Floating Support Reel Docking Buoy for Extreme Weather
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating oil production supports face challenges in extreme weather conditions, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, due to the mechanical stress on rolling bearings from horizontal forces, which affects operational reliability and maintenance, especially when submerged rolling bearings are used.
Innovation Solution
A disconnectable mooring system with a mooring buoy and rolling bearings located above the waterline, utilizing a valve chamber for positive buoyancy and quick disconnection, allowing the mooring buoy to be released from the reel by pumping water into the chamber, reducing mechanical stress and facilitating easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rolling bearings are submerged to allow rotation of the floating support, then the floating support can rotate around the vertical axis, but the mechanical stress on the submerged bearings increases and operational reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling bearings are extracted from the submerged environment and relocated to the dry zone above the waterline. This is achieved by positioning the reel such that its rotational axis and bearings are located in the aerial portion of the hull, separating the bearing system from the harmful marine environment while preserving the rotation functionality of the floating support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rolling bearings are submerged, then the reel can rotate freely, but maintenance becomes difficult and requires divers and dry dock
Solution Approach 1:
The bearings are extracted from the submerged maintenance-inaccessible zone and placed in the dry aerial zone where standard maintenance procedures can be applied. The reel structure is designed so that the bearing housing is accessible from above the waterline, allowing routine inspection, lubrication, and replacement without requiring dry dock or diver intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hull has vertical longitudinal planking for optimal oil storage and heavy sea behavior, then storage capacity and sea behavior improve, but ice floe breaking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is designed with differentiated local qualities: the longitudinal planking maintains a vertical profile along the majority of the hull length to optimize oil storage capacity and heavy sea behavior, while the bow section features a specific ice-breaking geometry with a reinforced, inclined structure capable of breaking ice floes. This allows different regions of the same hull to optimize for different functional requirements.
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 enables faster and more reliable connection/disconnection of the mooring system, reduces mechanical stress on the reel, and allows for easier maintenance by keeping the rolling bearings out of the water, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in extreme weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a valve chamber for positive buoyancy and quick disconnection, allowing the mooring buoy to be released from the reel by pumping water into the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a floating support (10) for petroleum production including a detachable docking system (1, 2, 3) for anchoring lines (13) at the bottom of the sea and bottom/surface linking duct (14, 14c) comprising: a docking buoy (1) for said anchoring lines and the first bottom/surface linking ducts (14), and a reel extending to the inside of a cavity that extends across the floating support shell along its entire height, said docking buoy is attached below the floating support shell to said reel (2), and characterized in that said floating support includes a system for connecting/detaching said docking buoy relative to said bottom wall (2c) of the reel, including: a number of lifting cables (20b), and a means of pumping water (22) in said valve chamber (30).