Floating Offshore Connector Layout to Reduce Seabed Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore facility connection methods, such as dynamic cables and sub-sea connectors, are costly and require complex seabed installations, especially in deep water, where long and flexible cables are needed to withstand water movements and vessel traffic, increasing installation and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A facility arrangement using a floating transportation means with buoyancy and weight devices to maintain a connection between offshore and onshore facilities, allowing the transportation means to float above the seabed, reducing the need for seabed installations and enabling the use of less flexible, cost-effective static cables or pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic cables with high flexibility are used to connect floating facilities in deep water, then the connection can withstand water movement and facility movement, but the installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple segments: floating facilities, dynamic cables connecting to intermediate platforms, and static cables on the seabed. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - dynamic cables handle movement at the facility level while static cables provide stable seabed connection, reducing overall installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate platforms are introduced as mediators between floating facilities and the seabed. These platforms serve as connection points that reduce the span length of dynamic cables required and simplify the anchoring system, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If the cable length is increased to bridge deep water distances between facilities, then connection coverage is improved, but the cable cost and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total cable length is segmented into multiple sections with intermediate platforms positioned at regular intervals. Each section connects one facility or platform to the next, breaking down a single long cable installation into multiple manageable segments that are easier to manufacture, handle, and install.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate platforms act as mediators that break the long cable span into shorter segments. By positioning these platforms at strategic locations, the effective cable length between support points is reduced, making the cables easier to manufacture and install while still covering the required distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cables are used to withstand water and facility movement, then connection adaptability is improved, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system segments flexibility requirements to only where needed - dynamic cables with high flexibility are used only for the portion connecting floating facilities to intermediate platforms, while static cables on the seabed can be less flexible and cheaper, reducing overall material cost while maintaining movement adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cable types with appropriate flexibility characteristics are applied locally - flexible dynamic cables are used only in the water column where movement occurs, while rigid or semi-rigid static cables are used on the seabed where movement is minimal, optimizing material cost while maintaining adaptability where required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sub-sea connectors are installed on the seabed to connect facilities, then connection flexibility is improved, but the installation cost increases in deep water
Solution Approach 1:
Intermediate platforms serve as mediators that bring connection points closer to the surface, reducing the depth at which sub-sea connectors must be installed. This reduces the complexity and cost of seabed installation while maintaining connection flexibility through the use of dynamic cables in the water column.
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 solution reduces installation costs and complexity by minimizing seabed interactions, allowing for easier and more cost-efficient connections between facilities with reduced material requirements and simplified maintenance, while maintaining stability and safety through adjustable buoyancy and weight systems.
Implementation Method 1
the buoyancy means and/or the weight means or weight device are attached to a first section of the transportion means or transporter, wherein the first section is connected to at least one offshore facility and arranged floating at a distance from the seabed
Implementation Method 2
the buoyancy means and/or the weight means or weight device are attached to the transportion means or transporter when it is arranged in the water
Data Source
AI summary
A facility arrangement is provided including facilities and at least one connector connected to the facilities, wherein the connector includes a transporter, at least one buoyancy device and/or at least one weight device, wherein the transporter is adapted for transportation of electricity and/or a fluid medium, wherein the buoyancy device and/or the weight device are attached to the transporter, wherein the connector is between two offshore facilities, wherein the transporter is floating at a distance from the seabed over the entire or almost the entire distance between the facilities, and/or wherein the buoyancy device and/or the weight device are attached to a first section of the transporter, wherein the first section is connected to at least one offshore facility and floating at a distance from the seabed, wherein a second section of the transporter connected to the first section and an onshore facility is embedded in the seabed.