EP2770112B1 - Lifting device for offshore platforms - Google Patents

Lifting device for offshore platforms Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2770112B1
EP2770112B1 EP13155954.4A EP13155954A EP2770112B1 EP 2770112 B1 EP2770112 B1 EP 2770112B1 EP 13155954 A EP13155954 A EP 13155954A EP 2770112 B1 EP2770112 B1 EP 2770112B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
platform
clamping chain
clamping
support leg
chain
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP13155954.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2770112A1 (en
Inventor
Andrea Rosponi
Kai-Gunnar Kersten
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tractebel Overdick GmbH
Original Assignee
Overdick GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP13155954.4A priority Critical patent/EP2770112B1/en
Application filed by Overdick GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Overdick GmbH and Co KG
Priority to PL13155954T priority patent/PL2770112T3/en
Priority to SG11201506301PA priority patent/SG11201506301PA/en
Priority to CN201480009414.9A priority patent/CN105008620B/en
Priority to US14/769,443 priority patent/US20150376856A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2014/050629 priority patent/WO2014127931A1/en
Priority to KR1020157021284A priority patent/KR20150118126A/en
Publication of EP2770112A1 publication Critical patent/EP2770112A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2770112B1 publication Critical patent/EP2770112B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/04—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction
    • E02B17/08—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
    • E02B17/0809—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering the equipment being hydraulically actuated
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/04—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction
    • E02B17/08—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
    • E02B17/0836—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering with climbing jacks
    • E02B17/0854—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering with climbing jacks with clamping wedges, eccentric clamping devices and so on
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/04—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction
    • E02B17/08—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
    • E02B17/0836—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering with climbing jacks
    • E02B17/089—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering with climbing jacks with subtentation blocks, feet and so on
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0056—Platforms with supporting legs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lifting device for an offshore platform and to methods for raising or lowering an offshore platform with the lifting device and method for raising and lowering a support leg of an offshore platform with the lifting device according to claims 1, 9, 10, 11 and 12 ,
  • the offshore platform From the US 2011/0305521 A1 is an offshore platform known that can be pulled by a barge on location.
  • the offshore platform has four vertically movable support legs, each with a arranged at the sea bottom end foot.
  • the support legs are moved relative to the platform by means of two pinions.
  • racks are provided, in which engage the pinions.
  • an offshore platform comprises four support legs, along each of which a rack is arranged in the longitudinal direction and which is movable along the racks by means of engaging driven pinions.
  • jacking systems which allow a gradual lifting of the platform or a gradual lowering of the support legs by means of two relatively movable clamping rings.
  • the US 2,944,403 relates to a hydraulic jacking system with two clamping rings, each having a plurality of arranged along the clamping ring circumference clamping jaws which are pressed by means of hydraulic cylinders against the outer wall of the support leg.
  • the US 3,565,400 discloses a jacking system having two circumferential clamping rings divided by a longitudinally tapered contact surface which, by pulling force on the outer clamping ring member, increases the clamping force on the outer conversion of the support leg.
  • the clamping rings are permanently closed around the support legs.
  • a disadvantage of the known systems is, on the one hand, that a lifting method by means of toothed racks and pinions requires relatively expensive and cost-intensive construction of the support legs, and, on the other hand, the known lifting devices by means of two clamping rings intended both for lifting and for permanently holding the platform.
  • the clamping rings can disadvantageously not be subsequently installed around the support leg and also not subsequently removed from the support leg again.
  • the known constructions are also usable only for limited support leg diameter.
  • a clamping ring which has a plurality of ring elements.
  • the ring elements are connected to each other by means of a wedge-shaped element.
  • By moving the wedge-shaped element by means of a pressure cylinder the circumference of the clamping ring can be changed.
  • a disadvantage of the latter system is in particular that this can be applied only to a small span of different support leg diameter. This document is equivalent to the preamble of claim 1 and is considered to be the closest prior art.
  • the lifting device according to the invention is intended for lifting and / or lowering an offshore platform along at least one support leg.
  • a lifting device is here to understand both a lifting and a lowering device.
  • the platform is floating from a transport position in the water or on a barge in an operating position above the sea surface by means of at least one lifting device in an operating position raised. In the operating position, derricks, wind turbines, etc. can be placed on the platform.
  • the lifting device is also suitable for lowering the support leg from a transport position into a contact position with the seabed having operating position.
  • the lifting device can also be used for lowering the platform from the operating position into the transport position and for lifting the support legs from the operating position into the transport position.
  • the lifting device comprises a plurality of segments connected together to form a closed clamping chain.
  • the segments are preferably substantially identical, conveniently identical in construction.
  • the clamping chain has a circumference and at least one radius, the clamping chain is in its circumference and at least one radius by the segmented design and the ability to insert additional segments and superfluous segments to remove, changeable. It is advantageously used for a wide range of support leg cross sections.
  • the closed clamping chain can circulate in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the support leg exactly circular support leg, but also an elliptical support leg and even a triangular in cross-section, square or rectangular support leg.
  • the segments are spaced from each other along the circumference, and they have reciprocating jaws reciprocating in the radial direction, the clamping jaws of the segments form in their interaction from a variable in size clamping cross-section. Movable back and forth in the radial direction here means that at least one movement component of the movement of movement of the clamping jaws runs in exactly the radial direction.
  • the jaws are arranged movably on the segments by means of a self-locking mechanism and they each have at least one friction-enhancing element on their radially inner side.
  • the self-locking mechanism makes it possible for the clamping jaws to reduce the clamping cross-section by virtue of the pulling force acting on the clamping chain caused by the dead weight of the platform and thus to clamp the clamping chain to the outer transformation of the support leg by self-locking.
  • a self-locking mechanism is on the one hand maintenance friendly and therefore inexpensive, on the other hand, the self-locking is particularly safe, because no additional hydraulic to exercise a sufficient clamping pressure or clamping force is required. Even with a sudden failure of the hydraulic clamping pressure remains.
  • the self-locking mechanism preferably has a mechanical stoppage.
  • the stoppage prevents unwanted turning of the jaws and thus a sudden loss of clamping force
  • the self-locking mechanism comprises at least one arranged on inner sides of segment bodies, at least one axis pivotable arm, wherein the pivot axes are preferably tangential to the circumferential direction.
  • the at least one arm is articulated with its radially outer end on the inside of the segment body, preferably pivotably by means of a rotary joint.
  • a clamping jaw is arranged on the radially inner arm end, wherein the clamping jaw in turn preferably by a Swivel joint is articulated on the radially inner end of the arm.
  • the clamping jaws preferably have on their radial inner side preferably separate friction-enhancing elements, in particular rubber elements.
  • the friction-enhancing elements therefore prevent the slipping of the clamping chain on the outer wall of the support leg.
  • an actuator associated with each segment is provided, which is operatively connected to the at least one arm of the segment and pivots the arm so far that the clamping jaw presses on the outer wall of the support leg while exerting an initial pressure and prevents the clamping chain from slipping off the self-inhibition can ever trigger.
  • the actuator may be a controllable hydraulic cylinder or a spring. In the second case, it comes in case of failure of any control yet caused by the initiation safe self-clamping in any position on the support leg.
  • a centering device is present.
  • the centering device is conveniently detachable.
  • the centering device concentrically positions the clamping chain around the support leg during the clamping process.
  • the clamping jaws are charged equally, and it is in particular an unintentional turning over a further away from the outer wall of the support leg jaw prevented.
  • the centering device may be a mechanical spacer from the clamping chain to the support leg, preferably it may be formed as a centering ring surrounding the support leg, which is connected to the clamping chain with spacers.
  • the centering ring is also stop for the jaws.
  • the centering device may comprise an angle measuring device of the arms relative to the segment or a distance measuring device to the outer wall of the support leg and a control of the actuator designed as a hydraulic cylinder.
  • connection between adjacent, preferably identical segments is detachably formed. This makes it possible to open the clamping chain after the platform has reached its operating position above the sea surface, and completely removed from the support leg.
  • the platform is permanently attached to the support leg by means of bolted connections or other suitable connections without a lifting device.
  • longitudinally oriented lifting cylinders are provided with a platform-side and a clamping chain-side end, and both ends have fastening means for attachment to the platform or the clamping chain.
  • the lifting cylinders make it possible to lift the platform with the clamping chain clamped in, by simultaneously retracting all lifting cylinders of the lifting device. The same applies to the lowering of the platform.
  • the lifting device comprises a further clamping chain, which is preferably arranged along the support leg between the platform-side clamping chain and the platform.
  • the platform-side further clamping chain is arranged in a relatively fixed position to the platform during the lifting operation.
  • the lifting device operates by successively clamping and releasing the two clamping chains, so that the support legs can be lowered in a Jacking- process until they have contact with the seabed and the platform can be lifted out of the water in a jacking process
  • the further clamping chain and the clamping chain are identical, in particular, the further clamping chain further actuators, which trigger an initial inhibition.
  • the object is achieved by a method for lifting as well as by a method for lowering an offshore platform, which are carried out with at least one of the abovementioned lifting devices.
  • the method for lifting the platform runs by the clamping chain is released in a first position on the support leg, preferably by extending the lifting cylinder and the clamping chain is initially inhibited at a second farther from the platform second position on the support leg, preferably by actuating the actuators. Subsequently, the further clamping chain is released in a third position along the support leg, and by releasing the further clamping chain in the second position, the initially inhibited clamping chain is clamped in the second position by self-locking. The lifting cylinders are retracted and the further clamping chain is initially inhibited in a fourth position on the outer wall of the support leg.
  • the clamping chain is released in the second position and thereby clamped the initially inhibited further clamping chain in the fourth position by self-locking.
  • the process then repeats itself from the first step and is carried out until the platform has reached the operating altitude above the seabed.
  • the at least one support leg is initially placed vertically after transport to location.
  • the platform may have a plurality of support legs, preferably three, but also four, six or eight support legs.
  • the offshore platform is brought to location by means of a barge or self-floating and the support legs lowered to location by means of the described lifting device until feet of the support legs make contact with the seabed. Thereafter, the lifting device is operated further and thus lifted the platform out of the water. The platform is raised above the surface of the water so that it is no longer exposed to waves in its operating position.
  • the method for lowering the platform by means of at least one lifting device runs according to and according to the features of claim 12.
  • the self-locking mechanism is designed so that it triggers by a force acting on the clamping chain to the seabed facing force, preferably the arms are inclined thereto from radially outward radially inward to the platform or the seabed ,
  • the invention also relates to a method for lowering and a method for lifting the support leg from the transport position to the operating position or vice versa, by first the self-locking mechanism of the clamping chain and the other clamping chain relative to the method for raising or lowering the platform is handled, so a force acting on the support leg and pointing to the seabed triggers the self-locking mechanism.
  • the jaws are handled.
  • the arms then extend from radially outward to radially inward inclined away from the platform.
  • the self-locking mechanism is different umzzibar depending on the design of the clamping chains and the centering device. It can be handled by opening the clamping chain, turning over the clamping jaws and then closing the clamping chain. However, it is also conceivable to disengage the centering mechanism and to move the clamping chain relative to the support leg and then turn over the clamping jaws more distant from the support leg, the clamping chain in an eccentric movement to guide the support leg and successively turn over each of the most distant from the support leg jaws.
  • Offshore platforms are self-swimming with support legs 2 or floating on a barge in the sea on location spent. There, the raised during transport support legs 2 are lowered to the seabed and the platform then lifted out of the sea or from the barge and permanently locked in an operating position.
  • a part of a lifting device 1 which serves on the one hand to lower one of the support legs 2 of the offshore platform from the raised state for transport state until it has contact with a seabed.
  • Each of the support legs is associated with the identical lifting device 1.
  • the platform can then be lifted further out of the sea into the operating position with the simultaneous use of all lifting devices 1. There it is located at a distance from sea level and above sea level. In the operating position, the platform without the lifting device 1 can be locked.
  • Fig. 1 shows a portion of the support leg 2 of the platform (not shown).
  • the platform would be at the bottom of the picture Fig. 1 arranged.
  • Through the platform are in this embodiment, four perpendicular to the plane of the platform in a longitudinal direction L movable support legs 2 passed.
  • L movable support legs 2 passed.
  • the platform of the illustrated embodiment is buoyant together with the four retracted support legs 2. It can therefore be pulled by a ship offshore on location, the support legs 2 are raised during transport.
  • the support legs 2 of the platform moved to location are identified by means of an in Fig. 1 shown platform-side clamping chain 3 is first lowered until at the sea bottom side end of the support legs 2 arranged (not shown) support feet have contact with the seabed.
  • the support feet can be anchored in various ways, for example, with suction devices such as suction or by or through elephant feet. The easiest way is to press a seabed-side closed tubular support leg 2 into the seabed.
  • the platform is lifted out of the water by means of the lifting devices 1 and vertically along the longitudinal direction L of the support legs 2 until the operating height is reached, in which the platform is no longer the wave is exposed.
  • the complete lifting device 1 comprises the platform-side clamping chain 3 and a structurally identical platform-side clamping chain according to FIG Fig. 1 , which are arranged one above the other along the longitudinal direction L of the support leg 2 and respectively circulate the support leg 2 concentrically.
  • platform off-side clamping chain 3 In the Fig. 1 shown further spaced from the platform clamping chain 3 is hereinafter referred to as platform off-side clamping chain 3.
  • the more tightly mounted on the platform clamping chain is hereinafter referred to as a platform-side clamping chain.
  • the components assigned to the platform-side or platform-side clamping chain are accordingly referred to as platform-side or platform-side.
  • the platform-side clamping chain 3 comprises eight segments 6. One of the segments 6 is in Fig. 1 hidden by the support leg 2. Each segment 6 has two longitudinally L mounted on one another segment body 7, 8. A platform-side segment body 7 and a platform-side segment body 8 are connected to one another via a connecting flange screwed. From each of the platform-side segment body 8 is a longitudinally extending lifting cylinder 9 from the platform down.
  • the platform-side clamping chain 3 has a diameter substantially constant along the circumference, and it orbits the support leg 2 substantially concentrically.
  • the lifting cylinder 9 has a chain-side end and a platform-side end, which are each articulated via a bolt connection to one of the platform-side segment body 8 of the platform-side clamping chain 3 or on the platform.
  • the clamping-chain-side lifting cylinder end has a clamping chain-side tab 11 that protrudes in the longitudinal direction L and that engages in a fork 13 projecting from the platform-side segment body 8 and is articulated by means of a bolt arranged in the circumferential direction of the platform-side clamping chain 3.
  • a protruding from the platform-side lifting cylinder end in the longitudinal direction L tab 12 engages in a corresponding, with the sea side platform side firmly connected (not shown) fork.
  • the complete lifting device 1 additionally has, for each of the support legs 2, the platform-side clamping chain (not shown) which, in contrast to the platform-side clamping chain 3, is connected directly to the platform via bolt connections. There are no lifting cylinders between the platform-side clamping chain and the platform provided.
  • the individual segments 6 are aligned in the longitudinal direction L and arranged equidistant from each other along the circumference of the support leg 2.
  • the segments 6 are connected to each other on both sides with adjacent segments 6 via two groups of four connecting lugs 16, 17.
  • the platform-side group of connection tabs 16 is laterally connected to platform-side segment bodies 7 and the platform-side group of connection tabs 17 is laterally hingedly connected to platform-side segment bodies 8 via a bolt connection with longitudinal bolt L extending longitudinally.
  • Each of the segments 6 comprises two clamping jaws 18, 19 which are provided one above the other in the longitudinal direction L and which are arranged on radially inner sides of the platform-side or platform-side segment body 7, 8 via a respective arm 21, 22 which is inclined in the radial direction.
  • Each of the two arms 21, 22 of a segment 6 is connected via a rotary joint to the radial inner side of a platform-side or platform-side segment body 7, 8 and via a further rotary joint hingedly connected to a radial outer side of the platform-side or platform-side clamping jaws 18, 19.
  • the hinges of both arms 21, 22 are each rotatable about an axis extending tangentially to the circumferential direction.
  • Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of Fig. 1 in a side view.
  • the same reference numerals as in the other figures denote the same components as in the Fig. 1 .
  • Each segment 6 has in the longitudinal direction L superimposed platform-side and platform-side segment body 7, 8, which are in the circumferential direction on both sides with four connecting straps 16, 17 with an adjacent segment body 7, 8 in articulation.
  • the two segment body 7, 8 and the respective segment 6 associated lifting cylinder 9 are arranged exactly in the longitudinal direction L one above the other.
  • a stroke direction of the lifting cylinder 9 runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L.
  • Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the platform-side clamping chain 3 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ,
  • the platform-side jaws 18 and the platform-side clamping jaws 19, not shown, of the platform-side clamping chain 3 are in contact with an outer wall of the circular cross-section support leg 2.
  • the jaws 18, 19, which are dimensioned in their entirety, the entire platform weight distributed on four support legs 2 and four lifting devices 1, each exert a clamping force on the outer wall of the support leg 2.
  • the platform is permanently locked by means not shown holding means to the support legs 2.
  • the platform-side clamping chains 3 of the lifting devices 1 are then released at bolt connections of certain platform-side and platform-side tabs 16, 17 on one of the segments 6 and completely removed. The same applies to the platform-side clamping chains.
  • Fig. 4 shows one of the six segments in a view obliquely radially from inside to outside. In Fig. 4 the operation of a self-locking mechanism is recognizable.
  • the self-locking mechanism is doubled here per segment 6.
  • the required number of clamping jaws 18, 19 depends on the coefficient of friction and the permissible surface pressure of the friction-enhancing material on the outer wall of the support leg 2.
  • a platform-side part of the self-locking mechanism includes the inclined platform-side arm 21 which is rotatably supported on the platform-side segment body 7 around the rotation axis extending in the circumferential direction of the platform-side clamping chain 3.
  • the platform-side clamping jaw 18 is another one in Circumferentially guided circumferential direction of the further clamping chain 3 extending axis of rotation on platform off-side arm 21.
  • a platform-side part of the self-locking mechanism of the segment 6 applies the same, it comprises the tilted in a foot angle platform side arm 22, in turn via a bolt connection with the platform-side jaw 19 of the same segment 6 about a parallel to the other axis of rotation of the first part of the self-locking mechanism hinged in Connection and which is articulated on the platform-side segment body 8 about a parallel to the axis of the first part of the self-locking mechanism.
  • Inner sides of the clamping jaws 18, 19 overlie a clamping cross-section. The size of the clamping cross section varies with the size of the adjusting angle of the arms 21, 22nd
  • the self-locking mechanism is coupled with an initial locking mechanism.
  • the latter comprises a platform-side lever 40 and a platform-side actuator 41 acting on it.
  • the platform-side lever 40 which is guided on the platform-side segment body 7, is connected to the platform-side arm 21 radially on the inside and to the platform-side actuator 41 radially on the outside.
  • the platform-side actuator 41 drives the platform-side lever 40 and pivots over the platform-side lever 40, the platform-side arm 21.
  • the platform-side and the platform-side arm 21, 22 are connected to each other via a bolt connection.
  • the platform-side actuator 41 can thus pivot both clamping jaws 18, 19 of the segment 6 together in a circular motion simultaneously in the radial direction and in the longitudinal direction L.
  • the force acting on the support leg 2 of the initial inhibition is lower than that of the self-locking.
  • the platform-side actuators 41 serve to exert an initial pressure on the outer wall of the support leg 2, which presses the jaws 18, 19 so strong on the outer wall that slipping of the clamping chain 3 is prevented in the construction of the self-locking. For this, at least the gravity of the jaw n 18, 19 must be overcome.
  • Fig. 5 shows segment 6 in FIG Fig. 4 in a view from radially outside to radially inside.
  • the platform-side actuator 41 is formed as a hydraulic differential cylinder.
  • the stroke of the cylinder is 200 mm, the capacity between 50 - 100 kN.
  • the hydraulic cylinders 9 have a capacity of 1,000 kN and a stroke of 1,500 mm. Segment 6 weighs about 2.5 t. These are only exemplary values.
  • each of the clamping chains 3 can be expanded by inserting further segment bodies 7, 8 with associated arm 21, 22 and associated clamping jaw 18, 19 in the longitudinal direction L around a further part of a self-locking mechanism.
  • Fig. 4 shows the radial inner side of the two jaws 18, 19, each with six arranged on the inside rubber pads 50 with a support surface of 110 x 250 mm, which are arranged in two aligned in the longitudinal direction L three-arrays, the two sets of three separated from each other by a guide rail 51 are.
  • the subsequent position indications refer to a position along the lengthwise direction of the support leg, with a third position closest to the platform, a fourth position closest second, a first position farthest second, and a second position farthest from the platform is.
  • the lifting method for lifting the platform out of the water basically in the following successive steps:
  • the platform downstream clamp chain 3 is initially in a first position along the support leg 2.
  • the platform-side clamping chain 3 is released and the hydraulic cylinders 9 of the platform-side clamping chain 3 are extended and then the platform-side actuators 41 of the platform-side clamping chain 3 retracted and thus the clamping cross-section between the clamping jaws 18, 19 is reduced until an initial inhibition of the jaws 18, 19 on the outer wall of the support leg 2 occurs.
  • the initial inhibition prevents slipping of the jaws 18, 19 along the outer wall of the support leg 2 in the next step.
  • the lifting cylinder 9 are retracted again, thereby the platform-side clamping chain 3 is increasingly burdened with the load of the platform and built the self-locking platform-side clamping chain 3 and the platform-side clamping chain dissolves.
  • the platform-side actuators By extending the platform-side actuators, the jaws of the platform-side clamping chain are completely detached from the outer wall of the support leg 2 in a third position.
  • the platform-side clamping chain 3 is now clamped in a second position.
  • the lifting cylinders 9 are retracted and the platform raised by the stroke of the lifting cylinder 9. Then, the platform-side clamping ring is initially inhibited on the outer wall of the support leg 2 in a fourth position.
  • the platform-side actuators 41 are actuated and the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain 3 is released.
  • the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain builds up in the fourth position.
  • the overlying load is displaced from the platform-side clamping chain 3 to the platform-side clamping chain.
  • the lifting cylinders 9 are then extended again, and the platform-side clamping chain 3 is again clamped in the extended state of the lifting cylinder 9, in turn, by means of initial inhibition and subsequent self-locking on the outer wall of the support leg 2. Thereafter, the platform-side clamping chain is released again by the platform-side actuators are extended. To the extent that the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain is released, the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain 3 builds up until the full load is again on the platform offset side chain 3. The process is repeated until the platform has reached its operating altitude above sea level. Throughout the lifting process, the platform-side clamping chain 3 and the platform-side clamping chain are concentrically positioned around the support leg 2 by means of a centering device (not shown).
  • the platform In the operating position, the platform is permanently locked to the support legs 2, preferably by means of bolt connections.
  • the lifting device 1 can be completely opened in the operating state of the platform by releasing the connecting straps 16, 17 and completely removed from the support leg 2.
  • the lifting device 1 is only again required, for example, when the platform must be lowered for disassembly. The procedure for lowering the platform runs accordingly.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Hebeeinrichtung für eine Offshore-Plattform sowie Verfahren zum Anheben oder Absenken einer Offshore-Plattform mit der Hebeeinrichtung und Verfahren zum Anheben und Absenken eines Stützbeines einer Offshore-Plattform mit der Hebeeinrichtung, gemäß Ansprüchen 1, 9, 10, 11 und 12.The invention relates to a lifting device for an offshore platform and to methods for raising or lowering an offshore platform with the lifting device and method for raising and lowering a support leg of an offshore platform with the lifting device according to claims 1, 9, 10, 11 and 12 ,

Aus der US 2011/0305521 A1 ist eine Offshore-Plattform bekannt, die mittels einer Barge auf Lokation gezogen werden kann. Die Offshore Plattform weist vier vertikal verfahrbare Stützbeine mit jeweils einem am meeresbodenseitigen Ende angeordneten Fuß auf. Die Stützbeine werden relativ zur Plattform mittels zweier Ritzel verfahren. Entlang der Stützbeine sind Zahnstangen vorgesehen, in die die Ritzel eingreifen. Durch Antreiben der Ritzel können die Stützbeine zunächst auf den Meeresboden aufgesetzt werden und die Plattform darauffolgend aus dem Meer heraus angehoben werden.From the US 2011/0305521 A1 is an offshore platform known that can be pulled by a barge on location. The offshore platform has four vertically movable support legs, each with a arranged at the sea bottom end foot. The support legs are moved relative to the platform by means of two pinions. Along the support legs racks are provided, in which engage the pinions. By driving the pinions, the support legs can first be placed on the seabed and the platform can be subsequently lifted out of the sea.

In der US 5,188,484 A ist ein vergleichbarer Hebemechanismus offenbart, bei dem eine Offshore-Plattform vier Stützbeine umfasst, entlang denen jeweils eine Zahnstange in Längsrichtung angeordnet ist und die entlang den Zahnstangen mittels in sie eingreifender angetriebener Ritzel verfahrbar ist.In the US 5,188,484 A a comparable lifting mechanism is disclosed in which an offshore platform comprises four support legs, along each of which a rack is arranged in the longitudinal direction and which is movable along the racks by means of engaging driven pinions.

Daneben sind Jacking-Systeme bekannt, die ein schrittweises Anheben der Plattform bzw. ein schrittweises Absenken der Stützbeine mittels zweier relativ zueinander verfahrbarer Klemmringe ermöglichen.In addition, jacking systems are known which allow a gradual lifting of the platform or a gradual lowering of the support legs by means of two relatively movable clamping rings.

Die US 2,944,403 betrifft ein hydraulisches Jacking-System mit zwei Klemmenringen, die jeweils eine Vielzahl von entlang dem Klemmringumfang angeordneten Klemmbacken aufweisen, die mittels Hydraulikzylinder gegen die Außenwandung des Stützbeines drückbar sind.The US 2,944,403 relates to a hydraulic jacking system with two clamping rings, each having a plurality of arranged along the clamping ring circumference clamping jaws which are pressed by means of hydraulic cylinders against the outer wall of the support leg.

Die US 3,565,400 offenbart ein Jacking-System mit zwei umlaufenden, durch entlang eine in Längsrichtung angeschrägte Kontaktfläche geteilten Klemmringen, die durch Zugkraft am äußeren Klemmringteil die Klemmkraft auf die Außenwandlung des Stützbeines vergrößern. Die Klemmringe sind dauerhaft geschlossen um die Stützbeine gelegt.The US 3,565,400 discloses a jacking system having two circumferential clamping rings divided by a longitudinally tapered contact surface which, by pulling force on the outer clamping ring member, increases the clamping force on the outer conversion of the support leg. The clamping rings are permanently closed around the support legs.

Nachteilig an den bekannten Systemen ist zum einen, dass ein Hebeverfahren mittels Zahnstangen und Ritzeln eine in der Herstellung relativ aufwändige und kostenintensive Konstruktion der Stützbeine erfordert, zum anderen sind die bekannten Hebeeinrichtungen mittels zweier Klemmringe sowohl zum Anheben bestimmt als auch zum dauerhaften Halten der Plattform. Die Klemmringe können nachteiligerweise nicht nachträglich um das Stützbein herum installiert werden und auch nicht nachträglich vom Stützbein wieder entfernt werden. Die bekannten Konstruktionen sind darüber hinaus nur für begrenzte Stützbeindurchmesser verwendbar.A disadvantage of the known systems is, on the one hand, that a lifting method by means of toothed racks and pinions requires relatively expensive and cost-intensive construction of the support legs, and, on the other hand, the known lifting devices by means of two clamping rings intended both for lifting and for permanently holding the platform. The clamping rings can disadvantageously not be subsequently installed around the support leg and also not subsequently removed from the support leg again. The known constructions are also usable only for limited support leg diameter.

In der GB 2 335 181 A ist ein Klemmring offenbart, der mittels zweier Aktuatoren gelöst werden kann.In the GB 2 335 181 A discloses a clamping ring which can be solved by means of two actuators.

Aus der US 2,870,639 ist ein Klemmring bekannt, der mehrere Ringelemente aufweist. Die Ringelemente sind zum einen mittels eines keilförmigen Elementes miteinander verbunden. Durch Verschieben des keilförmigen Elementes mit Hilfe eines Druckzylinders kann der Umfang des Klemmringes verändert werden. Zum anderen sind auf zwei gegenläufig schräggestellten Flächenpaaren angeordnete Klemmbacken offenbart, die bei einer Vertikalbewegung des Klemmringes in beide Richtungen eine Erhöhung des Anpressdruckes gegen eine Beinwandung bewirken. Nachteilig bei dem letztgenannten System ist insbesondere, dass sich dieses nur auf eine geringe Spannweite unterschiedlicher Stützbeindurchmesser anwenden lässt. Dieses Dokument entsprizcht den Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und wird als nächstliegender Stand der Technik angesehen.From the US 2,870,639 a clamping ring is known which has a plurality of ring elements. The ring elements are connected to each other by means of a wedge-shaped element. By moving the wedge-shaped element by means of a pressure cylinder, the circumference of the clamping ring can be changed. On the other hand arranged on two oppositely inclined surface pairs jaws, which cause in a vertical movement of the clamping ring in both directions an increase of the contact pressure against a leg wall. A disadvantage of the latter system is in particular that this can be applied only to a small span of different support leg diameter. This document is equivalent to the preamble of claim 1 and is considered to be the closest prior art.

Es ist daher Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Hebeeinrichtung zur Verfügung zu stellen, die sich auf Stützbeine mit einer größeren Spannweite unterschiedlicher Durchmesser anwenden lässt, sowie ein Verfahren zur Verfügung zu stellen, das ebenfalls auf eine größere Spannweite unterschiedlicher Stützbeindurchmesser angewendet werden kann.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lifting device that can be applied to support legs with a larger span of different diameters, as well as to provide a method that can also be applied to a larger span different support leg diameter.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung und Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art zur Verfügung zu stellen, die die oben genannten Nachteile verringern bzw. vermeiden.It is an object of the invention to provide a device and method of the type mentioned, which reduce or avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Die Aufgabe wird in ihrem ersten Aspekt durch eine eingangs genannte Hebeeinrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 und in ihrem zweiten Aspekt durch Verfahren mit den Merkmalen der Ansprüche 11 bis 14 gelöst.The object is achieved in its first aspect by an aforementioned lifting device having the features of claim 1 and in its second aspect by methods having the features of claims 11 to 14.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Hebeeinrichtung ist zum Anheben und/oder Absenken einer Offshore-Plattform entlang wenigstens einem Stützbein bestimmt. Unter einer Hebeeinrichtung ist hier sowohl eine Hebe- als auch eine Absenkeinrichtung zu verstehen. Sie wird einfachheitshalber nur als Hebeeinrichtung bezeichnet. Die Plattform ist von einer Transportposition schwimmend im Wasser oder auf einem Lastkahn aufliegend in eine Betriebsposition oberhalb der Meeresoberfläche mittels wenigstens einer Hebeeinrichtung in eine Betriebsposition anhebbar. Auf der Plattform können in der Betriebsposition Bohrtürme, Windenergieanlagen usw. aufgestellt werden. Die Hebeeinrichtung eignet sich auch zum Absenken des Stützbeines aus einer Transportposition in eine Kontakt mit dem Meeresboden aufweisende Betriebsposition.The lifting device according to the invention is intended for lifting and / or lowering an offshore platform along at least one support leg. Under a lifting device is here to understand both a lifting and a lowering device. For the sake of simplicity, it is only referred to as a lifting device. The platform is floating from a transport position in the water or on a barge in an operating position above the sea surface by means of at least one lifting device in an operating position raised. In the operating position, derricks, wind turbines, etc. can be placed on the platform. The lifting device is also suitable for lowering the support leg from a transport position into a contact position with the seabed having operating position.

Die Hebeeinrichtung kann natürlich auch zum Absenken der Plattform aus der Betriebsposition in die Transportposition und zum Anheben der Stützbeine aus der Betriebsin die Transportposition verwendet werden.Of course, the lifting device can also be used for lowering the platform from the operating position into the transport position and for lifting the support legs from the operating position into the transport position.

Die Hebeeinrichtung umfasst mehrere miteinander zu einer geschlossenen Klemmkette verbundene Segmente. Die Segmente sind vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen baugleich, günstigerweise bauidentisch. Dadurch ist ein kostengünstiges Herstellen der Klemmketten möglich. Die Klemmkette weist einen Umfang und wenigstens einen Radius auf, die Klemmkette ist in ihrem Umfang und wenigstens einen Radius durch die segmentierte Bauweise und die Möglichkeit, zusätzlich Segmente einzufügen und überflüssige Segmente zu entnehmen, veränderbar. Sie ist vorteilhafterweise für ein großes Spektrum an Stützbeinquerschnitten einsetzbar.The lifting device comprises a plurality of segments connected together to form a closed clamping chain. The segments are preferably substantially identical, conveniently identical in construction. As a result, a cost-effective production of the clamping chains is possible. The clamping chain has a circumference and at least one radius, the clamping chain is in its circumference and at least one radius by the segmented design and the ability to insert additional segments and superfluous segments to remove, changeable. It is advantageously used for a wide range of support leg cross sections.

Die geschlossene Klemmkette kann ein im Querschnitt senkrecht zu einer Längsrichtung des Stützbeines exakt kreisförmiges Stützbein, aber auch ein elliptisches Stützbein und sogar ein im Querschnitt dreieckförmiges, quadratisches oder rechteckiges Stützbein umlaufen.The closed clamping chain can circulate in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the support leg exactly circular support leg, but also an elliptical support leg and even a triangular in cross-section, square or rectangular support leg.

Die Segmente sind voneinander entlang dem Umfang beabstandet angeordnet, und sie weisen in radialer Richtung hin und her verfahrbare Klemmbacken auf, die Klemmbacken der Segmente bilden in ihrem Zusammenwirken einen in der Größe veränderbaren Klemmquerschnitt aus. In radialer Richtung hin- und her verfahrbar meint hier, dass zumindest eine Bewegungskomponente der Verfahrbewegung der Klemmbacken in exakt radialer Richtung verläuft.The segments are spaced from each other along the circumference, and they have reciprocating jaws reciprocating in the radial direction, the clamping jaws of the segments form in their interaction from a variable in size clamping cross-section. Movable back and forth in the radial direction here means that at least one movement component of the movement of movement of the clamping jaws runs in exactly the radial direction.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Klemmbacken mittels eines Selbsthemmungsmechanismus an den Segmenten beweglich angeordnet und sie weisen jeweils wenigstens ein reibungsverstärkendes Element auf ihrer radialen Innenseite auf. Der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus ermöglicht es, dass die Klemmbacken durch vom Eigengewicht der Plattform erzeugter, an der Klemmkette angreifender Zugkraft den Klemmquerschnitt verringern und die Klemmkette so durch Selbsthemmung an der Außenwandlung des Stützbeines festklemmt. Ein Selbsthemmungsmechanismus ist zum einen wartungsfreundlich und dadurch kostengünstig, zum anderen ist die Selbsthemmung besonders sicher, weil keine zusätzliche Hydraulik zur Ausübung eines hinreichenden Klemmdruckes bzw. Klemmkraft erforderlich ist. Selbst bei einem plötzliche Ausfall der Hydraulik bleibt der Klemmdruck bestehen.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the jaws are arranged movably on the segments by means of a self-locking mechanism and they each have at least one friction-enhancing element on their radially inner side. The self-locking mechanism makes it possible for the clamping jaws to reduce the clamping cross-section by virtue of the pulling force acting on the clamping chain caused by the dead weight of the platform and thus to clamp the clamping chain to the outer transformation of the support leg by self-locking. A self-locking mechanism is on the one hand maintenance friendly and therefore inexpensive, on the other hand, the self-locking is particularly safe, because no additional hydraulic to exercise a sufficient clamping pressure or clamping force is required. Even with a sudden failure of the hydraulic clamping pressure remains.

Der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus weist vorzugsweise eine mechanische Umschlagsperre auf. Die Umschlagsperre verhindert ein ungewolltes Umschlagen der Klemmbacken und damit einen plötzlichen Verlust der KlemmkraftThe self-locking mechanism preferably has a mechanical stoppage. The stoppage prevents unwanted turning of the jaws and thus a sudden loss of clamping force

Günstigerweise umfasst der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus wenigstens einen an Innenseiten von Segmentkörpern angeordneten, um wenigstens eine Achse verschwenkbaren Arm, wobei die Schwenkachsen vorzugsweise tangential zur Umfangsrichtung verlaufen. Der wenigstens eine Arme ist mit seinem radial äußeren Ende an der Innenseite des Segmentkörpers, vorzugsweise mittels eines Drehgelenkes verschwenkbar angelenkt. Günstigerweise ist an dem radial inneren Armende jeweils eine Klemmbacke angeordnet, wobei die Klemmbacke wiederum vorzugsweise durch ein Drehgelenk am radial inneren Armende angelenkt ist. Durch Verschwenken des wenigstens einen Armes ist der Klemmquerschnitt veränderbar.Conveniently, the self-locking mechanism comprises at least one arranged on inner sides of segment bodies, at least one axis pivotable arm, wherein the pivot axes are preferably tangential to the circumferential direction. The at least one arm is articulated with its radially outer end on the inside of the segment body, preferably pivotably by means of a rotary joint. Conveniently, in each case a clamping jaw is arranged on the radially inner arm end, wherein the clamping jaw in turn preferably by a Swivel joint is articulated on the radially inner end of the arm. By pivoting the at least one arm of the clamping cross section is variable.

Vorzugsweise weisen die Klemmbacken an ihrer radialen Innenseite vorzugsweise voneinander getrennte reibungsverstärkende Elemente, insbesondere Kautschukelemente auf. Die reibungsverstärkenden Elemente verhindern daher das Abrutschen der Klemmkette an der Außenwandung des Stützbeines.The clamping jaws preferably have on their radial inner side preferably separate friction-enhancing elements, in particular rubber elements. The friction-enhancing elements therefore prevent the slipping of the clamping chain on the outer wall of the support leg.

Zum sicheren Auslösen der Selbsthemmung ist es förderlich, zunächst eine Initialhemmung der Klemmkette am Stützbein auszulösen. Dafür ist erfindungsgemäß ein jedem Segment zugeordneter Aktuator vorgesehen, der mit dem wenigsten einen Arm des Segmentes in Wirkverbindung steht und den Arm so weit verschwenkt, dass die Klemmbacke unter Ausübung eines initialen Drucks auf die Außenwandung des Stützbeines drückt und ein Abrutschen der Klemmkette verhindert, damit die Selbsthemmung überhaupt auslösen kann.For safe release of the self-locking, it is beneficial to first trigger an initial inhibition of the clamping chain on the support leg. For this purpose, according to the invention, an actuator associated with each segment is provided, which is operatively connected to the at least one arm of the segment and pivots the arm so far that the clamping jaw presses on the outer wall of the support leg while exerting an initial pressure and prevents the clamping chain from slipping off the self-inhibition can ever trigger.

Der Aktuator kann ein steuerbarer hydraulischer Zylinder oder eine Feder sein. Im zweiten Fall kommt es bei Ausfall jedweder Steuerung dennoch zu einer durch die Initiierung hervorgerufene sichere Selbstklemmung in jeder Lage am Stützbein.The actuator may be a controllable hydraulic cylinder or a spring. In the second case, it comes in case of failure of any control yet caused by the initiation safe self-clamping in any position on the support leg.

Vorzugsweise ist eine Zentriereinrichtung vorhanden. Die Zentriereinrichtung ist günstigerweise lösbar. Die Zentriereinrichtung positioniert die Klemmkette während des Klemmvorganges konzentrisch um das Stützbein herum. Dadurch werden die Klemmbacken gleich belastet, und es wird insbesondere ein ungewolltes Umschlagen einer weiter von der Außenwandung des Stützbeines entfernten Klemmbacke verhindert.Preferably, a centering device is present. The centering device is conveniently detachable. The centering device concentrically positions the clamping chain around the support leg during the clamping process. As a result, the clamping jaws are charged equally, and it is in particular an unintentional turning over a further away from the outer wall of the support leg jaw prevented.

Die Zentriereinrichtung kann ein mechanischer Abstandhalter von der Klemmkette zum Stützbein sein, vorzugsweise kann sie als ein das Stützbein umlaufender Zentrierring, der mit Abstandhaltern mit der Klemmkette verbunden ist ausgebildet sein. Der Zentrierring ist auch Anschlag für die Klemmbacken.The centering device may be a mechanical spacer from the clamping chain to the support leg, preferably it may be formed as a centering ring surrounding the support leg, which is connected to the clamping chain with spacers. The centering ring is also stop for the jaws.

Die Zentriereinrichtung kann eine Winkelmesseinrichtung der Arme relativ zum Segment oder eine Abstandsmesseinrichtung zur Außenwandung des Stützbeines umfassen sowie eine Steuerung der als hydraulische Zylinder ausgebildeten Aktuatoren.The centering device may comprise an angle measuring device of the arms relative to the segment or a distance measuring device to the outer wall of the support leg and a control of the actuator designed as a hydraulic cylinder.

Bevorzugt ist die Verbindung zwischen benachbarten, vorzugsweise baugleichen Segmenten lösbar ausgebildet. Dadurch ist es möglich, die Klemmkette, nachdem die Plattform ihre Betriebsposition oberhalb der Meeresoberfläche erreicht hat, zu öffnen und vollständig vom Stützbein zu entfernen. Die Plattform wird ohne Hebeeinrichtung durch Bolzenverbindungen oder andere geeignete Verbindungen am Stützbein dauerhaft befestigt.Preferably, the connection between adjacent, preferably identical segments is detachably formed. This makes it possible to open the clamping chain after the platform has reached its operating position above the sea surface, and completely removed from the support leg. The platform is permanently attached to the support leg by means of bolted connections or other suitable connections without a lifting device.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Hebeeinrichtung sind in Längsrichtung ausgerichtete Hubzylinder vorgesehen mit einem plattformseitigen und einem klemmkettenseitigen Ende, und beide Enden weisen Befestigungsmittel zur Befestigung an der Plattform bzw. der Klemmkette auf. Die Hubzylinder ermöglichen es, die Plattform bei festgeklemmter Klemmkette anzuheben, indem alle Hubzylinder der Hebeeinrichtung gleichzeitig eingefahren werden. Entsprechendes gilt für das Absenken der Plattform.In a further preferred embodiment of the lifting device longitudinally oriented lifting cylinders are provided with a platform-side and a clamping chain-side end, and both ends have fastening means for attachment to the platform or the clamping chain. The lifting cylinders make it possible to lift the platform with the clamping chain clamped in, by simultaneously retracting all lifting cylinders of the lifting device. The same applies to the lowering of the platform.

Günstigerweise umfasst die Hebeeinrichtung eine weitere Klemmkette, die entlang des Stützbeines vorzugsweise zwischen der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette und der Plattform angeordnet ist. Die plattformseitige weitere Klemmkette ist während des Hebevorganges relativ positionsfest zur Plattform angeordnet. Die Hebeeinrichtung funktioniert durch aufeinanderfolgendes Festklemmen und Lösen der beiden Klemmketten, so dass die Stützbeine in einem Jacking- Verfahren abgesenkt werden können, bis sie Kontakt mit dem Meeresboden aufweisen und die Plattform in einem Jacking-Verfahren aus dem Wasser herausgehoben werden kannConveniently, the lifting device comprises a further clamping chain, which is preferably arranged along the support leg between the platform-side clamping chain and the platform. The platform-side further clamping chain is arranged in a relatively fixed position to the platform during the lifting operation. The lifting device operates by successively clamping and releasing the two clamping chains, so that the support legs can be lowered in a Jacking- process until they have contact with the seabed and the platform can be lifted out of the water in a jacking process

Die weitere Klemmkette und die Klemmkette sind baugleich, insbesondere weist die weitere Klemmkette weiteren Aktuatoren auf, die eine Initialhemmung auslösen.The further clamping chain and the clamping chain are identical, in particular, the further clamping chain further actuators, which trigger an initial inhibition.

Hinsichtlich des zweiten Aspektes der Erfindung wird die Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren zum Anheben als auch durch ein Verfahren zum Absenken einer Offshore-Plattform gelöst, die mit wenigstens einer der oben genannten Hebeeinrichtungen durchgeführt werden.With regard to the second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for lifting as well as by a method for lowering an offshore platform, which are carried out with at least one of the abovementioned lifting devices.

Das Verfahren zum Anheben der Plattform verläuft, indem die Klemmkette in einer ersten Position an dem Stützbein vorzugsweise durch Ausfahren der Hubzylinder gelöst wird und die Klemmkette an einer von der Plattform weiter entfernten zweiten Position an dem Stützbein vorzugsweise durch betätigen der Aktuatoren initial gehemmt wird. Nachfolgend wird die weitere Klemmkette in einer dritten Position entlang dem Stützbein gelöst, und durch das Lösen der weiteren Klemmkette in der zweiten Position wird die initial gehemmte Klemmkette in der zweiten Position durch Selbsthemmung festgeklemmt. Die Hubzylinder werden eingefahren und die weitere Klemmkette in einer vierten Position initial an der Außenwandung des Stützbeins gehemmt. Danach wird die Klemmkette in der zweiten Position gelöst und dadurch die initial gehemmte weitere Klemmkette in der vierten Position durch Selbsthemmung festgeklemmt. Der Vorgang wiederholt sich dann vom ersten Schritt an und wird solange durchgeführt, bis die Plattform die Betriebshöhe über dem Meeresboden erreicht hat.The method for lifting the platform runs by the clamping chain is released in a first position on the support leg, preferably by extending the lifting cylinder and the clamping chain is initially inhibited at a second farther from the platform second position on the support leg, preferably by actuating the actuators. Subsequently, the further clamping chain is released in a third position along the support leg, and by releasing the further clamping chain in the second position, the initially inhibited clamping chain is clamped in the second position by self-locking. The lifting cylinders are retracted and the further clamping chain is initially inhibited in a fourth position on the outer wall of the support leg. Thereafter, the clamping chain is released in the second position and thereby clamped the initially inhibited further clamping chain in the fourth position by self-locking. The process then repeats itself from the first step and is carried out until the platform has reached the operating altitude above the seabed.

Vorzugsweise wird der wenigstens eine Stützbein nach dem Transport auf Lokation zunächst lotrecht gestellt. Die Plattform kann mehrere Stützbeine, vorzugsweise drei, aber auch vier, sechs oder acht Stützbeine aufweisen.Preferably, the at least one support leg is initially placed vertically after transport to location. The platform may have a plurality of support legs, preferably three, but also four, six or eight support legs.

Die Offshore-Plattform wird mittels eines Lastkahns oder selbstschwimmend auf Lokation gebracht und die Stützbeine auf Lokation mittels der beschriebenen Hebeeinrichtung soweit herabgelassen, bis Füße der Stützbeine Kontakt mit den Meeresboden aufnehmen. Danach wird die Hebeeinrichtung weiter betätigt und damit die Plattform aus dem Wasser herausgehoben. Die Plattform wird so weit über die Wasseroberfläche gehoben, dass sie in ihrer Betriebsposition nicht mehr dem Wellenschlag ausgesetzt ist.The offshore platform is brought to location by means of a barge or self-floating and the support legs lowered to location by means of the described lifting device until feet of the support legs make contact with the seabed. Thereafter, the lifting device is operated further and thus lifted the platform out of the water. The platform is raised above the surface of the water so that it is no longer exposed to waves in its operating position.

Das Verfahren zum Absenken der Plattform mittels wenigstens einer Hebeeirichtung verläuft entsprechend und gemäß den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 12.The method for lowering the platform by means of at least one lifting device runs according to and according to the features of claim 12.

Sowohl beim Verfahren zum Anheben als auch zum Absenken der Plattform ist der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus so ausgebildet, dass er durch eine an der Klemmkette angreifende zum Meeresboden weisende Kraft auslöst, vorzugswiese sind die Arme dazu von radial aussen nach radial innen zur Plattform bzw. dem Meeresboden hin geneigt.Both in the method for lifting and for lowering the platform, the self-locking mechanism is designed so that it triggers by a force acting on the clamping chain to the seabed facing force, preferably the arms are inclined thereto from radially outward radially inward to the platform or the seabed ,

Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zum Absenken und ein Verfahren zum Anheben des Stützbeines aus der Transportposition in die Betriebsposition bzw. umgekehrt, indem zunächst der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus der Klemmkette und auch der weiteren Klemmkette gegenüber den Verfahren zum Anheben bzw. Absenken der Plattform umgeschlagen wird, derart dass eine am Stützbein angreifende, zum Meeresboden weisende Kraft den Selbsthemmungsmechanismus auslöst. Dazu werden insbesondere die Klemmbacken umgeschlagen. Die Arme verlaufen dann von radial außen nach radial innen von der Plattform weg geneigt.The invention also relates to a method for lowering and a method for lifting the support leg from the transport position to the operating position or vice versa, by first the self-locking mechanism of the clamping chain and the other clamping chain relative to the method for raising or lowering the platform is handled, so a force acting on the support leg and pointing to the seabed triggers the self-locking mechanism. For this purpose, in particular, the jaws are handled. The arms then extend from radially outward to radially inward inclined away from the platform.

Der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus ist je nach Ausbildung der Klemmketten und der Zentriereinrichtung unterschiedlich umschlagbar. Er kann durch Öffnen der Klemmkette, Umschlagen der Klemmbacken und anschließendem Schließen der Klemmkette umgeschlagen werden. Es ist aber auch denkbar, den Zentriermechanismus zu lösen und die Klemmkette relativ zum Stützbein zu verschieben und dann die vom Stützbein weiter entfernten Klemmbacken umzuschlagen, die Klemmkette in einer exzentrischen Bewegung um das Stützbein zu führen und währenddessen sukzessive die jeweils am weitesten vom Stützbein entfernten Klemmbacken umzuschlagen.The self-locking mechanism is different umschlagbar depending on the design of the clamping chains and the centering device. It can be handled by opening the clamping chain, turning over the clamping jaws and then closing the clamping chain. However, it is also conceivable to disengage the centering mechanism and to move the clamping chain relative to the support leg and then turn over the clamping jaws more distant from the support leg, the clamping chain in an eccentric movement to guide the support leg and successively turn over each of the most distant from the support leg jaws.

Ein Verfahren zum Anheben des Stützbeines verläuft gemäß den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 13, ein Verfahren zum Absenken des Stützbeines mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 14.A method for lifting the support leg according to the features of claim 13, a method for lowering the support leg with the features of claim 14th

Die Erfindung wird anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels in fünf Figuren beschrieben. Dabei zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine perspektivische Ansicht einer plattformabseitigen Klemmkette einer erfindungsgemäßen Hebeeinrichtung,
Fig. 2
eine Seitenansicht der Hebeeinrichtung in Fig.1,
Fig. 3
eine Draufsicht der Hebeeinrichtung in Fig. 1.,
Fig. 4
eine perspektivische Innenansicht eines Segmentes der Klemmkette in Fig. 1
Fig. 5
eine perspektivische Außenansicht des Segmentes in Fig. 4.
The invention will be described with reference to an embodiment in five figures. Showing:
Fig. 1
a perspective view of a platform-side clamping chain of a lifting device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a side view of the lifting device in Fig.1 .
Fig. 3
a top view of the lifting device in Fig. 1 .,
Fig. 4
an interior perspective view of a segment of the clamping chain in Fig. 1
Fig. 5
an external perspective view of the segment in Fig. 4 ,

Offshore-Plattformen werden mit Stützbeinen 2 selbstschwimmend oder auf einem Lastkahn aufliegend im Meer auf Lokation verbracht. Dort werden die während des Transportes hochgefahrenen Stützbeine 2 zum Meeresboden abgesenkt und die Plattform anschließend aus dem Meer heraus oder vom Lastkahn angehoben und in einer Betriebsstellung dauerhaft arretiert.Offshore platforms are self-swimming with support legs 2 or floating on a barge in the sea on location spent. There, the raised during transport support legs 2 are lowered to the seabed and the platform then lifted out of the sea or from the barge and permanently locked in an operating position.

In den Figuren ist ein Teil einer Hebeeinrichtung 1 dargestellt, die zum einen dazu dient, eines der Stützbeine 2 der Offshore-Plattform aus dem für den Transport hochgefahrenen Zustand soweit abzusenken, bis es Kontakt mit einem Meeresboden hat. Jedem der Stützbeine ist die baugleiche Hebeeinrichtung 1 zugeordnet. Zum anderen kann die Plattform anschließend unter gleichzeitiger Anwendung aller Hebeeinrichtungen 1 weiter aus dem Meer heraus in die Betriebsstellung angehoben werden. Dort ist sie beabstandet vom Meeresspiegel und über dem Meeresspiegel angeordnet. In der Betriebsstellung ist die Plattform ohne die Hebeeinrichtung 1 arretierbar.In the figures, a part of a lifting device 1 is shown, which serves on the one hand to lower one of the support legs 2 of the offshore platform from the raised state for transport state until it has contact with a seabed. Each of the support legs is associated with the identical lifting device 1. On the other hand, the platform can then be lifted further out of the sea into the operating position with the simultaneous use of all lifting devices 1. There it is located at a distance from sea level and above sea level. In the operating position, the platform without the lifting device 1 can be locked.

Fig. 1 zeigt einen Abschnitt des Stützbeines 2 der (nicht dargestellten) Plattform. Die Plattform wäre am unteren Bildrand der Fig. 1 angeordnet. Durch die Plattform sind in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel vier senkrecht zur Ebene der Plattform in einer Längsrichtung L verfahrbare Stützbeine 2 hindurchgeführt. Es ist natürlich auch denkbar, Plattformen mit drei, sechs, acht oder einer anderen Anzahl von Stützbeinen 2 zu versehen. Fig. 1 shows a portion of the support leg 2 of the platform (not shown). The platform would be at the bottom of the picture Fig. 1 arranged. Through the platform are in this embodiment, four perpendicular to the plane of the platform in a longitudinal direction L movable support legs 2 passed. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide platforms with three, six, eight or a different number of support legs 2.

Die Plattform des dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels ist zusammen mit den vier eingefahrenen Stützbeinen 2 schwimmfähig. Sie kann daher mittels eines Schiffes offshore auf Lokation gezogen werden, die Stützbeine 2 sind während des Transportes hochgefahren.The platform of the illustrated embodiment is buoyant together with the four retracted support legs 2. It can therefore be pulled by a ship offshore on location, the support legs 2 are raised during transport.

Die Stützbeine 2 der auf Lokation verbrachten Plattform werden mit Hilfe einer in Fig. 1 dargestellten plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 zuerst abgesenkt, bis am meeresbodenseitigen Ende der Stützbeine 2 angeordnete (nicht dargestellte) Stützfüße Kontakt mit dem Meeresboden haben. Im Meeresboden können die Stützfüße auf verschiedene Weise verankert werden, beispielsweise mit Saugvorrichtungen wie Saugdosen oder durch oder durch Elefantenfüße. Am einfachsten ist es, ein meeresbodenseitig geschlossenes röhrenförmiges Stützbein 2 in den Meeresboden hineinzudrücken.The support legs 2 of the platform moved to location are identified by means of an in Fig. 1 shown platform-side clamping chain 3 is first lowered until at the sea bottom side end of the support legs 2 arranged (not shown) support feet have contact with the seabed. In the seabed, the support feet can be anchored in various ways, for example, with suction devices such as suction or by or through elephant feet. The easiest way is to press a seabed-side closed tubular support leg 2 into the seabed.

Nachdem die Stützbeine 2 über ihre Stützfüße im Meeresboden verankert sind, wird die Plattform mit Hilfe der Hebeeinrichtungen 1 aus dem Wasser herausgehoben und entlang der Längsrichtung L der Stützbeine 2 solange vertikal verfahren, bis die Betriebshöhe erreicht ist, in der die Plattform nicht mehr dem Wellenschlag ausgesetzt ist.After the support legs 2 are anchored on their support feet in the seabed, the platform is lifted out of the water by means of the lifting devices 1 and vertically along the longitudinal direction L of the support legs 2 until the operating height is reached, in which the platform is no longer the wave is exposed.

Die vollständige Hebeeinrichtung 1 umfasst die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 und eine baugleiche plattformseitige Klemmkette gemäß Fig. 1, die entlang der Längsrichtung L des Stützbeines 2 übereinander angeordnet sind und jeweils das Stützbein 2 konzentrisch umlaufen. Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte weiter von der Plattform beabstandete Klemmkette 3 wird im Weiteren als plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 bezeichnet. Die dichter an der Plattform montierte Klemmkette wird im Weiteren als plattformseitige Klemmkette bezeichnet. Die der plattformabseitigen bzw. plattformseitigen Klemmkette zugeordneten Bauteile werden entsprechend als plattformabseitig bzw. plattformseitig bezeichnet.The complete lifting device 1 comprises the platform-side clamping chain 3 and a structurally identical platform-side clamping chain according to FIG Fig. 1 , which are arranged one above the other along the longitudinal direction L of the support leg 2 and respectively circulate the support leg 2 concentrically. In the Fig. 1 shown further spaced from the platform clamping chain 3 is hereinafter referred to as platform off-side clamping chain 3. The more tightly mounted on the platform clamping chain is hereinafter referred to as a platform-side clamping chain. The components assigned to the platform-side or platform-side clamping chain are accordingly referred to as platform-side or platform-side.

Die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 umfasst acht Segmente 6. Eines der Segmente 6 ist in Fig. 1 durch das Stützbein 2 verdeckt. Jedes Segment 6 weist zwei in Längsrichtung L übereinander montierte Segmentkörper 7, 8 auf. Ein plattformabseitiger Segmentkörper 7 und ein plattformseitiger Segmentkörper 8 sind über einen Verbindungsflansch miteinander verschraubt. Von jedem der plattformseitigen Segmentkörper 8 geht ein in Längsrichtung verlaufender Hubzylinder 9 zur Plattform hin ab.The platform-side clamping chain 3 comprises eight segments 6. One of the segments 6 is in Fig. 1 hidden by the support leg 2. Each segment 6 has two longitudinally L mounted on one another segment body 7, 8. A platform-side segment body 7 and a platform-side segment body 8 are connected to one another via a connecting flange screwed. From each of the platform-side segment body 8 is a longitudinally extending lifting cylinder 9 from the platform down.

Die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 weist einen entlang dem Umfang im Wesentlichen gleichbleibenden Durchmesser auf, und sie umläuft das Stützbein 2 im Wesentlichen konzentrisch.The platform-side clamping chain 3 has a diameter substantially constant along the circumference, and it orbits the support leg 2 substantially concentrically.

Der Hubzylinder 9 weist ein kettenseitiges Ende und ein plattformseitiges Ende auf, die jeweils über eine Bolzenverbindung an einem der plattformseitigen Segmentkörper 8 der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 bzw. an der Plattform angelenkt sind. Das klemmkettenseitige Hubzylinderende weist eine in Längsrichtung L abstehende klemmkettenseitige Lasche 11 auf, die in eine vom plattformseitigen Segmentkörper 8 abstehende Gabel 13 eingreift und mittels eines in Umfangsrichtung der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 angeordneten Bolzens gelenkig verbunden ist. Eine vom plattformseitigen Hubzylinderende in Längsrichtung L abstehende Lasche 12 greift in eine korrespondierende, mit der meeresabseitigen Plattformseite fest verbundene (nicht eingezeichnete) Gabel ein.The lifting cylinder 9 has a chain-side end and a platform-side end, which are each articulated via a bolt connection to one of the platform-side segment body 8 of the platform-side clamping chain 3 or on the platform. The clamping-chain-side lifting cylinder end has a clamping chain-side tab 11 that protrudes in the longitudinal direction L and that engages in a fork 13 projecting from the platform-side segment body 8 and is articulated by means of a bolt arranged in the circumferential direction of the platform-side clamping chain 3. A protruding from the platform-side lifting cylinder end in the longitudinal direction L tab 12 engages in a corresponding, with the sea side platform side firmly connected (not shown) fork.

Die vollständige Hebeeinrichtung 1 weist zusätzlich für jedes der Stützbeine 2 die (nicht eingezeichnete) plattformseitige Klemmkette auf, die im Gegensatz zur plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 direkt über Bolzenverbindungen mit der Plattform verbunden ist. Es sind keine Hubzylinder zwischen der plattformseitigen Klemmkette und der Plattform vorgesehen.The complete lifting device 1 additionally has, for each of the support legs 2, the platform-side clamping chain (not shown) which, in contrast to the platform-side clamping chain 3, is connected directly to the platform via bolt connections. There are no lifting cylinders between the platform-side clamping chain and the platform provided.

Die einzelnen Segmente 6 sind in Längsrichtung L ausgerichtet und äquidistant voneinander beabstandet entlang dem Umfang des Stützbeines 2 angeordnet. Die Segmente 6 sind jeweils beidseitig mit benachbarten Segmenten 6 über jeweils zwei Gruppen von jeweils vier Verbindungslaschen 16, 17 miteinander verbunden. Die plattformabseitige Gruppe von Verbindungslaschen 16 ist seitlich mit plattformabseitigen Segmentkörpern 7 und die plattformseitige Gruppe von Verbindungslaschen 17 ist seitlich mit plattformseitigen Segmentkörpern 8 über eine Bolzenverbindung mit in Längsrichtung L verlaufenden Bolzenlängsachsen gelenkig verbunden.The individual segments 6 are aligned in the longitudinal direction L and arranged equidistant from each other along the circumference of the support leg 2. The segments 6 are connected to each other on both sides with adjacent segments 6 via two groups of four connecting lugs 16, 17. The platform-side group of connection tabs 16 is laterally connected to platform-side segment bodies 7 and the platform-side group of connection tabs 17 is laterally hingedly connected to platform-side segment bodies 8 via a bolt connection with longitudinal bolt L extending longitudinally.

Jedes der Segmente 6 umfasst zwei übereinander in Längsrichtung L beabstandet voneinander vorgesehene Klemmbacken 18, 19, die über jeweils einen in radialer Richtung schräg gestellten Arm 21, 22 an radialen Innenseiten des plattformabseitigen bzw. plattformseitigen Segmentkörpers 7, 8 angeordnet. Jeder der beiden Arme 21, 22 eines Segmentes 6 ist über ein Drehgelenk mit der radialen Innenseite eines plattformabseitigen bzw. plattformseitigen Segmentkörpers 7, 8 verbunden und über ein weiteres Drehgelenk gelenkig mit einer radialen Außenseite der plattformabseitigen bzw. plattformseitigen Klemmbacken 18, 19 verbunden. Die Drehgelenke beider Arme 21, 22 sind jeweils über eine tangential zur Umfangsrichtung verlaufende Achse drehbar.Each of the segments 6 comprises two clamping jaws 18, 19 which are provided one above the other in the longitudinal direction L and which are arranged on radially inner sides of the platform-side or platform-side segment body 7, 8 via a respective arm 21, 22 which is inclined in the radial direction. Each of the two arms 21, 22 of a segment 6 is connected via a rotary joint to the radial inner side of a platform-side or platform-side segment body 7, 8 and via a further rotary joint hingedly connected to a radial outer side of the platform-side or platform-side clamping jaws 18, 19. The hinges of both arms 21, 22 are each rotatable about an axis extending tangentially to the circumferential direction.

Fig. 2 zeigt die Anordnung der Fig. 1 in einer Seitenansicht. Gleiche Bezugszeichen bezeichnen wie auch in den weiteren Figuren gleiche Bauteile wie in der Fig. 1. Jedes Segment 6 weist in Längsrichtung L übereinander angeordnete plattformabseitige und plattformseitige Segmentkörper 7, 8 auf, die jeweils in Umfangsrichtung beidseitig mit jeweils vier Verbindungslaschen 16, 17 mit einem benachbarten Segmentkörper 7, 8 gelenkig in Verbindung stehen. Die beiden Segmentkörper 7, 8 sowie der dem jeweiligen Segment 6 zugeordnete Hubzylinder 9 sind exakt in Längsrichtung L übereinander angeordnet. Eine Hubrichtung des Hubzylinders 9 verläuft parallel zur Längsrichtung L. Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of Fig. 1 in a side view. The same reference numerals as in the other figures denote the same components as in the Fig. 1 , Each segment 6 has in the longitudinal direction L superimposed platform-side and platform-side segment body 7, 8, which are in the circumferential direction on both sides with four connecting straps 16, 17 with an adjacent segment body 7, 8 in articulation. The two segment body 7, 8 and the respective segment 6 associated lifting cylinder 9 are arranged exactly in the longitudinal direction L one above the other. A stroke direction of the lifting cylinder 9 runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine Draufsicht der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 in Fig. 1 und Fig. 2. Die plattformabseitigen Klemmbacken 18 sowie die nicht dargestellten plattformseitigen Klemmbacken 19 der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3, sind in Kontakt mit einer Außenwandung des im Querschnitt kreisrunden Stützbeines 2. Die Klemmbacken 18, 19, die in ihrer Gesamtheit so dimensioniert sind, das gesamte Plattformgewicht verteilt auf vier Stützbeine 2 und vier Hebeeinrichtungen 1 zu tragen, üben jeweils eine Klemmkraft auf die Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 auf. Nachdem die Plattform aus dem Wasser gehoben ist und mittels der Hebeeinrichtungen 1 ihre Betriebsposition erreicht hat, wird die Plattform dauerhaft mittels nicht dargestellter Haltemittel an den Stützbeinen 2 arretiert. Die plattformabseitigen Klemmketten 3 der Hebeeinrichtungen 1 werden dann an Bolzenverbindungen bestimmter plattformabseitiger und plattformseitiger Laschen 16, 17 an einem der Segmente 6 gelöst und vollständig entfernt. Entsprechendes gilt für die plattformseitigen Klemmketten. Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the platform-side clamping chain 3 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 , The platform-side jaws 18 and the platform-side clamping jaws 19, not shown, of the platform-side clamping chain 3, are in contact with an outer wall of the circular cross-section support leg 2. The jaws 18, 19, which are dimensioned in their entirety, the entire platform weight distributed on four support legs 2 and four lifting devices 1, each exert a clamping force on the outer wall of the support leg 2. After the platform is lifted out of the water and has reached its operating position by means of the lifting devices 1, the platform is permanently locked by means not shown holding means to the support legs 2. The platform-side clamping chains 3 of the lifting devices 1 are then released at bolt connections of certain platform-side and platform-side tabs 16, 17 on one of the segments 6 and completely removed. The same applies to the platform-side clamping chains.

Fig. 4 zeigt eines der 6 Segmente in einer Ansicht schräg radial von innen nach außen. In Fig. 4 ist die Funktionsweise eines Selbsthemmungsmechanismus erkennbar. Fig. 4 shows one of the six segments in a view obliquely radially from inside to outside. In Fig. 4 the operation of a self-locking mechanism is recognizable.

Der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus ist hier pro Segment 6 gedoppelt. Die erforderliche Anzahl der Klemmbacken 18, 19 hängt vom Reibungskoeffizienten und der zulässigen Flächenpressung des reibungsverstärkenden Materials an der Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 ab. Ein plattformabseitiger Teil des Selbsthemmungsmechanismus umfasst den schräg gestellten plattformabseitigen Arm 21, der um die in Umfangsrichtung der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 verlaufende Drehachse drehbar am plattformabseitigen Segmentkörper 7 gelagert ist. Die plattformabseitige Klemmbache 18 ist um eine weitere in Umfangsrichtung der weiteren Klemmkette 3 verlaufende Drehachse am plattformabseitigen Arm 21 angelenkt.The self-locking mechanism is doubled here per segment 6. The required number of clamping jaws 18, 19 depends on the coefficient of friction and the permissible surface pressure of the friction-enhancing material on the outer wall of the support leg 2. A platform-side part of the self-locking mechanism includes the inclined platform-side arm 21 which is rotatably supported on the platform-side segment body 7 around the rotation axis extending in the circumferential direction of the platform-side clamping chain 3. The platform-side clamping jaw 18 is another one in Circumferentially guided circumferential direction of the further clamping chain 3 extending axis of rotation on platform off-side arm 21.

Für einen plattformseitigen Teil des Selbsthemmungsmechanismus des Segmentes 6 gilt Entsprechendes, er umfasst den in einem Stellwinkel schräg gestellten plattformseitigen Arm 22, der wiederum über eine Bolzenverbindung mit der plattformseitigen Klemmbacke 19 desselben Segmentes 6 um eine parallel zur weiteren Drehachse des ersten Teils des Selbsthemmungsmechanismus gelenkig in Verbindung steht und der an dem plattformseitigen Segmentkörper 8 um eine parallel zur Achse des ersten Teil des Selbsthemmungsmechanismus gelenkig angeordnet ist. Innenseiten der Klemmbacken 18, 19 beranden eine Klemmquerschnitt. Die Größe des Klemmquerschnitts variiert mit der Größe des Stellwinkels der Arme 21, 22.For a platform-side part of the self-locking mechanism of the segment 6 applies the same, it comprises the tilted in a foot angle platform side arm 22, in turn via a bolt connection with the platform-side jaw 19 of the same segment 6 about a parallel to the other axis of rotation of the first part of the self-locking mechanism hinged in Connection and which is articulated on the platform-side segment body 8 about a parallel to the axis of the first part of the self-locking mechanism. Inner sides of the clamping jaws 18, 19 overlie a clamping cross-section. The size of the clamping cross section varies with the size of the adjusting angle of the arms 21, 22nd

Da plattformabseitige Arme 21 und der plattformseitige Arme 22 parallel zueinander und nach radial innen zur Plattform hin abfallend angeordnet sind, erzeugt eine Bewegung der Hebeeinrichtung 1 in Fig. 1 von oben nach unten durch eine an dem Hubzylinder angreifende Gewichtskraft eine Selbsthemmung der Klemmkette 3 am Stützbein 2, weil sich der Klemmquerschnitt verkleinert.Since the platform-side arms 21 and the platform-side arms 22 are arranged to slope down parallel to each other and radially inward towards the platform, a movement of the lifting device 1 in FIG Fig. 1 from top to bottom by a force acting on the lifting cylinder weight self-locking of the clamping chain 3 on the support leg 2, because the clamping cross-section decreases.

Des Weiteren ist der Selbsthemmungsmechanismus mit einem Initialhemmmechanismus gekoppelt. Letzterer umfasst einen plattformabseitigen Hebel 40 und einen auf ihn wirkenden plattformabseitigen Aktuator 41.Furthermore, the self-locking mechanism is coupled with an initial locking mechanism. The latter comprises a platform-side lever 40 and a platform-side actuator 41 acting on it.

Der plattformabseitig über den plattformabseitigen Segmentkörper 7 geführte plattformabseitige Hebel 40 ist zum einen radial innen gelenkig mit dem plattformabseitigen Arm 21 und radial außen mit dem plattformabseitigen Aktuator 41 verbunden. Der plattformabseitige Aktuator 41 treibt den plattformabseitigen Hebel 40 an und verschwenkt über den plattformabseitigen Hebel 40 den plattformabseitigen Arm 21. Der plattformabseitige und der plattformseitige Arm 21, 22 sind miteinander über eine Bolzenverbindung verbunden. Der plattformabseitige Aktuator 41 kann somit beide Klemmbacken 18, 19 des Segmentes 6 gemeinsam in einer Kreisbewegung gleichzeitig in radialer Richtung und in Längsrichtung L verschwenken.The platform-side lever 40, which is guided on the platform-side segment body 7, is connected to the platform-side arm 21 radially on the inside and to the platform-side actuator 41 radially on the outside. The platform-side actuator 41 drives the platform-side lever 40 and pivots over the platform-side lever 40, the platform-side arm 21. The platform-side and the platform-side arm 21, 22 are connected to each other via a bolt connection. The platform-side actuator 41 can thus pivot both clamping jaws 18, 19 of the segment 6 together in a circular motion simultaneously in the radial direction and in the longitudinal direction L.

Durch den radialen Anteil der Kreisbewegung der Klemmbacken 18, 19 verfahren sich gegenüberliegende Klemmbacken 18, 19 der Klemmkette 3 etwas aufeinander zu und verringern somit den Klemmquerschnitt zwischen den Klemmbacken 18, 19 und ermöglichen ein initiales Festklemmen der Klemmkette 3 an der Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2.Due to the radial component of the circular movement of the clamping jaws 18, 19, opposite clamping jaws 18, 19 of the clamping chain 3 move slightly toward one another and thus reduce the clamping cross section between the clamping jaws 18, 19 and allow an initial clamping of the clamping chain 3 on the outer wall of the supporting leg 2.

Die auf das Stützbein 2 wirkende Kraft der Initialhemmung ist geringer als die der Selbsthemmung. Die plattformabseitigen Aktuatoren 41 dienen dazu, einen Initialdruck auf die Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 auszuüben, der die Klemmbacken 18, 19 so stark auf die Außenwandung drückt, dass ein Abrutschen der Klemmkette 3 beim Aufbau der Selbsthemmung verhindert wird. Dazu muss mindestens die Schwerkraft der Klemmbacke n 18, 19 überwunden werden.The force acting on the support leg 2 of the initial inhibition is lower than that of the self-locking. The platform-side actuators 41 serve to exert an initial pressure on the outer wall of the support leg 2, which presses the jaws 18, 19 so strong on the outer wall that slipping of the clamping chain 3 is prevented in the construction of the self-locking. For this, at least the gravity of the jaw n 18, 19 must be overcome.

Fig. 5 zeigt das Segment 6 in Fig. 4 in einer Ansicht von radial außen nach radial innen. Der plattformabseitige Aktuator 41 ist als Hydraulikdifferentialzylinder ausgebildet. Der Hub des Zylinders beträgt 200 mm, die Kapazität zwischen 50 - 100 kN. Die Hydraulikzylinder 9 haben eine Kapazität von 1.000 kN und einen Hub von 1.500 mm. Das Segment 6 wiegt etwa 2,5 t. Dieses sind nur beispielhafte Werte. Fig. 5 shows segment 6 in FIG Fig. 4 in a view from radially outside to radially inside. The platform-side actuator 41 is formed as a hydraulic differential cylinder. The stroke of the cylinder is 200 mm, the capacity between 50 - 100 kN. The hydraulic cylinders 9 have a capacity of 1,000 kN and a stroke of 1,500 mm. Segment 6 weighs about 2.5 t. These are only exemplary values.

Grundsätzlich ist jede der Klemmketten 3 durch Einfügen weiterer Segmentkörper 7, 8 mit zugehörigem Arm 21, 22 und zugehöriger Klemmbacke 18, 19 in Längsrichtung L um einen weiteren Teil eines Selbsthemmungsmechanismus erweiterbar.In principle, each of the clamping chains 3 can be expanded by inserting further segment bodies 7, 8 with associated arm 21, 22 and associated clamping jaw 18, 19 in the longitudinal direction L around a further part of a self-locking mechanism.

Fig. 4 zeigt die radiale Innenseite der beiden Klemmbacken 18, 19 mit jeweils sechs auf der Innenseite angeordneten Kautschukeinlagen 50 mit einer Auflagefläche von jeweils 110 x 250 mm, die in zwei in Längsrichtung L ausgerichteten Dreieranordnungen angeordnet sind, wobei die beide Dreieranordnungen voneinander durch eine Führungsschiene 51 getrennt sind. Fig. 4 shows the radial inner side of the two jaws 18, 19, each with six arranged on the inside rubber pads 50 with a support surface of 110 x 250 mm, which are arranged in two aligned in the longitudinal direction L three-arrays, the two sets of three separated from each other by a guide rail 51 are.

Die nachfolgenden Positionsangaben beziehen sich auf eine Position entlang der Längsrichtung des Stützbeins, wobei eine dritte Position am dichtesten an der Plattform vorgesehen ist, eine vierte Position am zweit dichtesten, eine erste Position am zweit weitesten entfernt und eine zweite Position am entferntesten von der Plattform vorgesehen ist.The subsequent position indications refer to a position along the lengthwise direction of the support leg, with a third position closest to the platform, a fourth position closest second, a first position farthest second, and a second position farthest from the platform is.

Nachdem die vier Stützbeine 2 auf dem Meeresboden aufgesetzt sind, verläuft das Hebeverfahren zum Anheben der Plattform aus dem Wasser grundsätzlich in folgenden nacheinander ausgeführten Schritten: Die plattformabseitig Klemmkette 3 befindet sich zunächst in einer ersten Position entlang des Stützbeines 2. Die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 wird gelöst und die Hydraulikzylinder 9 der plattformseitigen Klemmkette 3 ausgefahren und dann die plattformabseitigen Aktuatoren 41 der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 eingezogen und damit der Klemmquerschnitt zwischen den Klemmbacken 18, 19 verringert, solange bis eine Initialhemmung der Klemmbacken 18, 19 an der Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 auftritt. Die Initialhemmung verhindert ein Abrutschen der Klemmbacken 18, 19 entlang der Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 im nächstfolgenden Schritt. Nach dem Aufbau der Initialhemmung werden die Hubzylinder 9 wieder eingefahren, dadurch wird die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 zunehmend mit der Last der Plattform belastet und die Selbsthemmung der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 aufgebaut und die plattformseitige Klemmkette löst sich. Durch Ausfahren der plattformseitigen Aktuatoren werden die Klemmbacken der plattformseitigen Klemmkette ganz von der Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 in einer dritten Position gelöst. Die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 ist jetzt in einer zweiten Position festgeklemmt. Die Hubzylinder 9 werden eingefahren und die Plattform um den Hub der Hubzylinder 9 angehoben. Dann wird der plattformseitige Klemmring initial an der Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 in einer vierten Position gehemmt. Nachdem der plattformseitige Klemmring initial gehemmt ist, werden die plattformabseitigen Aktuatoren 41 betätigt und die Selbsthemmung der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 gelöst. In dem Maße, wie sich die Selbsthemmung der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette löst, baut sich die Selbsthemmung der plattformseitigen Klemmkette in der vierten Position auf. Dadurch wird die aufliegende Last von der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 zur plattformseitigen Klemmkette verlagert. Die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 kann, nachdem die Last vollständig auf der plattformseitigen Klemmkette liegt, von dem Stützbein 2 gelöst werden. Die Hubzylinder 9 werden dann wieder ausgefahren, und die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 wird im ausgefahrenen Zustand der Hubzylinder 9 wiederum zunächst mittels Initialhemmung und anschließender Selbsthemmung an der Außenwandung des Stützbeines 2 festgeklemmt. Danach wird die plattformseitige Klemmkette wieder gelöst, indem die plattformseitigen Aktuatoren ausgefahren werden. In dem Maße, in dem die Selbsthemmung der plattformseitigen Klemmkette gelöst wird, baut sich die Selbsthemmung der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 solange auf, bis die vollständige Last wiederum auf der plattformabseitigen Klemmkette 3 liegt. Der Vorgang wird so oft wiederholt, bis die Plattform ihre Betriebshöhe über dem Meeresspiegel erreicht hat. Während des gesamten Hebeverfahrens werden die plattformabseitige Klemmkette 3 und die plattformseitige Klemmkette mithilfe einer (nicht dargestellten) Zentriereinrichtung konzentrisch um das Stützbein 2 positioniert.After the four support legs 2 are placed on the seabed, the lifting method for lifting the platform out of the water basically in the following successive steps: The platform downstream clamp chain 3 is initially in a first position along the support leg 2. The platform-side clamping chain 3 is released and the hydraulic cylinders 9 of the platform-side clamping chain 3 are extended and then the platform-side actuators 41 of the platform-side clamping chain 3 retracted and thus the clamping cross-section between the clamping jaws 18, 19 is reduced until an initial inhibition of the jaws 18, 19 on the outer wall of the support leg 2 occurs. The initial inhibition prevents slipping of the jaws 18, 19 along the outer wall of the support leg 2 in the next step. After the establishment of the initial inhibition, the lifting cylinder 9 are retracted again, thereby the platform-side clamping chain 3 is increasingly burdened with the load of the platform and built the self-locking platform-side clamping chain 3 and the platform-side clamping chain dissolves. By extending the platform-side actuators, the jaws of the platform-side clamping chain are completely detached from the outer wall of the support leg 2 in a third position. The platform-side clamping chain 3 is now clamped in a second position. The lifting cylinders 9 are retracted and the platform raised by the stroke of the lifting cylinder 9. Then, the platform-side clamping ring is initially inhibited on the outer wall of the support leg 2 in a fourth position. After the platform-side clamping ring is initially inhibited, the platform-side actuators 41 are actuated and the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain 3 is released. As the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain is released, the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain builds up in the fourth position. As a result, the overlying load is displaced from the platform-side clamping chain 3 to the platform-side clamping chain. The platform-side clamping chain 3, after the load is completely on the platform-side clamping chain, be released from the support leg 2. The lifting cylinders 9 are then extended again, and the platform-side clamping chain 3 is again clamped in the extended state of the lifting cylinder 9, in turn, by means of initial inhibition and subsequent self-locking on the outer wall of the support leg 2. Thereafter, the platform-side clamping chain is released again by the platform-side actuators are extended. To the extent that the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain is released, the self-locking of the platform-side clamping chain 3 builds up until the full load is again on the platform offset side chain 3. The process is repeated until the platform has reached its operating altitude above sea level. Throughout the lifting process, the platform-side clamping chain 3 and the platform-side clamping chain are concentrically positioned around the support leg 2 by means of a centering device (not shown).

In der Betriebsposition wird die Plattform dauerhaft mit den Stützbeinen 2, vorzugsweise mittels Bolzenverbindungen arretiert. Die Hebeeinrichtung 1 kann im Betriebszustand der Plattform vollständig durch Lösen der Verbindungslaschen 16, 17 geöffnet werden und vollständig vom Stützbein 2 entfernt werden. Die Hebeeinrichtung 1 wird erst wieder benötigt, wenn die Plattform beispielsweise zwecks Demontage abgesenkt werden muss. Das Verfahren zum Absenken der Plattform verläuft entsprechend.In the operating position, the platform is permanently locked to the support legs 2, preferably by means of bolt connections. The lifting device 1 can be completely opened in the operating state of the platform by releasing the connecting straps 16, 17 and completely removed from the support leg 2. The lifting device 1 is only again required, for example, when the platform must be lowered for disassembly. The procedure for lowering the platform runs accordingly.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Hebeeinrichtunglifter
22
Stützbeinoutrigger
33
plattformabseitige KlemmkettePlatform-side clamping chain
66
Segmentesegments
77
plattformabseitiger Segmentkörperplatform-side segment body
88th
plattformseitiger SegmentkörperPlatform-side segment body
99
Hubzylinderlifting cylinder
1111
klemmkettenseitige Lascheclamp chain side tab
1212
plattformseitige Lascheplatform-side tab
1313
Gabelfork
1616
plattformabseitige VerbindungslaschenPlatform-side connection tabs
1717
plattformseitige Verbindungslaschenplatform-side connecting straps
1818
plattformabseitige KlemmbackePlatform-side jaw
1919
plattformseitige Klemmbackeplatform-side jaw
2121
plattformabseitiger Armplatform-side arm
2222
plattformseitiger Armplatform-side arm
4040
plattformabseitiger Hebelplatform-side lever
4141
plattformabseitiger Aktuatorplatform-side actuator
5050
Kautschukeinlagerubber Reinforcement
5151
Führungsschieneguide rail
LL
Längsrichtunglongitudinal direction

Claims (13)

  1. Lifting device for lifting an offshore platform along at least one support leg (2) with a plurality of segments (6) connected to one another to form a closed clamping chain (3), wherein the clamping chain (3) has a circumference and at least one radius,
    clamping jaws (18, 19) projecting from the segments being arranged at a distance from one another along the circumference and being able to move back and forth in the radial direction, which clamping jaws (18, 19) together form a clamping cross-section of variable size, wherein the clamping jaws (18, 19) are arranged in a movable manner on the segments (6) by means of a self-locking mechanism and the clamping jaws (18, 19) have at least one friction-increasing element (50) on their inner side,
    characterized by arms (21, 22) which are arranged on the segment inner sides and which are in each case pivotable about an outer axis running in the circumferential direction, on the inner arm ends of which arms there is arranged in each case one of the clamping jaws (18, 19), wherein the clamping cross-section can be varied by pivoting the arms (21, 22).
  2. Lifting device according to claim 1, characterized by a centring device of the clamping chain (3) relative to the support leg (2).
  3. Lifting device according to at least one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by an actuator (41) which is assigned to one segment (6) in each case and which is operatively connected to the respective arm (21, 22) of the segment (6) and can pivot the arm (21, 22) in order to trigger, in the state of use, an initial locking of the clamping chain (3) on the support leg (2).
  4. Lifting device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one further segment (6) can be inserted in an articulated manner between two separate segments (6) in order to enlarge the clamping cross-section.
  5. Lifting device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that different segments (6) of the clamping chain (3) are structurally identical.
  6. Lifting device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by lifting cylinders (9) which act in the longitudinal direction (L) and are arranged on a platform side of each of the segments, the platform-side end of which lifting cylinders has a fastening means for fastening to the platform.
  7. Lifting device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a further clamping chain which in the installed state is arranged along the at least one support leg (2) between the clamping chain (3) and the platform and which is arranged in a fixed position relative to the platform during the lifting process.
  8. Lifting device according to claim 7, characterized by a control means for the lifting cylinders (9) and the actuators (41) as well as further actuators assigned to further segments of the further clamping chain.
  9. Method for lifting an offshore platform with a lifting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,
    wherein the offshore platform has at least one support leg (2),
    in that a clamping chain (3) in a first position on the at least one support leg (2) is released, lifting cylinders (9) are extended and the clamping chain (3) is initially locked on the at least one support leg (2) at a second position which is further away from the platform than the first position,
    a further clamping chain in a third position along the at least one support leg (2) is released and, as a result, the clamping chain (3) is securely clamped in the second position by self-locking,
    the lifting cylinders (9) are retracted,
    the further clamping chain is initially locked in a fourth position which is further away from the platform than the third position,
    the clamping chain (3) in the second position is released and, as a result, the further clamping chain is securely clamped in the fourth position by self-locking.
  10. Method for lowering an offshore platform with a lifting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,
    wherein the offshore platform has at least one support leg (2),
    in that a clamping chain (3) in a second position on the at least one support leg (2) is released,
    lifting cylinders (9) are retracted and the clamping chain (3) is initially locked on the at least one support leg (2) at a first position which is closer to the platform than the second position, a further clamping chain in a fourth position along the at least one support leg (2) is released and, as a result, the clamping chain (3) is securely clamped in the first position by self-locking,
    the lifting cylinders (9) are extended,
    the further clamping chain is initially locked in a third position which is closer to the platform than the fourth position,
    the clamping chain (3) in the first position is released and, as a result, the further clamping chain is securely clamped in the third position by self-locking.
  11. Method for lifting a support leg (2) with a lifting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,
    in that the self-locking mechanism is tripped,
    a clamping chain (3) in a second position on a support leg (2) is released,
    lifting cylinders (9) are retracted and the clamping chain (3) is initially locked on the support leg (2) at a first position which is closer to the platform than the second position,
    a further clamping chain in a fourth position along the support leg (2) is released and, as a result, the clamping chain (3) is securely clamped in the first position by self-locking,
    the lifting cylinders (9) are extended,
    the further clamping chain is initially locked in a third position which is closer to the platform than the fourth position,
    the clamping chain (3) in the first position is released and, as a result, the further clamping chain is securely clamped in the third position by self-locking.
  12. Method for lowering a support leg (2) with a lifting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,
    in that the self-locking mechanism is tripped,
    in that a clamping chain (3) in a first position on a support leg (2) is released,
    lifting cylinders (9) are extended and the clamping chain (3) is initially locked on the support leg (2) at a second position which is further away from the platform than the first position,
    a further clamping chain in a third position along the support leg (2) is released and, as a result, the clamping chain (3) is securely clamped in the second position by self-locking,
    the lifting cylinders (9) are retracted,
    the further clamping chain is initially locked in a fourth position which is further away from the platform than the third position,
    the clamping chain (3) in the second position is released and, as a result, the further clamping chain is securely clamped in the fourth position by self-locking.
  13. Method according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the clamping chain (3) or further clamping chain is initially clamped or released respectively by clamping jaws (18) or further clamping jaws (19) initially being pressed or released respectively by means of actuators (41) or by means of further actuators on the outer wall of the support legs (2).
EP13155954.4A 2013-02-20 2013-02-20 Lifting device for offshore platforms Not-in-force EP2770112B1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL13155954T PL2770112T3 (en) 2013-02-20 2013-02-20 Lifting device for offshore platforms
EP13155954.4A EP2770112B1 (en) 2013-02-20 2013-02-20 Lifting device for offshore platforms
CN201480009414.9A CN105008620B (en) 2013-02-20 2014-01-14 Lowering or hoisting gear for offshore platform
US14/769,443 US20150376856A1 (en) 2013-02-20 2014-01-14 Lifting Device For Offshore Platforms
SG11201506301PA SG11201506301PA (en) 2013-02-20 2014-01-14 Lifting device for offshore platforms
PCT/EP2014/050629 WO2014127931A1 (en) 2013-02-20 2014-01-14 Lifting device for offshore platforms
KR1020157021284A KR20150118126A (en) 2013-02-20 2014-01-14 Lifting device for offshore platforms

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13155954.4A EP2770112B1 (en) 2013-02-20 2013-02-20 Lifting device for offshore platforms

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2770112A1 EP2770112A1 (en) 2014-08-27
EP2770112B1 true EP2770112B1 (en) 2016-02-17

Family

ID=47748485

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13155954.4A Not-in-force EP2770112B1 (en) 2013-02-20 2013-02-20 Lifting device for offshore platforms

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20150376856A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2770112B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20150118126A (en)
CN (1) CN105008620B (en)
PL (1) PL2770112T3 (en)
SG (1) SG11201506301PA (en)
WO (1) WO2014127931A1 (en)

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DE102014104546A1 (en) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-01 Overdick Gmbh & Co. Kg lifting device
GB2542605B (en) 2015-09-25 2018-04-04 Subsea 7 Ltd Moving tools on offshore structures with a walking carriage
CN105937216B (en) * 2016-05-19 2018-04-17 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 A kind of jacking system suitable for hoistable platform
CN105970895B (en) * 2016-05-26 2019-01-04 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 A kind of jack-up unit spud leg and jacking system
CN106284268B (en) * 2016-08-11 2018-10-02 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 a kind of pile leg locking mechanism
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2014127931A1 (en) 2014-08-28
KR20150118126A (en) 2015-10-21
US20150376856A1 (en) 2015-12-31
CN105008620B (en) 2017-10-27
EP2770112A1 (en) 2014-08-27
PL2770112T3 (en) 2016-08-31
SG11201506301PA (en) 2015-09-29
CN105008620A (en) 2015-10-28

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