Section 3 Swinging derrick systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 - Chapter 2 Derrick Systems - Section 3 Swinging derrick systems

Section 3 Swinging derrick systems

3.1 General

3.1.1 A swinging derrick system comprises a derrick boom pivoted at its heel and supporting the load from a head fitting. The boom is raised or lowered (luffed) by means of a span rope between the boom head and a suitable fixed point, usually a mast or derrick post. The boom is moved laterally (slewed) by guy ropes attached at the boom head.

3.1.2 Swinging derricks may be divided into two categories:

  1. Light derricks, having a SWL of 15 t or less.

  2. Heavy derricks having a SWL exceeding 15 t.

3.2 Operating conditions

3.2.1 Calculations are to be made with the derrick boom at its lowest and highest operating angles to the horizontal, subject to the requirements of Ch 2, 2.1 Operating range for derricks 2.1.1.

3.2.2 Where more than one arrangement of the rig is proposed for the derrick, calculations are to be made for each arrangement.

3.3 Force diagrams and calculations

3.3.1 Where force diagrams are prepared, the vertical load at the derrick boom head is to be taken as the SWL of the rig plus an allowance for the weight of the boom and tackle as required by Ch 2, 2.3 Weight of boom and tackle.

3.3.2 The tension in the cargo runner is to be calculated using the factors given in Table 2.2.1 Coefficients of rope tension for the appropriate friction allowance for the blocks and number of parts of the runner in each section of the purchase.

3.3.3 Using this information, a polygon of forces may be drawn and the resultant force in the span tackle and thrust in the derrick boom determined.

3.3.4 A typical set of force diagrams is shown in Figure 2.3.1 Typical calculation of forces in the derrick system.

Figure 2.3.1 Typical calculation of forces in the derrick system

3.3.5 Where the cargo runner is parallel to the span tackle between the boom head and mast head, the tension in the runner provides partial support for the system. This force, called the ‘span relief’ is deducted from the total span force in order to determine the load in the span tackle. Consequently, in order to find the maximum load in the span tackle, the system is to be considered in the lowering operation and the span relief is to be W x P 2. All other forces in the rig are to be calculated for the hoisting operation.

3.3.6 The required breaking load of each rope is found by multiplying the maximum calculated tension by the appropriate factor of safety from Table 2.2.2 Factors for wire ropes.

3.3.7 The resultant loads in each of the blocks in the rig may be determined by drawing the appropriate polygons of forces as shown in Figure 2.3.1 Typical calculation of forces in the derrick system.

3.3.8 The resultant forces in the system may be determined by direct calculation as an alternative to the preparation of force diagrams.

3.3.9 Fittings, loose gear and ropes are to comply with the requirements of Ch 8 Fittings, Loose Gear and Ropes.


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