阅读说明：本技术 具有水支承的转盘 (Turntable with water bearing ) 是由 库诺·约翰内斯·亚历山大·范登伯格 于 2018-06-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于储存和铺设较长长度的管道或线缆的线缆转台组件(1),包括：-可旋转转台(2)；-转台支撑表面(3),该转台支撑表面支撑转台以进行旋转运动；以及-流体支承系统(26),该流体支承系统位于可旋转转台与转台支撑表面之间,该流体支承系统包括加压流体室(4)和密封系统(5),该密封系统包括在转台的周界(7)处延伸的密封元件(6)以密封转台的外周界处的环形间隙(8)。(The invention relates to a cable turret assembly (1) for storing and laying long lengths of pipe or cable, comprising: -a rotatable turntable (2); -a turntable support surface (3) supporting the turntable for rotational movement; and-a fluid bearing system (26) located between the rotatable turntable and the turntable support surface, the fluid bearing system comprising a pressurized fluid chamber (4) and a sealing system (5) comprising a sealing element (6) extending at a periphery (7) of the turntable to seal an annular gap (8) at an outer periphery of the turntable.)

1. A cable turret assembly (1) for storing and laying long lengths of pipe or cable, comprising:

-a rotatable turntable (2),

-a turntable support surface (3) supporting the turntable for rotational movement,

-a fluid bearing system (26) between the rotatable turntable and the turntable support surface, the fluid bearing system comprising a pressurized fluid chamber (4) and a sealing system (5) comprising a sealing element (6) extending at a periphery (7) of the turntable to seal an annular gap (8) at the outer periphery of the turntable, and

-a watertight barrier (20) extending around the turntable and transversely with respect to the turntable support surface,

wherein the annular gap extends between the outer periphery of the turntable and the watertight barrier (20).

2. The cable turret assembly of claim 1, wherein the pressurized fluid chamber extends over at least 80% of a projected surface of the turret perpendicular to a horizontal plane.

3. The cable turret assembly of the previous claim, wherein the pressurized fluid chamber is segmented.

4. Cable turret assembly according to the previous claim, comprising an inlet (9) for supplying a pressurized fluid to the pressurized fluid chamber.

5. The cable turntable assembly of claim 4, wherein the inlet is connected to the turntable support surface.

6. The cable turret assembly of the previous claim, wherein the sealing element is dimensionally stable.

7. A cable turret assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing system is connected to the turret and/or the watertight barrier.

8. Cable turret assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the height (10) of the pressurized fluid chamber (4) is configured to accommodate deviations of the turret support surface and the turret.

9. The cable turret assembly of claim 8, wherein the pressurized fluid chamber is between about 5cm and up to about 30cm in height.

10. A cable turntable assembly according to the preceding claim, comprising stop means (11) for maintaining the position of the turntable relative to the turntable support surface.

11. Cable turret assembly according to claim 10, wherein the stop means comprise a plurality of axially working stop elements (12) distributed at intervals along the outer periphery of the rotatable turret, wherein the plurality of axially working stop elements (12) define an operating height position of the turret when the pressurized fluid chamber (4) is pressurized.

12. A cable turntable assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the stop means comprises a plurality of radially working stop elements (13) spaced apart along the outer periphery of the rotatable turntable.

13. Cable turret assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing system comprises a spacer (14) between the turret support surface and the turret.

14. Cable turret assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing system comprises two sealing elements (6, 15) operating in series.

15. Cable turret assembly according to the previous claim, comprising a drive system (16) for rotating the turret, wherein the drive system comprises a drive wheel (17).

16. Cable turret assembly according to the previous claim, comprising a support fluid recirculation system (21, 22, 23).

17. A vessel (18) comprising a cable turret assembly according to the preceding claim.

18. Vessel according to claim 17, wherein the turret support surface comprises a deck (19) of the vessel.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cable turret assembly for storing and laying long lengths of pipe or cable, the cable turret assembly comprising;

-a rotatable turntable for rotating the turntable,

-a turntable support surface supporting the turntable for rotational movement.

The invention also relates to a vessel comprising a cable turret assembly.

Background

A rotating turret (also called a turntable) on a barge or vessel is configured to carry cables or pipes. As an example, such a rotating turret may have a weight of about 300t and may carry a batch of 5000t of pipes or cables. The rotating turret may be 25 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height. Of course, other sizes and higher capacities are possible. In use, the turntable is able to rotate about a vertical direction. The turntable is a circular ring structure mounted on a large number of wheels. The turntable has an inner diameter corresponding to the minimum bend radius of the cable or pipe it carries and typically rotates about a post at the center of the turntable. The column also typically prevents the turntable from moving laterally relative to the deck of the vessel. This post is commonly referred to as the "king pin".

The support of the turntable on the deck of the barge or ship is basically required to have the following features. First, since the deck of a barge or vessel is reinforced at discrete locations by relatively low capacity stiffeners and higher capacity webs and trusses, it is necessary to distribute the load to the supporting deck. Secondly, because the deck of the barge or vessel is not completely flat due to its construction and deformation, the support needs to be able to accommodate these deficiencies.

There are several known solutions for supporting the turntable on the deck of the vessel. A first solution is to have a large number of wheels under the turntable. The wheels have a vertical flexible or hydraulically operated movement to compensate for the vertically uneven supporting deck structure. It is also known to have a set of a plurality of discrete inflatable supports slidable along the deck. Such a solution is known from US 4647253. Furthermore, it is known to place basins on a deck filled with water, with the turntable floating in the water. This is shown in GB-384186A and EP2085308B 1.

Finally, US3952962(a) relates to a cable drum for laying subsea cables. In US3952962 a cable spool is penetrated from one end to the other by a central bore and means are provided for supporting the spool in an upper end position on a pad of pressurised fluid. An annular flexible skirt is provided around the periphery which in use is the lower end of the roll to define a cushioning space. Supplying pressurized fluid to the buffer space through the central bore.

These known solutions have their problems. The wheel or the plurality of supports are relatively expensive and delicate, since in case of damage, in particular when there is a supply of cables in the turntable, the support structure cannot be reached. Floating turntables require very large basins to generate enough water column for the turntables to float. This means that an expensive and heavy structure is necessary to support the tub. This also means that the turntable itself needs to be watertight, not only at the bottom of the turntable, but also over the entire height dimension of the turntable, or at least over a large part of the height dimension of the turntable.

The load bearing capacity of the cushion of US3952962(a) is practically insufficient. Furthermore, the skirt is difficult to access and therefore difficult to service or perform maintenance. Third, the cable spool of US3952962(a) requires a mandrel to support and support the spool.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cable turret assembly which supports the deck with low requirements and which is easy to maintain.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution to the problems associated with known cable turret assemblies.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an alternative cable turret assembly.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a cable turret assembly for storing and laying long lengths of pipe or cable, comprising:

-a rotatable turntable for rotating the turntable,

-a turntable support surface supporting the turntable for rotational movement, and

-a fluid bearing system between the rotatable turntable and the turntable support surface, the fluid bearing system comprising a pressurized fluid chamber and a sealing system comprising a sealing element extending at a periphery of the turntable to seal an annular gap at an outer periphery of the turntable.

A fluid bearing system comprising a pressurized fluid chamber and a sealing system comprising a sealing element extending at the periphery of the turntable to seal an annular gap at the outer periphery of the turntable enables having a fluid bearing contacting the entire turntable. This results in an even load distribution on the deck while avoiding expensive wheels or other support structures under the turntable that are difficult to reach. With existing flotation solutions, the fluid bearing avoids large heavy basins. Furthermore, marine fastening during transport is easy. The fluid may be drained and the turntable then rests on the support surface.

In particular, the fluid is water. The fluid bearing enables the turntable to rotate with low friction. The fluid chamber is a confined space defined between the turntable, the support surface and the sealing element. In the case of assembling the sealing element, the sealing element may be attached to the turntable, the support surface, or both.

By pressurized is meant that the fluid in the pressurized fluid chamber is at a pressure above atmospheric pressure by a pump or any suitable pressure source. The fluid under pressure lifts the turntable to an operational height position. The operating height position of the turret is between about 5cm and up to about 30cm above the deck of the barge or vessel to create a gap or clearance between the turret and the turret support surface. The gap is sealed by a sealing system at the outer perimeter of the turntable. The sealing system is accessible from an exterior of the cable turret assembly.

According to the invention, the annular gap extends between the outer periphery of the turntable and a watertight barrier extending around the turntable and transversely with respect to the turntable support surface. This facilitates sealing of the annular gap when the turntable position is lifted towards the operational height position.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the pressurized fluid chamber extends over at least 80% of a projected surface of the turret perpendicular to the horizontal plane. This results in an even better load distribution on the support surface. As an example, in an embodiment of the cable turret assembly without a kingpin, the pressurized fluid chamber extends over 100% of a projected surface of the turret perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the pressurized fluid chamber is segmented. This enables an improved reliability of the turntable, since the undesired effects of sudden loss of pressure in the fluid chamber can be reduced. Such segmented fluid chambers deflate more slowly. In the steady state, the pressure in different sections of the fluid chamber is the same.

In one embodiment, the cable turret assembly includes an inlet for supplying pressurized fluid to the pressurized fluid chamber. In the case of a large number of portals, the portals may be connected to the turntable, the turntable support surface, or both.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the sealing element is dimensionally stable. This is in contrast to other conceivable sealing elements (inflatable seals whose dimensions depend on the applied load and the inflation pressure provided).

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the sealing system is connected to the turret and/or the watertight barrier.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the height of the pressurized fluid chamber is configured to accommodate deviations in the turret support surface and the turret. In particular, the height of the pressurized fluid chamber is between about 5cm and up to about 30 cm. This avoids contact between the turntable and the turntable support surface and ensures frictionless rotation of the turntable. In other words, the height of the pressurized fluid chamber enables accommodation of the movement of the turntable.

In one embodiment, the cable turntable assembly includes a stop arrangement for maintaining the position of the turntable relative to the turntable support surface. This enables the position of the turntable to be maintained. This is beneficial for the function of the sealing system, especially when the sealing system comprises an assembly of sealing elements.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the stop means comprises a plurality of axially working stop elements distributed at intervals along the outer circumference of the rotatable turret. As a result, the turntable is prevented from continuing to move upward. The sealing contact of the sealing system is maintained. Furthermore, the turntable cannot be rotated out of plane, i.e. around a horizontal axis, which means that no segmentation of the fluid chamber is required. Such stops may be, for example, flanges, sliders, wheels. The plurality of axially working stop elements define an operating height position of the turntable when the pressurized fluid chamber is pressurized. When the fluid chamber is pressurized, the turntable is at an operational height position. The turntable then abuts the axially working stop element.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the stop means comprises a plurality of radially operating stop elements distributed at intervals along the outer circumference of the rotatable turret. Thus, it is not strictly required that the central column (and the kingpin) absorb lateral forces, which results in a better distribution of the counteracted loads in the deck and thus locally reduced loads. This is due to the horizontal load on the king pin creating a moment at the deck level which needs to be counteracted on a relatively small footprint of the king pin. Such stops may be, for example, flanges, sliders, wheels. The radially operating stop element is arranged in particular in the vicinity of one or more sealing elements. In this way, the outward deformation of the watertight barrier has less influence on the sealing function of the sealing system.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the sealing system comprises a spacer between the turret support surface and the turret to set the operation of the sealing element. This enables the desired clearance to be maintained even if the pressure drops. This improves reliability and provides for a security failure.

In one embodiment of the cable turret assembly, the sealing system comprises two sealing elements operating in series. This improves the reliability of the cable turret assembly even more.

In one embodiment, the cable turret assembly includes a drive system for rotating the turret, wherein the drive system includes a drive wheel. A drive system comprising drive wheels enables a combination of a drive function and a stop device. At least toothed wheels and friction wheels are conceivable for the drive wheels.

In one embodiment, the cable turret assembly includes a support fluid recirculation system. This enables the leakage flow of the supporting fluid to be collected in the reservoir and the collected fluid to be reused.

The invention also relates to a vessel comprising a cable turret assembly. In an embodiment of the vessel, the turret support surface comprises the deck of the vessel or barge, and/or an additional surface layer in direct contact with the deck of the vessel or barge. The additional surface layer will only serve as a sealing system to avoid fluid spillage, rather than as a structural support for the turntable.

Drawings

The invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cable turret assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a detail of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cable turret assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a detail of one embodiment of a sealing system;

fig. 5a to 5c show possible arrangements of the sealing element; and

figure 6 is a vessel including a cable turret assembly according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a cable turret assembly 1. The cable turret assembly 1 is configured for storing and laying long lengths of pipe or cable (not shown).

The cable turntable assembly 1 comprises a rotatable turntable 2, the turntable 2 having a receiving space 24 for storing a cable or a conduit in a coiled state. The turntable 2 has a base member 25. The bottom member 25 is watertight.

The cable turntable assembly 1 comprises a turntable support surface 3. The turntable support surface 3 supports the turntable 2 for rotational movement. The turntable support surface 3 supports the turntable 2 for rotational movement about a vertical direction. The turntable support surface 3 is here the deck of the vessel.

The cable turntable assembly 1 includes a fluid bearing system #. The fluid bearing system # is arranged between the rotatable turntable 2 and the turntable support surface 3. The fluid bearing system comprises a pressurized fluid chamber 4. Here, the fluid bearing system comprises one continuous pressurized fluid chamber 4. In this case, the pressurized fluid chamber extends over approximately 80% of the vertical projection surface of the turntable 2. The fluid bearing system includes a sealing system 5. The sealing system 5 comprises a sealing element 6. The sealing element 6 extends at the periphery 7 of the turntable 2. The sealing element 6 seals an annular gap 8 between the turntable support surface 3 and the turntable 2. The sealing member 6 contacts the bottom of the turntable 2.

Fig. 2 shows a detail of fig. 1. It can be seen that the cable turret assembly includes a stop means 11. The stop means 11 maintain the position of the turntable relative to the turntable support surface. The stop means 11 comprise a plurality of axially operating stop elements 12. The axially working stop elements 12 are distributed at intervals along the outer periphery of the rotatable turntable 2. Here, the stop element 12 contacts the turntable in a rolling manner. The turntable 2 is prevented from moving upwards by an axially operating stop element 12. The turntable 2 is prevented from moving sideways by a horizontal wheel 13 fixed to the deck.

The stop means 11 comprise a plurality of radially operating stop elements 13. Radially operating stop elements 13 are distributed at intervals along the outer periphery of the rotatable turntable 2. The turntable 2 is prevented from moving sideways by a horizontal wheel mounted directly on the deck. Here, the stop element 13 contacts the turntable in a rolling manner.

The cable turret assembly includes a drive system 16. The drive system 16 rotates the turntable 2 to unwind or wind up, in other words, pay out or retract, the cable or pipe. Here, the drive system 16 comprises a drive wheel 17, in this case a toothed wheel.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the cable turret assembly of fig. 1. The fluid bearing system comprises a pressurized fluid chamber 4. Here, it can be best seen that the fluid bearing system comprises one continuous pressurized fluid chamber 4. In this case, the pressurized fluid chamber extends over approximately 80% of the projected surface of the turntable 2 perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

Fig. 4 shows a detail of an embodiment of the sealing system 5. An annular gap 8 extends between the outer periphery 7 of the turntable 2 and the watertight barrier 20. A watertight barrier 20 extends around the turntable 2. The watertight barrier 20 extends transversely with respect to the turntable support surface 3. The height of the watertight barrier 20 is about 1 meter compared to a height of about 4 meters of the turntable 2. Figures 5a to 5c show possible arrangements of sealing elements between the outer perimeter 7 of the turntable 2 and the watertight barrier 20. The cable turret assembly 1 comprises an entrance 9. The pressurized fluid is supplied to the pressurized fluid chamber 4 through an inlet. Here, the inlet 9 is connected to the turntable support surface 3. The height h (indicated by the numeral 10) of the pressurized fluid chamber 4 is configured to accommodate deviations of the turntable support surface 3 and the turntable 2. In this case, the height of the pressurized fluid chamber is between about 5cm and up to about 30cm when the turntable is in its operative height position as shown in fig. 3, 4 and 5a to 5 c. The sealing system 5 may comprise spacers 14. The spacer is arranged between the turntable support surface 3 and the turntable 2. The spacer 14 provides a failsafe stop for the turntable 2. Here, the sealing system 5 comprises two sealing elements 6, 15. The two sealing elements 6, 15 operate in series.

The cable turret assembly has a support fluid recirculation system. A possible leakage flow 20 may leak through the sealing system 5. The sealing system 5 has a reservoir 21 for receiving the leakage flow 20. The reservoirs extend at the periphery of the turntable 2. The received leakage flow is forced back to the inlet 9 of the sealing system 5. Here, the pump 23 forces the received leakage flow back to the pressurized fluid chamber 4 through the conduit 22.

The fluid bearing system is indicated by numeral 26. The turntable support surface 3, the pressurized fluid chamber 4 and the sealing system 5 form a fluid bearing system 26.

In fig. 5a the sealing system 5 is shown. The sealing element 6 is connected to the watertight barrier 20.

The sealing system 5 is shown in fig. 5 b. The sealing element 6 is connected to the turntable 2.

The sealing system 5 is shown in fig. 5 c. The sealing element 6a is connected to the watertight barrier 20. The sealing member 6b is attached to the turntable 2.

Figure 6 shows a vessel 18 comprising a cable turret assembly 1 according to the invention. The turret support surface comprises the deck 19 of the vessel 18. The turntable 2 is rotatable about its central vertical axis 27.

The invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.