An overboarding system for overboarding an elongated flexible article, a ship comprising the overboarding system and a method of using the overboarding system

Abstract

The invention provides an overboarding system for overboarding an elongated flexible article having a minimum bending radius, comprising an overboarding chute, comprising a slide surface having a slide direction, characterized in that the slide surface has a through hole called the wheel recess, the overboarding system further comprises a lay wheel system, comprising a slide wheel comprising a slide wheel axle, a slide wheel surface and a slide wheel rotation direction, the slide wheel axle is positioned along a slide wheel axle direction transversal to the slide direction, the slide wheel rotation direction is aligned with the slide direction, the slide wheel is configured for moving rotationally along the slide wheel rotation direction around the slide wheel axle, having part of the slide wheel surface lie flush with the slide surface and partially filling the wheel recess. The invention further provides a ship for laying elongated flexible articles comprising the overboarding system and a method for using the overboarding system and / or the ship.

Description

[0001] An overboardinq system for overboardinq an elongated flexible article, a ship comprising the overboardinq system and a method of using the overboardinq system

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to an overboarding system for overboarding an elongated flexible article.

[0004] Background art

[0005] The field of deploying elongated flexible articles in a marine environment encompasses laying subsea cables on the seabed or on the bed of other water body. These can be telecommunications cables, e.g. fiber optic cables, power cables and seismic surveying cables. It further encompasses deploying umbilicals, risers, and flowlines onto the seabed or into the water. These types of elongated flexible articles connect subsea wells, production facilities, and other processing equipment to surface facilities or to each other.

[0006] This field plays a vital role in connecting offshore resources to onshore facilities and enabling various industries, including telecommunications, offshore energy production, and other subsea infrastructure development.

[0007] Specialized ships, such as cable-laying vessels, with cable overboarding systems, such as chutes and lay wheels, are used for deploying these elongated flexible articles. These cable overboarding systems have means to ensure that the minimum bending radius of these elongated flexible articles is not exceed during the deployment. The minimum bending radius is the bending radius above which the structural integrity of the elongated flexible article is ensured.

[0008] These ships operate in challenging off-shore environments and are generally adapted to better operate in shallow waters or in deep waters. In particular an overboarding system optimized for deep water cable laying has other properties than overboarding systems optimized for shallow water cable laying. For example, patent publication WO2023 / 1 13592 discloses a cable laying vessel with an overboarding system comprising an overboarding chute.

[0009] It is a disadvantage of such vessels that their overboarding systems are generally not designed for optimal operation both in shallow and in deep water, or for operation in a windfarm and in open sea. Specific choices in the overboarding system affect the alignment and tension control of the elongated flexible article as it is deployed from the vessel in different offshore environments. Alignment and tension control influence tangling, twisting and excessive bending. Potentially damage to the elongated flexible articles, damage to the cable laying vessel or the overboarding system, or installation issues ensue.

[0010] It is a further disadvantage that specific design choices may reduce efficiency of the cable overboarding operations depending on the offshore environment, as well as lead to increased wear and tear, from, for example, the forces exerted by the elongated flexible article on the overboarding system.

[0011] These challenges can be exacerbated when the ship is deploying cables in adverse weather conditions.

[0012] Disclosure of the invention

[0013] It is an object of this invention to overcome at least part of the disadvantages of solutions existing in the state of the art.

[0014] Therefore, this invention provides in an overboarding system for overboarding an elongated flexible article having a minimum bending radius. Elongated flexible articles are telecommunications cables, e.g. fiber optic cables, power cables and seismic surveying cables. In addition, elongated flexible articles encompass umbilicals, risers, and flowlines. These connect subsea wells, production facilities, and other processing equipment to surface facilities or to each other.

[0015] The minimum bending radius is the bending radius above which the structural integrity of the elongated flexible article is ensured. If the elongated flexible article is bent in excess of the minimum bending radius, and, hence, has bends with a smaller radius, the performance of the elongated flexible article may degrade, it may be damaged or it may break.

[0016] The overboarding system comprises an overboarding chute, comprising a slide surface having a slide direction, characterized in that the slide surface has a through hole called the wheel recess. The overboarding system further comprises a lay wheel system, comprising a slide wheel comprising a slide wheel axle, a slide wheel surface and a slide wheel rotation direction. The slide wheel axle is positioned along a slide wheel axle direction transversal to the slide direction, the slide wheel rotation direction is aligned with the slide direction, the slide wheel is configured for moving rotationally along the slide wheel rotation direction around the slide wheel axle, and for having part of the slide wheel surface lie flush with the slide surface and partially filling the wheel recess.

[0017] It is an advantage of this invention that an elongated flexible article will run over the overboarding chute and the slide wheel seamlessly when it is overboarded over the slide wheel surface. The elongated flexible article will not be bent at the interface between the overboarding chute and the side wheel surface just for passing the interface. It is an additional advantage of this invention that the friction the overboarding system exerts on an elongated flexible article will reduce while the flexible elongated article is overboarded, in particular when the elongated flexible article runs over the slide wheel while it is being overboarded. As a result, both the elongated flexible article and the overboarding system will be less subjected to wear and tear from the overboarding operations. Overboarding operations will be more efficient and the overboarding chute will require less maintenance.

[0018] Optionally, the overboarding system is characterized in that the wheel recess has a wheel recess shape configured for receiving the lay wheel system.

[0019] It is an advantage of this invention that the lay wheel system can be mounted to the overboarding system though the wheel recess. As a result the lay wheel system can be installed, or deinstalled, without deinstalling the overboarding chute, facilitating installation, maintenance and decommission of the overboarding system.

[0020] Optionally, the overboarding system is characterized in that the slide wheel further has a slide wheel radius and that the lay wheel system further comprises a first guard wheel having a radius equal to the slide wheel radius, and a second guard wheel having a radius equal to the slide wheel radius. The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each comprise a respective guard wheel surface, a respective guard wheel rotation direction, a respective guard wheel flange, extending radially from the respective guard wheel surface. The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are positioned axially adjacent to the slide wheel with their respective guard wheel rotation direction aligned with the slide wheel rotation direction, wherein the first guard wheel is positioned on another side, preferably the other side of the slide wheel than the second guard wheel. The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are configured for moving rotationally along the respective guard wheel rotation direction around the slide wheel axle, and having part of the guard wheel surface lie flush with the slide surface and partially filling the wheel recess.

[0021] It is an advantage of this invention that an elongated flexible article is guided over the slide wheel by the guard wheels. As a result, the efficiency of the overboarding system according to this invention is increased, by increasing the use of the slide wheel. It is an added advantage that the guard wheels can move, optimizing the guidance of the elongated flexible article for the task at hand.

[0022] Optionally, the overboarding system is characterized in that the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange are both configured for ensuring that the elongated flexible article bending radius is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article runs along the respective guard wheel flange.

[0023] It is an advantage of this invention that the elongated flexible article having a minimum bending radius is not damaged by overbending when the elongated flexible article runs along the guard wheel flanges. As a result, the overboarding system prevents damaging the cable during overboarding operations, increasing the efficiency of the cable overboarding operations.

[0024] Optionally, the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange each span a guard wheel flange arc of 1 / 3rd, substantially 1 / 3rdof the circumference of their respective guard wheels, the respective guard wheel flange arcs each having a guard wheel flange arc midpoint. Preferably, a guard wheel flange is a continuous flange along the guard wheel flange arc. Alternatively, a guard wheel flange consists of distinct guard wheel flange parts, with small openings between the guard wheel flange parts, as if it were dashed.

[0025] It is an advantage of this invention that the support given by guard wheel flanges when they are guiding an elongated flexible article over the lay wheel system can be adapted, depending on the operating conditions, from a support along a first part of the elongated flexible article to support along a second part of the elongated flexible article, the second part being shorter than the first part. In particular, the invention allows using a lateral portion of the overboarding chute that is configurable. An additional advantage is that the flanges can be stowed away, and while stowing them away, have the flanges not protrude from the overboarding system. As a result, the flanges are not constantly exposed to the rough marine environment, prolonging their lifetime and reducing the need for periodic maintenance.

[0026] Optionally, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are both configured for respectively moving between at least two of a respective guard wheel deep water position, a respective guard wheel shallow water position and a respective guard wheel free-sliding position. Preferably the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are both configured for respectively moving between a respective guard wheel deep water position, a respective guard wheel shallow water position and a respective guard wheel free-sliding position.

[0027] Preferably, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are in their respective guard wheel deep water position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint is positioned at a guard wheel deep water position angle, preferably 45°, more preferably 43° from an upright direction in the guard wheel rotation direction, and a majority of the respective guard wheel flange along the guard wheel flange arc is protruding through the wheel recess. Preferably, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are in their respective guard wheel shallow water position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint is positioned at a guard wheel shallow water position angle, preferably 60°, more preferably 59° from an upright direction against the guard wheel rotation direction, and a minority of the respective guard wheel flange along the guard wheel flange arc is protruding through the wheel recess. Preferably, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are in their respective guard wheel free-sliding position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint is positioned at a guard wheel free-sliding position angle, preferably 90° from an upright direction against the guard wheel rotation direction, and no part of the respective guard wheel flange along the guard wheel flange arc is protruding through the wheel recess.

[0028] It is an additional advantage of this invention that the overboarding system can be reconfigured to provide an optimal support to an elongated flexible article depending on the situation the elongated flexible article is deployed in. For example, operations of the overboarding system when deployed on a cable laying vessel operating in shallow water require more lateral flexibility than operations of the overboarding system when deployed on a cable laying vessel operating in deep water. Optionally, the lay wheel system further comprises for each guard wheel a circular arc shaped guard wheel rack with a guard wheel rack center, a guard wheel pinion and a guard wheel motor. The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further have a guard wheel center on a respective guard wheel center axis. The guard wheel rack is connected to the respective guard wheel on a guard wheel side distally from the slide wheel and the guard wheel rack center lies on the respective guard wheel center axis. The guard wheel pinion is driven by the respective guard wheel motor and meshes with the respective guard wheel rack.

[0029] Optionally, the lay wheel system further comprises for each guard wheel a guard wheel locking pin, and the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise a guard wheel keep. The guard wheel keep is a hole configured for receiving part of the respective guard wheel locking pin, and the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are configured for being fixed when the respective guard wheel keep receives the respective guard wheel locking pin.

[0030] It is an advantage of this invention that the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel can be fixed in a particular position, without relying on the guard wheel motors to do so. This will enable creating a system with simpler actuators, and the guard wheel motors will not be used as intensively. This will prolong the lifetime of the overboarding system and reduces the need for periodic maintenance.

[0031] Optionally, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise multiple guard wheel keeps, configured for fixing the respective guard wheel in multiple positions.

[0032] Optionally, the lay wheel system further comprises for each guard wheel a guard wheel locking pin actuator, configured for moving the respective guard wheel locking pin into and out of a respective guard wheel keep.

[0033] It is an additional advantage of this invention that reconfiguring the lay wheel system or repositioning the guard wheels can be done remotely and does not need a direct interaction between an operator and the locking pins. This improves the safety of the system, especially when deployed on a cable laying vessel operating in harsh weather conditions.

[0034] Optionally, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin, and the slide wheel further comprises a slide wheel keep, preferably two or more slide wheel keeps. The slide wheel keep is a hole configured for receiving part of a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin, and the slide wheel is configured for being fixed, preferably relative to one or more of the guard wheels, more preferably to the guard wheels, when the slide wheel keep receives a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin.

[0035] It is an additional advantage of this invention that the slide wheel can be used in multiple modes, for example not fixed and fixed. The overboarding system can be tailored to the operating conditions, e.g. deep water or shallow water operation, type of elongated flexible article, ensuring more efficient operation.

[0036] Optionally, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin actuator, configured for moving the respective guard wheel slide wheel locking pin into and out of the slide wheel keep.

[0037] It is an additional advantage of this invention that reconfiguring the lay wheel system dependent on the operating conditions can be done remotely and does not need a direct interaction between an operator and the guard wheel slide wheel locking pins. This improves the safety of the system, especially when deployed on a cable laying vessel operating in harsh weather conditions.

[0038] Optionally, the lay wheel system further comprises a friction brake comprising a brake shoe. Preferably, The friction brake is positioned adjacent to the slide wheel surface, and is configured for moving between a braking position and a non-braking position. The brake shoe is configured for interacting with the slide wheel surface by applying a radial force on the slide wheel surface when the brake shoe is in the braking position.

[0039] It is an advantage of this invention that the slide wheel can be held in position while fixing it relative to the guard wheels. This makes fixing the slide wheel more predictable and hence more efficient.

[0040] Preferably, the lay wheel system further comprises a friction brake actuator, configured for moving the brake shoe between the braking and the non-braking position.

[0041] Preferably, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel abut the slide wheel, and the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise an inner slide bearing respectively mounted on a guard wheel rim side abutting the slide wheel, preferably all along the circumference of the respective guard wheel rim side, an outer slide bearing respectively mounted on a guard wheel rim side distal from the slide wheel. It is an additional advantage of this invention that lateral forces exerted by an elongated flexible article on the lay wheel system are transferred between the guard wheels and the slide wheel, and between the guard wheels and the chute. As a result, the different wheels each can be made lighter and with less stiff and / or strong materials, facilitating the production and installation of the lay wheel system.

[0042] Optionally, the overboarding chute further comprises a chute flange protruding from the slide surface, configured for ensuring that that the elongated flexible article bending radius is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article runs along the chute flange.

[0043] Preferably, the chute flange and a guard wheel flange are jointly configured for ensuring that the elongated flexible article bending radius is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article runs along the chute flange and along the guard wheel flange, preferably when the guard wheels are in their respective shallow water positions.

[0044] It is an additional advantage of this invention that an elongated flexible article is never bent in excess of its minimum bending radius, leading to more reliable cable loading operations, requiring less restarts and less activities to mend the elongated flexible article.

[0045] This invention further provides a ship for laying elongated flexible articles comprising the overboarding system according to this invention, characterized in that the ship comprises a stern and the ship is configured for overboarding an elongated flexible article at the stern, the overboarding chute is positioned partially outboard at the stern. Alternatively, the ship is configured for overboarding an elongated flexible article over the starboard or port beam, having an overboarding chute that is positioned partially outboard the respective beam.

[0046] This invention further provides a method for using the overboarding system and / or ship according to this invention. Optionally, the method is characterized in that the first guard wheel is in the first guard wheel deep water position, the second guard wheel is in the second guard wheel deep water position, and an elongated flexible article is positioned between the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange. Preferably, the elongated flexible article rotates the slide wheel in the slide wheel rotation direction.

[0047] It is an advantage of this invention that an elongated flexible article is overboarded with less friction when operated in deep water operations. This reduces the wear and tear from the overboarding operations, both of the cable and of the overboarding system. The overboarding operations will be more efficient and the overboarding chute will require less maintenance.

[0048] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the first guard wheel is in the first guard wheel shallow water position, the second guard wheel is in the second guard wheel shallow water position, an elongated flexible article is positioned between the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange. Preferably, the slide wheel is fixed.

[0049] It is an advantage of this invention that an elongated flexible article can use a larger part of the overboarding chute, especially during shallow water operations. It is an additional advantage that the elongated flexible article experiences a similar friction of the slide surface than of the slide wheel surface. Alignment and tension can be better controlled, which facilitates overboarding operations with less tangling, twisting and excessive bending.

[0050] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the first guard wheel is in the first guard wheel free-sliding position, the second guard wheel is in the second guard wheel free-sliding position, an elongated flexible article is positioned in an overboarding quadrant, the overboarding quadrant slides over the overboarding chute and the slide wheel.

[0051] It is an advantage of this invention that it has multiple modes of operation, including a mode of operation in which a quadrant can be deployed, for example when the guard wheels are in their respective guard wheel free-sliding position.

[0052] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the brake shoe is in the braking position, the first guard wheel rotates so as to align the first guard wheel slide wheel locking pin with the slide wheel keep, and / or the second guard wheel rotates so as to align the second guard wheel slide wheel locking pin with the slide wheel keep. If both the guard wheels rotate, the order of moving the guard wheels is of no importance.

[0053] It is an advantage of this invention that the slide wheel can be held in position while fixing it relative to the guard wheels. This makes fixing the slide wheel more predictable and hence more efficient.

[0054] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the first guard wheel slide wheel locking pin moves into the slide wheel keep, and / or the second guard wheel slide wheel locking pin moves into the slide wheel keep, the first guard wheel moves to any one of the first guard wheel deep water position, the first guard wheel shallow water position and the first guard wheel free-sliding position, and / or the second guard wheel moves to any of the second guard wheel deep water position, the second guard wheel shallow water position and the second guard wheel free- sliding position. Preferably, the first guard wheel slide wheel locking pin and / or second guard wheel slide wheel locking pin move into the slide wheel keep before the respective guard wheel moves to its respective guard wheel position. The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel may move simultaneously; when moving simultaneously, they may both move to a corresponding respective guard wheel position, for example, both to their respective guard wheel deep water position, shallow water position or free-sliding position.

[0055] Brief description of the drawings

[0056] This invention will be further elucidated by means of the following description and the appended figures.

[0057] Figure 1 shows an isometric projection of a lay wheel system of an overboarding system according to this invention.

[0058] Figure 2a shows a top view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for operating in deep water.

[0059] Figure 2b shows a top view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for operating in shallow water.

[0060] Figure 2c shows a top view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for overboarding an elongated flexible article using a quadrant.

[0061] Figure 3a shows a side view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for operating in deep water.

[0062] Figure 3b shows a side view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for operating in shallow water.

[0063] Figure 3c shows a side view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for overboarding an elongated flexible article using a quadrant.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a side view of a ship according to this invention. Modes for carrvinq out the invention

[0065] This invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0066] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0067] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0068] The term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0069] Fig. 1 shows an isometric projection of a lay wheel system of an overboarding system according to this invention. The lay wheel system 101 comprises a slide wheel 102 comprising a slide wheel axle 103, a slide wheel surface 104 and has a slide wheel rotation direction r and a slide wheel radius s. The slide wheel axle 103 is positioned along a slide wheel axle direction a. The slide wheel 102 is configured for moving rotationally along the slide wheel rotation direction r around the slide wheel axle 103. The lay wheel system 101 further comprises a first guard wheel 105 having a radius equal to the slide wheel radius s and a second guard wheel 106 having a radius equal to the slide wheel radius s. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each comprise a guard wheel surface 107 and a guard wheel flange 108, extending radially from the guard wheel surface 107. Each of them has a guard wheel rotation direction rg, respectively a first guard wheel rotation direction rgiand a second guard wheel rotation direction rg2. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are positioned axially adjacent to the slide wheel 102 with their respective guard wheel rotation direction rgaligned with the slide wheel rotation direction r, wherein the first guard wheel 105 is positioned on the other side of the slide wheel 102 than the second guard wheel 106. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are configured for moving rotationally along the respective guard wheel rotation direction rgaround the slide wheel axle 103, and for having part of the guard wheel surface 107 lie flush with the slide surface.

[0070] The first guard wheel flange 108 and the second guard wheel flange 108 are both configured for ensuring that the elongated flexible article bending radius is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article runs along the respective guard wheel flange 108. The first guard wheel flange 108 and the second guard wheel flange 108 each span a guard wheel flange arc 109 of substantially 1 / 3rdof the circumference of their respective guard wheels, the respective guard wheel flange arcs 109 each having a guard wheel flange arc midpoint 110.

[0071] The lay wheel system 101 further comprises for each guard wheel a circular arc shaped guard wheel rack 1 11 with a guard wheel rack center, a guard wheel pinion 112 and a guard wheel motor 1 13. The guard wheel rack 1 11 is connected to the respective guard wheel on a guard wheel side distally from the slide wheel 102. The guard wheel pinion 1 12 is driven by the respective guard wheel motor 1 13, and the guard wheel pinion 112 meshes with the respective guard wheel rack 1 11. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each further have a guard wheel center on a respective guard wheel center axis. The guard wheel rack center lies on the respective guard wheel center axis.

[0072] The lay wheel system 101 further comprises for each guard wheel a guard wheel locking pin, and the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each further comprise a guard wheel keep 1 14, in particular multiple guard wheel keeps. A guard wheel keep 1 14 is a hole configured for receiving part of the respective guard wheel locking pin. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are configured for being fixed when the respective guard wheel keep 114 receives the respective guard wheel locking pin. The lay wheel system 101 further comprises for each guard wheel a guard wheel locking pin actuator 115, configured for moving the respective guard wheel locking pin into and out of a respective guard wheel keep 1 14.

[0073] The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each further comprise a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin, and the slide wheel 102 further comprises a slide wheel keep, being a hole configured for receiving part of a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin. The slide wheel 102 is configured for being fixed when the slide wheel keep receives a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each further comprise a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin actuator 116, configured for moving the respective guard wheel slide wheel locking pin into and out of the slide wheel keep.

[0074] The lay wheel system 101 further comprises a friction brake 1 17 comprising a brake shoe 118. The friction brake 117 is positioned adjacent to the slide wheel surface 104, the brake shoe 1 18 is configured for moving between a braking position and a non-braking position, the brake shoe 118 is configured for interacting with the slide wheel surface 104 by applying a radial force on the slide wheel surface 104 when the brake shoe 1 18 is in the braking position. The lay wheel system 101 further comprises a friction brake actuator 1 19, configured for moving the brake shoe 118 between the braking and the non-braking position.

[0075] The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 abut the slide wheel 102, and the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each further comprise an inner slide bearing respectively mounted on a guard wheel rim side abutting the slide wheel 102, all along the circumference of the respective guard wheel rim side, an outer slide bearing 120 respectively mounted on a guard wheel rim side distal from the slide wheel 102.

[0076] Figs. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c show an overboarding system according to this invention for overboarding an elongated flexible article. The overboarding system 201 comprises an overboarding chute 202, comprising a slide surface 203 having a slide direction d. The slide surface 203 comprises a through hole called the wheel recess 204. The overboarding system 201 further comprises a lay wheel system 101 , for example such as shown in Fig. 1. We refer to the description of Fig. 1 for more information. Some corresponding reference signs are repeated on Figs. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c for clarity. The slide wheel axle direction a is transversal to the slide direction d, and the slide wheel rotation direction r is aligned with the slide direction d. The slide wheel 102 is configured for having part of the slide wheel surface 104 lie flush with the slide surface 203 and partially filling the wheel recess 204. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are configured for having part of the guard wheel surface 107 lie flush with the slide surface 203 and partially filling the wheel recess 204.

[0077] The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are both configured for respectively moving between a respective guard wheel deep water position, a respective guard wheel shallow water position and a respective guard wheel free-sliding position. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are in their respective guard wheel deep water position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint 1 10 is positioned at a guard wheel deep water position angle a, preferably 43° from an upright direction in the guard wheel rotation direction rg, and a majority of the respective guard wheel flange 108 along the guard wheel flange arc 109 is protruding through the wheel recess 204. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are in their respective guard wheel shallow water position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint 110 is positioned at a guard wheel shallow water position angle p, preferably 59° from an upright direction against the guard wheel rotation direction rg, and a minority of the respective guard wheel flange 108 along the guard wheel flange arc 109 is protruding through the wheel recess 204. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are in their respective guard wheel free-sliding position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint 110 is positioned at a guard wheel free-sliding position angle y, preferably 90° from an upright direction against the guard wheel rotation direction rg, and no part of the respective guard wheel flange 108 along the guard wheel flange arc 109 is protruding through the wheel recess 204.

[0078] The overboarding chute 202 further comprises a chute flange 205 protruding from the slide surface 203, configured for ensuring that the elongated flexible article bending radius is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article runs along the chute flange 205. The chute flange 205 and a guard wheel flange 108 are jointly configured for ensuring that the elongated flexible article bending radius is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article runs along the chute flange 205 and along the guard wheel flange 108, for example when the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are in their respective guard wheel shallow water position.

[0079] Fig. 2a shows a top view and Fig. 3a shows a side view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for operating in deep water. The first guard wheel 105 is in the first guard wheel deep water position, and the second guard wheel 106 is in the second guard wheel deep water position.

[0080] Fig. 2b shows a top view and Fig. 3b shows a side view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for operating in shallow water. The first guard wheel 105 is in the first guard wheel shallow water position, the second guard wheel 106 is in the second guard wheel shallow water position, and the slide wheel 102 is fixed.

[0081] Fig. 2c shows a top view and Fig. 3c shows a side view of an overboarding system according to this invention configured for overboarding an elongated flexible article using a quadrant. The first guard wheel 105 is in the first guard wheel free-sliding position, and the second guard wheel 106 is in the second guard wheel free-sliding position.

[0082] Figure 4 shows a side view of a ship according to this invention for laying elongated flexible articles. The ship 401 comprises for example the overboarding system 201 shown in Figs. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c. We refer to the description of these figures for more information. Some corresponding reference signs are repeated on Fig. 4 for clarity. The ship 401 comprises a stern 402 and the ship 401 is configured for overboarding an elongated flexible article at the stern 402. The overboarding chute 202 is positioned partially outboard at the stern 402.

Claims

Claims1 . An overboarding system for overboarding an elongated flexible article having a minimum bending radius, comprising- an overboarding chute (202), comprising a slide surface (203) having a slide direction (d), characterized in that- the slide surface has a through hole called the wheel recess (204),- the overboarding system further comprises a lay wheel system (101 ), comprising a slide wheel (102) comprising a slide wheel axle (103), a slide wheel surface (104) and a slide wheel rotation direction (r),- the slide wheel axle is positioned along a slide wheel axle direction (a) transversal to the slide direction,- the slide wheel rotation direction is aligned with the slide direction,- the slide wheel is configured for- moving rotationally along the slide wheel rotation direction around the slide wheel axle, having part of the slide wheel surface lie flush with the slide surface and partially filling the wheel recess.

2. The overboarding system according to claim 1 , characterized in that- the slide wheel further has a slide wheel radius (s),- the lay wheel system further comprises- a first guard wheel (105) having a radius equal to the slide wheel radius,- a second guard wheel (106) having a radius equal to the slide wheel radius,- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each comprise- a guard wheel surface (107),- a guard wheel rotation direction (rg),- a guard wheel flange (108), extending radially from the guard wheel surface,- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are positioned axially adjacent to the slide wheel with their respective guard wheel rotation direction aligned with the slide wheel rotation direction, wherein the first guard wheel is positioned on the other side of the slide wheel than the second guard wheel,- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are configured for- moving rotationally along the respective guard wheel rotation direction around the slide wheel axle,- having part of the guard wheel surface lie flush with the slide surface and partially filling the wheel recess.

3. The overboarding system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange are both configured for ensuring that the elongated flexible article bending radius is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article runs along the respective guard wheel flange.

4. The overboarding system according to any of the claims 2 and 3, characterized in that- the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange each span a guard wheel flange arc (109) of substantially 1 / 3rdof the circumference of their respective guard wheels, the respective guard wheel flange arcs each having a guard wheel flange arc midpoint (110),- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are both configured for moving between at least two of a guard wheel deep water position, a guard wheel shallow water position and a guard wheel free-sliding position,- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are in their respective- guard wheel deep water position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint is positioned at a guard wheel deep water position angle (a), preferably 43° from an upright direction in the guard wheel rotation direction, and a majority of the respective guard wheel flange along the guard wheel flange arc is protruding through the wheel recess,- guard wheel shallow water position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint is positioned at a guard wheel shallow water position angle ( ), preferably 59° from an upright direction against the guard wheel rotation direction, and a minority of the respective guard wheel flange along the guard wheel flange arc is protruding through the wheel recess,- guard wheel free-sliding position when the respective guard wheel flange arc midpoint is positioned at a guard wheel free-sliding positionangle (y), preferably 90° from an upright direction against the guard wheel rotation direction, and no part of the respective guard wheel flange along the guard wheel flange arc is protruding through the wheel recess.

5. The overboarding system according to any of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that- the lay wheel system further comprises for each guard wheel a guard wheel locking pin and a guard wheel locking pin actuator (1 15), and- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise a guard wheel keep (114),- the guard wheel keep is a hole configured for receiving part of the respective guard wheel locking pin,- the guard wheel locking pin actuator is configured for moving the respective guard wheel locking pin into and out of a respective guard wheel keep,- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are configured for being fixed when the respective guard wheel keep receives the respective guard wheel locking pin.

6. The overboarding system according to any of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin,- the slide wheel further comprises a slide wheel keep,- the slide wheel keep is a hole configured for receiving part of a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin,- the slide wheel is configured for being fixed when the slide wheel keep receives a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin.

7. The overboarding system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise a guard wheel slide wheel locking pin actuator (116), configured for moving the respective guard wheel slide wheel locking pin into and out of the slide wheel keep.

8. The overboarding system according to any of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that- the lay wheel system further comprises a friction brake (117) comprising a brake shoe (118),- the friction brake is positioned adjacent to the slide wheel surface,- the brake shoe is configured for moving between a braking position and an non-braking position,- the brake shoe is configured for interacting with the slide wheel surface by applying a radial force on the slide wheel surface when the brake shoe is in the braking position.

9. The overboarding system according to any of the claims 2 to 8, characterized in that- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel abut the slide wheel,- the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further comprise an inner slide bearing respectively mounted on a guard wheel rim side abutting the slide wheel, all along the circumference of the respective guard wheel rim side,- an outer slide bearing (120) respectively mounted on a guard wheel rim side distal from the slide wheel.

10. A ship (401 ) for laying elongated flexible articles comprising the overboarding system according to any of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that- the ship comprises a stern (402) and the ship is configured for overboarding an elongated flexible article at the stern,- the overboarding chute is positioned partially outboard at the stern.11 . A method for using the overboarding system according to any of the claims 1 to 9 and / or the ship according to claim 10.

12. A method according to claim 11 , characterized in that- the first guard wheel is in the first guard wheel deep water position,- the second guard wheel is in the second guard wheel deep water position,- an elongated flexible article is positioned between the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange,- the elongated flexible article rotates the slide wheel in the slide wheel rotation direction.

13. A method according to claim 11 , characterized in that- the first guard wheel is in the first guard wheel shallow water position,- the second guard wheel is in the second guard wheel shallow water position,- an elongated flexible article is positioned between the first guard wheel flange and the second guard wheel flange,- the slide wheel is fixed.

14. A method according to claim 11 , characterized in that - the first guard wheel is in the first guard wheel free-sliding position,- the second guard wheel is in the second guard wheel free-sliding position,- an elongated flexible article is positioned in an overboarding quadrant,- the overboarding quadrant slides over the overboarding chute and the slide wheel.

15. A method according to claim 11 , characterized in that- the brake shoe is in the braking position,- the first guard wheel rotates so as to align the first guard wheel slide wheel locking pin with the slide wheel keep,- the second guard wheel rotates so as to align the second guard wheel slide wheel locking pin with the slide wheel keep.

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