Offshore Profile Insertion via Variable Weight Vibrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting large profiles, such as monopiles, into offshore soils face challenges in achieving the final depth due to limitations in static loading and high noise levels associated with ramming techniques, while vibration methods are not effectively utilized for larger profiles in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a vibrator guided on a rope with a ballast container that applies a variable weight force by pumping or draining seawater, allowing controlled insertion and minimizing hydrosound emissions by decoupling vibrations and regulating load based on propulsion speed and hydrosound measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If piling blows are used to drive a profile into the subsoil, then the profile can be driven deeper into the ground, but considerable noise is generated that is transmitted to the waterbody and causes environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibrator that generates mechanical vibrations to insert the profile into the subsoil. The vibrator assembly includes an eccentric mass that rotates to produce vibratory forces, causing the profile to oscillate and penetrate the seabed with significantly reduced noise compared to impact methods. This resolves the contradiction by replacing high-noise impact loading with low-noise vibration-based insertion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If static loading weights are applied to press a profile into the ground, then the installation process is gentle and does not transmit vibrations into the body of water, but the required final depth is far from achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static loading to dynamic vibration loading. The vibrator assembly generates time-varying vibratory forces that significantly enhance the profile's penetration capability into the subsoil. The dynamic nature of the vibration allows the profile to overcome soil resistance and reach the required final depth, while the vibratory mechanism maintains low noise emissions compared to impact methods.
3Productivity
If piling rigs are used to drive a profile into the subsoil, then improved advancement with each piling blow is achieved, but leaders cannot be used in offshore applications without considerable effort
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrator assembly serves multiple functions: it generates vibratory forces for profile insertion, provides its own guidance through the cable connection to the A-frame, and can be deployed without complex leader systems. The cable-guided A-frame structure provides both support and guidance functionality, eliminating the need for separate leader systems required by conventional piling rigs in offshore applications.
4Strength
If larger profiles with greater diameters are installed into the seabed, then the foundation capacity is increased, but the impact energy generated by ramming must be distributed over a large radius
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrator assembly generates vibratory forces that are effectively distributed across the large-diameter profile's surface area. The vibration causes the entire profile circumference to interact with the seabed simultaneously, enabling effective insertion of large-diameter monopiles without concentrating impact energy at a single point. This approach maintains low noise emissions while achieving the necessary foundation capacity.
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 deeper and more controlled insertion of large profiles with reduced environmental impact by managing weight force and vibrations, achieving stable anchoring of profiles in offshore conditions.
Implementation Method 1
vibration installation methods are known. On land, similar to piling equipment, corresponding vibrators are known
Implementation Method 2
a ballast container with a supply or discharge line, which exerts a variable weight force on the profile and/or the vibrator by supplying or discharging a fluid into the ballast container
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for installing a profile into the ground, particularly for offshore applications, using a vibrator (20) guided by a cable (6) and resting on the profile (1) to be installed, characterized in that a variable weight force is applied to the vibrator (20) by means of a ballast container (5). Furthermore, the invention relates to a vibrator arrangement (2) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims for installing a profile (1) into the ground, particularly for offshore applications, with a vibrator (20) guided by a cable (6) and resting on the profile (1) to be installed, characterized in that a ballast container (5) with a feed or discharge line is provided, which exerts a variable weight force on the profile (1) and/or the vibrator (20) by feeding or discharging a fluid into the ballast container (5).