S-Lay Stinger With Movable Supports For Oversized Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing S-lay pipelaying vessels face challenges in efficiently laying pipelines with substantial accessories due to stinger design limitations, which restrict the passage of oversized accessories and result in inadequate launching methods, leading to increased pipeline stresses and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel with a stinger featuring movable pipeline support assemblies and an accessory support frame, allowing for adjustable positions to accommodate oversized accessories, and a tiltable stinger for optimized pipeline alignment and weight management during launching, along with a detachable stinger mounting unit and resilient suspension system for enhanced operational flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a common stinger design is used, then the structure is simple and robust, but it restricts the passage of oversized accessories and causes excessive pipeline stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate accessories of various sizesVSAvoidstinger structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stinger is divided into multiple articulated sections that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the stinger to flex and accommodate oversized accessories while maintaining structural integrity. The pipeline support assemblies are also segmented and can be independently positioned along the stinger length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stinger incorporates movable pipeline support assemblies that can be positioned at different locations along the stinger length, and articulated sections that can pivot to adjust the stinger's configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the same stinger to handle both standard pipelines and oversized accessories effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the stinger is made more robust to handle heavy pipeline weights, then pipeline support is improved, but the passage of oversized accessories becomes even more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestinger load-bearing capacityVSAvoidability to allow accessory passage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stinger's configuration parameters (such as section angles and support assembly positions) can be changed to optimize for either load-bearing or accessory passage. The articulated sections can be adjusted to create more clearance for oversized accessories while maintaining sufficient structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional launching methods are used with accessories, then cranes and repositioning are required, but this increases operational time and pipeline stress exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipelaying operation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for accessory fitting and pipeline repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stinger's movable support assemblies automatically adjust to support the pipeline at optimal positions during the launching operation, eliminating the need for external cranes and repositioning operations. The system serves itself by providing continuous, adaptive support throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support assemblies enable continuous pipeline support during the entire launching process, from vessel to seabed, without interruption for repositioning or accessory fitting. This continuous support maintains pipeline tension within acceptable limits throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If movable pipeline support assemblies are added to accommodate accessories, then accessory passage is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support both pipeline and accessoryVSAvoidnumber of movable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable pipeline support assemblies serve multiple functions: they support the pipeline during normal laying operations, provide clearance for oversized accessories to pass, and can be repositioned to support the pipeline after accessory installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipeline support assemblies are integrated directly into the articulated stinger structure, combining the support function with the existing flexible framework. This integration avoids adding separate complex support mechanisms and leverages the stinger's inherent adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10267435B2Offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 ITREC BV

AI summary

An offshore S-lay pipelaying vessel for laying a pipeline on the seabed, the vessel includes a hull and an elongated stinger having a hull end and a free end, the stinger being adapted to support the pipeline to be laid from the vessel. The stinger includes a stinger frame, possibly composed of one or more rigid stinger frame sections, possibly articulated sections. And, distributed over the length of the stinger, multiple pipeline support assemblies are mounted to the stinger frame that provide support for the pipeline.