Offshore Bridge Walkway with Integrated Pipe Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore marine platforms face challenges in efficiently transferring fluids and personnel between platforms and attending work vessels, particularly in limited spaces, where existing bridge arrangements are often cumbersome and do not effectively manage fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
An elongated self-supporting frame with a centralized walkway and opposing pipe racks, featuring a fluid holding pan that extends underneath to collect and redirect fluids, allowing for unencumbered personnel transfer and fluid flow, with handrails and forklift sockets for easy lifting and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bridge arrangements are used for fluid and personnel transfer, then the structure can be established, but the space is cumbersome and fluid flow management is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a centralized walkway for personnel transfer, opposing pipe racks for fluid transfer, and a fluid holding pan for fluid management. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by placing pipe racks on opposing sides of the walkway and incorporating a fluid holding pan underneath. This three-dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization and allows unencumbered personnel transfer while effectively managing fluid flow, addressing the space efficiency issue.
2Productivity
If pipe racks are placed on opposing sides of the walkway, then fluid flow transfer is enabled, but fluid accumulation may occur underneath
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid holding pan serves as an intermediary element between the pipe racks and the ground. It collects fluids that fall from the pipe racks and walkway, preventing harmful accumulation, and provides a controlled path for fluid discharge. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction between enabling fluid transfer and preventing harmful fluid accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of fluid accumulation underneath the bridge is converted into a beneficial system by using the fluid holding pan to collect and channel fluids to designated discharge points. The previously problematic fluid accumulation zone is transformed into an effective fluid management system that protects the structure and environment.
3Ease of operation
If the bridge is designed for unencumbered walkway, then personnel transfer is improved, but structural support may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The walkway, pipe racks, and fluid holding pan are merged into a single integrated bridge structure. The walkway serves dual purposes: personnel transfer and structural support element. The pipe racks and fluid pan are incorporated into the overall framework, allowing the structure to maintain strength while providing unencumbered access for personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge employs composite construction with the walkway, pipe racks, and fluid holding pan forming an integrated composite structure. This multi-component composite design allows each element to contribute to both structural strength and functional requirements, resolving the contradiction between walkway accessibility and structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area.