Offshore Tension Anode System Segmented Gravity Foundation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and high connection and cooperation requirements of existing impressed current cathodic protection systems for underwater structures make the installation of tension anodes difficult, leading to potential control and installation failures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified offshore tension anode system with a separable gravity type foundation base and a tension device, featuring a modular assembly design and real-time monitoring by a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), allowing for easier lifting, assembly, and precise positioning of the composite cable and foundation base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional integrated tension anode system is used, then the cathodic protection function is provided, but the installation process becomes extremely complicated with high connection and cooperation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity type foundation base is divided into two separate blocks: an upper block and a lower block. The lower block is sunk to the seabed first, then the upper block is assembled on top. This segmentation simplifies the installation process by reducing the complexity of lifting and positioning a single large integrated structure, while maintaining the reliability of the cathodic protection system through proper integration of the tension anode components.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional tension anode system with integrated components is used, then the auxiliary anodes and reference electrodes are positioned close to the protected structure, but the lifting and assembly operations become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the foundation base into upper and lower blocks, the system becomes easier to lift and assemble. Each block can be handled separately with standard lifting equipment, reducing costs and operational difficulty. The segmentation allows for precise positioning of the auxiliary anodes and reference electrodes on each block before final assembly, ensuring they are correctly positioned close to the protected underwater structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary anodes and reference electrodes are pre-integrated onto the composite cables and positioned on the upper and lower blocks before the final assembly operation. This preliminary action ensures correct positioning is achieved during manufacturing rather than during complex field installation, making the lifting and assembly operations simpler and more cost-effective while maintaining precise anode placement.
3Ease of operation
If a separable gravity type foundation base is used, then the lifting and assembly operations are simplified, but additional lifting lugs and block separation features are required
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation base is segmented into upper and lower blocks with a main lifting lug on the lower block and auxiliary lifting lugs on the upper block. This segmentation enables simplified lifting operations where each block can be handled independently. The additional structural features (lifting lugs and separation interface) are minimal additions that provide significant operational benefits by allowing staged installation: first sinking the lower block, then assembling the upper block on top, rather than lifting and positioning a single large integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an offshore Tension Anode system and an installation method thereof. The system comprises a tension platform, a tension device, a composite cable integrated with auxiliary anodes and reference electrodes, and a gravity type foundation base, wherein the tension device is installed on the tension platform; the upper end of the composite cable is tensioned by the tension device, and the lower end of the composite cable sinks to a seabed along with the gravity type foundation base and is anchored by the gravity type foundation base; and the composite cable integrated with the auxiliary anodes and the reference electrodes is a main part of the system. The system is simple in structure and convenient to install and transport. The invention further discloses the installation method of the system, which can safely and reliably install the offshore tension anode system on an offshore platform. The installation method mainly comprises: (1) lifting the composite cable and the gravity type foundation base to an offshore platform; (2) installing the gravity type foundation base on a seabed; (3) installing the composite cable; (4) tension adjustment and lock fixation of composite cable.