Selective Heave Compensator Actuator Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operational time of drilling rigs equipped with active heave compensation is limited due to the need for continuous connection of the active heave compensator actuator to the passive compensator, leading to increased abrasion and reduced lifespan, as well as inefficiencies in load management during vessel heave motions.
Innovation Solution
A device allowing for the selective connection and disconnection of active heave compensator actuators to a movable crown block, featuring a connection device, a safety device, and a supporting mechanism to prevent damage from lateral forces and ensure proper alignment, enabling flexible operation and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the active heave compensator actuator is permanently connected to the movable crown block, then the load management and heave compensation performance is improved, but the abrasion increases and the operational lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic configurable connection. The actuator can be selectively connected to or disconnected from the movable crown block based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt between active compensation mode and passive compensation mode to optimize both performance and component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into discrete connectable components. The actuator connection point on the movable crown block is designed as a separable interface, allowing the actuator to be detached and reattached. This segmentation enables selective engagement to reduce wear while maintaining compensation capability when needed.
2Reliability
If the active heave compensator actuator is permanently connected to the movable crown block, then the load fluctuation reduction is improved, but the device complexity and operational inefficiency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: it provides both the structural connection interface and the disconnection capability. The safety device combines gripping functionality with alignment features, reducing the need for separate complex mechanisms while enabling selective engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection device acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the movable crown block. This intermediary component facilitates selective connection and disconnection while maintaining load transfer capability when engaged, and providing a controlled interface that simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the active compensator actuator is disconnected from the crown block, then the abrasion is reduced and lifetime is extended, but the alignment and support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is pre-positioned and automatically engages when the actuator is disconnected. The alignment features are built into the connection interfaces, so that when the actuator approaches the crown block for connection, the alignment is already established, reducing the operational complexity of manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device and safety device incorporate self-aligning features through their mechanical design. The gripping elements and mounting interfaces are configured to automatically align during the connection process, eliminating the need for complex external alignment procedures or specialized operational skills.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting and disconnecting an active compensator actuator or additional passive compensator actuators from a passive compensated load bearing unit during operation and at static suspended condition. The device comprises a connection arrangement (7), which is operatively connected to a crown block. The connection device (7) is adapted to selectively grip a second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1). The device comprises further a safety arrangement (6) which are adapted to selectively grip the second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1) when it is not in engagement with the connection arrangement (7), the device comprises also a support arrangement (2), which is adapted to support the heave compensator actuator when it is not connected to the crown block (8).