Offshore Platform Boarding Apparatus with Movable Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boarding methods for offshore platforms are inefficient and prone to damage due to collisions between operation and maintenance vessels and the platform, especially in adverse marine conditions.
Innovation Solution
A boarding apparatus comprising a lifting apparatus and a track structure connected to the offshore platform, allowing for non-contact boarding by moving the lifting apparatus along the track structure with the moored sea transporting apparatus, and using a ride-on assembly to lift objects between the track structure and the sea transporting apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation and maintenance vessel abuts against the offshore platform to board workers, then the boarding can be performed, but the vessel may collide with the platform due to inertia, causing damage to both the platform and the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transferring bridge as an intermediary structure between the vessel and the platform. The bridge includes a movable platform that can be positioned at different heights and locations, allowing workers to transfer from the vessel to the platform without direct contact between the vessel and platform structures. This intermediary structure eliminates the collision problem while maintaining boarding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transferring bridge is divided into multiple segments including a first platform on the vessel side, a second platform on the platform side, and connecting structures. This segmentation allows the bridge to be independently controlled and positioned, enabling precise alignment with both the vessel and platform while avoiding direct contact between the vessel and platform hulls.
2Productivity
If the operation and maintenance vessel approaches the platform for boarding, then workers can board the platform, but in big wind and wave conditions the vessel cannot be stably berthed, resulting in low boarding efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The transferring bridge incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with movable platforms that can adjust their positions in real-time. The first platform can move along the vessel and the second platform can be positioned at different locations on the platform structure. This dynamic adaptability allows the bridge to maintain stable connection even when the vessel is experiencing wave motion, significantly improving boarding efficiency in adverse sea conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can change operational parameters such as the height and position of the platforms, the angle of connecting structures, and the positioning of transfer points. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the bridge can adapt to varying sea conditions and vessel movements, ensuring stable boarding operations regardless of wind and wave conditions.
3Reliability
If the operation and maintenance vessel waits for appropriate wind and wave environment to berth stably, then the vessel can be stably berthed for boarding, but the boarding efficiency is reduced due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The transferring bridge can be pre-positioned and prepared before the vessel actually needs to board. The platforms and connecting structures can be set up in advance, allowing the boarding operation to commence immediately when the vessel arrives, even in adverse sea conditions. This eliminates the need to wait for calm weather, significantly reducing waiting time while maintaining safety through the stable bridge structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a boarding apparatus for an offshore platform, including a lifting apparatus and a track structure; the track structure is connected to a platform main body of the offshore platform and extends beyond the platform main body; the lifting apparatus is connected to the track structure, and the lifting apparatus is at least movable along the track structure with a moored sea transporting apparatus; the lifting apparatus includes a ride-on assembly for lifting transportation of a ride-on object between the track structure and the sea transporting apparatus. This thus overcomes the impossibility of boarding caused by marine environmental factors and improves boarding efficiency, and avoids damage caused by the collision between the sea transporting apparatus and the offshore platform when the sea transporting apparatus is berthed at the platform.