Cylindrical body for installation on the bottom of water and method for installing the same on the bottom of water

Abstract

To provide a cylindrical body for installation on a water bottom and a method for installing the same on a water bottom which can reduce the load on a crane when erecting a cylindrical body and in which a work can be safely and efficiently carried out.SOLUTION: A cylindrical body 1 for installation on a water bottom comprises: a cylindrical body main body 2 having both ends opened; a partition wall member 7 that partitions an interior longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body main body 2 into an upper compartment 5 and a lower compartment 6; detachable cover members 8, 9 for closing the openings at both ends of the cylindrical body main body 2; and pressurizing and depressurizing means 14 for pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the lower compartment 6. The cylindrical body 1 for installation on a water bottom can stand up in water by using the buoyancy of the lower compartment 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom used for structures installed on or underwater, such as foundations for bottom-fixed offshore wind power generation facilities and piers, and a method for installing the same on the water bottom. [Background technology]

[0002] Fixed-bottom offshore wind power generation facilities are known in which wind turbines and other equipment are supported by monopile foundations made of tubular bodies inserted into the waterbed. Also, for structures such as piers, it is known that the superstructure is supported by tubular bodies (steel pipe piles) inserted into the waterbed.

[0003] To install a fixed-bottom offshore wind turbine as a surface or underwater structure, one method is to first transport the tubular bodies for installation on the water bottom, such as monopiles, which are fabricated in a factory or fabrication yard on land, the wind turbines and the columns that support the wind turbines, to a base port, where they are loaded onto a lifting platform barge (hereinafter referred to as a SEP vessel) using the vessel's crane, and the SEP vessel then transports the tubular bodies for installation over sea to the installation area.

[0004] After arriving at the installation area, the legs of the SEP vessel are lowered and allowed to land on the bottom, and the main body of the SEP vessel supported by the legs is raised above the water, making the main body of the SEP vessel stable against waves and other forces.

[0005] Next, the SEP vessel's crane is used to hoist and stand the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom, such as a monopile, loaded on the SEP vessel, and then the cylindrical body is lowered in that state to the water bottom ground where it is set down.

[0006] Then, the head of the water-bottom installation tubular body that has been seated on the water bottom is driven in with a hammer or the like, so that the water-bottom installation tubular body penetrates the water bottom and is installed.

[0007] Next, the wind turbine and the column that supports it are hoisted by the SEP vessel's crane and connected to the installed water-bottom installation cylindrical body, completing the installation of the bottom-fixed offshore wind power generation equipment.

[0008] In other words, the entire process from laying the foundations to installing the wind turbines is carried out in a stable environment using the SEP ship.

[0009] On the other hand, a method for transporting a tubular body for installation on the water bottom to the installation area is also known in which the openings at both ends of the tubular body are closed with lid members and the tubular body is floated on the water and towed.

[0010] In this method, the cylindrical body is towed to the installation area, the cover members that close both ends of the cylindrical body are detached, and the cylindrical body is then erected using an SEP ship or a crane ship. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-112239 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] However, in recent years, as wind turbines and other wind power generation equipment have become larger, the cylindrical bodies that make up the monopile foundations that support the wind turbines have also become heavier and longer. This means that the crane of the procured SEP ship did not have enough lifting capacity, making it difficult to load the cylindrical bodies onto the hull, and to transport and erect them.

[0013] In that case, it would be necessary to separately arrange for a large crane ship with a crane with a greater lifting capacity than the SEP ship's crane, which would increase costs and make the work more complex.

[0014] Furthermore, even when the openings at both ends of the cylindrical body are closed with lid members and the cylindrical body is floated on water and towed, a large crane ship is required to erect the cylindrical body if it is large.

[0015] Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the lifting load on the crane by using the buoyancy of the cylindrical body to raise it up while keeping both end openings closed with cover members. However, in this case, there is a problem in that it is difficult to safely detach the cover members that close the both end openings from the cylindrical body after the cylindrical body has been raised.

[0016] Therefore, in consideration of these conventional problems, the present invention has been made with the aim of providing a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom and a method for installing the same on the water bottom, which can reduce the burden on the crane when erecting the cylindrical body and allow work to be carried out safely and efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The feature of the invention described in claim 1 for solving the above-mentioned conventional problems is that a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom, which is installed by penetrating into the water bottom ground, comprises a cylindrical body main body with both ends open, a partition member that divides the interior longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body main body into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, removable cover members that close the openings at both ends of the cylindrical body main body, and a pressurizing / depressurizing means for pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the lower compartment.

[0018] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of claim 1, the pressurizing and depressurizing means comprises an air supply pipe one end of which is exposed in the lower compartment, a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the pressure in the air supply pipe, and a pump for pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the lower compartment through the air supply pipe, and one end of the air supply pipe is connected to the lower compartment through the partition member, and the other end of the air supply pipe penetrates the peripheral wall of the upper compartment and is connected to the pump installed outside.

[0019] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of claim 1 or 2, it further comprises an opening penetrating the partition member, and a partition cover member that closes the opening.

[0020] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of any one of claims 1 to 3, the cover member comprises a support portion made of steel and a plug portion protruding from one side of the support portion, and part or all of the plug portion is made of rubber or reinforced plastic.

[0021] The feature of the invention described in claim 5 is that, in addition to the configuration of any one of claims 1 to 4, the cover member that closes the opening on the lower compartment side has a connecting wire whose one end is connected to the cover member that closes the opening on the lower compartment side, and a float connected to the other end of the connecting wire.

[0022] The feature of the invention described in claim 6 is that in a method for installing a tubular body on the bottom of the water, the tubular body is raised and its lower end is landed on the bottom of the water, and then the tubular body is inserted into the bottom of the water to install it, the tubular body is divided into an upper compartment and a lower compartment in the internal longitudinal direction by a partition member, and the tubular body with both end openings closed by removable lid members is floated in a horizontal position on the water, the upper compartment side of the tubular body is rotated upward while the tubular body is floating in the water to raise the tubular body, the lower compartment is pressurized to remove the lid member that closes the opening on the lower compartment side, and then the lower end of the tubular body is landed on the bottom of the water while the inside of the lower compartment is depressurized.

[0023] The feature of the invention described in claim 7 is that, in addition to the configuration of claim 6, a tubular body holding means rotatably supported on the ship holds the tubular body floating in a lying position on the water, and by rotating the tubular body holding means, the upper compartment side of the tubular body is rotated upward while the tubular body is floating in the water, thereby standing the tubular body up.

[0024] The invention as set forth in claim 8 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of claim 6 or 7, the cylindrical body is penetrated into the water bottom ground while reducing the pressure inside the lower compartment.

[0025] The feature of the invention described in claim 9 is that, in addition to the configuration of any one of claims 6 to 8, after the cylindrical body is penetrated into the bottom ground, the cover member closing the opening on the upper compartment side is removed.

[0026] The feature of the invention described in claim 10 is that, in addition to the configuration of claim 9, after the lower compartment side of the cylindrical body is landed on the bottom of the water, the cover member that closes the opening on the upper compartment side is driven in, and the cylindrical body is penetrated into the bottom of the water.

[0027] The invention as recited in claim 11 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of any one of claims 6 to 8, water is poured into the upper compartment after the cylindrical body is landed on the bottom of the water.

[0028] The feature of the invention described in claim 12 is that, in addition to the configuration of any one of claims 6 to 10, it comprises an opening penetrating the partition member and a partition cover member closing the opening, and after the cylindrical body is penetrated into the water bottom ground, the partition cover member is removed.

[0029] The feature of the invention described in claim 13 is that, in addition to the configuration of claim 6 or 7, it further comprises an opening penetrating the partition member and a partition cover member closing the opening, and the partition cover member is removed after the cylindrical body is landed on the water bottom.

[0030] The feature of the invention described in claim 14 is that, in addition to the configuration of any one of claims 6 to 13, the cylindrical body, whose openings at both ends are closed with cover members, is floated lying on the water and towed to the construction site. Effect of the Invention

[0031] By being provided with the configuration described in claim 1, the tubular body for installation on the water bottom of the present invention can reduce the burden on the crane when erecting the tubular body by utilizing the buoyancy of the tubular body itself.

[0032] In addition, in the present invention, by providing the configuration described in claim 2, the pressure in the lower compartment can be appropriately adjusted, and the operations from raising the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom to landing on the bottom can be carried out smoothly.

[0033] Furthermore, in the present invention, by providing the configuration recited in claim 3, the partition cover member can be reused, and material costs can be reduced.

[0034] Furthermore, in the present invention, by providing the configuration described in claim 4, the support portion can resist pressure, the plug portion can securely fit into the opening, and the opening can be sealed, and the plug portion is lightweight so that it can be removed smoothly.

[0035] Furthermore, in the present invention, by providing the configuration described in claim 5, the position of the lid member removed underwater can be accurately grasped, and it can be easily retrieved from above water.

[0036] Furthermore, in the present invention, by providing the configuration recited in claim 6, when erecting the cylindrical body, the buoyancy of the cylindrical body itself can be utilized to reduce the load on the crane.

[0037] Furthermore, in the present invention, by adopting the configuration described in claim 7, the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom can be held in a stable state until the buoyancy of the lower compartment portion is removed.

[0038] In the present invention, by providing the configuration described in claim 8, the pressure in the lower compartment can be reduced, thereby enabling the penetration work to be carried out efficiently.

[0039] In the present invention, by providing the configuration recited in claim 9, the cover member can be reused, and material costs can be reduced.

[0040] In the present invention, by adopting the configuration described in claim 10, the upper cover member that closes the opening on the upper compartment side serves as a receiving member, thereby making it possible to prevent damage to the tubular body during casting and to reduce underwater noise when casting the tubular body.

[0041] In the present invention, by adopting the configuration described in claim 11, the load of the taken-in water is applied, allowing the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom to be smoothly lowered, and the bottom landing and penetration operations can be performed smoothly.

[0042] In the present invention, by providing the configuration described in claim 12, the pressure inside the lower compartment can be smoothly reduced when penetrating into the ground, the penetration work can be carried out efficiently, and the removed partition cover member can be reused, thereby reducing material costs.

[0043] In the present invention, by providing the configuration described in claim 13, the pressure in the lower compartment can be released, and the removed partition cover member can be reused, thereby reducing material costs.

[0044] In the present invention, by providing the configuration described in claim 14, even a large cylindrical body that is difficult to load onto a barge such as an SEP ship can be suitably moved to the installation waters. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 2(a) is a front view showing an example of a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom according to the present invention, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the same. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the partition wall of the embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lower compartment side opening of the same. [Figure 4] (a) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the opening on the upper compartment side of the same, (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state during pouring, and (c) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing another aspect of the opening on the upper compartment side of the same. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a lifting barge used in the method for installing a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the same with the crane omitted. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state at the start of work in the method for installing a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom according to the present invention, with the crane omitted. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the state at the start of the erection work of the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom of the same, with the crane omitted. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state of the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom during erection work, with the crane omitted. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state in which the above-mentioned cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom is erected, with the crane omitted. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state during the operation of removing the lower cover member of the above, with the illustration of a crane omitted. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state in which the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom is being placed on the bottom, with the crane omitted. [Figure 15] This is a front view, omitting the illustration of the crane, showing the state when the above-mentioned cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom begins to penetrate into the water bottom ground. [Figure 16] This is a front view, omitting the illustration of the crane, showing the state when the above-mentioned cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom is penetrated into the water bottom ground and the upper cover member and the cover member for the partition wall are removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Next, an embodiment of the cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom according to the present invention will be described based on the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4. In the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom, such as a monopile used for the foundation of an offshore wind power generation facility.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom is composed of a cylindrical body 2 made of a steel pipe or the like, with both ends open, and is designed to be installed by penetrating into the water bottom ground 3. In the figure, the reference numeral 4 denotes the water surface.

[0048] This cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom comprises a partition member 7 which divides the internal longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body main body 2 into an upper compartment 5 and a lower compartment 6, and removable cover members (hereinafter referred to as upper cover member 8 and lower cover member 9, respectively) which close the openings at both ends of the cylindrical body main body 2, and by closing the openings at both ends of the cylindrical body main body 2 with the cover members 8, 9, it is possible to float it on the water in a lying position.

[0049] The tubular body 2 is made of a steel pipe or the like, and has a cylindrical base pipe 2a to which a tapered tube section 2b in the shape of a truncated cone is connected at the upper end, with the opening on the side of the lower compartment 6 being formed with a larger diameter than the opening on the side of the upper compartment 5. The form of the tubular body 2 is not limited to this embodiment, and the tapered tube section 2b need not be provided at the upper end.

[0050] In addition, the cylindrical body main body 2 has slinging protrusions 10, 10 protruding from the outer surface of the upper compartment 5, and the lifting wire 28 of the crane 23 is connected to these slinging protrusions 10, 10, and the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom is raised and stood up by lifting it up.

[0051] The partition member 7 is formed in a circular ring shape with an opening 7a in the center and is made of steel, rubber, reinforced plastic, etc., and is fixed at a predetermined position in the interior longitudinal direction of the cylindrical main body 2, dividing the interior of the cylindrical main body 2 into an upper compartment 5 and a lower compartment 6.

[0052] The position at which the partition member 7 is provided inside the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom varies depending on the casting depth of the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom, but it is desirable to provide the partition member 7 at a position that is above the surface of the water bottom ground 3 and close to the surface of the water bottom ground 3 when the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom is penetrated into the water bottom ground 3, so that the amount of air used to pressurize the lower compartment 6 is reduced when removing the lower cover member 9 that closes the opening on the lower compartment side.

[0053] In addition, the central opening 7a of the partition member 7 is closed by a removable partition cover member (hereinafter referred to as the partition cover member) 11, so that the partition cover member 11 can be removed depending on the situation and application.

[0054] In order to ensure sufficient sealing with the partition cover member 11, the partition member 7 may have a cylindrical portion 7b in the center, whose axial length is longer than the plate thickness of the partition member 7, protruding toward the lower chamber 6, as shown in Figure 2, and an opening 7a may be formed inside the cylindrical portion 7b.

[0055] The partition cover member 11 is plug-shaped and includes a disk-shaped support portion 11a, a plug portion 11b protruding from one side of the support portion 11a (the side facing the partition member 7), and a ring-shaped gasket portion 11c arranged on the outer edge of the plug portion side surface of the support portion 11a.

[0056] The support portion 11a is formed in a disk shape having a certain thickness from a rigid member such as steel, and its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 7a.

[0057] The plug portion 11b protrudes from one side (the side facing the partition member 7) of the support portion 11a and includes a core portion 11d formed in a doughnut shape (a truncated cone shape) made of a material having a certain rigidity such as steel or reinforced plastic, and a water-stopping member 11e made of an elastic material such as rubber that covers the outer periphery of the core portion 11d, and is adapted to be press-fitted into the opening 7a.

[0058] The strength of the plug portion 11b of the partition cover member 11 fitting into the partition member 7 is set to be higher than the strength of the plug portion 9b of the lower cover member 9 fitting into the opening on the lower compartment side.

[0059] Incidentally, by forming the core portion 11d of the partition cover member 11 from reinforced plastic, the weight can be reduced and it can be easily removed.

[0060] In addition, the plug portion 11b may be constructed as a single unit from a material such as reinforced plastic that has a certain degree of rigidity while exhibiting elasticity, or may be provided with a threaded portion wrapped with waterproof tape on the outer periphery instead of the waterproof member 11e so that it can be screwed into the opening 7a, and if the partition member 7 and the partition cover member 11 are both constructed from steel, they may also be fixed by welding.

[0061] The packing portion 11c is formed in a circular ring shape and made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is arranged to be interposed between the support portion 11a and the upper surface of the partition member .

[0062] The form of the partition cover member 11 is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be set taking into consideration the air pressure strength when standing and the air pressure strength when the pressure inside the lower compartment 6 is reduced.

[0063] The partition cover member 11 has a diameter smaller than the opening on the upper compartment 5 side, so that the partition cover member 11 can be detached from the partition member 7 and removed from the opening on the upper compartment 5 side depending on the situation.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, the lower cover member 9 is plug-shaped and includes a disk-shaped support portion 9a, a plug portion 9b protruding from one side of the support portion 9a (the side facing the opening of the lower compartment), and a circular gasket portion 9c arranged on the outer edge of the plug side of the support portion 9a.

[0065] The support portion 9a is formed in a disk shape having a certain thickness from a rigid member such as steel, and its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the opening on the lower compartment side.

[0066] The plug portion 9b is provided on one side (the side facing the lower compartment opening) of the support portion 9a, and includes a core portion 9d formed in a doughnut shape (frustum cone shape) made of a material having a certain rigidity such as steel or reinforced plastic, and a water-stopping member 9e made of an elastic material such as rubber that covers the outer periphery of the core portion 9d, and is press-fitted into the lower compartment opening. By making the core portion 9d out of reinforced plastic, the weight of the lower cover member 9 can be reduced, making it easier to remove.

[0067] The plug portion 9b may be integrally formed from a material such as reinforced plastic that has a certain degree of rigidity and is elastic.

[0068] The packing portion 9c is formed in an annular shape and made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is arranged to be interposed between the support portion and the upper surface of the partition member .

[0069] In addition, one end of a connecting wire 12 is connected to the lower cover member 9, and the other end of this connecting wire 12 is connected to a float 13 such as a buoy.After the lower cover member 9 is removed underwater, the float 13 rises to the surface, making it easy to grasp the position of the lower cover member 9 underwater and allowing the lower cover member 9 to be easily retrieved from the water.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4(a), the upper cover member 8 is plug-shaped and has a disk-shaped support portion 8a and a plug portion 8b protruding from one side of the support portion 8a (the side facing the opening of the upper compartment).

[0071] The support portion 8a is formed in a disk shape having a certain thickness from a rigid member such as steel, and its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the opening on the upper compartment side.

[0072] The plug portion 8b is provided on one side (the side facing the upper compartment side opening) of the support portion 8a, and includes a core portion 8d formed in a doughnut shape (frustum cone shape) made of a material having a certain rigidity such as steel or reinforced plastic, and a water-stopping member 8e made of an elastic material such as rubber that covers the outer periphery of the core portion 8d, and is press-fitted into the upper compartment side opening. By making the core portion 8d out of reinforced plastic, the weight of the upper cover member 8 can be reduced and it can be easily removed.

[0073] Also, the entire plug portion 8b may be integrally formed from a material such as reinforced plastic that has a certain degree of rigidity and is elastic.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 4(b), the support part 8a of this top cover member 8 directly contacts the edge of the opening on the upper compartment side, and the impact energy of the blow acting on the support part 8a is directly transmitted, so that by leaving it attached when driving the head part with a hammer or the like to penetrate the water bottom installation cylindrical body 1 into the water bottom ground 3, it also functions as a receiving member when driving. Also, by leaving the top cover member 8 in place when driving, the underwater noise that propagates into the water can be reduced.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 4(c), the upper cover member 8 may have a cylindrical protruding support portion 2a on the inside of the upper compartment side opening, the outer diameter of the support portion 8a may be made smaller than the upper compartment side opening, and the plug portion 8b may be press-fitted into the protruding support portion 2a. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] In this case, the support portion 8a penetrates into the inside of the cylindrical body 2 through the opening on the upper compartment side, and when the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom is penetrated into the water bottom ground 3, the upper surface of the cylindrical body 2 is driven in with a hammer or the like.

[0077] In addition, this cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom is equipped with a pressurizing / depressurizing means 14 for pressurizing and depressurizing the interior of the lower compartment 6, and by adjusting the pressure within the lower compartment 6, the removal of the lower cover body 9 and the operation of the cylindrical body main body 2 landing and penetrating the water bottom ground 3 can be carried out smoothly.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 2, the pressurizing and depressurizing means 14 comprises a pair of air supply pipes (hereinafter referred to as an air supply pipe 15 and an air intake pipe 16) one end of which is exposed inside the lower compartment 6, and pressure regulating valves 17, 17 for adjusting the pressure inside the air supply pipes 15, 16. The air supply pipe 15 is connected to an air supply pump 18, and the air intake pipe 16 is connected to a suction pump 19, so that the inside of the lower compartment 6 can be pressurized or depressurized.

[0079] One end of each of the air exhaust pipes 15, 16 penetrates the partition member 7 and communicates with the lower compartment 6, and the other end penetrates the peripheral wall of the upper compartment 5 and is connected to each of the pumps 18, 19 installed externally. Since the other end is located outside the peripheral wall, it is easy to pressurize the lower compartment 6.

[0080] Next, the installation method of the above-mentioned water-bottom installation tubular body will be described based on the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 16. In addition, reference numeral 20 in the figures denotes a lifting platform (hereinafter, referred to as an SEP vessel) used to install the water-bottom installation tubular body 1. Also, in Figures 6 and after, the illustration of the crane 23 is omitted for convenience.

[0081] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the SEP vessel 20 comprises an SEP vessel main body 21 that moves on the water, a plurality of legs 22, 22... supported on the SEP vessel main body 21 so as to be able to move up and down, and a crane 23 installed on the SEP vessel main body 21.

[0082] In addition, the SEP vessel 20 is provided with a cylindrical body holding means 24 rotatably supported on the SEP vessel main body 21, and this cylindrical body holding means 24 is capable of holding the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom.

[0083] The tubular body gripping means 24 has a gripping body 25 that grips the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom, the side of which is supported by a rotating shaft 26, and this rotating shaft 26 is rotated by a power unit 27 installed on the deck of the SEP main body 21.

[0084] The gripping body 25 is adapted to open and close between a state in which the pair of opening / closing arm portions 25a, 25a rotate to open in a U-shape, and a state in which both opening / closing arm portions 25a, 25a are closed to grip the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom, and is positioned so that the opening side having both opening / closing arm portions 25a, 25a can open downward when the gripping body 25 is rotated downward.

[0085] After this SEP vessel 20 has moved to the sea area where the underwater installation cylindrical body 1 will be installed, as shown in FIG. 5, the legs 22, 22... are lowered to land on the underwater ground 3, and the SEP vessel main body 21 supported by the legs 22, 22... is raised above the water, making the SEP vessel main body 21 stable against waves, etc.

[0086] Meanwhile, in a factory or production yard on land, the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom is manufactured, and the openings at both ends of the tubular body main body 2 and the opening 7a of the bulkhead member 7 are closed with an upper cover member 8, a lower cover member 9 and a bulkhead cover member 11, and the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom is floated on the water and towed to the installation area.

[0087] During towing, plug portions 8b, 9b, the outer periphery of which is covered by water-stopping members 8e, 9e, are pressed into both openings of the cylindrical body 2, so that both openings are watertight by the upper cover member 8 and the lower cover member 9, preventing water from entering the cylindrical body 2. In addition, the support portion 9a of the lower cover member 9 is pressed toward the cylindrical body 2 by water pressure, and the packing portion 9c is compressed, so that even higher water-stopping properties are obtained.

[0088] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the towed tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom is brought alongside the SEP vessel 20 and moored as necessary.

[0089] Next, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the gripping body 25 is rotated to a position where the opening side of the gripping body 25 faces diagonally downward, so that the opening is open toward the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom.A lifting wire 28 is slinged onto the slinging protrusion 10, and in this state, the upper compartment 5 side is lifted by the crane 23 of the SEP vessel 20 while the lower compartment 6 side is left floating in the water.

[0090] At that time, since the lower compartment 6 side is floating in the water, the buoyancy of the lower compartment 6 side acts on the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom, thereby reducing the load acting on the crane 23 accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to accommodate even the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom, which previously required a crane with a lifting capacity greater than that of the crane 23 of the SEP vessel 20.

[0091] At this time, higher water pressure acts on the lower cover member 9 than when towing, but since the highly rigid support portion 9a is in contact with the edge of the opening on the lower compartment side, the water pressure does not cause the lower cover member 9 to deform or water to enter the cylindrical main body 2 side.

[0092] In addition, the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom, which is raised obliquely, is guided inside the gripping body 25, and the opening / closing arm portions 25a, 25a are closed to temporarily grip the body, thereby suppressing rocking caused by waves.

[0093] Next, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, the hoisting wire 28 is wound up by the crane 23, and the water bottom installation cylindrical body 1 is raised from its inclined state to an upright position with the lower compartment 6 side floating in the water.

[0094] At that time, the gripping body 25 is rotated together with the rotation of the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom, and when it is in an upright position, the gripping body 25 securely grips the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom, thereby restricting the behavior of the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom due to buoyancy.

[0095] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressure in the lower compartment 6 is increased by the pressurizing / depressurizing means 14 until it becomes equal to or greater than the water pressure applied to the lower cover member 9, and the lower cover member 9 that closes the opening on the lower compartment 6 side is removed from the opening.

[0096] At that time, due to its structure, the plug portion 9b press-fitted into the lower compartment opening does not increase the degree of adhesion between the water-stopping member 9e and the cylindrical main body 2 due to water pressure, and the fitting strength does not fluctuate.

[0097] On the other hand, in the partition cover member 11, a water-stopping member 11e is press-fitted into the opening 7a so that the plug portion 11b does not come out of the opening 7a due to an increase in pressure in the lower chamber 6.

[0098] When the lower cover member 9 is detached from the opening underwater, the float 13 connected via the connecting wire 12 rises to the surface of the water, so that the position of the lower cover member 9 underwater can be accurately grasped, and the connecting wire 12 can be reeled in from above the water to lift the lower cover member 9 to the surface of the water, where it can be recovered and reused.

[0099] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the air in the lower compartment 6 is sucked in by the pressurization and depressurization means 14 to reduce the pressure, thereby reducing the buoyancy in the lower compartment 6, and the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom is lowered by the crane 23 until the lower end of the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom hits the water bottom ground 3.

[0100] At that time, water may be poured into the upper compartment 5 so that the load caused by the poured water promotes the descent of the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom; pouring water into the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom can increase the penetration ability.

[0101] In addition, since the partition cover member 11 has a highly rigid support portion 11a in contact with the partition member 7 via the gasket portion 11c, the partition cover member 11 is prevented from deforming or water from entering the lower compartment 6 due to the water pressure of the water poured into the upper compartment 5 and the reduced pressure in the lower compartment 6.

[0102] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper cover member 8 of the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom that has landed on the water bottom is driven in with a hammer or the like, so that the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom penetrates into the water bottom ground 3.

[0103] At this time, as shown in Figure 4 (b), there is no gasket or the like interposed between the support portion 8a of the upper cover member 8 and the edge of the opening on the upper compartment side of the cylindrical body 2, and the support portion 8a is in direct contact with the edge of the opening on the upper compartment side, so that the impact energy produced by striking (impacting) the upper cover member 8 (support portion 8a) with a hammer is efficiently transmitted to the cylindrical body 2.

[0104] At that time, the air in the lower compartment 6 is further sucked in by the pressurizing / decompressing means 14 to reduce the pressure, thereby reducing the resistance caused by the air remaining in the lower compartment 6 and allowing the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom to be smoothly inserted into the water bottom ground 3.

[0105] In addition, a water injection pipe (not shown) may be provided connecting the upper compartment 5 and the lower compartment 6 so that water can be injected into the lower compartment 6 as well. It is even better to inject water into the lower compartment 6 at the same time as the air is sucked in, which can further increase the penetration ability.

[0106] Then, pouring is interrupted before the water bottom ground 3 reaches the position of the bulkhead member 7.

[0107] Finally, as shown in Figure 16, after the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom has been inserted into the water bottom ground 3, the upper cover member 8 is removed and the partition cover member 11 is removed from the upper opening, completing the installation of the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom.

[0108] The partition cover member 11 may be removed when the water-bottom installation cylindrical body 1 hits the water bottom, rather than after the water-bottom installation cylindrical body 1 penetrates the water bottom ground 3. In this case, by removing the partition cover member 1 when the water bottom installation cylindrical body 1 hits the water bottom, water can be smoothly poured into the lower compartment 6 even if there is no water injection pipe connecting the upper compartment 5 and the lower compartment 6.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the upper cover member 8 is left attached and driven in with a hammer as a receiving member, but the upper end surface of the cylindrical body 1 for installation on the water bottom may be driven in with the upper cover member 8 removed. Also, a member other than the upper cover member 8 may be used as a receiving member when driving in.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the opening 7a is provided in the partition member 7 and closed by the partition cover member 11, but the partition member 7 may be formed in a disk shape so that the upper chamber 5 and the lower chamber 6 are always separated from each other. In this case, there is no need to remove the partition cover member 11, which can shorten the construction period.

[0111] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a case has been described in which a tubular body gripping means 24 in which the gripping body 25 rotates is used, but it is also possible to use a general pile gripper and have the tubular body 1 for installation on the water bottom be gripped by the pile gripper after it has been erected.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where each of the cover members 8, 9 is fitted into the opening is described, but it is also possible to form male and female threads on the peripheral surface of each of the cover members and the inner peripheral surface of the opening to screw into each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Cylindrical body for underwater installation 2. Cylindrical body 3 Underwater ground 4 Water surface 5 Upper compartment 6 lower compartment 7 Partition wall material 8 Top cover member 9 Bottom cover member 10 Lifting protrusion 11 Partition wall cover member 12 Connecting Wire 13 Floating Body 14 Pressure increase / decrease means 15 Air supply pipe 16 Intake air pipe 17 Pressure Regulating Valve 18 Air supply pump 19 Suction pump 20 SEP ships 21 SEP Ship Body Leg 22 23 Crane 24 Cylindrical body gripping means 25 Grip body 26 Rotation axis 27 Power section 28 Suspension Wire

Claims

1. In a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom that is installed by penetrating into the water bottom ground, A cylindrical body for installation on the bottom of the water, characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical body main body open at both ends, a partition member that divides the interior longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body main body into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, removable cover members that close the openings at both ends of the cylindrical body main body, and a pressurizing / depressurizing means for pressurizing and depressurizing the interior of the lower compartment.

2. the pressurizing / depressurizing means includes an air supply pipe having one end exposed in the lower compartment, a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the pressure in the air supply pipe, and a pump for pressurizing / depressurizing the inside of the lower compartment through the air supply pipe, A cylindrical body for installation on the bottom of the water as described in claim 1, wherein one end of the air supply pipe is connected to the lower compartment through the partition member, and the other end penetrates the peripheral wall of the upper compartment and is connected to the pump installed outside.

3. 3. A cylindrical body for installation on the bottom of a body of water according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an opening penetrating the partition member and a partition cover member for closing the opening.

4. The cover member comprises a support portion made of steel and a plug portion protruding from one side of the support portion, and a cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a part or all of the plug portion is made of rubber or reinforced plastic.

5. A cylindrical body for installation on the water bottom as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover member that closes the opening on the lower compartment side comprises a connecting wire whose one end is connected to the cover member that closes the opening on the lower compartment side, and a float connected to the other end of the connecting wire.

6. A method for installing a tubular body on the bottom of a water body, comprising: standing a tubular body, placing a lower end of the tubular body on the bottom of the water body, and then penetrating the tubular body into the bottom of the water body to install the tubular body; The cylindrical body is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber in the internal longitudinal direction by a partition member, The cylindrical body, the openings at both ends of which are closed with removable lid members, is floated in a horizontal position on the water, and the upper compartment side of the cylindrical body is rotated upward while the cylindrical body is floating in the water to make the cylindrical body stand up. Pressurize the inside of the lower compartment to remove the cover member that closes the lower compartment side opening; Thereafter, the lower end of the cylindrical body is placed on the bottom of the water while reducing the pressure inside the lower compartment.

7. A method for installing a tubular body on the water bottom as described in claim 6, in which the tubular body is grasped by a tubular body grasping means rotatably supported on a ship, and the tubular body grasping means is rotated to rotate the upper compartment side upward and stand it up.

8. 8. The method for installing a tubular body on the bottom of the water according to claim 6, wherein the tubular body is inserted into the bottom ground while reducing the pressure inside the lower compartment.

9. The method for installing a cylindrical body on the bottom of the water according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein after the cylindrical body is inserted into the bottom ground, a cover member closing the upper opening is removed.

10. A method for installing a tubular body on the bottom of the water as described in claim 9, wherein after the lower compartment side of the tubular body is landed on the bottom of the water, the cover member that closes the upper end opening is driven into the ground, and the tubular body is penetrated into the bottom of the water.

11. The method for installing a tubular body on the bottom of the water according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising pouring water into the upper compartment after the tubular body is landed on the bottom of the water.

12. The method for installing a tubular body on the bottom of the water described in any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising: an opening penetrating the partition member; and a partition cover member closing the opening, and after the tubular body is inserted into the bottom of the water, the partition cover member is removed.

13. A method for installing a tubular body on the bottom of the water as described in claim 6 or 7, which comprises an opening penetrating the partition member and a partition cover member closing the opening, and wherein the partition cover member is removed after the tubular body is landed on the bottom of the water.

14. The method for installing a tubular body on the water bottom according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the tubular body, the openings at both ends of which are closed with lid members, is floated in a lying state on the water and towed to a construction site.

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