Elongated Member Pulling Assembly for Offshore Hose Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mooring systems for offshore oil and gas production require time-consuming and dangerous manual alignment and connection of elongated members like hoses between floating vessels and tower structures, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An elongated member handling system featuring a pulling assembly with a primary pulling anchor and jumper winches that mechanically link to the anchor, allowing for efficient alignment and connection of elongated members between structures, facilitated by guide rails and support surfaces for precise alignment and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and connection of elongated members is used, then personnel can directly connect hoses between structures, but the process becomes time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
A pulling assembly with support skid acts as an intermediary device between the elongated member and the winch system. The support skid contacts the elongated member and provides a mechanical interface for the pulling assembly to engage, enabling controlled movement and alignment without direct manual handling of the hoses themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated winch-based pulling system. The jumper winch mechanically pulls the pulling assembly along the guide rail, substituting human-operated alignment with an automated mechanical system that reduces both time and safety risks.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment and connection of elongated members is used, then personnel can directly connect hoses between structures, but the operation becomes dangerous for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling assembly serves as a safety intermediary by taking over the dangerous task of positioning and aligning elongated members. Personnel work from safe positions controlling the winch system rather than physically handling the hoses in hazardous environments, thereby improving reliability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service alignment where the pulling assembly and winch system automatically perform the alignment and positioning functions without requiring personnel to manually maneuver the elongated members in dangerous conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotating systems with turntables are used, then vessels can weathervane about mooring points, but the alignment and connection of hoses becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into distinct functional components: guide rails mounted on the turntable structure, pulling assemblies attached to elongated members, and jumper winches for actuation. This segmentation allows the weathervaning function to operate independently while the pulling system provides separate, simplified alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail acts as an intermediary element that decouples the weathervaning rotation from the alignment function. The guide rail provides a defined path for the pulling assembly to follow, enabling linear alignment motion independent of the rotational movement of the turntable, thereby reducing system complexity.
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
The system significantly reduces the time and risk associated with connecting and disconnecting elongated members by enabling automated or assisted alignment and tensioning, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in harsh marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
The jumper winch can be configured to pull the pulling assembly from a first structure to a second structure
Implementation Method 2
The support skid can be configured to contact a surface upon which the pulling assembly is moved
Implementation Method 3
The connection link can have a first end coupled to the second structure. The connection link anchor can be configured to engage with and mechanically link to a second end of the connection link
Data Source
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AI summary
Elongated member handling systems and methods for using same. The system can include one or more elongated members. A connector can be formed on or mechanically linked to a first end of each of the one or more elongated members. An optional cover can be coupled to the connector. The system can also include a pulling assembly at least partially disposed about the one or more elongated members and adjacent the first end of each of the one or more elongated members. The pulling assembly can include a support skid. The pulling assembly or, if present, the optional cover can include a primary pulling anchor. The system can also include a jumper winch configured to be mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor. The jumper winch, when mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor, can be configured to pull the pulling assembly from a first structure to a second structure.