Dual Vertical Reel Support Layout for Deepwater Pipelaying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine pipeline installation vessels face challenges in efficiently laying pipelines in deep water due to limitations in storage capacity, reel positioning, and structural support, which can result in poor spooling and unspooling quality, damage to pipelines, and increased construction complexity.
Innovation Solution
A marine pipeline installation vessel with an integrally formed common reel support body that positions two vertical storage reels to form an obtuse angle, supported only at their ends by the hull, allowing for closer reel placement and reduced structural complexity, while the bearing structures between the reels and support body manage the weight distribution effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple storage reels are arranged in the reel well, then storage capacity is improved, but structural complexity increases due to need for additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function for multiple storage reels into a single common support structure that spans the reel well. This integrally formed support structure eliminates the need for separate support structures for each reel, thereby increasing storage capacity while avoiding proportional increases in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports multiple storage reels, spans the reel well, and provides a stable base for the pipeline launch assembly. This multi-functionality allows the structure to handle increased storage capacity without requiring additional specialized support elements.
2Quantity of substance
If storage reels are positioned closer together to increase capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but spooling and unspooling quality deteriorates due to increased fleet angles
Solution Approach 1:
The storage reels are designed to be rotatable about horizontal axes that are adjustable. This dynamic capability allows the reels to be positioned at optimal angles for spooling and unspooling even when placed closer together, maintaining pipeline quality while increasing storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular positioning in a third dimension by allowing the reels to be tilted relative to each other. Instead of simply arranging reels in a linear fashion, they can be positioned at different angles, creating obtuse angles between adjacent reels. This dimensional change allows closer spacing while maintaining acceptable fleet angles for pipeline operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional support structures are used for each storage reel, then reel stability is maintained, but construction complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual reel support structures into a single integrally formed common support structure. This merger reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and installed, thereby simplifying construction and installation while maintaining reel stability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
While merging the support structures, the design still allows for modular assembly where the common support structure can be constructed in segments and then assembled together. This segmented approach to construction maintains the benefits of integration while facilitating easier manufacturing and installation.
4Quantity of substance
If storage reels are arranged with obtuse angles between adjacent reels, then storage capacity and spooling quality are improved, but reel support structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support functionality into a common structure that inherently accommodates the obtuse angle arrangement. By designing the support structure as a unified entity spanning the reel well, the complex angular positioning is built into the fundamental design rather than requiring additional complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The common support structure is designed with asymmetric features that naturally accommodate the obtuse angles between reels. Rather than forcing symmetric arrangements, the support structure is deliberately designed with asymmetric geometry that simplifies the implementation of non-standard reel angles, reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a marine pipeline installation vessel and a method for laying an offshore pipeline. In the hull of the vessel a reel well is provided in which a left and a right vertical storage reel are arranged. An integrally formed common reel support body is provided, adapted to support the weight of the two vertical storage reels in a way that the left reel rotation axis and the right reel rotation axis include an obtuse angle α.