Patent Publication Number: US-2011072777-A1

Title: Mobile apparatus for pressing a stud

Description:
FIELD 
     The present embodiments generally relate to apparatus, methods, and systems for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain. Specifically, one or more embodiments relate to a mobile apparatus for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain used with deep sea mooring systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Studs on chains used with deep sea mooring systems on vessels, platforms, or rigs often come loose and need to be reset. The resetting of these studs often require relocation of the platforms, vessels, or rigs having the mooring system dock side and use of large permanent resetting facilities. Accordingly, a need exists for apparatus, methods, and systems for mobile pressing or resetting of studs on deep sea mooring chains and or other anchoring chains without relocating the associated vessel, rig, or platform. Thereby, eliminating the need to relocate the platforms, vessels, or rigs to have chains studs reset or pressed by shore-based equipment. 
     The present embodiments meet these needs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an illustrative body, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top isometric view of an illustrative mobile chain stud press having the body of  FIG. 1  and a chain link operatively positioned between two ends of a second side of the body, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front isometric view of the mobile chain stud press of  FIG. 2 , according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 4  depicts the mobile chain stud press of  FIG. 2  connected to an illustrative suspension system, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an illustrative system for resetting a stud on a chain, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud while at least a portion of the stud is under water in an operation area, according to one or more embodiments described. 
     
    
    
     The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways. 
     The present embodiments relate to apparatus, methods, and systems for pressing or resetting one or more studs on a chain. The apparatus or mobile chain stud press can have a body, and the body can have a concave opening configured to receive at least a portion of a link having a loose stud. A first head can be connected with the body adjacent a first end of the body. For example, the first head can be threaded into a portion of the first end or connected to a movable cylinder or piston at least partially disposed through the first end. A second head can be connected with the body adjacent a second end of the body. For example, the second head can be threaded into a portion of the second end or connected to a movable cylinder or piston at least partially disposed through the first end. On of the heads can be movable and the other head can be statically connected to the body. For example, one of the heads can be connected to a piston or cylinder and the cylinder can move the head from a first position to a second position and the other head can be at least partially threaded into the body. 
     A drive mechanism can be connected with the movable head. The drive mechanism can be a hydraulic ram, electrically operated ram, or other device capable of applying force to the movable head and moving the movable head from a first position to a second position. In one or more embodiments, the drive mechanism can be integrated with or include the piston the movable head is connected with or secured to or the drive mechanism can be independent therefrom and engage the piston the movable head is connected or secured to. 
     In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press can be integrated into or part of a system. The system can include a data acquisition device connected with or secured to the body. The data acquisition device can be a strain gauge, a stress gauge, a pressure gauge, an accelerometer, a camera, a video camera, other devices capable of measuring and/or acquiring data, or combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, a network can be in communication with the data acquisition device. For example, the network can communicate with the data acquisition device through wired telemetry, such as fiber optics, or wireless telemetry, such as radio frequency. The network can be in communication with a processor. For example, the processor can communicate with the network via wireless or wired telemetry. 
     The processor can have a data storage device or be in communication with a data storage device. The data storage device can have computer instructions for at least one of storing data acquired by the data acquisition device, monitoring data acquired by the data acquisition device, and generating a report on the data acquired by the data acquisition device. 
     The mobile chain stud press can be secured to or connected with a vessel, a platform, or rig by a suspension system, which is secured to or mounted on the vessel, a platform, or a by a suspension system. 
     In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press can be used with a method for remotely pressing a stud. The method can include providing the mobile press on a vessel, platform, or rig and placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain within the concave opening between the first head and the second head. Moving the movable head from a first position to a second position and compressing the stud of the chain laterally. The method can also include acquiring data as the stud is compressed laterally. The data can include at least one of an image of at least one end of the stud, pressure used to compress the stud, and when the stud was compressed. The data can be transmitted to the processor over the network. The processor can at least one of store the data in the data storage, monitor the data acquired, store information on a manufacturer of each stud, and produce a report on the stud. 
     In addition, the method can include transmitting data from the data storage device to a plurality of remote devices in real-time, which can allow for remote monitoring of the mobile chain stud press. For example, the data can be transmitted to a plurality of client devices using a network. In one or more embodiments, the data can be transmitted to the plurality of client devices over the network simultaneously, for example by using a plurality of gateway protocols. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an illustrative body  100  according to one or more embodiments. The body  100  can include a channel  110  formed between a first side  112  and a second side  114 . The body  100  can resemble a curved I-beam. The body  100  can be molded or machined into an appropriate shape and thickness. For example, the body  100  can be machined out of a single block or blank of steel or similar material. In one or more embodiments, the body  100  can be formed by a casting or molding, such as a sand casting or mold casting, a malleable material, such as heated steel, into a suitable shape. 
     The first side  112  can have a first end  120 , a second end  122 , and a thickness  124 . The second side  114  can have a first end  130 , a second end  134 , and a thickness  138 . The first side  112  and the second side  114  can be on opposite sides of the channel  110 . In addition, the thickness  124 ,  138  can be the same or similar or one can be larger than the other. For example, the thickness  138  can be larger than the thickness  124 . 
     The body  100  can have a concave or other shape opening  136  for receiving a link of a chain. The opening  136  can be formed or located between the ends  130 ,  134  of the second side  114 . The size of the opening  136  can depend on the size of the link to be located therebetween. A back portion  140  can be located or formed on the body  100  adjacent the opening  136  and can be contacted or engaged by at least a portion of a link of a chain when a stud of the link is properly aligned within the body  100 , or a space can remain between the back portion  140  and the link when the stud is properly located within the opening  136 . The back portion  140  can have a U-shape or other configuration. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of an illustrative mobile chain stud press  200  having the body  100  and a chain link  210  operatively positioned between the two ends  130 ,  134  of the second side  114 , according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 3  depicts a front isometric view of the mobile chain stud press  200  of  FIG. 2 , according to one or more embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , two heads  220 ,  225  can be attached or secured to the body  100 . For example, a first head  220  can be secured on or adjacent the first end  130 , and a second head  225  can be secured on or adjacent the second end  134 . 
     The heads can be threaded or otherwise attached to the body  100 . For example, one of the heads  220 ,  225  can be welded, threaded, or clamped to the body  100 , and the other head  220 ,  225  can be secured to a piston  240  movably attached to the body  100 . Accordingly, at least one of the heads  220 ,  225  can be movable and the other can be fixed in position when attached to the body  100 . For example, as depicted, the second head  225  can be secured to a piston  240  disposed through a portion of the second end  134 , and the first head  220  can be removably secured to the first end  130  or proximate the first end  130 . In one or more alternative embodiments, the piston  240  can be secured or engaged with the first head  220  and disposed through the first end  130 , and the second head  225  can be removably secured to the second end  134 . 
     Both of the heads  220 ,  225  can be connected with the body  100  such that they can be removed therefrom. In one or more embodiments, the heads  220 ,  225  can be anvils. The heads  220 ,  225  can have different sizes and shapes depending on the manufacture of the chain to be reset. For example, the heads  220 ,  225  can be triangular, beveled, tapered, square, or any other shape required to press a stud. A person skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure would be able to determine the proper shape of the heads  220 ,  225 . 
     The piston  240  can be configured to move one of the heads  220 ,  225  towards the other head  220 ,  225 . For example, the piston  240  can be engaged with or integrated with a drive means, which can extend the piston  240  from a retracted position to an extended position. The drive means can be at least one of hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, or electrically operated. For example, the piston  240  can be part of or engaged by a hydraulic press or ram  230 . Accordingly, the hydraulic ram  230  can be actuated to move the first head, which is the movable head in this none limiting embodiment, from the first position to the second position. For example, the hydraulic ram  230  can extend the piston from a first or retracted position to a second or extended position. When the piston  240  is in the first position, the second head  225  can be adjacent or proximate the second end  134 , and when the piston  240  is in the second position, the second head  225  can be adjacent or contacting at least a portion of the link  210 , such as a stud  215 . As the second head  225  contacts at least a portion of the link  210 , such as the stud  215 , the second head  225  can compress or force at least the contacted portion of the link  210  against the first head  220 . 
     The pressure or force exerted on the contacted portion of the link  210  can be pre-set by controlling the pressure delivered to or achieved by the hydraulic ram  230 . For example, the hydraulic ram  230  can be operated to provide a pre-selected pressure. The pre-selected pressure can be determined or selected based on at least one of the material properties, size, and shape of the portion of the link  210  to be contacted. In one or more embodiments, the pressure can be sufficient to longitudinally deform the stud  215  and push the ends of the stud  215  longitudinally outward to form a pressure fit between the ends of the stud  215  and other portions of the link  210 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press  200  can have one or more cameras  250 ,  255  positioned thereon to record the deformation of the stud  215 . For example, the cameras  250 ,  255  can be actuated when the piston  240  starts to extend and move the head  225  and record the stud  215  as the stud  215  is compressed and longitudinally elongated to contact or form a pressure fit with other portions of the link  210 . Accordingly, the cameras  250 ,  255  can provide real time documentation of the stud  215  being pressed or reset with the link  210 . In one or more embodiments, the cameras  250 ,  255  can transmit data to a processor or data storage device over a network. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the mobile chain stud press  200  connected to an illustrative suspension system  300 , according to one or more embodiments. The suspension system  300  can be movably mounted or secured to a structure, such as a platform, a rig, or a vessel by a mount  305 . The suspension system  300  can allow the mobile chain stud press  200  to be moved into an operation position when a stud needs to be reset and stored in a non-operation position when not in use. 
     The mount  305  can be can be a hydraulically operated mount, a rack an pinion mount, an A frame mount, an I frame mount, a T frame mount, or other device configured to secured to a structure and support the mobile chain stud press  200 . The mount  305  can be configured to allow for the mobile chain stud press  200  to be moved either by an operator or mechanical device from a first position to a second position. For example, the mount  305  can have one or more swivels, extendable arms, movable portions, or the like allowing for the movement of the mobile chain stud press  200  to form at least a first position to a second position. The mount  305  can be connected with a central rod  310 . The central rod  310  can have any shape and size sufficient to hold the weight of the mobile chain stud press  200 . The central rod  310  can be configured to rotate about the mount  305 . The central rod  310  can be connected with one or more connection rods  320 . 
     The connection rods  320  can be of any size and shape sufficient to support the weight of the mobile chain stud press  200 . In addition, any number of connection rods  320  can be used. For example, two, three, four, or more connection rods  320  can be used. Each connection rod  320  can be secured to the body  100  or another portion of the mobile chain stud press  200  by a pad eye or other connection member  330 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press  200  can have a cathodic protection device  390  to prevent corrosion of the mobile chain stud press  200 . The cathodic protection device  390  prevents corrosion by converting all of the anodic sites on the metal surface to cathodic sites by supplying electrical current from an alternate source. Accordingly, the cathodic protection device  390  prevents corrosion as long as the current is arriving at the cathode faster than oxygen is arriving. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an illustrative system for resetting a stud on a chain according to one or more embodiments. The system  500  can include one or more mobile chain stud presses (two are shown  520 ,  530 ) secured to a platform or vessel  502 . Each mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530  can be in communication with one or more hydraulic systems  525 ,  535 . The system  500  can also include a network  540  in communication with a processor  550  and the mobile chain stud presses  520 ,  530 . The processor  550  can have one or more data storage devices  560 . The data storage devices  560  can have one or more computer instructions (four are shown  570 ,  580 ,  590 ,  596 ). 
     The platform or vessel  502  can be a working vessel or platform, such as one used for hydrocarbon production or recovery. The platform or vessel  502  can be secured in an operation area  505  by a mooring system or one or more chains (two are shown  510 ,  515 ). The mobile chain stud presses  520 ,  530  can be secured or attached to the platform  502  adjacent or proximate the chains  510 ,  515  respectively. At least a portion of the hydraulic systems  525 ,  535  can be connected or secured to the at least a portion of the platform  502  adjacent the mobile chain stud presses  520 ,  530 . The hydraulic system  525  can be in fluid communication with the mobile chain stud press  520 , and the hydraulic system  535  can be in fluid communication with the mobile chain stud press  530 . Accordingly, the hydraulic systems  525 ,  535  can be used to drive the piston of the mobile chain stud presses  520 ,  530 . 
     The hydraulic systems  525  can include a hydraulic pump  526 . The hydraulic pump  526  can be in communication with a control system  527 . The control system  527  can be a micro-processor or other control system known in the art. The control system  527  can be used to control the pressure created by the hydraulic ram  230  of the mobile chain stud press  520 . The hydraulic pump  526  can be in fluid communication with the hydraulic ram  230  and a hydraulic fluid source  528 . The hydraulic fluid source  528  can be a hydraulic tank or other fluid source. 
     The hydraulic system  535  can include a hydraulic pump  536 . The hydraulic pump  536  can be in communication with a control system  537 . The control system  537  can be a micro-processor or other control system known in the art. The control system  537  can be used to control the pressure created by the hydraulic ram  230  of the mobile chain stud press  530 . The hydraulic pump  536  can be in fluid communication with the hydraulic ram  230  and a hydraulic fluid source  538 . The hydraulic fluid source  538  can be a hydraulic tank or other fluid source. In one or more embodiments, the hydraulic pumps  536 ,  526  can be in fluid communication with a single hydraulic fluid source. 
     Each mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530  can have one or more data acquisition devices or monitoring devices  521 ,  531  respectively. The data acquisition devices  521 ,  531  can be or include stress gauges, strain gauges, accelerometers, video cameras, cameras, or a combination thereof. The data acquisition devices  521 ,  531  can have communication equipment  529 ,  539  respectively. The communication equipment  529 ,  539  can include receivers and transceivers allowing the data acquisition devices  521 ,  531  two way communication with the network  540 . The communication equipment  529 ,  539  can include wired or wireless telemetry. 
     Accordingly, the data acquisition devices  521 ,  531  can send messages to and receive messages from the processor  550  via the network  540  and the communication equipment  529 ,  539 . The data storage  560  can store the data sent to the processor  550  by the data acquisition devices  521 ,  531  via the network  540  and communication equipment  529 ,  539 . The computer instructions  570 ,  575 ,  580 ,  590 ,  596  can be or include programming or software for instructing the processor  550  to store data acquired by the data acquisition equipment, monitor the data acquired by the data acquisition equipment, store information on the manufacturer of each stud  215  or chain  510 ,  515 , store identification information on each stud  215  or chain  510 ,  515 , and produce a report on each chain  510 ,  515  with studs  215  reset or pressed by either one of the mobile chain stud presses  520 ,  530 . 
     In operation, the chains  510 ,  515  can be recovered from the water  501  of the operation area  505 , and one or more persons can check the studs  215  of the links  210  as the chains  510 ,  515  are recovered. If any loose studs  215  are found in the links  210  of the chains  510 ,  515 , a portion of the link  210  having a loose stud can be operatively aligned with the mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530  associated with the chain  510 ,  515  having the link  210  with the loose stud  215 . After the a portion of the link  210 , such as the loose stud  215 , is properly located within the associated mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530 , the control system  527 ,  537  associated with mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530  can be used to initiate the movement of the hydraulic ram  230  of the mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530  to be used to press the loose stud  215 . For example, if a loose stud  215  is found in a link  210  of the chain  515 , the stud  215  can be operatively positioned within or about the mobile chain stud press  530 , and the control system  537  can be used to pre-select an appropriate pressure and start the hydraulic pump  536  to drive the hydraulic ram  230 . 
     As the loose stud  215  is pressed or reset, the data acquisition devices or monitoring devices  521 ,  531  can acquire data associated with the mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530  respectively and relay the information to the processor  550  and/or data storage  560  via the network  540  and communication equipment  529 ,  539 . The data acquisition devices  521 ,  531  can communicate with the processor  550  simultaneously with one another or at different times via the network  540  and communication equipment  529 ,  539 . The data acquisition devices  521 ,  531  can provide real-time acquired data to the processor  550  via the network  540  and communication equipment  529 ,  539 . 
     As such, the resetting or pressing of loose studs in chain or mooring line can be performed concurrent or near simultaneously with the recovery of the mooring line or chain associated with normal relocation procedures. Thereby, limiting disruption of normal operations. In addition, the mobile resetting or pressing of loose studs eliminates the need to weld chains, which reduces health and safety exposure for operating personnel. 
     In one or more embodiments, the mobile chain stud press  520  can have a fail safe  523 , and the mobile chain stud press  530  can have a fail safe  533 . As such, before the control systems  527 ,  537  can actuate the hydraulic ram  230  of the mobile chain stud press  520 ,  530 , the associate fail safe  523 ,  533  has to be released or actuated. The fail safes  523 ,  533  can be released or actuated by entering a code into the control systems  527 ,  537  by pushing one or more latches secured to at least a portion of the mobile chain stud presses  520 ,  530 , or otherwise. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud, according to one or more embodiments. The method  600  can include retrieving a portion of a first chain while in an operation area, which is represented at box  610 . The method  600  can further include placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of the first chain between a first head and a second head secured to a first mobile chain stud press, which is represented at box  620 . The method  600  can also include moving one of the heads from a first position to a second position, which is represented at box  630 . The method can also include compressing the chain stud of the first chain laterally, which is represented at box  640 . As the chain is compressed laterally and/or as the head moves from a first position to a second position, the method can include acquiring data, which is represented at box  645 . The data can include at least one of an image of at least one end of the chain stud, pressure used to compress or deform the chain stud, longitudinal deformation of the stud, and when, such as time and date, the chain stud was compressed. 
     The method  600 , as represented at box  650 , can include transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network. The processor can have data storage and computer instructions for monitoring and storing pressures used on the stud, information on manufacturer of each stud, identification information on each stud, and producing a report on the stud. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for resetting a stud while at least a portion of the chain is under water in an operation area, according to one or more embodiments. The method  700  can include placing at least a portion of a stud of a link of a chain between a first head and a second head connected with a first mobile chain stud press while the link having the loose stud is at least partially underwater, which is represented at box  720 . For example, the first mobile chain stud press can be mount to the vessel such that it can be extended into the water and remotely operated to press studs when the are underwater. 
     The method  700  can also include moving one of the heads from a first position to a second position, which is represented at box  730 . The method can also include compressing the chain stud of the chain laterally, which is represented at box  740 . As the chain is compressed laterally and/or as the head moves from a first position to a second position, the method can include acquiring data, which is represented at box  745 . The data can include at least one of an image of at least one end of the chain stud, pressure used to compress or deform the chain stud, longitudinal deformation of the stud, and when, such as time and date, the chain stud was compressed. 
     The method  700 , as represented at box  750 , can include transmitting the acquired data to a processor over a network. The processor can have data storage and computer instructions for monitoring and storing pressures used on the stud, information on manufacturer of each stud, identification information on each stud, and producing a report on the stud. 
     While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.