Submersible modular barge for building and / or launching floating structures

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular barge (1) comprising at least three hollow floating modules (2) with sealed walls, mechanical connection means (4) between the modules (2), and a working deck (3). Advantageously, the modules (2) can be of the type that can be filled with ballast, comprising at least one ballast hole (5) that allows the flow of water between the interior of the modules (2) and the body of water in which the barge (1) is floating, at least one interconnecting air hole (6) that connects the interiors of two adjacent modules (2), and at least one regulating hole (7) that allows air to be introduced into or extracted from the interior of the modules (2). The barge further comprises means for regulating the pressure of the air (8) inside the modules (2), allowing the water level (9) inside the modules (2) (and therefore the draught of the barge (1)) to be regulated as a result of the increase or decrease in the air pressure inside the modules (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MODULAR SUBMERSIBLE BARGE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND / OR LAUNCHING OF FLOATING STRUCTURES

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates primarily to a modular, submersible barge specifically designed for the construction or assembly of floating structures and their launching, as well as to its method of use. The main application sector of the invention is, therefore, the civil construction industry in combination with the renewable or green energy industry, more specifically offshore wind energy.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The rapid growth of offshore wind turbines is leading to a corresponding increase in the substructures that support them, whether fixed to the bottom or floating. This poses significant new technical challenges for their construction and launching, especially considering the number of these units and the production speed the sector aspires to.

[0007] To overcome this technological challenge, it is worth considering reproducing known techniques for the industrial and seated manufacture of large, temporarily floating marine caissons, typically used for port construction in deep and exposed coastal waters and widely used in certain markets such as Spain and Japan. These caissons are manufactured quickly and cost-effectively on floating caisson breakwaters: large floating platforms that allow the construction of concrete caissons on their decks and are capable of submerging so that, once construction is completed, the caisson can be refloated.

[0008] However, to date, it has not been possible to implement or even consider the use of caisson dams in the deployment of floating offshore wind energy facilities, as floating platforms for offshore wind turbines generally have a width that far exceeds the capacity of any existing caisson dam. Semi-submersible platforms, the most commonly considered type of floating platform for supporting offshore wind turbines, have dimensions of around 70–80 m for 8–10 MW wind turbines, and will grow to around 100 m for new-generation wind turbines with capacities of 15 MW or higher. Existing caisson dams generally only allow platforms with widths less than 30–40 m.

[0009] Building a caisson breakwater with a qualitatively increased width compared to the previous technique would entail a very high level of investment, which would severely penalize the economic competitiveness of this potential construction technique. Given that existing caisson breakwaters are insufficiently wide for the construction of offshore wind energy platforms, it is of great interest to develop alternative, moderately cost-effective means that could be adapted to platforms of any size. Considering the use of modular barges or pontoons, which, thanks to this modularity, can be configured with virtually any geometry, is a possibility. However, these types of modular barges, which are available in the technology, are not capable of submerging like a floating breakwater, and their submersible use has never previously been considered.

[0010] The problem that explains why the possibility of submersible use of modular barges has never been considered is that, precisely because of their modularity, they are made up of a very large number of watertight compartments, which entails a high operational complexity for a ballast and water transfer system capable of regulating the buoyancy of such a large number of compartments. Similarly, implementing a water transfer system on a conventional modular barge also requires the installation of multiple pipes, valves, and equipment on the barge deck, increasing its cost and drastically reducing its usefulness for platform manufacturing, as it at least partially occupies this working space with the various control elements necessary to regulate the system's buoyancy.

[0011] Thus, and for the sake of clarifying the technical starting point, the main difficulties present in the current state of the art can be broken down as follows:

[0012] 1.- The construction of floating wind turbine platforms presents severe demands in terms of the dimensions and characteristics of their components, which hinder both the implementation of offshore wind farms and the use of methods proven in other naval sectors. Technologies and methods are required that can mobilize components with certain dimensions for which, currently, there is neither standardization nor an established methodology for their assembly. 2.- Building floating elements (caissons) on barges with submersible capacity has proven to be an effective technique in other sectors, but this construction strategy has not been possible to date in the offshore wind energy sector because the width of the floating platforms that must be manufactured far exceeds the capacity of existing caisson breakwaters and submersible platforms.

[0013] 3.- Modular barges, composed of a large number of road-transportable and interconnected modules, could, thanks to their modularity, provide sufficient width. However, to date, they have never been equipped with submersible capacity, and their high number of modules and compartments makes it impractical to equip them with conventional water ballast transfer systems, an essential element of any submersible device.

[0014] The present invention provides a novel modular barge that overcomes these limitations of the technique, and enables, for the first time, the submersible use of modular barges, opening a path to efficient industrialized construction of floating platforms for offshore wind energy generation.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] To address the limitations of the aforementioned state of the art, the present invention aims to achieve and establish a novel solution that allows for the mass production of large-scale floating platforms, generating great efficiency and savings, with qualitatively lower requirements on port infrastructure. This is a novel solution based on a technology and type of medium that are unprecedented in the current state of the art.

[0017] More specifically, a first object of the invention relates to a submersible modular barge or pontoon for the construction and / or launching of a floating marine structure comprising:

[0018] - at least three floating modules comprising an upper watertight wall, a lower watertight wall, and a plurality of lateral watertight walls defining a closed and essentially hollow interior volume. The modules are preferably parallelepipeds, with flat, horizontal, and rectangular upper and lower faces, and four vertical lateral faces, but may adopt other geometries without departing from the scope of the present invention; - mechanical connection means adapted to connect two or more floating modules together, such that said modules are joined together through mechanical connection means for the operation of said barge, but can be disconnected and transported separately from one location to another where it is desired to operate the barge.Mechanical connection means embody a structural connection between different modules that ensures that, once joined together, they behave in a manner sufficiently equivalent to a monolithic body or shell. The mechanical connection means may employ various systems known in the art, such as screws, pins, hooks, etc. The connection between modules is preferably such that the upper faces of the different modules are at the same level; and

[0019] - a work deck. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the work deck is formed entirely by the upper faces of different modules, which are essentially flat and horizontal. However, the deck may also be partially formed by elements other than the modules without departing from the scope of the invention. There are also embodiments according to the present invention in which the work deck is not formed directly by the upper faces of the modules, but by elements that rest at least partially on the modules, such that the work deck is at a higher level than the deck of the modules.

[0020] Advantageously, the barge is also characterized by:

[0021] - one or more floating modules are of the ballast type and comprise a ballasting hole, preferably located on the lower face of said module, which connects the interior volume of said floating module or modules with a body of water in which the barge is located, said ballasting hole being adapted to allow the free flow of water between said interior volume and said body of water. Although the lower ballasting hole is preferably located on the lower face, it could also be located at any other point of the contour of the module that is below the interior ballast water level;

[0022] - the floating modules comprise at least one aerial interconnection hole adapted to create a watertight connection between the interior volumes of two adjacent floating modules, said aerial interconnection hole being preferably located on a side or upper face of said module above the internal ballast water level;

[0023] - at least one of the floating modules comprises a regulating orifice, located above the ballast water level, adapted to introduce or extract air from the interior volume of said floating module; and - the barge additionally comprises air pressure regulating means (which may comprise elements such as air compressors, valves, manifolds, pneumatic hoses and a series of other elements known in the art and commonly used in pneumatic systems) connected to at least one regulating orifice such that, by acting on said air pressure regulating means:

[0024] - the air pressure contained in the interior volume of one or more floating modules is increased, thereby reducing the level of water contained in said interior volume and therefore increasing the draught of the barge; or

[0025] - the air pressure contained in the interior volume of one or more floating modules is reduced, thereby increasing the level of water contained in said interior volume and therefore reducing the draft of the barge.

[0026] Thanks to its preferably containerizable modules, the described barge provides exceptional mobilization and demobilization efficiency for various projects and geographic locations. Adding to this improvement is the fact that the depth (height) of the barge according to the present invention can be very reduced, aiming to be about half that of the large semi-submersible monolithic barges currently on the market, which may enable its use in shallow-draft ports, such as those found in many international markets.

[0027] The present invention allows the construction or assembly of large platforms directly on a modular barge of sufficient and adjustable width and equipped with the ability to submerge to leave the platform afloat.

[0028] Any modular barge used to date lacks the ability to submerge, given that precisely because of their medullary nature, these types of barges are made up of a very large number of watertight compartments (an 80-m-wide barge would use hundreds of compartments), and a conventional ballast and water transfer system for such a large number of independent compartments is not operationally or economically viable. Implementing a water transfer system on a conventional modular barge would also require multiple pipes, valves, and equipment on the barge deck, drastically reducing its usefulness for platform construction.

[0029] The present invention overcomes these limitations of the state of the art through a barge ballasting system based exclusively on air control, completely avoiding the transfer of water between modules and giving the modular barge the ability to submerge with a simple, operational system, with great cost savings and that will not require any equipment on the deck of the barge that would reduce its operability as a work and construction area.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the barge comprises at least one group of modules in which the interior volumes of all the modules that make up said group are interconnected with each other through the air interconnection holes, such that the interior volumes of the modules of said group are joined generating a single grouped, interconnected and watertight interior volume, allowing the free flow of air between different modules of the group without escaping from said grouped interior volume. At least one module of said group of modules comprises a regulation hole, which is located above the ballast water level and through which air can be introduced or extracted from the interior volume of said module and therefore from the grouped interior volume of the group to which said module belongs.

[0031] Although air cannot escape from this grouped interior volume, it may do so through the regulating orifices if intentionally desired. Minimal air escape may also occur due to unwanted leakage, which can be compensated for by introducing air through the air pressure regulating means. Although perfect tightness is preferred, the invention will also function with imperfect tightness and a limited level of air leakage.

[0032] A certain upper hole of a module can be multipurpose and used as an upper area interconnection hole in a certain barge configuration, or as a upper regulation hole in another configuration.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each module has two openings located on its lateral and / or upper faces. In at least one module of the grouping, and preferably in an edge module, one of the lateral / upper openings will act as a regulation opening and will therefore be the opening through which air will enter or exit the grouped interior volume. In most modules that form part of the grouping, both openings will be used as upper air interconnection openings and will connect the volume of each module with that of the adjacent modules. There may be edge modules of the grouping, such as those that border modules of another grouping, in which one upper opening is used as an interconnection opening and the other opening is left closed.

[0034] Within the scope of the present invention, regulating the air pressure in one of the modules of a module array makes it possible to adjust the internal air pressure in all of the modules of said array, and thereby regulate the internal ballast level of the modules of said array. The internal air pressure in the individual modules of an array can be regulated by adjusting the pressure in only one module of the array, or it can naturally also be done by adjusting the pressure in more than one module of the array. In an even more preferred embodiment, the ballast level of all the modules of the array is regulated simultaneously, but there may also be a certain number of non-ballastable modules in the array or whose ballast level is regulated independently of that of other modules of the array.

[0035] At certain times and in certain circumstances, the air pressure and / or ballast water level in different modules of the same group may not be the same, as the regulation applied occurs at different speeds in the different modules of the group depending on different aspects, such as the area of ​​the upper or lower holes.

[0036] It is advantageous for each group to comprise a plurality of modules, allowing for the joint and simultaneous control and regulation of many modules. However, groupings comprising a single module are also possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In that case, said ballast-bearing module would have at least one lower ballast hole and at least one upper regulation hole, but would not require upper air interconnection holes.

[0037] Allowing air to escape through at least one upper regulating hole allows water ballast to enter the interior volume of the modules through the lower ballasting holes, thereby increasing the barge's draft, lowering the level of its working deck until it is completely submerged. This will facilitate the launching of floating structures located on the barge's working deck.

[0038] Likewise, by introducing air through the regulation holes, ballast water is expelled from the interior of the modules through the lower ballast holes, and in this way the barge's draft can be reduced, raising the height of its working deck, until it can emerge again for other operations or for the construction or assembly of a new floating structure.

[0039] The preferred application of the barge according to the present invention involves submerging the deck of the barge in order to float elements located on said deck. The barge according to the present invention can also be used for other applications that do not involve submerging the deck, but do require ballasting the modules, for example, to adapt to different loading conditions or other circumstances, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the barge comprises stabilization means that increase the barge's stability when the working deck is submerged and the barge's waterline is reduced and / or eliminated. Various stabilization means known in the art can be used for this purpose, such as stability columns that remain partially surfaced when the deck is submerged, spuds, or piles, etc.

[0041] If the barge is not self-supporting when submerged and until its working deck emerges, the assistance of a crane from the dock can be used for its emergence or submersion process, suspending part of the barge's weight from a point elevated with respect to the working deck, thus increasing the barge's stability until it generates sufficient waterline to be self-supporting.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the stabilization means comprise at least one essentially vertical pile, the lower end of which rests or is driven into the seabed during at least part of the barge's operation, and the upper end of which remains above the level of the body of water in which the barge operates. This type of pile preferably has lifting means that allow the pile to be raised or lowered relative to the barge's elevation.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said pile passes through guiding elements included in the barge, such that horizontal movements of said barge are impeded or limited, as are relative heeling or rolling turns between said barge and said pile. Therefore, the use of said piles offers the advantage of being able to operate the barge without needing to tie it to the dock, which facilitates its operation and, in particular, its compatibility with tidal runs. In an even more preferred embodiment, the barge has special modules that include this type of guiding elements for the piles or spuds. Freestanding piles can also be used, which are connected to the barge through a system of cables or winches.

[0044] The stabilization means may also comprise column-like elements, essentially vertical in configuration, the lower end of which is fixed to the hull of said barge and whose height above the working deck is sufficient so that the upper end of said columns always remains above the water level even if said working deck is temporarily submerged. The inertia of the buoyancy area provided by these columns when the working deck is submerged is sufficient for the barge to be self-stable.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the plan dimension of the barge, that is, its length and / or its beam, can be adapted for different applications of said barge by adding or subtracting modules, connecting or disconnecting them from each other by using the mechanical connection means.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least some of the modules adopt a geometry in width and / or length analogous to that standardized for container-type elements. Adopting a geometry analogous to that of a standard container makes it possible to simplify and economize the transportation of the modules from one location to another where the barge is to be used. In particular, the preferred dimensions in plan are 40 feet long (12.2 m) and 8 feet wide (2.4 m). The height can be variable, as it is less relevant to transportation costs, and will typically be between 2.4 and 3 m. It is preferable to maintain a height compatible with road transport gauges, although greater heights can be used in cases where the modules are expected to be transported generally by sea.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, at least some of the ballast modules comprise sealing means for the ballasting holes and / or the overhead interconnection holes and / or the regulation holes, where said sealing means are removable or deactivatable to allow the module to be used multipurposely as both a ballast and non-ballast module. The sealing means may be adjustable and may be used to prevent or limit the flow of air or water during different stages of the barge's assembly, operation, or disassembly.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the barge comprises at least one air pressure sensor contained within the interior volume of each module or each group of modules, although air pressure sensors will preferably be provided in each module with a regulation orifice and at least in the modules furthest from these. Furthermore, the barge may incorporate draft sensors and ballast level sensors inside the modules.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the air pressure regulation means comprise air compressors and air hoses connecting said compressors to the regulation ports of the various modules or groups of modules included in said barge. Said compressors can be located on the dock next to which the barge is planned to operate, making them more accessible and preventing them from taking up space or interfering with activities to be carried out on the barge's working deck. However, these regulation means could also be located on the barge itself, for example, on the working deck or even inside a module.

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention, two air interconnection openings of adjacent modules are connected by an overhead interconnection tube that connects, through said openings, the interior volume of both modules while maintaining a seal with the exterior. Said overhead interconnection openings may be located at the highest part of the side faces, which allows said overhead interconnection tube to not be on the work deck. In this case, it may be necessary to access the interior of the modules to install said overhead interconnection tubes. To this end, the modules will have manholes, which can be sealed and preferably located on the upper face of the module. The overhead interconnection openings can also be located on the upper face of the modules, preferably on their edges so that the openings of adjacent modules are closer together.In this case, the overhead interconnection tubes can be located on the work deck and will preferably be flat and sturdy to minimize any interference they may cause with the work being performed on the deck. In this case, the overhead interconnection tubes can be advantageously installed from the work deck without having to access the interior of the modules. In another embodiment of the invention, the overhead interconnection tube(s) can be configured at least two ways: an open configuration that allows free air flow between the interior volumes of both modules, and a closed configuration that prevents air flow between the interior volumes of both modules. Preferably, said overhead interconnection tube can be operated from the work deck to change from an open configuration to a closed configuration and vice versa.

[0051] A second object of the invention relates to a method for the construction and / or launching of a floating marine structure comprising the operation of a barge as described in the previous embodiments. Said method advantageously comprises carrying out the following steps in any technically possible order: a) transporting a plurality of floating modules, separately, to the construction and / or launching site of the marine structure. In a preferred embodiment, the modules are container-sized and can be transported dry,but it may also be possible to transport the modules afloat. b) connecting at least some of the floating modules to each other using mechanical connection means. This connection can be carried out either dry or after the modules have been floated. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of modules are dry-connected until their weight reaches the capacity of the crane that will be used to float them, and after the crane has floated them, they are all joined together. The mechanical connection means are preferably such that they can be applied by acting only from the upper face of the modules and / or the working deck, which facilitates their application when the modules are afloat and with their lower face submerged. c) floating the plurality of floating modules. Preferably, cranes will be used for this purpose, given the lightness of the modules, but various means known in the art, such as launching ramps, can also be used.syncholifts, dry or floating docks, etc. The barge will preferably be positioned next to a dock that can support the work to be carried out on the barge, said dock preferably being located in the sheltered waters of a port or similar. d) acting on the air pressure regulation means to maintain sufficient air pressure in the interior volume of the floating modules to prevent or limit the entry of water into said interior volume while keeping the work deck emerged; e) carrying out construction, assembly and / or floating work on a marine structure on the working deck of the barge while said deck remains emerged; f) acting on the air pressure regulation means to allow air to escape from the interior volume of at least part of the floating modules, causing an increase in the water level in said interior volume and therefore increasingthe draft of the barge until the working deck is submerged sufficiently so that the marine structure located on said working deck floats by itself and separates vertically from said working deck; g) horizontally moving said already floating marine structure until it is outside a substantially vertical projection of the barge; and h) acting on the air pressure regulation means to introduce air into the interior volume of at least part of the floating modules, reducing the water level in said interior volume, and therefore reducing the draft of the barge until the working deck emerges.

[0052] In another embodiment of the invention, the method for constructing and / or launching a floating marine structure comprises the operation of a barge comprising overhead interconnection tubes. In this regard, steps c)-h) of the method described above are carried out as disclosed, while steps a)-b) comprise the following respective substeps: a1) enabling a dry assembly area for subgroups formed by a plurality of modules in the vicinity of a dock; a2) placing a crane in said dry assembly area and / or said dock; b1) dry connecting, using mechanical connection means, a portion of the floating modules forming a first assembly subgroup, where the weight of said assembly subgroup is such that it can be handled by said crane; b2) placing at least part of the overhead interconnection tubes comprised in said assembly subgroup in a closed configuration;b3) using the crane to lift said assembly sub-assembly and float it; b4) repeating steps b1)-b3) to assemble and float at least a second assembly sub-assembly; b5) connecting two assembly sub-assemblies by mechanical connection means; b6) arranging overhead interconnection tubes between at least two adjacent modules, each of which belongs to a different assembly sub-assembly; b7) changing at least part of the overhead interconnection tubes included in said assembly sub-assemblies from a closed configuration to an open configuration;

[0053] In another embodiment of the invention, the method described above additionally comprises, after step e) and before step g), carrying out the step: e1) acting on the air pressure regulation means, increasing the draft of the barge until said barge is supported, in a submerged condition, on support points and / or hanging from support points.

[0054] The seabed itself, the piles, either with a support element on their shaft or by means of a hanging element on their head, or other elements known in the art can act as support points.

[0055] Finally, in another preferred embodiment, at least part of the seabed located in the vertical projection of the barge acts as a support point during step e1), and, additionally, step h) comprises the following sub-steps: h1) reducing the water level of the interior volume in a first portion of the barge, such that said first portion is refloated until it partially emerges, while a second portion of the barge remains submerged and supported on the seabed, such that the barge adopts an inclination with respect to the horizontal; and h2) reducing the water level of the interior volume in said second portion of the barge until said second portion is refloated and emerges, such that the entire working deck emerges and recovers a substantially horizontal configuration.

[0056] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0057] The above and other features and advantages will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the invention, as well as from the preferred embodiments referred to in the attached drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 corresponds, schematically, to a barge according to an embodiment of the invention formed by a plurality of modules, and additionally shows, for clarification purposes, the view of an individual module.

[0059] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the barge according to one embodiment of the invention, already floated and located next to a dock for operation. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a plurality of the modules comprising the barge according to one embodiment of the invention, showing its interior volume with water ballast.

[0060] Figure 4 shows two sectional views of a ballast hole located on the lower face of a module, one view with the hole open and another with the inclusion of closing means that allow said hole to be closed temporarily, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Figure 5 shows two sections of an embodiment of the area interconnection holes in two adjacent modules, in this case located on the side faces of the modules.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the plan view and two sections of another embodiment of the area interconnection holes in two adjacent modules, in this case located on the upper face of the module, and the aerial interconnection tube that allows the watertight connection between the interior volumes of both modules.

[0063] Figure 7 shows five sequential diagrams describing the method of using the barge according to the present invention.

[0064] Figure 8 shows a general view of the operation of two barges according to the present invention located next to a dock.

[0065] NUMERICAL REFERENCES OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] In order to assist in a better understanding of the technical characteristics of the invention, the aforementioned figures are accompanied by a series of numerical references where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following is represented:

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] A detailed description of the invention is set forth below based on Figures 1-8 herein. This description is provided for illustrative, but not limiting, purposes of the claimed invention.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of a barge (1) according to an embodiment of the invention configured from two columns and nine rows of floating modules (2) with geometry analogous to that of a container, that is, in the form of a parallelepiped with an upper face, a lower face and four side faces. Said faces delimit, in a sealed manner, an interior volume in each module. For illustrative purposes, the representation of a module (2) is also included in a separate view where these characteristics can be appreciated. The upper face of the floating modules (2) forms the working deck (3) of the barge (1). The floating modules (2) are structurally connected by means of mechanical connection means (4) located at the different interfaces between modules (2).Figure 2 shows the plan view of a barge (1) according to another embodiment of the invention, in this case formed from four columns and eighteen rows of floating modules (2) with a geometry similar to that of a container, with a total of seventy-two modules (2). Said modules comprise a ballast hole (5) (not shown in the figure because it is located on the lower face of the modules (2)) that allows the free flow of water between the interior volume of the module and the mass of water in which the barge floats, one or more air interconnection holes (6) that connect the interior volumes of adjacent modules to each other, allowing the free flow of air between said interior volumes, and one or more regulation holes (7).Additionally, the barge (1) has air pressure regulation means (8), connected to some of the regulation holes (7), which allow the quantity or pressure of air within the interior volumes to be regulated, thus controlling, in the same way, the quantity or level of water (9) contained in the interior volumes. In this way, by increasing the air pressure, water is displaced from the interior volumes (i.e., the level of water (9) contained in said interior volumes decreases) reducing the draft of the barge (1). Likewise, by reducing the air pressure, the opposite effect is obtained: the level of water (9) contained in the interior volumes increases and the barge (1) submerges. Thus, the buoyancy and draft of the barge (1) are controlled by regulating the air pressure contained in the interior volumes of the modules (2) that comprise it.

[0070] In figure 2, the barge (1) is located next to a dock (10) to support the work to be carried out on it and has stabilization means (11) which in this case comprise four piles (12) located at each corner of the barge (1). In this case, said piles (12) pass through specially adapted modules (2) that incorporate elements that house and guide said piles (12). These piles (12) make it possible to fix the plan position of the barge (1) and also allow it to be guided during its submerged descent and ascent in case the barge (1) is not self-stable in submerged condition, after losing its waterline.

[0071] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, the modules (2) that make up the barge (1) are organized into four groupings (13), each corresponding to a quadrant of the barge (1) and therefore each grouping (13) comprising eighteen modules (2). For greater clarity, the interfaces between modules (2) of different groupings are shown with an increased thickness, for illustrative purposes only. The interior volume of the modules comprised in one of said groupings is interconnected by means of the aerial interconnection holes (6) of the modules (2) corresponding to said grouping (13) thanks to aerial interconnection tubes (14). The grouped volumes of each of the four groupings (13) are independent of each other.Having different independent groups (13) ensures the stability of the barge (1) by preventing a certain inclination of the barge (1) from producing an unwanted air flow between different groups (13), which could lead to an increase in said inclination. It also allows the level of water (9) contained in each grouped interior volume to be regulated independently, thus allowing the ballast distribution to be adapted to different loading conditions, target inclinations of the barge (1) or other circumstances.

[0072] In this preferred embodiment, two modules (2) in each group (13) have regulation holes (7) connected to air pressure regulation means (8). In this case, said means (8) comprise two air compressors (15) that are located on the dock (10) for easier accessibility. Said compressors are connected to the different regulation holes (7) through pneumatic hoses (16). The regulation holes (7) are conveniently located on the outer edges of the outer modules (2) of each group (13), which allows said hoses (16) to run around the perimeter of the barge (1) thereby minimizing their interference with work to be carried out on the deck (3) of the barge (1).

[0073] Within the modules (2) of a group it is possible to include modules (2) that do not have a ballast hole (5) or that keep it closed. Keeping a certain number of modules (2) without ballast or with constant ballast may be convenient to maintain a stable equilibrium buoyancy draft without the need for adjustments in the amount of internal air. It is preferable that said modules (2) without ballast or without variation in the amount of ballast are interconnected with ballast modules (2) through the air interconnection holes (6), which will allow increasing the internal air pressure in submerged conditions of the barge (1) and thus limit the net pressures (difference between external pressure and internal pressure) that the walls of said modules (2) must withstand. However, it is also possible to use non-ballasted modules without air connection with other modules without leaving the scope of the invention.When non-ballastable modules or modules without ballast level adjustment capacity are used, it is preferable that the maximum buoyant force they can generate be less than the submerged weight of the barge, to facilitate its submersion. Figure 3 shows a partial section of some of the modules (2) of the previous embodiment. In this case, three modules (2) are shown. The three modules (2) belong to the same group (13) and their respective interior volumes are therefore interconnected with each other through the air interconnection holes (6) with their corresponding area connection tubes (14). The interior volume of the modules (2) is connected to the body of water in which the barge (1) floats through the ballasting holes (5). The internal water level (9) or ballast is lower than the external water level (17) thanks to the compressed air pressure that is maintained in the interior volume of the modules (2).The walls of the modules (2) and the connections in their air interconnection and regulation holes (6,7) provide a sufficient level of tightness for the air outlet and therefore maintain said internal pressure.

[0074] One of the modules (2), specifically the one located furthest to the left in the figure, uses one of its upper holes as the upper regulating hole (7), through which the interior volume of said module (2) is connected to air pressure regulating means (8). Said connection is made in this case by means of an air hose (16) shown in section which runs along the side of the barge (1). Through said regulating hole (7) air can be introduced or extracted from said module (2) and therefore, since the interior volume of said module (2) is interconnected with that of the rest of the modules (2) of the group (13), the quantity of air in the grouped interior volume of said group (13) can be varied, and in this way the interior air pressure can be regulated, and consequently, also the water level (9) contained in the grouped interior volume.

[0075] Figure 3 shows an equilibrium condition in which the water level (9) in the interior volume of all modules (2) of the group (13) is equal, but there will also be situations during the process of regulating the interior air pressure in which the ballast water level (9) may be different in different modules (2) of the group (13) until equilibrium is reached again.

[0076] Figure 4 shows a ballast hole (5) in detail, specifically illustrating an open configuration in the figure on the left and a closed configuration in the figure on the right. The closed configuration is realized in this case by means of closing means (18) of the hole consisting of a cap screwed to the lower wall of the module (2). To facilitate said screwed connection, the wall of the module has a thickening around said ballast hole (5). To better ensure the tightness, sealing profiles (19) can be arranged at the interface between the closing means (18) and the wall of the module (2). Other means or elements for improving the tightness known in the art can also be used for this purpose. The closing means (18) can allow the multipurpose use of the module as a ballast module or as a non-ballast module.Valve-type closing means (18) may also be used, so that it can be operated remotely and the opening level of said ballast hole (5) can be regulated.

[0077] The ballast opening (5) may be configured to comprise a tube that places the water entry point below the level of the lower wall of the module (2). This may be convenient to facilitate complete emptying of the module (2) or to keep it empty of ballast despite small variations in the internal air pressure.

[0078] The ballast hole (5) is preferably located on the lower face of the module, but it could also be located on the lower part of the side faces as long as it is below the internal ballast water level (9).

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ballast hole (5) is small, preferably less than 50 cm in diameter and more preferably less than 10 cm in diameter. This is convenient to prevent unforeseen or unwanted variations in the internal air pressure from generating rapid variations in the level of ballast water (9) inside the modules (2), with the consequent effects on the draft of the barge (1).

[0080] Figure 5 includes two detailed sectional views of the air connection and / or regulation holes (6,7) also shown in Figure 2. The view on the right shows the holes used as air interconnection holes (6). An air interconnection tube (14) is used to connect the interior volumes of the two adjacent modules (2). In this case, said tube (14) has flanges at its ends, fixed and / or threaded, which allow the tube (14) to be fixed and the flanges to be tightened. To better ensure the seal, sealing profiles (19) can again be used at the interface between said tube (14) and the wall of the modules (2).

[0081] A single orifice may be suitable for use both as an air interconnection orifice (6) and as an upper regulating orifice (7). The view on the left illustrates a closed condition of the orifices, which is achieved by means of two orifice closure means (18). The orifices are finished with a flange that facilitates the application of closure means (18) if the orifice is to be temporarily closed, or of an air interconnection tube (14) if it is to be used as an air interconnection orifice (6), or a connection element with the air pressure regulation means (8), if it is to be used as a regulating orifice (7).

[0082] Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the air connection and / or regulation holes (6,7) used in this case as upper air interconnection holes (6). The upper figure shows a plan view, and the two lower figures show sectional views. In this case the holes are located on the upper face of the modules (2) and are positioned so that the holes of two adjacent modules (2) are conveniently close to each other. An element is used as the air interconnection tube (14) which can be screwed to the upper face of both modules (2) and which materializes the channel for the air flow between modules (2) by means of a flat, rectangular tube.Having the area interconnection holes (6) on the upper face has the advantage that the overhead interconnection tube (14) and, where applicable, the hole closing means (18) can be placed or removed, acting exclusively from the work deck (3), without the need to access the interior of the modules (2). A possible disadvantage is that the overhead interconnection tube (14) is an element located above the work deck (3), but its location can be chosen so that it does not interfere significantly with the work to be carried out on the work deck (3). The configuration shown for the area interconnection tube (14) makes it possible to reduce the elevation it entails and generates a robust and walkable element in order to minimize interference with the normal use of the work deck (3).

[0083] Advantageously, with configurations of the holes of the module (2) such as those illustrated in Figures 4-6, the barge (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention allows a controlled operation of regulation of the water level (9) in the interior volumes, and therefore of the amount of ballast, the draft of the barge (1) and / or its immersion or emergence process without the need for means of regulating the opening of the holes, valve type or similar, which may complicate or make the process more expensive by requiring, for example, needs for electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic power, remote actuation or monitoring means, etc. The invention allows the use of simple holes with constant opening and lacking electromechanical or mobile elements. Figure 7 shows five figures that illustrate a sequence of use of the barge (1) for the construction and / or launching of a marine structure (20), ordered from top to bottom.The figure above illustrates the initial condition of the barge (1) once assembled and set afloat. In this case, the barge uses piles (12) as stabilization means (11) that allow the barge to maintain its planar position.

[0084] The second figure from the top illustrates a condition where construction or assembly of a marine structure (20) on the deck (3) of the barge (1) has been completed. The weight of said marine structure (20) naturally increases the draft of the barge (1). In this condition, an internal air pressure is maintained in the ballast modules (2) of the barge (1) which minimizes the water level (9) or amount of water ballast therein, thereby increasing the carrying capacity of the barge without losing freeboard. It is however possible to complete construction or assembly of the marine structure (20) after the barge (1) has been submerged.

[0085] The third figure from the top shows the start of the floating operation of the marine structure (20). In this condition, the means for regulating the internal air pressure (8) allow the release of internal air to reduce said internal pressure and thus cause the entry of water ballast into the modules (2). In this way, the barge (1) can be gradually sunk. The piles (12) act as guide elements during said lowering process.

[0086] The fourth figure from the top illustrates a condition in which the barge (1) has reached a depth sufficient for the marine structure (20) to float by itself and therefore separate from the barge (1) which thus stops supporting the weight of said marine structure (20). The barge (1) can remain submerged using air pressure regulation to control its depth, although in a preferred embodiment it is supported or suspended from support points (21). In this case the seabed itself (22) is used as a support point (21) for the barge (1), which allows its position to be independent of the control of the internal air pressure. The piles (12) act as a guide when the barge (1) is submerged and separated from the marine structure (20), a condition in which the self-stability afloat of said barge (1) will be lower or even zero, having lost its waterline.

[0087] Finally, the lower figure in Figure 7 shows the operation in which the marine structure (20) is moved laterally in order to remove it from the vertical projection of the barge (1). To do this, tugboats will typically be used, although other means may also be used. Once the marine structure (20) has been completely removed from the vertical projection of the barge (1), the internal air pressure regulation means (8) will be used to introduce air into the ballast modules (2). This will allow ballast water to be expelled from the interior of the modules (2) and thus refloat the barge (1) again in order to restart the cycle if another marine structure (20) is to be built and floated.

[0088] Figure 8 shows a general view of the use of two barges (1) according to the present invention. Each of the two barges (1) shows different phases of the construction process of marine structures (20) on the deck of said barges (1), prior to sinking the barges (1) to float said structures (20). The barges (1) are conveniently located next to a dock (10) to facilitate said works, using piles (12) to maintain their position in plan.

Claims

MODIFIED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 14 November 2024 (14.11.2024) 1.- Modular submersible barge (1) for the construction and / or launching of a floating marine structure (20) comprising: - at least three floating modules (2) comprising an upper watertight wall, a lower watertight wall, and a plurality of lateral watertight walls defining a closed and essentially hollow interior volume; -mechanical connection means (4) adapted to connect two or more floating modules (2) together; and - a work cover (3); and characterized in that: - the floating modules (2) are of the ballast type and comprise a ballast hole (5) connecting the interior volume of said floating module or modules (2) with a body of water in which the barge (1) is located, said ballast hole (5) being adapted to allow the free flow of water between said interior volume and said body of water; - the floating modules (2) comprise at least one aerial interconnection hole (6) arranged on a side or top face of said module above the internal ballast water level and adapted to provide a watertight connection between the interior volumes of two adjacent floating modules (2) and to allow free flow of air between them; - at least one of the floating modules (2) comprises a regulating orifice (7) adapted to introduce or extract air from the interior volume of said floating module (2); and - the barge (1) additionally comprises air pressure regulating means (8) connected to at least one regulating orifice (7) such that, by acting on said air pressure regulating means (8): - the pressure of the air contained in the interior volume of one or more floating modules (2) can be increased, thereby reducing the level of water (9) contained in said interior volume and therefore increasing the draft of the barge (1); or - the pressure of the air contained in the interior volume of one or more floating modules (2) can be reduced, thus increasing the level of water (9) contained in said interior volume and therefore reducing the draft of the barge (1). 2.- Barge (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said barge (1) comprises at least one group (13) of floating modules (2) in which the interior volumes of all the modules (2) that make up said group (13) are interconnected with each other through aerial interconnection holes (6), such that the interior volumes MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) of the modules (2) of said grouping (13) are joined together, generating a single grouped, interconnected and sealed interior volume, allowing the free flow of air between different modules (2) of the grouping (13) without escaping from said grouped interior volume, such that the regulation of the air pressure in one of the modules (2) of a grouping (13) allows the interior air pressure to be adjusted in all the modules (2) of said grouping (13), regulating the level of water (9) contained in the interior volume of the modules (2) of said grouping (13). 3.- Barge (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the length and / or beam of said barge (1) are adjustable by connecting or disconnecting floating modules (2). 4.- Barge (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which additionally comprises stabilization means (11) adapted to increase the stability of said modular barge (1) when the work deck (3) is submerged and / or the waterline of the barge is reduced and / or cancelled. 5.- Barge (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the stabilization means (11) comprise at least two column-type elements, of essentially vertical configuration, the lower end of which is fixed to the hull of the barge (1), and where the height of said columns above the working deck (3) is sufficient so that the upper end of said columns always remains emerged above the outer water line (17). 6.- Barge (1) according to claim 4, wherein the barge (1) additionally comprises guiding elements and where the stabilization means (11) comprise at least one pile (12) of substantially vertical configuration, the lower end of which rests or is fixed to the seabed (22) during at least part of the operation of the barge (1), and the upper end of which remains above the water level (17) in which the barge is located, and where said pile (12) passes through the guiding elements in such a way that: - the horizontal movements of the barge (1) are impeded or limited; and - the relative heeling or rolling turns between the barge (1) and the pile (12) are impeded or limited. MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 7.- Barge (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the floating modules (2) comprise a geometry equivalent to that of a standardized container. 8.- Barge (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least part of the floating modules (2) comprise means of hermetic closure (18) of the ballast holes (5) and / or the aerial interconnection holes (6) and / or the regulation holes (7), and wherein said closure means (18) can be removed or deactivated to allow the multipurpose use of the module (2) both as a ballast and non-ballast module (2). 9.- Barge (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor of the air pressure contained in the interior volume of each module (2) and / or of each group (13) of modules (2). 10.- Barge (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air pressure regulation means (8) comprise air compressors (15) and air hoses (16) adapted to connect said air compressors (15) with the regulation hole(s) (7). 11.- Barge (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least two area interconnection holes (6) of adjacent modules (2) are connected to each other by means of an aerial interconnection tube (14) that connects, through said holes (6), the interior volume of both modules in a sealed manner, and where said aerial interconnection tube (14) can be found in at least two configurations: - an open configuration that allows free air flow between the interior volumes of both modules (2); or - a closed configuration that prevents air flow between the interior volumes of both modules (2). 12.- Procedure for the construction and / or launching of a floating marine structure (20) comprising the operation of a barge (1) according to any of the preceding claims, and characterized in that it comprises, in any technically possible order, carrying out the following steps: a) transporting a plurality of floating modules (2), separately, to the construction and / or launching site of the marine structure (20); MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) b) connecting at least part of the floating modules (2) to each other using the mechanical connection means (4); c) floating the plurality of floating modules (2); d) acting on the air pressure regulating means (8) to maintain sufficient air pressure in the interior volume of the floating modules (2) to prevent or limit the entry of water into said interior volume while keeping the working deck (3) surfaced; e) carrying out construction, assembly and / or floating work on a marine structure (20) on the working deck (3) of the barge (1) while said deck (3) remains surfaced;(f) acting on the air pressure regulating means (8) to allow air to escape from the interior volume of at least part of the floating modules (2), causing an increase in the water level (9) in said interior volume and therefore increasing the draft of the barge (1) until the working deck (3) is submerged sufficiently so that the marine structure (20) located on said working deck (3) floats by itself and separates vertically from said working deck (3); (g) horizontally moving said already floating marine structure (20) until it is outside a substantially vertical projection of the barge (1); and (h) acting on the air pressure regulating means (8) to introduce air into the interior volume of at least part of the floating modules (2), reducing the water level (9) in said interior volume and therefore reducing the draft of the barge (1) until the working deck (3) emerges.

13. Method for the construction and / or launching of a floating marine structure comprising the operation of a barge (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises, in any technically possible order, carrying out the following steps: a') transporting a plurality of floating modules (2), separately, to the construction and / or launching site of the marine structure; a1) enabling a dry assembly area for subgroups formed by a plurality of modules (2) in the vicinity of a dock; a2) placing a crane in said dry assembly area and / or said dock; b1) dry connecting, using the mechanical connection means (4), a part of the floating modules (2) forming a first assembly subgroup, where the weight of said assembly subgroup is such that it can be handled by said crane; MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) b2) arranging at least part of the aerial interconnection tubes (14) included in said assembly subgroup in a closed configuration; b3) using the crane to lift said assembly subgroup and float it; b4) repeating steps b1)-b3) to assemble and float at least a second assembly subgroup; b5) connecting two assembly subgroups by means of mechanical connection means (4); b6) arranging aerial interconnection tubes (14) between at least two adjacent modules (2), each of which belongs to a different assembly subgroup; b7) changing at least part of the aerial interconnection tubes (14) included in said assembly subgroups from a closed configuration to an open configuration; c') floating the plurality of floating modules (2);d') acting on the air pressure regulating means (8) to maintain a sufficient air pressure in the interior volume of the floating modules (2) to prevent or limit the entry of water into said interior volume while keeping the working deck (3) emerged; e') carrying out construction, assembly and / or floating work on a marine structure (20) on the working deck (3) of the barge (1) while said deck (3) remains emerged; f') acting on the air pressure regulating means (8) to allow air to escape from the interior volume of at least part of the floating modules (2), causing an increase in the water level (9) in said interior volume and therefore increasing the draft of the barge (1) until the working deck (3) is submerged sufficiently for the marine structure (20) located on said working deck (3) to float by itself and separate vertically from said working deck (3);g') horizontally moving said floating marine structure (20) until it is outside a substantially vertical projection of the barge (1); and h') acting on the air pressure regulation means (8) to introduce air into the interior volume of at least part of the floating modules (2), reducing the water level (9) in said interior volume and therefore reducing the draft of the barge (1) until the working deck (3) emerges. 14.- Method according to any of claims 12-13, wherein after step e) / e') and before step g) / g') the step is performed: MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) e1) acting on the air pressure regulation means (8) by increasing the draft of the barge (1) until said barge (1) is supported, in a submerged condition, on support points (21) and / or hanging from support points (21). 15.- Method according to the preceding claim, wherein at least part of the seabed (22) located in a substantially vertical projection of the barge (1) acts as a support point (21) during step e1), and wherein step h) / h') comprises the following sub-steps: h1) reducing the water level (9) of the interior volume in a first portion of the barge, such that said first portion is refloated until it partially emerges, while a second portion of the barge (1) remains submerged and supported on the seabed (22), such that the barge (1) adopts an inclination with respect to the horizontal; and h2) reducing the water level of the interior volume in said second portion of the barge (1) until said second portion is refloated and emerges, such that the entire working deck (3) emerges and regains a substantially horizontal configuration. MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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