Universal refloating and launching system and method of operation

Abstract

Universal refloating and launching system and method comprising one or several platforms on which the load desired to be immersed or extracted from the sea will be placed. For introducing a load in water, the platform has to be fixed to the dock, through a system that allows it to move up and down in height, then fixing it to the bottom, through pillars and piles, and finally placing the load thereon. With the load placed, the platform is lowered so that the load is slightly immersed and may float. If the aim is to extract a load from the water, the operations will be reversed: starting with the immersed platform, the load is placed above and then the platform is lifted, so that the load can be moved to the dock.

1 . Universal refloating and launching system characterized in that it comprises one or several platforms for supporting the load having the capacity of being lifted or immersed in water through a vertical guides system ( 7 ) connecting the platform to the dock and to telescopic pillars ( 2 ) serving as support on the bottom. 
     
     
         2 . Universal refloating and launching system according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the vertical guides ( 7 ) are screwed to the dock in a direction perpendicular to the water surface, and are composed of two U-section rails between which a cylinder having the ends of larger diameter than the center rod is fitted, so that said ends are those engaging the U-shaped guides and sliding along them, being able of moving up and down. 
     
     
         3 . Universal refloating and launching system according to  claim 2 , characterized in that an axis connecting the support platform to the dock is articulated at the center of the cylinder by a ball joint or equivalent joint. 
     
     
         4 . Universal refloating and launching system according to  claim 1 , characterized in that each support platform comprises a load beam of box type ( 3 ) stiffened with an internal structure ( 5 ), sliding rails ( 6 ) being located at the top of the beam ( 3 ) so that the load to be refloated slides along them until placing in the required place. 
     
     
         5 . Universal refloating and launching system according to  claim 4 , characterized in that each beam ( 3 ) has a series of supports of the pillar telescopic type ( 2 ) base of which is formed by a plate so-called support plate ( 1 ) having a series of drill-holes, so-called auxiliary pilot tubes ( 4 ) matching with many other through drill-holes or auxiliary tubes ( 4 ) that the beam ( 3 ) has around the pillar. 
     
     
         6 . Method of operation of the universal refloating and launching system according to that described in preceding claims comprising the following steps:
 Previous and built designing the appropriate platforms, in terms of the intended use.   Then the vertical displacement guides of each platform are fixed to the dock edge. For this purposes, two U-shaped guides are screwed, with steel and epoxy raw plugs, perpendicular to the water surface, at the dock, and through which a cylinder (with the ends of larger diameter) sliding along the guides, moving up and down, is introduced.   In the center of the cylinder an axis connecting the support platform with the guides ( 7 ) and, consequently, with the dock is held by a joint.   Once the support platform is fixed to dock, water is introduced through valves into the pillars ( 2 ), which by being telescopic, will be unfolding and moving down until the support plate ( 1 ), which is in their base, rests on the bottom. If this were not enough consistent, piles would be driven and injected to the required depth in the seabed and coronation of which will be at the level of support plate, for this purpose through tubes ( 4 ) specially designed for this end would be used on the platform.
 At this time the structure is already fixed and guided to the dock and supported on piles or on the bottom, then, seawater is injected until leveling the platform with the dock. 
   The load desired to be refloated is moved on the platforms, using specially arranged support roads.   With the load placed, the platform is lowered, by simply opening the valves retaining the water inside the pillars ( 2 ). Then the valves of the ballast tanks of the launching platform, which aim to keep it immersed under the load floating level are opened, so that said load loses contact with the platform, starts floating and can be towed.
 Once the load has been refloated, the water is completely taken out from the pillars ( 2 ) using a pump. 
   Support platforms can remain afloat, joined to the dock and with the telescopic pillars ( 2 ) lifted.   
     
     
         7 . Method of operation of the universal refloating and launching system according to  claim 6  characterized in that if the pillars ( 2 ) will be extended over a long period of time these are protected with some type of sheath in order to avoid their deterioration.