Segmented ballasting anchoring system for mooring of shallow sea floating platform

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of ocean engineering, and discloses a shallow sea floating platform mooring segmented ballasting anchoring system. The weight unit is hung on the anchor chain in a segmented mode, the weight unit adjusts tension of the anchor chain to adapt to challenges of tidal changes and extreme marine environments, meanwhile, habitats of marine organisms are increased by the artificial fish reef, and along with accumulation of the marine organisms in the artificial fish reef, the total mass of the fish reef and the additional damping effect when the fish reef moves along with the anchor chain are gradually increased. The tension of the anchor chain is effectively improved and the motion amplitude of the floating platform is reduced through the weight increasing and damping increasing effects. The arrangement scheme of the artificial fish reef ballasting unit is optimized, the control performance of the system on the motion of the shallow sea floating platform is remarkably improved, and the limit load of the anchor chain is reduced. The design allows optimization and adjustment according to specific engineering practice, and provides high flexibility and adaptability. Not only is the length of the anchor chain greatly shortened, but also the stress of the rock-soil anchoring foundation is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of marine engineering, in particular to a shallow sea floating platform mooring segmented weight anchoring system. Background Art

[0002] In modern marine engineering, floating platforms are widely used in different fields, such as oil extraction, marine research, and renewable energy facilities. These platforms require stable mooring systems to cope with the changing marine environment, especially in shallow waters, where the influence of tides, currents, and wind and waves significantly increases the difficulty of designing and operating mooring systems.

[0003] Traditional mooring methods for floating platforms mainly rely on heavy anchors or pile anchors. Although these methods provide a certain degree of stability, in shallow water environments, the anchoring system often requires a large disturbance of the seabed and has high installation and maintenance costs. In addition, traditional anchoring methods lack environmental sustainability, and their impact on the seabed ecosystem is often ignored.

[0004] In recent years, with the improvement of environmental awareness, how to improve the efficiency of mooring systems while reducing the negative impact on the marine environment has become a major challenge in designing new mooring systems. In addition, existing systems are often unable to effectively adapt to the periodic changes of tides and currents in the marine environment, which limits the efficiency and safety of floating platforms under specific conditions.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of mooring system that can not only improve the stability and adaptability of floating platforms in shallow waters, but also enhance the environmental performance and ecological benefits of the system by integrating eco-friendly design elements such as artificial reefs. Such a system should be able to adapt to environmental changes while reducing the complexity and cost of installation and maintenance work. Utility Model Content

[0006] The utility model proposes a shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented weight anchoring system, innovatively designs an anchor chain segmented suspension weight unit, and designs an artificial fish reef as a weight unit, providing a solution that integrates ecological functions and mooring performance optimization. The system aims to improve the stability of the floating platform in a shallow sea variable tidal environment, effectively shorten the length of the anchor chain, and effectively reduce the stress of rock and soil anchoring foundations such as suction tubes; at the same time, by adding artificial fish reefs to enrich the habitat of marine organisms and promote biodiversity, with the accumulation of marine organisms on the artificial fish reefs, the total mass of the fish reefs and their additional damping effect when moving with the anchor chain gradually increase, this weight increase and damping effect can effectively improve the tension of the anchor chain and reduce the movement amplitude of the floating platform, especially in the face of extreme sea conditions, the heavier and more significant segmented weight anchor chain system is more conducive to maintaining the overall movement stability of the floating platform, and effectively reducing the platform movement caused by marine environmental loads such as wind, waves and currents. The utility model particularly emphasizes optimizing and controlling the distribution of ballast units to enhance the platform's motion control capability and reduce the load on the anchor chain, so that the system has a high degree of flexibility and adjustability in practical applications and can be optimized according to specific engineering practice needs, thereby effectively improving the platform's operating efficiency and environmental sustainability.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows: a shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented ballast anchoring system, comprising: a floating platform 1, a plurality of segmented anchor chains 2 and a ballast unit 3; the segmented anchor chains 2 are connected to form an integral anchor chain through a connecting shackle 6; one end of each integral anchor chain is connected to a suction cylinder 5, fixed on the seabed, and the other end is connected to an anchor machine 4; the anchor machine 4 is fixed to the floating platform 1, and is used to control the release and retraction of the anchor chain; the ballast unit 3 is suspended at the connection of each segmented anchor chain 2.

[0008] A ballast unit 3 is suspended at the half water depth of each integral anchor chain to balance the mass and stability of the entire system, and several ballast units 3 are evenly suspended at the bottom dragging section of the integral anchor chain; the mass of the ballast unit 3 suspended at the half water depth is greater than the individual mass of the other ballast units 3.

[0009] The spacing between the ballast units 3 of the integral anchor chain bottom dragging section decreases as the water depth increases.

[0010] The ballast unit 3 is an artificial reef ballast unit or other ballast units of equal weight, and is in a cubic shape.

[0011] Beneficial effects of the utility model:

[0012] (1) Tide-adaptive design: The ballast unit can achieve dynamic management of the anchor chain tension, ensuring that the system can maintain stability under different tidal conditions. When the tide rises, as the water depth increases, the ballast unit originally close to the seabed is affected by the rising water level and will be gradually dragged up, the vertical force component of the anchor chain gradually increases, and the anchor chain recovery stiffness is effectively improved, thereby enhancing the stability of the entire mooring system. Correspondingly, when the tide drops, the water depth decreases, and the ballast unit suspended on the anchor chain sinks accordingly, approaching or contacting the seabed. This segmented ballast solution helps to maintain the appropriate tension of the anchor chain, thereby avoiding the stability problems of the mooring system that may be caused by excessive relaxation of the anchor chain.

[0013] (2) Artificial reef integrated function: Each segment of the anchor chain is suspended with an artificial reef ballast unit designed with ecological restoration function, which provides biological habitats, promotes marine biodiversity, and increases the overall ecological benefits of the system. In addition, as marine organisms accumulate on the artificial reefs, the total mass of the reefs and their additional damping effect when moving with the anchor chain gradually increases. This weight increase and damping effect can effectively improve the tension of the anchor chain and reduce the movement amplitude of the floating platform. Especially in the face of extreme sea conditions, the heavier and more significant segmented ballast anchor chain system is more helpful in maintaining the overall movement stability of the floating platform and effectively reducing the platform movement caused by marine environmental loads such as wind, waves and currents. The artificial reef ballast unit with the effect of increasing weight and damping over time can also help the anchor system to more effectively resist vertical tensile loads, especially when the tide rises and extreme disaster marine environmental conditions, this effect is particularly obvious, thereby improving the overall reliability and durability of the system.

[0014] (3) Anchor chain length optimization and tension control design: By optimizing the arrangement of artificial reef weight units on the anchor chain in sections, the length of the anchor chain can be effectively adjusted and optimized. When the tide changes or the platform moves, the artificial reef weight unit can adaptively adjust the tension of the anchor chain to ensure the stability of the system. By optimizing the length of the anchor chain and the arrangement of the artificial reef weight unit, the utility model can greatly reduce the stress on the anchor foundation (such as the suction cylinder).

[0015] (4) Adaptability to engineering practice: The design of the utility model particularly emphasizes the ability to adjust and optimize according to actual engineering needs, thereby providing sufficient design flexibility. This flexibility allows the new mooring system to be customized for different geographical and environmental conditions to better meet the operational needs of specific sites.

[0016] Through these innovations, the mooring system of the utility model significantly improves the operational stability and safety of shallow-water floating platforms, and at the same time, through the integrated ballast unit, increases biodiversity and improves the underwater ecological environment. This system not only provides a stable support for traditional floating platforms, but also creates an environment conducive to the reproduction and habitat of marine life, thus bringing significant economic and environmental benefits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a front view schematic diagram of the utility model shallow sea floating platform mooring segmented weight anchoring system, wherein the upper dotted line represents the sea level, and the lower thick solid line represents the seabed.

[0018] Figure 2 The utility model is a top view schematic diagram of a shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented weight anchoring system.

[0019] Figure 3 The utility model is a front view schematic diagram of a shallow sea floating platform mooring segmented weight anchoring system when the tide is falling.

[0020] Figure 4 The utility model is a front view schematic diagram of a shallow sea floating platform mooring segmented weight anchoring system when the tide rises.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a partial front view schematic diagram of a segmented weight anchoring system for mooring a shallow-water floating platform according to the utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a front view schematic diagram of the ballast weight and connecting shackle of the utility model.

[0023] In the figure: 1-floating platform; 2-segmented anchor chain; 3-ballast unit; 4-anchor windlass; 5-suction cylinder; 6-connecting shackle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The utility model is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented ballast anchoring system comprises: a floating platform 1, a segmented anchor chain 2, a ballast unit 3, an anchor windlass 4, a suction cylinder 5, and a connecting shackle 6.

[0026] The floating platform 1 is moored and positioned by four anchor chains; the anchor chain is designed to be divided into multiple sections, and the segmented anchor chains 2 are connected by high-strength connecting buckles 6. This segmented design allows the ballast unit 3 to be suspended between each section, and it is convenient to adjust the length and tension of the anchor chain according to the specific marine environment; the anchor machine 4 is fixed on the floating platform 1, which is used to accurately control the release and recovery of the anchor chain, so as to adjust the platform position and cope with different marine conditions; the suction cylinder 5 is part of the anchor point, which is specially designed for shallow seabed geological conditions and provides stable and reliable anchoring; the upper part of the anchor chain 2 is connected to the anchor machine 4, and the lower part of the anchor chain 2 is connected to the suction cylinder 5. The ballast unit 3 suspended on each anchor chain segment not only plays a role in increasing biodiversity, but also serves as a counterweight component of the anchor chain, which helps to enhance the stability of the mooring system. Fish reef materials are selected from environmentally friendly materials that are conducive to the attachment of marine organisms. When the tide rises, as the water depth increases, the ballast unit 3 of the anchor chain bottom section is affected by the rising water level and will be gradually pulled up, the vertical force component of the anchor chain gradually increases, and the anchor chain recovery stiffness is effectively improved, thereby enhancing the stability of the entire mooring system. Correspondingly, when the tide drops, the water depth gradually decreases, and the ballast unit 3 close to the seabed will also sink and directly contact the seabed. This segmented artificial reef ballast solution helps to maintain the appropriate tension of the anchor chain, thereby avoiding the stability problem of the mooring system that may be caused by excessive relaxation of the anchor chain.

[0027] Especially in the face of extreme sea conditions, the heavier ballast unit 3 and the segmented ballast anchor system with more significant damping effect are more helpful in maintaining the overall movement stability of the floating platform 1, and effectively reducing the platform movement caused by marine environmental loads such as wind, waves and currents. By hanging the ballast unit 3 at the connection of the segmented anchor chain 2, the sag of the integral anchor chain can be effectively increased, thereby reducing the requirement for the overall anchor chain length, thereby optimizing material usage and reducing overall costs. The ballast unit 3 increases the local mass of the anchor chain, which helps to improve the stability of the system in the face of tidal changes and strong currents, and optimizes the force distribution of the suction cylinder 5 of the entire anchor system to prevent the anchor chain from malfunctioning due to excessive stretching or relaxation.

[0028] The floating platform 1 in this system is designed as a multifunctional structure that can not only support various marine engineering activities, but also carry related equipment and operators. The platform has sufficient buoyancy and space to meet a wide range of marine application needs, including scientific research observation, energy development and environmental monitoring. This design enables the platform to flexibly respond to different marine environments, provide a stable and safe working platform, and meet a variety of operation and usage scenarios.

[0029] The anchor windlass 4 is installed on the floating platform 1 and is mainly used to control the release and retraction of the anchor chain, thereby adjusting the position of the platform and the tension of the anchor chain. The design of the anchor windlass ensures efficient and reliable operation performance.

[0030] As the key part connecting the floating platform and the anchor point on the seabed, the segmented anchor chain 2 is made of high-strength steel and connected to an integral anchor chain through a special connecting shackle 6, so that the total length and tension can be adjusted as needed. The upper part of the integral anchor chain is connected to the windlass 4, and the lower part is connected to the suction cylinder 5.

[0031] The ballast unit 3 is designed to be a structure that is easy for marine organisms to attach and inhabit, and is made of environmentally friendly materials, such as eco-concrete. The artificial reef ballast unit is mainly suspended on the bottom-drag section of the anchor chain. The purpose of this arrangement is to use the weight of the reef to adjust the tension of the anchor chain, especially when the tide changes. As the tide rises, the reef is lifted by the water flow, thereby increasing the vertical tension of the anchor chain; when the tide falls, the weight of the reef helps the anchor chain prevent excessive relaxation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism effectively improves the adaptability and stability of the anchor system.

[0032] The suction cylinder 5 is used to fix the seabed end point of the anchor chain, and provides a strong anchoring force by forming a negative pressure on the seabed. This design is particularly suitable for soft seabeds and can effectively prevent the movement of the anchor point.

[0033] The connecting shackle 6 is used to connect the segmented anchor chains 2 together, and also connects the ballast unit 3. These devices are designed to be easy to install and have high reliability to prevent mechanical failure in harsh marine environments.

[0034] The utility model design should combine the following factors:

[0035] The design of this utility model needs to consider the following key factors to ensure the effectiveness, reliability and environmental adaptability of the system:

[0036] (1) Environmental conditions: It is necessary to have a detailed understanding of the seabed geology (such as sandy, muddy, or rocky bottom) of the deployment site, consider tidal changes and the strength of water flow, and design the layout of anchor chains and artificial reef ballast units to ensure the stability and functionality of the system under different tidal and water flow conditions.

[0037] (2) Ecological impact: The design needs to take into account the ecological function of the artificial reef ballast unit and how to increase the diversity of marine life by providing a suitable habitat. This includes optimizing the material, shape and surface structure of the reef to promote biological attachment and the development of the ecosystem.

[0038] (3) Engineering and operational challenges: Select corrosion-resistant and high-strength materials to ensure that the system can operate for a long time without failure even in harsh environments. Adopt the latest technologies, such as using intelligent monitoring systems to track the status of anchor chains and the location of platforms in real time to optimize operational efficiency and safety.

[0039] (4) Regulations and standards: Comply with relevant marine and environmental regulations to ensure that the design and operation will not cause unacceptable impact on the environment. Comply with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other relevant international and regional standards to ensure the wide applicability and recognition of the system.

[0040] (5) Scalability and flexibility: The scalability of the system should be considered during design so that it can adapt to possible future expansion or technology upgrades. The system should have a certain degree of flexibility and be able to be adjusted according to specific functional requirements and environmental conditions.

[0041] Designing and implementing a shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented weight anchor system construction and installation process is a detailed and complex process involving multiple key steps. The following is the general installation process of the system:

[0042] Preliminary preparation: Conduct detailed seabed geological and environmental surveys, including currents, tides, and wind and wave conditions. Design and prepare system components, including floating platforms, segmented anchor chains, artificial reef ballast units, anchor windlasses, suction cylinders, and connecting shackles. Prepare construction equipment and materials, and ensure that all necessary resources are in place.

[0043] Deployment of the platform and anchor points: The floating platform is transported to the designated location. The suction cylinder is installed using a vessel or diving equipment, ensuring that it is firmly fixed to the appropriate geological structure on the seabed.

[0044] Installation of anchor chains and artificial reefs: Connect the segmented anchor chains into an integral anchor chain through connecting shackles, use the anchor machine to release the anchor chain segment by segment, and ensure that each segment is correctly laid and properly tensioned. Then use diving equipment to configure the appropriate number and position of artificial reef weight units according to design requirements.

[0045] System testing: Testing of installed mooring systems, including tension testing of anchor chains and stability testing of buoys. Monitoring of the position and stability of the artificial reef ballast units to ensure that they function as designed.

[0046] Adjustment and optimization: Make necessary adjustments to the system based on test results and actual operation conditions. Fine-tune the tension of the anchor chain to ensure the best performance of the platform under different environmental conditions.

[0047] Final inspection and commissioning: Perform final inspection of the system to ensure that all components meet safety and environmental standards. Complete all documentation and user training before formal commissioning.

Claims

1. A shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented weight anchoring system, characterized in that: The shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented ballast anchoring system comprises: a floating platform (1), a plurality of segmented anchor chains (2) and a ballast unit (3); the segmented anchor chains (2) are connected to form an integral anchor chain via a connecting shackle (6); one end of each integral anchor chain is connected to a suction cylinder (5) and fixed on the seabed, and the other end is connected to an anchor windlass (4); the anchor windlass (4) is fixed to the floating platform (1) and is used to control the release and retraction of the anchor chain; the ballast unit (3) is suspended at the connection of each segmented anchor chain (2).

2. The shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented ballast anchoring system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A ballast unit (3) is suspended at half the water depth of each integral anchor chain to balance the mass and stability of the entire system, and a plurality of ballast units (3) are evenly suspended at the bottom-drag section of the integral anchor chain; the mass of the ballast unit (3) suspended at half the water depth is greater than the individual mass of the other ballast units (3).

3. The shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented ballast anchoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The spacing between the integral anchor chain bottom dragging section weight units (3) decreases as the water depth increases.

4. The shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented ballast anchoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ballast unit (3) is an artificial fish reef ballast unit or other ballast units of equal weight, and is in a cubic shape.

5. The shallow-water floating platform mooring segmented ballast anchoring system according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The ballast unit (3) is an artificial fish reef ballast unit or other ballast units of equal weight, and is in a cubic shape.

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