Heave Compensated Chute

To further complement the Oceanteam specialised installation asset portfolio, Oceanteam will have available, for hire, a proven deepwater Heave Compensated Chute system, or HCC.

The HCC system acts as a passive heave compensator reducing the vertical motions of the product relative to the seabed. Product damage is much less likely to occur using a HCC compared to a conventional chute even when working in higher seastates. The damage that could occur when using a conventional system is either due to buckling (overbending) near the seabed or by excessive tensioning due to product inertia and drag.

The HCC system is designed to reduce the earth-fixed motions and thereby allow vessel operations in higher sea-states than would normally be expected. The potential the HCC provides for increased vessel operability in higher sea-state conditions, offers projects a potential significant reduction in weather sensitivity during operations, and therefore cost savings.

Recently the HCC system has been deployed successfully to install deep water power cables on the Gjoa Project in Norway.

Below are the Key parameters (note that alternative sizes and specs can be engineered to your projects needs):

-          Expected workability increase 30-40% Hs

-          Total weight ~15 ton dynamic + 25 ~ static = ~40 ton total.

-          Hydraulics, process and control in 20ft container

-          Delivery ex-works ~ 4 months

-          Maximum suspended cable force in dynamic mode 44 ton

-          Chute travel range +/- 4 m at chute tip

-          Max pressure hydraulic system 320 Bar

-          Minimum water depth for optimal use 100 m

-          Footprint ~5.0 * 11.0m

-          Height ~ 8.0 m (fixed with chute down)

-          Safety buffer end stops included

The system is controlled by a computer touch-screen in which all system variables can be set, read and stored. All hydraulics are controlled by valves that can either be manually operated or, when required by use of automated valve actuators.

The chute settings can be adjusted to specific project needs such as water depth, cable submerged weight and vessel type on which it is mounted. However the system is equipped with a self-controlling function or auto pilot that adjusts the pressure settings depending on the product weight.

The HCC system has been developed to increase vessel workability during installation of flexible products, such as power cable and umbilical, on ultra deep water projects.

Oceanteam can also provide product installation analysis, allowing the HCC system to be adjusted to meet specific client/project requirements as well as training and support on the job.


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