Submerged Floating Pod Evacuation via Escape Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore facility evacuation systems, such as lifeboats and escape capsules, face challenges including slow loading processes, fixed capacities, and complex and potentially dangerous launching operations, which can delay evacuation during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A submerged-floating pod (SFP) evacuation system that includes a SFP unit with an escape line, an inflatable landing base, a positioning system using GPS and thrusters, and a communication system, allowing personnel to descend from the platform to a floating landing area via a zip-line, facilitating faster and safer evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lifeboat/capsule type evacuation systems are used, then personnel can be evacuated from the facility, but the loading process is slow and delays evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lifeboat launching system with a personal evacuation system that uses a controlled descent mechanism. Personnel descend individually along a guided path using a personal evacuation device that controls descent speed and direction, eliminating the slow loading process of lifeboats while maintaining safe evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The evacuation system is segmented into individual personal evacuation devices rather than grouping personnel in large lifeboats. Each person has their own evacuation device that can operate independently, allowing parallel evacuation of multiple personnel simultaneously, thus increasing overall evacuation productivity.
2Reliability
If lifeboat/capsule type evacuation systems are used, then personnel can be evacuated from the facility, but the lowering/launching operation is complex and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical launching operation of lifeboats is replaced with a simplified personal descent system. Each evacuee uses an individual device that controls descent along a pre-positioned line, eliminating the need for complex cranes, pulleys, and coordination required for lifeboat launching, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The personal evacuation device enables evacuees to perform their own evacuation without requiring complex operational procedures by others. The device automatically controls descent speed and positioning, making the evacuation process simpler and safer by reducing human error in complex manual operations.
3Productivity
If lifeboat/capsule type evacuation systems are used, then personnel can be evacuated from the facility, but each lifeboat/capsule may have to wait until it is relatively full before being dispatched
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation system divides the group into individual units that can evacuate simultaneously rather than waiting for lifeboats to fill up. Each personal evacuation device operates independently and can be deployed at different times, eliminating the waiting period while maintaining high evacuation throughput through parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple personal evacuation devices are pre-positioned and ready for immediate use. When evacuation is needed, personnel can begin descending immediately without waiting for grouping, as each device is independently prepared and can be activated separately, thus eliminating waiting time while maintaining efficient evacuation flow.
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 SFP evacuation system enables rapid and controlled evacuation of personnel by maintaining tension on the escape line, providing a safe landing area, and improving communication during emergencies, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of offshore facility evacuations.
Implementation Method 1
a SFP positioning system (e.g., a position control system including a global positioning system (GPS), thrusters, pumps, and tanks configured to regulate the location and depth of the SFP unit in the water)
Implementation Method 2
a SFP depth control system (e.g., a position control system including a global positioning system (GPS), thrusters, pumps, and tanks configured to regulate the location and depth of the SFP unit in the water)
Implementation Method 3
the positioning of the SFP may be controlled to maintain tension of the escape line such that persons can descend (or 'slide') down the line, from a platform of the offshore facility, to a floating platform of the SFP
Data Source
AI summary
An offshore facility evacuation system that includes a submerged-floating pod (SFP) unit adapted to be positioned in a body of water adjacent an offshore facility, and a SFP station of the offshore facility adapted to launch the SFP unit from the facility. The SFP unit including a SFP controller, an SFP escape line to extend between the SFP station and the SFP unit to provide a path for moving persons from the SFP station to the SFP unit while the SFP unit is floating in the body of water, a SFP landing base including an inflatable platform to provide a landing area for persons, a SFP depth control system to regulate submergence of the SFP unit, a SFP location control system to control a location of the SFP unit, and a SFP communication system to provide communication with the SFP unit, and personal evacuation devices (PEDs).