Offshore Installation Pallet With Pivotable Deck Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore pipeline laying systems are inefficient in handling and installing large, heavy accessories such as pipeline end terminations and inline manifolds, as they require complex and time-consuming welding or bolting processes, often in limited and crowded workspaces on pipelaying vessels.
Innovation Solution
A modular installation pallet system with pivotable deck sections and fixating devices that allows for standardized transport, handling, and mounting of accessories, enabling quick and efficient positioning adjacent to the firing line, and providing flexible workstations for various operations, including welding and equipment installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional welding or bolting processes are used to install accessories on pipelines, then the accessories can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the accessory installation process into separate functional modules: the accessory is mounted on a dedicated installation pallet with fixating devices, which can be independently handled and transported. This segmentation allows the accessory to be pre-prepared and staged separately from the pipeline, enabling parallel operations and reducing overall installation time while maintaining secure mounting through dedicated fixating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation pallet acts as an intermediary device between the accessory and the pipeline. Instead of directly welding or bolting the accessory to the pipeline, the pallet serves as a temporary mounting platform that facilitates precise positioning and alignment. The pallet includes coupling devices that interface with handling equipment, enabling controlled movement and positioning of the accessory relative to the pipeline before final attachment.
2Ease of operation
If complex handling systems are used to position accessories on pipelaying vessels, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation pallet is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple functions: it serves as a mounting base for accessories, a transport carrier on the vessel deck, a positioning aid during installation, and a support structure during welding operations. The standardized pallet design with universal coupling devices and fixating mechanisms can accommodate different accessory types, reducing the need for specialized handling equipment for each accessory and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet incorporates pivotable deck sections that can dynamically adjust their configuration. These deck sections can pivot between different positions to accommodate various accessory sizes and shapes, and can be adjusted during the installation process to optimize positioning. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for multiple fixed-position handling structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If permanent workstations are built on pipelaying vessels for accessory installation, then stable working conditions are provided, but the vessel requires extensive modifications and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed two-dimensional workstation layout to a three-dimensional mobile platform. The installation pallet can be positioned at different locations on the vessel deck and adjusted in orientation, providing stable working conditions wherever needed. This spatial flexibility allows the same pallet to serve multiple installation locations without requiring permanent modifications to the vessel structure, thereby maintaining vessel configuration flexibility while providing stable working conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation pallet is designed to be self-contained with integrated fixating devices, coupling mechanisms, and support structures. It can be independently handled by standard vessel equipment and positioned without requiring dedicated permanent infrastructure. The pallet provides its own stable working platform with surfaces for tool placement and accessory support, eliminating the need for vessel modifications while maintaining operational stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an accessory installation pallet for handling accessory on an offshore vessel. According to the invention, the installation pallet comprises a pallet frame (8) and multiple pivotable deck sections (13). The pallet frame (8) provides the pallet with structural rigidity and is provided with fixating devices (9) for securing an accessory (3), e.g. a PLET, to the pallet. The pallet frame (8) is furthermore provided with one or more coupling devices (10) adapted to couple the pallet with a PLET handler (2), to allow the PLET handler (2) to pivot the pallet from a horizontal transport position into an upright support position. The pivotable deck sections (13) are pivotable mounted in the pallet frame, such that each deck sections can pivot between a folded position, in which the deck section is located adjacent the pallet frame, and an extended position, in which the deck section extends in a direction away from the pallet frame.