Protection arrangement and method

Abstract

A protection arrangement (100) for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water and a method. The protection arrangement comprises a first protective element (2) arranged at a first distance on at least one side of said cable or pipe (1) at least substantially parallel to said cable or pipe, and weights (3) fastened at a regular spacing to the first protective element and arranged at the bottom of water to support the first protective element.

Description

[0001] PROTECTION ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water and to a method .

[0004] Recently, it has become clearly necessary to protect underwater cables and pipes from external stresses and loads, such as marine vessel anchors .

[0005] SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0006] The protection arrangement and method according to the invention are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims . Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is stated in other claims .

[0007] Inventive embodiments are also discussed in the description and drawings of this application. The inventive content of the application may also be defined otherwise than as set forth in the claims hereinafter . The inventive content may also be composed of a plurality of separate inventions, in particular if the invention is viewed in the light of the express or implied subtasks or in terms of the benefits or categories of benefits achieved. In this case, some of the features contained in the claims hereinafter may be unnecessary for different inventive ideas . The features of different embodiments of the invention may be applied in connection with other embodiments within the scope of the basic inventive idea .

[0008] The protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water according to the invention comprises, according to an idea, a first protective element arranged at a first distance on at least one side ofsaid cable or pipe at least substantially parallel to said cable or pipe, and weights fastened at a regular spacing to the first protective element and arranged at the bottom of water to support the first protective element .

[0009] Said protection arrangement may provide the benefit that for example an anchor dragged by a vessel at the bottom of water may be caught by the protection arrangement in such a way that it will be noticed on the vessel, in which case measures, such as stopping the movement of the vessel, can be taken on the vessel before the cable or pipe to be protected is damaged.

[0010] The protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water according to the invention comprises, according to a second idea, a protective layer arranged over said cable or pipe, preferably a net .

[0011] Said protection arrangement may provide the benefit that access by outsiders to the cable or pipe being protected is prevented or at least substantially slowed down.

[0012] The protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water according to the invention comprises, according to a third idea, a protective mat arranged over said cable or pipe .

[0013] Said protection arrangement may provide the benefit that the precise location of the cable or pipe being protected may be hidden, access by outsiders to the cable or pipe being protected is prevented or at least substantially slowed down, and that any harmful action on the cable or pipe being protected, for example exploding it, will be exerted on the cable or pipe in question in an attenuated manner .In the method for forming the protection arrangement according to the invention, a cable laying vessel or a dredger vessel is used to lay the protection arrangement to the bottom of water .

[0014] Said method may provide the benefit that the protection arrangement is installable in its place without special equipment .

[0015] SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The invention is described in more detail in the accompanying drawings in which

[0017] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from above,

[0018] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from an end,

[0019] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a second protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from an end,

[0020] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a third protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from an end, and

[0021] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a detail of one protection arrangement as a cross-sectional view.

[0022] For the purpose of clarity, the invention is illustrated in the figures in a simplified manner . Similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the figures .DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from above . According to an idea, the cable is an electrical cable or a data-transmission cable . According to an idea, the pipe is a gas pipe, an oil pipe, a water pipe, a sewer pipe or a pipe for conveying other material .

[0024] A protection arrangement 100 comprises a first protective element 2 arranged at a first distance A on at least one side of the cable or pipe 1 at least substantially parallel to said cable or pipe . It should be noted that the first distance A typically varies, among other things due to the shape of the bottom etc .

[0025] In one embodiment, the first distance A from the cable or pipe to be protected has been selected from immediate proximity thereto up to a distance of 50 meters .

[0026] In one embodiment, the first protective element 2 is a wire . In another embodiment, the first protective element 2 is a chain.

[0027] Weights 3 have been fastened at a regular spacing to the first protective element and arranged at the bottom of water to support the first protective element 2 fastened thereto .

[0028] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, a first protective element 2 has been arranged on both sides of the cable or pipe 1. In another embodiment, the first protective element 2 is on only one side of the cable or pipe 1 .

[0029] In one embodiment, as in Figure 1 , the protection arrangement 100 comprises, in addition to the first protective element 2, at least one additional protectiveelement 4 comprising weights 3 and being arranged at a side of the first protective element 2 and at least substantially parallel thereto, but to a greater distance from said cable or pipe 1 . The additional protective element 4 is preferably a flexible tensile element, for example wire or chain. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 there is one additional protective element 4 on both sides of the cable or pipe 1. Naturally, there may also be more than one additional protective element, even dozens of them, per side . It should also be noted that the number of the additional protective elements may be different on one side of the cable or pipe compared to the other side .

[0030] The first protective elements 2 and one or more additional protective elements 4 form a protective field 5 on the side of said cable or pipe, the protective field having a width L of preferably 50 meters - 1000 meters, or even greater, in either direction from said cable or pipe 1 .

[0031] In one embodiment, the weights 3 have been fastened to the protective element and the additional protective element at distances ranging from 10 meters to 100 meters, more preferably from 20 meters to 50 meters . Said distance depends, among other things, on the size and mass of the weights 3 and of the protective element 2 and the additional protective element 4, as well as on the size of the protection needed. According to an idea, a combined mass of the protective elements and the weights is sized in such a way that it is sufficient to stop a typical vessel operating in the water area in question and dragging an anchor on the seabed, or alternatively to cut the anchor chain.

[0032] In one embodiment, the weight 3 is a solid obj ect of a material comprising for example concrete, metal,geopolymer, alkali activated material, stone, or other such material that is heavier than water .

[0033] In one embodiment, the weight 3 comprises a net or a bag filled with a filling material . The filling material may be for example concrete, metal, geopolymer, alkali activated material, stone, or other such material that is heavier than water . In one embodiment, the filling material is material dredged from the bottom, such as sediment, to which a hardening material may optionally be added. The shape of the net or bag may be for example tubular . The net or bag may be filled above the water surface for example on a vessel performing the installation work. Alternatively, the net or bag may be filled below the water surface . The filling may be done for example by using a filling chute or pipe that directs the filling material into the net or bag.

[0034] In one embodiment, the weight 3 has been formed from a pipe or a bundle of a plurality of pipes filled with the filling material as defined in this description. The pipe may be for example plastic or metal . In one embodiment, the pipe is made from a material web that is bent into pipe shape for example on a vessel performing the installation work. The filling material may be added into the pipe in the same context .

[0035] In one embodiment, the weights 3 fastened to the same protective element have identical shapes and sizes . In another embodiment, weights 3 having different shapes and / or sizes have been fastened to the protective element .

[0036] In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 comprises at least one transverse protective element 8 that is for example a wire or a chain. It has been arranged to cross the first protective element 2 and typicallyalso the cable or pipe 1 to be protected. The transverse protective element 8 comprises weights 3 and may have been fastened to the first protective element 2 and / or the additional protective element or to the weights thereof .

[0037] In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 is non-fastened to said cable or pipe . In other words, the protective elements 2, 4, 8 or the weights 3 have not been fastened to the cable or pipe 1 .

[0038] In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 has been provided with one or more sensors 13. For clarity, Figure 13 illustrates only one sensor 13 arranged at the weight 3 of an additional protective element . It should be noted that the sensor (s) may also be arranged at the other weights or protective elements 2, 4, 8 or between the weights and / or the protective elements .

[0039] In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 comprises several different types of sensors . In one embodiment, the sensors 13 have been arranged to sense the movement 100 of the protection arrangement, in other words the movement of some part of the protection arrangement . In one embodiment, the sensors 13 have been arranged to sense the breakage of some part of the protection arrangement . In one embodiment, the sensors 13 have been arranged to sense movement in proximity to the protection arrangement, which may be caused for example by a diver, a submarine, an underwater drone, etc .

[0040] In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 comprises at least one type of sensor selected from among:

[0041] a) Acoustic sensors : These include sonar systems that may be used to detect obj ects and study the behaviour of marine animals .b) Optical sensors : Used to measure the clarity of water, detect phytoplankton or algae and capture underwater pictures .

[0042] c) Pressure sensors : which may be used to detect seismic activity.

[0043] d) Dissolved-oxygen (DO) sensors : Measure the quantity of dissolved oxygen in water for example to estimate the quality of water and health of marine animals .

[0044] e) pH sensors : Measure the acidity or alkalinity of seawater for example to study sea chemistry and its effects on marine ecosystems .

[0045] f ) Temperature sensors : Monitor the temperature of water, for example to understand sea currents, climate change and marine habitats .

[0046] g) Conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors :

[0047] Measure the conductivity, temperature and depth of seawater, providing comprehensive information on marine research conditions .

[0048] h) Hydrophones : for detecting and recording underwater sounds, studying the communication of marine animal and monitoring human activities, such as ship traffic .

[0049] i) Methane sensors : Detect dissolved methane in water, for use for example in geological surveys and environmental monitoring.

[0050] j ) Electromagnetic sensors : for example for monitoring the motion patterns of water currents and marine species .

[0051] k) Acoustic Doppler flow meter : Measures water flow velocity and direction by using the Doppler effect . l) Flow meter : Used to measure water flow velocity and volume .

[0052] m) Clinometer : Measures for example the tilt angle and movements of the weight or the protective element . n) Mass spectrometer : Analyses the chemical composition of water and detects different compounds .o) Optical attenuation sensor : Measures the attenuation of light in water for example in the estimation of clarity and opacity of water .

[0053] p) Carbon dioxide sensor: Measures the carbon dioxide content of water, for example for studying the climate change and marine acidification.

[0054] q) Resistivity sensor : Measures the electrical conductivity of water for example for evaluating the salt content of water .

[0055] r) Seismometer : for example for detecting underwater earthquakes and seismic activity.

[0056] s) Thermistor : to measure and monitor the temperature of water .

[0057] t) Turbulent flow meter : for example for measuring turbulent water flows and analysing flow patterns .

[0058] The protection arrangement may be installed to the bottom of water for example by using a cable laying vessel known per se .

[0059] In one embodiment, weights 3 are fastened to a protective element 2, 4, 8 before laying the protection arrangement to the bottom of water .

[0060] In one embodiment, the weights 3 are fastened to the protective element 2 , 4, 8 just before laying the protection arrangement to the bottom of water .

[0061] In one embodiment, the weights 3 are fastened above the water surface to the protective element 2, 4, 8.

[0062] In one embodiment, the weights 3 are fastened under water to the protective element 2, 4, 8.

[0063] In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 is laid to the bottom together with the cable or pipe 1 to be protected.In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 is laid to protect a cable or pipe 1 having been installed at the bottom at an earlier time .

[0064] In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 is supported by means of floats during its installation. The floats have been attached to the protection arrangement at a suitable spacing. In one embodiment, a support member having an adjustable length, such as a wire, a chain or a band, has been arranged between the float and the protection arrangement to control the distance of the protection arrangement from the water surface . Said support member having an adjustable length may be connected to a winch or other such, preferably remotely controlled picking-up and laying-out device . Thus, the protection arrangement may be laid to the bottom gradually and in a controlled manner in such a way that it can be very accurately arranged in its intended place .

[0065] In one embodiment, the protective element 2, 4, 8 has been anchored to the bottom of water, for example to its bedrock. The anchoring may be done for example at ends of the protective elements or at suitable points along the length of the protective element .

[0066] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from an end. It should be noted that bottom of water B is only by way of example drawn at the point illustrated in the figure relative to the cable or pipe and the protection arrangement : the latter may even be entirely buried under the bottom of water or even lie entirely over the bottom of water. It should also be noted that, to illustrate the matter more clearly, the different structural layers are illustrated as separated from each other .In one embodiment, the protection arrangement 100 comprises a protective layer 9 arranged over the cable or pipe 1 to be protected, for example a net, such as a metallic wire mesh net . The purpose of the protective layer 9 is to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing the cable or pipe 1. The protective layer 9 may also cover the protective field 5 either entirely or in part .

[0067] In one embodiment, a protective mat 10 has been arranged over the protective layer 9. In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 is a simple woven structure or cloth. In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 has a multilayer structure . In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 or at least one of the structural layers thereof comprises a mineral substance, for example bentonite, geopolymer, alkali-activated material etc .

[0068] In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 has been fastened to the protective layer 9, but this is not always necessary .

[0069] In one embodiment, a covering layer 11 has been arranged over the protective mat 10, which may comprise for example crushed stone or other rock material, soil, sediment, or any virgin material or recycled material that as such is heavier than water .

[0070] By means of the protective mat 10 and the covering layer 11, the cable or pipe 1 may be hidden in such a way that the exact location thereof is difficult to find out .

[0071] In one embodiment, parts of the protection arrangement 100, such as the protective elements, the weights and the different layers have texts or logos or identifiers for identifying them.In one embodiment, the protective elements or the weights may function as a fastening base for structures outside the protection arrangement .

[0072] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a second protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from an end. The protection arrangement 100 comprises a protective layer 9 arranged over said cable or pipe 1, for example a net, such as a metallic wire mesh net .

[0073] In one embodiment, a protective mat 10 has been arranged over the protective layer 9. In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 is a simple woven structure or cloth. In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 has a multilayer structure . In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 or at least one of the structural layers thereof comprises a mineral substance, for example bentonite, geopolymer, alkali-activated material etc . The protective mat 10 may have been fastened to the protective layer 9. A covering layer may further be arranged over the protective mat 10 for example as illustrated with reference to Figure 2.

[0074] In one embodiment, the protective layer 9 or the protective mat 10 or both of them are supported by a float 14 adjusted to float in the middle water .

[0075] In one embodiment, the buoyancy of the float 14 may be adjusted, whereby it may be possible to lift the protective layer 9 and / or the protective mat 10 closer to the surface, or vice versa, let them sink against the cable or pipe to be protected.

[0076] If the cable or pipe needs to be repaired, the possible covering layer 11 may be removed and the protective layer 9 and / or the protective mat 10 may for example becut open. After this, repairing is possible either at the location of the cable or pipe at the bottom, or alternatively the cable or pipe may be lifted upward for example by the floats .

[0077] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a third protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water as seen from an end. The protection arrangement 100 comprises a protective mat 10 arranged over the cable or pipe 1 .

[0078] In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 is a simple woven structure or cloth. In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 has a multi-layer structure . In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 or at least one of the structural layers thereof comprises a mineral substance, for example bentonite, geopolymer, alkali-activated material etc . A covering layer may be arranged over the protective mat 10 for example as illustrated with reference to Figure 2 .

[0079] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4, the protective mat 10 has been arranged to surround the cable or pipe 1 to be protected. This type of protective mat 10 may be assembled for example from several shorter pieces of mat fitted together one after the other and / or formed from one or more pieces wrapped around the cable or pipe to be protected. The protective mat 10 may be fastened to the cable or pipe to be protected.

[0080] In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 comprises a reinforcement structure having for example polymer, mineral or metal fibres or mesh, stone material, such as industry, for example mining or quarrying industry, side streams, crushed concrete etc .In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 has been stiffened with a support structure 12 that supports the protective mat 10 and keeps it firm. Said support structure may be for example a spring-type part spiralling within the tubular protective mat, which may be compressed for the time of transport of the protective mat, and released when the protective mat is installed in its place .

[0081] In one embodiment, the protective mat 10 has a thickness ranging from 5 cm to 20 cm.

[0082] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a detail of one protection arrangement as a cross-sectional view.

[0083] In one embodiment, the weight 3 has been fastened to the protective element 2 by casting the weight around the protective element .

[0084] In one embodiment, the weight 3 has been formed from several parts, and the protective element 2 has been fastened to the weight by disposing it between at least two parts of the weight . In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the protective element 2 has been provided with a fastening element 6, such as a sleeve, which has been pressed against the protective element . The weight 3 has a cavity corresponding to the fastening element 6, which is formed when two parts forming the weight are fastened to each other . Thus, the weight 3 is fastened to the protective element by means of said fastening element .

[0085] In one embodiment, the weight 3 has a modular structure, such that configurations having different masses may be easily assembled therefrom.In one embodiment, the protective element 2 has been fastened to the outer surface of the weight 3. In this case the protective element 2 may pass through the weight, but in one embodiment the protective element does not pass into the weight but runs along the outer surface of the weight .

[0086] In one embodiment, the weight 3 comprises at least one fastening means 7, such as a fastening loop or the like, by means of which the weight 3 can be fastened to a moving means, such as a crane, that moves it .

[0087] The drawings and their description are intended merely to illustrate the idea of the invention . It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments in which the invention has been illustrated by some examples, but that many modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the inventive idea defined by the claims set forth hereafter .REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0088] 1 cable or pipe

[0089] 2 first protective element

[0090] 3 weight

[0091] 4 additional protective element 5 protective field

[0092] 6 fastening element

[0093] 7 fastening means

[0094] 8 transverse protective element 9 protective layer

[0095] 10 protective mat

[0096] 11 covering layer

[0097] 12 support structure

[0098] 13 sensor

[0099] 14 float

[0100] 100 protection arrangement

[0101] A first distance

[0102] B bottom of water

[0103] L width

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A protection arrangement ( 100 ) for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it comprises- a first protective element ( 2 ) has been arranged at a first distance on at least one side of said cable or pipe ( 1 ) at least substantially paral lel to said cable or pipe , and- weights ( 3 ) fastened at a regular spacing to the first protective element and arranged at the bottom o f water to support the first protective element .2 . The protection arrangement according to claim 1 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- a first protective element ( 2 ) has been arranged on both sides of the cable or pipe .3 . The protection arrangement according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the first distance from the cable or pipe to be protected has been selected from immediate proximity thereto up to a distance of 50 meters .4 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- at least one additional protective element ( 4 ) compris ing weights ( 3 ) has been arranged at a side of the first protective element ( 2 ) and at least substantially parallel thereto , at a greater distance from said cable or pipe ( 1 ) .5 . The protection arrangement according to claim 4 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the first protective element ( 2 ) and one or more additional protective elements ( 4 ) form, at the side of said cable or pipe , a protective field ( 5 ) having awidth ranging preferably from 50 meters to 1000 meters in either direction from said cable or pipe .6 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protection arrangement ( 100 ) is non- fastened to said cable or pipe .7 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the first protective element ( 2 ) and possible additional protective element ( 4 ) comprises a flexible tensile element , such as wire or chain .8 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the weights ( 3 ) have been fastened to the protective element ( 2 , 4 ) at distances ranging preferably from 10 meters to 100 meters , more preferably from 20 meters to 50 meters .9 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the weight ( 3 ) is a solid obj ect .10 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the weight ( 3 ) comprises a net or a bag filled with a filling material .11 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the weights ( 3 ) have the same shapes and si zes with each other .12 . The protection arrangement according to any of claims 1 - 10 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- weights ( 3 ) having di f ferent shapes and / or si zes have been fastened to the protective element .13 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the weight ( 3 ) has been fastened to the protective element ( 2 , 4 ) by casting the weight around the protective element .14 . The protection arrangement according to any of claims 1 - 12 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the weight ( 3 ) has been formed from several parts , and the protective element ( 2 , 4 ) has been fastened to the weight by disposing it between at least two parts of the weight .15 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective element ( 2 , 4 ) has been provided with a fastening element ( 6 ) , and the weight ( 3 ) has been configured to fasten to the protective element by means of said fastening element .16 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it comprises - at least one transverse protective element ( 8 ) arranged to cross the first protective element ( 2 ) and comprising weights ( 3 ) .17 . A protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it comprises- a protective layer ( 9 ) arranged over said cable or pipe ( 1 ) , preferably a net .18 . The protection arrangement according to claim 17 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective layer is a net , preferably a wire mesh net .19 . The protection arrangement according to claim 17 or 18 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- a protective mat ( 10 ) has been arranged over the protective layer ( 9 ) , which protective mat has preferably been made from a material comprising a mineral substance , for example bentonite .20 . The protection arrangement according to claim 19 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective mat ( 10 ) has been fastened to the protective layer ( 9 ) .21 . The protection arrangement according to claim 19 or 20 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- a covering layer ( 11 ) has been arranged over the protective mat ( 10 ) , for example a crushed stone layer, soil layer or sedimentary layer .22 . A protection arrangement for a cable or pipe arranged at the bottom of water, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it comprises- a protective mat ( 10 ) arranged over said cable or pipe .23 . The protection arrangement according to claim 22 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective mat ( 10 ) comprises a mineral substance , such as bentonite .24 . The protection arrangement according to claim 22 or 23 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective mat ( 10 ) has been arranged to surround said cable or pipe ( 1 ) .25 . The protection arrangement according to any of claims 22 - 24 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective mat ( 10 ) comprises a reinforcement structure .26 . The protection arrangement according to any of claims 22 - 25 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective mat has been sti f fened with a support structure ( 12 ) configured to support the protective mat ( 10 ) .27 . The protection arrangement according to any of claims 22 - 26 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protective mat ( 10 ) preferably has a thickness ranging from 5cm to 20cm .28 . The protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- it comprises one or more sensors ( 13 ) arranged to sense the movement or breakage of the protection arrangement or movement occurring in proximity to the protection arrangement .29 . A method for forming the protection arrangement according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- a cable-laying ves sel or a dredger vessel is used to lay the protection arrangement to the bottom of water .30 . The method according to claim 29 for forming the protection arrangement , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- weights are fastened to a protective element before laying the protection arrangement to the bottom of water .31 . The method according to claim 30 for forming the protection arrangement , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that - the weights are fastened to the protective element j ust before laying the protection arrangement to the bottom of water .32 . The method according to any of claims 29 - 31 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the weights are fastened above the water surface to the protective element .33 . The method according to claim 29 for forming the protection arrangement , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that - the weights are fastened under water to the protective element .34 . The method according to any of claims 29 - 33 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that- the protection arrangement i s laid to the bottom together with the cable or pipe to be protected .35 . The protection arrangement or the method according to any preceding claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that - said cable is an electrical cable or a data-transmis-sion cable .36 . The protection arrangement or the method according to any of claims 1 - 33 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that - said pipe is a gas pipe , an oil pipe , a water pipe , a sewer pipe or a pipe for conveying other material .

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