Stinger

Abstract

To provide a stinger capable of properly supporting pipelines during pipeline installation. [Solution] A stinger 10 is provided at the stern of a pipeline laying vessel and guides the pipeline 4, comprising a roller 20 that can contact the outer surface 7 of the pipeline 4, and a support member 30 that rotatably supports the roller 20, wherein the support member 30 is configured to be tiltable, and the roller 20 moves up and down as the support member 30 tilts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stinger.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a pipeline has been laid using a laying vessel equipped with a stinger. Patent Document 1 discloses that a frame that rotatably supports a roller is movable in the upright direction along a guide.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 only discloses that two frames rotatably support one roller.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a stinger capable of appropriately supporting a pipeline during pipeline laying.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A stinger according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided at the stern of a laying vessel and is a stinger for guiding a pipeline, and includes a roller capable of contacting an outer peripheral surface of the pipeline and a support member that rotatably supports the roller. The support member is configured to be tiltable, and when the support member tilts, the roller moves up and down.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to properly support the pipeline during its installation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic overall diagram showing the situation in which a pipeline is being laid from the stern of a pipeline laying vessel using a stinger according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing a portion of the stinger according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a side view cross-sectional view showing a portion of the stinger according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing an example of a stinger according to the first and second embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Pipelines are laid on the seabed for the purpose of transporting natural gas, oil, and other materials. Pipeline laying is carried out using a pipeline laying vessel. For example, a pipeline laying vessel equipped with a stinger is used for laying pipelines. In this case, pipes are welded together on a welding line on the laying vessel to form the pipeline, and the pipeline is laid on the seabed without damage. As the pipe welding work progresses, the laying vessel moves forward, and the pipeline, which is positioned on a stinger located at the stern of the laying vessel, is sent into the sea. The pipeline sent into the sea settles on the seabed. During pipeline laying operations at sea, the pipeline may sway vertically and horizontally on the stinger due to the effects of waves and wind. Therefore, it is desirable that the pipeline be securely supported on the stinger. Furthermore, since the pipeline launched into the sea from the Stinger is curved in an S-shape when it settles on the seabed, stress (bending stress) is generated in the pipeline, which may cause it to buckle. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the generation of excessive stress on the pipeline. In order to suppress the generation of excessive stress on the pipeline, it is necessary to suppress the curvature of the pipeline. Also, since the degree of curvature differs depending on the position along the longitudinal direction of the pipeline, it is necessary to appropriately support the pipeline at each position along its longitudinal direction.

[0010] The Stinger of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the figures are schematic for ease of understanding, and the dimensions and proportions of each component may vary as appropriate.

[0011] <First Embodiment> The stinger 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a schematic overall view showing the situation in which a pipeline 4 is laid from the stern 3 of the pipeline laying vessel 2 using the stinger 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view showing a portion of the Stinger 10. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. In the following explanation, the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the stinger 10 is defined as the X-axis direction (length direction), the height direction of the stinger 10 that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction is defined as the Z-axis direction (up and down direction), and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction (width direction).

[0012] The stinger 10 is a construction jig used to support the downward force acting on the pipeline 4 in the Z-axis direction, suppress the generation of excessive stress on the pipeline 4, and safely send the pipeline 4 to the seabed, riverbed, or lakebed. In this embodiment, for example, the case of sending the pipeline 4 to the seabed 1 will be described. The pipeline 4 is used, for example, for the transportation of oil or gas. Pipeline 4 is formed by welding pipes 5, for example, 6m or 11m to 12m in length, on a welding line (not shown) on the pipe-laying vessel 2. In addition, pipeline 4 may be formed by welding two 12m pipes 5 together to form a pre-made 24m pipe, known as a double joint. On the welding line, pipeline 4 is formed through processes such as assembly, welding, inspection, and coating. The formed pipeline 4 is sent out to the sea surface 6 through a stinger 10 and laid on the seabed 1, for example, at a depth of about 80m, while the pipe-laying vessel 2 moves forward. In another method called S Lay, pipeline 4 is laid on the seabed 1 at a depth of about 300m.

[0013] Stinger 10 is a buoyant structure provided at the stern 3 of the minelayer 2, extending in the longitudinal direction of the minelayer 2. Stinger 10 plays a role in suppressing the generation of excessive stress and buckling on the pipeline 4 by supporting it. Stinger 10 is a robust frame structure composed of floating structures extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of Stinger 10.

[0014] One end 10A of the stinger 10 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the stern 3 of the minelayer 2. Since the stinger 10 is subject to rocking due to waves, ocean currents, etc., the connection between the end 10A of the stinger 10 and the stern 3 is connected to each other with a pin, for example, in order to prevent the stinger 10 from detaching due to external loads. In the longitudinal direction of the stinger 10, the other end 10B of the stinger 10, opposite to the end 10A, does not need to be fixed, or it may be connected by a wire (not shown) installed on the minelayer 2, for example.

[0015] The pipeline 4 formed by welding pipes 5 together is transported from the welding line on the laying vessel 2 to the stern 3 and then placed at one end 10A of the stinger 10. The stinger 10 guides the pipeline 4 placed at one end 10A. Thereafter, the pipeline 4 is transported by a roller 20, which will be described later, toward the other end 10B of the stinger 10 and sent out from the other end 10B of the stinger 10 to the seabed 1. At this time, the pipeline 4 is supported by the stinger 10 and transported from the upstream side to the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 1, the feeding direction D1 of the pipeline 4 is downstream, and the direction D2 opposite to the feeding direction D1 is upstream. One end 10A of the stinger 10 is upstream, and the other end 10B is downstream.

[0016] The pipe 5 constituting the pipeline 4 is composed of, for example, a steel pipe, an anticorrosion coating covering its outer surface, and concrete. The pipe 5 has, for example, an outer diameter of 6 inches (165.2 mm) to 60 inches (1524 mm), a thickness of 12.7 mm to 22.2 mm, and a length of 12 m. The outer surface of the pipe 5 may not be covered with an anticorrosion coating or concrete. The welding of the pipes 5 together is performed, for example, by covered arc welding, MAG welding, or non-gas welding.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the stinger 10 includes a roller 20 and a support member 30. In the first embodiment, the roller 20 is a lower roller 20 disposed below the pipeline 4. The roller (lower roller) 20 supports and guides the pipeline 4 from below when viewed along the X-axis direction. The roller 20 can contact the outer peripheral surface 7 of the pipeline 4. The axis 21 of the roller 20 extends in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the pipeline 4 in a plan view (viewed along the arrow in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 4). The direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the pipeline 4 is the Y-axis direction. The axis 21 of the roller 20 rotates around the axis 21. The roller 20 is rotatable so as to convey the pipeline 4 from one longitudinal end 10A (upstream side) to the other end 10B (downstream side) of the stinger 10. Thereby, the roller 20 smoothly conveys the pipeline 4. The roller 20 rotates due to the frictional force acting between the outer peripheral surface 7 of the pipeline 4 being laid and the outer peripheral surface 22 of the roller 20. Thus, the roller 20 automatically rotates as the pipeline 4 is conveyed.

[0018] The outer diameter, the axial length, etc. of the roller 20 are designed according to, for example, the equipment capabilities of the laying vessel 2. As an example of the size of the roller 20, the outer diameter is from 300 mm to 400 mm, and the axial length is from 700 mm to 800 mm. When the outer peripheral surface 7 of the pipeline 4 is covered with concrete, a roller made of high-strength steel is used for the roller 20. Further, the roller 20 may be covered with a rubber member such as a urethane member, for example.

[0019] The support member 30 rotatably supports the roller 20. The support member 30 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a rectangular frame member as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a part of the stinger 10 viewed from the downstream side of the pipeline 4. The support member 30 which is a rectangular frame member has an upper horizontal frame portion 50, a lower horizontal frame portion 40, a first vertical frame portion 60A, and a second vertical frame portion 60B.

[0020] The lower horizontal frame portion 40 is disposed below the roller 20 along the Y-axis direction and supports the roller 20 from below. The first vertical frame section 60A and the second vertical frame section 60B are connected at one end 41A and the other end 41B of the lower horizontal frame section 40 in the Y-axis direction, respectively. Specifically, the lower end 61A of the first vertical frame section 60A is connected to one end 41A of the lower horizontal frame section 40. The lower end 61B of the second vertical frame section 60B is connected to the other end 41B of the lower horizontal frame section 40. The first vertical frame section 60A and the second vertical frame section 60B are aligned along the Z-axis direction in a front view (viewed by the arrow in the X-axis direction in Figure 2). However, the first vertical frame section 60A and the second vertical frame section 60B do not necessarily have to be aligned along the Z-axis direction in a front view (viewed by the arrow in the X-axis direction in Figure 2); for example, they may be configured to widen downwards or widen upwards. The upper horizontal frame section 50 is positioned opposite the lower horizontal frame section 40 along the Y-axis direction and is connected to the first vertical frame section 60A and the second vertical frame section 60B at one end 51A and the other end 51B. Specifically, one end 51A of the upper horizontal frame section 50 is connected to the upper end 62A of the first vertical frame section 60A. The other end 51B of the upper horizontal frame section 50 is connected to the upper end 62B of the second vertical frame section 60B.

[0021] The support member 30 has a lower horizontal frame portion 40, but does not necessarily have an upper horizontal frame portion 50, a first vertical frame portion 60A, or a second vertical frame portion 60B. Alternatively, the support member 30 may have a lower horizontal frame portion 40, a first vertical frame portion 60A, and a second vertical frame portion 60B, but does not necessarily have an upper horizontal frame portion 50.

[0022] As described above, pipeline 4 may be curved on the stinger 10. For example, pipeline 4 may be curved in a plan view (viewed by the arrow in the Z-axis direction in Figure 4), or it may be curved vertically due to oscillations caused by waves. If pipeline 4 is curved vertically, the outer surface 7 of pipeline 4 may not come into contact with the outer surface 22 of roller 20, and pipeline 4 may not be properly supported by roller 20. It is desirable that roller 20 properly support pipeline 4 even when pipeline 4 is curved.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the support member 30 is configured to be tiltable so that the roller 20 can properly support the pipeline 4. More specifically, the support member 30 is configured to be tiltable in the direction of extension (or vertical direction) of the pipeline 4. A specific example of a configuration in which the support member 30 is tiltable is described below. In order to enable the support member 30 to tilt, as shown in Figure 3, the support member 30 is configured to swing around an axis 35-A that extends perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the pipeline 4 in a plan view (viewed by the arrow in the Z-axis direction in Figure 4). In a plan view, the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the pipeline 4 is the Y-axis direction. Figure 3 shows the state in which the support member 30 is tilted in the extension direction (or vertical direction) of the pipeline 4. By oscillating the support member 30 around the axis 35-A, the support member 30 can be tilted.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the axis 35-A is located below the pipeline 4. By positioning the axis 35-A below the pipeline 4, it is easier to support the support member 30 so that it can swing around the axis 35-A.

[0025] To allow the support member 30 to tilt, the stinger 10 is equipped with, for example, a hinge 35. The hinge 35 is connected to, for example, the support member 30. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the hinge 35 is provided on the lower horizontal frame portion 40 of the support member 30 and connects the lower horizontal frame portion 40 to the component 14 of the stinger 10. The component 14 supports the support member 30 so that it can tilt. The component 14 is, for example, a linear beam member, which is positioned below the support member 30 and supports the support member 30 from below. The component 14 connects the support member 30 to a part of the stinger 10. The component 14 is connected to a part of the stinger 10 by, for example, bolts (not shown) and nuts (not shown). As shown in Figure 3, the hinge 35 is rotatable about the Y-axis with respect to its axis 35-A. This allows the support member 30 to rotate about the Y-axis. The support member 30 is tiltable about the Y-axis in conjunction with the tilting of the pipeline 4 in the position where it is supported by the roller 20 via the hinge 35.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the case where the support member 30 is tilted at an angle of θ1(°) with respect to a straight line LX parallel to the X-axis direction, as the pipeline 4 is tilted. In a side view (viewed by the arrow in the Y-axis direction in Figure 3), the support member 30 is tilted at an angle of θ1(°) with respect to the straight line LX toward the other end 10B of the stinger 10. It can also be said that the support member 30 is tilted with respect to a straight line LZ parallel to the vertical direction (a straight line parallel to the Z-axis direction). In detail, the support member 30 is tilted at an angle of "90°-θ1(°)" with respect to the straight line LZ. If θ2(°) is "90°-θ1(°)", then the support member 30 is tilted at an angle of θ2(°) with respect to the straight line LZ parallel to the Z-axis direction. The support member 30 is tilted at an angle of θ2(°) with respect to the straight line LZ toward the other end 10B of the stinger 10. The inclination angle θ1 with respect to the straight line LX shown in Figure 3 is the angle (°) between the straight line 30CL (vertical center line) connecting the center of the upper surface and the center of the lower surface of the support member 30, and the straight line LX, when viewed along the Y-axis direction (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3). In the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the inclination angle θ1 is the angle formed by the straight line 30CL, which connects the center 53 of the upper surface 52 of the upper horizontal frame portion 50 and the center 43 of the lower surface 42 of the lower horizontal frame portion 40, and the straight line LX, in a side view. The inclination angle θ1 is the inferior angle formed by the straight line 30CL and the straight line LX, and in this disclosure, it refers to the angle represented on the other end 10B side. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the inclination angle θ1 is the angle on the left side of the straight line 30CL (the other end 10B side). The inclination angle θ2 with respect to the straight line LZ shown in Figure 3 is the angle (°) between the straight line 30CL and the straight line LZ when viewed along the Y-axis direction (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3). The inclination angle θ2 is the inferior angle between the straight line 30CL and the straight line LZ, and in this disclosure, it refers to the angle represented on the other end 10B side. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the inclination angle θ2 is the angle on the right side of the straight line 30CL (the other end 10B side).

[0027] In the case where the support member 30 is configured to consist of a lower horizontal frame portion 40, a first vertical frame portion 60A, and a second vertical frame portion 60B, that is, a configuration without an upper horizontal frame portion 50, the vertical center line 30CL is the angle formed by the straight line 30CL, which connects the center 64 of the upper surface 63 of the first vertical frame portion 60A (or the second vertical frame portion 60B) and the center 43 of the lower surface 42 of the lower horizontal frame portion 40, and the straight line LX, in a side view (viewed as an arrow in the Y-axis direction in Figure 3). In the case where the support member 30 consists of a lower horizontal frame portion 40, that is, a configuration without an upper horizontal frame portion 50, a first vertical frame portion 60A, and a second vertical frame portion 60B, the vertical center line 30CL is the angle formed by the straight line 30CL, which connects the center 45 of the upper surface 44 of the lower horizontal frame portion 40 and the center 43 of the lower surface 42 of the lower horizontal frame portion 40, and the straight line LX, in a side view (viewed from the arrow in the Y-axis direction in Figure 3). Furthermore, if the support member 30 is not inclined with respect to the straight line LX, the inclination angle θ1 is 90°.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the support member 30 is configured to tilt in accordance with the inclination of the pipeline 4. At the position where the pipeline 4 is supported by the support member 30, as the pipeline 4 inclins, the support member 30 tilts in conjunction with the inclination of the pipeline 4. As the inclination of the pipeline 4 at the position supported by the roller 20 increases, the support member 30 also tilts more in conjunction with the inclination of the pipeline 4. At this time, the inclination angle θ1 decreases, that is, the inclination angle θ2 increases. As the support member 30 tilts in the direction of extension (or vertical direction) of the pipeline 4, the roller 20 moves up and down. When the support member 30 tilts with respect to the straight line LX, one end of the support member 30 moves downward and the other end moves upward, with the axis 35-A as the pivot point. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the support member 30 tilts toward the other end 10B of the stinger 10 with respect to the straight line LX, the other end 10B of the support member 30 moves downward and the one end 10A moves upward, with the axis 35-A as the pivot point. Thus, according to the first embodiment, since the roller 20 tilts in conjunction with the inclination of the pipeline 4, the possibility that the pipeline 4 will not be properly supported by the roller 20 can be reduced even when the pipeline 4 is curved. Therefore, the roller 20 can contact the pipeline 4 as it moves up and down, and the pipeline 4 can be reliably supported by the roller 20.

[0029] In the above embodiment, the support member 30 is provided with a hinge 35, but the configuration is not limited to a hinge 35, as long as the roller 20 is rotatable around a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the pipeline (around the Y-axis direction) or around a direction substantially perpendicular to it. For example, the support member 30 and the component member 14 may be joined by a pin.

[0030] The stinger 10 may be provided with a first roller support section 36A and a second roller support section 36B that support both ends of the roller 20 (more specifically, both ends of the axis 21 of the roller 20). The first roller support section 36A and the second roller support section 36B are provided on the lower horizontal frame section 40, as shown in Figure 2. The first roller support section 36A and the second roller support section 36B may be provided on the first vertical frame section 60A and the second vertical frame section 60B, respectively. The first roller support portion 36A supports one end 23A of the roller 20. The second roller support portion 36B supports the other end 23B of the roller 20. The first roller support section 36A and the second roller support section 36B may be a single integrated roller support section 36.

[0031] The pipeline 4 may oscillate vertically (in the Z-axis direction) due to waves or other factors. When this happens, the pipeline 4 moves vertically on the support member 30, which is undesirable when laying the pipeline 4. Therefore, it is preferable that the stinger 10 is equipped with an upper guide member 70 above the pipeline 4. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper guide member 70 is, for example, a cylindrical member aligned with the Y-axis direction, and is positioned above and opposite the roller 20 so as to sandwich the pipeline 4 between the roller 20 and the roller 20. The upper guide member 70 may also be a flat plate or a rectangular prism shape aligned with the Y-axis direction. Both ends of the upper guide member 70 are supported by the first upper guide member support portion 37A and the second upper guide member support portion 37B. The first upper guide member support portion 37A and the second upper guide member support portion 37B are provided on the upper horizontal frame portion 50, as shown in Figure 2. The first upper guide member support portion 37A and the second upper guide member support portion 37B may also be provided on the first vertical frame portion 60A and the second vertical frame portion 60B, respectively. The first upper guide member support portion 37A supports one end 71A of the upper guide member 70. The second upper guide member support portion 37B supports the other end 71B of the upper guide member 70. The first upper guide member support portion 37A and the second upper guide member support portion 37B may be a single upper guide member support portion 37. The outer diameter, axial length, etc., of the upper guide member 70 may be the same as or different from those of the lower roller 20. The upper guide member 70 may be covered with a rubber material, such as a urethane material.

[0032] Since the stinger 10 is equipped with an upper guide member 70 above the pipeline 4, upward displacement of the pipeline 4 can be suppressed. The upper guide member 70 is positioned above the pipeline 4 and close to the outer circumferential surface 7 of the pipeline 4.

[0033] The stinger 10 may be equipped with a height adjustment mechanism (not shown) that can adjust the height of the upper guide member 70 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The height position of the upper guide member 70 is set according to the outer diameter of the pipeline 4, etc. The height position of the upper guide member 70 may be set so that the outer surface 7 of the pipeline 4 and the outer surface 73 of the upper guide member 70 are in contact in the Z-axis direction, or it may be set with a certain distance between them. The height adjustment mechanism may be provided on the support member 30. The height adjustment mechanism may be provided, for example, on the first upper guide member support part 37A and the second upper guide member support part 37B. The height adjustment mechanism is adjusted manually or automatically.

[0034] The upper guide member 70 may be a roller (upper roller) 70. Both ends of the axis 72 of the upper roller 70 are supported by the first upper guide member support part 37A and the second upper guide member support part 37B. In a plan view, the axis 72 of the upper roller 70 extends in a direction perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the pipeline 4. By rotating the upper roller 70 around its axis 72, the upper roller 70 rotates around the Y axis. The outer diameter, axial length, etc., of the upper roller 70 may be the same as or different from those of the lower roller 20. The upper roller 70 may be covered with a rubber material, such as a urethane material.

[0035] Since the upper guide member 70 is the upper roller 70, even if the pipeline 4 comes into contact with the upper guide member 70, the upper roller 70 rotates around the axis 72, allowing the pipeline 4 to be smoothly fed in the feeding direction D1.

[0036] The pipeline 4 may swing from side to side (widthwise) due to waves or other factors. When this happens, the pipeline 4 moves from side to side on the support member 30, which is undesirable when laying the pipeline 4. Therefore, it is preferable that the stinger 10 is equipped with lateral guide members 80A and 80B on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline 4. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the pipeline 4 is provided with a first lateral guide member 80A and a second lateral guide member 80B extending in the Z-axis direction on both the left and right sides. The first lateral guide member 80A and the second lateral guide member 80B are, for example, cylindrical members. The first lateral guide member 80A and the second lateral guide member 80B may also be flat plate-shaped or prism-shaped along the Z-axis direction. The first lateral guide member 80A has its lower end 81A connected to the first roller support portion 36A and its upper end 82A connected to the first upper guide member support portion 37A. The second lateral guide member 80B has its lower end 81B connected to the second roller support portion 36B and its upper end 82B connected to the second upper guide member support portion 37B. The outer diameter, axial length, etc., of the lateral guide members 80A and 80B may be the same as or different from those of the lower roller 20. The lateral guide members 80A and 80B may be covered with a rubber material, such as a urethane material. In this disclosure, "left and right" refers to the left and right sides when viewed from the front (viewed from the direction of the extension of the pipeline 4) with the Z-axis direction being the upper side. For example, in the view shown by the arrow in Figure 2 (viewed from the downstream side to the upstream side of the pipeline 4), the first lateral guide member 80A is on the left side and the second lateral guide member 80B is on the right side, with respect to the pipeline 4 as a whole.

[0037] Since the stinger 10 is equipped with lateral guide members 80A and 80B on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline 4, it can suppress lateral (left-right) displacement of the pipeline 4. It is more preferable to provide lateral guide members 80A and 80B on both the left and right sides of the pipeline 4.

[0038] The stinger 10 may be equipped with a width adjustment mechanism (not shown) that can adjust the width of the lateral guide members 80A and 80B in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The widthwise position of the lateral guide members 80A and 80B is set according to the outer diameter of the pipeline 4, etc. The widthwise position of the lateral guide members 80A and 80B may be set so that the outer circumferential surface 7 of the pipeline 4 and the respective outer circumferential surfaces 83A and 83B of the lateral guide members 80A and 80B are in contact in the Y-axis direction, or they may be set at a certain distance apart. The width adjustment mechanism may be provided on the support member 30. The width adjustment mechanism may include, for example, a first width adjustment mechanism for adjusting the widthwise position of the first lateral guide member 80A, and a second width adjustment mechanism for adjusting the widthwise position of the second lateral guide member 80B. The first width adjustment mechanism may be provided, for example, on the first upper guide member support portion 37A and the first roller support portion 36A. The second width adjustment mechanism may be provided, for example, on the second upper guide member support portion 37B and the second roller support portion 36B. The width adjustment mechanism may be adjusted manually or automatically.

[0039] The lateral guide members 80A and 80B may also be rollers (lateral rollers) 80A and 80B. The ends of the axis 84A of the lateral roller (first lateral roller) 80A are connected to the first roller support portion 36A and the first upper guide member support portion 37A. The ends of the axis 84B of the lateral roller (second lateral roller) 80B are connected to the second roller support portion 36B and the second upper guide member support portion 37B. The axes 84A and 84B of the side rollers 80A and 80B extend in the Z-axis direction. The axes 84A and 84B of the side rollers 80A and 80B rotate around the axes 84A and 84B. The outer diameter and axial length of the side rollers 80A and 80B may be the same as or different from those of the lower roller 20. The side rollers 80A and 80B may be covered with a rubber material, such as a urethane material.

[0040] Since the lateral guide members 80A and 80B are lateral rollers 80A and 80B, even if the pipeline 4 comes into contact with the lateral guide members 80A and 80B, the lateral guide members 80A and 80B rotate around the axes 84A and 84B, allowing the pipeline 4 to be smoothly fed in the feeding direction D1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the stinger 10 is preferably equipped with rollers or guide members in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pipeline 4. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the guide members arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions are rollers. Specifically, the stinger 10 is preferably equipped with a lower roller 20 arranged below the pipeline 4, an upper roller 70 arranged above the pipeline 4, and lateral rollers 80A, 80B arranged on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline 4, which are rollers capable of contacting the outer circumferential surface 7 of the pipeline 4. It is even more preferable that the lateral rollers 80A, 80B are provided on both the left and right sides of the pipeline 4.

[0042] The stinger 10, comprising a lower roller 20, an upper roller 70, and lateral rollers 80A and 80B positioned on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline 4, can support the pipeline 4 from below and further suppress vertical and lateral displacement of the pipeline 4. By providing the lateral rollers 80A and 80B on both the left and right sides of the pipeline 4, vertical and lateral displacement of the pipeline 4 can be further suppressed.

[0043] The lower roller 20 and the upper roller 70 may be V-shaped when viewed along the extending direction of the stinger 10. For example, the lower roller 20 may be V-shaped with a downward convexity when viewed along the extending direction of the stinger 10. Also, for example, the upper roller 70 may be V-shaped with an upward convexity when viewed along the extending direction of the stinger 10.

[0044] <Second Embodiment> Referring to Figure 5, the stinger 10-1 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences will be described primarily.

[0045] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of the stinger 10-1 according to the second embodiment. The stinger 10-1 is configured such that the lower rollers 20 in the first embodiment are arranged in multiples in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4. In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the stinger 10-1 comprises a pair of lower rollers 20A-1, 20B-1 (first lower roller 20A-1, second lower roller 20B-1), and the pair of lower rollers 20A-1, 20B-1 are arranged in the extending direction of the pipeline 4. The pair of lower rollers 20A-1, 20B-1 support and guide the pipeline 4 from below.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B in the first embodiment are arranged between a pair of lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1. Specifically, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B (first lateral roller 80A and second lateral roller 80B) are arranged between one lower roller 20A-1 and the other lower roller 20B-1 in a side view (viewed by an arrow in the Y-axis direction). In the illustration in Figure 5, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B are positioned midway between one lower roller 20A-1 and the other lower roller 20B-1 in the extending direction of the pipeline 4. The ends of the axis 84A of the lateral roller (first lateral roller) 80A are connected to the first upper support portion 38A-1 and the first lower support portion 39A-1. The ends of the axis 84B of the lateral roller (second lateral roller) 80B are connected to the second upper support portion 38B-1 and the second lower support portion 39B-1. The first upper support portion 38A-1 and the second upper support portion 38B-1 are provided on the upper horizontal frame portion 50. The first upper support portion 38A-1 and the second upper support portion 38B-1 may be a single upper support portion 38-1. The first lower support portion 39A-1 and the second lower support portion 39B-1 are provided on the lower horizontal frame portion 40. The first lower support portion 39A-1 and the second lower support portion 39B-1 may be a single lower support portion 39-1.

[0047] In the stinger 10-1 according to the second embodiment, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B are arranged between a pair of lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1. With this configuration, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B can be positioned in a well-balanced location in the extending direction of the pipeline 4, so that the pipeline 4 can be smoothly fed in the feed direction D1.

[0048] The side rollers 80A and 80B may be positioned at the location of one lower roller 20A-1, or at the location of the other lower roller 20B-1, in a side view. Furthermore, multiple side rollers 80A and 80B may be positioned between the pair of lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1 in a side view.

[0049] The Stinger 10-1 is configured such that multiple upper rollers 70 in the first embodiment are arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4. As shown in Figure 5, the Stinger 10-1 comprises a pair of upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 (first upper roller 70A-1 and second upper roller 70B-1), and the pair of upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 are arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4. As shown in Figure 5, the upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 are positioned opposite to the lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1, sandwiching the pipeline 4 along the Y-axis direction.

[0050] In the second embodiment, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B in the first embodiment are arranged between a pair of upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1. Specifically, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B (first lateral roller 80A and second lateral roller 80B) are arranged between one upper roller 70A-1 and the other upper roller 70B-1 in a side view (viewed as an arrow in the Y-axis direction). In the illustration in Figure 5, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B are positioned midway between one upper roller 70A-1 and the other upper roller 70B-1 in the extending direction of the pipeline 4.

[0051] In the stinger 10-1 according to the second embodiment, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B are arranged between a pair of upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1. With this configuration, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B can be positioned in a well-balanced location in the extending direction of the pipeline 4, so that the pipeline 4 can be smoothly fed in the feed direction D1.

[0052] The stinger 10(10-1) may be equipped with a lower roller position adjustment mechanism (not shown) that can adjust the position of the lower rollers 20(20A-1, 20B-1) in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4. The lower roller position adjustment mechanism may be provided on the support member 30. For example, the lower roller position adjustment mechanism may be provided on the first roller support section 36A and the second roller support section 36B. The lower roller position adjustment mechanism is adjusted manually or automatically. The spacing between adjacent lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1 is set according to, for example, the curvature of the pipeline 4 and the position where the support member 30 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the stinger 10. The stinger 10(10-1) may be equipped with an upper roller position adjustment mechanism (not shown) that can adjust the position of the upper rollers 70(70A-1, 70B-1) in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4. The upper roller position adjustment mechanism may be provided on the support member 30. For example, the upper roller position adjustment mechanism may be provided on the first upper guide member support portion 37A and the second upper guide member support portion 37B. The upper roller position adjustment mechanism is adjusted manually or automatically. The spacing between adjacent upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 is set according to, for example, the curvature of the pipeline 4 and the position where the support member 30 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the stinger 10.

[0053] The pair of lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1 may be arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4, with respect to the axis 35-A, on one side (downstream) and the other side (upstream). In this case, it is preferable that the pair of lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1 are evenly distributed from the axis 35-A in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4. The pair of upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 may be arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4, with respect to the axis 35-A, on one side (downstream) and the other side (upstream). In this case, it is preferable that the pair of upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 are evenly distributed from the axis 35-A in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4.

[0054] The lower rollers 20 (20A-1, 20B-1), upper rollers 70 (70A-1, 70B-1), and side rollers 80A and 80B do not necessarily have to rotate in conjunction with each other; they may rotate independently and separately.

[0055] The stinger 10 according to the first embodiment includes a unit U10 which includes rollers, a support member 30, and a component member 14. The rollers 20 include a lower roller 20, an upper roller 70, and lateral rollers 80A and 80B. Unit U10 includes a lower roller 20, an upper roller 70, lateral rollers 80A and 80B, a support member 30, and a component member 14. The lower roller 20 is positioned below the pipeline 4. The upper roller 70 is positioned above the pipeline 4. The lateral rollers 80A and 80B are positioned on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline 4. Preferably, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B are positioned on both the left and right sides of the pipeline 4. The component member 14 tiltably supports the support member 30. When the support member 30 tilts via the hinge 35, the unit U10 includes the hinge 35.

[0056] Multiple units U10 may be provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10. Figure 6 shows a side view of an example of a stinger 10 according to the first embodiment (and the second embodiment). In the illustration in Figure 6, two units U10 are provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10. The number of units U10 provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10 is not limited to two, but is set according to the size of the pipeline 4, the curvature, etc.

[0057] Multiple units U10 are provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10. This allows the units U10 to be positioned appropriately according to the curvature of the pipeline 4 at each point in the direction of extension of the stinger 10. This ensures that the pipeline 4 is reliably supported by each roller.

[0058] Unit U10-1 may also include a pair of lower rollers 20A-1, 20B-1 and a pair of upper rollers 70A-1, 70B-1 of the stinger 10-1 in the second embodiment. A pair of lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1 are positioned in the direction of extension of the pipeline 4. A pair of upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 are positioned in the direction of extension of pipeline 4. The side rollers 80A and 80B are positioned in a side view between one lower roller 20A-1, 20B-1 or one upper roller 70A-1, 70B-1 and the other lower roller 20A-1, 20B-1 or the other upper roller 70A-1, 70B-1.

[0059] Unit U10-1, like unit U10, may be provided in multiple units in the direction of extension of the stinger 10-1. In the illustration in Figure 6, two units U10-1 are provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10-1. The number of units U10-1 provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10-1 is not limited to two, but is set according to the size and curvature of the pipeline 4, etc.

[0060] Multiple units U10-1 are provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10-1. This allows the units U10-1 to be positioned appropriately according to the curvature of the pipeline 4 at each point in the direction of extension of the stinger 10-1. This ensures that the pipeline 4 is reliably supported by each roller.

[0061] The number of units U10 and U10-1 is determined by considering, for example, the water depth, the outer diameter (weight) of pipeline 4, or the tension. For example, as the water depth increases, the weight of pipeline 4 increases, and therefore the weight supporting pipeline 4 increases. This requires more support points for pipeline 4, and thus the number of units U10 and U10-1 increases. It is preferable to place units U10 and U10-1 in positions where pipeline 4 is particularly prone to large curves. When three or more units U10 and U10-1 are provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10, these units U10 and U10-1 do not need to be arranged at equal intervals in the direction of extension of the stinger 10. For example, units U10 and U10-1 may be concentrated on one end 10A side and the other end 10B side of the stinger 10. Also, when three or more units U10 and U10-1 are provided in the direction of extension of the stinger 10, these units U10 and U10-1 may be arranged at equal intervals in the direction of extension of the stinger 10.

[0062] Units U10 and U10-1 are detachable. By attaching and detaching the component 14 from the stingers 10 and 10-1, units U10 and U10-1 can be attached and detached. Furthermore, each roller (20, 70, 80A, 80B) is detachable. Since units U10 and U10-1 are detachable, for example, when replacing each roller, units U10 and U10-1 can be removed before replacing each roller, resulting in excellent work efficiency.

[0063] The stingers 10 and 10-1 may be equipped with a height adjustment mechanism (not shown) that allows adjustment of the height of the units U10 and U10-1 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The height position of the units U10 and U10-1 is set, for example, according to the curvature of the pipeline 4 at the position where it is supported. For example, by adjusting the vertical position of the units U10 and U10-1 at a position where the pipeline 4 is likely to bend significantly, the pipeline 4 can be properly supported. The height adjustment mechanism may be provided, for example, on the component member 14. The height adjustment mechanism is adjusted manually or automatically.

[0064] The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the axis 35-A, which extends in a direction perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the extension direction of the pipeline 4 in a plan view (viewed by the arrow in the Z-axis direction in Figure 4), may be located above the pipeline 4. In this case, the support member 30 swings around the axis 35-A located above the pipeline. The roller 20 capable of contacting the outer circumferential surface 7 of the pipeline 4 may include a lower roller 20 positioned below the pipeline, an upper guide member 70 positioned above the pipeline 4, and lateral guide members 80A and 80B positioned on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline 4. The upper guide member 70 and the lateral guide members 80A and 80B do not necessarily have to be rollers. The lateral rollers 80A and 80B do not necessarily have to be positioned between one lower roller 20A-1 and the other lower roller 20B-1 of the pair, which are arranged in the extending direction of the pipeline 4. In this case, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B may be positioned outside the lower rollers 20A-1 and 20B-1 in the extending direction of the pipeline 4. The lateral rollers 80A and 80B do not necessarily have to be positioned between one upper roller 70A-1 and the other upper roller 70B-1 of the pair, which are arranged in the extending direction of the pipeline 4. In this case, the lateral rollers 80A and 80B may be positioned outside the upper rollers 70A-1 and 70B-1 in the extending direction of the pipeline 4. Unit U10 (U10-1) may include an upper guide member 70 (70A-1, 70B-1) and lateral guide members 80A, 80B, and the upper guide member 70 (70A-1, 70B-1) and the lateral guide members 80A, 80B do not have to be rollers.

[0065] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0066] (Note) The above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0067] <1> A stinger according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a stinger provided at the stern of a pipeline laying vessel and for guiding a pipeline, comprising a roller capable of contacting the outer surface of the pipeline and a support member that rotatably supports the roller, wherein the support member is configured to be tiltable, and the roller moves up and down as the support member tilts.

[0068] As the support member tilts in the direction of the pipeline's extension (or vertical direction), the rollers move up and down. This tilting of the rollers in conjunction with the pipeline's inclination reduces the possibility of the pipeline not being properly supported by the rollers, even when the pipeline is curved. As a result, the rollers make contact with the vertically moving pipeline, ensuring reliable support for the pipeline.

[0069] <2> the above <1> In the stinger relating to this, the support member may be configured to swing around an axis that extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the pipeline in a plan view.

[0070] The support member can be tilted by oscillating it around its axis.

[0071] <3> the above <2> In the stinger relating to this, a configuration may be adopted in which the axis is located below the pipeline.

[0072] By positioning the axis below the pipeline, the support member can be easily supported so that it can swing around the axis.

[0073] <4> the above <1> from <3> In a stinger relating to any one of the above, a configuration may be adopted in which the roller is provided with a lower roller located below the pipeline.

[0074] The lower rollers allow the pipeline to be supported from below.

[0075] <5> the above <1> from <4> In the stinger relating to any one of the above, a configuration may be adopted that includes an upper guide member positioned above the pipeline.

[0076] The upper guide member helps to suppress upward displacement of the pipeline.

[0077] <6> the above <5> In the stinger relating to this, the upper guide member may be configured as a roller.

[0078] Since the upper guide member is a roller, even if the pipeline comes into contact with the upper guide member, the upper roller rotates around its axis, allowing the pipeline to be smoothly fed in the direction of delivery.

[0079] <7> the above <1> from <6> A stinger relating to any one of the above may be configured to include a lateral guide member positioned on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline.

[0080] Lateral guide members can suppress lateral (left-right) displacement of the pipeline.

[0081] <8> the above <7> In the stinger relating to this, the lateral guide member may be configured as a roller.

[0082] Since the lateral guide member is a lateral roller, even if the pipeline comes into contact with the lateral guide member, the lateral guide member rotates around its axis, allowing the pipeline to be smoothly fed in the feeding direction.

[0083] <9> the above <1> from <8> In a stinger relating to any one of the above, the rollers may be configured to include a lower roller positioned below the pipeline, an upper roller positioned above the pipeline, and a lateral roller positioned on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline.

[0084] The pipeline can be supported from below, and furthermore, displacement of the pipeline in the vertical and horizontal directions can be suppressed.

[0085] <10> the above <9> In the stinger relating to this, a pair of lower rollers may be provided, the pair of lower rollers arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline, and the lateral roller may be arranged in a side view between one of the lower rollers and the other lower roller.

[0086] The configuration, in which the lateral rollers are positioned between a pair of lower rollers, allows the lateral rollers to be positioned in a well-balanced location in the direction of pipeline extension, thereby enabling smooth pipeline movement in the discharge direction.

[0087] <11> the above <9> In the stinger relating to this, a pair of upper rollers may be provided, the pair of upper rollers arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline, and the lateral roller may be arranged in a side view between one of the upper rollers and the other upper roller.

[0088] The configuration, in which the lateral rollers are positioned between a pair of upper rollers, allows the lateral rollers to be positioned in a well-balanced location in the direction of pipeline extension, thereby enabling smooth pipeline movement in the discharge direction.

[0089] <12> the above <1> from <11> A stinger relating to any one of the above may include, as the rollers, a lower roller positioned below the pipeline, an upper roller positioned above the pipeline, and a lateral roller positioned on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline, and may also include a unit comprising the lower roller, the upper roller, the lateral roller, the support member, and a component that tiltably supports the support member, wherein a plurality of such units may be provided in the extending direction of the stinger.

[0090] By providing multiple units in the direction of the stinger's extension, the units can be positioned appropriately according to the curvature of the pipeline at each point in the direction of the stinger's extension. This ensures that the pipeline is reliably supported by each roller.

[0091] <13> the above <12> In the stinger relating to the present invention, the unit comprises a pair of lower rollers and a pair of upper rollers, wherein the pair of lower rollers and the pair of upper rollers are arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline, and the lateral rollers may be arranged in a side view between one of the lower rollers or one of the upper rollers and the other lower roller or the other upper roller.

[0092] By providing multiple units in the direction of the stinger's extension, the units can be positioned appropriately according to the curvature of the pipeline at each point in the direction of the stinger's extension. This ensures that the pipeline is reliably supported by each roller. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 2. Drainer 3 Stern 4 pipelines 10,10-1 Stinger 14 Components 20, 20A-1, 20B-1 Roller (Lower Roller) 30 Support member 35 Hinge 35-A Axial center 70, 70A-1, 70B-1 Upper guide member (upper roller) 80A, 80B Side guide member (side roller) U10, U10-1 Unit

Claims

1. A stinger, mounted at the stern of a pipe-laying vessel, that guides the pipeline, A roller that can contact the outer surface of the pipeline, The system comprises a support member that rotatably supports the roller, The support member is configured to be tiltable, A stinger in which the roller moves up and down as the support member tilts.

2. The stinger according to claim 1, wherein the support member is configured to swing about an axis that extends in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the pipeline in a plan view.

3. The stinger according to claim 2, wherein the axis is located below the pipeline.

4. The stinger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a lower roller positioned below the pipeline as the roller.

5. A stinger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an upper guide member positioned above the pipeline.

6. The stinger according to claim 5, wherein the upper guide member is a roller.

7. A stinger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a lateral guide member disposed on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline.

8. The stinger according to claim 7, wherein the lateral guide member is a roller.

9. As the aforementioned roller, A lower roller positioned below the pipeline, An upper roller positioned above the pipeline, A lateral roller positioned on at least one of the left or right sides of the pipeline, A stinger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

10. A pair of the aforementioned lower rollers are provided, The pair of lower rollers are arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline. The stinger according to claim 9, wherein the lateral roller is positioned between one of the lower rollers and the other lower roller in a side view.

11. A pair of the aforementioned upper rollers are provided, The pair of upper rollers are arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline. The stinger according to claim 9, wherein the lateral roller is positioned between one of the upper rollers and the other upper roller in a side view.

12. As the aforementioned roller, A lower roller positioned below the pipeline, An upper roller positioned above the pipeline, The pipeline comprises a lateral roller positioned on at least one of the left or right sides, The unit includes the lower roller, the upper roller, the lateral roller, the support member, and a component that supports the support member so that it can tilt, The unit is provided in multiple locations in the direction of extension of the stinger. A stinger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The aforementioned unit is A pair of the aforementioned lower rollers, A pair of the aforementioned upper rollers, Includes, The pair of lower rollers and the pair of upper rollers are arranged in the direction of extension of the pipeline. The stinger according to claim 12, wherein the lateral roller is positioned in a side view between one of the lower rollers or one of the upper rollers and the other lower roller or the other upper roller.

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