Batch Plate Anchor Installation via Suction Follower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing plate anchors in mooring systems for drilling vessels are time-consuming due to the repeated use of a suction follower for each anchor, requiring multiple deployments and recoveries, which increases installation time and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves setting multiple plate anchors on the seafloor prior to deploying the suction follower, allowing for batch installation where the follower is only raised a nominal distance between anchor locations, and using a linked anchor assembly that can be lowered and deployed as a unit before individual anchors are decoupled and embedded, reducing the need for frequent surface retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional SEPLA anchor installation methodology is used with single anchor loading and recovery, then each anchor can be installed individually, but total installation time increases due to repeated suction follower deployment and recovery cycles
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plate anchors are set out on the seafloor in advance at designated locations before the suction follower is deployed. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need to recover and redeploy the suction follower between anchors, as all anchors are already in place and ready for sequential embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple anchor installation operations into a single suction follower deployment cycle. By setting out multiple anchors beforehand and then using one continuous suction follower operation to embed all anchors sequentially, multiple installation tasks are merged into one efficient process.
2Loss of time
If multiple plate anchors are set out on the seafloor before deploying the suction follower, then installation time is reduced, but the complexity of coordinating anchor placement and follower deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into two distinct phases: Phase 1 involves setting out multiple anchors on the seafloor at designated locations using conventional methods, and Phase 2 involves deploying the suction follower to embed all anchors sequentially. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently while reducing overall complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces installation time and operational costs by allowing multiple anchors to be set and embedded in a single deployment of the suction follower, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in mooring system installation.
Implementation Method 1
The method of installation for the direct-embedment plate anchor known in the industry as the SEPLATM anchor (Suction Embedded Plate Anchor) uses a modified suction pile
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for deploying one or more plate anchors on the seafloor prior to later installation (embedment) of the plate anchors using an installation tool such as a suction follower. The methods and apparatus may be used for batch-setting multiple plate anchors on the seafloor for a drilling vessel mooring in which the plate anchors and an installation tool are subsequently engaged for subsequent suction embedment of the plate anchors to design penetration depth.