Submarine cable installation method using submarine cable protective material

Abstract

The present invention provides a submarine cable installation method using a submarine cable protective material. The method includes pre-installing a flexible protective tube in a lower structure, installing a bend restrictor on a submarine cable, connecting the flexible protective tube and the bend restrictor, and then causing only the submarine cable to stand erect. Accordingly, the submarine cable can be installed regardless of water depth, and thus the work of installing the submarine cable is simple and requires less time, and the time and cost of maintenance may be reduced.

Description

Submarine cable installation method using submarine cable protection equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device in which a flexible protection tube is installed in advance on a substructure, a bending limiter is installed on the submarine cable, and after connecting the flexible protection tube and the bending limiter, only the submarine cable is risen, thereby enabling the installation of the submarine cable regardless of water depth. This simplifies the work, thereby reducing working time and saving time and costs associated with maintenance.

[0002] Wind turbine facilities, oil field facilities, etc., can be installed offshore, and the main body of such offshore facilities (2) is supported by a lower support structure (2) that is fixed to the seabed and installed at a set height. The lower support structure (2) may be a structure that is directly fixed to the seabed, such as a jacket-type structure, a tripod-type structure, or a monopile-type structure, or a structure that is fixed to the seabed by connecting it with cables while floating underwater, such as a semi-submersible structure or a spar buoy structure. In addition, various cables such as power cables and communication cables must be connected to the offshore facilities (2). In the case of a marine facility (2) installed in the middle of the sea, as shown in FIG. 1, the submarine cable (1) supplied from a laying vessel is placed in a section of the underwater seabed, and the leading end of the submarine cable (1) is connected to a messenger rope (7) that is unwound from a winch (8) installed on the upper part of the lower support structure (2) of the marine facility (2). Then, as the messenger rope (7) is wound back onto the winch (8), the leading end of the submarine cable (1) is induced to rise, thereby installing the submarine cable (1).

[0003]

[0004] Technologies related to the installation of such submarine cables include Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2014-0019247 "Cable Hang-Off Device," Chinese Registered Patent CN 104037707 "Offshore wind turbine at the conduit frame on the basis of the submarine cable laying protection device and mounting method," and Chinese Published Patent CN 103337825 "Submarine cable protection sleeve for offshore wind driven generator."

[0005]

[0006] Meanwhile, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the submarine cable (1) that passes through the inside of the bending limiter (30) and the J-tube seal (43) passes through the inside of the metal J-tube (4) again and is connected to the main body of the marine facility on the water surface, thereby protecting it from excessive bending deformation or the underwater environment, and the metal J-tube (4) is welded and fixed to the lower support structure (2) to maintain its position.

[0007]

[0008] In the case of such conventional submarine cable installation technology, it takes several months from the installation of the lower support structure (2) to the laying of the submarine cable (1), and during this period, marine organisms such as barnacles and mussels attach to the inner surface of the J-tube, causing significant hindrance to the installation work of the submarine cable (1). In addition, since the lower entrance of the metal J-tube (4) is close to the seabed, the tip of the submarine cable (1) often gets embedded in the seabed during the installation process, and to prevent this, it was necessary to perform the work under stable weather conditions.

[0009]

[0010] And even after the submarine cable (1) is installed, marine organisms continue to flow between the metal J tube (4) and the submarine cable (1) during the period when the marine facility (2) is in operation. Consequently, when the submarine cable (1) fails, it is very difficult to remove the submarine cable (1) from the metal J tube (4), and a lot of time and cost are required for the repair work.

[0011]

[0012] In addition, there was a problem in that the transmission capacity decreased as the temperature of the submarine cable (1) rose due to the thermal insulation effect of the internal air layer of the metal J tube (4).

[0013]

[0014] Due to such problems, the inventor has proposed and registered a submarine cable protection module for connecting offshore facilities and a method for installing a submarine cable for connecting offshore facilities, which provides a structure in which a submarine cable (1) protected by a bend restrictor (30), a flexible protection tube (20), and a centralizer (40) as shown in FIG. 2 passes through a metal tube (10) placed above the sea surface and fixed to a lower support structure (2) of an offshore facility, and the centralizer at the tip of the submarine cable is closely coupled to the lower entrance of the metal tube, thereby installing the submarine cable.

[0015]

[0016] However, the above technology had the problem that as the water depth increased, the length of the protective equipment that had to be assembled on the laying vessel increased, requiring an excessively large laying vessel or the operation of a separate barge, which led to increased installation costs.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention is proposed to improve upon such conventional problems. Its objective is to provide a method for installing a submarine cable using a new type of submarine cable protection device, which allows the submarine cable to be installed regardless of water depth by pre-installing a flexible protection tube on a substructure, installing a bending limiter on the submarine cable, and configuring the system so that only the submarine cable rises after connecting the flexible protection tube and the bending limiter, thereby simplifying the process and reducing working time and maintenance time and costs.

[0018] According to the features of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose, in a method for installing a protective device (100) for protecting a submarine cable (3), the method comprises: a first step (S100) of connecting an adapter (400) having a hollow (411) formed inside to one side of a flexible protective tube (200) on a laying vessel, and connecting a connecting means (500) to the other side of the flexible protective tube (300); a second step (S200) of connecting a messenger rope (4), released from a winch installed on the upper end of a lower support structure (2), to one side of the flexible protective tube (300) by passing it through a metal tube (200) installed on the lower support structure (2); and a third step (S300) of connecting the flexible protective tube (300) to the metal tube (200) by pulling the messenger rope (4). A fourth step (S400) of fixing the flexible protective tube (300) in an upright position on the lower support structure (2) using a clamp (710); a fifth step (S500) of releasing the connection between one side of the flexible protective tube (300) and the messenger rope (4); a sixth step (S600) of connecting the submarine cable (3) and the messenger rope (4) and fixing a bending limiter (600) on the submarine cable (3); a seventh step (S700) of pulling the messenger rope (4) to insert the submarine cable (3) into the flexible protective tube (300) and releasing the bending limiter (600) that fixes the submarine cable (3); It is characterized by including an 8th step (S800) of pulling the messenger rope (4) to raise the submarine cable (3) up to the interior of the marine facility (1) and securing the submarine cable (3) using a clamp (720).

[0019]

[0020] In the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, in the first step (S100), the coupling means (500) coupled to the other side of the flexible protection tube (300) is coupled with either a centralizer (510) or a coupling flange (520); wherein the centralizer (510) has a central hole (511) formed along a central axis line where the submarine cable (3) is placed and is closely connected to the lower entrance of the metal tube (200), and the coupling flange (520) is formed in a disc shape with a central hole (521) formed on the central side and is coupled to the upper part of the uppermost clamp (710) among the clamps (710) coupled on the lower support structure (2).

[0021]

[0022] In addition, in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, in the second step (S200), the messenger rope (4) passes through the hollow (411) and is connected to a fixing flange (800) disposed on one side of the adapter (400) via a fixing pin (810), wherein the fixing flange (800) is formed in a plate shape, and a central hole (820) is formed on the central side in communication with the hollow (411) of the adapter (400) and into which the fixing pin (810) is inserted, and a through hole (830) is formed spaced apart from the central hole (820) to allow seawater to pass through, and the fixing pin (810) penetrates the central hole (820) of the fixing flange (800) and is connected to the messenger rope (4) by a connecting means (840), thereby connecting the messenger rope (4) and the flexible protection tube (300).

[0023]

[0024] In addition, in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device according to the present invention, the adapter (400) and the bending limiter (600) are formed as left and right segmented bodies based on the center side through which the submarine cable (3) passes, and the left and right segmented bodies are joined together through a fastening means so as to surround the submarine cable (3) on the inside.

[0025]

[0026] In the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the bending limiter (600) is characterized by comprising a plurality of unit bodies (610) having a through hole (611) formed therein through which the submarine cable (3) passes from one side to the other, and the unit bodies (610) are configured to have a curved line so as to be able to move within a set angle range, and a main body (620) for limiting the bending of the submarine cable (3); and joint parts (630) coupled to both ends of the main body (620).

[0027]

[0028] In the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the unit body (610) of the main body (620) of the bending limiter (600) is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes a body (640) having a through hole (641) formed therein through which the submarine cable (3) passes from one side to the other; and a protrusion (650) formed in a 'T' shape and protruding from one side of the body (640), having a through hole (651) formed therein that communicates with the through hole (641) of the body (640), and the body (640) is characterized by having an insertion groove (642) formed outward from the through hole (641) into which the protrusion (650) of the adjacent unit body (610) is inserted.

[0029]

[0030] And in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the joint portion (630) of the bending limiter (600) comprises a first joint (660) coupled to one end of the main body (620) and a second joint (670) coupled to the other end of the main body (620), wherein the first joint (660) has a hollow (661) formed inside so that the submarine cable (3) passes through, and an insertion groove (662) formed outwardly from the hollow (661) so that the protrusion (650) is inserted therein, and the second joint (670) has a first connector (672) in which the cross-section is formed in an 'I' shape and a hollow (671) is formed inside, and a first insertion groove (673) is formed on one side so that the other side of the first connector (672) is inserted therein, and on the other side the It is characterized by having a second insertion groove (674) into which one side of the adapter (400) is inserted, and a second connector (676) having a hollow (675) formed in the center side to allow the submarine cable (3) to pass through.

[0031]

[0032] In addition, in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the inner diameter (d₁) of the hollow (661) of the first joint (660) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter (d₂) of the submarine cable (3) so as to press and fix the submarine cable (3).

[0033] As described above, according to the method for installing a submarine cable using the submarine cable protection material of the present invention, by installing a flexible protection tube in advance on a substructure, installing a bending limiter on the submarine cable, and connecting the flexible protection tube and the bending limiter so that only the submarine cable rises, the submarine cable can be installed regardless of water depth, thereby simplifying the work and providing the effect of reducing work time and saving time and costs associated with maintenance.

[0034] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are drawings for explaining the prior art,

[0035] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a submarine cable installation method using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an adapter in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the main unit of a bending limiter in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the main body of a bending limiter in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the first joint of a bending limiter in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing a second joint in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the combined state of an adapter and a fixing flange in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the combined state of the main body of a bending limiter and a first joint in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the combined state of the main body of a bending limiter and a second joint in a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 14a to 14d are drawings showing the installation process of a submarine cable installation method using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, and in FIGS. 3 to 14d, the same reference numerals are used for components that perform the same function. Meanwhile, in the drawings and detailed description, detailed descriptions and drawings of specific technical configurations and operations of elements not directly related to the technical features of the present invention have been omitted, and only the technical configurations related to the present invention have been briefly illustrated or described.

[0047]

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 4d, the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention completes the installation through steps 1 (S100) to 8 (S800).

[0049]

[0050] Meanwhile, prior to describing the method for installing a submarine cable using the submarine cable protection material (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the submarine cable protection material (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0051]

[0052] The submarine cable protection equipment (100) is intended to protect the submarine cable (3) and comprises a metal tube (200), a flexible protection tube (300), an adapter (400), a coupling means (500), and a bending limiter (600).

[0053]

[0054] The metal tube (200) is made of metal and is connected to the upper part of the sea surface of a lower support structure (2) that is fixed to the seabed and installed at a set height to support a marine facility (1), and can be configured to form an internal passage (210) with a horizontal cross-sectional size larger than that of the submarine cable (3) so that the submarine cable (3) passes through the interior.

[0055]

[0056] The flexible protective tube (300) is formed in the shape of a tubular body made of a flexible material and is connected to the lower side of the metal tube (200). Its outer surface is connected to the lower support structure (2) and arranged in the vertical direction, and it can be configured to protect the submarine cable (3) passing through it.

[0057]

[0058] The adapter (400) is formed such that a submarine cable (3) passes through its interior and is coupled to one side of a flexible protective tube (300). It comprises a body (410) coupled to one side of the flexible protective tube (300) and a flange (420) formed on one side of the body (410), with a hollow (411) formed inside through which the submarine cable (3) passes. At this time, the adapter (400) is formed by being divided around the hollow (411) and is configured to be fastened through fastening means (5) such as bolts and nuts. Fastening means (5), such as bolts and nuts, may be fastened through a fastening hole (421) formed on the flange (420).

[0059]

[0060] The coupling means (500) is for fixing the flexible protective tube (300) to the metal tube (200) and may consist of either a centralizer (510) or a coupling flange.

[0061]

[0062] The centralizer (510) is configured such that a central hole (511) in which a submarine cable (3) is placed is formed along a central axis line, is closely connected to the lower entrance of the metal tube (200), allows the submarine cable (3) passing through the central hole (511) to be inserted along the central axis of the lower entrance of the metal tube (200), and is connected to the other side of the flexible protection tube (300).

[0063]

[0064] Meanwhile, the centralizer (510) can form a plurality of ventilation holes (512) radially along the circumference of the central hole (511). The internal temperature of the metal tube (200) can be suppressed from rising due to the outside air flowing in through the plurality of ventilation holes (512).

[0065]

[0066] The coupling flange (520) is formed in the shape of a disc, with a center hole (521) formed on the center side, and can be configured to be coupled to the upper part of the uppermost clamp (710) among the clamps (710) coupled on the lower support structure (2). That is, the coupling flange (520) can be installed spaced apart from the lower entrance of the metal tube (200).

[0067]

[0068] The bending limiter (600) is connected to the lower portion of the flexible protection tube (300) and placed underwater. It is formed in the shape of a tubular structure that bends and straightens within a set angle range, and is configured to form a curved line between the seabed and the flexible protection tube (300) to limit and protect the bending of the submarine cable (3) passing through the interior.

[0069]

[0070] The adapter (400) and bending limiter (600) described above are formed as left and right segments based on the central axis through which the submarine cable (3) passes, and the left and right segments are configured to be joined through fastening means so as to surround the submarine cable (3) on the inside. Here, the fastening means may be composed of bolts and nuts.

[0071]

[0072] Meanwhile, the adapter (400) and bending limiter (600), which are formed as divided bodies, can be configured in various ways, such as being rotatably connected on one side using a hinge and connected on the other side using a fastening means, or being connected on both sides using a fastening means. That is, preferably, when assembling and connecting on the seabed, the adapter (400) and bending limiter (600) are rotatably connected using a hinge, and when assembling and connecting on a laying vessel, the adapter (400) and bending limiter (600) are assembled and connected using fastening means on both sides.

[0073]

[0074] Although the submarine cable protection equipment has been briefly described above, additional configurations will be explained as necessary in the submarine cable installation method using the submarine cable protection equipment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention described below.

[0075]

[0076] A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device having the configuration described above will be explained.

[0077]

[0078] A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first step (S100) of attaching an adapter (400) having a hollow (411) formed inside to one side of a flexible protection tube (200) on a laying vessel and attaching a coupling means (500) to the other side of a flexible protection tube (300); a second step (S200) of connecting a messenger rope (4), which is released from a winch installed on the upper end of a lower support structure (2), to one side of a flexible protection tube (300) by passing it through a metal tube (200) installed on the lower support structure (2); a third step (S300) of connecting the flexible protection tube (300) to the metal tube (200) by pulling the messenger rope (4); a fourth step (S400) of fixing the flexible protection tube (300) in an upright state on the lower support structure (2); and the flexible protection tube (300). The method comprises a fifth step (S500) of releasing the connection between one side and the messenger rope (4), a sixth step (S600) of installing a bending limiter (600) on the submarine cable (3), a seventh step (S700) of connecting the messenger rope (4) and the submarine cable (3), and an eighth step (S800) of pulling the messenger rope (4) to insert the submarine cable (3) into the flexible protection tube (300), pulling it up to the top of the lower support structure (2), and fixing it using a clamp (720).

[0079]

[0080] Meanwhile, prior to proceeding with the above steps 1 through 8, as shown in FIG. 14a, the metal tube (200) is connected to the upper portion of the sea surface of the lower support structure (2), and a plurality of clamps (710) for connecting the flexible protective tube (300) may be installed in advance on the lower support structure (2). Here, it is preferable that the clamps (710) installed on the lower support structure (2) be configured as permanent clamps, but this is merely one embodiment and may be configured in various ways.

[0081]

[0082] The first step (S100) is a step of combining protective equipment (100), that is, a step of combining an adapter (400) and a coupling means (500) on both sides of a flexible protective tube (300). This step involves combining an adapter (400) having a hollow (411) formed inside on one side of a flexible protective tube (200) and combining a coupling means (500) on the other side of a flexible protective tube (300). At this time, it is preferable that the combination of the adapter (400) and the coupling means (500) on both sides of the flexible protective tube (300) be performed on a laying vessel. (Refer to (a) of FIG. 14a)

[0083]

[0084] Meanwhile, the coupling means (500) coupled to the other side of the flexible protective tube (300) may be coupled to either the centralizer (510) or the coupling flange (520).

[0085]

[0086] The second step (S200) is a step of connecting the messenger rope (4), in which the messenger rope (4), released from a winch (not shown) installed on the upper part of the lower support structure (2), is passed through a metal tube (200) installed on the lower support structure (2) and connected to one side of the flexible protective tube (300). At this time, the messenger rope (4) passes through the hollow (411) of the adapter (400) and is connected to a fixing flange (800) positioned on one side of the adapter (400) via a fixing pin (810). (Refer to (a) of FIG. 14a)

[0087]

[0088] Here, the fixed flange (800) is formed in a plate shape as shown in FIG. 11, and a center hole (820) is formed on the center side to be connected to the hollow (411) of the adapter (400) and into which a fixing pin (810) is inserted, and a through hole (830) is formed spaced apart from the center hole (820) to allow seawater to pass through. That is, the center hole (820) and the through hole (830) of the fixed flange (800) are configured to be connected to the hollow (411) of the adapter (400).

[0089]

[0090] The purpose of forming a through hole (830) in the fixed flange (800) in this manner is to allow seawater to be easily discharged to the other side of the flexible protective tube (300) when it flows into one side of the flexible protective tube (300), thereby enabling the flexible protective tube (300) to be pulled stably and easily by the messenger rope (4).

[0091]

[0092] The fixing pin (810) is intended to pass through the center hole (820) of the fixing flange (800) and be connected to the messenger rope (4) by a connecting means (840) so that the messenger rope (4) and the flexible protective tube (300) are connected.

[0093]

[0094] A fixing pin (810) may have a screw (812) formed on one side to allow a nut (811) to be fastened, and a loop (813) formed on the other side. That is, the fixing pin (810) is fastened to the nut (811) and fixed to one side of the fixing flange (800), and the loop (813) on the other side is positioned on the hollow (411) of the adapter (400) and connected to the messenger rope (4) by a connecting means (840). At this time, it is preferable that the connecting means (840) be a shackle that is easy to fasten and unfasten.

[0095]

[0096] The third step (S300) is a coupling step for coupling the coupling means (500). When the coupling means (500) is configured as a centralizer (510), the centralizer (510) is coupled so as to be in close contact with the lower entrance of the metal tube (200), as shown in (a) of FIG. 14b. At this time, the temperature inside the metal tube (200) is discharged through a plurality of vents, thereby suppressing the increase in the internal temperature of the metal tube (200).

[0097]

[0098] In addition, when the coupling means (500) is configured as a coupling flange (520), it is fixedly coupled to the upper part of the clamp (710) located at the top among the clamps (710) installed on the lower support structure (2). That is, the coupling flange (520) can be installed spaced apart from the lower entrance of the metal tube (200). This is to prevent the internal temperature of the metal tube (200) from rising and to dissipate heat.

[0099]

[0100] Step 4 (S400) is a step of fixing the flexible protective tube (300), which is a step of fixing the flexible protective tube (300) in an upright position on the lower support structure (2). That is, the coupling means (500) coupled to the other side of the flexible protective tube (300) is coupled to the lower entrance of the metal tube (200) in close contact or spaced apart, and at the same time, the flexible protective tube (300) is fixed to the lower support structure (2) in an upright position. At this time, since a plurality of clamps (710) are pre-installed on the lower support structure (2), the flexible protective tube (300) can be easily fixed to the lower support structure (2). (Refer to (b) of FIG. 14b)

[0101]

[0102] Step 5 (S500) is a step of separating the fixed flange (800), which releases the connection between one side of the flexible protective tube (300) and the messenger rope (4) to release the connection between the adapter (400) coupled to one side of the flexible protective tube (300) and the fixed flange (800). (Refer to (a) of FIG. 14c)

[0103]

[0104] Since the flexible protective tube (300) and the messenger rope (4) are connected by a fixed flange (800), a fixed pin (810), and a connecting means (840), the connecting means (840) to which the fixed pin (810) and the messenger rope (4) are connected is released, that is, the shackle is separated, and the nut (811) screwed to the fixed pin (810) on one side of the fixed flange (800) is released, the fixed flange (800) is separated from the fixed pin (810), and accordingly, the fixed flange (800) and the adapter (400) are separated, and the fixed flange (800) is separated from the flexible protective tube (300).

[0105]

[0106] Meanwhile, the messenger rope (4) is maintained in a position inside the flexible protective tube (300).

[0107]

[0108] Meanwhile, the messenger rope (4) can be positioned on the laying line using another rope from the laying line.

[0109]

[0110] Step 6 (S600) is the step of connecting the submarine cable (3) and the messenger rope (4) and fixing the bend limiter (600) on the submarine cable (3). (Refer to (b) of FIG. 14c)

[0111]

[0112] In the above fifth step (S500), after separating the fixed flange (800) from the flexible protective tube (300), the messenger rope (4) is connected to the submarine cable (3). At this time, the submarine cable (3) has a pulling eye (not shown) formed therein, and the messenger rope (4) is connected to the pulling eye of the submarine cable (3). Here, the structure of the pulling eye of the submarine cable (3) and the connection relationship between the pulling eye and the messenger rope (4) are connection structures generally used when installing the submarine cable (3), so a detailed description is omitted.

[0113]

[0114] When the messenger rope (4) and the submarine cable (3) are connected, a bending limiter (600) is installed on the submarine cable (3). At this time, the submarine cable (3) is configured to pass through the bending limiter (600) so that the bending limiter (600) is installed on the submarine cable (3), and one side of the bending limiter (600) is fixed on the submarine cable (3), while the other side is configured to pass through.

[0115]

[0116] Meanwhile, the bending limiter (600) installed on the submarine cable (3) is configured by dividing it based on the center axis as described above, and to explain the configuration more specifically, the bending limiter (600) is formed by including a main body (620) and a joint part (630) as shown in FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0117]

[0118] The main body (620) is formed in a flexible shape by connecting a plurality of unit bodies (610), each having a through hole (611) through which a submarine cable (3) passes from one side to the other. The unit bodies (610) are configured to have curved lines so as to allow movement within a set angle range and are configured to limit the bending of the submarine cable (3).

[0119]

[0120] The unit body (610) forming the main body (620) is formed in a cylindrical shape and comprises a body (640) having a through hole (641) formed therein through which a submarine cable (3) passes from one side to the other, and a protrusion (650) formed in a 'T' shape and protruding from one side of the body (640), having a through hole (651) formed therein that communicates with the through hole (641) of the body (640).

[0121]

[0122] And, the body (640) is formed outwardly from the through hole (641) and has an insertion groove (642) into which the protrusion (650) of the adjacent unit (610) is inserted.

[0123]

[0124] Meanwhile, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the through hole (611) of the unit body (610), the through hole (641) of the body (640), and the through hole (651) of the protrusion (650) are given names and reference numerals as they describe each component, and are substantially identical in composition.

[0125]

[0126] Meanwhile, the body (640) is divided around a through hole (641), is rotatably connected to one side via a hinge (6), etc., and is configured to be fastened to the other side via a fastening means (5) such as a bolt and nut.

[0127]

[0128] The joint portion (630) comprises a first joint (660) coupled to one end of the main body (620) and a second joint (670) coupled to the other end of the main body (620).

[0129]

[0130] As shown in FIG. 7, the first joint (660) has a hollow (661) formed inside so that a submarine cable (3) passes through, and an insertion groove (662) formed outward from the hollow (661) so that a protruding hole (650) is inserted.

[0131]

[0132] At this time, the hollow (661) of the first joint (660) is formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the submarine cable (3) and is configured to press and fix the submarine cable (3).

[0133]

[0134] Meanwhile, the first joint (660) is divided around the hollow (661), is rotatably connected to one side via a hinge (6), etc., and is configured to be fastened to the other side via a fastening means (5) such as a bolt and nut.

[0135]

[0136] The second joint (670) is for connecting the main body (620) and the adapter (400), and as shown in FIG. 8, it has a first connector (672) with a cross-section in the shape of an 'I' and a hollow (671) formed inside, and as shown in FIG. 9, a first insertion groove (673) is formed on one side into which the other side of the first connector (672) is inserted, and a second insertion groove (674) is formed on the other side into which one side of the adapter (400) is inserted, and a second connector (676) has a hollow (675) formed on the center side to allow the submarine cable (3) to pass through.

[0137]

[0138] Meanwhile, the first connector (672) and the second connector (676) of the second joint (670) are formed by being divided based on the center axis, and preferably, the first connector (672) is configured to be fastened through a fastening means (5) such as a bolt and a nut. And, the second connector (676) is configured to be rotatably connected to one side through a hinge (6), etc., and to be fastened to the other side through a fastening means (5) such as a bolt and a nut.

[0139]

[0140] To explain the process of installing a bending limiter (600) having such a configuration on a submarine cable (3), first, a second connector (672) is connected to the insertion groove (642) of a unit body (610), that is, a main body (620), and a main body (620) is formed by connecting multiple units (610). At this time, the second connector (676) of the second joint (670) is configured to connect the main body (620) and the adapter (400) in step 7 (S700) (see FIG. 13). Then, a first joint (660) is connected to one side of the main body (620). At this time, the inner diameter (d₁) of the hollow (661) of the first joint (660) coupled to one side of the main body (620) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter (d₂) of the submarine cable (3), so that the first joint (660) fixes the submarine cable (3) (see FIG. 12).

[0141]

[0142] Step 7 (S700) is a step of releasing the bending limiter (600) installed on the submarine cable (3), by pulling the messenger rope (4) to insert the submarine cable (3) into the flexible protection tube (300) and releasing the bending limiter (600) that fixes the submarine cable (3). (Refer to (a) of FIG. 14d)

[0143]

[0144] In step 6 (S600), the messenger rope (4) and the submarine cable (3) are connected, and since one side of the bending limiter (600) is fixed on the submarine cable (3), when the messenger rope (4) is pulled, the bending limiter (600) is pulled together. At this time, the first connector (672) of the second joint (670) connected to the other side of the bending limiter (600) and the adapter (400) are connected through the second connector (676) of the second joint (670). When the main body (620) and the adapter (400) are connected by the second connector (676), the first joint (660) connected to the other side of the main body (620) is released to release the fixation between the submarine cable (3) and the bending limiter (600).

[0145]

[0146] Step 8 (S800) is a step of securing the submarine cable, in which the submarine cable (3) is pulled up to the interior of the offshore facility (1) by pulling the messenger rope (4) and the submarine cable (3) is secured using a clamp (720). (Refer to (b) of FIG. 14d). At this time, the clamp (720) is preferably a hang-off clamp, but this is merely an example and those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0147]

[0148] As described above, according to the method for installing a submarine cable using the submarine cable protection material of the present invention, by installing a flexible protection tube in advance on a substructure, installing a bending limiter on the submarine cable, and connecting the flexible protection tube and the bending limiter so that only the submarine cable rises, the submarine cable can be installed regardless of water depth, thereby simplifying the work and providing the effect of reducing work time and saving time and costs associated with maintenance.

[0149]

[0150] Although a method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as described above has been illustrated in accordance with the description and drawings, this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0151] According to the features of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose, in a method for installing a protective device (100) for protecting a submarine cable (3), the method comprises: a first step (S100) of connecting an adapter (400) having a hollow (411) formed inside to one side of a flexible protective tube (200) on a laying vessel, and connecting a connecting means (500) to the other side of the flexible protective tube (300); a second step (S200) of connecting a messenger rope (4), released from a winch installed on the upper end of a lower support structure (2), to one side of the flexible protective tube (300) by passing it through a metal tube (200) installed on the lower support structure (2); and a third step (S300) of connecting the flexible protective tube (300) to the metal tube (200) by pulling the messenger rope (4). A fourth step (S400) of fixing the flexible protective tube (300) in an upright position on the lower support structure (2) using a clamp (710); a fifth step (S500) of releasing the connection between one side of the flexible protective tube (300) and the messenger rope (4); a sixth step (S600) of connecting the submarine cable (3) and the messenger rope (4) and fixing a bending limiter (600) on the submarine cable (3); a seventh step (S700) of pulling the messenger rope (4) to insert the submarine cable (3) into the flexible protective tube (300) and releasing the bending limiter (600) that fixes the submarine cable (3); The invention is implemented in a manner that includes the eighth step (S800), which involves pulling the messenger rope (4) to raise the submarine cable (3) up to the interior of the marine facility (1) and securing the submarine cable (3) using a clamp (720).

[0152]

[0153] In the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, in the first step (S100), the coupling means (500) coupled to the other side of the flexible protection tube (300) is coupled with either a centralizer (510) or a coupling flange (520); wherein the centralizer (510) has a central hole (511) formed along a central axis line where the submarine cable (3) is placed and is closely connected to the lower entrance of the metal tube (200), and the coupling flange (520) is formed in a disc shape with a central hole (521) formed on the central side and is coupled to the upper part of the uppermost clamp (710) among the clamps (710) coupled on the lower support structure (2), in the form for implementing the invention.

[0154]

[0155] In addition, in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, in the second step (S200), the messenger rope (4) passes through the hollow (411) and is connected to a fixing flange (800) disposed on one side of the adapter (400) via a fixing pin (810). The fixing flange (800) is formed in a plate shape, and a central hole (820) is formed on the central side to communicate with the hollow (411) of the adapter (400) and into which the fixing pin (810) is inserted. A through hole (830) is formed spaced apart from the central hole (820) to allow seawater to pass through. The fixing pin (810) penetrates the central hole (820) of the fixing flange (800) and is connected to the messenger rope (4) by a connecting means (840), thereby connecting the messenger rope (4) and the flexible protection tube (300), which is the form for implementing the invention.

[0156]

[0157] In addition, in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device according to the present invention, the adapter (400) and the bending limiter (600) are formed as left and right segmented bodies based on the central axis through which the submarine cable (3) passes, and the left and right segmented bodies are joined together through a fastening means so as to surround the submarine cable (3) on the inside, in a form for implementing the invention.

[0158]

[0159] In the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the bending limiter (600) comprises a plurality of unit bodies (610) connected in such a way that a through hole (611) through which the submarine cable (3) passes is formed from one side to the other, and the unit bodies (610) are configured to have a curved line so as to be able to move within a set angle range; a main body (620) for limiting the bending of the submarine cable (3); and joint parts (630) coupled to both ends of the main body (620), in a form for implementing the invention.

[0160]

[0161] In the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the unit body (610) of the main body (620) of the bending limiter (600) is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes a body (640) having a through hole (641) formed therein through which the submarine cable (3) passes from one side to the other; and a protruding hole (650) formed in a 'T' shape and protruding from one side of the body (640), having a through hole (651) formed therein that communicates with the through hole (641) of the body (640), and the body (640) is formed outward from the through hole (641) and has an insertion groove (642) formed therein into which the protruding hole (650) of the adjacent unit body (610) is inserted. This is the form for implementing the invention.

[0162]

[0163] And in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the joint portion (630) of the bending limiter (600) comprises a first joint (660) coupled to one end of the main body (620) and a second joint (670) coupled to the other end of the main body (620), wherein the first joint (660) has a hollow (661) formed inside so that the submarine cable (3) passes through, and an insertion groove (662) formed outwardly from the hollow (661) so that the protrusion (650) is inserted therein, and the second joint (670) has a first connector (672) in which the cross-section is formed in an 'I' shape and a hollow (671) is formed inside, and a first insertion groove (673) is formed on one side so that the other side of the first connector (672) is inserted therein, and on the other side the The invention is implemented in a form having a second insertion groove (674) into which one side of the adapter (400) is inserted, and a second connector (676) having a hollow (675) formed at the center side to allow the submarine cable (3) to pass through.

[0164]

[0165] In addition, in the method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection material according to the present invention, the inner diameter (d₁) of the hollow (661) of the first joint (660) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter (d₂) of the submarine cable (3) so as to fix the submarine cable (3) by applying pressure, thereby serving as a form for implementing the invention.

[0166] As described above, according to the method for installing a submarine cable using the submarine cable protection material of the present invention, by pre-installing a flexible protection tube on a substructure, installing a bending limiter on the submarine cable, and connecting the flexible protection tube and the bending limiter so that only the submarine cable rises, the submarine cable can be installed regardless of water depth. This simplifies the process, thereby reducing working time and saving time and costs associated with maintenance, and is expected to be widely used in industry.

Claims

1. A method for installing protective equipment (100) to protect a submarine cable (3), A first step (S100) of attaching an adapter (400) having a hollow (411) formed inside to one side of a flexible protective tube (200) on a laying line, and attaching a coupling means (500) to the other side of the flexible protective tube (300); A second step (S200) of passing a messenger rope (4), released from a winch installed on the upper part of a lower support structure (2), through a metal tube (200) installed on the lower support structure (2) and connecting it to one side of the flexible protective tube (300); A third step (S300) of pulling the messenger rope (4) to combine the flexible protective tube (300) with the metal tube (200); A fourth step (S400) of fixing the flexible protective tube (300) in an upright position on the lower support structure (2) using a clamp (710); A fifth step (S500) of releasing the connection between one side of the flexible protective tube (300) and the messenger rope (4); A sixth step (S600) of connecting the submarine cable (3) and the messenger rope (4) and fixing a bending limiter (600) on the submarine cable (3); A seventh step (S700) of pulling the messenger rope (4) to insert the submarine cable (3) into the flexible protection tube (300) and releasing the bending limiter (600) that fixes the submarine cable (3); A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized by including an 8th step (S800) of pulling the messenger rope (4) to raise the submarine cable (3) up to the interior of the marine facility (1) and fixing the submarine cable (3) using a clamp (720).

2. In Paragraph 1, In the above first step (S100), The coupling means (500) coupled to the other side of the flexible protective tube (300) is coupled with either a centralizer (510) or a coupling flange (520); The above centralizer (510) has a central hole (511) formed along a central axis line where the submarine cable (3) is placed, and is closely connected to the lower entrance of the metal tube (200). A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized in that the above-mentioned coupling flange (520) is formed in a disc shape, has a center hole (521) formed on the center side, and is coupled to the upper part of the uppermost clamp (710) among the clamps (710) coupled on the lower support structure (2).

3. In Paragraph 1, In the above second step (S200), The messenger rope (4) passes through the hollow (411) and is connected to a fixed flange (800) positioned on one side of the adapter (400) via a fixing pin (810). The above fixing flange (800) is formed in a plate shape, and a center hole (820) is formed on the center side in communication with the hollow (411) of the adapter (400) and into which the fixing pin (810) is inserted, and a through hole (830) is formed spaced apart from the center hole (820) to allow seawater to pass through. A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized in that the above fixing pin (810) penetrates the center hole (820) of the above fixing flange (800) and is connected to the messenger rope (4) by a connecting means (840), thereby connecting the messenger rope (4) and the flexible protection tube (300).

4. In Paragraph 1, The above adapter (400) and the above bending limiter (600) are, The above submarine cable (3) is formed into left and right segments based on the center side through which it passes, and A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized in that the above left and right split bodies are joined together through a fastening means so as to surround the submarine cable (3) on the inside.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above bending limiter (600) is, A plurality of unit bodies (610) are connected, each having a through hole (611) through which the submarine cable (3) passes from one side to the other, and the unit bodies (610) are configured to have a curved line so as to be able to move within a set angle range, and a main body (620) for limiting the bending of the submarine cable (3); A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized by including joint portions (630) coupled to both ends of the main body (620).

6. In Paragraph 5, The unit body (610) of the main body (620) of the above bending limiter (600) is, A body (640) having a cylindrical shape and a through hole (641) formed therein through which the submarine cable (3) passes from one side to the other; It includes a protruding hole (650) formed in a 'T' shape and protruding from one side of the body (640), and having a through hole (651) formed inside that communicates with the through hole (641) of the body (640). A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized in that the above body (640) is formed outwardly from the through hole (641) and has an insertion groove (642) into which a protrusion (650) of an adjacent unit (610) is inserted.

7. In Paragraph 6, The joint portion (630) of the above bending limiter (600) is, It includes a first joint (660) coupled to one end of the main body (620) and a second joint (670) coupled to the other end of the main body (620), The first joint (660) has a hollow (661) formed inside to allow the submarine cable (3) to pass through, and an insertion groove (662) formed outwardly from the hollow (661) to allow the protrusion (650) to be inserted. A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized in that the second joint (670) has a cross-section in the shape of an 'I' and has a first connector (672) in which a hollow (671) is formed inside, a first insertion groove (673) formed on one side into which the other side of the first connector (672) is inserted, a second insertion groove (674) formed on the other side into which one side of the adapter (400) is inserted, and a second connector (676) formed on the center side in which a hollow (675) is formed to allow the submarine cable (3) to pass through.

8. In Paragraph 7, A method for installing a submarine cable using a submarine cable protection device, characterized in that the inner diameter (d₁) of the hollow (661) of the first joint (660) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter (d₂) of the submarine cable (3) to fix the submarine cable (3) by applying pressure.

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