Conduit anchors, offshore systems, and methods for deploying conduit anchors

Abstract

A conduit anchor, an offshore system including a conduit anchor, and a method of deployment are disclosed. The conduit anchor includes a base section configured to be attached to a conduit and a conduit guide extending from the base section. In use, a dynamic conduit extends through the conduit guide along a dynamic conduit path extent defined by the anchor. The conduit guide includes a convex bend protection surface area oriented toward the dynamic conduit path extent, which prevents excessive bending of the dynamic conduit in use.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conduit anchor, and more particularly to a conduit anchor incorporating a conduit guide for protecting the conduit from excessive bending. [Background technology]

[0002] Offshore operations often require electrical conduits or cables for communication purposes to transmit data between the seabed (or freshwater bottom) and a vessel floating on the surface. Alternatively, conduits such as flowlines to transfer liquids or gases from the seabed to the surface may be required for oil or gas operations. Generally, such conduits (often called "risers") are connected to a vessel or platform floating on the ocean's surface and are moored to the seabed to prevent unwanted movement of these conduits on the seabed.

[0003] Floating vessels or platforms are typically moored to the seabed. However, the vessel may still move due to waves, wind, currents, etc. Any conduit (such as electrical conduit or cable, or tubular) connected to the seabed and the vessel is typically moored with a certain amount of slack in a dynamic portion of the conduit that extends through the water column to ensure that the conduit does not break if the vessel moves within the limits of its anchor. The dynamic conduit portion desirably extends to a fixed or static portion of the conduit that is moored to the seabed.

[0004] Due to ship movements, such dynamic conduits can be subject to high dynamic loads and are often prone to failure. One common failure condition is caused by over-bending of the conduit, i.e. bending the conduit beyond its minimum bend radius. A typical location for over-bending to occur is at or near where the dynamic conduit section extends from the anchor.

[0005] Excessive bending is of particular concern for floating offshore energy applications due to the relatively large movements and deflections of floating vessels, and therefore the dynamic conduit must be capable of being steered at a wide range of angles away from its mooring point on the seabed and be resistant to excessive bending.

[0006] Conventional strategies to prevent overbending include using reinforcing sheaths or using extra lengths of dynamic conduit. Correct orientation of the dynamic conduit section relative to the static conduit section can also reduce the likelihood of overbending damage. However, these methods can be costly or technically challenging to implement, and overbending damage can still occur.

[0007] Therefore, a need remains for improved bend protection for dynamic conduits in subsea applications. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a conduit anchor comprising: A base section; a conduit guide extending from the base section; Equipped with the base section includes a conduit attachment for securing a static conduit portion to the base section; the conduit anchor defines a dynamic conduit path extent available in use to a dynamic conduit portion extending distally from the conduit attachment through the conduit guide; A conduit anchor is provided, wherein the conduit guide has a convex bend protection surface area oriented toward the dynamic conduit pathway area and distally from the conduit attachment, the convex bend protection surface area extending to at least partially surround the dynamic conduit pathway area.

[0009] In use, a conduit extending along the seabed is attached to a conduit attachment on the anchor, with a static conduit portion extending proximally from the conduit attachment (which typically rests on the seabed) and a dynamic conduit portion extending distally from the static conduit portion (and forward towards a vessel or installation on the surface of the body of water) along a dynamic conduit path extent in a generally opposite direction.

[0010] The dynamic conduit portion extends distally from the conduit attachment through the conduit guide along a dynamic conduit path extent, and the bend protective surface area defines at least a portion of the dynamic conduit path extent distally from the conduit attachment.

[0011] In use, as the dynamic conduit portion moves (due to movement within the water column and / or movement of equipment at the water surface), the dynamic conduit portion abuts the convex bend protection surface area and in effect "wraps around" the bend protection surface area, thereby protecting it from excessive bending.

[0012] The distance along the dynamic conduit path extent between the conduit attachment and the conduit guide may also be selected to avoid excessive bending in the area immediately distal to the conduit attachment.

[0013] A given conduit has a minimum bend radius, i.e., the maximum curvature that the conduit can tolerate without being damaged. The minimum bend radius corresponds to the radius of a circle whose circumference has the maximum allowable curvature. The minimum bend radius may include a safety tolerance and may be specified by the manufacturer or may be determined by regulatory requirements.

[0014] Thus, the radius of curvature of all portions of the convex bend protection surface region along the dynamic conduit path extent may be selected to be at or above the minimum bend radius of the dynamic conduit portion used with an anchor.

[0015] A further advantage is that the conduit anchor provides greater tolerance to the precision of the installation, including the orientation of the anchor, since the dynamic conduit portion itself is allowed to bend back to some degree relative to the bend-protected surface area without exceeding its maximum allowable curvature.

[0016] References herein to a dynamic conduit path extent are to the range of paths distally away from the conduit attachment that the distal portion of the dynamic conduit may assume in use. The dynamic conduit path extent extends at least partially around the dynamic conduit axis, which is a notional axis along a completely straight conduit extending distally from the conduit attachment.

[0017] The bend protection surface area may extend to partially or completely surround the dynamic conduit path area (thus defining an opening surrounding the dynamic conduit path area and through which the dynamic conduit portion extends in use).

[0018] For example, in some embodiments, when the conduit anchor is resting on the seabed, the dynamic conduit axis extends generally along the seabed. Thus, in such embodiments, the dynamic conduit path extent extends generally along the seabed distally from the conduit attachment, but the extent of the path expands from side to side, moving away from the seabed with distance from the conduit attachment. In such embodiments, the bend protection surface area may extend to each side across the dynamic conduit path extent.

[0019] In other embodiments, when the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed, the dynamic conduit axis extends away from the seabed, for example generally perpendicular (i.e. upward) to the seabed, and therefore the dynamic conduit path extent also extends generally away from the seabed. The dynamic conduit axis may extend at other angles from the seabed, for example at an acute angle, in use.

[0020] In some such embodiments, the bend protection surface area may extend completely around the dynamic conduit path area.

[0021] The bend-protecting convex surface area, together with other portions of the anchor, such as the base section, or the seabed, may define an opening that surrounds the dynamic conduit routing area.

[0022] The bend protection surface area, and therefore the dynamic conduit path extent, may be symmetrical about the dynamic conduit axis.

[0023] The convex bend protection surface area may provide bend protection to a dynamic conduit portion that extends along a dynamic conduit path extent through at least about 90 degrees or at least about 180 degrees.

[0024] The convex bend protection surface area may provide bend protection to a dynamic conduit portion extending along a dynamic conduit path range through about 45-270 degrees, or about 45-200 degrees, or about 60-180 degrees, or about 90-270 degrees, depending on the requirements of a particular application.

[0025] That is, in a cross section taken along the dynamic conduit axis, the or each bend protection surface may include an arc (e.g., a circular, elliptical, or parabolic arc, or a combination thereof) or curvature that extends through at least 90 degrees, or at least 180 degrees, or any other angular range, depending on the requirements of a particular application.

[0026] The convex bend protective surface region may comprise a single (ie seamless) convex bend protective surface or may comprise two or more surfaces.

[0027] The bend-protected surface area may be defined by a framework, such as a framework of bars or tubes.

[0028] The convex bend protection surface region may comprise two or more convex bend protection surface sections. The bend protection surface sections may be generally continuous surfaces or may be defined by a framework.

[0029] As disclosed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the concave bend protective surface area forms a portion of the shell or outer surface of the conduit guide.

[0030] The bend protection surface sections may have a different curvature from another of the bend protection surface sections, but in some embodiments the curvature of each bend protection convex surface section is the same.

[0031] The curvature of the bend protection surface area or said bend protection surface section in a cross section along the dynamic conduit axis may vary around the dynamic conduit axis. For example, as disclosed in more detail below, the conduit guide may comprise a section oriented perpendicular to the dynamic conduit axis made of a length of tubular arranged to surround the dynamic conduit path area. Thus, the degree of ellipticity necessarily increases in a cross section along the dynamic conduit axis with distance from the dynamic conduit axis.

[0032] Although a variety of curvatures (eg part ellipse, parabola, etc.) may be used, it may be convenient for the or each said convexly curved protective surface section to have a substantially part circular cross-section.

[0033] Part circular cross-sections can be conveniently manufactured from cylindrical components such as pipes or tubulars.

[0034] The bend protection surface area may comprise two, three, four or more surface sections having a part-circular cross section. The conduit guide may be constructed, for example, from two, three, four or more lengths of tubular joined end-to-end to enclose the dynamic conduit path area.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bend protection surface area comprises three part cylindrical surface sections surrounding three sides of the dynamic conduit path area, the fourth side being defined by the base section, or in use by the seabed, or may be open.

[0036] In some embodiments, the bend protection surface region comprises four surface sections of partial cylindrical shape that define an opening having a generally square or rectangular symmetry to enclose the dynamic conduit path area.

[0037] Other shapes are possible, such as triangles, polygons, etc.

[0038] The convex bend protective surface region may comprise a partial toroidal surface section, which may be coaxial with the dynamic conduit axis and thus may have a partial circular cross section along the dynamic conduit axis.

[0039] The partial toroidal surface section may extend to partially surround the dynamic conduit path area, or may extend to completely surround the dynamic conduit path area.

[0040] The conduit guide may comprise a generally toroidal configuration.

[0041] The convex bend protective surface area may comprise a surface section that defines a partial inner surface of a concave cone, i.e., a "trumpet shape." The partial inner surface may be a concave cone with a circular base, or a convex cone with an elliptical or polygonal base.

[0042] The concave bend protective surface area may be supported by a structural frame, which may be internal to the conduit guide.

[0043] It will be appreciated that the conduit guide may comprise a surface area other than the convex bend protection surface area. The bend protection surface area may extend to a surface area oriented proximally relative to the dynamic conduit path extent and thus not provide bend protection to the dynamic conduit in use. For example, the tubular member may define a bend protection surface area around only a portion of its circumference.

[0044] The anchor may be configured to be ballasted.

[0045] The base section may include a suitable location for placing or securing a ballast weight to the anchor. At least a portion of the base section may have a hollow structure and may be configured to be filled with a ballast material.

[0046] The conduit guide may function, at least in part, to ballasting the anchor. For example, the conduit guide may have a hollow structure and may be configured to be filled with ballast material. The conduit guide may be machined or cast from a block of ballast material, such as a metal block.

[0047] The anchor (eg, the base section) may further comprise a claw for securing the anchor to the seabed.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, screws, stakes or the like may be used to secure the anchor to the seabed.

[0049] The conduit anchor may define a static conduit path extent, which may include one or more of the features discussed with respect to the dynamic conduit path extent, extending proximally from a conduit attachment, which may help prevent damage to the static conduit during installation.

[0050] The conduit attachment may include a clamp, strap, etc. for securing the conduit to the base section. The conduit attachment may at least partially define a static conduit path extent.

[0051] The conduit attachment may include a means for joining conduits, such as separate dynamic and static conduits.

[0052] The conduit attachment may include a splicing box for joining electrical cables, optical fibers, etc. The conduit attachment may include a device for joining tubulars together, such as those well known in the art.

[0053] The conduit attachment may have a proximal end for attachment to a static conduit and a distal end for attachment to a dynamic conduit, each end may include a device suitable for joining the respective conduit.

[0054] The proximal and distal ends of the conduit attachment may be coaxial (e.g., aligned with the dynamic conduit axis). The proximal and distal ends of the conduit attachment may be at an angle to each other, e.g., perpendicular.

[0055] The conduit attachment may comprise an intermediate conduit portion extending between its proximal and distal ends. For example, the intermediate portion may comprise a length of tubular configured to be attached at a distal end to a dynamic tubular and at a proximal end to a static tubular. The intermediate portion may comprise a length of cable and / or fiber configured to be coupled at each end to respective dynamic and static cables / fibers.

[0056] In embodiments in which the conduit attachment includes means for joining the dynamic conduit to the static conduit (either directly, e.g., when the conduit attachment comprises a splicing box, or indirectly, e.g., when the conduit attachment is configured to be attached at its distal end to a dynamic conduit), the conduit attachment may include a strain relief device configured to relieve tensile strain on the attached dynamic conduit.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dynamic conduit may include an armor layer (such as known for electrical cables or optical fibers). The conduit attachment may be configured to be attached to the armor layer and to receive strain transmitted through the armor layer. For example, the armor layer at or near the proximal end of the dynamic conduit may be expanded to provide a flange-like portion that is clamped against the distal end of the conduit attachment or to a corresponding flange-like portion of a static cable.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the dynamic conduit in the form of a tubularizer may include a flange portion (eg, a flange) at its proximal end.

[0059] The strain relief may therefore comprise a clamping device for clamping or inter-clamping the or each flange arrangement.

[0060] The strain relief is better able to transmit tensile strains that would otherwise act to separate dynamic conduits.

[0061] The conduit attachment may include a bend stiffener extending from its distal end, and in some embodiments from its proximal end, to provide additional resistance to bending of the conduit extending therethrough or secured thereto.

[0062] The bend stiffener may be a sheath or covering (e.g., of braided or elastic material) for a conduit section to resist bending. The bend stiffener may advantageously resist excessive bending of the conduit section, for example due to compression of the conduit.

[0063] Although bend stiffeners may be present, because they are proximate to the bend-protected surface area, the present invention reduces the potential bending strains that such bend stiffeners must withstand from those required between the static and dynamic cable sections of conventional installations, and therefore may be smaller, lighter, and less costly.

[0064] The bend stiffener may extend from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent, and in some embodiments at least partially through the conduit guide.

[0065] The conduit anchor may include a fixture for attaching the strain relief line. The conduit anchor may include a strain relief line coupled to the fixture at one end. The strain line may include a device, such as a clamp or collar, at its other end for securing to the dynamic conduit section.

[0066] In use, the strain relief line may be fixed at one end to the anchor and at the other end to a conduit fixation point at or around the dynamic conduit portion distal to the conduit anchor.

[0067] The length of the strain relief line limits or prevents pulling on the dynamic conduit between the conduit fixation point and the conduit attachment before the strain relief line itself is tensioned. Thus, the strain relief line prevents excessive force from being applied directly to the conduit attachment. This is particularly beneficial when the conduit attachment includes a means for connecting the conduit as disclosed herein. This means of strain relief may be used in addition to or instead of the strain relief devices discussed above.

[0068] The strain relief lines may also help direct the curvature of the dynamic cable section distally and upwardly into the water column, away from the anchor, when in use.

[0069] The anchoring may be to any part of the cable anchor, but is conveniently to the base section.

[0070] The conduit anchor may have any suitable structure. For example, the base may be constructed from spars, tubulars, bars, beams, etc. The base section may be configured to provide a stable, and in some embodiments generally flat, platform on the seabed. The base section may, for example, comprise one or more elongated beams to which the conduit guides and conduit attachments may be mounted.

[0071] The conduit guide may be attached directly to the base or may be spaced therefrom by a supporting framework.

[0072] The conduit guide may be of unitary construction or may itself be constructed from a framework of beams, bars, tubulars, or the like.

[0073] One or more portions of the conduit anchor (such as at least a portion of the conduit guide and / or base section) may have a hollow structure, for example to receive a ballast material as disclosed herein.

[0074] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an offshore system comprising: Facilities above the water surface of the water body; A conduit anchor according to a first aspect of the invention; a conduit having a dynamic conduit portion and a static conduit portion; An offshore system is provided, wherein the conduit is attached to the conduit attachment of the conduit anchor, the static conduit portion extending proximally to the conduit attachment, and the dynamic conduit portion extending distally from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent, through the conduit guide, through the water column, and to the surface arrangement.

[0075] The dynamic conduit section may have a minimum bend radius.

[0076] The radius of curvature of all portions of the convex bend protective surface region along the dynamic conduit path extent may be at or exceed the minimum bend radius of the dynamic conduit portion.

[0077] The conduit anchor may be positioned on the seabed. A base section of the conduit anchor may rest on the seabed.

[0078] The static conduit section may extend along the seabed to a conduit anchor.

[0079] The dynamic conduit path range may initially extend generally distally from the conduit attachment along the seabed (although it will be understood that the range of paths within the dynamic conduit path range will increase with the distal distance of the conduit attachment).

[0080] The dynamic conduit path range may initially extend distally from the conduit attachment generally away from the seabed, for example generally upwardly (substantially vertically if the anchor is horizontal).

[0081] The conduit attachment may include a strain relief device, such as a clamping device. The conduit may include a dynamic conduit and a static conduit, which may be coupled to each other at the conduit attachment or each may be coupled to a conduit attachment, as disclosed herein.

[0082] The dynamic conduit (and optionally the static conduit as well) may include a flange portion (such as a flared portion of an armor layer). One or more of the flange portions may be clamped against or between a clamping device.

[0083] The installation on the surface of the body of water may comprise a floating vessel, hi some embodiments, the installation may comprise a static platform such as an oil rig, or a wind or tidal turbine fixed to the seabed.

[0084] The floating vessel may be moored to the ocean floor via at least one mooring cable (which may include braided cables, mooring chains, etc.).

[0085] Mooring cables ensure that the vessel is kept in a generally fixed position on the water's surface, but necessarily allow some movement of the vessel. Conduit anchors are configured to prevent excessive bending of the dynamic cable segments as a result of vessel movement on the water's surface.

[0086] The vessel may be an offshore production vessel, such as a floating water current generator.

[0087] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for deploying a conduit anchor according to the first aspect from an arrangement above the water surface of a body of water comprising the steps of: attaching a conduit to the conduit attachment; and lowering the conduit anchor to the seabed, wherein when the conduit anchor is resting on the seabed a static conduit section of the conduit extends from proximal to the conduit attachment and a dynamic conduit section extends distally from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent, through the conduit guide, through the water column and to the surface arrangement.

[0088] The method may further include connecting a dynamic conduit to the conduit attachment.

[0089] Attaching the dynamic conduit to the attachment may include threading an end of the dynamic conduit through a conduit guide and into the conduit attachment.

[0090] The method may include passing an end of the dynamic conduit through an opening defined by a bend-protective surface area of ​​the conduit guide.

[0091] The method may include the step of applying a bend stiffener to a cable, in particular a dynamic cable.

[0092] The method may include connecting a static conduit to a conduit attachment.

[0093] It will be appreciated that the connection of a static conduit with a dynamic conduit thereby results in said conduit having a dynamic conduit portion and a static conduit portion.

[0094] The connections between the dynamic conduit and the static conduit may be made at an installation above the surface of the body of water before the conduit anchors are lowered to the seabed, or alternatively, one or both connections may be established on the seabed after the anchors are lowered.

[0095] The method may include providing tensile strain relief to the dynamic cable portion. The method may include, for example, connecting a strain relief line between the conduit anchor and the distal dynamic cable portion.

[0096] The conduit attachment may include a strain relief device, such as a clamping device, and the method may include attaching the strain relief device to a flange portion of the dynamic conduit. The method may include forming the flange portion of the dynamic conduit, for example, by expanding a portion of an armor layer of the dynamic conduit at or near its proximal end.

[0097] If the connection to the static cable is established at the installation, the method may include retrieving the end of the static cable from the seabed.

[0098] A static cable may be, for example, a spur of a larger conduit network, such as an electrical distribution network or a fluid distribution pipeline.

[0099] The method may include ballasting the conduit anchor, which may be performed on the seabed, for example by placing one or more ballast weights on the body section thereof (which may have been lowered to the seabed from the installation).

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, ballasting of the anchors may be performed at the installation. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit guide and / or base section may have a hollow structure, and the method may include filling the or each hollow portion with a ballast material, such as sand or particulate metal (e.g., lead or steel nuggets, or scrap chips).

[0101] The method may include pinning, staking or bolting the anchor to the seabed.

[0102] The method may include lowering the anchor to the seabed and subsequently repositioning or realigning the anchor on the seabed.

[0103] The present invention is not limited to marine applications, but is also useful in any body of water, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, etc. Thus, references herein to "ocean bed" should be deemed to apply to the bottom of any such body of water, and are therefore interchangeable with "river bed," "lake bed," and the like.

[0104] Terms such as "above," "below," "to the side of," or "laterally" refer to the orientation of the conduit anchor when laid on the horizontal seabed and should not be construed to exclude such characteristics with respect to other orientations of the anchor.

[0105] References herein to "proximal" and "distal" and similar terms are made based on a frame of reference along the static conduit portion toward the cable attachment of the conduit anchor, i.e., a static conduit portion of a conduit attached to the conduit anchor extends proximally from the conduit anchor and a dynamic conduit portion of the conduit extends distally from the conduit anchor.

[0106] With reference to conduits or conduit sections (including cables, tubulars, or fiber optics, etc.), the terms "static" and "dynamic" describe their characteristics when attached to a conduit anchor in the seabed.

[0107] Optional features disclosed herein with respect to an aspect of the invention are intended to correspond to optional features of any other aspect of the invention. Thus, disclosures herein of the function, structure, or use of features of an apparatus should be understood to correspond to steps in the methods disclosed herein, and disclosures herein of methods should also be understood to encompass apparatus having such features necessary to practice such methods. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0108] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the following figures:

[0109] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conduit anchor. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the conduit anchor of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit anchor of FIGS. 2 and 3 showing a static conduit portion defined by the conduit anchor and a dynamic conduit portion extending along a dynamic conduit path extent. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conduit anchor having a ballast weight attached thereto. [Diagram 5] 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit anchor of FIG. 4. [Figure 6a] FIG. 1 illustrates an offshore system with a conduit anchor. [Figure 6b] FIG. 1 illustrates an offshore system with a conduit anchor. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 shows a strain relief device. [Figure 7b] FIG. 1 shows a strain relief device. [Figure 7c]FIG. 1 shows a strain relief device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0110] 1, 2 and 3 show a conduit anchor 100. The conduit anchor 100 has a base section 102 and a conduit guide 104 extending from the base section. The base section 102 includes a conduit attachment 106 for securing a conduit 108 to the base section 102. The conduit 108 includes a static conduit portion 108a and a dynamic conduit portion 108b.

[0111] In the example shown, the active and static portions are separate active and static conduits attached to each end of the conduit attachment (discussed in more detail below), however, in alternative embodiments, the conduit 108 is continuous.

[0112] In use, the dynamic conduit portion 108b extends distally from the conduit attachment 106 through the water column to a vessel at the surface, while the static conduit portion 108a extends proximally along the seabed, typically to an export pipeline or power distribution network or the like. The proximal and distal orientations relative to the conduit attachment 106 are indicated in the figure by the arrows labeled P and D, respectively.

[0113] Cable anchor 100 defines a dynamic conduit path extent that extends distally from conduit attachment 106 through conduit guide 104, incorporating all of the paths that dynamic conduit 108b may take, as shown by dashed paths 110a-110d in Figure 3. It is understood that the dynamic conduit path extent also extends laterally in the illustrated embodiment.

[0114] 3 also shows a notional dynamic conduit axis A that extends linearly from the distal end of the conduit attachment 106 and generally along the seabed in normal use. The dynamic conduit path extent extends and expands laterally symmetrically around axis A.

[0115] The conduit guide includes a convex bend protection surface region 112 that is oriented towards the dynamic conduit path area and is also oriented distally relative to the conduit attachment 106. The proximal face 105 of the conduit guide 104 is oriented proximally relative to the conduit attachment, for example, and therefore does not form part of the bend protection surface region 112.

[0116] The convex bend protection surface area 112, in the illustrated embodiment, has a radius of curvature that is slightly greater than the minimum bend radius of the dynamic conduit 108b, thereby preventing the dynamic conduit 108 from having a curvature below the minimum bend radius.

[0117] The conduit guide 104 is constructed from three end-to-end connected tubular bend protection surface structures 104a, 104b, and 104c, each with a part-cylindrical surface with a part-circular cross section, providing bend protection for the dynamic conduit 108b as it passes around a curvature of approximately 180 degrees.

[0118] In other embodiments, the bend protection surface area may include other curvatures as disclosed herein.

[0119] The conduit guide 104, and more particularly the bend protection surface area 112, extends, in use, over each side of the dynamic conduit path area, which is bounded in part by the base section 102 and the seabed, surrounding the remainder of its periphery. The base section 102 and the convex bend protection surface area 112 together define an opening 120 through which the dynamic conduit 108b extends, in use.

[0120] The conduit attachment 106, in this embodiment, includes a "splice box" having a conduit connector 106a at its proximal end for connecting to a static conduit 108a and a conduit connector 106b at its distal end for connecting to a dynamic conduit 108b.

[0121] In the embodiment shown, for connecting an electrical distribution cable, the conduit attachment also provides an intermediate conduit section that extends between connectors 106a and 106b.

[0122] Extending from the distal end of the conduit attachment 106 is a bend stiffener 114 in the form of an elastic sheath. In use, the dynamic cable 108 is introduced through the bend stiffener, as shown in Figure 1. The bend stiffener 114 extends partially into the dynamic cable path area defined by the bend protection surface area 112. The bend stiffener 114 is shown extending along axis A in the figures, but in use bends with the dynamic conduit 108 within the confines of the dynamic conduit path area.

[0123] In alternative embodiments, the bend stiffener may be applied directly to the dynamic conduit section prior to connection to the anchors, or may be omitted entirely.

[0124] The base section 102 is constructed from beams 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d to provide a stable platform to rest on the seabed in use. Additionally, the beams 102a-102c around the outer periphery may be held down or ballasted with ballast weights, such as concrete blocks, after anchor placement.

[0125] In the embodiment shown, the conduit guide 104 has a hollow structure and may be filled with ballast material. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the conduit guide may be cast or machined as a solid block or may be formed from an open framework. The construction and ballasting of the conduit anchor may vary depending on the intended means of deployment. For example, in some situations it may be preferable for the anchor to be ballasted or otherwise pinned or bolted to the seabed rather than ballasted at the surface. In other situations, such as in deep water where post-deployment access is more difficult, it may be preferable for the anchor to be ballasted at the surface.

[0126] To deploy the anchor 100, the static conduit 108a is retrieved (e.g., floated) from the ocean floor and the dynamic conduit 108b is provided to a surface installation, such as a ship. Cables 108a and 108b are connected to respective ends of the conduit attachment 106. In particular, the dynamic cable 108a is introduced through an opening 120 via the conduit guide 104, which in this embodiment is cable stiffener 114.

[0127] The hollow portion of the conduit guide (not shown) is then filled with ballast material, such as metal pellets, and the anchor is placed on the seabed.

[0128] The bend-protected surface area allows for a greater degree of tolerance in the final orientation of the anchor than would otherwise be possible.

[0129] 4 and 5 show another example of a conduit anchor 200. Features in common with conduit anchor 100 are given similar reference numbers incremented by 100.

[0130] The anchor 200 includes a base section 202 to which a conduit guide 204 is mounted by a framework 203 .

[0131] The conduit guide is constructed from four tubular bend protection surface structures 204a, 204b, 204c, and 204d connected end-to-end to define an opening 220 through the conduit guide 204. A convex bend protection surface area 212 thus extends completely around the dynamic cable routing area (its axis A is marked in the figure).

[0132] The conduit attachment in this instance includes a 90 degree bend such that in use, the proximal cable 208a extends along the ocean floor to the proximal end 206a, and the distal cable portion exits the distal end 206b in a generally vertical direction away from the ocean floor through the opening 220. As a result, the dynamic cable path range extends distally from the conduit attachment 206, initially in a generally vertical direction. As shown in the example paths 210a-210d depicted in FIG. 5, this orientation, combined with the convex bend protective surface area 212 extending completely around the dynamic conduit path range, allows the dynamic cable path range to extend 360 degrees from the distal end 206b of the attachment 206.

[0133] The angle of bend protection also extends between 90 degrees and 180 degrees (ie, away from axis A) to allow the dynamic conduit 108b to bend back on itself and rest on the seabed if necessary.

[0134] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cable guide 104 may be open-sided (e.g., generally U-shaped) and may provide bend protection to enclose only a portion of the dynamic conduit path area. Such an embodiment may make installation of the conduit more convenient in some situations, for example when installation is performed on the seabed.

[0135] Also visible in Figure 4 is ballast weight 222 on top of base section 202. The ballast weight may be added at the surface or on the seabed prior to deployment.

[0136] 6a and 6b show diagrammatically the utility of a conduit anchor according to the present invention. Figures 6a and 6b show an offshore system including an installation on the surface 301 of a body of water, in the example shown a floating tidal current generator 300, comprising a nacelle 302 and a rotor 304 for capturing energy from flowing water.

[0137] The generator 300 is moored in a conventional manner via anchor lines 306. Some slack must be provided in the mooring lines to accommodate the nominal pitch and roll experienced due to tidal fluctuations, weather conditions (heavy seas, currents, etc.) and loads transmitted through the rotor 304, thus allowing some movement of the vessel 300 relative to the seabed.

[0138] The generator 300 is connected to an electrical distribution system via a static electrical cable 308a on the seabed 303. The static cable 308a is a branch line with a onward connection to a subsea cable network (not shown). The static cable 308a is connected to the conduit attachment 106 of the anchor 100 as described above.

[0139] Dynamic cable 308b extends from generator 300 through the water column to anchor 100. The dynamic cable is connected to the distal end of conduit attachment 106 and extends distally therefrom through conduit guide 104 along the dynamic cable path area, as described above.

[0140] As the generator 300 moves through the water (e.g., between right-hand flow conditions in FIG. 6a and left-hand flow conditions in FIG. 6b), the bending angle of the dynamic cable 308b is different. The current and other environmental conditions experienced by the generator 300 may also be experienced to some extent by the dynamic cable 308b as it extends through the water column, causing variations in its path as well.

[0141] While the anchor may be relatively optimally positioned for certain conditions, such as the high flow condition shown in FIG. 6a (where the dynamic cable is urged toward a path that extends distally from the anchor 100 at a relatively shallow angle), this position may be less optimal at other times. For example, as shown in FIG. 6b, the generator 300 has moved further beyond the anchor 100 and the dynamic cable 308b has bent back against itself against the cable guide 104. In such a situation, the convex bend protection surface area 112 prevents excessive bending, fatigue, and potential breakage that might otherwise occur. Additional tensile strain relief to the dynamic conduit portion may be provided, such as the strain relief lines disclosed herein. FIGS. 7a-7c illustrate the provision of strain relief via flange portions of the dynamic conduit.

[0142] The dynamic conduit 408b may take the form of an armored cable, armored optical fiber, etc., having an inner core 450 (such as an electrical cable or cable bundle, optical fiber bundle, etc.) and an outer armor layer 452, typically in the form of one or more helically wound braids.

[0143] At the proximal end 454 of the dynamic cable 408 b , a proximal portion 452 a of the armor layer may be flared outwardly to form a flange portion 456 .

[0144] The proximal end 454 is then attached to the distal end 406b of the conduit attachment such that the flange portion 456 of the dynamic conduit 408b abuts the flange 407 on the distal end of the conduit attachment. The flange portion may then be clamped between the flange 407 and the collar 458 with bolts 460, as shown in FIG. 7c.

[0145] Any tension applied to the dynamic conduit 408b is thereby transferred to the conduit attachments through the armor layer 452 and strain reliefs 407, 456, 458, 460. The inner core 450 is at least partially isolated from such tensile stresses.

[0146] While various exemplary embodiments have been disclosed, it is understood that variations, modifications, and combinations of the valves and methods disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. According to this specification, the configurations described in the following items are also disclosed. (Item 1) 1. A conduit anchor comprising: A base section; a conduit guide extending from the base section; Equipped with the base section having a conduit attachment for securing a static conduit portion to the base section; the conduit anchor defines a dynamic conduit path extent available in use for a dynamic conduit portion extending distally from the conduit attachment through the conduit guide; a conduit guide having a convex bend protection surface area oriented distally from the conduit attachment toward the dynamic conduit path area, the conduit anchor extending to at least partially surround the dynamic conduit path area. (Item 2) 2. A conduit anchor as described in item 1 for use with the dynamic conduit section having a minimum bend radius, wherein a radius of curvature of all portions of the convex bend protection surface region along the dynamic conduit path extent is at or exceeds the minimum bend radius of the dynamic conduit section. (Item 3) 3. The conduit anchor of claim 1 or 2, wherein when the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed, the dynamic conduit path range extends generally along the seabed in a distal direction from the conduit attachment. (Item 4) 4. The conduit anchor of claim 3, wherein the convex bend protective surface area extends across the dynamic conduit path area to each side of the dynamic conduit path area when the conduit anchor is resting on the seabed. (Item 5) 3. The conduit anchor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the dynamic conduit path range extends generally distally from the conduit attachment, away from the seabed, when the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed. (Item 6) 6. The conduit anchor of claim 5, wherein the convex bend protective surface area extends completely around and surrounds the dynamic conduit path area when the conduit anchor is resting on the seabed, and defines an opening surrounding the dynamic conduit path area and through which the dynamic conduit portion extends in use. (Item 7) 7. The conduit anchor of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the convex bend protection surface area provides bend protection to the dynamic conduit portion extending through at least about 90 degrees or at least about 180 degrees along the dynamic conduit path extent. (Item 8) 8. The conduit anchor of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the convex bend protective surface region has two or more convex bend protective surface sections. (Item 9) 9. The conduit anchor of claim 8, wherein the or each convex bent protective surface section has a substantially part-circular cross-section. (Item 10) 10. The conduit anchor of claim 9, wherein the convex bend protection surface area has two, three, four, or more convex bend protection surface sections having a partial circular cross section constructed from two, three, four, or more lengths of tubular joined end-to-end to encircle the dynamic conduit path area. (Item 11) Item 11. The conduit anchor of item 10, wherein the convex bend protection surface area has three surface sections of partial cylindrical shape to surround three sides of the dynamic conduit path area. (Item 12) Item 12. The conduit anchor of item 11, wherein when the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed, the dynamic conduit path extent extends generally along the seabed in a distal direction from the conduit attachment, and a fourth side of the dynamic conduit path extent is defined by the base section or the seabed. (Item 13) Item 11. The conduit anchor of item 10, wherein when the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed, the dynamic conduit path area extends distally from the conduit attachment generally away from the seabed, and the convex bend protective surface area has four surface sections of partial cylindrical shape defining an opening having generally square or rectangular symmetry surrounding the dynamic conduit path area. (Item 14) Item 14. The conduit anchor of any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the conduit anchor is configured to be ballasted. (Item 15) Item 15. The conduit anchor of item 14, wherein the base section comprises a location suitable for placing or securing a ballast weight to the conduit anchor and / or at least a portion of the base section and / or the conduit guide has a hollow structure and is configured to be filled with ballast material. (Item 16) Item 16. The conduit anchor of any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the conduit attachment includes means for joining separate dynamic and static conduits. (Item 17) Item 17. The conduit anchor of item 16, wherein the conduit attachment comprises a proximal end for attachment to the static conduit and a distal end for attachment to the dynamic conduit. (Item 18) Item 18. The conduit anchor of item 17, wherein the proximal and distal ends of the conduit attachment are coaxial or the proximal and distal ends of the conduit attachment are angled relative to one another, optionally perpendicular. (Item 19) Item 19. The conduit anchor of any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the conduit attachment further comprises a strain relief. (Item 20) 20. The conduit anchor of claim 19, wherein the strain relief comprises a clamping device for clamping to a flange formation at or near the proximal end of the dynamic conduit. (Item 21) 21. The conduit anchor of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit attachment has a bend stiffener extending from a distal end of the conduit attachment. (Item 22) 22. The conduit anchor of claim 21, wherein the bend stiffener extends from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent to the conduit guide, and optionally at least partially through the conduit guide. (Item 23) Item 23. The conduit anchor of item 22, further comprising a fixture for attaching a strain relief line, and optionally a strain relief line coupled at one end to the fixture. (Item 24) 1. An offshore system comprising: Facilities above the water surface of the water body; 24. A conduit anchor according to any one of items 1 to 23, A conduit having a dynamic conduit portion and a static conduit portion; Equipped with 1. The offshore system, wherein the conduit is attached to the conduit attachment of the conduit anchor, the static conduit portion extending proximally to the conduit attachment, and the dynamic conduit portion extending distally from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent, through the conduit guide and through the water column to equipment above the water surface. (Item 25) 25. The marine system of claim 24, wherein the dynamic conduit portion includes a minimum bend radius, and a radius of curvature of all portions of the convex bend protective surface area along the dynamic conduit path extent is at or exceeds the minimum bend radius of the dynamic conduit portion. (Item 26) 26. The offshore system of claim 24 or 25, wherein the facility on the surface of the body of water comprises a floating vessel. (Item 27) 27. The marine system according to item 26, wherein the floating vessel is a floating water current generator. (Item 28) 24. A method for deploying a conduit anchor according to any one of items 1 to 23 from an installation above the water surface of a body of water, comprising the steps of: attaching a conduit to the conduit attachment; lowering the conduit anchor to the seabed; Equipped with When the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed, a static conduit portion of the conduit extends from proximal to the conduit attachment and a dynamic conduit portion extends distally from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent, through the conduit guide and through the water column to equipment above the water surface. (Item 29) 29. The method of claim 28, comprising connecting an end of a dynamic conduit to the conduit attachment by passing an end of the dynamic conduit through the conduit guide and into the conduit attachment. (Item 30) 30. The method of claim 29, comprising connecting a static conduit to the conduit attachment. (Item 31) 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the connection of the dynamic conduit and the static conduit is performed at the facility above the surface of the body of water before the conduit anchor is lowered to the seabed. (Item 32) 32. The method of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the conduit attachment includes a strain relief device, such as a clamping device, and the method comprises attaching the strain relief device to a flange portion of the dynamic conduit. (Item 33) Item 33. The method of item 32, comprising forming a flange portion of the dynamic conduit at or near a proximal end of the dynamic conduit.

Claims

1. 1. A conduit anchor comprising: A base section; a conduit guide extending from the base section; It is equipped with the base section having a conduit attachment for securing a static conduit portion to the base section; the conduit anchor defines a dynamic conduit path extent available in use for a dynamic conduit portion extending distally from the conduit attachment through the conduit guide; The dynamic conduit path area extends at least partially around the dynamic conduit axis; the dynamic conduit axis is a notional axis along a perfectly straight conduit extending distally from the conduit attachment; when the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed, the dynamic conduit path range extends distally from the conduit attachment generally away from the seabed; the conduit guide has a convex bending protection surface area oriented distally from the conduit attachment toward the dynamic conduit path area, the convex bending protection surface area extending to at least partially surround the dynamic conduit path area; A conduit anchor, wherein the convex bend protection surface area provides bend protection to the dynamic conduit portion extending along the dynamic conduit path extent through at least about 90 degrees away from the dynamic conduit axis.

2. 10. The conduit anchor of claim 1, for use with the dynamic conduit section having a minimum bend radius, wherein a radius of curvature of all portions of the convex bend protection surface region along the dynamic conduit path extent is at or exceeds the minimum bend radius of the dynamic conduit section.

3. 3. A conduit anchor as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the conduit anchor is resting on the seabed, the convex bend protective surface area extends completely around and defines an opening surrounding the dynamic conduit path area and through which the dynamic conduit portion extends in use.

4. 3. The conduit anchor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the convex bend protection surface area provides bend protection for the dynamic conduit portion extending through at least about 180 degrees along the dynamic conduit path extent.

5. The conduit anchor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the convex bend protective surface region has two or more convex bend protective surface sections.

6. The conduit anchor of claim 5 , wherein each of the two or more convex bent protective surface sections has a substantially part-circular cross-section.

7. 7. The conduit anchor of claim 6, wherein the convex bend protection surface area has two, three, four, or more convex bend protection surface sections having a partial circular cross section constructed from two, three, four, or more lengths of tubular joined end-to-end to encircle the dynamic conduit path area.

8. A conduit anchor as described in claim 7, wherein the convex bend protective surface area has four surface sections of partial cylindrical shape defining an opening having generally square or rectangular symmetry surrounding the dynamic conduit path area.

9. 3. The conduit anchor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the conduit attachment includes means for joining separate dynamic and static conduits.

10. The conduit anchor of claim 9 , wherein the conduit attachment comprises a proximal end for attachment to the static conduit and a distal end for attachment to the dynamic conduit.

11. The conduit anchor of claim 9 , wherein the conduit attachment further comprises a strain relief.

12. The conduit anchor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the conduit attachment has a bend stiffener extending from a distal end of the conduit attachment.

13. 1. An offshore system comprising: Facilities above the water surface of the water body; A conduit anchor according to claim 1 or 2; A conduit having a dynamic conduit portion and a static conduit portion; Equipped with 1. The offshore system, wherein the conduit is attached to the conduit attachment of the conduit anchor, the static conduit portion extending proximally to the conduit attachment, and the dynamic conduit portion extending distally from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent, through the conduit guide and through the water column to equipment above the water surface.

14. 14. The marine system of claim 13, wherein the dynamic conduit portion includes a minimum bend radius, and a radius of curvature of all portions of the convex bend protective surface area along the dynamic conduit path extent is at or exceeds the minimum bend radius of the dynamic conduit portion.

15. The offshore system of claim 13 , wherein the facility on the surface of the body of water comprises a floating water current generator.

16. 3. A method for deploying a conduit anchor according to claim 1 or 2 from an installation above the surface of a body of water, comprising the steps of: attaching a conduit to the conduit attachment; lowering the conduit anchor to the seabed; Equipped with When the conduit anchor is placed on the seabed, a static conduit portion of the conduit extends from proximal to the conduit attachment and a dynamic conduit portion extends distally from the conduit attachment along the dynamic conduit path extent, through the conduit guide and through the water column to equipment above the water surface.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising connecting an end of a dynamic conduit to the conduit attachment by passing an end of the dynamic conduit through the conduit guide and into the conduit attachment.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising connecting a static conduit to the conduit attachment, the connection of the dynamic conduit and the static conduit being performed at the facility above the surface of the body of water and before the conduit anchor is lowered to the seabed.

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