Heave Compensation Connection System for Offshore Vessel Working Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore vessels require personnel to manually operate at the level of the travelling block to manage the injector head, which is disadvantageous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A heave compensation connection system is provided to connect the working deck to the travelling block, allowing the hoisting device to move the working deck between a lowered riser assembly position and a raised heave compensated position, enabling heave compensation of the working deck and associated equipment, such as the injector head, to perform well entry operations and subsea well control device installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the working deck is kept fixed on the vessel hull, then the structure is simple and stable, but personnel must manually operate at the travelling block level which is inefficient and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The working deck is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one that can be dynamically positioned. The heave compensation connection system enables the working deck to move vertically with the vessel's heave motion, allowing personnel to remain at a convenient working level while the deck itself adapts to vessel movements. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for personnel to manually operate at the travelling block level.
Solution Approach 2:
The heave compensation connection system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vessel hull and the working deck. This intermediary system transfers the heave motion from the vessel to the working deck, enabling automatic compensation without requiring direct manual intervention. The connection system mediates the interaction between the fixed vessel structure and the movable working deck, providing smooth vertical movement.
2Reliability
If the working deck is connected to the travelling block for heave compensation, then operational safety is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heave compensation connection system serves multiple functions: it provides heave compensation for the working deck, enables vertical movement between lowered and raised positions, and maintains structural integrity during vessel motion. By making this system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity while achieving improved operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system utilizes changes in the heave motion parameter to automatically adjust the working deck's vertical position. By monitoring and responding to vessel heave movements, the system dynamically adjusts the working deck position to maintain optimal operational conditions, improving safety without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the working deck can be raised to heave compensated position, then the capability to perform well entry operations is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working deck's ability to move between lowered and raised positions through dynamic connection to the travelling block enables the vessel to adapt to different operational requirements. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same structure to serve multiple purposes: riser assembly at lowered position and well entry operations at raised position, enhancing versatility without requiring separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heave compensation connection system enables the working deck to perform multiple functions by being positioned at different heights. The same working deck structure can support riser assembly operations when lowered and well entry operations when raised, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various operational scenarios without requiring separate specialized equipment.
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 allows for efficient heave compensation of the working deck and attached equipment, reducing the need for manual operation and enhancing the vessel's capability to install and remove subsea well control devices and riser strings, while also enabling the use of the heave compensation system to manage vessel motion, thereby improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heave compensation system associated with the hoisting device, for damping the effect of the movement of the vessel as a result of sea-state induced vessel motion on the load attached to the travelling block
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an offshore vessel capable of installing and removing a subsea well control device and a riser string, the vessel comprising a hoisting device comprising a travelling block for connecting a load, which travelling block is displaceable along a firing line which extends through a moonpool and a heave compensation system. The vessel further comprises a working deck supported by the hull of the vessel which covers at least a portion of the moonpool to allow the assembly of a riser string, wherein said working deck is provided with a riser string suspension device that allows to suspend a top end of a string of risers. According to the invention, a heave compensation connection system is provided, which is adapted to connect the working deck to the travelling block, such that the hoisting device can move the working deck when the working deck is connected to the travelling block between a lowered riser assembly position allowing the assembly of a riser string, and in which the working deck is supported by the hull, and a raised heave compensated position, in which the working deck is connected to the travelling block, and wherein the working deck is heave compensated.