Floating launch system and method for ultra-long large HDPE pipeline
By using an ultra-long, large HDPE pipeline floating transport system, the problem of insufficient control over HDPE pipelines during floating transport at sea is solved through the coordinated operation of components such as winches, tugboats, loaders, excavators, and GPS locators, achieving stable pipeline control and efficient construction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CCCC FOURTH HARBOR ENG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, HDPE pipes, due to their large diameter, excessive weight, and excessive length, suffer from insufficient control during floating and transport in the sea, making them prone to displacement or collision damage, which affects the construction period.
An ultra-long, large HDPE pipeline floating transport system is adopted, which includes a land transport system and a sea floating transport system. By utilizing the coordinated operation of components such as winches, tugboats, loaders, excavators, auxiliary vessels, and GPS locators, and through segmented linkage and jacking strategies, stable control and positioning of the pipeline are achieved.
This effectively prevented the pipeline from shifting and colliding during the floating process, improved construction efficiency, shortened construction time, and ensured the stability of the pipeline's attitude and alignment.
Smart Images
Figure CN2026073688_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
A system and method for floating ultra-long, large HDPE pipes into the sea.
[0001] This case claims priority to Chinese invention patent application filed on January 22, 2025 (application number 202510103521.8), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates to the field of HDPE pipe technology, and in particular to a system and method for floating ultra-long large HDPE pipes into the sea. Background Technology
[0003] HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipes are well-suited for use as seawater intake pipes in seawater cooling systems due to their superior properties, such as reliable connections, strong impact resistance, outstanding crack resistance, aging resistance, and corrosion resistance.
[0004] Currently, the conventional method for floating and transporting ordinary pipelines into the sea involves prefabricating and assembling the pipeline into the required length at an onshore prefabrication yard, shipping it from the land, launching the caps, and then towing the pipe sections to the predetermined location on the seabed using a floating method. After the horizontal inlet and riser are constructed, the pipeline is put into operation. However, when HDPE pipelines are used as seaside intake pipelines for seawater cooling systems, they are characterized by large diameters (inner diameter exceeding 3m), heavy weights (pipe section lengths exceeding 5.5m, weight per meter exceeding 0.9t / m), and long pipe sections (single pipe section lengths around 100-500 meters). Directly applying the conventional method for floating and transporting pipelines into the sea would lead to difficulties in moving these large-diameter, heavy, and long HDPE pipelines. Insufficient control over the HDPE pipelines during the onshore shipping and sea-floating stages would result in improper displacement and collision damage during the sea-floating process, affecting the construction schedule. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of conventional methods for floating and transporting pipelines into the sea, which are not suitable for large-diameter, heavy-duty, and long HDPE pipelines. If these methods are directly applied, there is insufficient control over the HDPE pipelines, which can easily cause improper displacement and collision damage to the pipelines during the floating and transport process, thus affecting the construction period. This invention provides a floating and transport system and method for ultra-long and large HDPE pipelines into the sea.
[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a floating transport system for ultra-long, large HDPE pipes, comprising a land-based transport system and a sea-based floating transport system; the land-based transport system includes several winches, tugboats, several auxiliary vessels, loaders, excavators, several transport trolleys, and a transport track; the winches are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipe to be transported, and the winches are connected to the HDPE pipe to be transported; the tugboats are connected to the head of the HDPE pipe to be transported; the loaders are arranged at the tail of the HDPE pipe to be transported; the transport trolleys are located between the HDPE pipe to be transported and the transport track; the several auxiliary vessels are arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipe to be transported; the winches and the tugboats are used to tow the HDPE pipe to be transported; the loaders are used to push the HDPE pipe to be transported; the transport trolleys are used to support the HDPE pipe to be transported and move it on the transport track; the excavators are located on a temporary dock at the leading edge of the transport track, and the excavators are used to push the HDPE pipe to be transported;
[0007] The marine floating transport system includes the tugboat, several auxiliary vessels, a positioning anchor, and several GPS locators. The tugboat is connected to the head of the HDPE pipe to be shipped. The several auxiliary vessels are arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipe to be shipped. The positioning anchor is used to locate the tail of the HDPE pipe to be shipped when the shipping trolley is recovered. The several GPS locators are arranged on the body of the HDPE pipe to be shipped. The GPS locators are used to obtain the pipe profile of the HDPE pipe to be shipped.
[0008] The floating transport system for ultra-long and large HDPE pipes provided by this invention can well adapt to the land-based and sea-based floating transport of ultra-long and large HDPE pipes.
[0009] In the onshore transport system, winches are symmetrically arranged and connected to the pipeline, providing reliable traction and avoiding deviation caused by unilateral force, thus increasing control over the onshore transport of HDPE pipelines. Loaders and excavators are respectively positioned at the pipeline tail and the temporary wharf. The loaders precisely adjust the position of the pipeline through jacking force, improving the overall control of the pipeline and facilitating its movement. When the HDPE pipeline enters the sea, the pipe body is prone to deviation and collision with the temporary wharf, which can damage the HDPE pipeline. By pre-positioning excavators at the temporary wharf, the HDPE pipeline can be effectively pushed to prevent collisions with the wharf.
[0010] The positioning anchor of the marine floating transport system can accurately locate the position of the HDPE pipe to be shipped, reducing pipe displacement caused by external forces such as waves and tides when recovering the transport trolley, thus improving construction efficiency; the addition of GPS locators can monitor the alignment of the HDPE pipe in real time, preventing excessive bending and damage to the pipe body during transport.
[0011] The components of the ultra-long, large HDPE pipe floating transport system provided by this invention work together to make the land transport and sea floating transport processes more efficient and smooth. It avoids the problems of pipe deviation or collision caused by insufficient control over HDPE pipes in traditional methods, and effectively shortens the construction time.
[0012] Preferably, the number of winches is at least six, and each winch is capable of providing a pulling force of at least 15t.
[0013] Each winch provides at least 15t of pulling force, with a total pulling force of over 90t, which can easily meet the movement needs of ultra-large diameter and ultra-long HDPE pipes.
[0014] Preferably, the weight of the positioning anchor is at least 3 tons.
[0015] With a positioning anchor weight of 3 tons or more, it can provide strong fixation during floating and transportation, effectively resisting the influence of external environmental factors such as tides, waves and wind on the pipeline's attitude; during the retrieval of the transport trolley, the position and alignment of the pipeline can be maintained more accurately, avoiding difficulties in retrieval of the transport trolley due to pipe tail drift, and improving the accuracy of construction.
[0016] Preferably, the number of GPS locators is at least four, and the GPS locators are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the HDPE pipe to be shipped.
[0017] At least four GPS locators are evenly distributed along the axis, which can fully cover all key locations of the ultra-long HDPE pipeline (such as the pipe head, middle section, and pipe tail), ensuring that the attitude and alignment of the pipeline are controllable in real time throughout the entire process. The evenly distributed layout can accurately reflect the overall shape of the pipeline, rather than being limited to a single point location. This helps to quickly detect and adjust local offsets or deformations caused by floating or external forces, and to adjust the traction force and pushing direction of tugboats or auxiliary vessels in a timely manner, which significantly improves the efficiency of floating HDPE pipelines into the sea.
[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for floating and transporting ultra-long, large HDPE pipes into the sea. Using the aforementioned ultra-long, large HDPE pipe floating and transport system, three sets of winches are arranged in pairs on both sides of the HDPE pipe to be transported, and the method includes the following steps:
[0019] S11: The HDPE pipe to be shipped is placed on the shipping track by the shipping trolley. Three sets of winches are connected to the front, middle and rear of the HDPE pipe to be shipped by cables respectively. The tugboat is connected to the pipe head of the HDPE pipe to be shipped by cables.
[0020] S12: The tugboat tows the HDPE pipe to be shipped towards the sea, the loader pushes the HDPE pipe to be shipped at the tail of the pipe, and the three sets of winches work together to tow the HDPE pipe to be shipped.
[0021] S13: After the HDPE pipeline to be shipped has moved 100±20m, disconnect the first set of winches closest to the end of the HDPE pipeline from the HDPE pipeline to be shipped, and then let the loader move backward.
[0022] S14: After the HDPE pipeline to be shipped continues to move 120±20m, the loader will move backward and disconnect the second and third sets of winches from the HDPE pipeline to be shipped. Several auxiliary vessels will monitor the axial deviation of the HDPE pipeline to be shipped at downwind and upwind positions on the shipping route.
[0023] S15: When the tail of the HDPE pipe to be shipped moves to the position of the set of winches closest to the sea side, the loader's rearward movement is released, and the auxiliary vessel continues to monitor.
[0024] S16: When the tail of the HDPE pipe to be shipped enters the water, the excavator pushes the HDPE pipe to be shipped.
[0025] S21: The tugboat continues to move forward while towing the HDPE pipe to be shipped. When the tail of the HDPE pipe is 100±10m away from the temporary wharf, the tugboat drops the forward anchor and the auxiliary vessel moors the positioning anchor to the tail of the HDPE pipe to be shipped. The anchor cable connecting the tugboat, the positioning anchor and the HDPE pipe to be shipped is under tension at the same time.
[0026] S22: The auxiliary vessel approaches the HDPE pipe to be shipped to retrieve the shipping trolley;
[0027] S23: The tugboat re-anchors, disconnects the positioning anchor from the HDPE pipe to be shipped, and moors the stern of the HDPE pipe to be shipped to an auxiliary vessel, which serves as a walkway vessel.
[0028] S24: The tugboat tows the HDPE pipe to be shipped to the designed installation position according to the predetermined floating route. During the towing process, the coordinates of the GPS locators are observed in real time, and the horizontal distance between each GPS locator is calculated. When the horizontal distance between the GPS locators exceeds the design range, the pipeline alignment is corrected by pushing the HDPE pipe to be shipped with the auxiliary vessel.
[0029] The method for floating ultra-long, large HDPE pipelines into the sea provided by this invention achieves uniform force distribution along the entire length of the pipeline through the segmented and coordinated arrangement of three sets of winches and the collaborative operation of tugboats, loaders, and auxiliary vessels, effectively controlling the pipeline's attitude and alignment. As the HDPE pipeline is towed into the sea, the winch connections are gradually disengaged at key points in the pipeline's movement, reducing the risk of overloading at single points and improving the safety and stability of the entire floating process.
[0030] The loader's jacking operation alleviated the concentrated load of the tugboat's single towing force, dispersed the stress along the pipeline length, and reduced the risk of local damage to the pipeline ends caused by high tension. The combination of the winch's segmented unmooring and the auxiliary vessel's jacking strategy ensured a smooth transition of the pipeline's shape and effectively addressed situations where the pipeline was subjected to uneven stress or localized loss of control in windy and wave conditions.
[0031] By using auxiliary vessels to monitor the pipeline from upwind and downwind directions, axial deviations during the pipeline's floating process were detected in a timely manner, improving overall construction efficiency. By pre-positioning excavators at the temporary wharf, the excavator's jacking operation reduced the impact force during the pipe's entry into the water, preventing collisions between the HDPE pipeline and the wharf when it entered the sea.
[0032] The coordinated force-bearing mechanism of the positioning anchor and the tugboat keeps the pipe tail stable, greatly reducing the risk of pipe tail drift or loss of control, reducing pipe displacement caused by external forces such as waves and tides when recovering and transporting the trolley, and improving construction efficiency.
[0033] The combination of tugboats and auxiliary vessels in stern maneuvering precisely controlled the pipeline's positioning at the floating endpoint, providing a reliable guarantee for its subsequent installation at the designed location. Real-time monitoring of GPS data and correction of the pipeline's alignment ensured the floating accuracy of the ultra-long pipeline in complex waters, improving efficiency and quality for subsequent docking and installation.
[0034] The method for floating and transporting ultra-long and large HDPE pipelines into the sea provided by this invention can effectively control the attitude and alignment of HDPE pipelines during the floating and transporting process into the sea, avoiding the problems of pipeline deviation or collision caused by insufficient control of HDPE pipelines in traditional methods, and effectively shortening the construction time.
[0035] Preferably, in S1, one set of winches is connected by a cable to the HDPE pipe to be shipped at 1 / 3 of the distance from the pipe end; another set of winches is connected by a cable to the HDPE pipe to be shipped at 3 / 5 of the distance from the pipe end; and yet another set of winches is connected by a cable to the HDPE pipe to be shipped at 9 / 10 of the distance from the pipe end.
[0036] By connecting three sets of winches to 1 / 3, 3 / 5, and 9 / 10 of the distance from the pipe head respectively, the problem of local deformation or pipe breakage caused by single-point stress is effectively avoided. This segmented distribution design fully considers the pipe length and floating mechanical characteristics, making the overall stress distribution more balanced and helping to maintain the stability of the pipe posture.
[0037] Preferably, in S14, if the axial deviation of the HDPE pipe to be shipped exceeds the design range, the axis of the HDPE pipe to be shipped is adjusted by pushing the HDPE pipe to be shipped with an auxiliary vessel.
[0038] During the floating transport of HDPE pipelines into the sea, environmental factors such as water flow and waves may cause the pipeline to deviate from the planned route. Real-time monitoring of the deviation of the axis of the HDPE pipeline to be shipped is crucial. When the axial deviation exceeds the design range, the auxiliary vessel can quickly intervene and adjust the pipeline position by pushing, reducing the accumulation of deviation and maintaining the accuracy of the pipeline alignment.
[0039] Preferably, in S16, when the tail of the HDPE pipeline to be shipped deviates from the water and collides with the temporary wharf, the excavator pushes the HDPE pipeline to be shipped.
[0040] During the water entry phase of the pipe tail, irregular deviations can easily occur due to changes in the center of gravity and wave action. When the pipe tail of the HDPE pipe to be shipped deviates and approaches the temporary wharf during the water entry process, an excavator can quickly intervene and adjust the position of the pipe by jacking, thus preventing the pipe tail from directly colliding with the wharf. This protects the integrity of the pipe's outer wall structure and reduces the risk of pipe damage.
[0041] Preferably, in S24, during the towing process of the HDPE pipeline to be shipped, auxiliary vessels are arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipeline to be shipped.
[0042] Auxiliary vessels are deployed on both sides of the HDPE pipeline to be shipped. When axial deviation of the pipeline is detected, symmetrical or asymmetrical thrust can be used to correct it in time, which improves the flexibility and accuracy of the alignment correction and ensures that the pipeline is always towed along the designed route.
[0043] Preferably, in S24, the HDPE pipe to be shipped is corrected by using an auxiliary vessel to push it, ensuring that the radius of curvature of the HDPE pipe to be shipped is kept within 55D.
[0044] Maintaining the pipe curvature radius within 55D can prevent stress concentration caused by excessive bending, thereby reducing the risk of structural damage. In particular, for ultra-long and large HDPE pipes, controlling the curvature radius can effectively prevent permanent deformation or fatigue damage to the pipes during towing.
[0045] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:
[0046] 1. The ultra-long, large HDPE pipe floating transport system provided by this invention can effectively adapt to both land-based and sea-based transport of ultra-long, large HDPE pipes. In the land-based transport system, winches are symmetrically arranged and connected to the pipe, providing reliable traction and avoiding deviation caused by unilateral force, thus increasing control over the land-based transport of the HDPE pipe. Loaders and excavators are respectively positioned at the pipe tail and the temporary wharf. The loader precisely adjusts the pipe's position through jacking force, improving overall pipe control and facilitating pipe movement. When the HDPE pipe enters the sea, the pipe body is prone to deviation and collision with the temporary wharf, potentially damaging the HDPE pipe. By pre-positioning excavators at the temporary wharf, collisions between the pipe and the wharf can be effectively prevented. The positioning anchor of the sea-based floating transport system can accurately locate the position of the HDPE pipe to be transported, reducing pipe deviation caused by waves, tides, and other external forces when recovering the transport trolley, thus improving construction efficiency. The addition of a GPS locator allows real-time monitoring of the HDPE pipe's alignment, preventing excessive bending and damage to the pipe body during transport.
[0047] 2. The components of the ultra-long and large HDPE pipe floating transport system provided by this invention cooperate with each other, making the land transport and sea floating transport processes more efficient and smooth. It avoids the problem of pipe deviation or collision caused by insufficient control over HDPE pipes in traditional methods, and effectively shortens the construction time.
[0048] 3. The method for floating and transporting ultra-long and large HDPE pipelines into the sea provided by this invention can effectively control the attitude and alignment of HDPE pipelines during the floating and transporting process into the sea, avoiding the problem of pipeline deviation or collision caused by insufficient control over HDPE pipelines in traditional methods, and effectively shortening the construction time. Attached Figure Description
[0049] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the layout of the HDPE pipeline before shipment on land in Example 2.
[0050] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the status of HDPE pipeline S13 to be shipped in Example 2.
[0051] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the status of HDPE pipeline S14 to be shipped in Example 2.
[0052] Figure 4 shows the status of HDPE pipe S15 to be shipped in Example 2;
[0053] Figure 5 shows the status of HDPE pipeline S16 to be shipped in Example 2;
[0054] Figure 6 is a diagram of the HDPE pipeline S21 to be shipped in Example 2.
[0055] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the status of HDPE pipeline S23 to be shipped in Example 2.
[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the transport trolley located on the track in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] Markings in the diagram: 1-Winder, 2-Tugboat, 3-Auxiliary vessel, 4-Loader, 5-Excavator, 6-Shipping track, 7-Positioning anchor, 100-HDPE pipe to be shipped, 200-Temporary dock, 8-Shipping trolley. Detailed Implementation
[0058] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments. However, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0059] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of the present invention is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product / equipment / device is typically placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present invention or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a particular device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.
[0060] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but that it can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.
[0061] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing between identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.
[0062] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "several", "more than", and "a number of" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, and can even exceed nine.
[0063] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "provided with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.
[0064] Example 1
[0065] As shown in Figures 1-7, this embodiment provides a floating transport system for ultra-long and large HDPE pipes. This system is used to transport large-diameter, ultra-heavy, and ultra-long HDPE pipes from the land side to the sea side, and to float large-diameter, ultra-heavy, and ultra-long HDPE pipes at sea.
[0066] The ultra-long, large HDPE pipe floating transport system provided in this embodiment includes a land-based transport system and a sea-based floating transport system.
[0067] The land-based transport system includes several winches 1, tugboats 2, several auxiliary boats 3, loaders 4, excavators 5, several transport trolleys (obstructed by the HDPE pipe 100 to be transported, not shown in the figure) and transport tracks 6.
[0068] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, six winches 1 with a pulling force of 15t are arranged. The winches 1 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. Specifically, taking Figure 1 as an example, three winches 1 are arranged on one side of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped, and three winches are also symmetrically arranged on the other side. The winches 1 are connected to the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped through steel cables.
[0069] Tugboat 2 is connected to the head of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped (e.g., the left end of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped as shown in Figure 1) by a cable. Loader 4 is arranged at the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped (e.g., the right end of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped as shown in Figure 1). The shipping trolley is located between the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped and the shipping track 6. Several auxiliary boats 3 are arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. Since the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped needs to be moved from the land side to the sea side, the shipping track 6 in this embodiment is divided into a land horizontal section, a land ramp section, and a water ramp section. For ease of friction calculation, as shown in Figure 1, the land ramp section and the water ramp section are collectively referred to as the ramp section.
[0070] Taking a certain HDPE pipe as an example, the weight of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped is 2151.1t. The track 6 can be divided into a 406m horizontal section and a 176m 1:100 inclined section (land inclined section + water inlet inclined section). The length of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped in the horizontal section is 381.35m, and the length of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped in the inclined section is 120.1m. The static friction coefficient μ of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped is... 静 The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.05, μ. 动 The value is 0.02. Therefore:
[0071] Static friction in the horizontal section: In the formula N 水平段 The positive pressure of HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped in the horizontal section.
[0072] Horizontal section dynamic friction:
[0073] Static friction on the slope section: In the formula N 斜坡段 The positive pressure of HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped on the slope section;
[0074] Dynamic friction on the slope section:
[0075] The winch 1 and tugboat 2 are used to tow the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped, and the loader 4 is used to push the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. According to the above calculation, the total static friction of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped is 92.95t, and the total dynamic friction is 32.75t. With six 15t winches 1, together with the tugboat 2 and the loader 4, a starting force of about 30t can be provided, which far meets the starting force requirements of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped.
[0076] The trolley is used to support the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped and move it on the shipping track 6. The excavator 5 is located on the temporary dock 200 at the front of the shipping track 6 (i.e. the seaward side of the shipping track 6). The excavator 5 is used to push the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped.
[0077] The marine floating system includes 2 tugboats, 3 auxiliary vessels, 7 positioning anchors, and 7 GPS locators.
[0078] Tugboat 2 is connected to the head of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. Several auxiliary vessels 3 are arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. Positioning anchors 7 are used to position the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped when the shipping trolley is recovered. Specifically, in this embodiment, the weight of the positioning anchor 7 is 3t. Several GPS locators are arranged on the pipe body of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. The GPS locators are used to obtain the pipe profile of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. In this embodiment, there are four GPS locators, which are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. With at least four GPS locators evenly distributed along the pipeline axis, the pipeline can be fully covered at all key locations of the ultra-long HDPE pipeline (such as the pipe head, middle section, and pipe tail), ensuring that the pipeline's attitude and alignment are controllable in real time throughout the entire pipeline. The evenly distributed layout can accurately reflect the overall shape of the pipeline, rather than being limited to a single point location. This helps to quickly detect and adjust local offsets or deformations caused by floating or external forces, and to adjust the traction force and pushing direction of tugboat 2 or auxiliary vessel 3 in a timely manner, significantly improving the efficiency of floating HDPE pipelines into the sea.
[0079] The ultra-long and large HDPE pipeline floating transport system provided in this embodiment can well adapt to the land-based and sea-based floating transport of ultra-long and large HDPE pipelines.
[0080] In the land-based transport system, winches 1 are symmetrically arranged and connected to the pipeline, providing reliable traction and avoiding deviation caused by unilateral force, thus increasing control over the land-based transport of HDPE pipelines. Loaders 4 and excavators 5 are respectively positioned at the pipeline tail and temporary wharf 200. Loader 4 precisely adjusts the position of the pipeline through jacking force, improving the overall control of the pipeline and facilitating pipeline movement. When the HDPE pipeline enters the sea, the pipeline body is prone to deviation and collision with the temporary wharf 200, which could damage the HDPE pipeline. By pre-positioning excavators 5 at the temporary wharf 200, the HDPE pipeline can be effectively jacked to prevent collision between the pipeline and the wharf.
[0081] The positioning anchor 7 of the marine floating system can accurately locate the position of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped, reducing pipe deviation caused by external forces such as waves and tides when recovering the shipping trolley, thus improving construction efficiency; the addition of the GPS locator can monitor the alignment of the HDPE pipe in real time, preventing excessive bending and damage to the pipe body during the shipping process.
[0082] The ultra-long, large HDPE pipe floating transport system provided in this embodiment has components that work together to make the land transport and sea floating transport processes more efficient and smooth. It avoids the problems of pipe deviation or collision caused by insufficient control over HDPE pipes in traditional methods, and effectively shortens the construction time.
[0083] Example 2
[0084] This embodiment provides a method for floating and transporting ultra-long, large HDPE pipes into the sea. It utilizes the ultra-long, large HDPE pipe floating and transporting system provided in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 1. In Embodiment 1, three sets of winches 1 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the HDPE pipe 100 to be transported. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, from right to left, they are numbered 1... # The first set of winches 1, numbered 2 # The second set of winches, numbered 1 and 3 # The third set of winches 1, the method for floating and transporting this ultra-long and large HDPE pipe into the sea includes the following steps:
[0085] S11: As shown in Figure 1, the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped is placed on the shipping track 6 by the shipping trolley (Figure 1 shows the case where three sets of shipping tracks 6 are set in the shipping channel);
[0086] Three sets of winches 1 are respectively connected to the front, middle and rear of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped via cables. Taking Figure 1 as an example, one set of winches 1 (e.g., numbered 3 in Figure 1) # The third set of winches 1) is connected by a cable to the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped at 1 / 3 of the distance from the pipe head, that is, at the front of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped; a set of winches 1 (for example, numbered 2 in Figure 1) # The second set of winches 1) is connected by a cable to the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped at a distance of 3 / 5 from the pipe head, that is, at the middle of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped; a set of winches 1 (for example, numbered 1 in Figure 1) # The first set of winches 1) is connected by cables to the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped at 9 / 10 of the distance from the pipe head, i.e., at the rear of the HDPE pipe 100. By connecting the three sets of winches 1 to 1 / 3, 3 / 5, and 9 / 10 of the distance from the pipe head respectively, the problem of local deformation or pipe breakage caused by single-point stress is effectively avoided. This segmented distribution design fully considers the pipe length and floating mechanical characteristics, making the overall stress distribution more balanced and helping to maintain the stability of the pipe posture.
[0087] Tugboat 2 is connected to the blind flange attachment point at the head of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped via a cable, and loader 4 holds the blind flange attachment point at the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped.
[0088] S12: Tugboat 2 starts, the cable connecting tugboat 2 and HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped is stretched, tugboat 2 drags HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped to the sea side, loader 4 pushes HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped to the tail of the pipe, and three sets of winches 1 work together to drag HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped to the sea side slowly.
[0089] S13: As shown in Figure 2, the large black arrow in Figure 2 indicates the direction of movement of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. After the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped has moved 100±20m, the first set of winches 1 (e.g., numbered 1 in Figure 2) closest to the end of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped is released. # The first set of winches 1) is connected to the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped, and the loader 4 follows.
[0090] S14: As shown in Figure 3, after the HDPE pipe 100 continues to move 120±20m, the loader 4 will move backward and the second set of winches 1 (e.g., numbered 2 in Figure 3) will be released. # The second set of winches 1) and the third set of winches 1 (e.g., numbered 3 in Figure 3) # The third set of winches 1) is connected to the HDPE pipeline 100 to be shipped. Several auxiliary vessels 3 monitor the axial deviation of the HDPE pipeline 100 to be shipped at downwind and upwind positions along the shipping route. If the axial deviation of the HDPE pipeline 100 to be shipped exceeds the design range, the auxiliary vessels 3 push the HDPE pipeline 100 to be shipped to adjust its axis. During the floating transport of the HDPE pipeline into the sea, environmental factors such as water flow and waves may cause the pipeline to deviate from the predetermined route. The deviation of the axis of the HDPE pipeline 100 to be shipped is monitored in real time. When the axial deviation exceeds the design range, the auxiliary vessels 3 can quickly intervene and adjust the pipeline position by pushing, reducing the accumulation of deviation and maintaining the accuracy of the pipeline alignment.
[0091] S15: As shown in Figure 4, the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped is moved to the set of winches 1 closest to the sea side (e.g., numbered 3 in Figure 4). # When the third set of winches 1) is in position, the loader 4 is released from its rearward movement, and the auxiliary vessel 3 continues to monitor;
[0092] S16: As shown in Figure 5, when the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped enters the water, excavator 5 pushes the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. Specifically, when the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 deviates and collides with the temporary wharf 200 during water entry, excavator 5 pushes the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. During the water entry stage, due to changes in the center of gravity and wave action, the tail of the pipe is prone to irregular deviation. When the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 deviates and approaches the temporary wharf 200 during water entry, excavator 5 can quickly intervene and adjust the position of the pipe by pushing, avoiding direct collision between the tail and the wharf; thus protecting the integrity of the outer wall structure of the pipe and reducing the risk of pipe damage.
[0093] S21: As shown in Figure 6, tugboat 2 tows the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped forward. When the distance between the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 and the temporary dock 200 is 100±10m, tugboat 2 drops its forward anchor. An auxiliary vessel 3 drops a positioning anchor 7 near the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. Another auxiliary vessel 3 moors the positioning anchor 7 to the tail of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped. The anchor cables connecting tugboat 2, positioning anchor 7 and the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped are simultaneously stressed, temporarily positioning the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped in preparation for the subsequent recovery of the shipping trolley.
[0094] S22: After the HDPE pipeline 100 to be shipped is temporarily positioned, several idle auxiliary vessels 3 approach the HDPE pipeline 100 to be shipped and retrieve the shipping trolley.
[0095] S23: As shown in Figure 7, after the tugboat is recovered, the tugboat 2 re-anchors, disconnects the positioning anchor 7 from the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped, and moors the stern of the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped to an auxiliary vessel 3, which serves as a stern-walking vessel.
[0096] S24: Tugboat 2 tows the HDPE pipe 100 to be shipped to the designed installation position according to the established floating route. During the towing process of the HDPE pipe 100, auxiliary vessels 3 are arranged on both sides of the HDPE pipe 100.
[0097] During the towing of HDPE pipe 100, wind, waves, and currents can cause some degree of bending. Therefore, a surveying team can be arranged to pre-position four GPS devices as four measuring points along the axial direction of the HDPE pipe 100. During the towing process, the surveying team uses auxiliary vessel 3 to follow the pipe and calculates the horizontal distance between each measuring point based on the coordinates of the four real-time measuring points. When the horizontal distance between measuring points exceeds the design range, the surveying team reports to the on-site towing command, who then organizes auxiliary vessel 3 to use ballast blocks to correct the pipe alignment until the radius of curvature of the HDPE pipe 100 is maintained within 55D.
[0098] The method for floating and transporting ultra-long, large HDPE pipelines into the sea provided in this embodiment achieves uniform force distribution along the entire length of the pipeline through the segmented and coordinated arrangement of three sets of winches 1 and the collaborative operation of tugboats 2, loaders 4, and auxiliary vessels 3, effectively controlling the pipeline's attitude and alignment. As the HDPE pipeline is towed into the sea, the connection of the winches 1 is gradually disengaged at key nodes in the pipeline's movement, reducing the risk of overload at single points and improving the safety and stability of the entire floating and transport process.
[0099] The jacking operation of loader 4 alleviated the concentrated load of the single towing force of tugboat 2, dispersed the stress along the pipeline length, and reduced the risk of local damage to the pipeline end due to high tension. The combination of winch 1's segmented unmooring and the jacking strategy of auxiliary vessel 3 ensured a smooth transition of the pipeline shape and effectively coped with uneven pipeline stress or local loss of control under high wind and wave conditions.
[0100] By monitoring from the upwind and downwind directions by the auxiliary vessel 3, axial deviations during the pipeline floating process were detected in a timely manner, improving overall construction efficiency. By pre-positioning excavators 5 at the temporary wharf 200, the pushing operation of excavators 5 reduced the impact force during the pipe's entry into the water, preventing collisions between the HDPE pipeline and the wharf when it entered the sea.
[0101] The coordinated force-bearing mechanism of the positioning anchor 7 and the tugboat 2 keeps the pipe tail stable, greatly reducing the risk of pipe tail drift or loss of control, reducing pipe displacement caused by external forces such as waves and tides when recovering and transporting the trolley, and improving construction efficiency.
[0102] The tugboat 2 and the auxiliary vessel 3 worked together to precisely control the positioning of the pipeline at the end of the floating process, providing a reliable guarantee for its subsequent installation at the designed location. Real-time monitoring of GPS data and correction of the pipeline's alignment ensured the floating accuracy of the ultra-long pipeline in complex waters, improving the efficiency and quality of subsequent docking and installation.
[0103] The method for floating and transporting ultra-long and large HDPE pipelines into the sea provided in this embodiment can effectively control the attitude and alignment of HDPE pipelines during the floating and transporting process into the sea, avoiding the problems of pipeline deviation or collision caused by insufficient control over HDPE pipelines in traditional methods, and effectively shortening the construction time.
[0104] As described in the aforementioned embodiments, the transport trolley is located between the HDPE pipeline 100 to be transported and the transport track 6. In Figures 1 to 5, the transport trolley is obscured by the HDPE pipeline 100 to be transported and cannot be shown in the figures. The transport trolley enters the seawater along with the HDPE pipeline 100 to be transported. After the HDPE pipeline 100 to be transported completes its transport, the transport trolley is retrieved and reinstalled on the track 6. To illustrate the transport trolley 8, Figure 8 shows an example of it. Besides the HDPE pipe 100 and the transport trolley 8 being installed on the track 6 on the left side of the figure, the transport trolley 8 is also positioned on the middle track 6 adjacent to the left track 6, without the HDPE pipe 100 installed on it, and without any associated winch 1. The transport trolley 8 is clearly visible on the middle track 6 in Figure 8, where the HDPE pipe 100 and related equipment can be installed.
[0105] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.