Method of installing an anchoring device on the seabed
The anchoring device method efficiently anchors aquatic installations to the seabed by hammering and tilting the anchor point, leveraging seabed material for stability, addressing inefficiencies in existing methods.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023015380
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for anchoring aquatic installations like offshore platforms and wind turbines to the seabed are inefficient and difficult to implement, especially in soft seabed materials such as sand or gravel.
A method involving the installation of an anchoring device with a shank, leg, and connecting element, using an extension to hammer the anchor point into the seabed, followed by pulling the connecting element upwards to achieve a tilted, partially buried configuration, ensuring firm anchoring.
The method provides a simple and effective way to anchor aquatic installations firmly to the seabed, utilizing the weight of the seabed material to retain the anchor, reducing the energy required for installation and enhancing stability.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Method of installing an anchoring device on the seabed
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of installing an anchoring device on a seabed; the anchoring device comprising an anchor point and an extension; the anchor point comprising: a shank, extending along a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end; a leg projecting from the shank in a transverse direction, not parallel to the longitudinal direction; and a connecting element fixed to the first end of the shank, the connecting element for fixing said first end of the shank to a chain or cable; the shank and the leg comprising external surfaces substantially parallel to a driving direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction; the anchor point also comprising a driving edge and a hammering edge, at least partially delimiting the shank and the leg along the driving direction;the extension comprising a hammering surface capable of coming into contact with the hammering edge of the anchor point.;
[0002] Aquatic installations, such as offshore platforms or offshore wind turbines, comprise floating structures that must be firmly anchored to the seabed in order to remain in place despite external forces such as wind, waves or sea currents.
[0003] The present disclosure relates to an easy-to-perform installation method allowing improved anchoring of the anchor point.
[0004] To this end, the disclosure relates to an installation method of the type mentioned above, comprising the steps of:
[0005] - install the anchor point on a substantially horizontal seabed, the direction longitudinal extending substantially horizontally and the sinking edge being in contact with said seabed; then
[0006] - install the extension on the anchor point, so that the hammering surface of the extension is in contact with the hammering edge of the anchor point; then
[0007] - hammer the anchor point using the extension, so that the edge sinking sinks into the seabed; then
[0008] - remove the extension; then
[0009] - pull the connecting element upwards, so that the anchor tip tilts in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and to the driving direction, to an installed configuration, in which the longitudinal direction- tudinal extends substantially vertically.
[0010] According to embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any of the technically possible combinations:
[0011] - in the installed configuration, the anchor point leg is at least partially buried in the seabed;
[0012] - the anchor point leg is closer to the second end than to the first end of the rod along the longitudinal direction;
[0013] - each of the driving edge and the hammering edge of the anchor point extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of penetration;
[0014] - the anchor point rod comprises a main plate extending sen possibly in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and to the direction of penetration;
[0015] - the anchor point rod comprises side plates assembled at the level from the first end and spaced apart from each other at the second end;
[0016] - the anchor point leg protrudes on each side of the rod;
[0017] - the rod of the anchor point comprises openings between the first end and the paw.
[0018] The disclosure also relates to an aquatic installation comprising an anchor point installed on a seabed by an installation method, as described above.
[0019] According to one embodiment, the aquatic installation also comprises: an anchor chain fixed to the connecting element of the anchor point; and a floating structure fixed on the anchor chain, opposite the connecting element.
[0020] The disclosure will be better understood by considering the following description, provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of an anchoring device according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, in a first configuration
[0022] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the anchoring device of [Fig.l], in a second configuration;
[0023] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of an element of an anchoring device according to a second embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0024] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of an element of an anchoring device according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.
[0025] Figures 1 and 2 show an anchoring device 10 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.
[0026] The anchoring device 10 comprises an anchor point 12 and an extension 14.
[0027] [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] represent anchor points 112 and 212 respectively according to a second and a third embodiment.
[0028] Anchor points 12, 112 and 212 are described simultaneously. Common elements are designated by the same reference numbers.
[0029] The anchor point 12, 112, 212 comprises: a shank 16, 116, 216; a lug 18, 118, 218; and a connecting element 20.
[0030] The rod 16, 116, 216 extends along a longitudinal direction 22, between a first end 24 and a second end 26.
[0031] The rod 16, 116, 216 comprises external surfaces substantially parallel to a driving direction 28. The driving direction 28 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 22. According to the embodiments, the rod 16, 116, 216 comprises one or more plates 30, 232, 234, each plate being substantially parallel to the driving direction 28.
[0032] Each of the rods 16 and 116 of figures 1 to 2 and of [Fig.3] comprises a main plate 30, extending substantially in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction 22 and to the driving direction 28.
[0033] In a different manner, the rod 216 of [Fig.4] comprises a first 232 and a second 234 side plate, assembled at the first end 24 and inclined relative to the longitudinal direction 22. Similarly, the rod 16, 116, 216 may comprise more than two plates, assembled at the first end 24 and spaced apart from each other at the second end 26.
[0034] The tab 18, 118, 218 projects from the rod 16, 116, 216 in a transverse direction 36, not parallel to the longitudinal direction. The tab 18, 118, 218 comprises external surfaces substantially parallel to the driving direction 28.
[0035] The leg 18, 118, 218 may be closer to the second end 26 than to the first end 24 of the rod 16, 116, 216 along the longitudinal direction 22. The leg 18, 118, 218 may be integral with the second end 26 of the rod.
[0036] The one or more plates 30, 232, 234 of the rod 16, 116, 216 may comprise openings 38 between the first end 24 and the leg 18, 118, 218.
[0037] In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 2 and [Fig.3], the leg 18, 118 comprises plate-shaped lateral parts 38, 40, 138, 140 projecting from each side of the rod 16, 116. Said rod 16, 116 and each of the lateral parts 38, 40, 138, 140 of the leg 18, 118 form a positive angle α, less than or equal to 90° and oriented towards the first end 24 of the rod.
[0038] The lateral parts 38, 40, 138, 140 of the leg 18, 118 may be symmetrical with respect to the rod 16, 116.
[0039] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 2, the lateral portions 38, 40 of the leg 18 are substantially flat. In the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the lateral portions 138, 140 of the leg 118 are curved, with a concavity oriented towards the first end 24 of the shaft.
[0040] In the embodiment of [Fig.4], the leg 218 comprises a plate-shaped central portion 241, extending between the first 232 and the second 234 side plates at the second end 26 of the shaft 216. The central portion 241 of the leg 218 and the first 232 and the second 234 side plates of the shaft 216 define a cylindrical space 242. Said cylindrical space 242 is open at both ends along the driving direction 28.
[0041] In the embodiment of [Fig.4], the central portion 241 is substantially flat and the cylindrical space 242 has a substantially triangular base. Alternatively, the central portion may be curved or formed by adjacent flat portions.
[0042] Optionally, the leg 218 also includes plate-like side portions 238, 240 projecting from the first 232 and second 234 side plates, respectively, opposite the central portion 241.
[0043] The connecting element 20 is fixed to the first end 24 of the rod 16, 116, 216. The connecting element 20 allows the fixing of said first end 24 to a chain 41 or to a cable. In the embodiments shown, the connecting element 20 is a lifting eye.
[0044] The anchor point 12, 112, 212 also comprises a driving edge 43 and a hammering edge 44, 144, 244, substantially perpendicular to the driving direction 28. The driving edge 43 and the hammering edge 44, 144, 244 delimit the shank 16, 116, 216 and the lug 18, 118, 218 along the driving direction 28.
[0045] According to the embodiments, each of the driving edge 43 and the hammering edge 44, 144, 244 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the driving direction 28.
[0046] The anchor point 12, 112, 212 can be made with metal plates.
[0047] In [Fig. 2], the anchor point 12 is shown in an initial configuration of an installation method described below. The driving edge 43 of the anchor point 12 rests on a substantially horizontal seabed 46.
[0048] In the initial configuration of [Fig.2], the longitudinal 22 and transverse 36 directions are substantially horizontal and the driving direction 28 is substantially vertical.
[0049] In [Fig. 3], the anchor point 112 is shown in an installed configuration of the installation method described below. The longitudinal direction 22 is substantially vertical and the driving direction 28 is substantially horizontal. The leg 118 rests on the seabed 46 and is at least partially buried in said seabed.
[0050] The extension 14 of the anchoring device 10 is now described.
[0051] The extension 14 includes a hammering surface 50 capable of contacting the hammering edge 44 of the anchor point 12. The hammering surface 50 may have a shape similar to a shape of the hammering edge 44 of the anchor point 12. In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the hammering surface 50 is cross-shaped.
[0052] The hammering surface 50 may comprise a slot 52 of a shape substantially complementary to a shape of the hammering edge 44 of the anchor point 12, to allow insertion of said hammering edge 44.
[0053] According to the embodiments, the extension 14 has a height 54 of between 5 m and 20 m perpendicular to the hammering surface 50. According to the embodiments, the extension 14 has a weight of between 20 tonnes and 100 tonnes.
[0054] Anchor tips 112 and 212 may be part of anchoring devices similar to anchoring device 10, together with extensions similar to extension 14. Said extensions comprise hammering surfaces adapted to the shapes of hammering edges 144 and 244.
[0055] An installation method for installing the anchor point 12 on the seabed 46 is now described.
[0056] The anchor point 12 is installed on the substantially horizontal seabed 46, in the initial configuration of [Fig.2]. By "seabed" is meant a submerged bottom of a sea or a lake or a river.
[0057] The seabed 46 comprises a soft material such as sand or gravel.
[0058] Then, the extension 14 is immersed so that the hammering surface 50 comes into contact with the hammering edge 44 of the anchor point 12. According to the embodiments, the hammering edge 44 is inserted into the slot 52 of the hammering surface 50.
[0059] Then, the anchor point 12 is hammered by the extension 14, so that the driving edge 43 sinks into the seabed 46. The hammering can be carried out by means of a hammering or vibrating motor.
[0060] At the end of the hammering, a lower part of the external surfaces of the anchor point 12, parallel to the driving direction 28, is buried in the soft material of the seabed 46.
[0061] Then the extension 14 is removed; and the connecting element 20 is pulled upwards. The pulling can be carried out by means of a chain 41 or a cable fixed to the connecting element 20. The fixing of the chain or the cable can take place before or after the hammering.
[0062] In embodiments wherein the rod 16 includes openings 38 between the first end 24 and the leg 18, the rod is lighter so that less energy is required to pull the connecting element 20 upwards.
[0063] Due to the upward pull of the connecting element 20, the anchor tip 12 tilts in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 22 and the driving direction 28. The soft material in contact with the leg 18 is displaced and a portion of said material flows above the leg 18. In embodiments in which the leg 118 is inclined or curved with a concavity oriented towards the first end 24 of the shaft, even more of the soft material is retained above the leg during tilting.
[0064] The tilting of the anchor point 12 is continued to an installed configuration, similar to the configuration of [Fig. 3], in which the longitudinal direction 22 extends substantially vertically and in which the driving direction 28 extends substantially horizontally. According to the embodiments, in the installed configuration, the leg 18 is at least partially buried in the soft material of the seabed 46.
[0065] In the installed configuration described above, the anchor point 12, 112, 212 is firmly held on the seabed 46, by a weight of the soft material partially burying the leg.
[0066] According to the embodiments, the anchor point 12, 112, 212, in the installed configuration, is part of an aquatic installation (not shown) also comprising: an anchor chain 41 fixed to the connecting element 20; and a floating structure (not shown) fixed to the chain 41 opposite the connecting element 20. The floating structure may comprise a wind turbine.
[0067] According to the embodiments, the aquatic installation may comprise several anchor points according to the description above, installed on the seabed and connected to the same floating structure.
Claims
Claims
1. A method of installing an anchoring device (10) on a seabed (46); the anchoring device comprising an anchor point (12, 112, 212) and an extension (14); the anchor point comprising: a shank (16, 116, 216) extending along a longitudinal direction (22) between a first end (24) and a second end (26); a lug (18, 118, 218) projecting from the shank in a transverse direction (36), not parallel to the longitudinal direction; and a connecting element (20) fixed to the first end of the shank, the connecting element allowing said first end of the shank to be fixed to a chain (41) or a cable; the rod and the leg comprising external surfaces substantially parallel to a driving direction (28) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (22) and to the transverse direction (36); the anchor point also comprising a driving edge (43) and a hammering edge (44, 144, 244), at least partially delimiting the shank and the lug along the driving direction; the extension (14) comprising a hammering surface (50), capable of coming into contact with the hammering edge (44, 144, 244) of the anchor point; the method comprising the steps of: - installing the anchor point (12, 112, 212) on a substantially horizontal seabed (46), the longitudinal direction (22) extending substantially horizontally and the driving edge (43) being in contact with said seabed; then - install the extension (14) on the anchor point, so that the hammering surface (50) of the extension is in contact with the hammering edge (44, 144, 244) of the anchor point; then - hammer the anchor point (12, 112, 212) by means of the extension (14), so that the driving edge (43) sinks into the seabed (46); then - remove the extension; then - pulling the connecting element (20) upwards, so that the anchor point (12, 112, 212) tilts in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (22) and to the driving direction (28), in an installed configuration, in which the longitudinal direction (22) extends substantially vertically.
2. The installation method of claim 1, wherein in the installed configuration the leg (18, 118, 218) of the anchor point (12, 112, 212) is at least partially buried in the seabed (46).
3. An installation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the leg (18, 118, 218) of the anchor point (12, 112, 212) is closer to the second end (26) than to the first end (24) of the shank (16, 116, 216) along the longitudinal direction (22).
4. An installation method according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the driving edge (43) and the hammering edge (44, 144, 244) of the anchor point (12, 112, 212) extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the driving direction (28).
5. An installation method according to any preceding claim, wherein the shank (16, 116) of the anchor point (12, 112) comprises a main plate (30) extending substantially in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction (22) and the driving direction (28).
6. An installation method according to any preceding claim, wherein the shank (216) of the anchor point (212) comprises side plates (232, 234) joined at the first end (24) and spaced apart at the second end (26).
7. An installation method according to any preceding claim, wherein the leg (18, 118, 218) of the anchor point (12, 112, 212) projects from each side of the shank (16, 116, 216).
8. An installation method according to any preceding claim, wherein the shank (16) of the anchor point (12) comprises openings (38) between the first end (24) and the lug (18).
9. An aquatic installation comprising an anchor point (12, 112, 212) installed on a seabed (46) by an installation method according to any one of the preceding claims.
10. An aquatic installation according to claim 9, further comprising: an anchor chain (41) attached to the connecting element (20) of the anchor point (12, 112, 212); and a floating structure attached to the anchor chain (41) opposite the connecting element (20).
Citation Information
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