CA1086516A - Articulated column system for the exploitation of marine bottom resources particularly in icy waters - Google Patents
Articulated column system for the exploitation of marine bottom resources particularly in icy watersInfo
- Publication number
- CA1086516A CA1086516A CA306,389A CA306389A CA1086516A CA 1086516 A CA1086516 A CA 1086516A CA 306389 A CA306389 A CA 306389A CA 1086516 A CA1086516 A CA 1086516A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- column
- base
- float
- sections
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
- B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
- B63B35/4406—Articulated towers, i.e. substantially floating structures comprising a slender tower-like hull anchored relative to the marine bed by means of a single articulation, e.g. using an articulated bearing
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
- Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A normally emerging, articulated column system for the exploitation of marine bottom resources, particularly in icy waters, of the type comprising a shaft adapted to be ballasted or weighted at its lowermost portion and connected to a base, resting on the bottom of a body of water, through the medium of an articulation or like rotary joint, and at least one main float mounted on the said shaft, and wherein the submerged length or height of the said column is selectively variable by relative displacement and/or deformation of at least a movable and/or deformable portion of the column, the shaft of which may be adapted to be separated from and recoupled to the said base by respectively deconnecting and reconnecting the said articu-lation, with corresponding, disconnecting and reconnecting of the pipe joints of the conduits between the column shaft and base.
Description
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"Articulated column sys-tem for the exploitation of marine bottom resources particularly in icy waters". ?
The present invention relates to an articulated, normally emerging column system for t~e exploitation o~ marine bottom resources especiall~ in icy waters.
It is known that, nowadays, the exploi-tation of the hydro-carbon reserves of the continental shelf is -taking place at .
:
increasing depths and under increasingly difficult conditions. ~
: Generally speaking, the increase in pe-troleum supply difficul- ;
~` ties has had the effec-t of promoting efforts to im~ove thepr~i- -~
~, tability of the exploi-tation of marine bottom resources : the -10 rigid platformsmost currently used for that purpose have proved to be unadapted for coping with increased water depths and hos-~ tile environmental condi.tions (state of the sea, meteorological t ~ conditions, etc.) and are now substituted for with remarkable ;~
advantage by articulated column systems capable of being used as production, separation, tanker loading-unloading and mooring units, or as buoyant processing installations, water and/or gas ~, injection units, and un.its serving as habi-tation quarters, flaring means, etc. Such articulated columns retain in parti ,, .
, cular the advantage o~ being towable in either vertical or ho~
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',''" ' ' " ' '~' ' ' ''' ,'~"''':, '',, ' '. '' ' '' ' S ,,, ' . ' . ' '. ,',,.... "', ,'' " " '', ~ ~. .. ' ' '~ " ' 5~L6 rizontal floating posi-tlon and inclinable when subjected to casual shoving by a relatively massive, stray-floating foreign body, 'chus obviating the serious damage which would result from an impact be-tween such a body and a stationary (non-arti-culated) structure.
Such an ar-ticula-ted column system comprises generally a sha~t which is ballastable at least at its lowermost portion and is connected to a base, resting on the bo-ttom of a body of water, through the medium of an articulation such as preferably a universal, Cardan, spherical or ball joint, and a stabilizing main float mounted on the said shaft ; the emerging portion is equipped with superstructures comprising various equipement and working appliances proper. The articulation makes the move-men-ts of the column relatively adaptable to those of the heave, with au-tomatic righting by -the returning moment exerted by the main float which, in principle, is submerged in the course of operation. The column may also comprise various ancillary devices, including in particular ballasting or like weighting ` compartments.
"Articulated column sys-tem for the exploitation of marine bottom resources particularly in icy waters". ?
The present invention relates to an articulated, normally emerging column system for t~e exploitation o~ marine bottom resources especiall~ in icy waters.
It is known that, nowadays, the exploi-tation of the hydro-carbon reserves of the continental shelf is -taking place at .
:
increasing depths and under increasingly difficult conditions. ~
: Generally speaking, the increase in pe-troleum supply difficul- ;
~` ties has had the effec-t of promoting efforts to im~ove thepr~i- -~
~, tability of the exploi-tation of marine bottom resources : the -10 rigid platformsmost currently used for that purpose have proved to be unadapted for coping with increased water depths and hos-~ tile environmental condi.tions (state of the sea, meteorological t ~ conditions, etc.) and are now substituted for with remarkable ;~
advantage by articulated column systems capable of being used as production, separation, tanker loading-unloading and mooring units, or as buoyant processing installations, water and/or gas ~, injection units, and un.its serving as habi-tation quarters, flaring means, etc. Such articulated columns retain in parti ,, .
, cular the advantage o~ being towable in either vertical or ho~
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',''" ' ' " ' '~' ' ' ''' ,'~"''':, '',, ' '. '' ' '' ' S ,,, ' . ' . ' '. ,',,.... "', ,'' " " '', ~ ~. .. ' ' '~ " ' 5~L6 rizontal floating posi-tlon and inclinable when subjected to casual shoving by a relatively massive, stray-floating foreign body, 'chus obviating the serious damage which would result from an impact be-tween such a body and a stationary (non-arti-culated) structure.
Such an ar-ticula-ted column system comprises generally a sha~t which is ballastable at least at its lowermost portion and is connected to a base, resting on the bo-ttom of a body of water, through the medium of an articulation such as preferably a universal, Cardan, spherical or ball joint, and a stabilizing main float mounted on the said shaft ; the emerging portion is equipped with superstructures comprising various equipement and working appliances proper. The articulation makes the move-men-ts of the column relatively adaptable to those of the heave, with au-tomatic righting by -the returning moment exerted by the main float which, in principle, is submerged in the course of operation. The column may also comprise various ancillary devices, including in particular ballasting or like weighting ` compartments.
2~ The column is normally installed on the base, after towing the floating shaft to the desired location, by being ballasted and connected to the articulation or universal joint.
The known articula-ted columns, the configuration of which is substantially invariable and whose anchoring position is permanent, are exposed to the hazard of being hit and damaged or destroyed by massi~e straying bodies floating adrift, such as in particular icebergs, and which cannot be artificially devia-~ ted from their path.
- The main purpose of the present invention is to eliminate ),, ~ ~ . - .
The known articula-ted columns, the configuration of which is substantially invariable and whose anchoring position is permanent, are exposed to the hazard of being hit and damaged or destroyed by massi~e straying bodies floating adrift, such as in particular icebergs, and which cannot be artificially devia-~ ted from their path.
- The main purpose of the present invention is to eliminate ),, ~ ~ . - .
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the drawback o~ such i.mpact hazards by c~ating a column struc-ture that is removable and/or of selectively variable configu-ration allowing the column to be withdrawn from the path of the floating body.
This technical problem is solved, according to the inven-tion, by providing a column of the aforesaid type, the submer-ged leng-th or heigh-t of which is variable through relative dis-placement and/or deforma'-tion of a-t least a portion of the column, the shaft of which may be adapted to be disassembled from and reassembled to the base by, respectively, disconnecting and reconnecting the articulation with a corresponding concomitant or simultaneous disconnection and reconnection of the pipe joints, couplings or like fit-tings of the lines or conduits between the shaft and the base.
The said displacement or the said deformation is obtained, according to the invention, by maintaining vertical the shaft portions supporting the superstruc-tures, so as to minimize the unavoidable disturbances of the installations while at the same time increasing the rapidity of the safe-ty or safeguarding ~ ~
20 operations. Depending upon the circumstances, the floating body ' ' ' may be avoided either'by disconnecting the articulation by dis- ' 'placing upwardly a submerged portion of the shaft and by towing thec~umn, the submerged height of which is thus reduced, out of the threatened zone, or by submerging the entire column, '~' remaining connected to its base, by moving the upper portion of the column down to a sufficient depth to allow free passage ~ '~
of the floating body.
~In order to increase -the stability of the thus reduced ~;~
,~column, means are provided for at least partially weighting , !
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~65:~L6 the column, whose float, according to another characterizing feature of the invention, is provided to this end, preferably at its lower por-tion, wi-th a-t least one ballasting compar-tment.
The displacement of a portion of the column may be perfor-med more particularly, according to still another characteri-zing feature of the invention, by coaxially translating in the longi-tudinal direction a movable portion of the column and/or by swivelling the said movable portion about at least one axis of rotation perpendi~lar to the longitudinal axis of the column.
The inven-tion will be better understood and other purpo-ses, de-tails, advantages and characterizing features thereof will appear more clearly as the following description proceeds with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings given : solely by way of non limitative example, illustrating various forms of embiment of -the invention and wherein :
- Figure 1 is an elevational view of one particular form ': of embodiment of the invention, using a sliding articulated column shown in normal operating position ;
- Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the column in reduced submerged position, with a partially broken-; away medial portion ;
~; - Figures 3 and 4 are two views,respectively, of another form of embodiment of the sliding column with a telescopic :
~; structure ;
Figures 5 and 6, on the one hand, and 7 and 8,on the ~; other hand, are an elevational view and a sectional view) res-pectively, of two other alternative embodiments of the telesco-pic column in normal configuration and in reduced configura-:, . ..
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tion, respectively ;
- Figures 9 and 10 are elevational views illustra-ting another form of embodiment of an articulated column according -to the invention comprising a pan-tograph por-tion, in normal and reduced con~iguration, respec-tively ; and - Figures 11 and 12 are similar views of still another form of embodimen-t of the column, wherein the column lower por-tion is raisable.
Referring -to Figure 1, it is seen -that the column 1 compri 1~ ses a shaft 2 connected to a gravi-ty base 3, res-ting on a loca~
tion L~ of -the bottom of a body of water, through the medium of an articula-tion 5, preferably of the universal or Cardan joint type. A float 6 rigidly assembled -to the column structure 1 and :
submerged when in normal operating posi-tion, comprises a-t its . lower portion at least one ballasting or like weighting compar-t-ment 8. The emerging portion of column 1 suppor-ts the superstruc-tures 9 and the top of the column is provided with a helipad 10.
The float 6 and the superstructures 9 are rigidly connected to a :
: same element 11 of shaft 2.
2~ As seen more.particularly in Figure 2, the shaft 2 is an . .
undeformable rigid assembly from the articulation 5 up to the - ~ :
~ helipad 10 and is slidingly mounted in the element 11, the latter being hollow and forming a tubular or annular sleeve orthe like supporting the float 6 and the superstruc-tures 9. The axial displacement of the shaft 2 is controlled by a preferably hydraulic system, advantageously constituted by the combination of the relatively stationary sleeve 11 and the relatively movable shaft 2 ~orming an intrinsic fluid-opërated actuator or actua-,J
~ , ting cylinder. To this end, the sleeve 11 coaxially surrounds ,. .
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the shaft 2 so as to provide -therebetween a radial space consti-tuting a circular variable-volume working chamber between the sleeve and the shaf-t at leas-t in the sleeve lower portion extending over a height of the latter corresponding to a-t least the desired maximum useful or effective -transla-tion travel of the shaft 2 The chamber 13 is -tightly closed, on the one hand, a-t its lower end, by a sta-tionary circular transverse wall 1~ secured to -the sleeve 11, thus forming the ac-tuating cylinder bottom through which the shaft 2 extends coaxially and is sli~ngly and sealingly guided, and on the other hand, a-t its upper end, by an annular coaxial collar or shoulder 15 forming the piston of the actuating cylinder and jointly movable wi-th the shaft 2, the said piston being in sliding fluid--tight con-tact wi-th the radially internal, cylindrical wallo~ the sleeve 11. The sleeve 11 is provided at its upper end with additional guide means 15a for the shaf-t 2. The actuator just described is of the single-acting type, for the motive fluid under pressure admitted into the working chamber 13 tends to push the shaft 2 essentially upwardly, whereas the element 11 simultaneously tends to move to a certain extent downwardly, by reason, in particular, of the increase in apparent weight of the shaft due particularly -to the reduction of its immersed portion af-ter the shaft is detached from its base 3. The shaft 2 comprises at i-ts lowermost por-tion at least one weighting compartment 2a for liquid and/or solid ballasting means. Pumping means are advan-tageously provided for supplying, as required, at least part of the liquid ballast either -to the compartmen-t 8 of the float 6 or as motive fluid to the circular chamber 13 for the purpose of -,~ correcting the floating equilibrium without varying -the total ... .
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weigh-t.
The column safeguarding operation is then performed in the following manner.
The articulation 5 is disconnected from the base 3. The floa-t 6 is partially ballas-ted by filling the compartment ~ so as to displace downwardly the centre of gravity and thus increa-se the vertical stability of the floa-ting assembly. After the submerged height of the column is reduced by sliding, the colu~n can be towed out of the site by a ship or like vessel represen-ted at 16, while at the same time being maintained in substan-tially vertical position. This makes it possible for any body -floating adrift, such as an iceberg, wreckage, flotsam or the like ( not shown) to be avoided.
,~ The ascending displacement of the shaft 2 can advantageous-ly be obtained in two different manners, which may be used in combination if suitable. According to a first method, at least part of the liquid ballast is pumped from the compartment 2a to the compartment 8 of the float 6, thus causing the shaf-t 2 thus unballasted to rise automatically owing to the resulting buoyant force, provided the latter is greater than the actual weigh-t of the equipped shaft. According to the second method, at least part of the liquid ballast is pumped from the compart-ment 2a to the circular chamber 13 to serve as a motive fluid in the afore-mentioned actuating cylinder or actua-tor, thus r'. driving the piston 15 upward.
Figures 3 to ~ illustrate three types of articulated column having a retractable and e~tensible telescopic structure.
According to the form of embodimen-t of the column repre-f " sented in Figures 3 and 4, the shaft of column 1 comprises, :...... . .
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~8~iS~6 starting from the articula-tion 5, three successive sec-tions 12, 22, 32, each of which is of uniform cross-section, with, for example, the respective cross-sections decreashig from one said shaft section to the upwardly following shaft section, the said ; shaf-t sections being so mounted as -to be coaxially slidable in one another. The floa-t 6, which also is provided wi-th a ballas-ting compartmen-t 8, is rigidly assembled to the shaft interme-diate section 22, whereas the shaft lowermost section 12 is provided with a compar-tmen-t 2a for a liquid and/or solid ball~t.
The shaft section 22 constitutes the relatively stationary element of the telescopic column system, towards which the shaft lowermost section 12 and uppermost section ~2 are slidingly moved after disconnec-ting the articulation and possibly ballas-ting the float 6. The rela-tive motion of sha~t sections 12 and ,7 32 may be controlled by a system similar to the one described p~eviously.
Such an arrangement including several and preferably at least three shaft sections offers the advantage of allowing the lower portion comprising the articulation 5 to be raised~ 20 higher towards the water surface, thus rendering less difficult the towing operations, especially in shoals. Moreover,the more ; compact structure of the column, resulting particularly from - the reduction of the emerging portion, increases the s-tability ~ of the whole assembly inv~ic~ position.
,; It i8 of course quite possible to use telescopically dis-placeable shaft sections of other dimensions and in a different number.
s According to one advantageous form of embodiment, the lo-' ~ wermost telescopic element 12 and uppermost telescopic element , . . .
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_g 32 are sealingly closed at their lower end, whereas the inter-mediate telescopic element 22 comrnunicates d~c~y ~permanently with the surrounding ex-ternal water through app~opria-te orifices provided in its lateral wall, so as to be filled with water a-t most up to the level of the lower end of the uppermos-t telesco-pic element 32 in i-ts normal outwardly extended position, the said ori~ices being located at a lower level than tha-t of the said lower end in the re-tracted position of the uppermost tele-scopic element 32. The telescopic elemen-ts 22 and 32 are res- ;~
pectively provided with appropriate seals or sealing rings in fluid~tight sliding contact with the telescopic elements 12 and ;
22, respectively. Through the transverse lower-bot-tom wall of the uppermost telescopic element 32 extends at least one connec-ting orifice selectively obturable by a controlled closing device or valve 32a allowing the internal cavity of the tele-i , ,.
scopic element 32 to be communicated with the internal cavity of the intermediate element 22. So, when it is desired to shor-ten the column, the lower elemen-t 12 is caused to rise by means of the hydraulic device described previously with reference -to Figures 1 and 2, and at the same time the closing device 32a is opened, thus automa-tically causing the upper element 32 to descend.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is seen another form of embodiment of a column 1 of telescopic structure, wherein ,~ each of the three successive shaft sections 12, 22,32 in step- ;
ped arrangement has a uniform cross-section, e.g; increasing , from the lowermost shaft section to the uppermost shaft sec-., ` tion. In the case considered, the float 6 is rigidly secured to the uppermost shaft section.
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6Si~6 ~10-After disconnec-ting to ar-ticula-tion 5, the lower eleMents 12 and 22 are slidingly moved -towards the elemen-t 32 which, in this case, is -the rela-tively s-tationary element.
Such an arrangement, which also may assume alternative forms of embodiment, allows for the greates-t reduc-tion of the immersed height as compared with -the foregoing forms of embodi-men-t, and also permits maximum raising of the lower articula-tion 5 towards the wa-ter surface in case of towing in shallow water.
It will be noted, of course, that the ballas-ting of the column may vary according to the selected form of embodiment.
The telescopic column system illustra-ted in Figur~s7 and 8 differs from -the foregoing ones in tha-t the shaft remains attached to its base : each of the shaf-t sections 12, 22, 32 has a constant cross-section, e.g. dec~asing from the shaft lowermost section to the shaft uppermost section (or vice versa).
The shaft section 12 is the element that remains fixed in position and constantly connected to the base 3 by means of the articulation 5.
By sliding the shaft upper sections towards -the lower element by means of an actuatlng system such as for example the one described previously, the upper por-tion of the column together with the platform 10 is thus moved to a sufficient depth to allow the body floating astray, such as for example an iceberg 1~, to freely pass above the said pla-tform.
According of this form of embodimen-t, the device constitu-' ting the main float is incorporated within the structure of one of the upper elements, preferably the uppermost element ~2, in , ~- order to facilita-te the sliding operations.
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~(~86S~6 ~ t is also possible to adapt on the plat~orm 10 an ice-bre~ng device 19 which, if necessary, is capable, during the subsequen-t rising mo-tion of -the column, of piercing the layer of ice which may have formed in the mean-time at the water surface. On the other hand, -the edges of the platform 10 may be constituted by panels 21 adap-ted -to be folded down to a ` !
parallel posi-tion with respect to the walls of, for example, the shaft sec-tion 32, by means of rotary joints or like arti-culations provided for that purpose as schematically shown by the arrows : the latter arrangemen-t offers the advan-tage of reducing the resistance to the displacement of the assembly within the liquid medium.
Of course, in the case of an excessively considerable floating body, the articulation 5 may be disconnected and a towing of the column may be performed in the same manner as described in the foregoing forms of embodiment.
Figures 9 and 10 relate to a form of embodiment of the articulated column wherein the shaft member of column 1 compri- ;
ses an upper portion 42 supporting the float 6, the superstruc~
tures 9 and the platform 10, and a lower por-tion 52 composed of four elements 53,54,55 and 56 interconnected by twos by means of articulations or rotary join-ts the axis of which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the column, thus forming a pantograph system subs-tantially in the shape of a . , .
deformable rhomb. The two transversely opposite intermediate ; articulations 52a1and 52b are preferably spaced from the ~ ,.
- alignment axis of the two other, longitudinally ~ teor vertex articulations 57 and 58 in the position of maximum extension . .. .
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one another), so as -to retain -the shape of a rhomb in the posi-tion of maxirnum ex-tension. The upper articulation 57 and the lower ar-ticulation 58 of -the pantograph sys-tem are located, and remain during operation, on -the longitudinal axis 50 of the column, and are interconnec-ted by a li:Eting rod 51. At least some of the elemen-ts 53 -to 56 are at least par-tially in the form of ballas-table or weigh-table fluid-tight caissons to facili-tate the articulated sys-tem deforming opera-tions.
When i-t is necessary to avoid a floating body (not shown), it is pcssible to disconnect the articula-tion 5 and to actuate the lifting rod 51, thus moving the lower end of the column ' ~ upwardly towards the element ~2 to thereafter tow -the column from the hazardous zone. I* is also possible to keep the column ;~ connected to the base 3 and, in the same manner as in the pre-viously described form of embodiment, to move the element 42 towards the sea bottom 2a 'completely submerged position, ; so as to provide above it a free passage for the floating body.
The pantograph sys-tem 52 is advantageously connected at its lower portion, through the medium of its articulation 58, to'a lowerm~st column section to a carrying the articulation 5.
The section 2a may constitute a column of substantial length, provided with an upper float and'a foot ballas-t, when the depth - of the installation site isgreater than about 150 m. In this case, the articulation 58 may be constituted by a universal, ~' Cardan or ball joint. In case the column section 2a is relati~e-ly short, it can be adapted to serve as a ballastlng compart-ment.
; Obviously, use can be made', instead of a single pantograph '' ~ sys-tem, of several such systems constitu-ting different column ~,:
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i5~L6 portions, respectively. ~1,50, ln each pan-tograph sys-tem, the lifting height may vary depencling on the needs and the design of the column.
In the various forms o~ embodiment illus-tratecl in Figures 1 to 6 and 9, 10, the laterally projecting superstruc-ture 9 accomodating in par-ticular -the equipemen-t specific of the function fulfilled by the column, is advantageously constitu-ted by a floatable and immersible fluid-tight caisson imparting -to -the assembly a complemen-tary amoun-t of buoyancy when a-t least par-tially immersed9 and exerting a natural braking action on the corresponding descending motion of the column upper portion carrying the caisson 9 during the at leas-t partial immersion of the said upper portion.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a column 1 whose shaft is constituted by an upper por-tion 62 equipped wi-th a float 6 and for example a rotary head 17 and by a lower portion 72 connec-; ted -to the upper portion 62 through -the medium of an articula-tion or rotary joint, the stationary pivot axis 73 of which is - substantia]ly perpendicular to the longitudinal direc-tion of the column. During normal opera-tion, i.e., for example, during the loading of a tanker 76 from the column through -the medium of the articulated loading arm 70, -the shaft portion 72 is maintained in vertical position by means of a locking system such as the one represented a-t 74. In carrying out safety or safeguarding operations, -the articulation 5 is unlocked and the shaft por-tion 72 is folded upwardly to a position at right angles to the upper porti.on ~2 abou-t the joint 73 and is held ~- by a second locking sys-tem such as 75 in that position, wherein a ship or like floating vessel such as 75 connected to the rota-:~ . ................. . .
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-1L~_ ¦ ry head 17 by a hawser 77 can -tow the column with i-ts shaft I thus par-tially retrac-ted.
¦ It will be no-ted ~atin ~eformof embodiment just describ'ed, the column may advantageously be provided at its lower portion with a foot ballas-t means 79 constituted by a ballasting com-par-tment adapted to be emptied when the por-tion 72 is retrac-ted or folded so as to form a float compensa-ting for -the til-ting moment which would normally be exerted on the assembly by -the overhang or cantilever weigh-t of the shaft section 72. Thus, the stability of the column is perfectly ensured in -the retrac ted position of the shaft portion 72.
In all the aforedescribed examples where -the column is separable from its base, the ar-ticula-tion disconnecting or re-connecting operation, preferably remote-controlled from -the sur-face or the top of the column, is accompanied by simultaneous automatic separa-tion or junc-tion of all the joints, couplings or like fittings of the pipings, lines or condui-ts between the column and the base.
It is obvious -that the arrangemen-t according to the inven- ' ';
tion is applicable to all articulated column systems whatever the' design of the base and -the con-templated use of the column, by merely selecting the most suitable form of embodiment and, where appropriate, by combining several of the above-described or like'systems.
' Of course the invention is by no means limited to the forms of embodiment described and illustrated, which have been given by way of example only. In par-ticular, i-t comprises all ' means constituting technical'equivalents to the means described as well as their combinations should the latter be carried out ~ .
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according -to its gist and used within -the scope o~ the follo-wing claims.
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the drawback o~ such i.mpact hazards by c~ating a column struc-ture that is removable and/or of selectively variable configu-ration allowing the column to be withdrawn from the path of the floating body.
This technical problem is solved, according to the inven-tion, by providing a column of the aforesaid type, the submer-ged leng-th or heigh-t of which is variable through relative dis-placement and/or deforma'-tion of a-t least a portion of the column, the shaft of which may be adapted to be disassembled from and reassembled to the base by, respectively, disconnecting and reconnecting the articulation with a corresponding concomitant or simultaneous disconnection and reconnection of the pipe joints, couplings or like fit-tings of the lines or conduits between the shaft and the base.
The said displacement or the said deformation is obtained, according to the invention, by maintaining vertical the shaft portions supporting the superstruc-tures, so as to minimize the unavoidable disturbances of the installations while at the same time increasing the rapidity of the safe-ty or safeguarding ~ ~
20 operations. Depending upon the circumstances, the floating body ' ' ' may be avoided either'by disconnecting the articulation by dis- ' 'placing upwardly a submerged portion of the shaft and by towing thec~umn, the submerged height of which is thus reduced, out of the threatened zone, or by submerging the entire column, '~' remaining connected to its base, by moving the upper portion of the column down to a sufficient depth to allow free passage ~ '~
of the floating body.
~In order to increase -the stability of the thus reduced ~;~
,~column, means are provided for at least partially weighting , !
. ~
~: . ` . . , ,- ` . . , :' ` . ~ . . .' .
:, ':
~65:~L6 the column, whose float, according to another characterizing feature of the invention, is provided to this end, preferably at its lower por-tion, wi-th a-t least one ballasting compar-tment.
The displacement of a portion of the column may be perfor-med more particularly, according to still another characteri-zing feature of the invention, by coaxially translating in the longi-tudinal direction a movable portion of the column and/or by swivelling the said movable portion about at least one axis of rotation perpendi~lar to the longitudinal axis of the column.
The inven-tion will be better understood and other purpo-ses, de-tails, advantages and characterizing features thereof will appear more clearly as the following description proceeds with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings given : solely by way of non limitative example, illustrating various forms of embiment of -the invention and wherein :
- Figure 1 is an elevational view of one particular form ': of embodiment of the invention, using a sliding articulated column shown in normal operating position ;
- Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the column in reduced submerged position, with a partially broken-; away medial portion ;
~; - Figures 3 and 4 are two views,respectively, of another form of embodiment of the sliding column with a telescopic :
~; structure ;
Figures 5 and 6, on the one hand, and 7 and 8,on the ~; other hand, are an elevational view and a sectional view) res-pectively, of two other alternative embodiments of the telesco-pic column in normal configuration and in reduced configura-:, . ..
~ ,,,,~ , ., ............. . , .. : . : , . , ~; . .
''~" . . ' ; ' . ,~
'~, ' ~', . ' ~, ~
6~ 6 .. .
tion, respectively ;
- Figures 9 and 10 are elevational views illustra-ting another form of embodiment of an articulated column according -to the invention comprising a pan-tograph por-tion, in normal and reduced con~iguration, respec-tively ; and - Figures 11 and 12 are similar views of still another form of embodimen-t of the column, wherein the column lower por-tion is raisable.
Referring -to Figure 1, it is seen -that the column 1 compri 1~ ses a shaft 2 connected to a gravi-ty base 3, res-ting on a loca~
tion L~ of -the bottom of a body of water, through the medium of an articula-tion 5, preferably of the universal or Cardan joint type. A float 6 rigidly assembled -to the column structure 1 and :
submerged when in normal operating posi-tion, comprises a-t its . lower portion at least one ballasting or like weighting compar-t-ment 8. The emerging portion of column 1 suppor-ts the superstruc-tures 9 and the top of the column is provided with a helipad 10.
The float 6 and the superstructures 9 are rigidly connected to a :
: same element 11 of shaft 2.
2~ As seen more.particularly in Figure 2, the shaft 2 is an . .
undeformable rigid assembly from the articulation 5 up to the - ~ :
~ helipad 10 and is slidingly mounted in the element 11, the latter being hollow and forming a tubular or annular sleeve orthe like supporting the float 6 and the superstruc-tures 9. The axial displacement of the shaft 2 is controlled by a preferably hydraulic system, advantageously constituted by the combination of the relatively stationary sleeve 11 and the relatively movable shaft 2 ~orming an intrinsic fluid-opërated actuator or actua-,J
~ , ting cylinder. To this end, the sleeve 11 coaxially surrounds ,. .
., ~
: :: : :;:, .. :
. :. ~ . . .
..:
s ,. .. , , ~ :
: .
1~6~
the shaft 2 so as to provide -therebetween a radial space consti-tuting a circular variable-volume working chamber between the sleeve and the shaf-t at leas-t in the sleeve lower portion extending over a height of the latter corresponding to a-t least the desired maximum useful or effective -transla-tion travel of the shaft 2 The chamber 13 is -tightly closed, on the one hand, a-t its lower end, by a sta-tionary circular transverse wall 1~ secured to -the sleeve 11, thus forming the ac-tuating cylinder bottom through which the shaft 2 extends coaxially and is sli~ngly and sealingly guided, and on the other hand, a-t its upper end, by an annular coaxial collar or shoulder 15 forming the piston of the actuating cylinder and jointly movable wi-th the shaft 2, the said piston being in sliding fluid--tight con-tact wi-th the radially internal, cylindrical wallo~ the sleeve 11. The sleeve 11 is provided at its upper end with additional guide means 15a for the shaf-t 2. The actuator just described is of the single-acting type, for the motive fluid under pressure admitted into the working chamber 13 tends to push the shaft 2 essentially upwardly, whereas the element 11 simultaneously tends to move to a certain extent downwardly, by reason, in particular, of the increase in apparent weight of the shaft due particularly -to the reduction of its immersed portion af-ter the shaft is detached from its base 3. The shaft 2 comprises at i-ts lowermost por-tion at least one weighting compartment 2a for liquid and/or solid ballasting means. Pumping means are advan-tageously provided for supplying, as required, at least part of the liquid ballast either -to the compartmen-t 8 of the float 6 or as motive fluid to the circular chamber 13 for the purpose of -,~ correcting the floating equilibrium without varying -the total ... .
,. : . , :
i, -: - - :. -: ' 5~ - - : :
,.', : ' :: : . , , ~ 65~6 I
weigh-t.
The column safeguarding operation is then performed in the following manner.
The articulation 5 is disconnected from the base 3. The floa-t 6 is partially ballas-ted by filling the compartment ~ so as to displace downwardly the centre of gravity and thus increa-se the vertical stability of the floa-ting assembly. After the submerged height of the column is reduced by sliding, the colu~n can be towed out of the site by a ship or like vessel represen-ted at 16, while at the same time being maintained in substan-tially vertical position. This makes it possible for any body -floating adrift, such as an iceberg, wreckage, flotsam or the like ( not shown) to be avoided.
,~ The ascending displacement of the shaft 2 can advantageous-ly be obtained in two different manners, which may be used in combination if suitable. According to a first method, at least part of the liquid ballast is pumped from the compartment 2a to the compartment 8 of the float 6, thus causing the shaf-t 2 thus unballasted to rise automatically owing to the resulting buoyant force, provided the latter is greater than the actual weigh-t of the equipped shaft. According to the second method, at least part of the liquid ballast is pumped from the compart-ment 2a to the circular chamber 13 to serve as a motive fluid in the afore-mentioned actuating cylinder or actua-tor, thus r'. driving the piston 15 upward.
Figures 3 to ~ illustrate three types of articulated column having a retractable and e~tensible telescopic structure.
According to the form of embodimen-t of the column repre-f " sented in Figures 3 and 4, the shaft of column 1 comprises, :...... . .
, ~ .. ... . . . .
,...... . ; . : ., '- ~ , :
.
.', : : . .
' "" -'` ~
r : . : . ::
' , .
~8~iS~6 starting from the articula-tion 5, three successive sec-tions 12, 22, 32, each of which is of uniform cross-section, with, for example, the respective cross-sections decreashig from one said shaft section to the upwardly following shaft section, the said ; shaf-t sections being so mounted as -to be coaxially slidable in one another. The floa-t 6, which also is provided wi-th a ballas-ting compartmen-t 8, is rigidly assembled to the shaft interme-diate section 22, whereas the shaft lowermost section 12 is provided with a compar-tmen-t 2a for a liquid and/or solid ball~t.
The shaft section 22 constitutes the relatively stationary element of the telescopic column system, towards which the shaft lowermost section 12 and uppermost section ~2 are slidingly moved after disconnec-ting the articulation and possibly ballas-ting the float 6. The rela-tive motion of sha~t sections 12 and ,7 32 may be controlled by a system similar to the one described p~eviously.
Such an arrangement including several and preferably at least three shaft sections offers the advantage of allowing the lower portion comprising the articulation 5 to be raised~ 20 higher towards the water surface, thus rendering less difficult the towing operations, especially in shoals. Moreover,the more ; compact structure of the column, resulting particularly from - the reduction of the emerging portion, increases the s-tability ~ of the whole assembly inv~ic~ position.
,; It i8 of course quite possible to use telescopically dis-placeable shaft sections of other dimensions and in a different number.
s According to one advantageous form of embodiment, the lo-' ~ wermost telescopic element 12 and uppermost telescopic element , . . .
.. ~'~ .
7 ,~' ~ ~ ' ', ' ' ' ': ' ' f ~ , . ' ' ~:
5~;
_g 32 are sealingly closed at their lower end, whereas the inter-mediate telescopic element 22 comrnunicates d~c~y ~permanently with the surrounding ex-ternal water through app~opria-te orifices provided in its lateral wall, so as to be filled with water a-t most up to the level of the lower end of the uppermos-t telesco-pic element 32 in i-ts normal outwardly extended position, the said ori~ices being located at a lower level than tha-t of the said lower end in the re-tracted position of the uppermost tele-scopic element 32. The telescopic elemen-ts 22 and 32 are res- ;~
pectively provided with appropriate seals or sealing rings in fluid~tight sliding contact with the telescopic elements 12 and ;
22, respectively. Through the transverse lower-bot-tom wall of the uppermost telescopic element 32 extends at least one connec-ting orifice selectively obturable by a controlled closing device or valve 32a allowing the internal cavity of the tele-i , ,.
scopic element 32 to be communicated with the internal cavity of the intermediate element 22. So, when it is desired to shor-ten the column, the lower elemen-t 12 is caused to rise by means of the hydraulic device described previously with reference -to Figures 1 and 2, and at the same time the closing device 32a is opened, thus automa-tically causing the upper element 32 to descend.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is seen another form of embodiment of a column 1 of telescopic structure, wherein ,~ each of the three successive shaft sections 12, 22,32 in step- ;
ped arrangement has a uniform cross-section, e.g; increasing , from the lowermost shaft section to the uppermost shaft sec-., ` tion. In the case considered, the float 6 is rigidly secured to the uppermost shaft section.
~' :, '. ".. ~ .. ..... . ...................... .
: . . . ~ -.i, ~ . .
:.:. . :
,. - . . :
:, . - . .
"~: .
,~ .. , . , : -i. .
6Si~6 ~10-After disconnec-ting to ar-ticula-tion 5, the lower eleMents 12 and 22 are slidingly moved -towards the elemen-t 32 which, in this case, is -the rela-tively s-tationary element.
Such an arrangement, which also may assume alternative forms of embodiment, allows for the greates-t reduc-tion of the immersed height as compared with -the foregoing forms of embodi-men-t, and also permits maximum raising of the lower articula-tion 5 towards the wa-ter surface in case of towing in shallow water.
It will be noted, of course, that the ballas-ting of the column may vary according to the selected form of embodiment.
The telescopic column system illustra-ted in Figur~s7 and 8 differs from -the foregoing ones in tha-t the shaft remains attached to its base : each of the shaf-t sections 12, 22, 32 has a constant cross-section, e.g. dec~asing from the shaft lowermost section to the shaft uppermost section (or vice versa).
The shaft section 12 is the element that remains fixed in position and constantly connected to the base 3 by means of the articulation 5.
By sliding the shaft upper sections towards -the lower element by means of an actuatlng system such as for example the one described previously, the upper por-tion of the column together with the platform 10 is thus moved to a sufficient depth to allow the body floating astray, such as for example an iceberg 1~, to freely pass above the said pla-tform.
According of this form of embodimen-t, the device constitu-' ting the main float is incorporated within the structure of one of the upper elements, preferably the uppermost element ~2, in , ~- order to facilita-te the sliding operations.
r ": ' ' . ' ~ ' ' : :
!, ' , , , ~ ~. , ~
~(~86S~6 ~ t is also possible to adapt on the plat~orm 10 an ice-bre~ng device 19 which, if necessary, is capable, during the subsequen-t rising mo-tion of -the column, of piercing the layer of ice which may have formed in the mean-time at the water surface. On the other hand, -the edges of the platform 10 may be constituted by panels 21 adap-ted -to be folded down to a ` !
parallel posi-tion with respect to the walls of, for example, the shaft sec-tion 32, by means of rotary joints or like arti-culations provided for that purpose as schematically shown by the arrows : the latter arrangemen-t offers the advan-tage of reducing the resistance to the displacement of the assembly within the liquid medium.
Of course, in the case of an excessively considerable floating body, the articulation 5 may be disconnected and a towing of the column may be performed in the same manner as described in the foregoing forms of embodiment.
Figures 9 and 10 relate to a form of embodiment of the articulated column wherein the shaft member of column 1 compri- ;
ses an upper portion 42 supporting the float 6, the superstruc~
tures 9 and the platform 10, and a lower por-tion 52 composed of four elements 53,54,55 and 56 interconnected by twos by means of articulations or rotary join-ts the axis of which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the column, thus forming a pantograph system subs-tantially in the shape of a . , .
deformable rhomb. The two transversely opposite intermediate ; articulations 52a1and 52b are preferably spaced from the ~ ,.
- alignment axis of the two other, longitudinally ~ teor vertex articulations 57 and 58 in the position of maximum extension . .. .
"- ~ (or of maximum proximity of the articulations 52a and 52b -to .
, .
, . :. .
.
.
. ~ .
,. ~.. , . , :
one another), so as -to retain -the shape of a rhomb in the posi-tion of maxirnum ex-tension. The upper articulation 57 and the lower ar-ticulation 58 of -the pantograph sys-tem are located, and remain during operation, on -the longitudinal axis 50 of the column, and are interconnec-ted by a li:Eting rod 51. At least some of the elemen-ts 53 -to 56 are at least par-tially in the form of ballas-table or weigh-table fluid-tight caissons to facili-tate the articulated sys-tem deforming opera-tions.
When i-t is necessary to avoid a floating body (not shown), it is pcssible to disconnect the articula-tion 5 and to actuate the lifting rod 51, thus moving the lower end of the column ' ~ upwardly towards the element ~2 to thereafter tow -the column from the hazardous zone. I* is also possible to keep the column ;~ connected to the base 3 and, in the same manner as in the pre-viously described form of embodiment, to move the element 42 towards the sea bottom 2a 'completely submerged position, ; so as to provide above it a free passage for the floating body.
The pantograph sys-tem 52 is advantageously connected at its lower portion, through the medium of its articulation 58, to'a lowerm~st column section to a carrying the articulation 5.
The section 2a may constitute a column of substantial length, provided with an upper float and'a foot ballas-t, when the depth - of the installation site isgreater than about 150 m. In this case, the articulation 58 may be constituted by a universal, ~' Cardan or ball joint. In case the column section 2a is relati~e-ly short, it can be adapted to serve as a ballastlng compart-ment.
; Obviously, use can be made', instead of a single pantograph '' ~ sys-tem, of several such systems constitu-ting different column ~,:
:~ ,.......... . . .
S
~r . . . .
.' , :
i5~L6 portions, respectively. ~1,50, ln each pan-tograph sys-tem, the lifting height may vary depencling on the needs and the design of the column.
In the various forms o~ embodiment illus-tratecl in Figures 1 to 6 and 9, 10, the laterally projecting superstruc-ture 9 accomodating in par-ticular -the equipemen-t specific of the function fulfilled by the column, is advantageously constitu-ted by a floatable and immersible fluid-tight caisson imparting -to -the assembly a complemen-tary amoun-t of buoyancy when a-t least par-tially immersed9 and exerting a natural braking action on the corresponding descending motion of the column upper portion carrying the caisson 9 during the at leas-t partial immersion of the said upper portion.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a column 1 whose shaft is constituted by an upper por-tion 62 equipped wi-th a float 6 and for example a rotary head 17 and by a lower portion 72 connec-; ted -to the upper portion 62 through -the medium of an articula-tion or rotary joint, the stationary pivot axis 73 of which is - substantia]ly perpendicular to the longitudinal direc-tion of the column. During normal opera-tion, i.e., for example, during the loading of a tanker 76 from the column through -the medium of the articulated loading arm 70, -the shaft portion 72 is maintained in vertical position by means of a locking system such as the one represented a-t 74. In carrying out safety or safeguarding operations, -the articulation 5 is unlocked and the shaft por-tion 72 is folded upwardly to a position at right angles to the upper porti.on ~2 abou-t the joint 73 and is held ~- by a second locking sys-tem such as 75 in that position, wherein a ship or like floating vessel such as 75 connected to the rota-:~ . ................. . .
,, : . - : ... .
~: - ' . ' , : . -~ : .
:;, ~. , . , "
,:
,~ , 1~38~5~
-1L~_ ¦ ry head 17 by a hawser 77 can -tow the column with i-ts shaft I thus par-tially retrac-ted.
¦ It will be no-ted ~atin ~eformof embodiment just describ'ed, the column may advantageously be provided at its lower portion with a foot ballas-t means 79 constituted by a ballasting com-par-tment adapted to be emptied when the por-tion 72 is retrac-ted or folded so as to form a float compensa-ting for -the til-ting moment which would normally be exerted on the assembly by -the overhang or cantilever weigh-t of the shaft section 72. Thus, the stability of the column is perfectly ensured in -the retrac ted position of the shaft portion 72.
In all the aforedescribed examples where -the column is separable from its base, the ar-ticula-tion disconnecting or re-connecting operation, preferably remote-controlled from -the sur-face or the top of the column, is accompanied by simultaneous automatic separa-tion or junc-tion of all the joints, couplings or like fittings of the pipings, lines or condui-ts between the column and the base.
It is obvious -that the arrangemen-t according to the inven- ' ';
tion is applicable to all articulated column systems whatever the' design of the base and -the con-templated use of the column, by merely selecting the most suitable form of embodiment and, where appropriate, by combining several of the above-described or like'systems.
' Of course the invention is by no means limited to the forms of embodiment described and illustrated, which have been given by way of example only. In par-ticular, i-t comprises all ' means constituting technical'equivalents to the means described as well as their combinations should the latter be carried out ~ .
~" ' , " , ~' ' ''',.' ' ~ '" :
' ... . .
-15~
according -to its gist and used within -the scope o~ the follo-wing claims.
.
1.~, ' , ~;~ .
~.
~
.,' .
~ .
~:
.
., . . , . .: - ~ -, .
~,: ' ' ' . . :' '
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A normally emerging, articulated column system for the exploitation of marine bottom resources, particularly in waters subject to icebergs, of the type comprising a shaft adapted to be ballasted at least at its lowermost portion and connected to a base resting on the bottom of the body of water through the medium of an articulation, at least one main float mounted on the shaft, the submerged height of the shaft being selectively variable by relative displacement of at least a portion of the shaft, characterized in that the shaft has a retractable and extensible telescopic structure composed of at least three success-ive shaft sections which are capable of respective coaxially sliding, one of the shaft sections being connected to the float, the shaft being adapted to be separated from and recoupled to the base by respectively disconnecting and re-connecting the said articulation, with corresponding, simultaneous disconnect-ing and re-connecting of pipe joints, couplings or fittings of lines or conduits extending between the column shaft and base.
2. A column system according to claim 1, character-ized in that the main float is provided with at least one ballast-ing compartment.
3. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft is disconnectable from the base and wherein the float is connected to an intermediate shaft section maintained in relatively stationary position.
4. A system according to claim 3, characterized in that lowermost and uppermost of the shaft sections are sealingly closed at their lower ends, whereas the intermediate shaft sec-tion communicated with surroundiny water through orifices provided in its lateral wall and which orifices are located lower than the bottom of the uppermost shaft section in its retracted normal position, the bottom of the uppermost shaft section being traversed by at least one orifice selectively obturable by a controlled closing device.
5. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft is disconnectable from the base and the float is conn-ected to an uppermost shaft section which is maintained in rela-tively stationary position.
6. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that a lowermost shaft section remains connected to the base.
7. A system according to claim 1, including hydraul-ic control means, for actuating the movable sections of the said column.
8. A system according to claim 1, including hydraulic control means for actuating the movable sections of said column, the control means being constituted by an actuator cylinder op-erated by a fluid under pressure and forming an integral part of the shaft, the actuator cylinder being constituted by one of the three sliding shaft sections, and a piston of the actuator cylin-der being connected to another of the sections.
9. A system according to claim 1, including hydraul-ic control means for actuating the movable sections of shaft and further comprising pumping means for transferring at least part of ballasting liquid from the lower end of the shaft to a ballast-ing compartment of the float or to a cylinder of the hydraulic control means.
10. A system according to claim 1, including hydraul-ic control means for actuating the movable sections of the column and also including pumping means for transferring at least part of ballasting liquid from a lower end of the shaft to the ballast-ing compartment of the float and to a cylinder of the hydraulic control means.
11. A system according to claim 1, comprising a column the emerging upper portion of which is provided with a laterally protruding compartment containing specific equipment of the col-umn, characterized in that compartment is adaptable as a buoyant and immersible fluid-tight caisson, the emerging upper portion of the shaft being at least partially submersible.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR7720166 | 1977-06-30 | ||
| FR7720166A FR2396126A1 (en) | 1977-06-30 | 1977-06-30 | ARTICULATED COLUMN SYSTEM FOR SEA BOTTOM EXPLOITATION ESPECIALLY IN FREEZING SEAS |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1086516A true CA1086516A (en) | 1980-09-30 |
Family
ID=9192800
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA306,389A Expired CA1086516A (en) | 1977-06-30 | 1978-06-28 | Articulated column system for the exploitation of marine bottom resources particularly in icy waters |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1086516A (en) |
| DK (1) | DK298678A (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2396126A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2002048B (en) |
| NO (1) | NO147682C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105735271A (en) * | 2016-03-13 | 2016-07-06 | 陈兆英 | Triangular pile and cross pile locking equipment |
| CN109538424A (en) * | 2018-10-09 | 2019-03-29 | 天津大学 | Radial type marine windmill |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2531999B1 (en) * | 1982-08-17 | 1985-10-04 | Emh | DEVICE FORMING A MOBILE COUPLING JOINT OF A COLUMN; TOWER OR PLATFORM, FOR EXAMPLE OF SEA-BASED OPERATION, RELATING TO A SUB-BASE BASED ON THE SEA-BASED |
| NL1002938C2 (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1997-10-28 | Allseas Group Sa | Method for lifting a sea platform from the substructure, and floating body suitable for that method. |
| CN103485318B (en) * | 2013-09-23 | 2015-10-21 | 浙江海洋学院 | A kind of spud leg deicer |
| AT516579B1 (en) * | 2014-11-14 | 2024-06-15 | Dual Docker Gmbh | Device for securing floating bodies |
| FR3036371B1 (en) * | 2015-05-22 | 2021-06-18 | Jean Pierre Compagnon | FLOATING STRUTURE ALLOWING THE TOWING OF OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES ON THEIR DEEP SEA OPERATING SITE, EQUIPPED WITH ALL THEIR EQUIPMENT, READY TO OPERATE |
-
1977
- 1977-06-30 FR FR7720166A patent/FR2396126A1/en active Granted
-
1978
- 1978-06-27 GB GB7828050A patent/GB2002048B/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-28 CA CA306,389A patent/CA1086516A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-29 NO NO782248A patent/NO147682C/en unknown
- 1978-06-30 DK DK298678A patent/DK298678A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105735271A (en) * | 2016-03-13 | 2016-07-06 | 陈兆英 | Triangular pile and cross pile locking equipment |
| CN109538424A (en) * | 2018-10-09 | 2019-03-29 | 天津大学 | Radial type marine windmill |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO147682B (en) | 1983-02-14 |
| DK298678A (en) | 1978-12-31 |
| NO782248L (en) | 1979-01-03 |
| GB2002048A (en) | 1979-02-14 |
| NO147682C (en) | 1983-05-25 |
| FR2396126B1 (en) | 1980-03-14 |
| FR2396126A1 (en) | 1979-01-26 |
| GB2002048B (en) | 1982-01-27 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 19970930 |