Adjustable fixed protection device for suspended-span submarine cable treatment

Abstract

The utility model discloses an adjustable fixed protection device for suspended span submarine cable management, which comprises a pipe clamp, a pipe clamp telescopic section, a flange type connecting plate and a fixed sleeve section, the pipe clamp is connected with the pipe clamp telescopic section in a welding manner, and one end of the pipe clamp telescopic section is inserted into a horizontal pipe section of the fixed sleeve section; the flange type connecting plate is connected with the wedge block through a connecting bolt, and the flange at the end of the horizontal pipe section and the flange at the end of the vertical pipe section of the fixed sleeve section are connected with a pre-tightening force applying bolt through the wedge block. The telescopic pipe clamp section can adjust the horizontal distance of 0-300 mm and can rotate and adjust by 360 degrees, and the height adjusting bolt of the fixed sleeve section can adjust the height distance within 500 mm and can rotate and adjust by 360 degrees with the pile as the axis. The device is mainly characterized in that the device is adjusted to adapt to the original state of the submarine cable and complete installation without any adjustment on the original state of the submarine cable in service, the rigidity of the bending limiter can be increased, the swinging of the bending limiter is limited, the dynamic response of the bending limiter is inhibited, and the service safety of the submarine cable is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of marine engineering construction, in particular to an adjustable fixing protection device for managing suspended span submarine cables. Background Art

[0002] At present, the control measures adopted for the single-pile wind turbine cable span in offshore wind farms include: small pile reinforcement, sandbag padding and concrete interlocking pressure relief covering.

[0003] Small pile reinforcement is suitable for situations where the cable's overhang at the wind turbine's bend limiter exceeds the cable's maximum overhang length (over 10 meters), resulting in a long-span overhang. To prevent damage to the cable, reinforcement is required. For moderate overhang lengths, small piles are driven every 5 meters from the wind turbine's pile foundation, and another 1-2 meters before the cable hits the mud. If the overhang is excessive, an additional small pile is added in the middle of the overhanging section to secure the cable.

[0004] Concrete interlocking bars are suitable for situations where the tail end of the bend limiter is not embedded in anti-scour protection or the embedded length is insufficient. They are used to cover the section where the tail end of the bend limiter is close to the ground. If the bend limiter is not fixed for a long distance on the riprap layer, concrete interlocking bars should be laid at the tail end of the submarine cable as a flexible cover.

[0005] Sandbag padding is suitable for situations where the unsupported length at the bend limiter leading to the wind turbine exceeds the limiter's maximum unsupported length (not exceeding 10m), or where the submarine cable is already taut at this location. Pave the lower portion of the unsupported cable near the leading wind turbine to restore the unsupported length to within the limit.

[0006] In engineering applications, small piles can only be adjusted in one dimension: rotation along the pile axis. The horizontality and height of the caps used to secure submarine cables are not adjustable. If the cap height doesn't meet the required level, precise measurement data and strict construction techniques are required at the outset of the project. If the piling accuracy falls short of design requirements, other measures must be implemented to compensate. The inability to adjust the cap horizontality forces the submarine cable to adapt to the cap requirements, causing secondary damage to the cable and further shortening its service life.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, we proposed an adjustable fixed protection device for the management of suspended spanning submarine cables. Utility Model Content

[0008] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the utility model provides an adjustable fixed protection device for managing suspended spanning submarine cables. The utility model provides the following technical solutions:

[0009] An adjustable fixed protection device for managing suspended spanning submarine cables comprises a pipe clamp, a pipe clamp expansion section, a flange connection plate I, a flange connection plate II and a fixed sleeve section, wherein the pipe clamp is welded to the pipe clamp expansion section, and one end of the pipe clamp expansion section is inserted into the horizontal pipe section of the fixed sleeve section; the flange connection plate I is connected to the wedge block I via a connecting bolt I, and the horizontal pipe section end flange of the fixed sleeve section is connected to the pre-tightening force applying bolt I via the wedge block I; when the pre-tightening force applying bolt I is loosened, the pipe clamp expansion section can rotate and expand and contract, and when the pre-tightening force applying bolt I is tightened, the pipe clamp expansion section can rotate and expand and contract. Rotation and extension are locked; the flange-type connecting plate II is connected to the wedge block II by the connecting bolt II, the upper end flange of the vertical pipe section of the fixed sleeve section is connected to the pre-tightening force applying bolt II by the wedge block II, and the lower end flange of the vertical pipe section of the fixed sleeve section is connected to the fixed sleeve height adjustment bolt. The fixed sleeve section is inserted into the steel pile, and the fixed sleeve height adjustment bolt is supported on the steel pile base. When the pre-tightening force applying bolt II is loosened, the fixed sleeve section can be rotated and the height is adjusted. When the pre-tightening force applying bolt II is tightened, the rotation and height of the fixed sleeve section are locked.

[0010] The adjustable fixed protection device for the management of suspended spanning submarine cables improves the original one-dimensional adjustment of small piles to four-dimensional adjustment. The following is an explanation using the X, Y, and Z spatial coordinate axes:

[0011] First, define the X-axis as the direction of the cable span, the Y-axis as the relative position direction between the steel pile and the cable, and the Z-axis as the vertical direction of the steel pile's axis. The X-axis in the cable span direction can rotate in a circle with the Y-axis as the axis. When used in a cable bracket or pipe clamp, it can actively adapt to the shape of the cable suspension, avoiding secondary stress on the cable. The Y-axis can have a telescopic distance of 0~300mm along the axis direction, which can adjust the gap length between the pile and the cable, effectively compensating for the pile position error caused by offshore piling. After the X-axis fits the cable suspension shape and the Y-axis locks the gap length between the pile and the cable, four wedges are evenly divided on the circumference to push into the casing gap. At the same time, four flange connecting plates are used to integrate the four wedges. After the bolts apply pre-tightening force, the four wedges are kept evenly pushed into the casing gap and squeezed tightly, completing the two-dimensional fixation.

[0012] The other two dimensions are adjusted for the Z coordinate axis. The fixed sleeve section is inserted into the back of the steel pile from the top of the steel pile. The fixed sleeve section can rotate circumferentially around the axis of the steel pile. At the same time, the height of the fixed sleeve section can be adjusted along the axis of the steel pile so that the submarine cable bracket or pipe clamp fits the hanging height of the submarine cable. The Z coordinate axis can leave a jacking height of 0~500mm along the axial direction. When the submarine cable bracket or pipe clamp fits the hanging height of the submarine cable and the rotation of the fixed sleeve section is consistent with the hanging angle of the submarine cable, four wedges are evenly divided around the circumference to push into the gap between the casing and the steel pile. At the same time, four flange connecting plates are used to integrate the four wedges. After the bolts apply pre-tightening force, the four wedges are kept evenly pushed into the gap between the casing and the pile and squeezed tightly, thus completing the fixation of the other two dimensions.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] Analysis of the causes of submarine cable failures reveals that the length of the bend limiter suspended in the water exceeds the length limit, increasing the alternating current forces on the suspended section while reducing the catenary stiffness of the bend limiter. These two factors contribute to an increase in submarine cable failures. The application of this device increases the stiffness of the bend limiter and limits its swing, effectively suppressing the structure's dynamic response while minimizing the adverse effects of alternating current forces on the suspended section of the bend limiter, thereby improving the safety of the submarine cable in service. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] By reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below, various other advantages and benefits will become clear to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate the preferred embodiment and are not to be considered as limitations of the present invention. Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components.

[0016] In the attached figure:

[0017] Figure 1 A general diagram of the adjustable fixed protection device;

[0018] Figure 2 It is the expansion section of the pipe clamp of the adjustable fixed protection device;

[0019] Figure 3 A fixed sleeve section for an adjustable fixed protection device;

[0020] Figure 4 A wedge and flange-type connecting plate for an adjustable fixed protection device;

[0021] Figure 5 Steel stakes for adjustable fixing protection devices.

[0022] in, Figures 1 to 5The corresponding relationship between the reference numerals and components is as follows:

[0023] 1. Pipe clamp; 2. Pipe clamp expansion section; 3. Wedge I; 4. Flange-type connecting plate I; 5. Connecting bolt I; 6. Preload bolt I; 7. Fixed sleeve section; 8. Wedge II; 9. Flange-type connecting plate II; 10. Connecting bolt II; 11. Preload bolt II; 12. Fixed sleeve height adjustment bolt; 13. Steel pile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] The following combination Figures 1 to 5 An adjustable fixed protection device for managing a suspended spanning submarine cable according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an adjustable fixed protection device for managing suspended spanning submarine cables includes a pipe clamp 1, a pipe clamp expansion section 2, a flange connecting plate I4, a flange connecting plate II9 and a fixed sleeve section 9. The pipe clamp 1 is welded to the pipe clamp expansion section 2, and one end of the pipe clamp expansion section 2 is inserted into the horizontal pipe section of the fixed sleeve section 7; the flange connecting plate I4 is connected to the wedge block I3 by a connecting bolt I5, and the horizontal pipe section end flange of the fixed sleeve section 7 is connected to the preload force applying bolt I6 by the wedge block I3; the flange connecting plate II9 is connected to the wedge block II8 by a connecting bolt II10, the upper end flange of the vertical pipe section of the fixed sleeve section 7 is connected to the preload force applying bolt II11 by the wedge block II8, and the lower end flange of the vertical pipe section of the fixed sleeve section 7 is connected to the fixed sleeve height adjustment bolt 12.

[0028] The specific installation steps are:

[0029] The first step: transport the device to the dock by land, and then use a flat barge to transport it to the construction site by sea. Before transporting the steel piles, conduct a strict inspection of the hull, take necessary reinforcement measures, and pay close attention to the local weather and wind and wave conditions. If affected by wind and waves during the journey, take watertight cabin measures, and use support and tying measures to prevent the piles from tipping over due to wind and waves.

[0030] Step 2: After the construction vessel arrives at the site, it will be positioned. Anchorages will be designed based on the DGPS positioning system. Construction vessels occupy a significant area within the construction waters due to factors such as anchoring and the vessel's positioning. Anchoring points, in particular, require prominent markers such as anchor lights to alert nearby construction vessels. For positions that must cross underwater cables, buoys will be suspended at the crossing locations to prevent abrasion of the anchor cables. The crane vessel will be positioned against the current to the side of the position, ensuring a safe distance. Based on the on-site flow and the wind turbine's deflection, the crane vessel will drop a 400-meter anchor in a splayed position.

[0031] Step 3: Before sinking piles, divers will explore the exposed condition of the submarine cable on the machine side to determine the depth and length of the exposed submarine cable. Divers will use a fixed-length signal rope of 5 meters underwater to measure the suspended length to ensure that it is less than the maximum suspended length of the collector line of 5 meters. After determining the position, the position of the weight will be adjusted to a suspended position of 5 meters, and the crane steel pile will be directed to slowly approach the position of the weight. The fixed-length signal rope will be used to determine the horizontal distance between the steel pile and the submarine cable. When the design requirements are met, the pile sinking operation will begin.

[0032] Step 4: To facilitate lifting, lifting holes are set at the top and bottom of the pile, and two lifting holes are set at the top. The upper lifting point is lifted by the main hook of the crane with a hammer. The bottom of the steel pile is padded with square wood or soft materials. After the steel pile is upright, leave the deck, slowly turn the main arm of the crane, and lift the pile into the fixed pile frame. After the pile is upright in the stable pile frame, use two 10-ton hand hoists to fix the steel pile to the stable pile frame on the upper platform of the stable pile frame to prevent the steel pile from tipping over. After the steel pile is hoisted into the stable pile frame and stood upright and fixed, the crane lowers the hook head, removes the lock, and starts lifting the vibratory hammer. Put the vibratory hammer on the steel pile and clamp it. The crane continues to lift until the steel pile completely leaves the mud surface, and then releases the fixation on the platform of the stable pile frame.

[0033] Step 5: Lift the crane's main arm. After lifting the steel pile, the diver goes into the water to command the crane to send the steel pile to the designated location. The deviation of the steel pile sinking position is required to be no more than 0.3 meters. The diver measures the relative position of the steel pile and the submarine cable underwater, and commands the lowering of the steel pile. The steel pile is pressed into the soil layer using the deadweight of the steel pile and the vibrating hammer to complete the initial entry into the mud. The diver checks the position of the steel pile underwater and confirms that it is correct. The diver evacuates. After the position of the steel pile is determined, the surveyor observes the verticality of the pile body and adjusts the verticality of the steel pile by the crane. When the verticality is adjusted to within the design range, the adjustment is considered complete and pile sinking construction can be carried out.

[0034] Step 6: Start the vibratory hammer and drive the pile with low energy. The elevation of the top of the steel pile is controlled by the scale on the wire rope between the main hook and the vibratory hammer. Adjust the energy of the vibratory hammer according to the penetration of the steel pile. Drive the steel pile to the designed elevation. The elevation of the pile top should not be higher than 0.5 meters above the submarine cable elevation at the pile sinking site. Pay close attention to the changes in penetration during the vibration pile sinking process. When the penetration is large, adjust the vibration energy in time. Note the following points:

[0035] (1) In the initial stage of pile sinking, a smaller exciting force should be used, controlling the exciting force of the hammer to 10% to 20%. After the pile body is sunk to a certain depth, the exciting force should be increased according to the pile sinking situation.

[0036] (2) The crane should maintain a certain load during the pile sinking process, about 9 tons;

[0037] (3) After the steel pile is about 2 / 3 into the mud, its plane position and verticality are difficult to change. The crane can release the hook and the vibratory hammer will automatically vibrate and sink the steel pipe pile.

[0038] (4) When the pile top elevation is about 50 cm different from the design elevation, the exciting force should be reduced to 10% to 20%, and the pile should be hammered with low energy to the design elevation;

[0039] (5) If abnormal penetration, sudden drop of the pile body, excessive tilt, displacement, etc. occur during the construction process, stop hammering immediately, find out the cause in time, and take effective measures.

[0040] Step 7: After the pile sinking is completed, the diver goes into the water to remeasure the distance and orientation between the steel pile and the submarine cable, confirming that the distance and orientation errors meet the installation requirements of the pipe clamp fixtures, open the vibratory hammer fixture, retrieve the vibratory hammer, lift the pipe clamp on the deck, and use tools such as a fall chain to level the pipe clamp. After leveling, the diver directs the underwater insertion of the fixed sleeve section of the pipe clamp fixture from the top of the steel pile, adjusts the pipe clamp fixture to the lower side of the submarine cable, and adjusts the pipe clamp posture to be consistent with the submarine cable. The diver completes the installation of the pipe clamp and the submarine cable. In order to ensure smooth underwater installation, all pipe clamp fixtures need to be pre-installed on board. After the diver fixes the pipe clamp to the submarine cable bend limiter through adjustment, all wedges and preload bolts are tightened using an underwater hydraulic wrench.

[0041] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present invention specification, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable fixed protection device for managing a suspended spanning submarine cable, comprising a pipe clamp (1), a pipe clamp telescopic section (2), a flange connecting plate I (4), a flange connecting plate II (9) and a fixed sleeve section (7), characterized in that: The pipe clamp (1) is welded to the pipe clamp expansion section (2), and one end of the pipe clamp expansion section (2) is inserted into the horizontal pipe section of the fixed sleeve section (7); the flange-type connecting plate I (4) is connected to the wedge block I (3) through the connecting bolt I (5), and the horizontal pipe section end flange of the fixed sleeve section (7) is connected to the preload force applying bolt I (6) through the wedge block I (3); the flange-type connecting plate II (9) is connected to the wedge block II (8) through the connecting bolt II (10), the upper end flange of the vertical pipe section of the fixed sleeve section (7) is connected to the preload force applying bolt II (11) through the wedge block II (8), and the lower end flange of the vertical pipe section of the fixed sleeve section (7) is connected to the fixed sleeve height adjustment bolt (12).

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