Subsea Foundation Capture Rod for Lateral Load Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea foundations struggle to provide adequate resistance to lateral loads, especially for suction piles, and complicate the installation process of connecting structures like pipelines and risers due to directional resistance and complex mechanical connectors.
Innovation Solution
A subsea foundation design featuring an upright pile with a support table and a capture rod inclined away from the central axis, allowing a connecting structure to be pivoted and slid into place, using a capture rod and stopper formations for secure anchoring, enabling quick and stable connection of pipelines and risers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If suction piles are used to resist upward withdrawal loads, then resistance to upward loads is improved, but resistance to lateral loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral resistance mechanism as an intermediary component that works in conjunction with the suction pile. This mechanism (such as a passive restraint or anchor system) provides the missing lateral resistance without compromising the suction pile's upward load capacity, effectively mediating between the two conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation system combines the suction pile (optimized for upward resistance) with additional lateral resistance elements (such as grout-embedded rocks or passive restraints), creating a composite anchoring system that delivers both upward and lateral resistance capabilities simultaneously.
2Strength
If conventional pile foundations are used to provide lateral resistance, then resistance to lateral loads is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral resistance mechanism is designed to be self-installing or self-configuring within the suction pile system. For example, passive restraints or grout-embedded rocks automatically position themselves to provide lateral resistance during the suction pile installation process, eliminating the need for separate complex installation operations.
3Force
If directional resistance is provided by drag anchors or chained connections, then resistance to in-service tension is improved, but resistance to transverse and upward movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system is designed with multi-functional capabilities where the same structural elements provide resistance to multiple types of loads (upward, lateral, and transverse) simultaneously. The suction pile with integrated lateral resistance mechanisms can handle various load directions without requiring separate specialized components for each load type.
4Strength
If mechanical connectors are used to connect pipelines to foundations, then connection strength is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system incorporates pre-configured connection elements and alignment features that are prepared during foundation installation. Pipeline connectors can be quickly attached to pre-positioned flanges or coupling mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex field assembly operations and reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea foundation comprises an upright pile, a support table on top of the pile, and a capture rod fixed to the pile and extending above a level of the support table. A lower end of the capture rod is fixed to a side wall of the pile, and the capture rod is inclined away from a central longitudinal axis of the pile in an upward direction. A line such as a pipeline or a mooring line is then connected to the subsea foundation by suspending a connecting structure from the line, capturing the connecting structure on the capture rod and pivoting the connecting structure about the capture rod before landing the connecting structure on the support table. The connecting structure can be pivoted about the capture rod around horizontal and/or vertical axes and can be slid down the capture rod before landing on the support table.