Spudcan and control method therefor, jack-up leg, and offshore platform

Abstract

Provided are a spudcan and a control method therefor, a jack-up leg, and an offshore platform, relating to the technical field of offshore engineering. The spudcan comprises a spudcan body (100) and a suction flushing assembly (200); the top of the spudcan body (100) is closed and the bottom thereof is provided with an opening (11), the interior of the spudcan body (100) is provided with a cavity (10), and the opening (11) is in communication with the cavity (10); and the suction flushing assembly (200) is connected to the top of the spudcan body (100), and the suction flushing assembly (200) is configured to fill the cavity (10) with a medium or suction the medium in the cavity (10). The spudcan can improve spudcan penetration and extraction efficiency.

Description

Piling boots and their control methods, pile legs, and offshore platforms

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510072089.0, filed on January 17, 2025, entitled "Pile Boot and Pile Leg", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure belongs to the field of marine engineering technology, and specifically relates to a pile shoe and its control method, a pile leg, and an offshore platform. Background Technology

[0003] Self-elevating offshore platforms are widely used in life support and marine testing. Pile shoes are the lower structures of the pile legs on a self-elevating offshore platform. Embedded in the seabed soil, the pile shoes provide stable support for the entire platform. The pile shoes effectively distribute the platform's weight and operational loads to the seabed, ensuring the platform maintains a stable posture under various operating conditions.

[0004] In related technologies, pile shoes are typically square or circular cylindrical structures, with a cross-sectional dimension larger than that of the pile legs to enable them to withstand greater loads. A well-performing pile shoe must meet two conditions: rapid insertion and extraction from the seabed, and stable embedment within the seabed. Therefore, the design of pile shoes must minimize the resistance encountered during insertion and extraction.

[0005] However, to meet the first condition, the pile shoe needs to be designed to be small in size. A smaller pile shoe results in a smaller contact area between the pile shoe and the seabed, which reduces the stability of the pile shoe. On the other hand, to meet the second condition, the pile shoe needs to be designed to be large in size. A larger pile shoe results in greater resistance when inserting and pulling it out of the seabed. As a result, the pile shoe cannot meet both conditions at the same time, leading to poor performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a pile shoe and its control method, a pile leg, and an offshore platform, which can improve the working performance of the pile shoe. The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, a pile boot is provided, the pile boot including a pile boot body and a suction flushing assembly; the top of the pile boot body is closed and the bottom has an opening, and the interior of the pile boot body has a cavity, the opening communicating with the cavity; the suction flushing assembly is connected to the top of the pile boot body, and the suction flushing assembly is used to fill the cavity with a medium or to suction the medium in the cavity.

[0008] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly includes a main pipeline and multiple suction branch pipes. One end of the main pipeline is connected to the pile flushing system on the pile leg and the suction system on the pile leg. The multiple suction branch pipes are all located inside the cavity. Each suction branch pipe is connected to the top of the pile shoe body, and each suction branch pipe is connected to the other end of the main pipeline. The suction branch pipes communicate with the cavity.

[0009] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly further includes a first sleeve arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of spray suction branch pipes. Each of the plurality of first sleeves is sleeved outside the corresponding spray suction branch pipe and connected to the corresponding spray suction branch pipe. The first sleeve is connected to the top of the pile shoe body.

[0010] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly further includes multiple baffle shells arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple suction branch pipes. The multiple baffle shells are all located in the cavity and are all connected to the top of the pile shoe body. Each baffle shell and the top of the pile shoe body form a water storage cavity. The water storage cavity is in communication with the cavity. The pipe opening at the end of the suction branch pipe away from the suction pipeline is located in the water storage cavity formed by the corresponding baffle shell.

[0011] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly further includes a plurality of pile flushing branch pipes located outside the cavity and arranged at intervals along the circumference of the pile shoe body. Each pile flushing branch pipe is connected to the side wall of the pile shoe body and to the main pipeline.

[0012] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly further includes a plurality of pipe caps arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of pile flushing branch pipes. The pipe caps are located outside the cavity and connected to the top of the pile shoe body. The pipe caps and the pile shoe body define a flushing chamber. The pipe caps are provided with spray holes that communicate with the flushing chamber. The end of the pile flushing branch pipe away from the main pipeline is located in the flushing chamber formed by the corresponding pipe cap.

[0013] Optionally, at least part of the opening of the water spray hole faces the outer edge of the top of the pile shoe body.

[0014] Optionally, the main pipeline includes multiple first control valves, multiple second control valves, and multiple third control valves; each of the multiple first control valves corresponds one-to-one with one of the multiple pile driving branch pipes, with one end of the first control valve connected to the pile driving pump in the pile driving system and the other end of the first control valve connected to the corresponding pile driving branch pipe; each of the multiple second control valves corresponds one-to-one with one of the multiple spray suction branch pipes, with one end of the second control valve connected to the pile driving pump in the pile driving system and the other end of the second control valve connected to the corresponding spray suction branch pipe; each of the multiple third control valves corresponds one-to-one with one of the multiple spray suction branch pipes, with one end of the third control valve connected to the suction port of the suction pump in the suction system and the other end of the third control valve connected to the corresponding spray suction branch pipe.

[0015] Optionally, the first control valve, the second control valve, and the third control valve are all shut-off valves.

[0016] Optionally, the main pipeline further includes a first shut-off check valve and a second shut-off check valve. The first shut-off check valve is connected to the outlet of the pile driving pump. One end of the first shut-off check valve is connected to the end of each of the first control valves away from the pile driving branch pipe and the end of each of the second control valves away from the suction branch pipe. The other end of the first shut-off check valve is connected to the outlet of the pile driving pump. The second shut-off check valve is connected to the outlet of the suction pump.

[0017] Optionally, the main pipeline further includes a first flow control valve and a second flow control valve; the first flow control valve is connected to the suction port of the pile driving pump, and one end of the first flow control valve is connected to the suction port of the pile driving pump, while the other end of the first flow control valve extends into the seawater through the pile driving system; the second flow control valve is connected to the suction port of the suction pump, and one end of the second flow control valve is connected to the suction port of the suction pump, while the other end of the second flow control valve is connected to the end of the plurality of third control valves away from the corresponding spray-suction branch pipe.

[0018] Optionally, the pile shoe body includes a top seat and a cylinder, the top seat covering the top of the cylinder and defining a cavity with the cylinder, and the bottom of the cylinder forming the opening.

[0019] Optionally, the top seat includes a symmetrically arranged upper top surface and a lower top surface, the plane of symmetry of the upper top surface and the lower top surface being perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder; the upper top surface includes a central plane and an inclined outer ring edge, the outer ring edge being located on the outer periphery of the central plane, and the distance from the outer ring edge to the plane of symmetry gradually decreasing along the radial outward direction of the cylinder.

[0020] In a second aspect, a pile leg is provided, the pile leg including a pile leg body, a pile shoe flushing system and a suction system, the bottom of the pile leg body being connected to the top of the pile shoe body in the pile shoe, the flushing system and the suction system being connected to the pile leg and to the suction flushing component in the pile shoe, the pile shoe being any of the pile shoes described in the first aspect.

[0021] Thirdly, an offshore platform is provided, including the legs provided in the second aspect.

[0022] Fourthly, a method for controlling a pile shoe is provided for controlling any of the pile shoes provided in the first aspect. The control method includes: during pile extraction, injecting a medium into the cavity through the suction and flushing assembly; and during pile insertion, suctioning the medium in the cavity through the suction and flushing assembly.

[0023] Optionally, the control method further includes rinsing the exterior of the pile shoe body using the suction flushing assembly.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are:

[0025] During pile driving, the weight of the pile legs connected to the pile shoe gradually shifts onto the pile shoe, supported by the weight of the hull. Under the influence of vertical force, the pile shoe gradually penetrates the soil, which then seals the bottom of the pile shoe. During driving, the suction and flushing system can extract the medium (water or air) from the pile shoe, creating negative pressure and strong adsorption. This allows the pile shoe to stand stably in the soil, improving driving efficiency and preventing slippage and tilting. Therefore, it is suitable for both hard and soft soil layers. Conversely, when pile extraction is required, the suction and flushing system can inject the medium (water or air) into the cavity, increasing the pressure and improving extraction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pile shoe provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to point A in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 is the sectional view corresponding to point B in Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the main pipeline in Figure 1.

[0031] The symbols in the diagram represent the following meanings: 100, pile shoe body; 10, cavity; 101, top seat; 1011, upper top surface; 1011a, center surface; 1011b, outer ring edge; 1012, lower top surface; 1013, steel plate; 11, opening; 102, cylinder; 200. Suction and flushing assembly; 201. Main pipeline; 2011. First control valve; 2012. Second control valve; 2013. Third control valve; 2014. First shut-off check valve; 2015. Second shut-off check valve; 2016. First flow control valve; 2017. Second flow control valve; 2019. Third shut-off check valve; 202. Spray suction branch pipe; 203. First sleeve; 2031. First reinforcing rib; 204. Baffle shell; 2040. Water storage chamber; 2041. Base plate; 2042. Side plate; 2043. Water passage hole; 2044. Rib plate; 205. Pile flushing branch pipe; 206. Pipe cap; 2060. Flushing chamber; 2061. Spray hole; 207. Second sleeve; 2071. Second reinforcing rib; 300. Pile flushing pump; 400. Suction pump. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] This disclosure provides a pile shoe, as shown in FIG1. ​​The pile shoe includes a pile shoe body 100 and a suction flushing assembly 200. The top of the pile shoe body 100 is closed and the bottom has an opening 11. The interior of the pile shoe body 100 has a cavity 10, and the opening 11 communicates with the cavity 10. The suction flushing assembly 200 is connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100, and the suction flushing assembly 200 is used to fill the cavity 10 with a medium, or to suction the medium from the cavity 10.

[0034] When the pile shoe provided in this embodiment is used on a jack-up offshore platform, it can be connected to the pile leg through the pile shoe body 100 so that the pile leg can be supported by the pile shoe.

[0035] When the pile leg connected to the pile shoe is in place, the weight of the pile leg and the hull gradually shifts onto the pile shoe, and under the action of vertical force, the pile shoe gradually inserts into the soil. During the pile shoe insertion process, the medium (water or air, etc.) inside the pile shoe body 100 can be extracted by the suction and flushing component 200, creating a negative pressure inside the pile shoe body 100 and providing a strong adsorption force. This allows the pile shoe to stand stably in the mud and sand, preventing slippage and tilting. Therefore, the pile shoe is suitable not only for hard soil layers but also for soft soil layers. Conversely, when it is necessary to extract the pile, the medium (water or air, etc.) can be injected into the cavity 10 by the suction and flushing component 200, increasing the pressure inside the cavity 10 and thus improving the extraction efficiency.

[0036] It is evident that the above-mentioned pile shoes can not only enable rapid pile insertion but also rapid pile extraction, while also improving the stability of the pile shoes when inserted into the soil.

[0037] Optionally, the pile shoe body 100 includes a top seat 101 and a cylinder 102. The top seat 101 covers the top of the cylinder 102 and defines a cavity 10 with the cylinder 102. An opening 11 is formed at the bottom of the cylinder 102.

[0038] In the above implementation, the pile shoe body 100 is configured with the above structure and can be connected to the pile leg L through the top seat 101, so that the pile shoe can be connected to the bottom of the pile leg. The arrangement of the cylinder 102 allows a cavity 10 to be formed inside the pile shoe.

[0039] Optionally, the pile shoe body 100 may be an integrally formed structure, or it may be formed by welding the top seat 101 and the cylinder 102. This disclosure does not limit this aspect.

[0040] For example, the cylinder 102 is a hollow cylindrical structure with an inner diameter of 3-5 meters and a height of 3-5 meters. In other examples, the cylinder 102 may also be a hollow triangular prism structure, etc.

[0041] The top seat 101 includes an upper top surface 1011 and a lower top surface 1012 arranged symmetrically. The plane of symmetry of the upper top surface 1011 and the lower top surface 1012 is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder 102. The upper top surface 1011 is located on the side of the lower top surface 1012 away from the cylinder 102.

[0042] The upper top surface 1011 includes a central plane 1011a and an inclined outer ring edge 1011b, with the outer ring edge 1011b located on the outer periphery of the central plane 1011a. Along the radially outward direction of the cylinder 102, the height of the outer ring edge 1011b gradually decreases, meaning the distance from the outer ring edge 1011b to the plane of symmetry gradually decreases. By providing an inclined outer ring edge 1011b in both the upper top surface 1011 and the lower top surface 1012, the outer edges of both the upper top surface 1011 and the lower top surface 1012 of the top seat 101 are inclined surfaces. This results in an uneven pressure distribution on the top seat 101 at the central plane and the outer ring edge during mud insertion, which is more conducive to the rapid insertion of the pile shoe into the seabed.

[0043] For example, to reduce the weight of the top plate 101, the top plate 101 has a hollow internal structure. For instance, the top plate 101 includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a surrounding plate, with the top plate and bottom plate arranged opposite to each other. One side of the surrounding plate is connected to the outer edge of the top plate, and the other side of the surrounding plate is connected to the outer edge of the bottom plate. The surface of the top plate away from the bottom plate is the aforementioned upper top surface 1011, and the surface of the bottom plate away from the top plate is the aforementioned lower top surface 1012.

[0044] Optionally, the top seat 101 is provided with a plurality of steel plates 1013, which are spaced apart within the top seat 101. Each steel plate 1013 is welded to the top plate and the bottom plate of the top seat 101 respectively. The presence of the steel plates 1013 can further increase the structural strength of the top seat 101. It should be noted that the steel plates 1013 can also be replaced with support plates of other materials, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0045] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly 200 includes a main pipeline 201 and multiple suction branch pipes 202. One end of the main pipeline 201 is connected to the pile flushing system and the suction system on the pile leg. The multiple suction branch pipes 202 are located within the cavity 10 and are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the pile shoe. Each suction branch pipe 202 is connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100, and each suction branch pipe 202 is connected to the other end of the main pipeline 201. The interior of each suction branch pipe 202 communicates with the cavity 10.

[0046] In the above implementation, the main pipeline 201 is used to connect to the pile driving system and the suction system on the pile leg. The jet suction branch pipe 202 is used to inject the medium into the cavity 10 or to suction the medium out of the cavity 10.

[0047] In other examples, the suction flushing assembly 200 may also have other structures, such as a tube extending directly into the cavity 10.

[0048] The pile driving system is connected to the pile leg and includes a pile driving pump and pipelines. The pile driving pump is used to input the medium into the cavity 10 through the pipelines or to spray the medium to the outside of the pile shoe to clean the outer wall of the pile shoe.

[0049] The suction system is connected to the pile leg and includes a suction pump and pipelines. The suction pump is used to draw media into the cavity 10 through the pipelines and transfer the drawn media to the outside of the pile shoe.

[0050] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to point A in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, optionally, the suction flushing assembly 200 also includes a plurality of first sleeves 203 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of spray suction branch pipes 202. The first sleeves 203 are sleeved on the outside of the corresponding spray suction branch pipes 202 and connected to the corresponding spray suction branch pipes 202. The first sleeves 203 are connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100, for example, connected to the bottom plate of the top seat of the pile shoe body 100.

[0051] In the above implementation, the first sleeve 203 is used to connect to the jet suction branch pipe 202 in order to enhance the structural strength of the jet suction branch pipe 202.

[0052] Optionally, the outer wall of the first sleeve 203 is provided with at least one first reinforcing rib 2031, which is connected to the outer wall of the first sleeve 203 and the top seat 101 respectively.

[0053] In the above implementation, the first reinforcing rib 2031 is used to further increase the structural strength of the jet suction branch pipe 202, and at the same time, it can also increase the connection area between the first sleeve 203 and the pile shoe body 100, thereby increasing the connection strength between the first sleeve 203 and the jet suction branch pipe 202 and the pile shoe body 100.

[0054] The first reinforcing rib 2031 has an inclined surface on the side away from the first sleeve 203. The distance between the inclined surface and the axis of the first sleeve 203 gradually increases along the direction from the top to the bottom of the pile shoe body 100. Furthermore, by providing an inclined surface in the first reinforcing rib 2031, the contact area between the first reinforcing rib 2031 and the top seat 101 can be maximized while saving space, thereby further increasing the connection strength between the first sleeve 203 and the jet suction branch pipe 202 and the pile shoe body 100. Optionally, the first reinforcing rib 2031 can be a triangular plate or a trapezoidal plate.

[0055] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, for ease of connection, the first sleeve 203 is welded together with the first reinforcing rib 2031.

[0056] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly 200 further includes multiple baffle shells 204 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple suction branch pipes 202. All baffle shells 204 are located within the cavity 10 and are connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100, i.e., connected to the top seat 101. Each baffle shell 204 and the top of the pile shoe body 100 form a water storage cavity 2040, which communicates with the cavity 10. The port of the suction branch pipe 202 at the end furthest from the main pipeline 201 is located within the water storage cavity 2040 formed by the corresponding baffle shell 204.

[0057] In the above implementation, the blocking shell 204 is used to form a water storage cavity 2040 with the top of the pile shoe body 100 so as to protect the spray suction branch pipe 202 through the water storage cavity 2040, so that the opening of the spray suction branch pipe 202 will not directly face the seawater or silt, thereby avoiding silt blockage of the spray suction branch pipe 202 and damage to the spray suction branch pipe 202.

[0058] Optionally, the baffle shell 204 includes a base plate 2041 and a plurality of side plates 2042. The base plate 2041 is arranged opposite to the top of the pile shoe body 100. The plurality of side plates 2042 are sequentially connected along the outer periphery of the base plate 2041, and each side plate 2042 is connected to both the base plate 2041 and the top of the pile shoe body 100. The plurality of side plates 2042, the base plate 2041, and the top of the pile shoe body 100 define a water storage cavity 2040. Each side plate 2042 has at least one water passage hole 2043, and the two ends of the water passage hole 2043 are respectively connected to the cavity 10 and the water storage cavity 2040.

[0059] In the above implementation, the base plate 2041 and the side plate 2042 form a water storage cavity 2040. The side plate 2042 is connected to the top seat 101. The water passage hole 2043 in the side plate allows seawater to freely enter and exit the water storage cavity 2040.

[0060] To further increase the structural strength of the barrier shell 204, at least one stiffening plate 2044 is provided inside the barrier shell 204. The stiffening plate 2044 is connected to the bottom plate 2041 and extends along the corresponding side plate 2042.

[0061] In other examples, the baffle 204 can also be a high-strength filter structure. That is, as long as it can protect the jet suction branch pipe 202 while allowing seawater to flow freely inside and outside the water storage chamber 2040.

[0062] Optionally, referring again to Figure 1, the suction flushing assembly 200 also includes a plurality of pile flushing branch pipes 205, which are located outside the cavity 10 and are arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the pile shoe. The plurality of pile flushing branch pipes 205 are all connected to the outer wall of the pile shoe body 100, and each pile flushing branch pipe 205 is connected to the main pipeline 201.

[0063] Multiple pile driving branch pipes 205 can spray seawater or air onto the outside of the pile shoe to flush away mud and sand. During pile extraction, the mud and sand on the outside of the pile shoe can be flushed away through the pile driving branch pipes 205, facilitating rapid pile extraction.

[0064] In this embodiment, the pile branch pipe 205 is connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100, for example, to the top plate of the top seat 101.

[0065] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to point B in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 3, optionally, the suction flushing assembly 200 also includes multiple pipe caps 206 arranged corresponding to the multiple pile flushing branch pipes 205. The pipe caps 206 are located on the top surface of the pile shoe body 100 and connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100. The pipe caps 206 and the pile shoe body 100 define a flushing chamber 2060, and the side wall of the pipe caps 206 is provided with a spray hole 2061 communicating with the flushing chamber 2060. The end of the pile flushing branch pipe 205 away from the main pipeline 201 is located in the flushing chamber 2060 formed by the corresponding pipe cap 206.

[0066] In the above implementation, the pipe cap 206 is used to protect the opening of the pile driving branch pipe 205 to prevent the opening of the pile driving branch pipe 205 from being damaged or blocked by mud and sand. The water spray hole 2061 is used to discharge seawater or gas from the flushing chamber 2060.

[0067] In this embodiment, the position of the water spray hole 2061 can be any position of the cap 206, and the opening of the water spray hole 2061 can face various directions, so that it can be flushed in different directions of the pile shoe.

[0068] For example, the axis of the water jet 2061 is perpendicular to the axis of the pile leg or the included angle is greater than 90 degrees. This not only allows the medium sprayed from the water jet 2061 to wash the outside of the pile shoe, but also allows the washed medium to flow along the outer wall of the pile shoe to further scrub the outer wall of the pile shoe.

[0069] To enhance the spraying effect, multiple spray holes 2061 can be provided in each cap 206, with the multiple spray holes 2061 arranged at intervals.

[0070] Optionally, at least a portion of the openings of the water jets 2061 face the outer edge of the top of the pile shoe body 100. This improves the scouring efficiency of the outside of the pile shoe.

[0071] Optionally, the suction flushing assembly 200 also includes a plurality of second sleeves 207 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of pile driving branch pipes 205. The second sleeves 207 are sleeved on the outside of the corresponding pile driving branch pipe 205 and connected to the corresponding pile driving branch pipe 205. The second sleeves 207 are connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100, for example, connected to the bottom plate of the top seat 101.

[0072] In the above implementation, the second sleeve 207 is used to connect with the pile driving branch pipe 205 in order to enhance the structural strength of the pile driving branch pipe 205.

[0073] Optionally, the outer wall of the second sleeve 207 is provided with at least one second reinforcing rib 2071, the second reinforcing rib 2071 is located inside the top seat 101, and the second reinforcing rib 2071 is connected to the outer wall of the second sleeve 207 and the top seat 101 respectively.

[0074] In the above implementation, the second reinforcing rib 2071 is used to further increase the structural strength of the correspondingly arranged second sleeves 207 and pile branch pipes 205. At the same time, it can also increase the connection area between the second sleeves 207 and the pile shoe body 100, thereby increasing the connection strength between the second sleeves 207 and the pile branch pipes 205 and the pile shoe body 100.

[0075] The second reinforcing rib 2071 has an inclined surface on the side away from the first sleeve 203, and the distance between the inclined surface and the axis of the first sleeve 203 gradually increases along the direction from the top to the bottom of the pile shoe body 100.

[0076] By providing a slope in the second reinforcing rib 2071, the contact area between the second reinforcing rib 2071 and the top seat 101 can be increased as much as possible while saving space, thereby further increasing the connection strength between the second sleeve 207 and the pile branch pipe 205 and the pile shoe body 100. Optionally, the second reinforcing rib 2071 can be a triangular plate or a trapezoidal plate.

[0077] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, for ease of connection, the second sleeve 207 is welded together with the second reinforcing rib 2071.

[0078] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the main pipeline in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 4, optionally, the main pipeline 201 includes multiple first control valves 2011, multiple second control valves 2012, and multiple third control valves 2013. Each of the multiple first control valves 2011 corresponds one-to-one with a multiple pile-driving branch pipe 205. One end of each first control valve 2011 is connected to the pile-driving pump in the pile-driving system, and the other end is connected to the corresponding pile-driving branch pipe 205. Each of the multiple second control valves 2012 corresponds one-to-one with a multiple spray-suction branch pipe 202. One end of each second control valve 2012 is connected to the pile-driving pump in the pile-driving system, and the other end is connected to the corresponding spray-suction branch pipe 202. Each of the multiple third control valves 2013 corresponds one-to-one with a multiple spray-suction branch pipe 202. One end of each third control valve 2013 is connected to the suction port of the suction pump in the suction system, and the other end is connected to the corresponding spray-suction branch pipe 202.

[0079] In the above implementation, the first control valve 2011 controls the connection and disconnection between the corresponding pile driving branch pipe 205 and the pile driving pump. During pile extraction, the first control valve 2011 opens, allowing seawater discharged from the pile driving pump to be sprayed onto the outside of the pile shoe through the pile driving branch pipe 205. Conversely, during pile insertion, the first control valve 2011 closes, and the pile driving branch pipe 205 no longer sprays media onto the outside of the pile shoe.

[0080] The second control valve 2012 is used to control the connection and disconnection between the corresponding jetting branch pipe 202 and the pile driving pump 300. During pile extraction, the second control valve 2012 opens, allowing seawater discharged from the pile driving pump to be sprayed through the jetting branch pipe 202 into the cavity 10 inside the pile shoe, thus eliminating negative pressure in the cavity 10 and facilitating pile extraction. Conversely, during pile insertion, the second control valve 2012 closes, and the jetting branch pipe 202 no longer sprays jetting medium into the cavity 10 inside the pile shoe.

[0081] The third control valve 2013 is used to control the connection and disconnection between the corresponding suction branch pipe 202 and the suction pump 400. Specifically, during pile driving, the third control valve 2013 opens, and the suction pump draws the medium from the cavity 10 of the pile shoe through the suction branch pipe 202, creating a negative pressure in the cavity 10, which is beneficial for pile driving. Conversely, during pile extraction, the third control valve 2013 closes, and the suction branch pipe 202 no longer draws the medium from the cavity 10 of the pile shoe.

[0082] In other words, when extracting the pile, the first control valve 2011 and the second control valve 2012 are opened simultaneously, and the third control valve 2013 is closed, so that both the suction branch pipe 202 and the pile flushing branch pipe 205 can spray the medium, so that the cavity 10 is not under negative pressure and can flush the outside of the pile shoe, which is more conducive to rapid pile extraction.

[0083] During the driving of the pile, the first control valve 2011 and the second control valve 2012 are closed at the same time, and the third control valve 2013 is opened, so that the spray suction branch pipe 202 can draw the medium from the cavity 10, thereby making the cavity 10 negative pressure, which is conducive to rapid pile driving.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first control valve 2011, the second control valve 2012, and the third control valve 2013 are all shut-off valves, which are simple to implement and low in cost. In other embodiments, the first control valve 2011, the second control valve 2012, and the third control valve 2013 can be other on / off valves, such as two-position two-way directional valves.

[0085] In other embodiments, a first control valve 2011 may be connected to a plurality of pile driving branch pipes 205, or a second control valve 2011 may be connected to a plurality of spray suction branch pipes 202, or a third control valve 2013 may be connected to a plurality of spray suction branch pipes 202.

[0086] Optionally, the main pipeline 201 further includes a first shut-off check valve 2014 and a second shut-off check valve 2015. The first shut-off check valve 2014 is connected to the outlet of the pile driving pump. One end of the first shut-off check valve 2014 is connected to the end of each first control valve 2011 away from the pile driving branch pipe 205 and the end of each second control valve 2012 away from the suction branch pipe 202. The other end of the first shut-off check valve 2014 is connected to the outlet of the pile driving pump. The second shut-off check valve 2015 is connected to the outlet of the suction pump.

[0087] In the above implementation, by installing a first shut-off check valve 2014 and a second shut-off check valve 2015 near the pile driving pump and the suction pump, the first shut-off check valve 2014 can prevent the backflow of the medium discharged by the pile driving pump 300. At the same time, the second shut-off check valve 2015 can prevent the backflow of the medium sucked by the suction pump 400 to the suction pump.

[0088] In other examples, the first shut-off check valve 2014 and the second shut-off check valve 2015 may also be other valves, such as one-way valves.

[0089] Optionally, the main pipeline 201 also includes a first flow control valve 2016 and a second flow control valve 2017. The first flow control valve 2016 is connected to the suction port of the pile driving pump, and one end of the first flow control valve 2016 is connected to the suction port of the pile driving pump, while the other end of the first flow control valve 2016 extends into the seawater through the pile driving system.

[0090] The second flow control valve 2017 is connected to the suction port of the suction pump, with one end of the second flow control valve 2017 connected to the suction port of the suction pump, and the other end of the second flow control valve 2017 connected to the end of one of the third control valves 2013 away from the corresponding spray-suction branch pipe 202. That is, the second flow control valve 2017 is connected between the suction port of the suction pump and the third control valve 2013.

[0091] In the above implementation, the first flow control valve 2016 is used to control the flow rate of the medium discharged by the pile driving pump 300, thereby controlling the flow rate of the medium ejected from the spray-suction branch pipe 202 and the pile driving branch pipe 205. The second flow control valve 2017 is used to control the flow rate of the medium sucked by the suction pump, thereby controlling the suction speed of the spray-suction branch pipe 202.

[0092] In this embodiment of the disclosure, to reduce costs and facilitate adjustment, both the first flow control valve 2016 and the second flow control valve 2017 are wafer-type butterfly valves. In other examples, the first flow control valve 2016 and the second flow control valve 2017 may also be proportional valves, etc.

[0093] Referring to Figure 4, to improve the efficiency of pile driving and extraction, the number of suction pumps 400 and pile driving pumps 300 can be two or more. When there are two pile driving pumps 300, the outlets of the two pumps 300 are interconnected and connected to the second control valve 2012. The first control valves 2011 can be arranged and connected to the pile driving pumps 300 one-to-one, or one pile driving pump 300 can be connected to multiple first control valves 2011, or multiple first control valves 2011 can be connected between the interconnected outlets of the two pile driving pumps 300 and the second control valve 2012. The first shut-off check valves 2014 are also arranged one-to-one with the pile driving pumps 300, and each first shut-off check valve 2014 is connected between the outlet of the corresponding pile driving pump 300 and the first control valve 2011 of the nearest pile driving pump 300. The first flow control valve 2016 is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the pile driving pump 300, and each first flow control valve 2016 is connected to the suction port of the corresponding pile driving pump 300.

[0094] When there are two suction pumps 400, each suction pump 400 is connected to two third control valves 2013. There are also two second shut-off check valves 2015, arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each suction pump 400, with each second shut-off check valve 2015 connected to the outlet of the corresponding suction pump 400. There are also two second flow control valves 2017, arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each suction pump 400, with each second flow control valve 2017 connected between the suction port of the corresponding suction pump 400 and the two connected third control valves 2013.

[0095] Optionally, the main pipeline 201 also includes a third shut-off check valve 2019, one end of which is connected to the compression system in the pile leg, and the other end of which is connected to one end of a plurality of first control valves 2011 and a plurality of second control valves 2012 toward the pile pump 300.

[0096] In the above implementation, the third shut-off check valve 2019 is used to connect the compression system in the pile leg to the first control valve 2011 and a plurality of second control valves 2012, so as to spray compressed air and the like to the outside of the pile shoe and the cavity 10 of the pile shoe through the first control valve 2011 and the plurality of second control valves 2012.

[0097] Furthermore, by setting the third shut-off check valve 2019, the compressed air in the compression system can only enter the first control valve 2011 and multiple second control valves 2012 in one direction, and the compressed air will not flow in reverse.

[0098] To improve efficiency, there can be multiple third shut-off check valves 2019, with at least one third shut-off check valve 2019 connected to one of the pipelines of the compression system in the pile leg.

[0099] In this embodiment of the disclosure, in order to monitor the pressure in each jet suction branch pipe 202 and each pile driving branch pipe 205 in real time, a pressure detection device, such as a pressure gauge, can be installed in each jet suction branch pipe 202 and each pile driving branch pipe 205.

[0100] It should be noted that all the aforementioned valves are connected to each other, to the suction pump, to the pile driving pump, to the jet suction branch pipe, and to the pile driving branch pipe via pipelines. These pipelines can be rigid pipes, flexible pipes, or a combination of both. Various connecting joints may also be included in the pipelines. This disclosure does not limit the implementation form of the pipelines, as long as fluid can flow within them.

[0101] This disclosure also provides a pile leg, which includes a pile leg body, a pile shoe flushing system, and a suction system. The bottom of the pile leg body is connected to the top of the pile shoe body 100 in the pile shoe. Both the flushing system and the suction system are connected to the pile leg and to the suction flushing assembly 200 in the pile shoe. The pile shoe is the one described above.

[0102] The top of the pile leg body and the pile shoe body 100 can be connected by welding or other methods, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0103] The above-mentioned pile legs have the same beneficial effects as the aforementioned pile boots, which will not be elaborated here.

[0104] This disclosure also provides an offshore platform including the aforementioned legs.

[0105] The offshore platform also includes the platform body, which is connected to the legs.

[0106] This disclosure also provides a method for controlling a pile shoe, the method comprising: during pile extraction, flushing a medium into the cavity via the suction and flushing assembly; and during pile insertion, suctioning the medium from the cavity via the suction and flushing assembly.

[0107] Optionally, the control method further includes rinsing the exterior of the pile shoe body using the suction flushing assembly.

[0108] The working process of the pile shoe provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is briefly described below:

[0109] ① Piling: After the pile shoe follows the pile leg to the designated working area, the pile leg is gradually lowered to the mud surface of the seabed through the lifting system. At this time, the weight load of the pile leg and the hull is gradually borne on the pile shoe. Under the action of vertical force, the pile shoe is gradually inserted into the mud.

[0110] The control pump 300 is kept closed, and both the first control valve 2011 and the second control valve 2012 remain closed. The third control valve 2013 is opened, and the suction pump 400 starts working. Through the suction branch pipe 202 and the third control valve 2013, the medium in the cavity 10 inside the pile shoe is extracted, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pile shoe, which facilitates the insertion of the pile shoe into the mud and sand. Simultaneously, the flow rate can be adjusted by controlling the state of the second flow control valve 2017 and the power of the suction pump 400, and the second check valve 2015 prevents backflow of the medium.

[0111] ② Pile Extraction: Close the third control valve 2013 to stop the suction pump 400. Open the first control valve 2011 and the second control valve 2012 to start the pile driving pump 300. The pile driving pump 300 mixes seawater from the main seawater pipe with high-pressure gas from the compression system to form a high-speed, high-pressure gas-water mixture, which is then pumped through the first control valve 2011 into the pile driving branch pipe 205 to flush the exterior of the pile shoe. Simultaneously, the second control valve 2012 and the suction branch pipe 202 flush the interior of the cavity 10 to facilitate pile extraction. The flow rate can be adjusted by controlling the state of the first flow control valve 2016 on the pipeline and the power of the pile driving pump 300, and the first check valve 2014 prevents backflow of the medium. Once the pile shoe is retracted and no longer bears the platform load, the pile driving pump 300 and other pumps can be shut down.

[0112] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A type of hoop boot, characterized in that, The pile boot includes a pile boot body (100) and a suction and flushing assembly (200). The top of the pile shoe body (100) is closed and the bottom has an opening (11). The interior of the pile shoe body (100) has a cavity (10), and the opening (11) communicates with the cavity (10). The suction flushing assembly (200) is connected to the top of the pile shoe body (100), and the suction flushing assembly (200) is used to fill the cavity (10) with medium or to suction the medium in the cavity (10).

2. The pile shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction flushing assembly (200) includes a main pipeline (201) and multiple spray suction branch pipes (202), one end of the main pipeline (201) being connected to the pile flushing system on the pile leg and the suction system on the pile leg; The plurality of jet suction branch pipes (202) are all located inside the cavity (10). Each jet suction branch pipe (202) is connected to the top of the pile shoe body (100). Each jet suction branch pipe (202) is connected to the other end of the main pipeline (201). The jet suction branch pipe (202) is in communication with the cavity (10).

3. The pile shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The suction flushing assembly (200) further includes a first sleeve (203) arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of suction branch pipes (202). Each first sleeve (203) is sleeved on the outside of the corresponding suction branch pipe (202) and connected to the corresponding suction branch pipe (202). The first sleeve (203) is connected to the top of the pile shoe body (100).

4. The pile shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The suction flushing assembly (200) also includes a plurality of baffle shells (204) arranged one-to-one with the plurality of suction branch pipes (202). Each baffle shell (204) is located in the cavity (10) and is connected to the top of the pile shoe body (100). Each baffle shell (204) and the top of the pile shoe body (100) form a water storage cavity (2040). The water storage cavity (2040) is connected to the cavity (10). The pipe opening of the end of the suction branch pipe (202) away from the main pipeline (201) is located in the water storage cavity (2040) formed by the corresponding baffle shell (204).

5. The pile shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The suction flushing assembly (200) also includes multiple flushing branch pipes (205). The plurality of pile driving branch pipes (205) are located outside the cavity (10) and are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the pile shoe body (100). Each pile driving branch pipe (205) is connected to the side wall of the pile shoe body (100) and each pile driving branch pipe (205) is connected to the main pipeline (201).

6. The pile shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The suction flushing assembly (200) also includes a plurality of pipe caps (206) arranged one-to-one with the plurality of pile flushing branch pipes (205). The pipe caps (206) are located outside the cavity (10) and connected to the top of the pile shoe body (100). The pipe caps (206) and the pile shoe body (100) define a flushing chamber (2060). The pipe caps (206) are provided with spray holes (2061) that communicate with the flushing chamber (2060). The end of the sluice branch pipe (205) away from the main pipeline (201) is located in the flushing cavity (2060) formed by the corresponding pipe cap (206).

7. The pile shoe according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least part of the opening of the water jet (2061) faces the outer edge of the top of the pile shoe body (100).

8. The pile shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main pipeline (201) includes multiple first control valves (2011), multiple second control valves (2012), and multiple third control valves (2013); One end of the first control valve (2011) is connected to the pile pump (300) in the pile driving system, and the other end of the first control valve (2011) is connected to at least one corresponding pile driving branch pipe (205). One end of the second control valve (2012) is connected to the pile pump (300), and the other end of the second control valve (2012) is connected to at least one corresponding spray suction branch pipe (202); One end of the third control valve (2013) is connected to the suction port of the suction pump (400) in the suction system, and the other end of the third control valve (2013) is connected to at least one corresponding spray suction branch pipe (202).

9. The pile shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first control valve (2011), the second control valve (2012), and the third control valve (2013) are all shut-off valves.

10. The pile shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main pipeline (201) also includes a first shut-off check valve (2014) and a second shut-off check valve (2015). The first shut-off check valve (2014) is connected to the outlet of the pile pump (300). One end of the first shut-off check valve (2014) is connected to the end of each of the first control valves (2011) away from the pile branch pipe (205) and the end of each of the second control valves (2012) away from the spray-suction branch pipe (202). The other end of the first shut-off check valve (2014) is connected to the outlet of the pile pump. The second shut-off check valve (2015) is connected to the outlet of the suction pump (400) and is connected to the liquid outlet of the suction pump (400).

11. The pile shoe according to claim 10, characterized in that, The main pipeline (201) also includes a first flow control valve (2016) and a second flow control valve (2017); The first flow control valve (2016) is connected to the suction port of the pile pump (300), and one end of the first flow control valve (2016) is connected to the suction port of the pile pump (300), while the other end of the first flow control valve (2016) is connected to seawater. The second flow control valve (2017) is connected to the suction port of the suction pump (400), and one end of the second flow control valve (2017) is connected to the suction port of the suction pump (400), and the other end of the second flow control valve (2017) is connected to one end of the plurality of third control valves (2013) away from the corresponding spray suction branch pipe (202).

12. The pile shoe according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The pile shoe body (100) includes a top seat (101) and a cylinder (102). The top seat (101) covers the top of the cylinder (102) and defines a cavity (10) with the cylinder (102). The opening (11) is formed at the bottom of the cylinder (102).

13. The pile shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that, The top seat (101) includes an upper top surface (1011) and a lower top surface (1012) arranged symmetrically, and the plane of symmetry of the upper top surface (1011) and the lower top surface (1012) is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder (102). The top surface (1011) includes a central plane (1011a) and an inclined outer ring edge (1011b). The outer ring edge (1011b) is located on the outer periphery of the central plane (1011a). Along the radial outward direction of the cylinder (102), the distance from the outer ring edge (1011b) to the symmetry plane gradually decreases.

14. A type of pile leg, characterized in that, The pile leg includes a pile leg body, a pile shoe flushing system, and a suction system. The bottom of the pile leg body is connected to the top of the pile shoe body (100) in the pile shoe. The flushing system and the suction system are both connected to the pile leg and to the suction flushing assembly (200) in the pile shoe. The pile shoe is the pile shoe described in any one of claims 1-13.

15. A marine platform, characterized in that, Includes the pile legs as described in claim 14.

16. A method for controlling a pile shoe, characterized in that, The control method for controlling the pile shoe as described in any one of claims 1-13 includes: During pile extraction, the medium is flushed into the cavity through the suction and flushing assembly; During pile driving, the medium inside the cavity is drawn out by the suction flushing assembly.

17. The control method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The control method further includes: The exterior of the pile shoe body is flushed by the suction flushing assembly.

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