Fairlead Tail Chain Support for Offshore Mooring Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling tail chains of mooring lines in offshore applications are inefficient, particularly in securing, disconnecting, and reconnecting them during tensioning operations, leading to complications and increased weight in the mooring line catenary.
Innovation Solution
A fairlead stopper system with a tail chain support that includes latches and a tail chain support structure, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of tail chains using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and tools like diamond wire cutters, enabling efficient cutting and reconnecting of tail chains with the mooring line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If excess mooring chain (tail chain) is removed from the mooring line, then weight in the mooring line catenary is reduced, but the complexity of securing, disconnecting, and reconnecting tail chains increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tail chain support structure is divided into multiple discrete coupling positions (first chain coupler, second chain coupler, and additional couplers) along the structure. This segmentation allows the tail chain to be secured at specific intervals rather than as a single unit, enabling modular removal and reattachment of chain segments while maintaining overall system integrity and reducing weight incrementally.
Solution Approach 2:
The tail chain support structure serves as an intermediary device between the mooring line and the excess tail chain. It provides a standardized interface with multiple chain couplers that facilitate secure attachment and detachment of tail chains using ROV-operated tools, thereby managing the complexity of tail chain handling while enabling weight reduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tail chains are securely attached at multiple positions, then stability of tail chain positioning is improved, but device complexity of the tail chain support increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tail chain support structure incorporates multiple discrete chain couplers positioned at different locations along its length. This segmentation allows the tail chain to be secured at multiple positions simultaneously, providing stable positioning and preventing excessive movement or twisting while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular coupling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tail chain support structure is designed with multiple chain couplers that can universally accommodate standard chain links at various positions. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to provide both stable multi-point attachment and flexibility for different tail chain lengths, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
3Weight of moving object
If tail chains are removed and stored for future reconnection, then weight is reduced, but time required for reconnection operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tail chain support structure is pre-configured with multiple chain couplers at predetermined positions along its length. When tail chains are removed for weight reduction, they can be stored in a prepared state with coupling elements ready for rapid reattachment. This preliminary preparation of the support structure significantly reduces the time required for future reconnection operations compared to ad-hoc attachment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The tail chain support structure acts as an intermediary storage and reattachment platform. Excess tail chains can be temporarily secured to this structure during removal operations and then quickly reattached when needed, serving as a buffer that reduces both the weight of the mooring line and the time required for reconnection through standardized coupling interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for handling a tail chain of a mooring line are provided. A fairlead stopper having a tail chain support is provided for removing and reconnecting tail chain to the mooring line. The tail chain support is positioned to receive the tail chain of the mooring line, and includes a first chain coupler to secure a first portion of the mooring line, a second chain coupler to secure a second portion of the mooring line, and a working zone between the chain couplers for removing and reconnecting the tail chain.