Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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IMPROVED MOORING CONNECTOR
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector or mooring connector, such as a
marine/floating/buoyant/subsea/underwater/offshore (mooring) connector, for
example,
for connecting a line or lines, such as a mooring line(s), to a structure,
such as a
marine/floating/buoyant/subsea/underwater/offshore structure, for example, a
submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention
also
relates to an associated apparatus, structure and methods.
BACKGROUND TO INVENTION
A mooring line, for example, a wire, chain or synthetic mooring line (such as
polyester line) used subsea, for example, in the oil, gas, offshore wind, or
tidal energy
industries, or the like, can be attached to a (subsea) structure by means of a
connector.
The mooring of such a structure may be permanent. However, degradation of the
line,
for example, corrosion of the wire or chain may require replacement of the
degraded line.
When such a structure is deployed beyond a depth where it is commercially
acceptable
to use a diver, then connection may require to be established using a remotely
operated
vehicle (ROV) - which may be used to connect and/or disconnect such a line.
Even when not operating beyond allowed diver depth, an improved connector for
use with ROVs may be desirable. Many operators choose not to use divers, even
where
allowed, or practical. There may be a desire or need for a new, improved,
simple, robust
and/or easy to use connector.
W02014/155094 (FTL SUBSEA LIMITED) discloses a subsea connector
comprising a first portion comprising a male part, a second portion comprising
a female
part, and a means or arrangement for connecting the first and second portions,
wherein
the arrangement for connecting comprises at least part of a through-passage in
the second portion,
the first portion comprises means for connecting the first portion to one or
more
mooring line(s), the means for connecting the first portion to one or more
line(s) being
configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion with respect to
one or more
line(s) about a transverse axis of the first portion,
the second portion comprises means for connecting the second portion to an
underwater structure, wherein
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the means for connecting the second portion to an underwater structure are
configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion with respect to
a structure
about a transverse axis of the second portion, and wherein
the transverse axis of the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the
transverse axis of the second portion when the first and second portions are
connected.
The prior art suffers from a number of problems and/or disadvantages. For
example, the provision of removable parts, such as a load bearing locking pin
in first and
second apertures of the first and second portions, respectively.
An object of at least embodiment of at least one aspect of present invention
may
be to seek to obviate or at least mitigate one or more problems and/or
disadvantages in
the prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a connector, a structure,
an
apparatus, an equipment or vessel, and/or a method according to the appended
claims.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a
connector,
such as a mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector and/or
offshore
connector.
The connector may comprise a first portion. The connector may comprise a
second portion. The connector may comprise an arrangement for releasably
locking the
first portion and the second portion. The releasable lock arrangement may
comprise at
least one movable lock or stopper member which may be (resiliently/sprung)
biased
toward(s) a first position.
The first portion may comprise a male portion.
The second portion may comprise a female portion.
The first portion may be receivable within the second portion.
The second portion may comprise a through-bore. The through-bore may have
first portion entry and/or exit ends.
The/each at least one movable lock member may be provided on the second
portion, such as at or adjacent a/the exit end of a/the through-bore, and may
be
connected, for example, hingably attached thereto.
When in the first position the at least one movable lock member may overlap
(with) a/the through-bore of the second portion when viewed along an axis of
the through-
bore.
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The at least one movable lock member may be resiliently movable (e.g., against
an action of a spring or biasing arrangement) from the first position to a
second position
and to a third position by insertion of the first portion into the second
portion.
The or each lock or stopper member may be resiliently movable (e.g., against
an
action of a/the spring or biasing arrangement) from the third position to the
second
position and to the first position by withdrawal of the first portion from the
second portion.
The first position and the third position may be one and the same.
The first position may be a radially proximal position, and/or the second
position
may be a radially distal position, and/or the third position may be a radially
proximal
position relative to an/the axis of a/the through-bore of the second portion.
The or each stopper member may be movable against the action of a biasing
arrangement by insertion of the first portion into the second portion and/or
by removal of
the first portion from the second portion.
The releasable lock arrangement may be adapted to take or transmit tension
between a line, such as a mooring line, and a structure through the connector.
The connector may comprise an (rotation) arrangement for rotating the first
portion relative to the second portion when the first portion is inserted into
and/or
withdrawn from the second portion. The rotation arrangement may cause the
first portion
and second portion to adopt a pre-selected rotational disposition when mated.
The rotation arrangement may comprise at least one or one cam follower, pin or
protrusion on one of the first portion (or the second portion) and a guide or
cam track on
(the other of) the second portion (or the first portion).
There may be provided at least one opposing or facing pair of movable lock
members.
There may be provided at least one biassing arrangement/member or spring
member.
A first end of the/each biassing member may be connected to a first movable
lock
member. A second end of the/each biassing member may be connected to a second
movable lock member.
A first end of the first movable lock member may be connected to a first end
of a
(first) biassing member. (A second end of the first movable lock member may be
connected to the second biassing member).
A first end of the second movable lock member may be connected to a second
end of the (first) biassing member. (A second end of the second movable lock
member
may be connected to the second biassing member).
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The first portion may comprise at least one recess or notch adapted to receive
the/one of the movable lock -member(s), such as in a lock position, such as
a/the third
position.
The first portion may comprise at least one opposing pair of recesses or
notches
adapted to lock or engage with a/the pair of opposing or facing movable lock
members,
such as when in a/the respective third positions.
The first portion may provide a mooring line connection arrangement.
The first portion may have a first end adapted for insertion into the second
portion.
The first portion may have a second end adapted for connection to a mooring
line.
The first portion may have an arrangement for allowing movement of the first
portion relative to a mooring line, preferably the movement allowing
arrangement being
provided at or adjacent an end/the second end of the first portion and/or
being adapt to
allow relative movement in two perpendicular axes.
The connector may comprise a mooring line or leg connector for use with a
mooring line or leg extending up from a floor of a body of water, such as a
sea floor, for
example, to connect a floating structure to be moored to the floor of the body
of water.
Connection and disconnection of the connector or the line may be done by
pulling
in and/or out on the first portion (which may comprise an elongate body), for
example,
using a work line.
The at least one movable lock member may comprise at least part of a latch
mechanism for connecting or fixing a/the line to a/the structure to be moored.
Preferably there may be provided an arrangement for releasably connecting the
first and second portions.
Preferably the at least one movable lock member may comprise at least part of
the releasable connection arrangement.
The releasable connection arrangement may comprise at least part of a/the
through-passage in the second portion.
The first portion may comprise an arrangement/means for connecting or
connection to one or more lines, such as mooring lines, preferably allowing
rotational
movement around or about at least one transverse axis of the first portion
with respect
to the line.
The second portion may comprise an arrangement/means for connecting or
connection to a (subsea) structure, preferably allowing rotational movement
around or
about a transverse axis of the second portion with respect to the structure.
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The transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to
the
transverse axis of the second portion (e.g., when the first and second
portions are
connected/mated).
A/the through-passage of the second portion may be capable of receiving a work-
5 line or wire.
A/the arrangement for connecting the first portion to a line may comprise one
or
more first bearing means.
The one or more first bearing means may comprise a clevis arrangement.
A/the arrangement for connecting the second portion to a structure may
comprise
one or more second bearing means.
The one or more second bearing means may comprise one or more protrusions
or trunnions.
The one or more protrusions or trunnions may provide a/the transverse axis of
the second portion.
A/the transverse axis of the second portion may be substantially horizontal
(for
example, in use).
A/the transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially orthogonal or
perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion, for example, in
use, when the
first and second portions are connected.
The connector may comprise the first portion, the second portion, and a/the
arrangement for connecting the first and second portions, wherein the
arrangement for
connecting may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage in the second
portion,
the through-passage optionally being capable of receiving a work-line or wire,
the first
portion comprising an arrangement for releasably connecting to the work-line
or wire, the
line connecting arrangement preferably comprising first and second line
connection
means, the first line connection means preferably being configured for
releasably
engaging with the second line connection means, and the engagement between the
first
and second line connection means preferably being caused by tension created
between
the work line or wire and the first portion of the connector.
The connector may comprise a/the first portion comprising a male part, a/the
second portion comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means for
connecting
the first and second portions, wherein
the arrangement for connecting may comprise at least part of a/the through-
passage in the second portion,
the first portion may comprise means for connecting the first portion to one
or
more (mooring) line(s), the means for connecting the first portion to one or
more line(s)
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preferably being configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion
with respect
to one or more line(s) about a transverse axis B, C of the first portion,
the second portion may comprise a/the arrangement or means for connecting the
second portion to a structure, such as an underwater structure or submersible
or semi-
submersible structure, wherein
the arrangement or means for connecting the second portion to a structure may
be configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion with respect
to a
structure about a transverse axis D of the second portion, the means for
connecting the
second portion to a structure preferably comprising bearing means which
provide
rotational movement about the transverse axis of the second portion with
respect to the
structure, and wherein
the transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to
the
transverse axis of the second portion when the first and second portions are
connected.
The connector may comprise a/the first portion comprising a male part, a
second
portion comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means for
connecting the
first and second portions, wherein
the means for connecting may comprise at least part of a/the through-passage
in
the second portion,
the first portion may comprise means for connecting the first portion to one
or
more (mooring) line(s), the means for connecting the first portion to one or
more line(s)
preferably being configured to allow rotational movement of the first portion
with respect
to one or more line(s) about a transverse axis B, C of the first portion,
the second portion may comprise means for connecting the second portion to an
underwater structure, wherein
the means for connecting the second portion to an underwater structure may be
configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion with respect to
an
underwater structure about a transverse axis D of the second portion, the
means for
connecting the second portion to an underwater structure preferably comprising
bearing
means comprising a pair of protrusions or trunnions provided on the transverse
axis of
the second portion on opposite sides of the through-passage, and wherein
the transverse axis of the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to
the
transverse axis of the second portion when the first and second portions are
connected.
In a first implementation the at least one movable lock member may be moved
from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first
portion into the second
portion. The at least one movable member may be moved from the second position
to
the third position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the
second
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portion/member. Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an
"engage/install/lock sequence".
In the first implementation embodiment the at least one movable lock member
may be moved from the third position to the second position by yet further
insertion of
the first portion into the second portion. The at least one movable member may
be moved
from the second position to the first position be removal of the first
portion/member from
the second portion/member. Such yet further insertion and removal may be
referred to a
"disengagement/de-install/release sequence".
In a second implementation the at least one movable lock member may be moved
from the first position to the second position by insertion of the first
portion into the second
portion. The at least one movable member may be moved from the second position
to
the third position be further insertion of the first portion/member into the
second
portion/member. Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an
"engage/install/lock sequence".
In the second implementation the at least one movable lock member may be
moved from the third position to the second position by a release member. The
release
member may be moved/controlled by a release line, e.g., by pulling/tensioning
the
release line. The at least one movable member may be moved from the second
position
to the first position by a/the at least one biasing member and/or the release
member,
e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line thereby allowing the at
least one biasing
member to act on the at least one movable lock member. Such pulling and
release of
the release line may be referred to a "disengagement/de-install/release
sequence".
In the second implementation the first portion may be removed from the second
portion by yet further insertion of the first portion into the second portion
followed by
removal of the first portion from the second portion. Such yet further
insertion and
removal may be referred to a/the "disengagement/de-install/release sequence".
The first implementation may be referred to as "an automatic connector". The
second implementation may be referred to as "a semi-automatic connector".
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a
connector, such as a mooring connector, subsea connector, underwater connector
and/or offshore connector.
The connector may comprise:
at least one movable lock member;
a first portion; and/or
a second portion.
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The at least one movable lock member may be moved from a first (closed)
position to the second (opened) position by insertion of the first portion
into the second
portion, e.g., into a through-bore of the second portion.
The at least one movable member may be moved from the second (opened)
position to a third (closed) position be further insertion of the first
portion/member into
the second portion/member.
Such insertion and further insertion may be referred to as an
"engage/install/lock
sequence".
The at least one movable lock member may be moved from a/the third (closed)
position to a/the second (opened) position by a release member.
The release member may be moved/controlled by a release line, e.g., by
pulling/tensioning the release line.
The at least one lock movable member may be moved from the second (opened)
position to a/the first (closed) position by at least one biassing member
and/or the release
member, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release line thereby allowing the
at least
one biasing member to act on the at least one movable lock member.
The first portion may be removed from the second portion by yet further
insertion
of the first portion into the second portion followed by removal of the first
portion from the
second portion. Such yet further insertion and removal may be referred to
a/the
"disengagement/de-install/release sequence".
Such pulling/tensioning, release/de-tensioning and release of the release line
and (intermediate) further insertion of the first portion into the second
portion may be
referred to a "disengagement/de-install/release sequence".
Embodiments of the invention according to the second aspect of the present
invention may be referred to as "a semi-automatic connector".
It will be appreciated that a connector according to the first/second aspect
of the
present invention may optionally and/or beneficially comprise or include one
or more
features of a connector according to the second/first aspect of the present
invention.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a
structure,
or a marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater and/or offshore structure,
apparatus,
equipment or vessel, when moored by one or more lines.
At least one or more lines may be connected to the structure, or the marine,
floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus,
equipment or
vessel, by a connector according to the first or second aspect of the present
invention.
The structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may comprise: a buoy, for
example, a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy.
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The structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may be adapted to be
sem isubmersi ble.
The structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel may comprise a floating (oil or
gas) platform, for example, a production platform or SPAR, or (offshore)
renewable
energy generator or wind turbine.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method
of mooring, anchoring or fixing a structure, or floating, buoyant, subsea,
underwater
and/or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, by one or more
lines.
The method may comprise the step of connecting at least one line to a
structure,
or a subsea, underwater or offshore equipment, apparatus or structure, by
using a
connector according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example
only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:
Figure 1 a perspective view of a mooring connector
according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2(a) a cross-sectional side view of the mooring
connector of Figure 1;
Figure 2(b) a further side view of the mooring connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3 a perspective view of a first portion of the
mooring connector of
Figure 1;
Figure 4(a) a perspective view of a second portion of the
mooring connector
of Figure 1;
Figure 4(b) a further perspective view of the second portion of the
mooring
connector of Figure 1;
Figure 5(a) a perspective view of the first portion of
Figure 3 being engaged
or mated with the second portion of Figure 4(a);
Figure 5(b) a first partially cut-away perspective view of
the mooring
connector of Figure 1;
Figure 6(a) a second partially cut-away perspective view
of the mooring
connector of Figure 1;
Figure 6(b) a third partially cut-away perspective view of
the mooring
connector of Figure 1;
Figure 7(a) a fourth partially cut-away perspective view of the mooring
connector of Figure 1;
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Figure 7(b) a fifth partially cut-away perspective view of
the mooring
connector of Figure 1;
Figure 8(a) a sixth partially cut-away perspective view of
the mooring
connector of Figure 1;
5 Figure 8(b) a seventh partially cut-away perspective view of the
mooring
connector of Figure 1;
Figure 9 a perspective view of the first portion of
Figure 3 being disengaged
from the second portion of Figure 4(a);
Figures 10(a) to (e) a series of side views of the first portion of Figure 3
illustrating
10 relative movement between a cam track of the first
portion and a
cam follower or pin of the second portion during an engage and a
disengage procedure;
Figure 11 a schematic view of a (subsea) structure
connected to a vessel
with the structure moored to the seabed with one or more mooring
connectors according to Figure 1;
Figure 12 a schematic view of a mooring connector
according to Figure 1
connected to a structure;
Figure 13(a) and (b) schematic views of the mooring connector of Figure 12
where the
first portion is being pulled towards the second portion;
Figure 14 a schematic view of the mooring connector of Figure 12 where
the
first portion has been received within the second portion;
Figure 15 a schematic view of the structure of Figure
11, the structure having
retaining members configured for (releasably) securing the
second portion to the structure;
Figure 16(a) and (b) a perspective view of the first portion of the mooring
connector
according to a second embodiment of the present invention and
a perspective view of the mooring connector of the second
embodiment;
Figure 17(a) and (b) a perspective view of the first portion of the mooring
connector
according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a
perspective view of the mooring connector of the third
embodiment;
Figures 18(a) to (f) a series of figures illustrating an install sequence of
the mooring
connector of Figure 17(b);
Figure 19 a partial side view of the mooring connector of Figure 17(a)
illustrating a release stage;
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Figure 20 (a) to (c) a series of figures of a side view of a second portion of
the mooring
connector of Figure 17(b) illustrating a release; and
Figure 21(a) and (b) first and second drawings of a top view of the second
portion of the
mooring connector of Figure 17(b) corresponding to Figures 20 (a)
and 20 (c), respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Referring to Figures 1 to 10e), there is shown a connector (mooring
connector),
generally designated 5, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
The connector 5 comprises a first portion 10. The connector 5 comprises a
second portion 15. The connector 5 comprises an arrangement, generally
designated
20, for releasably locking the first portion 10 and the second portion 15. The
releasable
lock arrangement 20 comprises at least one movable lock or stopper member 25
which
is (resiliently/sprung) biased toward(s) a first position ¨ see Figure 4(a).
The first portion 10 comprises a male portion 30. The second portion 15
comprises a female portion 35. The first portion 10 is receivable within the
second portion
15.
The second portion 15 comprises a through-bore 40. The through-bore 40 has
first portion entry and exit ends 45, 50.
The/each at least one movable lock member 25 is provided on the second portion
15, such as at or adjacent a/the exit end 50 of the through-bore 40, and is
hingably
attached thereto by hinges 55.
When in the first position (Figures 5(a) and (b)), the at least one movable
lock
member 25 overlaps with a/the through-bore 40 of the second portion 15 when
viewed
along an axis A of the through-bore 40.
The at least one movable lock member 25 is resiliently movable (e.g., against
an
action of at least one biassing arrangement, member or spring 60) from the
first position
(Figures 5(a) and (b), to a second position (Figures 6(a) and (b)), and to a
third (locked)
position (Figures 7(a) and (b)) by insertion of the first portion 10 into the
second portion
15.
The or each movable lock member 25 is resiliently movable (e.g., against an
action of biassing arrangement or spring 60) from the third position to the
second position
and to the first position by withdrawal of the first portion 10 from the
second portion 15.
The first position and the third position can be one and the same.
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The first position is a radially proximal position, the second position is a
radially
distal position, and the third position is a radially proximal position
relative to the axis X
of the through-bore 40 of the second portion 15.
The or each movable lock member 25 is movable against the action of the
biasing
arrangement 60 by insertion of the first portion 10 into the second portion 15
and/or by
removal of the first portion 10 from the second portion 15.
Referring briefly to Figures 11 and 12, beneficially the releasable lock
arrangement 20 is adapted to take or transmit tension between a line 100, such
as a
mooring line, and a structure 105 through the connector 5.
The connector 5 comprise an arrangement, generally designated 61, for rotating
the first portion 10 relative to the second portion 15 when the first portion
10 is inserted
into and/or withdrawn from the second portion 15.
The rotation arrangement 61 comprises at least one or one cam follower, pin or
protrusion 62 on one of the first portion 10 (or the second portion 15) and a
guide or cam
track 63 on (the other of) the second portion 15 (or the first portion 10).
In this embodiment there is provided at least one opposing or facing first and
second (that is, a pair) of movable lock members 25a, 25b.
There is also provided at least one (a first) biassing member or spring 60a.
A first end 65a of the biassing member 60a is connected to the first movable
lock
member 25a. A second end 70a of the biassing member 60a is connected to the
second
movable lock member 25b.
A first end 75a of the first movable lock member 25a is connected to the first
end
65a of the biassing member 60a. (In a modification, a second end 80a of the
first movable
lock member 25a is connected to a second biassing member 60b).
A first end 75b of the second movable lock member 25b is connected to a second
end 70a of the biassing member 60a. (In said modification, a second end 80b of
the
second movable lock member 25b is connected to the second biassing member
60b).
The first portion 10 comprises at least one recess or notch 82 adapted to
receive
the/one of the movable lock member(s) 25, such in a lock position, such as
a/the third
position.
In this embodiment, beneficially, the first portion 10 comprises at least one
opposing pair of recesses or notches 82a, 82b adapted to lock or engage with
a/the pair
of opposing or facing movable lock members 25a, 25b, such as when in a/the
respective
third positions.
The first portion 10 provides a (mooring) line connection arrangement,
generally
designated 84.
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The first portion 10 has a first end 86 adapted for insertion into the second
portion
15. The first portion 10 has a second end 88 adapted for connection to a
(mooring) line
100.
The first portion 10 has an arrangement, generally designated 90, for allowing
movement or articulation of the first portion 10 relative to a (mooring) line
100,
advantageously the movement allowing arrangement 90 being provided at or
adjacent
an end/the second end 88 of the first portion 10 and/or being adapt to allow
relative
movement in two perpendicular axes B, C.
The connector 5 comprise a mooring line or leg connector for use with a
mooring
line or leg extending up from a floor of a body of water, such as a sea floor,
for example,
to connect a floating structure to be moored to the floor of the body of
water.
Referring to Figures 10(a) to (e), connection and disconnection of the
connector
5 or the line 100 can be done by pulling in and/or out on the first portion 10
comprising
an elongate body, for example, using a work line 92 (see Figures 13(a), (b)
and 14).
The at least one movable lock member 25 comprises at least part of a latch
mechanism for connecting or fixing a/the line 100 to a/the structure 105 to be
moored.
There is provided an arrangement 20 for releasably connecting the first and
second portions 10, 15.
The at least one movable member 25 comprises at least part of the releasable
connection arrangement 20.
The releasable connection arrangement 20 comprises at least part of a/the
through-bore or through-passage 40 in the second portion 15.
The first portion 10 comprises means for connecting or connection to one or
more
lines 100, such as mooring lines, advantageously allowing rotational movement
around
or about at least one transverse axis B, C of the first portion 10 with
respect to the line
100.
The second portion 15 comprises means 94 for connecting or connection to a
(subsea) structure, advantageously allowing rotational movement around or
about a
transverse axis D of the second portion 15 with respect to the structure 105.
The transverse axis B of the first portion 10 is substantially perpendicular
to the
transverse axis D of the second portion 15, in use.
The through-bore 40 of the second portion 15 is capable of receiving a work-
line
or wire 92.
The arrangement 90 for connecting the first portion 10 to a line 100 comprise
one
or more first bearing means 95. The one or more first bearing means 95
comprise a
clevis arrangement.
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The arrangement 94 for connecting the second portion 15 to a structure 105
comprises one or more second bearing means 96. The one or more second bearing
means 96 comprise one or more protrusions or trunnions. The one or more
protrusions
or trunnions provide a/the transverse axis D of the second portion 15.
A/the transverse axis D of the second portion 15 is typically substantially
horizontal (for example, in use).
A/the transverse axis B of the first portion 10 is substantially orthogonal or
perpendicular to the transverse axis D of the second portion 15, in use, when
the first
and second portions 10, 15 are connected.
The connector 5 comprises the first portion 10, the second portion 15, and
a/the
arrangement 20 for connecting the first and second portions 10, 15, wherein
the
arrangement 20 for connecting comprises at least part of a/the through-bore 40
in the
second portion 15, the through-bore being capable of receiving a work line or
wire 92,
the first portion 10 comprising an arrangement 97 for releasably connecting to
the work
line or wire 92, the work line connecting arrangement 97 comprising first and
second line
connection means 98, 99, the first line connection means 98 being configured
for
releasably engaging with the second line connection means 99, and the
engagement
between the first and second line connection means 98, 99 being caused by
tension
created between the work line or wire 100 and the first portion 10 of the
connector 5, for
example, by pulling on the work line 100.
The connector 5 comprises a/the first portion 10 comprising a male part, a/the
second portion 15 comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means 20
for
connecting the first and second portions 10, 15, wherein
the arrangement 20 for connecting comprises at least part of a/the through-
passage 40 in the second portion15,
the first portion 10 comprises an arrangement 84 or means for connecting the
first portion 10 to one or more (mooring) line(s) 100, the arrangement 84 or
means for
connecting the first portion 10 to one or more line(s) 100 beneficially being
configured to
allow rotational movement of the first portion 10 with respect to one or more
line(s) 100
about at least one transverse axis B and/or C of the first portion 10,
the second portion 15 comprises a/the arrangement 94 or means for connecting
the second portion 15 to a structure 105, such as an underwater structure or
submersible
or semi-submersible structure, wherein
the arrangement 94 or means for connecting the second portion 15 to a
structure
105 is configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion 15 with
respect to
a structure 105 about a transverse axis D of the second portion 15, the
arrangement or
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means 94 for connecting the second portion 15 to a structure 105 beneficially
comprising
bearing means 96 which provide rotational movement about the transverse axis D
of the
second portion 15 with respect to the structure 105, and wherein
a/the transverse axis B of the first portion 10 is substantially perpendicular
to the
5 transverse axis D of the second portion 15when the first and second
portions 10, 15 are
connected.
The connector 5 comprises a/the first portion 10 comprising a male part, a
second
portion 15 comprising a female part, and a/the arrangement or means 20 for
connecting
the first and second portions 10, 15, wherein
10 the arrangement 20 for connecting comprises at least part of a/the
through-
passage 40 in the second portion 15,
the first portion 10 comprises an arrangement 84 or means for connecting the
first portion 10 to one or more (mooring) line(s) 100, the arrangement 84 or
means for
connecting the first portion 10 to one or more line(s) 100 beneficially being
configured to
15 allow rotational movement of the first portion 10 with respect to one or
more line(s) 100
about a transverse axis B and/or C of the first portion 10,
the second portion 15 comprise an arrangement 94 or means for connecting the
second portion 15 to a structure 105, wherein
the arrangement 94 or means for connecting the second portion 15 to a
structure
105 is configured to allow rotational movement of the second portion 15 with
respect to
a structure 105 about a transverse axis D of the second portion 15, the
arrangement 94
or means for connecting the second portion 15 to a structure 105 beneficially
comprising
bearing means 96 comprising a pair of protrusions or trunnions provided on the
transverse axis D of the second portion 15 on opposite sides of the through-
passage 40,
and wherein
a/the transverse axis B of the first portion 10 is substantially perpendicular
to the
transverse axis D of the second portion 15 when the first and second portions
10, 15 are
connected.
Referring now to Figures 11 to 15, there is shown a structure, or subsea,
underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or vessel, generally
designated
105, moored by one or more lines 100.
At least one or more lines 100 is/are connected to the structure 105 by a
connector 5 as hereinbefore described.
The structure, or underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or
vessel, can comprise, for example, a submerged turret loading, a submerged
turret
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production buoy, floating (oil/gas) production platform or SPAR, or (offshore)
renewable
energy generator or wind turbine.
In use, an ROV (not shown) can run the work line or wire 100 through the
through-
bore 40 of the female part.
The ROV can connect the work line or wire 100 which comprises the first line
connection means 98 to the second line connection means 99 of the male part.
In use, engagement between the first line connection means 98 and the second
line connection means 99 can be facilitated by tensioning, that is pulling,
the work-line
100 in an upward direction (see Figure 13(a) and (b)) thereby creating tension
between
the work-line or wire 100 and the first portion 10 of the connector 5.
Subsequently, the ROV can pull the male part towards the female part such that
the male part is inserted into the female part. A (temporary/removable) sheave
member
110 mounted on or to the structure 105 facilitates the pulling of the first
portion 10 towards
the second portion 15.
In use, insertion of the male part into the female part may cause the rotation
arrangement 61 to act by causing the cam follower 62 to follow the cam track
63 thereby
rotating the first portion 10 until the cam follower reaches a lock position
in the cam track
63 where the notches 82a, 82b are rotationally aligned with the first and
second lock
members 25a, 25b and the lock members 25a, 25b are biased or spring into the
notches
82a, 82b, respectively, thereby locking the first portion 10 within the second
portion 15
in a predetermined rotational disposition. The work-line 100 and/or sheave can
then be
removed using the ROV. (See Figures 7(a) and (b)).
For disconnection, the work-line 100 and/or sheave can be reinstalled using an
ROV, and the work-line 105 connected to the first portion 10. To disconnect
the
connector 5, the work line 100 can (again) be tensioned or pulled causing the
cam
follower 62 to follow the cam track 63 thereby rotating the first part 10 out
of the
predetermined rotational (lock) alignment with the second portion 15. That is
to say the
notches 82a, 82b are rotated out of alignment with the lock members 80a, 80b.
This
facilitates removal of the first portion 10 from the second portion 15, and
therefore
disconnection of the work-line 100 from the structure 105. (See Figures 8(a)
and (b)).
Referring next to Figures 11 to 14, according to the present invention there
is
provided a method of mooring, anchoring or fixing a structure, or marine,
floating,
buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore structure, apparatus, equipment or
vessel, by
one or more lines.
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The method may comprise the step of connecting at least one line to a
structure,
or a marine, floating, buoyant, subsea, underwater or offshore equipment,
apparatus or
structure by using a connector 5 as hereinbefore described.
Referring now to Figures 16(a) and (b), there is shown a connector (mooring
connector), generally designated 205, according to a second embodiment of the
present
invention. The connector 205 is similar in many respects to the connector 5 of
Figures 1
to 10(e), like parts being designated with like numerals but iterated by
"200".
Referring now to Figures 17(a) to 21(b), there is shown a connector (mooring
connector), generally designated 305, according to a third embodiment of the
present
invention. The connector 305 is similar in many respects to the connector 5 of
Figures 1
to 10(e), like parts being designated with like numerals but iterated by
"300".
In first and second embodiments (see Figures 1 to 15 and Figures 16(a) and
(b),
respectively), in use, the at least one movable lock member 25; 225 is moved
from the
first position to the second position by insertion of the first portion 10;
215 into the second
portion 15; 215. The at least one movable member 25; 225 is moved from the
second
position to the third position be further insertion of the first portion 10;
210 into the second
portion 15; 215. Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an
"engage/install/lock sequence".
In the first and second embodiments, in use, the at least one movable lock
member 25; 225 is moved from the third position to the second position by yet
further
insertion of the first portion 10; 210 into the second portion 215. The at
least one movable
member 25; 225 is moved from the second position to the first position be
removal of the
first portion 10; 210 from the second portion 15; 215. Such yet further
insertion and
removal is referred to a "disengagement/de-install/release sequence".
In a third embodiment (see Figures 17(a) to 21(b), in use, the at least one
movable lock member 325 is moved from the first position to the second
position by
insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315. The at least
one movable
member 325 is moved from the second position to the third position be further
insertion
of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315. Such insertion and
further insertion
is referred to as an "engage/install/lock sequence".
In the third embodiment, in use, the at least one movable lock member 325 is
moved from the third position to the second position by action of a release
member 356.
The release member 356 is moved/controlled by a release line 357, e.g., by
pulling/tensioning the release line 357. The at least one movable member 325
is moved
from the second position to the first position by the at least one biasing
member 360
and/or the release member 356, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release
line 357
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thereby allowing the at least one biasing member 360 to act on the at least
one movable
lock member 325. Such pulling and release of the release line is referred to a
"disengagement/de-install/release sequence".
In the third embodiment, in use, the first portion 310 is removed from the
second
portion 315 by yet further insertion of the first portion 310 into the second
portion 315
followed by removal of the first portion 310 from the second portion 315. Such
yet further
insertion and removal is referred to a/the "disengagement/de-install/release
sequence".
The connectors 5; 205 of the first and second embodiments may be referred to
as "an automatic connector'. The connector 305 of the third embodiment may be
referred
to as "a semi-automatic connector".
The connector 305 of the third embodiment differs from the connector 5 of the
first embodiment in a number of respects. The connector 305 (mooring
connector,
subsea connector, underwater connector and/or offshore connector) comprises:
at least one movable lock member 325;
a first portion 310; and
a second portion 315.
In use, the at least one movable lock member 325 is moved from a first
(closed)
position to the second (opened) position by insertion of the first portion 310
into the
second portion 315, e.g., into the through-bore of the second portion 315.
In use, the at least one movable member 325 is moved from the second (opened)
position to the third (closed) position be further insertion of the first
portion 310 into the
second portion 315. Such insertion and further insertion is referred to as an
"engage/install/lock sequence".
In use, the at least one movable lock member 325 is moved from the third
(closed)
position to the second (opened) position by a release member 356. The release
member
356 is moved/controlled by a release line 357, e.g., by pulling/tensioning the
release line
357.
In use, the at least one lock movable member 325 is moved from the second
(opened) position to the first (closed) position by at least one biassing
member 325
and/or the release member 356, e.g., by releasing/de-tensioning the release
line 357
thereby allowing the at least one biasing member 360 to act on the at least
one movable
lock member 325.
In use, the first portion 310 is removed from the second portion 315 by yet
further
insertion of the first portion 310 into the second portion 315 followed by
removal of the
first portion 310 from the second portion 315.
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Such pulling/tensioning, release/de-tensioning and release of the release line
and (intermediate) further insertion of the first portion into the second
portion is referred
to (part of) a "disengagement/de-install/release sequence".
Implementations of the invention according to the third embodiment of the
present invention are referred to as "a semi-automatic connector".
It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention
hereinbefore
described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to be limiting
of the
scope of the invention in any way.
It will be noted that, as shown in Figure 4(b), a surface of the/each movable
lock
member 25a, 25b that faces the through-bore 44 of the second portion can be of
a
concave shape, for example, to facilitate abutment with the first portion 10
and ease of
movement of the movable lock members 25a, 25b between the first position and
the
second position upon insertion of the first portion 10 into the second portion
15, and/or
ease of movement of the movable lock members 25a, 25b between the second
position
and the first position upon removal of the first portion 10 from the second
portion 15.
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