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Title:
MODULE-BASED VERTICAL ACCESS TOOL FOR OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/133402
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Module-based vertical access tool for work in the splash zone of an offshore installation, including a framework of framework modules, an attachment module arranged for attaching the module-based access tool to a structure of the offshore installation, and a tool module which can move in the longitudinal direction of the framework and which tool module itself carries driving means for movement along the framework, and a remote arm arranged to the lower side of the tool module, to which remote arm work equipment can be arranged.

Inventors:
LOTHE ARNE (NO)
Application Number:
PCT/NO2016/050024
Publication Date:
August 25, 2016
Filing Date:
February 12, 2016
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
PREZIOSO LINJEBYGG AS (NO)
International Classes:
E21B41/04; E02B17/00; E04G3/00; E04G5/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2010049326A22010-05-06
Foreign References:
NO20130829A12013-12-16
NO20082941L2010-01-04
US20100175950A12010-07-15
US20130336724A12013-12-19
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CURO AS (7075 Tiller, NO)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. Module-based vertical access tool (100) for offshore installations (10) for maintenance and inspection of the offshore installation (10), especially in splash zone of the offshore installation (10), including an attachment module (120) for fastening of the module-based vertical access tool (100) to a structure (11) of the offshore installation (10), and including a remote arm (150), where the mentioned remote arm (150) is arranged for arrangement of work equipment which can be exchanged, characterized in that the module-based vertical access tool (100) further includes:

- at least one framework module (110) arranged to the attachment module (120) and provided with rail guides (113) for a tool module (130),

- at least one tool module (130) formed by a housing (131) provided with guide wheels (133) adapted for engagement with the rail guides (113) of the framework modules (110) for secure arrangement thereto and movement in longitudinal direction of the framework modules (110), where the tool module (130) includes driving means for movement along framework modules (110),

and that the remote arm (150) is arranged at lower side of the housing (1310).

2. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving means of the tool module (130) for movement along the framework modules (110) includes kabelar wheels (161) for engagement with a chain (200), which chain (200) extends along the framework module(s) (110) and where the kabelar wheels (161) are in engagement with a toothed wheel (158) driven by a power source (155).

3. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool module (130) is provided with controllable balancing means (140) for fastening of the tool module (130) to the framework module(s) (110) at performance of an operation.

4. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the remote arm (150) is formed by two horizontal arms, a first and second horizontal arm (151, 152), respectively, where the first horizontal arm (151) is rotatably arranged to the lower side of the housing (131) at one end thereof by means of driving means (152) and that the second horizontal arm (152) is rotatably arranged to a lower side of a free end of the first horizontal arm (151) by means of driving means (154) and where a free end of the second horizontal arm (152) is adapted for arrangement of work equipment.

5. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 1, characterized in that rail guides (113) are arranged at both sides of the framework module(s) (110), exhibiting a mainly U-profile and are arranged such that opening (114) of the U-profile is facing away from the framework module (110), in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the framework module (110).

6. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 5, characterized in that the guide wheels (133) of the tool module are arranged to a projection (132) at each corner of a side of the housing (131) facing inwards against the framework modules (110) and that the width of the housing (131) is adapted such that the guide wheels (133) engage the rail guides (113).

7. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment module (120) is formed with two claws (121a-b), of which at least one of the claws (121b) is arranged movable between an open and closed position. 8. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 7, characterized in that one of the claws (121a) is a part of a fastening frame (124) for the attachment module (120).

9. Module-based vertical access tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool module (130) carries driving means for external equipment.

Description:
MODULE-BASED VERTICAL ACCESS TOOL FOR OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS

The present invention is related to a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations according to the preamble of claim 1.

Especially, the present invention is related to a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations for use in the splash zone, both for maintenance and inspection of difficult available locations on the offshore installation, such as a platform.

Background

Offshore installations are daily exposed to harsh weather conditions. Due to the harsh weather conditions the need for inspection and maintenance work on these installations is a constantly proceeding task. In the present situation this can be done in several ways, but most common this maintenance work is performed either by personnel or ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles), but due to frequent bad weather the restrictions regarding protection of personnel and equipment are strict such that the amount of tasks which can be performed in the separate areas of the offshore installations are highly limited. This means that maintenance and inspection in these areas are very difficult and the need for work here is very high.

One of these areas is the so-called splash zone, the splash zone being the zone from the sea surface and down to there the wave load is a substantial factor.

For floating offshore installations it is possible to move them to dock for performing maintenance, but this is however very expensive due to lost production and the cost of moving the offshore installation.

For fixed offshore installations is today the most used method to either use divers or ROVs. All these methods are expensive, dangerous and limited due to the costs for personnel and equipment, as mentioned above.

US4502407 shows an example of the use of ROV for work at an offshore installation.

There also exist some examples of the use of systems/devices which are fixed to the structure of the offshore installation.

E.g. N0166776B describes a device for inspection, cleaning and/or performing of other tasks in connection with a welded joint between crossing tube elements in an offshore platform at a substantial depth below the water surface. The device includes a holding body arranged for being moved on and of a body, and a holding device being rotatable around the body when it is clamped to a tube element for lateral movement along the joint as the holding device is rotated.

From NO332220 Bl it is known a system for maintenance and inspection of structures located at difficult available places which includes a remote arm which consists of a device for arranging the mentioned remote arm to the structure, where the mentioned remote arm can be provided with different work tools, and that the remote arm can be provided with a camera, and where the mentioned remote arm is controlled from a control center at deck of the offshore installation. In NO20130829 it is described a device for performing a subsea operation on at least a partly submerged structure where the device includes: a fundament with a connector for connecting the device to and from the structure, a movable arm directly or indirectly arranged to the fundament, where the arm is provided with a tool, wherein the tool is movable in a three-dimensional work area about the fundament, wherein the fundament includes a rail, wherein the movable arm includes a support wagon going in engagement with the rail for allowing the movable arm to move along the rail.

There are several disadvantages with the above described solutions and the largest disadvantage is that they are not module-based. By that they are not module-based this requires that they must be adapted to each separate offshore installation, something which is costly and time consuming, and that they to a large extent cannot be re-used.

Further, they have high weight, such that they require the use of cranes for mounting them in place on the structure of the offshore installation. In many cases there is no such crane available on the offshore installation which results in that one must commandeer a vessel for performing the mounting, which is both costly and time consuming.

They further require that hoses and wires are lead down from the surface for supplying the tool with energy and hydraulic oil, which is a substantial disadvantage and which involve a great danger for pollution.

It is accordingly a need for providing a module-based vertical access tool which is cheaper and simpler to produce, assemble and in use. Object

The main object of the present invention is to provide a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations which solves the above-mentioned problems of prior art.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations where one do not need support vessels for performing operations in the splash zone of a offshore installation.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a module-based access tool for offshore installations for driverless operations.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations which can easily be adapted for work at the separate offshore installation by that it includes modules which easily can be adapted to the separate offshore installation. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations where one do not need cranes for arranging the vertical access tool to the offshore installation, but which can be arranged by means of access technique and rig equipment.

An object of the present invention is to provide a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations which provides 360 degree work area for work tools to be used.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations where one can use standard components, something which makes maintenance of the tool simple and inexpensive.

An object of the present invention is to provide a module-based vertical access tool for offshore installations where the tool carries driving sources for its own powering and powering of equipment connected thereto.

Further objects will appear by consideration of the following description, claims and attached drawings. The invention

A module-based vertical access tool for maintenance and inspection of offshore installation is described in claim 1. Preferable features of the module-based vertical access tool are described in the dependent claims. In the further description the shortening MVAT is used for the module-based access tool. MVAT according to the present invention includes three core modules:

- framework modules formed by scaffolding material of standard type which can be assembled together in longitudinal direction for forming a framework of desired length,

- attachment module including a clamp arranged for detachable fastening to the framework, which clamp is adapted for fastening the framework to structures of the offshore installation, either mainly vertically extending or mainly horizontally extending structures,

- tool module arranged for being arranged to the framework and movable in longitudinal direction thereof, where the tool module at its lower end is provided with a remote arm, to which arm work tools can be arranged.

The MVAT will further be connected to a control central, further explained below.

The framework is formed by that desired number of frame modules are arranged together in vertical direction for forming desired work length in vertical direction for the MVAT.

There are further arranged rail guides to the frame modules which extend in longitudinal direction of the frame modules, at the sides of the longitudinal sides of the frame work modules, to which rail guides the tool modules is movably arranged, so that the tool module can be moved up and down along the frame work formed by the frame modules. The rail guides are arranged such that the tool module can run along the side of the frame work facing away from the structure of the offshore installation.

The attachment module is arranged to the framework at opposite side of the tool module, i.e. at the side of the framework facing the structure of the offshore installation. The attachment module includes a clamp arranged for gripping a mainly horizontally or vertically extending structure of the offshore installation and secure attachment thereto. The clamp is preferably fixed to the framework by means of standard scaffold fittings, and at least one of the two claws of the clamp is movable for fixing and releasing the MVAT to/from the structure. The tool module is further, at the side facing the framework, provided with controllable balancing means, such that when the tool module is at a location where tasks are to be preformed the tool module is balanced/fixed to the framework to avoid movements and unnecessary wear and tear.

The tool module itself is formed by a housing, where it on the side facing the framework is arranged wheels at upper and lower ends, at both sides of the housing, facing into the housing, such that when the housing is arranged to the framework the wheels come into engagement with the rail guides of the framework modules and arranging the tool module movably to the framework.

The remote arm at the lower side of the tool module is formed by two horizontal arms connected to each other and parallel displaced in vertical direction. The first horizontal arm is rotatably arranged to a lower side of the housing at one of its ends by means of driving means and able to rotate 360 degrees under the housing of the tool module. The second horizontal arm is arranged to the free end of the first horizontal arm by means of driving means and able to rotate 360 degrees about the end of the first horizontal arm. In this way the tool module can go under the sea surface, and operated under the surface during bad weather conditions and wave loads considerably larger than conventional techniques can handle.

By that the remote arm includes two horizontal arms which each can rotate 360 degrees this makes the remote arm easy to manipulate, such that it reaches all locations within reach of the remote arm. Further, by that the horizontal arms are 360 degrees rotatable makes the remote arm easy to fold together such that it uses minimum of space and thus makes it easy to transport. At the end of the remote arm, i.e. the free end of the second horizontal arm, is preferably arranged a working platform with exchangeable manipulator arms which is capable of performing different types of operations. In addition is preferably the working platform rotatably arranged to the second horizontal arm, such that any equipment arranged thereto is rotatable 360 degrees. The fact that they are exchangeable means that it in a simple manner can be mounted a mechanical unit at the end for performing maintenance as grinding, cutting and drilling, etc., and which in addition can be rotated such that the equipment do not need to be brought to the surface for changing direction/position. This makes the remote arm also capable of performing advanced inspection work by arranging inspection equipment at the end which includes, but in no way is limited to equipment for e.g. visual inspection, X-ray and eddy current equipment, painting, washing, etc.

The MVAT is preferably arranged such that the framework extends in the vertical plane, but can also be arranged with an angle deviating therefrom. By that the attachment module is exchangeable one can easily adapt the attachment to horizontal or vertical attachment points. The remote arm and manipulator arm preferably further includes a CCTV system for full video surveillance of the work being performed such that all operations can be performed from a remote location. The CCTV system is preferably also equipped with light for illumination of the work area for operations by night or under water.

As opposed to prior art, where the remote arm and work equipment (manipulator arm) are provided with energy from deck of the offshore installation, the tool module carries energy and driving means (motor/gear/pneumatic/batteries/electricity etc.) for both the tool module and the remote arm, and for all equipment (manipulator arm) being arranged to the remote arm. In this lies that there is only communication signals which is required to be sent to/from the MVAT. The communication can either be via wire or wireless. In addition, by that several tool modules can be connected together one can e.g. connect two tool modules where one carries extra energy sources, e.g. hydraulics, pneumatics or batteries, if there is a need for higher capacity than the tool module can carry.

The MVAT is connected to a control central being arranged on the offshore installation, typically on deck, where personnel can perform the necessary tasks without danger and without considering the weather by remotely controlling the MVAT. This control central has full control and manipulation opportunities of the MVAT via monitors and control devices, and computers for controlling the equipment.

The installation of the MVAT can be based on e.g. advanced rigging and rope techniques (access technique) or other types of portable equipment for attaching the MVAT to a structure of the offshore installation. This means that the arrangement of the MVAT is not dependent of permanent hoisting equipment on the offshore installation, but if such are available they can of course be used. This provides a unique flexibility which provides the MVAT with the opportunity to be operated independent of other equipment being present on the offshore installation.

Further preferable features and advantageous details of the present invention will appear from the following example description. Example

The present invention will below be described in further detail with references to the attached drawings, where:

Fig. 1 shows a principle drawing of a module-based vertical access tool according to the present invention arranged to a structure of an offshore installation,

Fig. 2a shows a framework module according to the present invention,

Fig. 2b shows a framework assembled by three framework modules,

Fig. 3 shows an attachment module according to the present invention,

Fig. 4a-c shows different drawings of a tool module according to the present invention, and Fig. 5 shows fastening point for chain and antifalling device at upper part of the framework.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 showing a principle drawing of a module-based vertical access tool according to the present invention including an attachment module 150, framework formed by framework modules 110 and a tool module 130, attached to a structure 11 of an offshore installation 10.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2a showing a framework module 110 according to the present invention. The framework module 110 is formed by standard scaffolding material, such as truss work with C-profile, and is at its ends provided with connection means 11 in the form of end plates with through holes 112 for receiving bolts for attachment to adjacent framework modules 110. The framework 110 is further provided with longitudinal rail guides 113, e.g. in the form of mainly U-profiles, arranged at both longitudinal sides of the framework module 110, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the framework module 110. The opening 114 of the U-profiles are facing away from the framework modules 110 in a plane perpendicular to the framework modules 110. The rail guides 113 are adapted with a size for receiving guide wheels 133 arranged on the tool module 130, which will be further described below.

Reference is now made to Figure 2b showing an example of three assembled framework modules 110 forming a total framework of three times length of the framework modules 110. It should further be noted that the framework modules 110 also can have different length if desirable.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 showing an attachment module 120 according to the present invention. The attachment module 120 according to the present invention is clamp with two claws 121a-b, of which at least one is movable for opening and closing the clamp 120, e.g. by means of a hydraulic cylinder 122 and one or more movable arms 123, in the example there are shown two arms 123, for enabling movement of the movable claw 121b from a mainly vertical/open position to a mainly horizontal position/closed position. In the shown example the clamp 120 is designed so that the one claw 121a is a part of an attachment frame 124, while the other claw 121b is movable such that the clamp 120 can be opened and closed. The attachment frame 124 exhibits a mainly rectangular rear shape and is at its outer points provided with fastening means 125 for detachable fastening to the framework/framework modules 110. The fastening means 125 can e.g. be suspension fittings for scaffold. The clamp 120 is preferably of solid metal and can preferably be coated with a plastic or rubber material 126 at the interior side for more gentle attachment to the structure of the offshore installation. In the example it is shown a clamp which is adapted for attachment to mainly vertical structures of the offshore installation, but the described clamp can in a simple manner be exchanged with a similar clamp for attachment to mainly horizontal structures of the offshore installation. A further modification may be arrangement of clamps being adjustable by turning for being adapted to an actual structure of the offshore installation. If the framework is long, one can use several clamps to achieve desired attachment of the framework to the offshore installation. One can in addition attach the framework at the top to the offshore installation where it is desirable or possible. A great advantage with the claw 121a being a part of the fastening frame 124 is that the MVAT can be suspended on a structure and that the other claw 121b next closes for secure attachment.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4a-c showing a tool module 130, seen inclined from below in one drawing and inclined from behind in two drawings, respectively, where the drawings inclined from behind show details of driving means for the tool module 130, and balancing means 140 for fixing the tool module to the framework/framework module 110 at a work position. The tool module 130 includes a housing 131, in the example mainly rectangular, which at its rear end, which is to face the framework, is provided with four projections 132, one in each corner, where there are arranged guide wheels 133 at the side of the projection facing into the housing 131, such that the guide wheels 133 are arranged outside the housing 131 itself. The width of the housing 131 is further adapted such that the guide wheels 133 fit into the rail guides 113 and engaging the rail guides 113 from each side, securing the tool module 130 to the framework and enabling movement of the tool module 130 in longitudinal direction of the framework (up and down along the framework) formed by the framework modules 110.

The housing 131 is further provided with lifting ears 134, which also function as connection points at arrangement of several tool modules 130 to each other.

The tool module 130 further includes a remote arm 150 (shown in Figure 4a), which is arranged at lower side of the housing 131. The remote arm 150 is formed by two horizontal arms 151 and 152 connected together and parallel displaced in vertical direction. The first horizontal arm 151 is rotatably arranged to the lower side of the housing 131 at one of its ends by means of driving means 153, such as a hydraulic motor connected to a slew drive, and capable of rotating 360 degrees under the housing 131 The second horizontal arm 152 is arranged to the lower side of the free end of the first horizontal arm 151 by means of driving means 154, such as a hydraulic motor connected to a slew drive, and capable of rotating 360 degrees about the end of the first horizontal arm 151, in a horizontal plane located below the plane of the first horizontal arm 151 The length of the horizontal arms 151, 152 can be adapted to the area o fuse In addition the horizontal arms 151-152 may be telescopic such that the length also can be changed during an operation

By that the remote arm 150 includes two horizontal arms 151 and 152 which separately can rotate 360 degrees makes the remote arm 150 easy to manipulate, such that it can reach all positions within the range of the remote arm 150 Further, by that the horizontal arms 151 and 152 are rotatable 360 degrees makes the remote arm 150 easy to fold together such that it takes minimum space and thus makes the tool module easy to transport without requiring detaching the arms

Reference is now made to Figures 4c and 5 showing details of the tool module 130 drive means and fastening means for chain 200 at upper end of the framework The tool module 130 is provided with driving means onboard for driving the tool module 130 up and down along the framework/framework modules 110 by means of a chain 200 extending from top of the framework and down along the framework These driving means can e g include a hydraulic motor 155, slew drive 156, and a drive shaft 157 connected with a toothed wheel 158 The driving means further include two shafts 159a-b firmly arranged in the housing 131 via bearings 160, which shafts 159a-b extend in width direction of the housing 131, which shafts 159a-b are provided with toothed wheels 161, in the form of kabelar wheels, which shafts 159a-b are arranged such that the kabelar wheel 161 of the one of the shafts 159a is in engagement with upper part of the toothed wheel 158 on the drive shaft 157 and the kabelar wheel 161 of the other shaft 159b is arranged such that it is in engagement with lower part of the toothed wheel 158 on the drive shaft 157, such that the kabelar wheel 161 on both shafts 159a-b are moved with when the toothed wheel 158 on the drive shaft 157 is rotated by operation of the hydraulic motor 155 The toothed wheel 158 on the drive shaft 157 can also preferably be of the type kabelar wheel The kabelar wheels 161 arranged to the shafts 159a-b are further arranged for receiving and securely engage with the chain 200 which extends down along the framework The chain 200 is at upper end of the framework attached to a spreader 201 by means of suitable fastening means, which spreader 201 is arranged at the top of the framework module 110 forming the top of the framework, as shown in Figure 5

In this way one can, by means of the hydraulic motor 155, move the tool module 130 up and down along the framework formed by the framework modules 110 An important feature of the present invention is that the tool module 130 is provided with balancing means 140, e.g. in the form of hydraulic cylinders or similar, which balancing means 140 are arranged at the rear side of the housing 131, such that they at activation will lock the tool module 130 against the framework. In this way the position of the tool module 130 is stable and the wear and tear will be reduced and therethough the operating time of the MVAT will be longer. This is also a great advantage as the VAT can have an angle deviating from the vertical plane without this resulting in unnecessary wear and tear.

In addition it can between the tool module 130 and the mentioned spreader 201 be arranged a antifalling device 202 with a wire 203, typically an antifalling block of known type which has automatic rewind of the wire 203, which secures the tool module 130 from falling if there arises an error with the hydraulic motor 155 driving the tool module 130 up and down along the framework.

The tool module 130 further includes a control unit (control box) 170. The tool module can further be provided with one or more of: batteries or electricity supply from the offshore installation, valves/valve control unit 171, hydraulics (tanks for hydraulic oil, hydraulic pump), pneumatics (compressor, air tanks), compensators, sensors or similar, which will be know for a skilled person and is thus not shown explicit in the figures or described herein. In this way the tool module 130 can be self-powered and at the same time be capable of driving any equipment which is arranged on the remote arm 150, either it is electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. If there should be need for extra batteries, larger tanks for compressed air, more powerful compressor, larger tanks for hydraulic fluid or larger hydraulic oil or hydraulic motors, this can easily be arranged in a separate tool module 130 which can be connected with the first tool module. It should here be mentioned that not all tool modules 130 would require driving means for moving the tool modules 130 up and down along the framework.

The tool module 130 is further provided with communication means for communicating with a control central arranged on the offshore installation 10, typically on deck, where personnel can perform the necessary tasks without danger and consideration of the weather by remote controlling of the MVAT. This control central has full control and manipulation possibilities of the MVAT via monitors and control devices, and a computer for controlling the equipment. This is well known for a skilled person and does not need to be elaborated further herein.

In this way the tool module 130 can be controlled from the control central and go under the sea surface, and be driven under bad weather conditions and wave loads considerably larger than conventional techniques can handle.

At the end of the remote arm 150, i.e. the free end of the second horizontal arm 152 it is preferably arranged a working platform with exchangeable manipulator arms capable of performing different types of operations In Figure 1 it is shown an example of such a tool which is a robot arm 300 In addition it is an advantage that the platform also is arranged rotatable, as mentioned in the preliminary part of the description

It should also be mentioned that the tool module 130 preferably is provided with a CCTV system and lights as mentioned in the general part of the description This is well known for a skilled person and does not need to be described in further detail herein

With the present invention it is accordingly provided a MVAT which easily can be extended to desired properties by adding or removing modules

It is further provided a MVAT which has considerably lower weight than prior art solutions due to it includes modules, something which results in that one can arrange the MVAT with simple access technique and low weight rigs

By that the powering of the MVAT is arranged on the tool module itself one avoids that hoses and wires needs to be lead down to the tool module from the deck of the offshore installation, which is both an environmental advantage, as there is no danger for damages or spill, and that these hoses/wires are not in the way in connection with operations

It is achieved a MVAT which is more stable compared to prior art by that one achieves a stiffer and stronger construction, and that the compact solution also makes the MVAT less exposed to affection from waves

It is further achieved a MVAT which is both cheaper to produce and arrange by that standard scaffolding components are used for the framework and for attachment of the attachment module, and standard components for driving means This makes it easy to perform maintenance of the MVAT

Further, the use of kabelar wheels provides a compact, secure and energy effective solution with minimal maintenance for driving of the tool module up and down along the framework Even if it above is described the use of hydraulic driving means both for the tool module and the remote arm it is obvious that it is within the scope of the present invention to use electrical driving means or pneumatic driving means for the same




 
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