Subsea Raceway Support Structure with Adjustable Tendon Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installations for subsea oil and gas production face challenges in maximizing the number of flexible bottom-surface connections due to interference, fragility of flexible pipes, and the complexity of tendon anchoring systems, which limits the number of connections and complicates maintenance and installation.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a support structure with multiple tendons anchored to the seabed in a quasi-isostatic configuration, allowing for adjustable tendon tensions and easy maintenance, along with arch-shaped chutes to manage flexible pipe curvature and reduce stress on the seabed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple flexible pipes are connected to the same floating support, then the number of bottom-surface connections is increased, but interference and shock between adjacent connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple independent modules, each capable of supporting flexible pipes at different locations. This segmentation allows multiple connections to be distributed across the support structure rather than concentrated at single points, reducing interference and shock between adjacent connections while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple bottom-surface connections to the same floating support
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible pipes are spaced away from each other, then interference and shock are reduced, but the number of connections that can be accommodated decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space by positioning flexible pipes at different vertical levels and horizontal locations across the support structure. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple connections to be spaced sufficiently apart to minimize interference and shock while still accommodating a high number of connections overall, effectively increasing the capacity without compromising the reduction of harmful interactions
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support structure is used for chutes, then structural stability is improved, but complexity of tendon anchoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into modular components with standardized tendon anchoring interfaces. This segmentation allows the rigid support structure to maintain structural stability while the modular anchoring system reduces overall complexity by using repeated, simplified connection patterns rather than a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal tendon anchoring system that can accommodate multiple flexible pipes and chutes through standardized attachment points and configurations. This multi-functional anchoring system maintains structural stability while reducing complexity by using a single design paradigm that can be applied across different support locations and pipe configurations
4Object-affected harmful factors
If floats are positioned far apart, then interference between floats is reduced, but the number of connections per float decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes connections across multiple vertical levels and horizontal positions around the support structure, allowing floats to be positioned at optimal intervals while accommodating multiple connections per float through three-dimensional arrangement. This dimensional distribution reduces interference between floats while maintaining high connection capacity through vertical stacking and lateral spacing
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
Enables a higher number of flexible bottom-surface connections with reduced interference and stress on the seabed, facilitating easier installation and maintenance while maintaining structural stability and preventing damage from tendon failures.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid structure maintained submerged at the subsurface by floats
Implementation Method 2
anchored to the seabed by tendons
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device including a rigid structure (5) which is kept submerged under the surface by floats (6) and anchored to the seabed by tendons (7), which can be used to support a plurality of raceways (4) in a facility of seabed-to-surface connections including a plurality of flexible lines (1, 1a, 1b) extending to the seabed, said flexible lines being supported respectively by said plurality of raceways, characterised in that said structure (5) for supporting raceways is connected to a base (8) resting on and/or anchored to the seabed by a plurality of n tendons under parallel tension, preferably vertically, by said floats, n being no lower than 6, a plurality of p said tendons (7) among the n tendons, p being no lower than (n-2) each being connected at one of the ends thereof to a distance-changing device (10) secured to said base (8) or to said supporting structure (5), said distance-changing device being suitable for changing the distance between said supporting structure (5) and said base (8).