Weighted Cable Protection for Submarine Free-Span Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submarine power cable and umbilical protection systems fail to adequately protect against fatigue damage, leading to potential cable failure despite providing protection against dropped objects and over-bending.
Innovation Solution
A weighted cable protection system is introduced, featuring weighted elements arranged around sections of submarine power cables or umbilicals in free spans. These weighted elements increase the weight/diameter ratio of the cable system, reducing motion-induced fatigue and enhancing bending stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable protection systems are used, then protection against dropped objects and over-bending is provided, but protection against fatigue damage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into multiple discrete weighted elements that can be individually attached to the cable at specific intervals. Each element acts as an independent mass to reduce fatigue, while the modular nature allows for easy installation and maintenance without requiring complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the cable by adding weighted elements that modify the weight distribution and bending characteristics. This parameter modification directly addresses fatigue damage by altering the mechanical stress profile along the cable span.
2Reliability
If weighted elements are added to increase weight/diameter ratio, then motion-induced fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighted elements are designed to attach to the cable in a self-contained manner, utilizing the cable's own structure as the mounting basis. This eliminates the need for separate complex support structures or additional anchoring mechanisms, as the system serves itself by using the cable as both the protected object and the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighted elements employ flexible protective coverings that can conform to the cable's shape and movement, providing protection while maintaining flexibility. This approach avoids rigid complex structures that would increase device complexity while still achieving the desired fatigue reduction.
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
The weighted cable protection system effectively reduces fatigue damage and extends the lifespan of submarine power cables and umbilicals by minimizing motion-induced stress and increasing bending stiffness, thus preventing premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
weighted elements arrangeable around a section of the power cable/umbilical in the free span, wherein the weight/diameter ratio of the cable/umbilical and cable protection system combined is greater than the weight/diameter ratio of the cable/umbilical alone
Data Source
AI summary
A power cable or umbilical with a cable protection system for stabilising a submarine power cable or umbilical in the free span between an offshore installation and the seabed. An offshore transfer system has an offshore structure, a power cable or umbilical and a receiving structure, the power cable or umbilical being protected in a non-supported section by such a cable protection system.