Equipment for loading heavy loads into the water

Abstract

An installation for the underwater shipment of a heavy load (10) located on land, in particular a load constituted by a tripod or four-legged float, comprises at least two support structures (20) independent of each other and movable on their own paths, each of which is provided with a lifting means (60) configured to hook onto the load, each of these support structures having at least two support structures (20) with a counterweight (22), the installation being configured to allow the lifting means (60) of the support structures to extend at least partially above the water in order to lower the load into the water when the load is positioned in the unloading area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the load-out of heavy loads, more specifically but not exclusively, heavy loads constituted by floats for offshore wind turbines, into water.

Background Art

[0002] The development of offshore wind turbines is accompanied by an increase in their output and size.

[0003] It is currently common to install floating wind turbines offshore, and the wind turbines have towers supported by floats that can be fully or partially submerged.

[0004] Therefore, wind turbines having three-legged or four-legged floats and with the tower placed at one or the center of the legs of the float have been developed.

[0005] Such floats may be made of metal or concrete and have a considerable weight and bulk, for example, more than 4000 t.

[0006] They are generally manufactured on land and are loaded out into water using harbor facilities adapted to transport them and load them out into water. These adapted harbor facilities have handling means for heavy loads and can be located far from the wind farm, thereby lengthening and increasing the cost of transportation to the site.

[0007] The harbor facilities closest to the wind farm may be too small, lack appropriate handling means, or require a considerable amount of infrastructure work that may not necessarily be beneficial if the harbor facilities are used only once for the installation of the wind farm for the completed wind turbines, and thus may not be adaptable.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses an offshore platform for assembling wind turbine structures. The platform is relatively large, the available space on the platform is limited, and it is less convenient than on land, which presents several difficulties in assembling structures at sea. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent No. 103693170 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] As a result, there is a need to benefit from systems that facilitate the loading of heavy loads, such as structures with significant height, into the water, thereby avoiding the use of heavy port equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention achieves this objective by proposing equipment for loading heavy loads located on land, particularly loads consisting of tripod or quadruped floats, into the water. The present invention comprises at least two support structures that are independent of each other and can move along their respective paths, each of which is equipped with a lifting mechanism configured to hook onto a load, and each of these support structures is equipped with at least two support structures with counterweights. The equipment is configured such that, when the load is positioned in the loading area, the lifting means of the support structure extends at least partially above the water to lower the load into the water.

[0012] "Float" is understood to mean a structure that floats, at least temporarily, for example, while being transported to a site. Such structures are sometimes called "jackets."

[0013] "Heavy loads" are typically understood to mean loads weighing 1,000 tons or more, better 3,000 tons, or even 4,000 tons, but still less than or greater than 15,000 tons, for example, 50,000 tons.

[0014] The lifting mechanism may be located at one end of the support structure, with a counterweight at the opposite end.

[0015] The present invention enables loading into water that is less dependent on sea and wind conditions, and subsequently allows limiting the amount of civil engineering work required to reinforce port structures to a limited number of elements being loaded into water.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to solve the specific problem of high investment in port civil engineering works for transporting wind turbine floats from construction / assembly docks to their loading areas.

[0017] Furthermore, since most of the equipment does not move underwater (except for the modified submersible barge described in detail below), the present invention makes it possible to limit the number of maintenance operations at marine sites, such as dredging at loading locations.

[0018] This invention makes it possible to avoid the use of high-capacity handling means that have a larger carbon footprint.

[0019] The equipment may include a movement path extending from a land area for receiving loads to an area for loading said loads.

[0020] The equipment may have at least three support structures, each equipped with a lifting mechanism and a counterweight, and the possible movement paths are arranged such that, in the loading area, all the lifting mechanisms of the support structures are at least partially above the water in order to lower the load into the water.

[0021] At least one support structure, preferably all support structures, may include at least one first restraining element configured to interfere with at least one second restraining element supported by the load when the load is lifted to an upper position by the lifting means, thereby limiting the lateral displacement of the load relative to the support structure, the at least one first restraining element preferably comprises two opposing guides between which at least one second restraining element can engage. The at least one second restraining element may comprise a cage positioned on the load on a lug that serves to attach a lifting cable to the load. Such a cage comprises an opening for the cable to pass through and side walls that can contact the guides after the load reaches its upper position. In this way, the load is prevented from moving laterally relative to the support structure during its displacement, for example, on the ground or under the influence of wind. However, the cooperation between the first and second elements may allow small movements due to differences in height at the point where the load is connected to the lifting means, these small movements may be caused, for example, by small fluctuations in sea level or barge (in a modified example, a barge is used).

[0022] The facility may or may not have a barge to support a portion of the load and assist in the entire process of transporting the load to the loading area, and this barge may or may not have a support structure similar to that which moves on the ground to transport the load to the loading area.

[0023] The presence of a barge can reduce the civil engineering work required for a solution without one. The support structure and / or barge can be easily transported from one industrial port site to another. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to have a heavy lifting system having a lifting structure that can be used and not used and can be transported by boat.

[0024] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the facility has at least one version. This version can be movable so as to be associated with the movement of the load towards its discharge position. The version can be connected to a support structure and / or a dock located on land by mooring lines, and these mooring lines may be arranged so as to be gradually unwound as the load moves away from the dock. In order to prevent the line from directly abutting against the dock edge, some deviation saddles may be provided at the dock edge.

[0025] The facility can have at least one offshore support structure supported by a version, with lifting means configured to catch the load provided at one end. Thus, the load can be connected to the lifting means of various support structures at at least three points, two of which are carried by an onshore support structure and one is carried by an offshore support structure.

[0026] The version may have an adjustable ballast or counterweight system that enables the support structure to continue to be positioned above horizontal, especially during partial transfer of the load onto the version and / or during lowering of the load.

[0027] The version can have compartments for pumping water in or out to keep the version substantially horizontal while raising or lowering the load in the water. During operation of the version, water may be pumped out from, for example, one compartment adjacent to the load and pumped into, for example, a different compartment on the opposite side of the load.

[0028] The facility may include at least one inclinometer carried by the load, and the lifting means may be controlled to maintain the load horizontal during lifting based on a signal transmitted by at least one inclinometer. The control of the lifting means may also be based on a signal transmitted by a force sensor present in the lifting means.

[0029] The equipment may include at least one inclinometer carried by the barge, and the ballast pump may be controlled based on a signal delivered by this at least one inclinometer to maintain the barge horizontal during the lifting operation.

[0030] Preferably, the lifting mechanism is controlled in conjunction with the ballast pump to maintain both the load and the barge horizontally during the lifting operation, from the initial lift to immersion of the load into the water.

[0031] For safety reasons, the control of the horizontality of the load and / or barge may be automated, provided that manual override is possible.

[0032] The lifting mechanism for the support structure carried by the barge has a cable length sufficient to accommodate tidal fluctuations in sea level. In this way, the load can be lifted and kept at a constant distance from the ground during low tide or when the tide is submerged. Tidal level fluctuations can be, for example, about 2 m / h, but the cable of the lifting mechanism can be raised at a speed of, for example, about 15 m / h.

[0033] As described above, lateral movement of the load relative to the support structure can be prevented by interference elements once the load reaches its upper position after being lifted, but the interference elements may be configured to allow small vertical movement due to tides if the load is connected to a support structure supported by a barge at one point and to a support structure located on land at the other point.

[0034] The barge may be equipped with a support structure having a base of dimensions selected to increase the height of the lifting mechanism to compensate for the height difference between the sea surface and the ground. Such a base may extend substantially along the width of the barge. The lifting mechanism may be longer than the length of the base. The base may have a lattice structure.

[0035] In a variation, the barge may be submersible and positioned in a continuous manner along one of the load movement paths on the dock, and may have an extension to this path that allows the load to be moved onto the barge. In this case, the barge moves underwater until the load has fully reached the loading area, and then the barge gradually submerges, accompanying the descent of the load by a lifting mechanism of a support structure located on land. If submersible, the barge is preferably oriented so that its longitudinal axis is parallel to the dock. The barge is preferably provided with stabilizing towers at its four corners.

[0036] The support structure may be oriented parallel to the movement path. Such a solution is particularly suitable when the equipment has barges.

[0037] As a variation, the support structure is oriented laterally with respect to the travel path. Such a solution is particularly suitable for facilities without barges, where the dock has, for example, two platforms or other structures on a pile along which the travel path extends, and the loading area extends between these platforms or other structures.

[0038] Next, the support structure can be made movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the movement path so that it can be moved away from the load when the load is loaded into the water. This facilitates the departure of the load by floating it to the storage area or its final destination.

[0039] Generally, the support structure preferably extends horizontally overall and has, for example, a grid of beams. The grid of beams may have horizontal beams connected to one another by diagonal connecting elements. These connecting elements may extend in the vertical plane between two vertically overlapping beams. The beams may be joined to one another by upper and lower cross members.

[0040] The travel path may have rails and / or SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter) type means of transport, and the rails may act as guides for APS (Air Pad Sliding) type transport systems, which are sliding support systems in which shoes are provided on air cushions that enable the sliding friction coefficient to be reduced to, for example, 1% of the vertical load, as described in European Patent No. 1854746.

[0041] The equipment preferably includes at least two, preferably three, travel paths.

[0042] The movement paths may all be parallel to each other, or, in a variation, they may have different directions, or some may be parallel to each other and others may have different directions.

[0043] In some embodiments, the travel path is either entirely defined by the rails or at least partially defined by the rails.

[0044] In some other embodiments, at least part or some of the travel paths are not defined by rails, but by, for example, a concrete surface, or by a track or route on which a wheel transporter such as an SPMT can travel.

[0045] In one embodiment, the equipment comprises three travel paths that extend generally parallel to one another and can be defined by rails. These travel paths may extend to the end of a dock adjacent to the water. The load may be a tripod having legs, each supported by a transporter traveling along the corresponding travel path before the load is connected to the lifting means of the support structure. One of the support structures may be supported by a barge, and the other two support structures may be connected to the load as it moves forward past a predetermined area. The equipment may also include an additional travel path that allows each of the two support structures to move from a first location away from the travel path on which the load travels (thus allowing the load to move along the travel path without being obstructed by the support structure placed at the first location) to a second location on this travel path behind the load, i.e., on the opposite side of the barge from the load (thus accompanying the load as it moves toward the water). The additional travel path may be defined by rails perpendicular to the rails of the travel path on which the load travels.

[0046] In another embodiment, the equipment comprises two movement paths along which a load is displaced. These two paths may comprise rails. The load may be a tripod having two legs that travel along the same movement path and opposite legs that travel along the other movement path. The equipment may comprise two additional movement paths on which a support structure travels. These additional movement paths may be outside the movement paths on which the load travels. The additional movement paths may extend parallel to the movement paths on which the load travels. The additional movement paths may be defined by rails on which the support structure travels. The orientation of the support structure may be lateral to these movement paths. There may be two support structures traveling on one additional movement path and one support structure traveling on the other additional movement path. The equipment may comprise two piers on which the additional movement paths extend. In such an embodiment, there is no barge, and the load is suspended in the water between the piers by one support structure on one pier and two other support structures on the other pier. In the case of a four-legged load, there are two support structures for each pier.

[0047] In another embodiment, the facility comprises two travel paths that can travel parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the dock, and at least one further travel path that can travel generally perpendicular to the other two travel paths. Each of the first two travel paths may be provided with rails. The at least one further path may be a concrete surface on which a wheel transporter, such as an SPMT, can travel to a second location where the load can be lifted by a support structure for loading into the water, for example, from a first location where the assembly of the load is completed. In such an embodiment, a barge carrying a third support structure can be used. When the load reaches the second location, the load may be placed on the wheel transporter, such as an SPMT, until it is lifted by a lifting means of the support structure. Once lifted by the lifting means, the wheel transporter, such as an SPMT, may be returned to the first location before the support structure is moved and the load is loaded into the water.

[0048] In another embodiment, the equipment includes a wheel transporter such as an SPMT for carrying two legs of the load on land, while another leg is supported by a support structure located on the barge, the land support structure includes a rotatable lifting means such as a crane, and unloading is carried out by rotating the two lifting means while moving the barge away from the dock. Each crane can rotate and translate along the longitudinal direction of the crane during the transport of the load from land to sea. Each support structure supporting the crane may have a static mast located near the edge of the dock that supports the crane while allowing the crane to move as needed relative to the mast.

[0049] The support structure may include a PPU ("push-pull unit"), which allows the support structure to move along a slide rail, especially in the case of APS type moving means or other sliding shoe means.

[0050] The support structure may be positioned to raise the load while it is being transported to the loading area.

[0051] The movement path may include support pads on which the load is placed during the static phase.

[0052] The support structure may have a shoe (or any other support device made of elastomer material) made of a composite material capable of withstanding the load, especially before the load is loaded into the water.

[0053] The lifting mechanism may include a cable jack or any other lifting device, such as a winch.

[0054] Another object of the present invention, according to another aspect thereof, is a method for loading heavy loads, in particular tripod or quadruped floats, into water using the equipment according to the present invention as defined above, The lifting mechanism is operated to lower a load into the water, and the load is held in place at at least three points while being lowered, at least two of which are connected to the lifting mechanism of a support structure located on land, and the third point is connected to one of a submersible barge, a support structure supported by a barge, and a support structure located on land. It is a method.

[0055] The load can be moved to the loading area using a support structure located on land.

[0056] The support structure moves in sync.

[0057] "On land" should be understood to mean on a platform or other type of pier that constitutes advancement onto land or water, such as a platform or other structure placed on a pile.

[0058] If a non-submersible barge is used, the method may include the step of acting on the position of ballast or at least one counterweight to keep the barge level while the load is being transported on the barge, before the load is moved to its final position in the loading area.

[0059] If a barge is not present, the method may include the step of pulling the support structure back along its longitudinal axis to separate it from the load, thereby facilitating the movement of the load away from the dock.

[0060] This retraction movement can be achieved by a lateral rail on which one or more rams supporting the support structure can move. The method may include the steps of retracting a ram engaged with a rail that serves to transport the support structure to the loading position, and positioning the remaining rams in line with the lateral rail.

[0061] The method can be carried out by ensuring the movement of loads and support structures using APS and PPU type moving means.

[0062] Therefore, the support structure can raise a load to a height of, for example, 0.5 m or less, particularly 10 cm to 50 cm, during which time the load is moved to the loading area, and the movement can be done using a ram connected to temporary anchors. When the anchors at the end of the ram are activated, the extension of the ram may be accompanied by shoes that slide on rails of the movement path by pushing these anchors, and then the ram is retracted to move the anchors to a new position before the cycle of extending / retracting the ram is repeated, deactivating the anchors.

[0063] The lifting mechanism includes, for example, at least two, better at least three, and even better at at least four cable jacks.

[0064] Loads can be transported on the ground at a low height, for example, the height required to lift the load.

[0065] The method may include the use of a wheeled transporter such as an SPMT to transport the load from the assembly area to a zone where it can be connected to the lifting means of the support structure.

[0066] In one embodiment, the third point is connected to the barge, and the method includes the step of acting on the barge's ballast to compensate for fluctuations in the force exerted by the load on the lifting means of the support structure present on the barge. Thus, the ballast can play a role in keeping the barge substantially horizontal. The method may include the steps of connecting the loads at the two rear points to ashore support structures and the loads at at least one front point to a support structure supported by the barge; moving the barge away from the dock while bringing the support structure closer to the edge of the dock until the loads are completely above sea level; and then sinking the loads into the sea.

[0067] This invention is particularly well suited for loading water-loaded objects at a height greater than the height of the support structure.

[0068] The present invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of its non-limiting exemplary embodiments and by examining the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0069] [Figure 1] This is a schematic partial perspective view of a first example of the facility according to the present invention, which has a non-submersible barge. [Figure 2] This figure is similar to Figure 1, but after the load has been moved to the loading area. [Figure 3] This figure shows the continuous movement of the load towards the loading position. [Figure 4] This figure shows the complete arrival of the load in the loading area. [Figure 5] This is a schematic partial perspective view of a second example of the equipment according to the present invention, which has a submersible barge. [Figure 6]This diagram is similar to Figure 5, showing the load moved to the loading area, with the barge remaining docked and the load partially moved onto the barge. [Figure 7] This figure shows the barge moving away from the dock, illustrating the continuous movement of the load towards the loading position. [Figure 8] This figure shows the complete arrival of the load in the loading area. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a barge gradually submerging, illustrating the descent of a load. [Figure 10] This figure shows the continuous submersion of a loaded object. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the recovery of a submerged barge. [Figure 12] This is a schematic partial perspective view of a third example of the equipment according to the present invention, without a barge. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing its own support structure. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the connection of a lifting mechanism to a support structure containing a load. [Figure 15] This figure shows the movement of a load into the loading area using the equipment shown in Figure 12. [Figure 16] This figure shows the continuous movement of a load towards the loading area. [Figure 17] This figure shows the complete arrival of the load in the loading area. [Figure 18] This diagram shows the descent of a load. [Figure 19] This figure shows the movement of the support structure after a load has been submerged. [Figure 20] This diagram shows the support structure after it has been pulled back. [Figure 21] This figure shows details of one embodiment of the support structure. [Figure 22] This figure shows the positioning for disengaging the support structure of the equipment shown in Figure 12. [Figure 23] This figure shows the support structure after it has been pulled back to disengage. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 25] This figure is similar to Figure 24, showing the displacement of a load along the corresponding movement path. [Figure 26] This diagram is similar to Figure 25, showing the load after it has arrived at the location where it was intended to be lifted by the support structure. [Figure 27] This figure shows the load at the position shown in Figure 26, viewed from above. [Figure 28] This figure shows the positioning of a support structure adjacent to a load for lifting a load. [Figure 29] This diagram shows the connection between the support structure and the load-bearing object, and the means for lifting and lowering it. [Figure 30] This figure shows a load connected to a lifting mechanism. [Figure 31] This figure shows an example of water redistribution in the ballast compartment of a barge. [Figure 32] This diagram is similar to Figure 31, showing the process of pumping water from a ballast section. [Figure 33] This figure is similar to Figure 31, which shows the feasibility of adjusting the level in the barge's ballast compartment. [Figure 34] This figure shows the load connected to the lifting mechanism of the support structure present on the barge while the load is still placed on the SPMT. [Figure 35] This figure is similar to Figure 34, showing the case where sea level fluctuations due to tides exist after the load has been raised. [Figure 36] This is a top view showing the removal of SPMT from below the load. [Figure 37] This diagram shows the displacement of a load directed towards the sea. [Figure 38] This figure is similar to Figure 37, which shows the load during the displacement process toward its final position. [Figure 39] This diagram shows the load after it has reached its final position at sea. [Figure 40] This figure shows a partially submerged load. [Figure 41] This figure shows the equipment according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 42]This figure shows the displacement of several support structures for connecting a lifting mechanism to a load. [Figure 43] This figure shows the load after it has been connected to the lifting mechanism of the support structure carried by the barge. [Figure 44] This diagram shows a load placed on a support pad. [Figure 45] This figure shows the fluctuations in sea level due to tides. [Figure 46] This figure shows a modified example having a support structure equipped with a rotatable crane. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0070] Figures 14 and 21 show details of an embodiment of the support structure applicable to all examples.

[0071] Figures 1 to 4 show a first example of equipment 1 according to the present invention, which is intended for loading a heavy load 10 into the water, consisting of a tripod float for a wind turbine, having, for example as shown, two legs 11 arranged like two vertices of the base of an equilateral triangle and one leg 12 arranged like a third vertex and intended to support the tower of the wind turbine, the legs 11 and 12 are connected by a beam assembly 14.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the float is made of steel, but the present invention can be applied to any type of heavy load.

[0073] At their base, as shown in Figure 14, the legs 11 and 12 have collars 15 (also called "flanges" or "base plates") that support the vertical lifting lugs 16, the role of which will be described later.

[0074] In some cases, the legs 12, which are intended to support a tower (not shown), may have an assembly skirt 13 (also called a "sleeve") on their upper surface.

[0075] Equipment 1 has two support structures 20 that can move on the ground along their respective movement paths 30, and these paths 30 have slide rails 31 and support pads 32, which are also called "skidways".

[0076] The pad 32 is a temporary support device that supports the load during a static step before or after sliding.

[0077] The rail 31 can, for example, serve as a support for an APS-type sliding shoe.

[0078] Each support structure 20 located on land has a grid-like main beam 21, one end of which supports a counterweight 22 projecting upward from the main beam, and the other end of which supports a lifting mechanism 60. The height below the main beam 21 is several meters, which is sufficient to distribute the load concentrated on the jacks and bearing shoes onto the grid-like main beam 21, or to accommodate elements (such as crossbeams) necessary for interposing the SPMT. Therefore, this main beam 21 extends to a small height from the ground, for example, less than 5m, or even less than 3m or 2m.

[0079] In the example under consideration, these two support structures 20 have their longitudinal axes oriented in the direction of movement along the path 30.

[0080] Equipment 1 has a barge 50 that is continuously positioned on a central land travel path 30 from which the legs 12 can be moved.

[0081] In this example, the barge 50 supports a third support structure 20 that differs from the land-based support structure 20 in that it does not have a counterweight 22.

[0082] As shown in the figure, the support structure 20 present on the barge 50 may be connected to the barge at its rear end opposite to the lifting means 60 and load 10, preferably via a substantially vertical cable 53.

[0083] The Barge 50 features a ballast system that allows for compensation of fluctuations in the supporting weight while moving the load forward, thus enabling the barge to be kept substantially horizontal.

[0084] As shown in the figure, a first pair of mooring lines 54 can connect a winch 57 located in front of the barge 50 to the dock, and a second pair of mooring lines 52 can connect a winch 58 located in rear of the barge 50 to the dock. These mooring lines 52 and 54 can be unwound when the barge 50 moves away from dock Q, allowing the barge to be kept in a desired orientation, particularly perpendicular to the dock. Each pair of mooring lines extends to form a V, with the outermost mooring line 52 forming a larger angle between them than the mooring line 54.

[0085] To enable the lifting mechanism 60 to be attached to the lug 16 at the base of the leg portion 12, the support structure 20, supported by the barge, protrudes slightly beyond the barge toward the load.

[0086] Each of the lifting means 60 of the support structure 20 has a cable jack assembly 61 with a yoke 63 at its end that supports a shaft 68 that engages with the opening 19 of the lug 16, as shown in Figures 14 and 21.

[0087] The jack body 66 can be seen in more detail in Figure 13. In this figure, it can also be seen that the lattice-shaped main beam 21 of the support structure 20 has upper protective rails 26 and lower protective rails 27 on the side of the lifting means 60, which have an overall concave shape outward, and which substantially coincide with the cylindrical shape of the legs 11 or 12 facing them.

[0088] These protective rails 26 and 27 can be fitted with sliding shoes and / or shock absorbers made of an elastomer material such as neoprene, to facilitate the descent of the load 10 when in contact with the support structure 20, to allow the support structure to be used to push the load, and / or to absorb any impact that may occur between the load and the support structure.

[0089] As shown in Figure 21, each support structure 20 can be placed on legs having rams 100 and 104 on each rail of the movement path, and a sliding shoe 101 that moves along the rail is provided at the lower end of its rod.

[0090] A piston ram 108, which can withstand the movable anchor 110 and be temporarily actuated to lock the anchor onto the corresponding rail, constitutes a pusher (or "PPU", i.e., a "push-pull unit") that allows the rams 100-104 to slide along a sliding shoe 101 (e.g., of the APS type) to move the support structure. The ram 108 of the PPU has a dual effect, exhibiting high compressibility and reduced tensile capacity, enabling forward travel at nominal load and reverse travel at reduced load to disengage the released support structure.

[0091] Therefore, each support structure 20 can be placed via rails on a first assembly having a central ram 104 and two adjacent rams 100, on a single leg having a ram 100, and then on a second assembly having three identical rams to the first. Each of the three-ram assemblies has a set of pushers having piston rams 108 extending forward and backward from the base, respectively, to move the support structure in opposite directions.

[0092] Equipment 1 may have a winch cable 29 (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) that connects the rear of the structure 20 to an anchor, and when the support structure 20 is released, it is intended to move the support structure 20 in the reverse direction on its sliding supports relatively quickly. Pusher PPU can also be used for reverse movement or slower movement to achieve greater force.

[0093] Equipment 1 operates as follows:

[0094] As shown in Figure 1, the load 10, which was initially located entirely on land, can be moved toward the loading area by appropriate means, such as APS and PPU types as described below.

[0095] During this movement, the support structure 20 moves along the rail 31, and the load 10 is lifted by rams 100, 104 that contact sliding shoes 101 (e.g., APS type) that slide on the rail 31. During the intermediate stopping phase (during translational movement), the load 10 can be placed on the support pads 32 of the path 30.

[0096] The barge 50 is positioned in a continuous manner along the central path 30, and the lifting means 60 of the support structure supported by it is attached to lugs 16 located at the base of the legs 12. The barge 50 accompanies the movement of the load 10 by gradually moving away from the dock Q.

[0097] The mooring lines 52 and 54 are unwound to maintain the barge 50 in the desired orientation, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0098] Figure 4 shows the load 10 after it has reached its final position within the loading area. Next, a lifting mechanism extending from the dock is provided at the end of the support structure 20 located on land. A stopper located in the dock (not shown) can prevent the support structure from moving at this position. The cable jacks can be gradually activated to lower the load 10 into the water.

[0099] When the load is submerged, all the lifting means 60 of the support structure can be detached from the load, and the barge 50 can be moved away from the load, for example using a ship, while the load 10 is transported to a storage area or its final location (e.g., a wind power plant).

[0100] Now, referring to Figures 5 to 11, we will describe a modified example, facility 1, which still has a barge 50, but this time the barge is submersible.

[0101] In this example, the barge 50 is oriented perpendicular to the central path 30, with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the edge of the dock.

[0102] The barge 50 may have an extension that continues to the central path 30 along with rails 31 and support pads 32, so as to allow the legs 12 of the load to move to the central path 30.

[0103] Barge 50 may be connected to the dock by a set of mooring lines 52 and 54, as in the example described above.

[0104] In Figure 5, the load 10 is shown in a position where it is completely on the ground. The barge 50 is positioned continuously along the central path 30.

[0105] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the barge 50 is gradually moved toward the loading area, and firstly, the legs 11 slide on the barge 50 while it is held in the dock. For this purpose, the rails 31 supporting the sliding shoes (e.g., APS type) used to move the legs 12 are sufficiently continuous between the land section and the section present on the barge. When the legs 12 are fully on the barge 50, the barge 50 is moved away from the dock as the legs 11 approach the loading area. The barge 50 is moved passively under the influence of the land movement of the load.

[0106] Figure 8 shows the load 10 when it is completely within the loading area, with the support structure 20 adjacent to the leg portion 11 extending from the dock.

[0107] Next, the lifting means 60 of these support structures can be activated to lower the legs 11, and the barge 50 is simultaneously and gradually submerged to lower the legs 12, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0108] The towers 59 at the four corners of the submersible barge 50 remain partially above the water, providing hydrodynamic stability to the barge once it is submerged.

[0109] When the load 10 becomes levitated, the lifting mechanism 60 can be detached from the load 10, allowing the barge 50 to be moved away from the load 10.

[0110] Figure 11 shows the disengagement of the barge 50 from below, which releases the load 10.

[0111] Now, with reference to Figure 12, we will describe the modified apparatus 1 without a barge.

[0112] In this modified version, the dock is followed by two jetties, including platform 90 on piles extending over the water, on either side of the loading area.

[0113] The dock has a movement path 80 that can move loads, for example by sliding, and these paths have, for example, a slide rail 82 and a temporary support pad 81.

[0114] Equipment 1 has three support structures 20, two of which run along slide rails 95 that extend to the first platform 90, and the third of these support structures runs along two other rails 95 that extend to the second platform.

[0115] The lifting means 60 of the two first support structures can be attached to the lugs 16 at the base of the leg 11, and the lifting means of the third support structure can be attached to the lugs 16 at the base of the leg 12. The longitudinal axis of the support structure 20 is oriented perpendicular to the rail 95.

[0116] The movement of the load 10, accompanied by the movement of the support structure 20, is shown in Figures 15 to 17. This movement is carried out while the legs 11 and 12 are attached to the lifting mechanism 60 and are being raised by the support structure during translational movement on the rail 95.

[0117] Figure 17 shows the load after it has fully reached the loading area. The load is then suspended by the lifting mechanism 60.

[0118] The lifting mechanism can be operated gradually to lower the load into the water, as shown in Figure 18.

[0119] When the load 10 becomes floating, the lifting mechanism 60 can be detached from the legs 11 and 12.

[0120] The support structure 20, with an end provided with a lifting mechanism 60 extending over the water, can allow the load 10 to pass through and be pulled back so that the vessel can drive the load 10 toward a storage area or its permanent location (e.g., a wind power plant).

[0121] In the illustrated example, this retraction is performed by the lateral slide rail 94, which can be seen in particular in Figure 21, intersecting the rail 95 perpendicularly.

[0122] When the support structure 20 reaches the loading position for the load, the central ram 104 is positioned in a straight line with the rail 94, as shown in Figure 22.

[0123] Once the load 10 is loaded into the water and the lifting mechanism is disconnected, the weight that the rams 100 and 104 need to support is the weight of the support structure 20 alone, and the ram 100 can be retracted, so that the support structure is supported only by the ram 104. While the ram 100 remains in a fixed position within each rail 95, the rams 104 can be moved within the rails 94 by any suitable motor means, for example, by using an additional PPU-type ram (not shown in the figure) or a winch fixed rearward from the lateral rail 94 for each of the rams 104, thus making it possible to move the support structure away from the load 10, as shown in Figure 23.

[0124] When a load 10 is moved away from the loading area, the support structure 20 can be moved in the opposite direction to pick up the next load 10.

[0125] In all of the above examples, the support structure 20 can be easily decommissioned and taken away by a ship to another site.

[0126] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the examples described herein.

[0127] The lifting mechanism 60 may be implemented in a manner different from a cable jack, for example, that has other jacks or winches.

[0128] The load 10 may be of a different type, for example, a quadruped type, and may be made from metal or other materials. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to cover not only metal jackets of any shape, but also other concrete structures, with or without very tall metal towers, and with or without their generators (wind turbine nacelles, rotors, and blades).

[0129] The wind turbine tower does not need to be supported by floating legs. The wind turbine tower may be supported by a central base, by a lattice structure connected to legs / floats, or by a fourth central leg / float. In the modified configuration of the equipment in Figure 1, the ballast system of barge 50 is replaced and / or supplemented by a counterweight system that is movable on the barge from front to back and vice versa.

[0130] In the figure, the lifting mechanism is attached to the load by a lifting lug supported on a collar located at the base of the cylindrical part of the leg, and in variations, the attachment is carried out in different ways, for example by a lifting lug directly attached to the cylindrical part of the leg, or in yet another way by any suitable arrangement.

[0131] The present invention is not limited to specific means for moving loads and / or support structures toward the loading area, and can use, for example, SPMT type conveying means, conveying means having sliding shoes made of PPU and PTFE, etc.

[0132] Where appropriate, submersible barges can interact with a support system fixed underwater to control their descent, thereby avoiding the need to manage their entry and exit from the water while the barge is submerged / ascending.

[0133] In the modified embodiments shown in Figures 24 to 40, the load 10 is assembled on land in the assembly area and transported by ground to a second area where the load is connected to the support structure 20.

[0134] This transport is carried out by a wheel transporter 200 such as an SPMT along a travel path 30 defined, for example, by the concrete surface of a dock.

[0135] The equipment includes two other movement paths 30 that extend generally perpendicularly to the first movement path, each of which may be equipped with a pair of rails.

[0136] As shown in Figures 24 to 27, when the load reaches the second region, the two legs of the load 10 extend along the rail and approach the corresponding support structure 20 that moves along the rail, and the third leg approaches the barge 50 on which the support structure 20 is provided.

[0137] Figures 28 and 29 show the connection between one side of the lifting structure 20 and the load 10.

[0138] As shown in Figure 29, the box 211 is fixed to the load on the lug 16, and the support structure 20 is provided with a pair of guides 212 configured to interfere with the side walls of the box 211 when the load is fully lifted, and to prevent lateral displacement of the load relative to the support structure 20 (i.e., generally in a lateral direction in the direction in which the load is moved from land to sea while being lifted by the support structure). The guides 212 may have branched lower parts to facilitate engagement between the boxes 211 as the box 211 moves upward.

[0139] As shown in Figure 28, the box 211 can be held by the support structure 20 before being lowered onto the load 10 and fixed to the load 10. The box 211 can be moved downward using the same cables of the lifting means 60 that will later be used to lift the load 10.

[0140] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the support structure 20 carried by the barge 50 may have a base 201 that extends substantially across the width of the barge 50. The main beam 21 rests on the base 201 and extends cantilevered beyond both ends of the base.

[0141] The counterweight 22 is located on the opposite side of the end of the main beam 21 adjacent to the load 10.

[0142] As shown in Figures 32 and 33, the barge 50 is equipped with a ballast section 500 for adjusting the buoyancy of the barge 50.

[0143] For example, the barge may comprise at least one compartment 501 adjacent to the load 10 and at least one compartment 502 on the opposite side of the load, where water can be pumped into compartment 502, while water is pumped out of compartment 501 to compensate for the forces caused by lifting the load.

[0144] The barge 50 and load 10 may be equipped with sensors such as an inclinometer and an effort gauge, and the system may include at least one automate that controls the position of the barge and lifting pumps, as well as the counterweights that maintain the barge and load horizontally, based on signals received from these sensors. At least one automate may allow manual override.

[0145] Figure 34 shows the load before it is lifted above the wheel transporter 200.

[0146] Figure 35 shows the fluctuations in sea level. The cable length of the lifting mechanism 60 is long enough to ensure that the load can be lifted regardless of the fluctuations in sea level due to tides, and the cable speed when the load is lifted or lowered is greater than the speed of the fluctuations in sea level due to tides, for example, the cable speed is about 15 m / h and the fluctuations in sea level due to tides are about 2 m / h.

[0147] Figure 36 shows the removal of the transporter 200 after the load has been lifted by the lifting means 60 of the support structure 20.

[0148] After the wheel transporter 200 is removed, the support structure 20 can be moved toward the water as shown in Figures 37 to 39.

[0149] Once the load 10 is completely above the water, it is submerged as shown in Figure 40 and can then be detached from the lifting mechanism 60.

[0150] Figure 41 shows the feasibility of the support structure 20, which runs on rails in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 11, moving along a secondary movement path 131 and enabling the support structure 20 to be placed behind the load 10.

[0151] Each secondary movement path may include a pair of rails 250 that extend perpendicularly to the rails of the movement path 30, as shown in Figure 42.

[0152] Figure 43 shows the feasibility of connecting the mooring lines of the barge 50 to the support structure 20 that travels on land.

[0153] Figure 44 shows the load 10 placed on the support pad 32 before lifting.

[0154] Figure 45 shows the load 10 after it has been lifted.

[0155] Figure 46 shows a modified embodiment in which the load 10 is transported by land by a wheel transporter such as an SPMT to the area of ​​a dock adjacent to the sea, between two land support structures 20, each having a rotatable crane 222 supported by a mast 221.

[0156] The load is connected at a third point to a support structure 20 placed on the barge 50.

[0157] For the transport of loads from land to sea, the barge 50 is moved away from the dock and the crane 222 is rotated. The rotation of the crane may be accompanied by its translation, as shown by the arrows in Figure 46. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] 1 Equipment, 10 Heavy load, 11 Legs, 12 Legs, 13 Assembly skirt, 14 Beam assembly, 15 Collar, 16 Vertical lifting lug, 19 Opening, 20 Land support structure, lifting structure, 21 Lattice beam, 22 Counterweight, 26 Upper protective rail, 27 Lower protective rail, 29 Winch cable, 30 Central land movement path, 31 Slide rail, 32 Support pad, 50 Submersible barge, 52 Mooring line, 53 Cable, 54 Mooring line, 57 Winch, 58 Winch, 59 Tower, 60 Lifting means, 61 Cable jack assembly, 63 Yoke, 66 Main body, 68 Shaft, 80 Movement path, 81 Support pad, 82 Slide rail, 90 Platform, pier, 94 Lateral slide rail, 95 Slide rail, 100 Ram, 101 Sliding shoe, 104 central ram, 108 piston ram, 110 movable anchor, 131 secondary movement path, 200 wheel transporter, 201 base, 211 box, second stopping element, 212 guide, 221 mast, 222 crane, 250 rail, 500 ballast compartment, 501 compartment, 502 compartment

Claims

1. Equipment for loading heavy loads located on land into the water, The support structure comprises at least two independent support structures, each of which is equipped with a lifting mechanism configured to hook onto the heavy load, and each of which is equipped with a counterweight. The equipment is configured such that, when the heavy load is positioned in the loading area, the lifting means of the support structure extends at least partially above the water in order to lower the heavy load into the water. The equipment comprises at least one offshore support structure supported by a barge, which is provided with a lifting mechanism configured to be attached to the heavy load.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the barge is movable in conjunction with the movement of the heavy load toward the loading position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the barge has an adjustable ballast or counterweight system for adjusting the buoyancy of the barge.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the barge is connected to the dock or the support structure by mooring lines arranged to gradually unwind as the heavy load moves away from the dock.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a submersible barge on which a portion of the heavy load can be placed when the heavy load is in the loading area.

6. The equipment according to claim 5, comprising a travel path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, the submersible barge being positioned in conjunction with one of the travel paths of the dock and having an extension to this path that enables the heavy load to be moved onto the barge.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a movement path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, and the support structure is oriented parallel to the movement path.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a travel path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, the apparatus having at least three support structures, each having a lifting means and a counterweight, and the travel path being arranged such that all of the lifting means of the support structures are at least partially above the water in order to lower the heavy load into the water in the loading area.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the support structure is oriented laterally with respect to the movement path.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, having two platforms or other structures on a pile along the transfer path, and the loading area extending between these platforms or other structures.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the support structure is movable along its longitudinal axis with respect to the movement path so that when the heavy load is unloaded, the support structure can be moved away from the heavy load.

12. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the support structure extends horizontally overall.

13. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the equipment includes a travel path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, and the travel path has rails.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure has a shoe made of a composite material, particularly an elastomer, that can withstand the heavy load.

15. The equipment according to claim 1, comprising a travel path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, wherein the travel path comprises at least three.

16. The facility includes a movement path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all of the travel paths are parallel to each other, or have different directions, or are parallel to one part and have different directions to the other parts.

17. The facility includes a movement path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the travel path is entirely defined by rails, or at least partially defined by rails.

18. The facility includes a movement path extending from a land area for receiving the heavy load to an area for loading the heavy load, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least part or some of the aforementioned travel paths are defined by concrete surfaces or by tracks or routes on which a wheel transporter can travel.

19. It has three travel paths that extend generally parallel to each other and are defined by rails, The aforementioned transport path extends to the end of the dock adjacent to the water, The aforementioned heavy load is a tripod having legs that are each supported by a transporter traveling along a corresponding movement path before the heavy load is connected to the lifting means of the support structure. One of the support structures is supported by a barge, and the other two support structures are connected to the load when the load moves forward past a predetermined area. The equipment includes an additional movement path that allows each of the two support structures to move from a first location away from the movement path on which the heavy load travels to a second location on this movement path behind the heavy load, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the additional movement path is defined by a rail perpendicular to the rail of the movement path on which the heavy load travels.

20. The support structure is provided with a travel path on which it travels, The aforementioned movement path is defined by the rail on which the support structure runs. The orientation of the support structure is lateral to these movement paths. There are two support structures, one traveling along one movement path and the other along the other movement path. The facility comprises two piers through which the travel path extends, The aforementioned heavy load is suspended from one support structure on one pier and two other support structures on the other pier into the water between the piers. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the heavy load is a tripod having two legs that travel along the same movement path and a leg on the opposite side that travels along the other movement path.

21. The system comprises two movement paths running parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the dock, and at least one further movement path running generally perpendicular to the other two movement paths. The first two aforementioned travel paths are equipped with rails, At least one of the further travel paths is a concrete surface on which the wheel transporter can travel to a second location where the load can be lifted by the support structure for loading from a first location where the assembly of the load is completed into the water. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a barge that supports a third support structure.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one support structure comprises a rotatable crane that can rotate during the transport of the heavy load from land to sea.

23. The apparatus according to claims 1 and 22, comprising at least one support structure having a rotatable crane that can rotate during the transport of the heavy load from land to sea, and a barge carrying another support structure.

24. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one support structure comprises at least one first blocking element, the first blocking element being configured to interfere with at least one second blocking element supported by the heavy load when the heavy load is lifted to an upper position by the lifting means, thereby limiting the lateral displacement of the heavy load relative to the support structure.

25. A method for loading heavy objects into water using the equipment described in claim 1, The lifting means is operated to lower the heavy load into the water, and the heavy load is held in place at at least three points while being lowered. A method wherein at least two of the three aforementioned points are connected to a lifting mechanism of the support structure located on land, and the third aforementioned point is connected to one of a submersible barge, a support structure supported by a barge, and a support structure located on land.

26. The method according to claim 25, comprising the step of transporting the heavy load from the assembly area to a zone where it can be connected to the lifting means of the support structure using a wheel transporter.

27. The third point is connected to a support structure present on the barge, The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step of acting on the ballast of the barge and compensating for fluctuations in force applied by the heavy load to the lifting means of the support structure present in the barge.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the heavy load is moved to the loading area using the support structure located on land.

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