Mechanical optimization of an innovative overboarding chute for floating umbilical systems

Nowadays, in order to be competitive on the market, it is fundamental to design optimized devices. This is especially true in the Oil&Gas sector where the product's weight has a material influence on all operations. Reducing this parameter implies a significant decrease in the project's cost. This paper wants to propose an innovative approach to the study of the kinematic rotation of a prototype machine required to lay down an umbilical product, needed for the distribution of electricity among platforms. The aim of this paper is to resolve whether an optimization in terms of size and weight of the main piston that activates the chute rotation might be found, and if so what might be the magnitude of the possible optimization. The project has been carried out in collaboration with F.lli Righini, a world-wide leader in designing and manufacturing offshore equipment. A comparison between analytical and actual components leads to a real design approach which can be used by other companies and research centers in the field.