Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Pipe Connection

摘要

A method of assembling a pipe on a water-supported floating platform is provided. The platform includes an open central bay, and a gantry on the platform is arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the bay. The method includes providing a pipe intake assembly and staves on the platform; transferring the pipe intake assembly to the interior space of the bay; assembling the individual staves on the pipe intake assembly in an offset construction; lowering the pipe portion within the bay and into the water until the upper ends of the staves reside within a lower portion of the gantry; increasing the length of the pipe portion by assembling additional staves to the upper ends of the assembled staves; and repeating the step of increasing the length of the portion of the pipe until the pipe has a desired length.

主权项

1. A method of assembling a pipe on a water-supported floating platform that includes an open central bay, and a gantry on the platform arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the bay, the method comprising:
providing a pipe intake assembly on the platform; providing staves; transferring the pipe intake assembly to the interior space of the bay; assembling the individual staves on the pipe intake assembly in an offset stave construction so as to form an annular pipe portion having a crenellated upper end; lowering the pipe portion within the bay and into the water until the upper ends of the staves reside within a lower portion of the gantry; increasing the length of the pipe portion by assembling additional staves to the upper ends of the staves that form the pipe portion; and repeating the step of increasing the length of the portion of the pipe until the pipe has a desired length.