Twin-Tower Coil Handling for Vessel Spoolable Pipe Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for loading and unloading coils of flexible pipe are inefficient and require significant manual labor and additional equipment, especially due to the large and heavy nature of these coils, which complicates transportation and deployment in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first tower and a second tower configured to move along tracks on a vessel, coupled with a coil drum assembly that can be inserted into the coil, extended to support it, and rotated for deployment, allowing for efficient handling and deployment of coils of spoolable pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to load and unload coils of flexible pipe, then the process requires significant manual labor and additional equipment, but the system complexity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coil handling system is integrated into the existing pipe handling system, allowing the same equipment to perform multiple functions including coil deployment, pipe handling, and vessel stabilization. This multi-functionality improves productivity without requiring separate dedicated equipment for coil handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vessel's own movement and existing structural components to assist in coil deployment. The vessel's motion is utilized to facilitate coil unspooling, and existing pipe handling equipment is adapted to handle coils, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If heavy coils of pipe are handled using conventional equipment, then manual labor requirements increase, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated coil handling mechanism that integrates with the vessel's existing pipe handling system. The coil is deployed using the vessel's motion and integrated equipment rather than manual labor, significantly reducing the quantity of human intervention required while improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coils are transported and deployed using existing equipment, then additional equipment is required, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil handling functionality is merged with the existing pipe handling system. The same equipment that handles individual pipes is adapted to handle coiled pipes, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system. This approach provides transportation and deployment capability without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for deploying a coil of spoolable pipe from a vessel includes a first tower configured to move longitudinally and transversely along a first track coupled to the vessel, a second tower configured to move longitudinally along a second track coupled to the vessel, and a coil drum assembly coupled to the first tower. The first tower is configured to insert the coil drum assembly transversely into an interior channel of the coil when the coil drum assembly is in a retracted position, the coil drum assembly is configured to support the coil when the coil drum assembly is in an extended position and rotate during deployment of the spoolable pipe, and the first tower and the second tower are configured to move the coil drum assembly vertically.