Specializing in buoyancy, protection and insulation solutions, UK-based Balmoral has developed an in-line mooring buoyancy system for offshore wind turbines.
Balmoral’s in-line mooring system features a dynamic connection interface that allows different sections of the mooring lines to be tethered securely without adversely loading the buoyancy structure
This system is designed to secure floating wind turbines and other structures to a seabed anchor while providing uplift to the mooring line. It can also act as a connection point between the bottom and top sections of the line while allowing trajectory and tension to be controlled within the water column.
Traditional mooring systems feature a pendulum fixture using a tri-plate and buoyancy module secured via a padeye at the base of the steelwork which gives an offset center of buoyancy. Balmoral’s engineers identified the biggest vulnerability of this system was fatigue failure due to the offset loads so, to mitigate against this and change the load transfer characteristics, developed a proprietary in-line mooring buoy.
The company’s in-line system features a dynamic connection interface that allows the different sections of the mooring lines to be tethered securely and responsively without adversely loading the buoyancy structure.
Central steelwork passing through the dynamic connection, with buoyancy elements mounted on either side, results in the key interface between components being at the center of the assembly.
This brings several unique advantages including movement minimization, buoyancy load transfer isolation, fatigue reduction and a distinctly more stable solution for floating wind turbines.
“Our robust design process considers the combination of material characteristics and associated design controls, derived from detailed analysis, which allows us to supply the most cost effective and fit for purpose solution,” said Craig Sharp, Balmoral engineering manager. “Our in-line mooring solutions are designed in accordance with all relevant industry standards while we have also worked hand-in-hand with clients to deliver their third party approved designs across a number of projects.
“As they are provided in modular fashion our mooring buoyancy systems can be configured to suit specific project uplift requirements.”
News item from Balmoral
Filed Under: News
