Submerged Deck Vessel for Offshore Equipment Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-submersible vessels for offshore operations are costly, have long implementation times, and are not suitable for hostile seas due to stability and safety concerns, with equipment and lifting devices being subjected to dynamic forces in the splash zone during deployment and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A mono-hull, column-stabilized, ship-shaped semi-submersible vessel with a continuous pontoon forming a lower deck, allowing submergence to avoid splash zone forces, and an optional temporary port for safe crew and material transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing semi-submersible vessels are used for offshore operations, then equipment deployment and retrieval can be performed, but the equipment and lifting devices are subjected to dynamic forces in the splash zone
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel transitions from a surface-level operation to a submerged operation by lowering the deck below the water surface. This dimensional change in operational depth removes the equipment and lifting devices from the splash zone, eliminating exposure to wave-induced dynamic forces while maintaining deployment and retrieval functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The submerged deck acts as an intermediary platform between the water surface and the seabed. By performing equipment deployment and retrieval at this intermediate submerged level rather than at the surface, the system avoids direct exposure to harmful wave forces while still enabling the required offshore operations
2Reliability
If traditional offshore vessels are designed with proper safety considerations for hostile weather, then stability and safety are improved, but project implementation time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is designed with a submerged deck that serves multiple functions: it provides a stable platform for equipment deployment and retrieval in hostile seas, and simultaneously enables the vessel to operate as a normal sailing vessel in non-submerged conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized vessels for different sea conditions, reducing overall project time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel employs a dynamic design where the deck can be submerged or raised based on operational requirements and sea conditions. This dynamic capability allows the same vessel to adapt to both hostile and calm sea environments, providing stability when needed while maintaining sailing versatility, thereby avoiding the need for multiple specialized vessels
3Reliability
If large cranes and lifting gears are deployed to ensure safety in hostile seas, then operational safety is improved, but costs and operational inconveniences increase
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the operational platform to a submerged depth below the water surface, the system eliminates the need for large cranes and complex lifting gears that would be required to operate safely at the surface in hostile seas. The submerged location naturally protects against wave forces, simplifying the lifting system requirements
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 vessel provides cost-effective, stable, and reliable operations in hostile seas, reducing dynamic forces on equipment and lifting devices, enabling efficient deployment and retrieval without splash zone exposure and accommodating various offshore applications.
Implementation Method 1
a hull/pontoon at the base of said vessel which is similar to that of a ship hull and is submersible
Data Source
AI summary
A mono hull vessel for retrieving and deploying equipments in offshore region comprising a deck box with an upper deck (2) at its top said upper deck having a lifting and lowering device (3,3′), a hull/pontoon (1) at the base of said vessel, the vessel is characterized in that said hull/pontoon (1) is connected to the deck box by a plurality of columns (4) and said hull/pontoon (1) is made in one piece and is continuous to form the platform for a lower deck (5), the upper and lower deck being configured to allow lifting and lowering of equipment therefrom and thereon respectively.