Splittable Load Securing Device for Subsea Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling axial movement of subsea high voltage cables during offshore installation, particularly in deep and ultra-deep water, face challenges such as cable damage from high radial forces and cumbersome installation processes, which increase costs and risk due to the inability of current devices to handle the weight and complexity of these cables.
Innovation Solution
A temporary load securing device comprising a ring flange, tapering reinforcement members, and a casing, all of which are splittable lengthwise for easy mounting and assembly around the cable, allowing for axial and radial control through engagement with a crane, and incorporating a thermal protection system to prevent heat damage during welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If tensioners applying radial pressure are used to fixate the subsea power cable, then axial movement is controlled, but the cable may become damaged due to high radial forces in deep-water and ultra deep-water installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the load securing device with ring flange and tapering reinforcement members) that mediates between the tensioner and the cable. This intermediary distributes the radial force over a larger surface area and provides a more gradual transition, preventing concentrated stress points that could damage the cable while still achieving the necessary axial movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the force application by using tapering reinforcement members with gradually varying cross-sectional areas. This creates a gradual transition in stiffness and force distribution along the cable, reducing sudden stress spikes and preventing damage while maintaining effective tension control.
2Ease of operation
If a Chinese finger is used to pull the subsea power cable onto the vessel or offshore platform, then axial movement is enabled, but the device cannot hold the weight of cables in deep-water and ultra deep-water, and installation is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load securing device into modular components (ring flange, tapering reinforcement members, casing) that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and adjusted. This segmentation allows the device to be customized for different cable weights and depths, significantly increasing its load holding capacity compared to the monolithic Chinese finger design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements including the ability to adjust the tapering reinforcement members and the interaction between the casing and reinforcement members that allows for controlled movement and positioning. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to varying cable weights and installation conditions, providing both ease of operation and reliable load holding.
3Ease of manufacture
If the temporary load securing device uses splittable components for mounting, then installation is facilitated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into segmented, splittable components that can be assembled around the cable in a controlled manner. While this increases the number of parts, each component is relatively simple in design, and the segmentation enables installation without requiring the device to be threaded over the cable from one end, significantly simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the tapering reinforcement members are positioned within the casing, and the ring flange serves as the outermost component. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage and transport while enabling systematic assembly and disassembly, reducing the practical complexity despite the multiple components.
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
The device effectively secures and manages the axial movement of high voltage cables during installation, reducing the risk of damage and operational complexity, enabling secure handling and installation in deep and ultra-deep water environments while minimizing heat exposure to the cable.
Implementation Method 1
a ring flange splittable lengthwise, which ring flange has a first armour attachment surface and a second armour attachment surface for welding armour wires of the armoured high voltage cable to the ring flange
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary load securing device for armoured high voltage cables includes a ring flange splittable lengthwise, with first and second armour attachment surfaces for welding armour wires to the ring flange, a first tapering reinforcement member splittable lengthwise, mountable around the cable and first armour attachment surface, and arranged to be attached to a first flange surface of the ring flange, thereby extending in a first axial direction away from the first flange surface, a second tapering reinforcement member splittable lengthwise, mountable around the cable and second armour attachment surface, and arranged to be attached to a second flange surface of the ring flange, opposite to the first flange surface, thereby extending in a second axial direction, opposite to the first direction, away from the second flange surface, and a casing splittable lengthwise, and mountable around the first and second tapering reinforcement members and having engagement means for lifting the temporary load securing device.