Marine Fall Pipe Segmentation for Deep-Sea Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine fall pipe systems are limited in operating depth due to material and design limitations, restricting their use to about 1,000 meters, and face challenges with dynamic and static loads, which hinder their ability to operate effectively at greater depths.
Innovation Solution
A marine fall pipe system with a suspension module that allows independent suspension of fall pipe sections, distributing weight over two suspensions, using longitudinal elements like chains or cables, and featuring bottomless buckets for flexibility and ease of use, enabling operation beyond 1,000 meters while managing dynamic loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fall pipe is made stronger to withstand dynamic and static loads, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the weight of the fall pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fall pipe system is divided into multiple segments (first fall pipe section and second fall pipe section) that are independently suspended. This segmentation allows each section to bear only its own weight plus the suspension module weight, rather than the entire fall pipe weight, thereby reducing the load bearing requirement for each individual component while maintaining overall system strength.
2Strength
If the dimensions of load bearing members are increased to increase operating depth, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the static weight of the fall pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fall pipe is segmented into multiple sections with independent suspension points. Each segment has reduced dimensions and weight compared to a single continuous fall pipe, as each only needs to support its own weight rather than the cumulative weight of the entire system. This enables operation at greater depths without proportionally increasing the weight of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the suspension system by adding intermediate suspension modules along the fall pipe length. This multi-level suspension architecture distributes the load-bearing function across multiple vertical positions, allowing each segment to be more compact while the overall system reaches greater depths.
3Device complexity
If conventional fall pipe systems are used, then the design is simple, but the operating depth is limited to about 1,000 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The fall pipe system is divided into multiple independently suspended sections connected by suspension modules. This segmentation enables the system to extend beyond the 1,000-meter depth limitation of conventional single-suspension systems, as each segment can be optimized for its specific depth range while the overall system reaches greater depths.
4Length of stationary object
If the fall pipe is made longer to increase operating depth, then the operating depth is improved, but the static weight and dynamic loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fall pipe is divided into multiple segments with intermediate suspension modules. Each segment has a manageable length and weight, and the suspension modules are positioned to distribute the total weight across multiple support points. This allows the overall system to achieve greater operating depth while each individual component maintains reduced weight compared to a single continuous fall pipe of equivalent total length.
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
A marine fall pipe system (100) for placing blocks of stone and/or rock(R) on a sea bed (SB) is configured for suspension from a marine vessel (10). The fall pipe system comprises substantially tubular fall pipe segments (110) configurable to provide at least first and second fall pipe sections (101, 102) of fall pipe segments,and a suspension module (200) configured to be suspended from the marine vessel. The suspension module is configured for suspending the second fall pipe section (102) of fall pipe segments from the suspension module so as to continue the first fall pipe section (101) of fall pipe segments. The first fall pipe section (101) and the suspension module (200) with the second fall pipe section (102) are independently suspended from the marine vessel (10). The suspension module (200) may be configured for suspension by at least one chain, cable (220) or wire.