuator adopts an electric screw drive mechanism, which drives the two semi-rings to close and lock them to the outer wall of the suction pile in the locked state. A limiting anti-detachment mechanism is configured in conjunction with the split-type ring clamp to limit the degree of separation of the two semi-rings after the split-type ring clamp is released, so that the split-type ring clamp remains in a partially separated state. The lifting connector is connected to the main lifting point of the crane, and the recovery traction component is connected to the auxiliary lifting point of the crane.

[0104] After the suction pile is hoisted into the water, the device is slowly lowered along with it. During the lowering process, the control unit continuously receives detection signals from the bottom-contact state detection sensor and hoisting signals acquired by the hoisting signal receiving unit. Specifically, when the suction pile approaches and makes contact with the seabed, the bottom-contact state detection sensor detects a change in the detection signal characterizing the bottom-contact state, and simultaneously, the hoisting signal on the crane side also changes. When the control unit determines, based on the detection signal and the hoisting signal, that the preset bottom-contact determination conditions are met, the device enters a pending confirmation state.

[0105] In the pending confirmation state, the delayed confirmation unit performs stability confirmation on the current bottoming state within a preset time window. If the detection signal persists within the preset time window, and the change in the lifting signal meets the criteria that the suction pile has been supported by the mud surface and the crane no longer applies the main load-bearing force, then the delayed confirmation unit confirms that the current bottoming state is valid. Subsequently, the control unit outputs a release command to the locking actuator, and the locking actuator drives the split-type ring clamp to release and disengage from the suction pile according to the release command. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electric screw drive mechanism reverses its action, causing the locking component to retract, and the split-type ring clamp opens to a predetermined opening / closing state under its own weight and / or elastic reset action.

[0106] During the opening of the split-type circumferential clamp, the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism restricts the degree of separation between the two halves of the ring, preventing the split-type circumferential clamp from completely disintegrating, thus ensuring that the entire device remains in a state where it can be lifted as a whole after release. Subsequently, the suction pile stabilizes in contact with the seabed under its own weight, and the crane uses the recovery traction component to lift the entire device away from the suction pile and retrieve it to the deck.

[0107] In some implementations, a manual emergency release component can be set up to allow operators to perform manual release operations in case of abnormalities during the automatic release process, thereby improving operational safety under abnormal conditions.

[0108] In this embodiment, the number, installation position, and judgment threshold of the bottom-touching state detection sensor, the hoisting signal receiving unit, and the control unit can be adjusted according to the size of the suction pile, water depth conditions, sea state level, and the control system of the work vessel; the specific structural form and material selection of the locking actuator, the limit anti-detachment mechanism, the recovery traction component, and the inner lining buffer layer can also be equivalently replaced without departing from the concept of this invention.

[0109] Based on the above embodiments, it can be seen that the ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and bottom-reaching self-release recovery device of the present invention has at least the following technical effects: 1. By setting up a bottom-contact state detection sensor and a hoisting signal receiving unit, and having the control unit jointly determine the two types of signals, this invention can reduce the risk of misjudgment caused by relying solely on a single signal or human experience for bottom-contact judgment, and improve the accuracy and reliability of suction pile bottom-contact identification.

[0110] 2. By setting a delay confirmation unit, the present invention does not release immediately after the bottoming judgment condition is met, but performs stability confirmation of the bottoming state within a preset time window. This can avoid false release caused by ocean current disturbance, cable bounce or instantaneous collision, and improve the safety and stability of the release action.

[0111] 3. By setting up a split-type circumferential clamp, a locking actuator and an inner lining buffer layer, the present invention enables the device to be reliably locked to the outer wall of the suction pile and improves the fit with the outer wall of the suction pile, thereby improving the installation stability of the device and reducing damage to the outer wall of the suction pile.

[0112] 4. By setting a limiting and anti-detachment mechanism, the present invention keeps the split-type ring clamp in a partially separated state after release, which can prevent the parts from scattering or falling off after the device is released, and facilitate the overall lifting and recovery of the device, thereby improving the safety and controllability of offshore operations.

[0113] 5. By setting up a recovery traction component, the present invention enables the device to be lifted and recovered as a whole from the suction pile after release, thereby improving the recovery efficiency of the device and improving the connection between the suction pile lowering operation and subsequent operations.

[0114] 6. This invention integrates bottom-touching identification, status confirmation, automatic release, limit and anti-detachment, and overall recovery at the end of the suction pile seawater section descent, enabling continuous connection of related operation processes, thereby improving the safety, continuity, and reliability of suction pile descent operations.

[0115] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-release and recovery device for suction piles in ultra-deep water well construction, characterized in that, include: Lifting connectors, split-type ring clamps, locking actuators, limit and anti-detachment mechanisms, bottom contact status detection sensors, lifting signal receiving units, control units, delay confirmation units, and recovery traction components; The lifting connector is used to connect with the main lifting point of the crane, so that the entire device maintains a lifting connection with the crane during the lowering process and is lowered synchronously with the suction pile; the split-type ring clamp is used to lock onto the outside of the suction pile during the lowering process; the locking actuator is used to drive the split-type ring clamp to lock or release; the limiting and anti-detachment mechanism is used to limit the degree of separation of the split-type ring clamp during release, so that the split-type ring clamp does not completely separate after release; The bottom-touching state detection sensor is used to collect detection signals characterizing the suction pile's approach to the seabed and the bottom-touching process; the hoisting signal receiving unit is used to acquire hoisting signals from the crane side; the delay confirmation unit is used to confirm the stability of the bottom-touching state within a preset time window; the control unit is used to determine the bottom-touching state based on the signals output by the bottom-touching state detection sensor and the hoisting signal receiving unit, and enters a pending confirmation state when the preset bottom-touching determination conditions are met, and outputs a release command to the locking actuator after confirmation by the delay confirmation unit, so that the locking actuator drives the split-type circumferential clamp to release and detach from the suction pile according to the release command; the recovery traction component is used to lift the entire device away from the suction pile and recover it after the split-type circumferential clamp is released by the lifting action of the crane.

2. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an upper support frame, the hoisting connector is connected to the upper support frame, the upper support frame is connected to the split-type circumferential clamp, and provides space for the locking actuator and the recovery traction component.

3. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The split-type ring clamp consists of two half-rings, with one side of the two half-rings connected by a clamp hinge assembly, and the locking actuator is located on the other side of the two half-rings.

4. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the split-type circumferential clamp is provided with an inner buffer layer, which is used to improve the fit between the split-type circumferential clamp and the outer wall of the suction pile.

5. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom-touching state detection sensor is located at the lower part of the device or at a detection position near the bottom of the suction pile.

6. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection signal includes at least one of contact response, stress change, local pressure change, vibration characteristics, and acceleration change; the load signal includes at least one of load, tension, load change rate, displacement change, and velocity change.

7. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The delay confirmation unit is specifically used to review the bottoming state within the preset time window when it receives information that the pile has entered the pending confirmation state. When the detection signal continues to exist and the change of the hoisting signal meets the criteria that the suction pile has been supported by the mud surface and the crane no longer applies the main load-bearing force to it, the current bottoming state is confirmed to be valid.

8. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The recovery traction component is installed on the upper support frame and is used to connect with the auxiliary lifting point of the crane so that the crane can lift the device as a whole away from the suction pile and recover it after the split-type circumferential clamp is released.

9. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recovery traction component is in a standby state during the synchronous lowering of the device along with the suction pile.

10. The ultra-deepwater well suction pile lowering and self-release recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is an electric lead screw drive mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism, or a rotary motor combined with a bidirectional threaded locking rod drive mechanism.

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