Pipelay Vessel Stinger Handling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stinger handling systems for pipelay vessels are not well integrated into the vessel structure and lack efficient mechanisms for transmitting both tensile and compressive loads, limiting their flexibility and space optimization, especially when heavy lifting cranes are required.
Innovation Solution
A stinger handling system with a crane having a base supported on the vessel's side, featuring a link that transmits both tensile and compressive loads, and a jack structure within the crane base that can extend and retract to raise and lower the stinger, allowing for minimal footprint and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a cable-supported gantry construction is used to support the stinger, then the weight of the stinger and pipe can be supported, but compressive loads and uplift on the stinger or pipe cannot be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic jack structure is positioned within the crane base to push the link and thereby push the stinger into position. The hydraulic system enables the transmission of both tensile and compressive forces, resolving the limitation of cable-only tensile support while maintaining the gantry's weight support capability
2Force
If a heavy lifting crane is installed at the stem of the vessel to perform heavy lift operations, then heavy lifting capability is achieved, but the crane cannot be located within the same space as a gantry for supporting the stinger
Solution Approach 1:
The stinger handling system is nested within the crane base structure. The link extends through the hollow interior of the crane base, and the hydraulic jack is positioned inside the base, allowing the stinger support function to be integrated into the existing crane footprint without requiring additional deck space
3Area of stationary object
If the jack structure is located within the hollow interior of the crane base, then the footprint outside the crane base is minimized, but access for repair and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The crane base is designed with segmentation features including removable panels or hatches that provide access to the hollow interior where the jack structure is located. This allows maintenance personnel to access the hydraulic components for repair and operation while maintaining the compact integrated design during normal operation
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 system provides protection and accessibility for components, facilitates repair, and optimizes space around the crane base for other operations, enabling efficient stinger deployment and removal while supporting heavy lifting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a jack structure, located within the hollow interior of the crane base and mounted to extend and retract the link from within the crane base to raise and lower the stinger
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipelay vessel (1) has a crane (6) having a base (8) with a hollow interior (22) and a stinger handling system (10) for handling a stinger (2) extending from the side of the vessel. The stinger handling system (10) has a link (12) extending out through an opening from the hollow interior towards the side of the vessel for connection to the stinger (2). The link (12) is arranged to transmit both tensile and compressive loading. A jack structure (24), located within the hollow interior (22) of the crane base is mounted to extend and retract the link (12) from within the crane base to raise and lower the stinger (2). A universal coupling may be provided for self aligning the link (12) to the stinger (2) in the horizontal plane.