Subsea Grout Supply Assembly for Anchorage Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional anchoring and mooring systems for offshore applications are costly, require large support vessels, and have significant environmental impacts due to the need for large anchors, extensive dredging, and limited availability of support equipment.
Innovation Solution
A subsea anchorage installation system that includes a subsea grout supply assembly with a variable volume grout storage chamber, paddle for mixing, and subsea grout pump, which allows for the mixing and pumping of grout directly on the seafloor, reducing the need for surface-based support and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional large anchors and moorings are used, then the anchoring strength and stability are sufficient, but the cost and size of the system become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grout mixing and pumping functions from the surface support vessel and relocates them to a subsea grout supply assembly that operates directly at the anchoring location on the seafloor. This separation allows the anchor itself to be smaller while the support infrastructure is distributed, eliminating the need for large surface vessels and reducing overall system size and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea grout supply assembly is equipped with its own grout storage chamber, mixing paddle, and pump, enabling it to independently mix and pump grout without requiring surface-based support equipment. This self-sufficient subsea operation eliminates the need for large surface support vessels and reduces system complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional anchoring systems are used, then the ballast and lateral stability are adequate, but the support equipment requirements increase project costs
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea grout supply assembly performs all grout mixing and pumping operations autonomously at the seafloor, eliminating the need for surface support vessels and associated equipment. This self-service capability reduces device complexity and project costs while maintaining reliable anchoring through proper grout installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the grout storage chamber, mixing paddle, and pump into a single integrated subsea grout supply assembly that operates independently on the seafloor. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate surface-based support systems and reduces overall equipment complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional anchoring systems are installed, then the anchoring function is achieved, but environmental hazards from dredging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grout mixing and pumping operations from surface vessels and relocates them to a subsea assembly that operates directly at the anchoring location. This eliminates the need for extensive dredging and reduces environmental hazards while maintaining installation feasibility through localized subsea operations.
4Strength
If micropiles with surface-based grout mixing are used, then the foundational support is adequate, but the support vessel requirements increase costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grout mixing and pumping functions from the surface support vessel and relocates them to a subsea grout supply assembly that operates independently on the seafloor. This separation allows micropile installation to proceed without large surface vessels, reducing costs while maintaining adequate foundational support through proper grout installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea grout supply assembly independently mixes and pumps grout for micropile installation without requiring surface-based support vessels. This self-service capability reduces the weight and cost of stationary support objects while ensuring adequate foundational support through reliable grout delivery.
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
This system reduces costs and environmental impact by eliminating the need for large surface-based support vessels and equipment, allows for more efficient and self-sufficient subsea operations, and supports deeper water installations with reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The variable volume grout storage chamber may also be configured to expand from a collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 2
The paddle may be configured to mix the dry grout and water received through the water injection port into a grout mixture
Implementation Method 3
The subsea grout pump may be configured to pump the grout mixture out of the variable volume grout storage chamber into the anchoring element at the seafloor
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects include devices, systems, and methods for securing an anchoring element to a seafloor. The methods may use a subsea anchorage installation system that may include a subsea grout supply assembly. The subsea grout supply assembly may include a variable volume grout storage chamber, a paddle, and a subsea grout pump. The variable volume grout storage chamber may be configured to transport dry grout to a seafloor. The variable volume grout storage chamber may include a water injection port configured to receive water for mixing with the dry grout on the seafloor. The variable volume grout storage chamber may also be configured to expand from a collapsed configuration as water is injected.