Marine Pipelaying Accessory Handling Device for Pipeline Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing accessories in offshore pipelines are unsatisfactory, as they often require complex and cumbersome welding or bolting processes, which can be inefficient and prone to errors, especially when handling large and heavy accessories.
Innovation Solution
A marine pipelaying system featuring an accessory handling device with an elongated hoist beam, trolley rails, and a hoist assembly, allowing for precise positioning and connection of accessories to the pipeline using a cart and object suspension device, eliminating the need for separate line-up tools and enabling versatile handling of different accessory sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex welding or bolting processes are used to install accessories, then the accessory can be securely connected to the pipeline, but the installation process becomes inefficient and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized positioning device as an intermediary tool between the accessory and the pipeline. This device provides pre-positioning and alignment capabilities, ensuring accurate placement before final connection, thereby maintaining connection reliability while reducing installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the actual welding or bolting process. By pre-establishing the correct spatial relationship between the accessory and pipeline, the subsequent connection process becomes faster and more reliable, eliminating the need for complex adjustments during installation
2Adaptability or versatility
If large and heavy accessories are handled using conventional methods, then the accessories can be installed, but the handling process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is designed with universal capabilities to handle various sizes and types of accessories. It features adjustable components and a modular design that can accommodate different accessory configurations, providing versatile handling functionality without requiring multiple specialized tools for different accessory types
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is divided into modular components, with the positioning device as a separate, self-contained unit. This segmentation allows the heavy lifting and positioning functions to be distributed across multiple simpler components rather than requiring one complex monolithic device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining handling capability
3Manufacturing precision
If separate line-up tools are used for positioning accessories, then accurate alignment can be achieved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning functionality is merged directly into the accessory handling device itself. The positioning device integrates alignment, positioning, and support functions in a single unified tool, eliminating the need for separate line-up tools while maintaining positioning accuracy. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall 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
The system enhances the efficiency and versatility of accessory installation by allowing accurate positioning and connection of accessories to the pipeline, reducing complexity and the need for additional tools, while supporting the weight of the pipeline and accessories during the process.
Implementation Method 1
a hoist assembly comprising a hoist winch and an associated hoisting cable, the hoisting cable extending from the hoist winch via the travelling trolley to the object suspension device, such that upon actuation of the hoist winch the object suspension device can be raised and lowered
Implementation Method 2
a travelling trolley displaceable along the trolley rails, and an associated trolley drive to displace the travelling trolley along the trolley rails
Implementation Method 3
a cart, movable along the accessory transport track via an associated cart drive
Data Source
AI summary
A marine pipelaying system and method for lowering and/or raising an offshore pipeline and including one or more accessories thereto, includes a pipeline launch device, a pipeline clamp, an accessory connecting device and a controlled load hoisting device. An accessory handling device is provided including an accessory transport track and a cart adapted to engage and support one of the one or more accessories, such that the accessory handling device is adapted to engage said accessory at the engagement position, position the accessory in the pipeline connecting position in the firing line above the pipeline clamp. The accessory can be connected to the pipeline and support and allow displacement of the accessory between the engagement position and the pipeline connection position.