Submergible Load Support Pendulum System for Offshore Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for submerging large and heavy loads to the seabed are either expensive, vulnerable to environmental forces, or require modifications to existing vessels, and often cannot handle loads through the work well due to size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A load handling system utilizing a submergible load support with a controllable pendulum system and ballast system, allowing for stable submergence even in harsh conditions, which includes a first and second rigid pendulum device connected to the installation vessel, enabling movement between the water surface and a position below the vessel while maintaining stability and minimizing vessel modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the load is submerged through the center well of the vessel, then the lifting equipment can handle the load, but the cross-section of the center well must be larger than the cross-section of the construction, requiring larger vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the load support function from the vessel structure by using an independent submergible load support that can be positioned below the vessel. This allows the load to be handled without requiring the center well to accommodate the full cross-section of large constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from vertical center well passage to horizontal positioning below the vessel. The load support is positioned in the horizontal plane below the vessel using a tender vessel, eliminating the need for vertical passage through the center well.
2Ease of operation
If a barge is used to transport the load to the installation area, then the load can be positioned below the vessel, but the solution requires expensive modifications including large side columns and a tender vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The submergible load support serves multiple functions: it transports the load from the water surface to the position below the vessel, provides stable support during submergence, and can be used with existing commercial vessels without requiring specialized barges or tender vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The load support is designed to be self-submerging using a ballast system, eliminating the need for external tender vessels to position and lower the load. The system performs its own positioning and submergence operations.
3Productivity
If traditional submerging methods are used, then the load can be submerged, but the positioning is vulnerable to environmental forces such as currents and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system provides counterbalancing force to environmental forces acting on the load support. By controlling the ballast water intake and discharge, the system maintains stable positioning below the vessel despite currents and waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The load support system is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the ballast system, allowing real-time compensation for environmental forces. The system can adapt its buoyancy and positioning to maintain stability during submergence operations.
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 high stability during submergence, reduces the need for large vessels, and allows for handling large loads through minimal work well openings, enhancing safety and operational simplicity by maintaining load stability and control.
Implementation Method 1
The submergible load support comprises a ballast system
Implementation Method 2
a controllable pendulum system comprising a first rigid pendulum device and a second rigid pendulum device
Implementation Method 3
The sizes and the connecting positions of the pendulum system allows a controllable pendulum movement of the load support
Data Source
AI summary
A load handling system for submerging of load from a water surface to a position situated under a connected installation vessel. The system includes a submergible load support, which includes a ballast system, and a controllable pendulum system including a first rigid pendulum device, which includes a first end pivotably connected to the support and a second end connectable to the vessel in a first pivot joint, and a second rigid pendulum device, oriented parallel to the first device, which includes a first end pivotably connected to the support; and a second end connectable to the vessel in a second pivot joint, the first ends of the first and second devices are situated symmetrically around a centered vertical plane through the support in a direction parallel to the devices and in that the sizes and connecting positions of the pendulum system allow for controllable pendulum movement of the support.