Offshore mooring chain support buoys are essential components in Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems, designed to provide buoyancy and support to mooring chains, reducing tension and preventing seabed abrasion. These buoys come in various types, including cylindrical, chain-through, and pick-up buoys, and are constructed with resilient foam cores and durable outer skins to withstand harsh marine environments.
Types of Offshore Mooring Chain Support Buoys:
- Cylindrical Buoys: These are a common type, often used in SPM systems.
- Chain-Through Buoys: Designed to allow the mooring chain to pass through the buoy, with a locking mechanism to secure it.
- Pick-up Buoys: Used for retrieval of mooring lines or chains.
Buoys Construction:
- Core:Typically made of resilient, closed-cell polyethylene or EVA foam, providing buoyancy and impact absorption.
- Outer Skin:Often made of polyurethane (PU) elastomer, offering resistance to abrasion, UV degradation, and impact.
- Reinforcement:In extreme environments, the PU skin can be reinforced with nylon for added tear strength.
- End Fittings:Buoys may be equipped with swivel eyes, pad-eyes, or other fittings for connection to the mooring chain or other components.
Mooring Buoys Functionality:
- Buoyancy:Provides upward force to support the weight of the mooring chain, reducing tension on the seabed and preventing damage.
- Chain Protection:Helps to keep the chain off the seabed, minimizing abrasion and wear.
- Tension Reduction:Reduces the overall load on the mooring system, improving its stability and lifespan.
- Flexibility:Some buoys are designed to allow for chain slack adjustment, accommodating different water depths and mooring configurations.
Buoys Applications:
- Single Point Mooring (SPM) Systems:Used extensively in SPM systems for transferring oil and other products to and from offshore facilities.
- Floating Platforms:Support mooring systems for offshore rigs, floating docks, and other floating structures.
- Ship Mooring:Provide a secure point for vessels to moor in various locations, including harbors and anchorages.
- Aquaculture:Used in aquaculture installations for mooring nets and other equipment.