Pin Pile Installation Using Reusable Clump Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of pin piles in the seabed is currently costly and inefficient, as it requires the same significant capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) as larger pile anchors, despite pin piles being smaller in size.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pin pile apparatus with a clump weight that self-penetrates the seabed based on its weight and momentum, allowing for easy installation without the need for suction apparatus or hammers, where the clump weight is lowered, disconnected, and reused for subsequent pin piles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If large installation apparatus (hammers, suction devices, drills) are used to install pin piles, then the pin piles can be installed into the seabed, but the CAPEX and OPEX become significant and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The installation system is segmented into two independent components: a reusable clump weight and a disposable pin pile. The clump weight serves as the installation apparatus and can be recovered and reused for multiple pin piles, while each pin pile is a separate, simple component that is installed and left in the seabed. This segmentation eliminates the need for expensive, complex installation machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin pile installation process is made self-service through the self-penetration mechanism. The clump weight, when lowered, uses its own weight and the momentum of descent to drive the pin pile into the seabed without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems. The system serves itself by converting gravitational potential energy directly into installation work.
2Productivity
If traditional installation methods (hammers, suction, drills) are used, then pin piles can be installed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient for multiple pin piles
Solution Approach 1:
The clump weight enables continuous installation of multiple pin piles without interruption. After driving one pin pile, the clump weight is simply disconnected (e.g., by diver or ROV operation on a release mechanism) and lowered again for the next pin pile. This eliminates the need to reposition heavy machinery between installations, maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The clump weight is recovered after each installation cycle and reused for the next pin pile, while the pin piles themselves are discarded into the seabed. This recovering and reusing of the installation apparatus (clump weight) dramatically increases productivity compared to traditional methods where the entire installation system would need to be repositioned for each pile.
3Ease of operation
If pin piles are installed using large installation apparatus, then installation is possible, but the method is complex and requires significant operational expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The complex installation apparatus (hammers, suction devices, drills) is extracted and removed from the system. Instead, a simple clump weight is used as the installation mechanism. The complexity is taken out and replaced with a basic gravitational force application, dramatically simplifying the operation while maintaining installation capability.
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
This method enables quick and cost-effective installation of multiple pin piles, reducing CAPEX and OPEX by eliminating the need for large installation apparatus, and allows for precise placement of pipelines and umbilicals, enhancing stability and route control on the seabed.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the first pin pile to self-penetrate the seabed based on the self-weight of the pin pile apparatus and the momentum from step (a)
Implementation Method 2
allowing the first pin pile to self-penetrate the seabed based on the self-weight of the pin pile apparatus and the momentum from step (a)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing pin piles into a seabed A method of installing a plurality of pin piles into a seabed comprising at least the steps of: (a) lowering a pin pile apparatus comprising a first pin pile and an attached clump weight towards the seabed; (b) allowing the first pin pile to self-penetrate the seabed based on self-weight of the pin pile apparatus and the momentum from step (a) until the clump weight reaches the sea bed; (c) disconnecting the clump weight from the first pin pile; and (d) recovering the clump weight for use with a second pin pile and repeating steps (a)-(c). In this way, the pin piles are easily installed from their descent to the seabed with the clump weight, which can then be removed and applied to the next pin pile in an easy and repeatable operation without requiring a suction apparatus or hammer or drill.