Offshore Platform Shear and Sleeve Connector System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The un-securing and re-use of already installed offshore platforms are difficult, time-consuming, and financially infeasible due to the need for extensive efforts by trained divers or underwater robots to sever piles anchored deep into the ocean floor, followed by the challenging removal of remaining pile portions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a shear assembly and sleeve assembly system that allows for securement and un-securement via connector portions, enabling easier detachment and reattachment of offshore platforms by transitioning between secured and un-secured positions, facilitating simpler and less costly un-securing and re-use operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent securing methods (grout filling or swaging) are used to secure piles to sleeves, then the securing strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of un-securing and re-use deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is divided into modular components: a pile with connector portion, a sleeve with corresponding connector portion, and optional locking members. These segmented components can be assembled to create a secure connection that can later be disassembled for un-securing operations, resolving the contradiction between strong permanent securing and ease of re-use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portions are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking members can be engaged to provide strong securing force when needed, and disengaged to enable easy un-securing, making the system adaptable to different operational phases.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional permanent securing methods are used, then the platform stability is improved, but the time and cost for un-securing operations increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portions are pre-designed with matching geometries and engagement features that enable rapid connection during initial securing. The locking members are pre-positioned to engage automatically or with minimal intervention, reducing the time required for both securing and un-securing operations while maintaining platform stability during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive underwater cutting operations are performed to sever piles, then the platform can be removed from the ocean floor, but the platform damage and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portions are designed to be extractable from the sleeves without damaging the main platform structure. The locking members can be removed and the connector portions pulled out cleanly, eliminating the need for extensive underwater cutting operations and reducing both platform damage and operational complexity.
4Reliability
If grout filling or swaging is used to permanently secure piles, then the securing reliability is improved, but the ease of repair and re-use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The locking members can be engaged to provide reliable securing force during operation, and disengaged to enable easy repair and re-use operations, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for securing an offshore platform to a bottom of a body of water comprising a shear assembly and a sleeve assembly. The shear assembly is operable to secure to the offshore platform at a first end and having a first connector portion at a second end. The sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve body forming an interior opening, the interior opening operable to receive at least a pile. The sleeve assembly further comprises a second connector portion secured to the sleeve body, the second connector portion securable to and un-securable from the first connector portion of the shear assembly.