Moving Boat Docks: Using Oil Field Pipes For Easy Relocation

Moving a boat dock or oil field pipe can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and planning, it is certainly achievable. For boat docks, one popular method is to utilise PVC pipes due to their strength, durability, and buoyancy. By following a step-by-step process that includes drilling holes, feeding rope through the holes, and securing the structure with flanges and fittings, you can create a floating dock that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, relocating oil field pipes may involve engaging with specialised shipping companies that possess heavy-load semi-submersible vessels. These vessels can submerge to slide under oil rigs, lift them, and transport them across the ocean. Proper planning and consideration of the unique challenges of each project are crucial for successful relocation.

Building a floating dock with PVC pipes

Building your own floating dock offers several advantages. Firstly, it can be a highly satisfying and relatively inexpensive DIY project, allowing you to save money compared to hiring someone else to build it. Additionally, PVC pipes are incredibly durable, ensuring your floating dock will withstand the test of time.

Materials Required:

• PVC pipes (ensure they have capping securely fastened at both ends for buoyancy)
• Flanges
• Fittings
• Marine-grade rope or nylon straps
• Drill
• Galvanized steel brackets
• Pressure-treated lumber (for frame and decking)
• Stainless steel screws and bolts
• Plastic barrels or foam billets

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Planning and Design: Determine the dimensions of your dock based on your needs and available space. Sketch your design on paper, including the layout of the PVC pipes and frame structure.
• Preparing the PVC Pipes: Cut the PVC pipes to the required lengths using a pipe cutter or saw. Dry-fit the pipes and fittings to check the layout, then use PVC glue and primer to secure the joints.
• Constructing the Frame: Build the frame using pressure-treated lumber on a flat surface. Reinforce the corners and joints with galvanized steel brackets. Ensure the frame is square and level.
• Attaching the PVC Pipes: Securely attach the PVC pipes to the frame using stainless steel screws and brackets, spacing them evenly for weight distribution and stability.
• Adding Buoyancy: Attach plastic barrels or foam billets to the underside of the frame to provide buoyancy. Secure them with marine-grade rope or nylon straps, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Test the buoyancy by placing the frame in the water and make any necessary adjustments.
• Installing the Decking: Install pressure-treated lumber decking on top of the frame, leaving a small gap between boards for drainage and expansion. Use stainless steel screws to secure the boards, ensuring they are flush and evenly spaced.
• Finishing Touches: Add handrails for safety, cleats and bumpers for securing boats, and a ladder for easy water access.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance will extend the life of your floating dock and ensure its safety and functionality. Inspect for loose screws, damaged boards, and wear and tear. Clean debris and algae buildup periodically, and consider removing the dock from the water during harsh winters to prevent ice damage.

Using a truck station to transport oil from a dock

Transporting oil from a dock using a truck station is a multi-step process. First, you need to set up the train's orders. Open the orders menu and select the stations the train will stop at using the "go to" button. These include the station where the train will pick up the oil and the station where it will drop off the oil for the trucks to pick up.

Next, make sure the train is able to offload the oil at the drop-off station. To do this, click on the drop-off station order and select the down arrow next to the "Unload All" tab. From the options, select "Transfer". You can also set the pick-up order to "Full Load" so that the train waits until it is completely full before departing.

Repeat these steps for the trucks, specifying the drop-off station where they will pick up the oil and the dock as the final destination. This will enable the trucks to transfer the oil to the dock for further transportation.

Additionally, ensure that the truck station is linked to the train station. This allows the trucks to access the oil unloaded by the train. The "Ctrl" key can be used when placing the station to link it with a nearby station if there is space between them.

Finally, use the "Transfer and Leave Empty" order to prevent intermediate vehicles from recording a loss. This ensures that only the vehicle delivering the oil to the final destination receives payment for the delivery.

Ensuring dock placement for oil acceptance

To ensure dock placement for oil acceptance, follow these steps:

First, you need to find an oil rig and an oil refinery to which you want to bring the oil from the rig. Refineries are only found near the coast. Once you've located a suitable oil refinery close to the waterside, open the Waterways construction toolbar by clicking the button. From there, click on the "Build ship dock" button. A Dock building window will appear.

Next, move your mouse along the edge of the water. The dock needs to be placed on a sloped tile connected to a water tile. Keep an eye on the Dock building window and ensure that "Oil" is displayed after "Accepts" before constructing the dock. If the cursor displays two white squares and oil is accepted at the chosen location, simply click the left mouse button to place the dock. You may need to terraform a bit to create a suitable location.

Once you've constructed the dock, you'll need to build a ship depot to purchase a ship to transport the oil. Set the ship to use the "Transfer and leave empty" order at the dock. This will ensure that the oil is unloaded at the dock for further transport to an oil refinery.

Alternatively, you can build an oil refinery closer to the dock, as cargo acceptance in OpenTTD is the same as final delivery. You can also use an ""Unload" order instead of "Transfer and leave empty." The difference is that with "Unload," the cargo will be delivered to the station, while with "Transfer," it will be stockpiled.

Using a spread station to have docks accept oil

If you're having trouble getting your dock to accept oil, there are several things you can try.

Firstly, make sure that your dock is accepting oil. Not all docks accept oil, and you can check this by using the '?' tool to see what each tile does. You can also check the box that appears near the toolbar, which will tell you what a station will accept and produce.

If your dock is not within the catchment area of the refinery, you will need to relocate it so that the catchment area covers specific parts of the refinery. Simply having the catchment area over the industry does not mean it will accept the cargo.

If you don't want to relocate your dock, you can use a spread station to have the docks accept oil directly. This is done by control-clicking when placing a station.

Another option is to use transfer orders so that the oil is stockpiled at the station instead of being delivered. You can also use unload orders if you want the oil to be delivered.

If you want to transport the oil by lorry, you can use transfer and leave empty orders at the dock.

Finally, if you want to drop off the oil at the dock and transport it by lorry, you can build an oil refinery closer to the dock.

Drilling holes in PVC pipes for rope

Tools and Materials:

Firstly, gather your tools and materials. You will need a PVC pipe, a drill, a suitable drill bit for PVC, a tape measure, and a marker or pencil. A drill is the best tool for the job, but if you don't have one, you can use screws or nails to make small holes.

Marking the Hole Placement:

Use the tape measure to determine the exact location of the hole on the pipe. Measure the distance from one end of the pipe to the desired spot, and mark this spot with your marker or pencil. Make sure the mark is clear and visible to avoid confusion when drilling. Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Choosing the Right Drill Bit:

Select a drill bit specifically designed for drilling into plastic. These bits have a sharp point and flutes for efficient chip removal. Choose a bit with a diameter suitable for the size of the hole you need to drill.

Preparing Your Drill:

Insert the drill bit into the chuck of the drill and tighten it securely. Ensure the bit is centred and fully inserted. Adjust the drill to the desired speed setting—for PVC, a low or medium speed will work well.

Drilling the Hole:

Position the drill bit against the marked spot on the pipe. Apply steady and even pressure as you begin drilling, maintaining control and stability. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as it may cause the drill bit to slip or create an uneven hole. Drill slowly and steadily, maintaining a smooth and continuous motion. Continue drilling until you reach the desired hole depth.

Additional Tips:

Always wear safety gear, such as safety glasses, when drilling into PVC pipes. The drilling process can create sharp fragments, and safety glasses will protect your eyes. Ensure your work area is clear and that you have a stable surface to work on. If you are using a traditional drill bit instead of a hole saw attachment, be cautious of the speed and pressure applied to avoid cracking the pipe.

By following these steps, you can successfully drill holes in PVC pipes for rope, ensuring a secure and functional floating dock for your boat.

Frequently asked questions