Modular S-Lay Pipe-Laying System with Displaceable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe-laying systems for offshore pipes, particularly in shallow water, are complex and prone to disruptions from wind and waves due to the need for precise adjustments of multiple operations, which complicates the laying process and affects connection quality.
Innovation Solution
A modular S-lay system with a clamping system on a displaceable frame and a pipe connecting system, allowing for the connection of multiple pipe sections without moving individual sections, and utilizing a winch system for stabilization, reduces disruptions and eliminates the need for a tensioner system, enabling better control and quality in the pipe-laying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tensioning means is used for paying out the pipe in existing S-lay pipe-laying systems, then the pipe can be laid in shallow water, but the system becomes relatively complex and susceptible to disruptions from wind, swell and other environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tensioning means from the pipe-laying system, extracting the source of complexity and environmental susceptibility. By eliminating the tensioning means, the system achieves simpler operation while maintaining the ability to lay pipes in shallow water through alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe is divided into discrete pipe sections that are connected sequentially. This segmentation allows each section to be handled independently during the connecting process, enabling the system to lay pipes in shallow water without requiring complex tensioning mechanisms for the entire pipe length.
2Reliability
If diverse operations are precisely adjusted to each other in existing systems to counter disruptive influences, then the pipe-laying process can proceed, but the system becomes more complex and prone to disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operations (clamping, alignment, and connecting) are merged into a single integrated displaceable frame structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate operations that require precise adjustment, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining reliability against environmental disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable frame with clamping system automatically maintains proper positioning and alignment of pipe sections during the connecting process. This self-positioning capability reduces the need for complex external adjustment mechanisms, improving reliability while minimizing system complexity.
3Productivity
If individual pipe sections are moved along after being connected, then the pipe-laying process can continue, but disruptions are caused by wind and waves affecting each section separately
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pipe sections are connected simultaneously within the displaceable frame structure before being moved together as a single unit. This merging of sections during connection reduces their individual exposure to wind and waves, minimizing environmental disruptions while maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Pipe sections are pre-connected and pre-positioned within the displaceable frame before the entire assembly is moved. This preliminary connection and positioning action protects the sections from environmental disruptions during the critical connection phase, ensuring continuous and reliable pipe-laying operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If a clamping system is provided on a displaceable frame to clamp pipe sections during processing, then disruptions are prevented and connection quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides support for pipe sections, enables clamping, facilitates alignment, and allows for the connecting operation. This multi-functionality achieves high connection quality without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single structure performs multiple critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping system is integrated into the displaceable frame structure, merging the clamping function with the support and positioning functions. This integration achieves precise connection quality while minimizing additional complexity by using a unified structural approach rather than separate dedicated components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe-laying system, vessel provided therewith and method therefor. The pipe-laying system comprises: a supply system for pipe sections for connecting; a clamping system for clamping the supplied pipe sections for connecting; a displaceable frame; and a pipe connecting system operatively connected to the frame for the purpose of connecting pipe sections.