Horizontal Load Measurement for Jack-Up Platform Leg Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining leg bending moment in jack-up platforms are inaccurate, leading to potential structural damage due to limited information available to operators during operations like preloading and leg pulling, and increased risk of structural failure.
Innovation Solution
A guide load measurement system that includes horizontal load measuring units placed on leg guides to accurately measure and monitor leg bending moments, providing real-time data to operators to prevent damage and optimize operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Rack Phase Difference (RPD) measurement is used to indirectly derive leg bending moment, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision is limited and cannot accurately derive the magnitude of leg bending moment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical measurement methods (RPD) with direct force sensing technology. Load cells are installed in the leg guides to directly measure horizontal forces, substituting the complex indirect derivation process with a straightforward force measurement approach that provides accurate real-time data on leg bending moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces load cells as intermediary sensing elements between the leg and leg guide structure. These load cells act as mediators that directly sense the horizontal forces exerted by legs on leg guides, converting mechanical forces into measurable electrical signals that accurately represent leg bending moment conditions.
2Reliability
If no measurement system is installed, then the device complexity is low, but the operator has limited information about leg condition, leading to increased risk of structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where load cells continuously measure horizontal forces on leg guides and provide real-time data to operators. This feedback loop enables operators to monitor leg conditions, understand actual loading scenarios, and make informed decisions to prevent structural failure during critical operations like preloading and leg pulling.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system provides preliminary information about leg loading conditions before critical failures can occur. By continuously monitoring horizontal forces during operations like preloading and leg pulling, the system alerts operators to dangerous conditions in advance, allowing them to take corrective action before structural damage occurs.
3Measurement precision
If horizontal load measuring units are installed on leg guides, then the measurement precision of leg bending moment is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load cells installed in the leg guides serve multiple functions: they measure horizontal forces for bending moment calculation, monitor leg loading conditions during various operations, and provide data for both operational decision-making and structural health assessment. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive measurement capabilities from a single installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement system that comprises at least one horizontal load measuring unit, that is preferably arranged on the leg guide is provided. The horizontal load measuring device measures or determines horizontal load on the position of the leg where the device is placed, which gives a more accurate indication of the leg bending moment than the rack phase differential measurement. Advantageously, multiple load measuring units can be provided along the leg guide.