A flexible-elongate-element clamp (12) for holding a flexible elongate element when overboarding or onboarding the flexible elongate element from or to a vessel (14). The clamp (12) comprises at least two clamp elements (26) for clamping the flexible elongate element (18) therebetween. Each clamp element (26) has a clamping surface (28) and at least one of the clamp elements (26) is expandable from a non-clamping condition to a clamping condition so that in use the flexible elongate element (18) is clamped between the clamping surfaces (28). At least one of the clamping surfaces (28) is flexible.
A vessel-supportable flexible-elongate-element spooling system (100) for spooling a flexible elongate element (12). The system comprises a container (14) having an internal volume defined by a radially inner barrier (22), a radially outer barrier (24), and a base (26). A flexible-elongate-element feeder (18) feeds the flexible elongate element (12) towards the base (26) of the container (14). A flexible-elongate-element force applicator (20) applies a force to the flexible elongate element (12) to retain a curvature imparted to the flexible elongate element (12) on discharge from the flexible-elongate-element feeder (18). The curvature is at least in part defined by the inner barrier (22) and/or the outer barrier (24).
An overboarding device (110) contiguously supports a flexible elongate element (12)whilst overboarding the flexible elongate element (12) from a vessel (114). The device comprises a movable support element (118) for supporting the flexible elongate element (12), the movable support element (118) having a plurality of support members (120) and each support member (120) having a support surface (140). At least one chain element(122) moves the movable support element (118), and the chain element (122) has a plurality of chain members (124). Each chain member (124) is attached to at least one said support member (120) and is pivotably attached to at least one adjacent chain member (124) at a chain pivot (158). A pivotable interface (166) between support surfaces (140) of adjacent support members (120) is positioned coaxially or substantially coaxially with the chain pivot (158) of the corresponding chain members (124).
An overboarding and/or retrieval device (110) for controlling a curvature when overboarding or retrieving a flexible elongate element (112) from or onto a vessel (116) whilst accommodating an accessory (114) on the flexible element (112). The device has a movable support element (120) for supporting a flexible elongate element (112), the movable support element (120) defining an endless guide path (122) and having at least one accessory-receiving opening (124) thereon The endless guide path (122) has a first path portion (142) defining a first curvature for the elongate flexible element (112) when received thereon, and a second path portion (144) defining a second curvature which is different from the first curvature, the second path portion (144) being interposed between the accessory-receiving opening (124) and the first path portion (142).
An overboarding quadrant (116) for underwater remotely releasing a flexible elongate submersible element (110) positioned thereupon. The overboarding quadrant (116) comprises a support (126) for lifting and lowering a flexible elongate submersible element (110), at least one restraint (150) to hold the flexible elongate submersible element (110) captive, and a restraint control mechanism (156), which is operable remotely. The restraint control mechanism (156) is arranged to move the restraint (150) between a captive condition and a release condition. A system including an overboarding quadrant (116) and a remote controller is also provided.A method of releasing a flexible elongate submersible element (110) from an overboarding quadrant (116). A method of resetting an overboarding quadrant (116) is also provided.
H02G 1/10 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle in or under water
F16L 1/235 - Apparatus for controlling the pipe during laying
Overboarding quadrant (116) comprises a support (126) for lifting and lowering a flexible elongate submersible element, the support (112) defining an arcuate guide path (125) for guiding the flexible elongate submersible element (110). The arcuate guide path (125) includes an axially-extending guide element (136) having a plurality of spaced-apart rotatable support elements (124), the rotatable support elements (124) being movable inwardly to in use more uniformly distribute a pressure applied to the flexible elongate submersible element (110). The rotatable supports (124) are movable outwardly to in use reduce frictional engagement of the flexible elongate submersible element (110) during movement along the arcuate guide path.
H02G 1/10 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle in or under water
Reel drive apparatus (38) for use on a ship (32) and comprising a reel (12) having a reel body (14) and an end plate (16) at or adjacent to each end of the reel body (14) which overlaps the said end of the reel body (14), a flexible cable and/or pipe being storable on the reel body and between the end plates. There is also provided a reel support (20) which is mountable to the deck (42) of a ship (32) and on which the reel (12) is seatable for rotation in an upright condition, a reel drive unit (36) which is engagable with the reel (12) and adapted to impart a rotational drive to the reel (12) whilst mounted on the reel support (20) to wind and/or unwind the flexible cable and/or pipe, and also a crane (34) by which the reel drive unit (36) is hoistable. The reel drive unit (36) is raisable and/or lowerable into position at or adjacent the or each reel (12) by the crane (34). A cable and/or pipe-unwinding system and ship (32) having such apparatus are also provided, as well as a method of selectively unwinding flexible cable and/or pipe from a reel (12) without at least fully untethering neighbouring reels using a reel drive apparatus (38) and a method of changing a flexible cable and/or pipe to be unwound from a ship (32) into a sea using a reel drive apparatus (38).
B65H 49/34 - Arrangements for effecting positive rotation of packages
B65H 75/42 - Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable attached to, or forming part of, mobile tools or machines
patents