| 摘要 |
A Variable Buoyancy Device for an offshore structure has a support structure 1, a sealed bell cover 2, an airline 4, stops 5, and a collar seal 6. The support structure 1 has a flat-bottomed section 3, and a tubular section 7 extending upwards therefrom. The sealed bell cover 2 is arranged to surround the base section 3, with the collar seal 6 forming a watertight connection between the sealed bell cover 2 and the tubular section 7. The sealed bell cover 2 can be raised using forced air pressure from the airline 4, with the vertical motion being restricted by the stops 5. This allows a method of installation and removal by varying the buoyancy of the structure. During installation the structure is towed to the installation site with the sealed cover raised to increase buoyancy, before ballast material is added to the base section to lower the structure to the seabed. The sealed cover is then lowered to decrease base height and subsequent environmental loading. |
