Movable Hose Manipulator for Marine Riser Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulator devices for connecting and disconnecting hoses from marine risers at floating installations are obstructive to other equipment due to their spatial requirements and are exposed to harsh environmental conditions like wind and waves.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator device with an undercarriage that is horizontally movable relative to a working well, allowing the hose manifold to be repositioned away from the riser center, utilizing manipulators with translational degrees of freedom to facilitate connection and disconnection while being supported by a carriage or transportation skid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hoses are connected to the riser using conventional manipulator devices, then connection operations can be performed, but the manipulator devices obstruct other equipment in the working well area
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator device is mounted on a movable carriage that can travel along the deck of the floating installation. This dynamic positioning allows the manipulator to be moved away from the working well area during connection operations, eliminating obstruction to other equipment while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces movement along the deck (horizontal dimension) to resolve the spatial conflict. By moving the manipulator device in the longitudinal direction of the installation, the system creates additional spatial freedom and eliminates the obstruction problem in the vertical working well area.
2Ease of operation
If manipulator devices are positioned to handle hoses near the riser, then connection and disconnection can be facilitated, but the devices are exposed to harsh environmental conditions like wind and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The movable carriage acts as an intermediary platform that can position the manipulator device at optimal locations for hose handling while providing protection from environmental conditions. The carriage system allows the manipulator to operate from a more sheltered position on the deck rather than being directly exposed to wind and waves near the riser.
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulator device (4) arranged to move a hose manifold (13) as one or more hoses (12) is/are being connected to and disconnected from pipelines (11) arranged on a marine riser (1), the manipulator (4) being fixed to an undercarriage (3) which is movable relative to a working well (21).