Turret System Mooring Line Management for FPSO Vessels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel relative to the bottom of a body of water are difficult, time-consuming, and require extensive preparation and planning, which may not account for current or future conditions such as depth and tension requirements of mooring lines.
Innovation Solution
A turret system with a turret body and a transportable windlass subsystem, including mooring line storage and channel sections, and a hoisting assembly, which allows for the secure positioning and rotation of mooring lines, enabling efficient and adaptable mooring line management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to secure the FPSO vessel, then the vessel can be positioned relative to the bottom of the body of water, but the process is difficult, time-consuming, and requires extensive preparation and planning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the windlass assembly on the turret system and pre-configuring the mooring line storage sections and channel sections. This allows the mooring lines to be quickly deployed and paid out without requiring extensive on-site preparation and planning, thereby reducing the time loss while maintaining secure vessel positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a windlass assembly as an intermediary device between the mooring lines and the FPSO vessel. This windlass assembly facilitates the controlled payout and retrieval of mooring lines, simplifying the mooring process and improving efficiency without compromising the secure positioning of the vessel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to secure the FPSO vessel, then the vessel can be positioned relative to the bottom of the body of water, but the preparation and planning may not reflect current or future conditions such as depth and tension requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the turret system rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its orientation and position in response to changing environmental conditions such as water depth and tension requirements. This rotational capability enables the FPSO vessel to adapt to current and future conditions without requiring complex recalculation and replanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-functional turret system that can handle multiple mooring lines simultaneously, with each line having its own storage section and channel section. This universal system can accommodate various mooring configurations and depth requirements, providing adaptability to changing conditions while reducing the need for complex case-specific planning.
3Reliability
If multiple mooring lines are used to secure the FPSO vessel, then the vessel can be securely positioned, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mooring line management system into distinct modular components: individual storage sections for each mooring line, separate channel sections for guiding each line, and dedicated fairlead assemblies. This segmentation allows multiple mooring lines to be managed independently and simultaneously, maintaining secure vessel positioning while reducing operational complexity through standardized modular units.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate generally to a turret system for use in a floating vessel. The turret system may comprise a turret body and windlass subsystem. The turret system may comprise top and bottom surfaces, first and second mooring line storage sections, and first and second mooring line channel sections. Each mooring line storage section may include an opening and cavity. Each opening is operable to receive a mooring line. The first and second mooring line channel sections may be separate elongated passageways for first and second mooring lines, respectively, to be directed through the turret body and an exterior of the floating vessel without coming into contact with one another. The windlass subsystem may comprise a rotatable member, and configured to be transportable between locations. When the windlass assembly is configured to be secured to the turret body, the windlass assembly is configurable to control a movement of a mooring line.