Floating guidance device

Abstract

Floating guide device (1), configured to be anchored on a bottom in an aquatic environment (F) and to guide and retain, before landing, an electric cable (C) provided with flotation buoys (B), the floating guide device (1) comprising: a metal structure (2) comprising two half-structures (3) of a height (h) at least equal to a predetermined height, and a connecting structure (4) connecting the two half-structures (3, 3a, 3b), a guide zone (5) of the electric cable (C) forming a space comprising two opposite openings (6) for the passage of the electric cable (C), said space being delimited laterally by the two half-structures (3, 3a, ;3b), at least two floats (7) configured to ensure the flotation of the floating guide device (1), at least one mooring point (8) fixed to the metal structure (2), configured to allow at least one mooring line (22) to be fixed, the latter being intended to be connected to an anchor (23) on the bottom in an aquatic environment (F). Abstract figure: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Floating guidance device Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of installing electric cables on beds in an aquatic environment, in particular seabeds, and in coastal areas. In particular, it provides a floating guidance device configured to be anchored on a bed in an aquatic environment and to guide and retain, before landing, an electric cable provided with flotation buoys, as well as an installation comprising a plurality of such floating guidance devices and a method for guiding an electric cable to maintain the electric cable on its path during the temporary construction phase, in particular an electric cable intended to be laid on a bed in an aquatic environment between a cable-laying vessel, or an offshore station, and the land, implementing such an installation. Prior art

[0002] To ensure the electrical connection of an offshore electricity production station, for example one or more offshore wind turbines, to the onshore electricity grid, or for the electrical interconnection of any underwater electrical cable, it is necessary to install an electrical cable, or power cable, on the seabed in an aquatic environment to connect the offshore station to the network. When installing the electrical cable, it is known to mobilize boats to ensure the guidance of the cable that is deployed from the offshore station or a cable laying boat to the land, according to an adequate radius of curvature regardless of environmental forces such as currents, wind, tidal range, etc., and this until the positioning of the electrical cable on the seabed in an aquatic environment. Such an operation mobilizes expensive equipment and a large number of people over a fairly long period and requires very specific climatic and tidal range conditions.

[0003] The problem is amplified in a coastal area, extending between the land and up to a distance from the land with a water height sufficient for boat traffic regardless of the tide. Such a distance is for example between 800 m and 3 km, or even between 800 m and 1 km from the coast. In this area, the water level can be very low or even zero at low tide and be significant at high tide, which complicates the intervention of boats over the duration of installation which covers at least all or part of a tidal change. However, since the currents linked to the tidal change can be strong in such areas, it is necessary, to maintain the electric cable with the adequate bending radius, to have boats of significant dimensions and with a significant motorization, these boats therefore having a draft water that may not be compatible with low tide and / or these boats are expensive equipment to mobilize, particularly in terms of carbon footprint.

[0004] Thus, it is understood that it is complex and expensive to plan the installation of an electric cable on a bottom in an aquatic environment to connect it from an offshore station or a cable ship to land. Summary

[0005] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0006] A floating guidance device is proposed, configured to be anchored on a bottom in an aquatic environment and to guide and retain, before landing, an electric cable provided with flotation buoys, the floating guidance device comprising: • a metal structure comprising two half-structures with a height at least equal to a predetermined height, and a connecting structure linking the two half-structures, • an electric cable guide zone forming a space comprising two opposite openings for the passage of the electric cable, said space being delimited laterally by the two half-structures, • at least two floats configured to ensure the flotation of the floating guidance device, • at least one mooring point fixed to the metal structure, configured to allow at least one mooring line to be fixed, the latter being intended to be connected to an anchor on the bottom in an aquatic environment.

[0007] Such a floating guidance device makes it possible to limit the mobilization of a large number of boats during an operation of landing an electric cable from an offshore electricity production station or a cable-laying boat to the coast. In fact, the floating guidance device serves as a guide point for the cable during the operation, instead of the boats. The fact that it is intended to be anchored prevents it from being displaced due to sea currents or wind or other factors, even if it is anchored with relative mobility, in particular its orientation, depending on these factors. It can thus constitute a reliable passage point for guiding and retaining the electric cable for the entire necessary duration.

[0008] The reduced use of boats during the operation makes it possible to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere during such an operation.

[0009] In addition, the level of security is increased because there are fewer human risk factors.

[0010] Furthermore, the predetermined height, in particular the height of the floating guide device which can be substantially equal to that of the half-structures, is advantageously designed to be sufficient to prevent the electric cable from leaving the guide zone, in particular from below. In particular, this predetermined height completed may be provided so that, if the water level is reduced or even zero, in particular at low tide, the floating guidance device rests on the ground before the electric cable, thus always ensuring the latter is guided in the guidance zone and avoiding crushing of the cable under the guidance device. Similarly, the predetermined height may be provided so that, when the water level rises, the electric cable fitted with the buoys begins to float before the floating guidance device so as to ensure its guidance and retention in the guidance zone.

[0011] Such a predetermined height may be between 0.5m and 3m, in particular between 1m and 2.5m.

[0012] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0013] The two half-structures may be similar, in particular identical. They may be arranged symmetrically around the guide zone, in particular with respect to a median vertical plane of the guide zone.

[0014] Each half-structure has for example a half-moon shape comprising a curved portion configured to laterally delimit the space of the guide zone. Such a shape can make it easier to position the electric cable in the guide zone. Such a shape can make it possible to guide the electric cable in the guide zone while adapting to a possible variation in the radius of curvature of the electric cable linked to environmental factors such as the current. Such a shape can make it possible to limit the curvature of the cable to the curvature of the half-moon under environmental factors, this dimensional characteristic of curvature being controlled by the resistance of the cable.

[0015] Each half-structure may have symmetry with respect to a median transverse vertical plane, in particular perpendicular to the median vertical plane of the guide zone.

[0016] The connecting structure preferably comprises at least one transverse bar connecting the two half-structures, in particular in an upper part thereof, being arranged for example above them. The connecting structure can delimit the guide zone at the top.

[0017] The guide zone may only be delimited laterally by the half-structures and superiorly by the crossbar. The guide zone may not be delimited inferiorly.

[0018] The floating guide device may comprise, for each float, a float support fixed to the metal structure, in particular to the connecting structure, such that each float extends into an interior space of each half-structure.

[0019] The floats may be made of a polymer material such as a poly-foam urethane, or any other material that provides flotation.

[0020] The guide zone is preferably configured such that the electrical cable extending substantially along a longitudinal axis can be guided at least partially along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and along a vertical axis.

[0021] The connecting structure can be removably fixed, in particular by mechanical fixing, such as bolting, to the half-structures, in particular in order to facilitate transport. Indeed, when the half-structures are not connected to each other, they can be superimposed and the volume of the metal structure to be transported is then considerably reduced.

[0022] The floating guidance device may comprise a personnel access system comprising at least one of: a walkway, a ladder, a guardrail, a grating, access from a boat, a handhold and a rope.

[0023] The floating guide device may comprise an accessory facilitating cable passage, comprising a mesh of metal bars fixed to parts of the half-structures which delimit the guide zone.

[0024] Such a cable passage facilitating accessory may also comprise a mesh of metal bars fixed to a part of the transverse bar(s) of the connecting structure which borders the guide zone on the top and faces it. Such a facilitating accessory may be made from a material with a low coefficient of friction or comprise a rolling system, in particular a vertical one.

[0025] The cable passage facilitator accessory can facilitate the sliding of the electric cable within the guide zone during its installation and throughout the necessary guiding duration. The cable passage facilitator accessory can prevent tearing of the flotation buoys to which the electric cable is connected at particularly regular intervals.

[0026] According to another aspect, in combination with the above, there is provided an installation for guiding an electric cable provided with flotation buoys before its landing, comprising: • a plurality of floating guide devices as defined above, arranged, in particular at a predetermined distance two by two, so that the openings in the guide zones allow the electric cable to pass through all the guide zones, • at least one mooring line and one bottom anchor in an aquatic environment for each floating guidance device, in particular at least two mooring lines each connected to an anchor.

[0027] The number of floating guide devices may be between two and fifteen, in particular between two and ten, for example between five and six. This number may nevertheless vary depending on the project and its parameters.

[0028] The distance between two guidance devices may in certain examples be between 50 m and 200 m, for example between 90 m and 110 m. However, such a distance depends on the project and its parameters, to the point that it is conceivable in other examples that this distance between two guidance devices is less than 50 m, or even 20 m, or even close to 0 m.

[0029] According to another aspect, in combination with the above, there is provided a method of guiding an electric cable for maintaining the electric cable on its path during the temporary construction phase, in particular an electric cable intended to be laid on a bottom in an aquatic environment between a cable-laying vessel, or an offshore station, and the land implementing such an installation as well as a winch placed on the land, the method comprising: a. placing said plurality of floating guide devices on the water and anchoring each floating guide device, using said at least one mooring line and said anchor, b. unwinding a working cable from the winch, c. the passage of the working cable in the guide zones of the successive floating guide devices then d. attaching the working cable to the electric cable carried by the cable-laying vessel or the offshore station, the electric cable being fitted with buoys, e. winding the working cable onto the winch so as to deploy the electric cable in the water by passing it through the guide zones, f. possibly the removal of the electric cable's buoyancy buoys so as to place it on the bottom in an aquatic environment.

[0030] Such an installation and the guidance method make it possible to avoid mobilizing specific boats and a large number of people for such an operation. Indeed, it is no longer necessary to have boats guiding the electric cable for the entire duration of the operation since the floating guidance devices themselves perform this function for the entire duration of the operation.

[0031] The guiding method can be implemented in the case of an electric cable intended to be laid on a bottom in an aquatic environment from a cable ship, or an offshore station, to the land. The guiding method can be implemented in the case of an electric cable intended to be laid on a bottom in an aquatic environment from the land to a cable ship, or an offshore station. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0033] [Fig.l] shows schematically and in perspective, in top view, an example of a floating guidance device.

[0034] [Fig.2] is a schematic top view of the floating guide device of the [Fig.l].

[0035] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of the floating guide device of [Fig.l].

[0036] [Fig.4] shows schematically, in perspective and in bottom view, the floating guide device of [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.5] is a schematic side view of an exemplary guidance device floating installed on the water and anchored.

[0038] [Fig.6] shows in schematic top view the floating guide device of the [Fig.5].

[0039] [Fig.7] is a schematic side view of a guidance installation according to a example.

[0040] [Fig.8] is a block diagram view of an example of a guidance method.

[0041] [Fig.9] is a schematic view along the lateral axis of another example of a device floating guide.

[0042] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view along the longitudinal axis of the floating guide device of [Fig.9].

[0043] [Fig. 11] schematically and in perspective represents a detail XI of the floating guide device of [Fig.9].

[0044] [Fig. 12] schematically and in perspective represents a detail XII of the floating guide device of [Fig.l 1].

[0045] [Fig. 13] partially represents schematically and in perspective an example of a floating guidance device.

[0046] [Fig. 14] schematically represents, in top view, an example of a floating guidance device. Description of the embodiments

[0047] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements which are useful for understanding the example described are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0048] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of a floating guidance device in its position of use when it is floating.

[0049] Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 4 which represent a floating guidance device 1, configured to be anchored on a bottom in an aquatic environment and to guide and retain, before its landing, an electric cable C provided with flotation buoys B. For greater clarity, the electric cable C and the flotation buoys B have been partially and schematically represented in these Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 as if the floating guidance device 1 were floating on the water, in particular a sea or an ocean, which is however not the case in these figures. The floating guidance device 1 comprises a metal structure 2 comprising two half-structures 3, denoted 3a and 3b, of a height h at least equal to a predetermined height, in this example at least equal to 2 m, and a connecting structure 4 connecting the two half-structures 3.

[0050] The metal structure 2 may comprise at least one metal material chosen from the group consisting of: stainless steel, steel, aluminum. It may be surface-treated or not, be painted at least partially, that is to say partially or entirely, in particular be coated with an anti-corrosion paint.

[0051] The floating guide device 1 comprises a guide zone 5 for the electric cable C forming a space comprising two opposite openings 6 for the passage of the electric cable C, as visible. This space defining the guide zone 5 is delimited laterally by the two half-structures 3. As visible, the electric cable C is guided along a guide axis called the longitudinal axis X.

[0052] The guide zone is configured in this example such that the electric cable C extending substantially along the horizontal longitudinal axis X can be guided at least partially along a transverse axis Y substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and along a vertical axis Z which is orthogonal to them. It is understood that the electric cable C may have a radius of curvature such that it extends along a curved and non-rectilinear axis, depending on the sea currents. However, at the level of a floating guide device 1, this radius of curvature may be barely perceptible.

[0053] In this example, the two half-structures 3a and 3b are similar, in particular identical, being arranged symmetrically around the guide zone 5, as illustrated, around a vertical median plane defined by the longitudinal X and vertical Z axes.

[0054] Still in this example, each half-structure 3 has a half-moon shape comprising a curved part 10 configured to delimit the space of the guide zone 5. The curved part 10 comprises in this example two curved bars 11, namely a lower curved bar 11a and an upper curved bar 11b connected to each other by a plurality of vertical bars 12. The radius of curvature of the curved bars 11 is advantageously identical and can be between 2 m and 5 m approximately, for example equal to 3 m, this radius being dependent on the characteristics of the cable. At least one consolidation bar 14, in particular horizontal, of each half-structure 3 connects the ends 13 of each curved bar 11 to each other. In the example illustrated, each half-structure 3 comprises four consolidation bars 14, namely two lower consolidation bars 14a and two upper consolidation bars 14b. The curved bars 11, the vertical bars 12 and the consolidation bars 14 are fixed to each other by welding or by mechanical fixing, for example by bolting, preferably by welding. Intermediate elements can be used for fixing, being for example inserted between the bars or bars to be connected.

[0055] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the floating guide device 1 comprises a cable passage facilitating accessory 16, comprising a mesh of metal bars 17, in this example curved, fixed on parts of the half-structures which delimit the guide zone, in this example on the vertical bars 12. In this example there are three metal bars 17 arranged horizontally and parallel to each other. Such a cable passage facilitating accessory 16 can prevent the half-structures 3, in particular the vertical bars 12, from catching the flotation buoys B when the electric cable C is guided in the guide and retention zone 5. Such a facilitating accessory can be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and / or can comprise a rolling system.

[0056] The floating guidance device 1 also comprises at least two floats 7 configured to ensure the flotation of the floating guidance device 1, in this example four floats 7.

[0057] In this example, the floats 7 have a substantially parallelepiped shape, elongated parallel to the transverse axis Y. Each float 7 is partially housed in an interior space 18 of each half-structure 3, the interior space 18 being delimited laterally, in this example, by the curved parts 10 and the consolidation bars 14. Nevertheless, still in this example, the floats 7 protrude from this interior space 18, on the side opposite the guide zone 5, in this example outside the consolidation bars 14. The floats 7 are of course dimensioned so as to allow flotation of the floating guide device 1. The floating guide device 1 comprises, for each float, a float support 19 fixed to the metal structure 2, so that each float 7 extends into the interior space 18 within a half-structure 3a or 3b.The float supports 19 are fixed to the metal structure 2, in this example to the connecting structure 4.

[0058] The minimum distance d between the two half-structures may be less than 1m, for example between 0.5m and 1m.

[0059] The connecting structure 4 comprises at least one transverse bar 20, in this example a plurality of transverse bars 20 extending parallel to the transverse axis Y, four in number in this example, connecting the two half-structures 3a and 3b in an upper part thereof, in this example above them. In this example, the transverse bars 20 are arranged two by two above a pair of floats 7 each arranged in a half-structure 3 and aligned with each other parallel to the transverse axis Y. The transverse bars 20 protrude, by their ends 24, from the half-structures 3, in this example and as visible in [Fig. 3] in particular, to be positioned above the floats 7 in a zone for fixing them to the transverse bars 20 using float supports 19.

[0060] In this example, the guide zone 5 is only delimited laterally by the half-structures 3 and above by the or one of the transverse bars 20.

[0061] The floating guide device 1 comprises at least one mooring point 8 fixed to the metal structure 2, configured to allow at least one mooring line to be fixed, the latter being intended to be connected to an anchor on the bottom in an aquatic environment, as will be detailed later. The mooring point 8 can of course be formed by at least one element of the metal structure 2, for example one of the bars or rungs described above.

[0062] The metal structure 2 is an open structure, that is to say capable of allowing water to circulate within the metal structure 2 when the floating guide device 1 is on the water.

[0063] In one example, the connecting structure 4 is removably attached to the half-structures 3 in order to facilitate transport. Indeed, in such a case, the half-structures 3 can be stacked during transport to save space and then, on site, be assembled with the connecting structure 4, in particular by bolting or welding. After using the floating guide device 1, it can be dismantled by removing the connecting structure 4 and then superimposing the half-structures 3 to save space. Plates 50 can be interposed between each half-structure 3, in particular the upper curved bar 11b, and the transverse bar(s) 20 to allow for fixing, in particular mechanical fixing.

[0064] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an example of a floating guidance device 1 installed on the water, in particular on the sea or the ocean, at a distance less than or equal to 3 km, in particular less than or equal to 1 km, for example less than or equal to 800 m from the land coast. A mooring line 22 has been fixed to the mooring point 8 on the one hand and on the other hand to an anchor 23, in particular to a concrete block, for example of several tons, in particular of approximately 8 T, placed on the bottom in an aquatic environment F. The anchor 23 may alternatively comprise a screw anchor planted in the bottom in an aquatic environment. In this example, the number of mooring lines 22 is four. number of mooring points 8 can be equal to the number of mooring lines 22, as well as the number of anchors 23, i.e. four in this example. [Fig.5] shows the water level E, with the floating guide device 1 floating.

[0065] [Fig. 7] shows an installation 25 comprising a plurality of floating guidance devices 1 anchored to the seabed, the floating guidance devices 1 being configured to retain, in the guidance zone 5, an electric cable C provided with flotation buoys B. Such an installation 25 comprises a plurality of floating guidance devices 1 as described above, arranged, at a predetermined distance two by two, for example at a distance of between 50m and 150m, such that the openings 6 of the guidance zones 5 allow the passage of the electric cable C in all the guidance zones 5. The installation 25 also comprises at least one mooring line 22 and a bottom anchor 23 in an aquatic environment for each floating guidance device 1, in particular at least two, or even four, mooring lines 22 each connected to an anchor 23.The water level at low tide in the installation area of ​​the floating guidance devices 1 may be between 2 and 3 m, but it may be higher or lower, the guidance device 1 being able to rest on the ground F before the electric cable C, thus avoiding the latter being trapped under the guidance device 1. The potential water height is not limited, being strictly greater than 0 m. The floating guidance device is advantageously suitable for a tidal range of up to 15 m and for all water heights.

[0066] The distances between the floating guide devices 1 may vary from one another, in particular depending on the sea currents. Similarly, the orientation of the floating guide devices 1 does not remain unchanged when the electric cable C is installed due to winds, sea currents, etc.

[0067] [Fig.8], with the visual provided by [Fig.7], illustrates the steps of a method for guiding an electric cable C equipped with flotation buoys B, before its landing on a bottom in an aquatic environment F, from a cable ship BC to the land coast T using an installation 25 as well as a winch TR placed on the land T. The winch TR initially comprises a wound working cable CT. The method comprises the following steps.

[0068] We begin, in a step 30, by setting up the installation 25, that is to say by setting up the floating guidance devices 1 on the water, in particular the sea or the ocean, and by anchoring each floating guidance device 1.

[0069] The working cable CT is unwound from the winch TR, in a step 31.

[0070] In a step 32, which may be partially simultaneous with step 31, the passage of the working cable TR in the guide zones 5 of the floating guide devices 1 successive is carried out, for example using a boat, then in a step 33, the working cable CT is attached to the electric cable C carried by the cable laying boat BC, the electric cable C being provided with flotation buoys B.

[0071] Once the two cables CT and C are attached to each other, in a step 34, this working cable CT is wound onto the winch TR so as to deploy the electric cable C in the water by passing it through the guide zones 5. This step is illustrated schematically in [Fig.7]. In fact, we see the unwinding of the electric cable C equipped with the flotation buoys B from the cable laying boat BC behind the working cable CT, using the winch TR.

[0072] It should be noted that when approaching the land coast T, as visible in [Fig.7], the cable CT and then the electric cable C are passed, for example using marine divers, into an underground tunnel TU to reach the winch TR. For this phase, the flotation buoys B of the electric cable C are removed using boats and / or marine divers to set the casting of the electric cable C towards the entrance of the tunnel TU. A chamber CH for connection to the electric network R is provided near the winch TR to connect the electric cable C to the electric network R.

[0073] Finally, in a step 35, the flotation buoys B can be removed from the electric cable C so as to place it on the bottom in the aquatic environment F, since it no longer floats, this step being able to be carried out using boats and / or marine divers.

[0074] Once the method has been implemented, the floating guide devices 1 and their anchors 23 and mooring lines 22 can be removed from the sea or ocean. Only the electric cable C remains.

[0075] The electric cable C may subsequently be buried in the bottom in an aquatic environment, in particular less than one meter deep under the bottom in an aquatic environment F.

[0076] If necessary, the connecting structure 4 can be dismantled from the half-structures 3 in order to transport and / or store them, for example, for later use. In particular, in this case, a step prior to step 30 of mounting the floating guide devices 1 by assembling and fixing the half-structures 3 to the connecting structure 4 can be implemented.

[0077] Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples which have just been described. In particular, other examples of floating guidance device 1 have been shown in FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0078] As seen in Figures 9 and 10, the float supports 19 comprise at least one metal strap 26 of flat iron surrounding the float 7 and fixed to at least one of the transverse bars 20. The fixing of this metal strap 26 is done using a fixing flange 27 as illustrated in [Fig.12]. It is noted that the flange fixing 27 is formed by bolts and fixing lugs, one of which is formed by the folded end of the metal strap 26 and the other a metal end of a fixing bar 41 arranged on the float 7 and under the crossbar 20, perpendicular to the latter.

[0079] Blocks 28, acting as a wedge for the float 7, may be interposed between the floats 7 and the transverse bar(s) 20, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 10 and 12. Such blocks 28 are preferably made of wood, so as to be easier to repair than a metal part if modification is required. However, the blocks 28 may alternatively be made of metal. The role of the blocks 28 may be explained as follows. The role of the float 7 is to allow the sinking of the floating guide device 1 in the water to be controlled depending on the float 7 used. For example, if the float 7 has a different dimension or shape, the flotation is modified, so that the sinking of the floating guide device 1 is modified. Thus, there is a need to re-seat the float 7 and the wooden wedge forming the block 28 is a simple and economical means of wedging.

[0080] The shape of the floats 7 may vary. It may be parallelepipedal, for example of square or hexagonal section. Alternatively, it may be not entirely parallelepipedal, being for example of round section. In particular, in the example of Figures 9 and 10, the upper wall 36 of the floats 7 forms a hollow whose bottom 37 extends parallel to the lateral axis Y and to the lateral walls 38 of the float 7. The lower wall 39 of the floats 7 forms a downward relief whose end 40 extends parallel to the lateral axis Y.

[0081] In the example of [Fig.9], the cable passage facilitating accessory 16 comprises, under the connecting structure 4, in this example under the transverse bar(s) 20, a grid 42 curved upwards and covering the lower part of the transverse bar(s) 20.

[0082] [Fig. 11] shows in detail an example of a mooring point 8 that can be provided on a floating guide device 1, comprising a base 45 formed by a base welded to the upper curved bar 11b and two pillars perpendicular to the base and a lug 46 of circular section fixed to the pillars and parallel to the base. Other mooring points 8 can of course be envisaged, in particular a mooring ring. Furthermore, a safety chain can be provided on the mooring line 22, as a branch, which safety chain can be capable of being moored on another mooring point, for example a lug, fixed on one of the half-structures 3.

[0083] [Fig. 13] shows an example of an accessory fixed to the upper part of the floating guidance device, useful for navigation, such as a St. Andrew's cross incorporating a light 43, signaling for example the intervention of divers and forcing boats to move away from the area.

[0084] The floating guidance device 1 may, in another example illustrated in [Fig. 14], comprise an access system 55 for personnel comprising in this example a gangway 56, a guardrail 57, an access 58 from a boat. Such an access system 55 could also comprise a ladder, a grating, a handhold, a rope. It can also be seen in this figure that the number of floats 7 is six, that is to say three on each side. The access 58 is located at the level of the or each float 7 situated in the middle between two other floats 7, in this example, equidistant from each of them.

[0085] The bridge 56 may have an O shape as in the example illustrated, or an I shape, with a single bridge in the middle and not two on the edges, for example to lighten the floating guidance device 1.

[0086] The dimensioning of the floating guidance device 1 is of course adapted to a given project and a given site. Such dimensioning is linked to environmental forces, such as current, swell, wind, but is also linked to the diameter of the electric cable and the flotation buoys, to the water level at high tide and low tide, to the internal forces of the electric cable due to the installation operation.

Claims

Claims

1. Floating guidance device (1), configured to be anchored on a bottom in an aquatic environment (F) and to guide and retain, before its landing, an electric cable (C) provided with flotation buoys (B), the floating guidance device (1) comprising: i. a metal structure (2) comprising two half-structures (3) of a height (h) at least equal to a predetermined height, and a connecting structure (4) connecting the two half-structures (3, 3a, 3b), ii. a guiding zone (5) of the electric cable (C) forming a space comprising two opposite openings (6) for the passage of the electric cable (C), said space being delimited laterally by the two half-structures (3, 3a, ; 3b), iii. at least two floats (7) configured to ensure the flotation of the floating guidance device (1), iv.at least one mooring point (8) fixed to the metal structure (2), configured to allow at least one mooring line (22) to be fixed, the latter being intended to be connected to an anchor (23) on the bottom in an aquatic environment (F).

2. Floating guide device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two half-structures (3, 3a, 3b) are similar, in particular identical, being arranged symmetrically around the guide zone (5).

3. Floating guide device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, each half-structure (3, 3a, 3b) having a half-moon shape comprising a curved part (10) configured to laterally delimit the space of the guide zone (5).

4. Floating guide device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting structure (4) comprises at least one transverse bar (20) connecting the two half-structures (3, 3a, 3b), in particular in an upper part thereof.

5. Floating guide device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, for each float (7), a float support (19) fixed to the metal structure (2), in particular to the connecting structure (4), such that each float (7) extends in an interior space (18) of each half-structure (3, 3a, 3b).

6. Floating guide device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide zone (5) is configured such that the electric cable (C) extending substantially along a longitudinal axis (X) can be guided at least partially along a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and along a vertical axis (Z).

7. Floating guide device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the guide zone (5) is only delimited laterally by the half-structures (3, 3a, 3b) and superiorly by the transverse bar (20).

8. Floating guide device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the connecting structure (4) being removably fixed to the half-structures (3, 3a, 3b).

9. A floating guidance device (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a personnel access system comprising at least one of: a walkway, a ladder, a guardrail, a grating, access from a boat, a handhold and a rope.

10. Floating guide device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cable passage facilitating accessory (16), comprising a mesh of metal bars (17) fixed on parts of the half-structures (3, 3a, 3b) which delimit the guide zone (5), or a material with a low coefficient of friction or comprising a rolling system.

11. Installation (25) for guiding an electric cable (C) provided with flotation buoys (B) before its landing, the installation comprising i. a plurality of floating guide devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged, in particular at a predetermined distance two by two, so that the openings (6) of the guide zones (5) allow the passage of the electric cable in all the guide zones (5), ii. at least one mooring line (22) and one anchor (23) at the bottom in an aquatic environment for each floating guide device (1), in particular at least two mooring lines (22) each connected to an anchor (23).

12. Method for guiding an electric cable (C) to maintain the electric cable (C) on its path during the temporary construction phase, in particular an electric cable intended to be laid on a bottom in an aquatic environment between a cable-laying vessel (BC), or an offshore station, and the land, implementing an installation according to claim 11 as well as a winch (TR) arranged on the land, the method comprising: a. placing said plurality of floating guide devices (1) on the water and anchoring each floating guide device (1), using said at least one mooring line (22) and said anchor (23), b. the unwinding of a working cable (CT) from the winch (TR), c. the passage of the working cable (CT) in the guide zones (5) successive floating guidance devices (1) then d. the attachment of the working cable (CT) to the electric cable (C) carried by the cable-laying vessel (BC), or the offshore station, the electric cable (C) being fitted with flotation buoys (B), e. winding the working cable (CT) onto the winch (TR) so as to deploy the electric cable (C) in the water by passing it through the guide zones.

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