APPLICATIONS

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Applications of High-Density Granites in Offshore Engineering

High-density granites are highly suited for various offshore applications due to their durability and stability. Their primary uses include:

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• Covering Offshore Cables and Pipelines: The dense, heavy nature of these granites makes them ideal for protecting underwater cables and pipelines from external damage and movement caused by water currents or fishing activities.

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• Seabed Preparation for Offshore Structures: They are used to prepare and stabilize the seabed before installing offshore platforms, ensuring a solid foundation for construction.

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• Scour Protection: High-density granites act as protective cover around the base of offshore wind turbines and platforms, preventing erosion caused by water flow and ensuring structural integrity.

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• Ballasting Offshore Platforms: A common use is to ballast the legs of offshore platforms. This involves pumping a mixture of water and rock—often granite—into the legs to stabilize the structure, providing additional weight and stability.

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Installation Process

• Vessel Capacity: Installation vessels designed for this purpose can carry approximately 24,000 tons of rock. The rock is transported via conveyor belts to a chute system called a fallpipe.

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• Precision Placement: The fallpipe, together with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), is positioned above the target site. The system deposits the rock accurately at the desired location on the seabed or around structures.

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• Various Positioning Methods: Depending on project specifications, the vessel can position the rock using different techniques. For inaccessible areas, such as around offshore wind parks or platforms, a side dumping unit is employed to deliver the material effectively.

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Limitations

• Only certain hard rocks, like high-density granites, are suitable for these demanding offshore applications due to their strength and durability.