There is disclosed a support apparatus (105) for a mooring device (110), and a method of mooring an (offshore/floating/buoyant) structure (122) such as a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) using one or more anchors (120). The support apparatus (105) comprises a first arrangement for pivotally attaching/retaining the support apparatus (105) to an anchor (120), and a second arrangement for pivotally attaching/retaining the mooring device (110) to the support apparatus (105). The support apparatus (105) comprises a drop-in arrangement (126) to drop the mooring device (110) into the second arrangement. The support apparatus (105) can provide an increased range of azimuth offset angles between the mooring device (110) and the anchor (120) to be moored, e.g., +/- 60°. The first arrangement allows for partial rotational motion of the support apparatus (105) relative to the anchor (120) around a first (substantially vertical) axis (X). The second arrangement allows for partial rotational motion of the mooring device (110) relative to the support apparatus (105) around a second (substantially horizontal) axis (Y), the first axis and the second axis (X, Y) being substantially orthogonal to one another.
There is disclosed a support apparatus (105) for a mooring device (110), and a method of mooring an (offshore/floating/buoyant) structure (120), such as a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT). The support apparatus (105) comprises a first arrangement for pivotally attaching/retaining the support apparatus (105) to the structure (120) to be moored, and a second arrangement for pivotally attaching/retaining the mooring device (110) to the support apparatus (105). The support apparatus (105) comprises a pull-in arrangement (125) to pull the mooring device (110) into the second arrangement. The support apparatus (105) can provide an increased range of azimuth offset angles between the mooring device (110) and the structure (120) to be moored, e.g., +/- 120°. The first arrangement allows for partial rotational motion of the support apparatus (105) relative to the structure (120) along a first (substantially vertical) axis (X). The second arrangement allows for partial rotational motion of the mooring device (110) relative to the support apparatus (105) around a second (substantially horizontal) axis (Y), the first axis and the second axis (X, Y) being substantially orthogonal to one another.
There is disclosed a support apparatus (105), a mooring tensioner (110), and a method of mooring an (offshore/floating/buoyant) structure (122) such as a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) using one or more anchors (120). The support apparatus (105) comprises a first arrangement for pivotally attaching/retaining the support apparatus (105) to an anchor (120), and a second arrangement for pivotally attaching/retaining the mooring tensioner (110) to the support apparatus (105). The support apparatus (105) comprises a drop-in arrangement (126) to drop the mooring tensioner (110) into the second arrangement. The support apparatus (105) can provide an increased range of azimuth offset angles between the mooring tensioner (110) and the anchor (120) to be moored, e.g., +/- 60°. The first arrangement allows for partial rotational motion of the support apparatus (105) relative to the anchor (120) around a first (substantially vertical) axis (X). The second arrangement allows for partial rotational motion of the mooring tensioner (110) relative to the support apparatus (105) around a second (substantially horizontal) axis (Y), the first axis and the second axis (X, Y) being substantially orthogonal to one another.
A chain connector (100) is disclosed. The chain connector comprises a chain connector body (105) comprising an opening (110) for enabling the chain connector to be coupled to a chain link (205) of a first chain (200). The chain connector comprises a bridge member (115) pivotably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to selectively bridge the opening. The chain connector comprises a locking member (120) moveably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to engage with the bridge member to lock the bridge member in a closed position bridging the opening.
A support apparatus for a mooring device is disclosed. The support apparatus comprises at least one member comprising a track for guiding the mooring device. The member is configured to permit movement of the mooring device along at least a portion of the track in a first direction, and inhibit movement of the mooring device along the at least a portion of the track in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Also disclosed is a corresponding mooring system, and a method of use of the mooring system.
There is disclosed a mooring, marine, subsea, underwater or offshore connector (5) comprising: a first portion (10); a second portion (15); and an arrangement (20) for releasably locking the first portion (10) and the second portion (15), wherein the releasable lock arrangement (20) comprises at least one movable lock member (25) which is biased towards a first position. The/each lock member (25) is movable against the action of a biasing arrangement (20) by insertion of the first portion (10) into the second portion (15) and/or by removal of the first portion (10) from the second portion (15). The connector (5) comprises an arrangement for rotating the first portion (10) relative to the second portion (15) when the first portion (10) is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the second portion (15). Embodiments provide at least one opposing or facing pair of movable lock members (25, 25b); and at least one pair of biasing members (60a, 60b); a first end of the/each biasing member (60a, 60b) being connected to a first movable lock member (25a), and a second end of the/each biasing member (60, 60b) being connected to a second movable lock member (25b).
There is disclosed an apparatus (100) for mooring a structure and/or tensioning a mooring line. The apparatus (100) comprises: a guide portion (105) for guiding a portion of a first mooring line (110), and a lock arrangement (115), wherein the apparatus (100) provides a mooring line path (120), the lock arrangement (115) being provided on an opposite side of the mooring line path (120) from the guide portion (105), at least when the lock arrangement (115) is in an unlocked configuration. When in a locked configuration at least a portion of the lock arrangement (115) is provided in the mooring path (120).
There is disclosed an apparatus for mooring a structure and/or tensioning a mooring line. The apparatus comprises: a guide portion for guiding a portion of a first mooring line, and a lock arrangement, wherein the apparatus provides a mooring line path, the lock arrangement being provided on an opposite side of the mooring line path from the guide portion, at least when the lock arrangement is in an unlocked configuration. When in a locked configuration at least a portion of the lock arrangement is provided in the mooring path.
There is disclosed a mooring, marine, subsea, underwater or offshore connector (5) comprising: a first portion (10); a second portion (15); and an arrangement (20) for releasably locking the first portion (10) and the second portion (15), wherein the releasable lock arrangement (20) comprises at least one movable lock member (25) which is biased towards a first position. The/each lock member (25) is movable against the action of a biasing arrangement (20) by insertion of the first portion (10) into the second portion (15) and/or by removal of the first portion (10) from the second portion (15). The connector (5) comprises an arrangement for rotating the first portion (10) relative to the second portion (15) when the first portion (10) is inserted into and/or withdrawn from the second portion (15). Embodiments provide at least one opposing or facing pair of movable lock members (25, 25b); and at least one pair of biassing members (60a, 60b); a first end of the/each biassing member (60a, 60b) being connected to a first movable lock member (25a), and a second end of the/each biassing member (60, 60b) being connected to a second movable lock member (25b).
There is disclosed a chain connection link (2), such as a mooring chain connection link, comprising a main body (4) having a closed aperture or eye (6) and a closably open aperture or hook (8). The main body (4) comprises a single piece body; the closably open aperture or hook (8) comprises a mouth (10). The link (2) is adapted for use offshore and/or underwater/subsea. The closed aperture (6) and/or the closably open aperture (8) is/are formed by, from or on the main body (4). The link (2) comprises a closing piece or further body (12) adapted to close, for example, a periphery (14) of the closably open aperture (8) or mouth (10) of the closably open aperture (8). A lock arrangement (16) is provided which can secure the main body (4) and further body (12) together. The main body (4) comprises an outer peripheral portion (18) which comprises at least part of the closed aperture (6) and/or the closably open aperture (8).
There is disclosed an apparatus (100) for mooring a structure and/or tensioning a mooring line. The apparatus (100) comprises: a guide portion (105) for guiding a portion of a first mooring line (110), and a lock arrangement (115), wherein the apparatus (100) provides a mooring line path (120), the lock arrangement (115) being provided on an opposite side of the mooring line path (120) from the guide portion (105), at least when the lock arrangement (115) is in an unlocked configuration. When in a locked configuration at least a portion of the lock arrangement (115) is provided in the mooring path (120).
A mooring apparatus (50) comprising a guide portion (55) for guiding a portion of a first mooring line (60), an arrangement (65) for connecting or coupling the apparatus (50) to a second mooring line (70), and a lock (75) or lock means. The guide portion (55) is moveably connected to the arrangement, and the lock is connected to, attached to or provided on the arrangement. A system (250) for tensioning a mooring line, the system comprising the mooring apparatus (50) and the first mooring line (60) and/or the second mooring line (70). A method of tensioning a mooring line, wherein the method comprises providing the system for tensioning a mooring line, and the method further comprises applying a pulling force to a first portion of a first mooring line (60) in a direction away from the apparatus (50).
There is disclosed an apparatus for mooring a structure, the apparatus includes a first portion for receiving a portion of a line, such as a mooring line, extending from a structure. A guide portion for guiding a/the portion of a line received by the first portion, the guide portion being movably connected to the first portion and a second portion for connecting or coupling the apparatus to a seabed or a further structure located thereon, the second portion being movably connected to the first portion and/or guide portion.
There is disclosed a mooring system (100) for a floating structure (105), the mooring system comprising: a first tensioning means (110) adapted for connecting the floating structure (105) to a line (115); and a second tensioning means (120) adapted for disposal on or along the line (115). The second tensioning means (120) is adapted to apply a tension to the line (115), e.g. to coarsely position the floating structure (105), while the first tensioning means (110) is adapted to adjust the applied tension to or on the line (115). The second tensioning means (120) comprise a mid-line tensioner.
A device for connecting a chain or line, such as a portion of a chain or line, to a structure, the device comprising a first portion comprising a first axis, the first portion being configured to connect or be connectable to a structure so as to be movable relative to the structure; a first guide element, the first guide element being arranged on or relative to the first portion to be movable around or about the first axis of the first portion; and a second guide element, the second guide element being configured to align at least a portion of a chain relative to the first guide element.
A mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) comprising a socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d), a connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d), and an arrangement (25a; 25b; 25c; 25d) for positioning and/or controlling the disposition of the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) relative to the socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d), the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) being receivable and/or retainable in the socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d). A method of configuring a mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d), wherein the method comprises providing the mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d), the method further comprising connecting a first portion of a line (35) to a line engaging apparatus (30a) and positioning or extending the line (35) around the positioning arrangement (25a; 25b; 25c; 25d).
A mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) comprising a socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) having a seat (15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d') and a connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d), wherein the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) is receivable, such as removably receivable, in the socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) and rotatable on the seat (15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d'). A method of configuring a mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) wherein the method comprises providing a mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) and locating the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) in the socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) and/or on the seat (15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d'), and rotating the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) until the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) is retained by the socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d). A method of configuring a mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d), wherein the method comprises providing a mooring apparatus (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) and rotating the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) until the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) is not retained by the socket (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) and moving the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) from the seat (15a, 15a'; 15b, 15b'; 15c, 15c'; 15d, 15d').
A mooring apparatus (50) comprising a guide portion (55) for guiding a portion of a first mooring line (60), an arrangement (65) for connecting or coupling the apparatus (50) to a second mooring line (70), and a lock (75) or lock means. The guide portion (55) is moveably connected to the arrangement, and the lock is connected to, attached toor provided on the arrangement.A system (250) for tensioning a mooring line, the system comprising the mooring apparatus (50) and the first mooring line (60) and/or the second mooring line (70). A method of tensioning a mooring line, wherein the method comprises providing the system for tensioning a mooring line,and the method further comprises applying a pulling force to a first portion of a first mooring line (60) in a direction away from the apparatus (50).
There is disclosed a connector (100), such as an underwater, offshore or subsea connector, comprising: a first arrangement (15) for connecting a line (140), such as a mooring line, to a structure (145); and a second arrangement (20) for tensioning the line (140). The connection arrangement (15) comprises means for releasably connecting. The connection means (15) comprises a first part (105) and a second part (110) and means for connecting the first and second parts (105; 110). The means for connecting comprise at least part of a recess or bore (or through- passage or through bore) in the second part (110).
An apparatus for mooring a structure, the apparatus comprising a first portion (35) for receiving a portion (15) of a line, such as a mooring line, extending from a structure, a guide portion (40) for guiding a/the portion of a line received by the first portion, the guide portion being movably connected to the first portion and a second portion (45) for connecting or coupling the apparatus to a seabed or a further structure located thereon, the second portion being movably connected to the first portion and/or guide portion.
A device for connecting a chain or line, such as a portion of a chain or line, to a structure, the device comprising a first portion comprising a first axis, the first portion being configured to connect or be connectable to a structure so as to be movable relative to the structure; a first guide element, the first guide element being arranged on or relative to the first portion to be movable around or about the first axis of the first portion; and a second guide element, the second guide element being configured to align at least a portion of a chain relative to the first guide element.
B63B 21/20 - Adaptations of chains, ropes, hawsers, or the like, or of parts thereof
B63B 21/50 - Anchoring arrangements for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
G01L 5/10 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means
B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
The invention relates to a device (60), such as a chain stopper, for connecting a chain 320 or at least one portion of a chain (320) to a structure (55), such as an offshore structure or vessel. The device comprising a first portion (70) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to a structure (55) so as to provide movement of the first portion (70) relative to a structure (55) about or around a first axis (310) of the first portion (70). The first portion comprises a chain or line guiding means (75) arranged for rotational movement about or around the first axis (310) of the first portion (70). In some examples, the device (70) may comprise a second portion (80) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to the first portion (70) so as to provide movement of the second portion (80) relative to the first portion (70) about or around a second axis (315) of the second portion. In some examples, the device may comprise at least one means for engaging (85) a chain 320, the engaging means (85) being connected, such as pivotably or rotatably connected, to the second portion.
A gripping device(5), such as a split clamp, sealing device and/or structural support, is configured to grip, engage or fix onto a pipe, pipeline, conduit or other elongate member (45). The gripping device (5) includes one or more gripping mechanisms (25a, 25a', 25b, 25b') configured to grip, engage or fix, such as mechanically grip, engage or fix, onto the pipe, pipeline, conduit or other elongate member and first and second parts (10a, 10b), wherein the first and second parts (10a, 0b) are disposed relative to each other or secured or securable together so as to circumferentially surround the pipe, pipeline, conduit or other elongate member (45). A corresponding gripping mechanism and methods of operating, assembling the gripping device, sealing and repairing a pipe, pipeline, conduit or elongate member are also provided herein. In other examples, the gripping device may be a flange, T-piece or 1 valve, the flange, T-piece or valve being configured to retain, grip, engage or secure a portion of a pipe, pipeline, conduit or other elongate member.
F16L 1/26 - Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
F16L 37/62 - Couplings of the quick-acting type pneumatically or hydraulically actuated
F16L 55/175 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by using materials which fill a space around the pipe before hardening
F16L 55/18 - Appliances for use in repairing pipes
The invention relates to a connector, such as a subsea connector (100), for connecting a line or lines such as mooring lines (140), to a subsea structure (145), such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention also relates to associated apparatus, structures and methods. The subsea connector (100) comprises a first portion (105) and a second portion (110) and means (115) for connecting the first (105) and second portions (110). The means (115) for connecting comprise at least part of a through-passage (120) in the second portion (110). The first portion may comprise means (125) for connection to one or more lines (140), such as mooring lines, allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the first portion (105) with respect to the line (140). The second portion (110) may comprise means (130) for connection to a subsea structure (145) allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the second portion (110) with respect to the subsea structure (145). In some examples, the transverse axis of the first portion (105) may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion (110).
A connector or connector assembly (10, 210), such as a subsea or underwater connector or assembly including a first member (18, 218) movably connected or connectable to a second member (36, 236) and a first inductive element (24, 224a) provided on the first member (18, 218), the first inductive element (24, 224a) being arranged for inductive transmission and/or reception with a second inductive element (42, 242a) of the second member (36, 236). The first member (18, 218) may rotatably or pivotably connected or connectable to the second member (36, 236). The first inductive element (24, 224a) may be arranged on the first member (18, 218) to maintain inductive transmission with the second inductive element (42, 242a) of the second member (36, 236) throughout movement of the first member (18, 218) relative to a second member (36, 236).
B63B 21/50 - Anchoring arrangements for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
A sensing device or apparatus (110) for inserting into a hole, cavity or receptacle (120), such as a hole, cavity or receptacle in a shaft, locking device or load pin (20) for a connector (5), the sensing device or apparatus (110) having an elongate member (125) such as a beam or rod; one or more sensing elements (180a, 180b, 180c, 180d, 180b', 180c', 180d') for sensing load, strain, deformation or force in or on the elongate member (125); wherein the elongate member (125) is provided with at least one engaging portion (130) for engaging an inner wall of the hole, cavity or the receptacle (120). A corresponding shaft, load pin or locking device, connector and methods of using, measuring and assembling are also provided herein.
G01L 5/00 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
G01L 1/10 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of frequency of stressed vibrating elements, e.g. of stressed strings
G01L 1/22 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluidsMeasuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
The invention relates to a device (60), such as a chain stopper, for connecting a chain 320 or at least one portion of a chain (320) to a structure (55), such as an offshore structure or vessel. The device comprising a first portion (70) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to a structure (55) so as to provide movement of the first portion (70) relative to a structure (55) about or around a first axis (310) of the first portion (70). The first portion comprises a chain or line guiding means (75) arranged for rotational movement about or around the first axis (310) of the first portion (70). In some examples, the device (70) may comprise a second portion (80) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to the first portion (70) so as to provide movement of the second portion (80) relative to the first portion (70) about or around a second axis (315) of the second portion. In some examples, the device may comprise at least one means for engaging (85) a chain 320, the engaging means (85) being connected, such as pivotably or rotatably connected, to the second portion.
There is disclosed a subsea connector (100), e.g. a mooring connector, and a method of mooring a subsea structure to a line, e.g. a mooring chain, with the subsea connector. The subsea connector comprises a first portion (105) and a second portion (110), means for connecting (120) the first portion and the second portion, and means for rotationally aligning the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions are connectable to a respective line, such as a respective mooring chain. The means for rotationally aligning comprise a first alignment member at least partly spanning across a bore, such as an internal bore, of the first or second portion. The means for rotationally aligning comprise a second alignment member provided by the other of the first or second portion. The first and second alignment members co-act when the first and second portions are brought together or mated.
The invention relates to a connector, such as a subsea connecter (100), for connecting a line or lines such as mooring lines (140), to a subsea structure (145), such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention also relates to associated apparatus, structures and methods. The subsea connector (100) comprises a first portion (105)and a second portion (110) and means (115) for connecting the first (105) and second portions (110). The means (115) for connecting comprise at least part of a through-passage (120) in the second portion (110). The first portion may comprise means (125) for connection to one or more lines (140), such as mooring lines, allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the first portion (105) with respect to the line (140). The second portion (110) may comprise means (130) for connection to a subsea structure (145) allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the second portion (110) with respect to the subsea structure (145). In some examples, the transverse axis of the first portion (105) may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion (110).
patents
