Gravity Anchor Staging Device Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing and retrieving gravity installed anchors in offshore environments are inefficient, particularly in aligning and connecting mooring lines to structures, and lack a streamlined process for anchor retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a gravity installed anchor with a deployment/recovery line, a release hook, and a staging device on the seabed, allowing for precise alignment and connection of the anchor and mooring line, followed by retrieval using a single line system, enabling efficient embedding and extraction of the anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used for installing and retrieving gravity anchors, then the process requires multiple operations and equipment, but the operational efficiency is low and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the installation and retrieval operations into a single integrated process using one gravity anchor that serves both functions. The anchor is installed by towing it across the seabed to embed at the destination, and retrieved by reversing the same process, eliminating the need for separate installation and retrieval operations and associated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity anchor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the installation tool and the mooring device, and the same anchor can be reused for multiple mooring operations. The single-line towing system also serves dual purposes for both installation and retrieval operations.
2Ease of operation
If gravity anchors are installed with full mooring lines attached, then connection to structures is facilitated, but alignment and placement precision on the seabed becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is segmented into separate components: the gravity anchor, the mooring line, and the structure connection point. The anchor is installed first without the full mooring line attached, allowing precise placement. The mooring line is then separately laid out and connected, facilitating easier connection operations while maintaining placement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lines and equipment are used for anchor installation and retrieval, then operational flexibility is increased, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary equipment from the traditional multi-line system, retaining only the essential single towing line. This simplifies the device complexity while maintaining operational flexibility through the versatility of the gravity anchor itself, which can be deployed and retrieved using the same simple system.
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 method allows for efficient installation, connection, and retrieval of gravity installed anchors, ensuring accurate alignment and penetration into the seabed, and facilitating the connection and disconnection of mooring lines to structures, thereby enhancing operational efficiency in offshore mooring operations.
Implementation Method 1
an anchor which achieves some degree of embedment in a seabed by virtue of a free fall (through the water) from a desired distance above the seabed
Implementation Method 2
The gravity installed anchor, in a presently preferred embodiment, comprises a load arm, to which is attached a load line
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method of placement of gravity installed anchors in offshore environments, for the mooring of structures thereto In the preferred embodiment, a gravity installed anchor has an outwardly extending load arm, which is preferably rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the anchor A load line is attached to the load arm, and a subsea connector is attached to the distal end of the load line The subsea connector is held in a staging device, which rests on the seabed and supports the subsea connector in a desired position to facilitate subsea connection thereto A deployment/recovery line is attached to the rearward end of the gravity installed anchor This gravity installed anchor and mooring assembly is lowered from the installation vessel on a lowering line, by a release hook on the end of the lowering line engaging the deployment/recovery line.