Movable Sheave Assembly for Pipeline Laying Vessel A&R

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laying vessels face challenges in rapidly switching from pipeline laying to abandon and recover modes without obstructing laying work, particularly due to the difficulty in maneuvering large and heavy haul lines, which often impede access to the laying tower.

Innovation Solution

The laying vessel is equipped with a sheave assembly that can be moved between a work position at the laying tower and a rest position away from it, allowing for easier operation and positioning of the haul line, and an auxiliary tool that assists in the abandon and recover process without interfering with laying operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the A&R system is fitted directly to the laying tower, then the pipeline abandon and recover operations can be performed, but the laying tower access is impeded and the workspace is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline abandon and recover capabilityVSAvoidlaying tower access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The A&R system is segmented from the laying tower and mounted on the floating structure instead. The sheave assembly becomes a movable component that can be positioned independently, allowing the A&R functionality to be separated from the laying tower structure, thus resolving the space obstruction issue while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sheave assembly is made movable between a rest position away from the laying tower and a work position where it can perform A&R operations. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt its location based on operational needs, eliminating permanent obstruction of the laying tower while ensuring rapid response capability when A&R operations are required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the sheave assembly is positioned at the laying tower, then the haul line can be guided effectively, but the workspace layout becomes constrained and crane operations become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaul line positioningVSAvoidworkspace layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheave assembly is designed to move between a rest position and a work position. In the rest position, it is located away from the laying tower, providing clear workspace for crane operations and crew activities. When A&R operations are needed, it moves to the work position where it can effectively guide the haul line. This dynamic repositioning resolves the conflict between haul line guidance effectiveness and workspace accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If the haul line is maneuvered using special cranes, then the heavy rope can be handled, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaul line weightVSAvoidswitching speed from laying to abandon mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheave assembly is pre-positioned on the floating structure and ready to move to the work position when needed. The haul line is pre-routed through the sheave assembly, which is already in place on the floating structure. This preliminary preparation allows rapid switching to A&R mode without requiring time-consuming repositioning or reconfiguration, thereby maintaining productivity while handling the heavy haul line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration enables rapid conversion between laying and abandon modes without obstructing the laying process, improving the vessel's operational efficiency and workspace layout by allowing the sheave assembly to be positioned away from the laying tower, thus facilitating smoother crane and crew operations.

Implementation Method 1

a sheave assembly configured to guide the haul line, and which is fitted to the floating structure to move between a work position at the laying tower, and a rest position away from the laying tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion:

Implementation Method 2

a laying tower hinged to the floating structure about a first axis of rotation and configured to assemble and lay a pipeline on the bed of the body of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinging motion: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9482367B2Laying vessel for laying pipelines on the bed of a body of water, and laying vessel operating method

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 SAIPEM SPA

AI summary

A laying vessel configured to lay pipelines on the bed of a body of water has a floating structure; a laying tower hinged to the floating structure and configured to assemble and lay a pipeline on the bed of the body of water; and an A&R system configured to abandon and recover the pipeline; and wherein the A&R system has a haul line; and a sheave assembly configured to guide the haul line, and which is fitted to the floating structure to move between a work position at the laying tower, and a position away from the laying tower.