Having Ship-mounted Turret Patents (Class 114/230.12)
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Patent number: 11319030Abstract: In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, William L. Fontenot, David M. Seaman, Patrick R. Thornberry
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Patent number: 11254392Abstract: A mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) comprising a socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d), a connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d), and an arrangement (25a; 25b; 25c; 25d) for positioning and/or controlling the disposition of the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) relative to the socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d), the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) being receivable and/or retainable in the socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d). A method of configuring a mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d), wherein the method comprises providing the mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d), the method further comprising connecting a first portion of a line (35) to a line engaging apparatus (30a) and positioning or extending the line (35) around the positioning arrangement (25a; 25b; 25c; 25d).Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: FLINTSTONE TECHNOLOGY LTDInventor: David Smith
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Patent number: 11203909Abstract: A mudline closure device is lowered between tensioners coupled to a deck of a vessel or rig onto a subsea wellhead. A tensioner platform is then attached to the tensioners. The tensioner platform includes a platform opening having an inner diameter through which an emergency disconnect system may pass. The tensioner platform also includes rotation bearings secured in the platform opening. A split support includes outer surfaces disposed along its circumference. The outer surfaces are seated on the rotation bearings. The split support includes a support opening having an inner diameter through which a marine riser may pass. The split support also includes a landing shoulder secured in the support opening to suspend a surface blowout preventer to the deck. As the vessel or rig changes direction, the split support rotates relative to the tensioner platform without imparting excessive torsion on the marine riser.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: TRENDSETTER VULCAN OFFSHORE, INC.Inventors: James V. Maher, Daniel McCelvey
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Patent number: 11072397Abstract: A suspension of axial turret bearing units in a turret bearing comprises a rail support structure mounted on a turret bearing support structure, a circular rail mounted on the rail support structure, a plurality of axial bearing units running on rail, a shaft for each axial bearing unit with the bearing unit attached to the outer end of the shaft, and an inner support structure for supporting the inner end of each shaft. The suspension further comprises an outer shaft suspension close to each bearing unit, comprising a collar with an inner width similar to the width of the shaft and an inner height higher than the height of the shaft, a transitional section connected to the collar, a plate section connected to the transitional section and fastened to a bearing support structure on the turret, wherein the plate section spreads applied loads on the structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: APL TECHNOLOGY ASInventor: Sigmund Askestad
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Patent number: 10787232Abstract: A structural suspension of radial turret bearing wheels in a turret bearing comprises a rail support structure mounted on a turret bearing support structure, a circular rail mounted to the rail support structure, and a plurality of radial wheels running on the mainly vertical inner side of the rail. The suspension includes a vertical flexible shaft, for each radial wheel, supported by an upper and lower support with a part of the shaft protruding with the radial wheel mounted close to the outer end. The inner side of the rail is a frustum with the shortest radius at the top and an aperture of 2, and the outer mainly planar contacting surface of the wheel has an angle ? relative to the rotational axis of the wheel, and is overlaid with a convex curvature across the contacting surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: APL Technology ASInventor: Sigmund Askestad
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Patent number: 10759501Abstract: A rail system for large turret bearing includes a turret bearing support structure, a rail support ring provided with a L-shaped cross section including an inward directed wedge mating face, at least two rings of radially elongated segment bolt holes, and an outermost ring of wedge bolt holes, a plurality of rail segments together forming a complete circle with an outer radius slightly smaller than the radius of the wedge mating face of the rail support ring. Each segment includes a sloped outer wedge mating surface, a downward facing contact surface with threaded bolt holes corresponding to the bolt holes in the rail support ring, an upper largely horizontal surface, and an inner largely vertical surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: APL TECHNOLOGY ASInventor: Sigmund Askestad
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Patent number: 10696359Abstract: A turret assembly for a vessel comprises a moonpool defined in the vessel and a turret structure rotatably mounted in said moonpool. The turret structure comprises a turret table which by means of a main bearing is rotatably mounted in said moonpool and a hollow turret shaft defined by a surrounding shaft wall, which turret shaft has an upper shaft end connected to the turret table, a substantially cylindrical shaft part that extends downwardly from the turret table and a lower shaft end provided with means intended for cooperation with a lower bearing. The shaft wall of the upper shaft end comprises a widened part surrounding the cylindrical shaft part and defines a circumferential crest, wherein the shaft wall of the upper shaft end, starting from said circumferential crest, extends downwardly towards a position where the upper shaft end is connected to the turret table.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: BLUEWATER ENERGY SERVICES B.V.Inventors: Patrizio Giovanni Matia Ottolini, Bernardus Rudolphus Ignatius Luttmer, Jacob Jan Van Nielen
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Patent number: 10669003Abstract: A ship having improved power efficiency is provided. The ship comprises: a power grid; a power cost generator which determines the cost of power; a generator which is connected to the power grid and analyzes the cost of power so as to autonomously determine whether to produce power; an energy storage device which is connected to the power grid and analyzes the cost of power so as to autonomously determine whether to store power; and a load which is connected to the power grid and analyzes the cost of power so as to autonomously determine whether to use power.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTDInventor: Yun Tae Kang
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Patent number: 10655437Abstract: The present invention provides a buoyant system and method for a hydrocarbon offshore floating platform to be coupled and decoupled from a subsea buoyant extension with risers slidably coupled thereto. The buoyant system can allow rigid risers to be coupled and decoupled and alternatively move between a first elevation below the offshore floating platform, such as at the buoyant extension, and a higher second elevation at the offshore floating platform independent of a spool piece, arch support, and flexible joint for the risers. The buoyant system can reduce riser stress by reducing bending required for the riser to form a catenary or other curved shape even as a rigid riser.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCEInventors: Anil Kumar Sablok, Xiaohua Lu
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Patent number: 10640172Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel, especially a drillship or so-called drilling ship. The vessel comprises a hull having a bottom surface and a deck. A moon pool extends from the bottom surface of the hull in an upward direction through the hull. Further, the vessel is provided with a cavity located at a rear side of the moon pool, with the cavity being at least partly open at a front side to allow water to flow from the moon pool directly into the cavity. Further, the cavity is at least partly open at a bottom side to allow water to flow out of the cavity. The cavity is defined at least partly by a trailing wall sloping downwards in a rearward direction and at least partly by a ceiling connecting a rear wall of the moon pool with the downwardly sloping trailing wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: GustoMSC B.V.Inventors: Sjoerd Maarten Hendriks, Jan-Willem Krijger, Dimitrios Chalkias
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Patent number: 10640179Abstract: A turret mooring system for a floating process and storage offloading, FPSO, vessel or a FLNG vessel includes a turret structure and a bearing support structure. The turret structure is to be placed within a moonpool in a hull of the vessel and rotatably held within the moonpool via the bearing support structure. The bearing support structure includes a radial support and an axial support. The radial support includes a plurality of radial wheels, and the axial support includes a plurality of axial bogies. The vessel has a topside process deck and the turret structure includes a collar deck. The collar deck is positioned vertically above an upper side of the axial support and below an elevation of the topside process deck. An FPSO or FLNG vessel is provided which includes the turret mooring system.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Guillaume Bonnaffoux, Nicolas Fourdilis
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Patent number: 10465657Abstract: System and methods for controlling the oscillation of floating ground stations in aerial wind turbine systems are disclosed. Thrusters on the ground station or on one or more aerial vehicles associated with the ground station apply a compensatory force to the oscillating ground station to reduce and/or substantially eliminate wave-induced oscillations. Submerged thrusters may also rotate the ground station to a preferred alignment direction with the waves. Additionally, control systems use environmental and/or positional sensor data to develop a predictive force profile that maps desired compensatory force magnitude versus time. The control systems use that predictive force profile to direct the thrusters to apply a varying compensatory force over time.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Makani Technologies LLCInventors: Charles Nordstrom, Joel Fraser Atwater, Douglas Mcleod
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Patent number: 10421525Abstract: A bearing system for a rotating turret mounted on a vessel includes upper radial and axial bearings placed on a stiff bearing support ring. The bearing support ring is isolated from deflections in the vessel's caisson. Through the isolation, the radial and axial bearings are less affected by deflection of the vessel for example due to waves. The bearing support ring is supported vertically by a system of hydraulic cylinders serviced by multiple hydraulic systems for redundancy. The bearing support ring alternatively can be supported by an articulated steel structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK LimitedInventors: Atle K. Berle, Lars Seim
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Patent number: 10377450Abstract: An offshore structure is separated into an upper structure and a lower structure. Part or whole of the lower structure is kept in an upright standing state in water. The upper structure is moved to above the lower structure kept in the upright standing state. A uniting step includes one or both of raising the lower structure to arrange the lower structure on a lower side of the upper structure and lowering the upper structure to arrange the upper structure on an upper side of the lower structure by submerging part of a carrier vessel on which the upper structure is mounted while being held by a pair of arm-shaped structures of the carrier vessel and integrating the lower structure with the upper structure. In this way, an offshore structure is moored safely at an offshore installation site without using a crane vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: MODEC, INC.Inventor: Takuju Nakamura
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Patent number: 10183727Abstract: In an offshore system having a floating vessel, a turret within a hull opening, and a bearing assembly including a support row assembly axially transferring the weight of the turret to the vessel and allowing the vessel to weather vane about the turret, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. An outer upper ring is removed from an outer lower ring and a support ring is installed on the outer lower ring. A lower race and support rollers of a remedial support row assembly are installed on the support ring. A reaction ring is positioned above the support ring and connected to an inner ring secured to the turret. The inner ring is axially displaced relative to the outer lower ring and the turret axial loading is transferred to the remedial support row assembly between the support ring and the reaction ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: SOFEC, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, Miles A. Hobdy, David M. Seaman
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Patent number: 10160522Abstract: A turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement, for transferring petroleum products from an off-shore or subsea facility to a vessel, including a turret arranged in a cavity of the vessel. The turret is held firmly in axial and radial directions within the cavity, but is rotatable relative to the vessel. The turret is adapted to be moored to the seabed. A riser assembly extends through a bore in the turret to an upper surface of the vessel. The bore of the turret is a monobore and the riser assembly is rotationally coupled to the turret but is free to move axially relative to the turret. The riser assembly is axially supported by the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: SCANA OFFSHORE ASInventors: Torkjell Lisland, Lars Even Nilssen, Henrik Strand
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Patent number: 10160520Abstract: A buoyant structure contains a hull. The hull has a main deck, a lower inwardly-tapering frustoconical side section that extends from the main deck, a lower generally rounded section extending from the lower inwardly-tapering frustoconical side section, a generally rounded keel, a fin-shaped appendage secured to a lower and an outer portion of an exterior of the keel, and an offloading device slidably connected to an outside surface of the hull configured for rotating around an outer circumference of the hull.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Inventor: Nicolaas Johannes Vandenworm
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Patent number: 10093394Abstract: A method for offshore floating petroleum production, storage and offloading comprising receiving hydrocarbons from at least one of an FPSO, production risers, or wellhead on the seabed by a floating hull; processing received hydrocarbons forming hydrocarbon product in the floating hull; storing the hydrocarbon product in the floating hull; and offloading the stored hydrocarbon product. The floating hull contains a hull plan view that is circular and wherein the floating hull has a bottom surface, a top deck surface, at least three connected sections, joined in series and symmetrically configured about a vertical axis with the connected sections extending downwardly from the top deck surface toward the bottom surface. The at least three connected sections contain an upper cylindrical portion, a lower conical section, a cylindrical neck section, and a set of fins secured to the hull configured to provide hydrodynamic performance through linear and quadratic damping.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd.Inventors: Nicolaas Johannes Vandenworm, John William Beck, III
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Patent number: 10087067Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus for transferring fluids such as hydrocarbon fuel is disclosed. The fluid transfer apparatus comprises a support member and at least one catenary hose, wherein a proximal end of each catenary hose is suspended from the support member. A distal end of each catenary hose is coupled to a transfer manifold. A tensioning member is arranged for applying a tensile force to the transfer manifold during a transfer operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Houlder LimitedInventors: Frederic Vincent Perdrix, Gianpaolo Benedetti, Luiz Eduardo Demenicis
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Patent number: 10046834Abstract: An arrangement for connecting a turret within a vessel opening such that the vessel is capable of rotation about a longitudinal axis of the turret. The arrangement including an inner ring assembly coupled to the turret and an outer ring assembly coupled to the vessel in concentric alignment with the inner ring assembly. A support row assembly connected between the inner and outer ring assemblies allows rotation of the outer ring assembly with respect to the inner ring assembly and axially transfers the weight of the turret to the vessel. A radial row assembly is coaxially disposed about the longitudinal axis between the inner and outer ring assemblies. A centralizer is disposed between the inner and outer ring assemblies. During normal operation the radial row assembly transfers any radial load from the vessel to the turret and the centralizer has a radial clearance with the outer ring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, William Louis Fontenot
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Patent number: 9828070Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a turret system for use in an FPSO vessel. The turret system may comprise a turret body and windlass subsystem. The turret system may comprise a top and bottom surface, first and second mooring line storage sections, and first and second mooring line channel sections. Each mooring line storage section may include an opening and cavity. Each opening is operable to receive a mooring line. Each mooring line channel section may be an elongated passageway for a mooring line to pass between an exterior of the FPSO vessel and a mooring line storage section. The windlass subsystem may comprise a rotatable member, and configured to be transportable between a plurality of locations. When the windlass assembly is configured to be secured to the turret body, the windlass assembly is configurable to control a movement of a mooring line.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: PTT EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Manit Aimcharoenchaiyakul
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Patent number: 9650111Abstract: Disclosed are a mooring system and a drill ship including the same. The mooring system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a circular guide groove formed on a bottom surface of a hull and configured to use a center of the moon pool as a center thereof, a turret having a ring shape and inserted into the guide groove to rotate, and a bearing interposed between the turret and the guide groove to rotate with respect to the guide groove of the turret.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rae-Hyoung Yuck, Yong-Ho Choi, Dong-Woo Jung
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Patent number: 9551211Abstract: A method for appraising a deepwater well comprising: producing a first quantity of hydrocarbon from an undersea reservoir; transporting the first quantity of hydrocarbon to a floating vessel; off loading the first quantity of hydrocarbon from the vessel; producing a second quantity of hydrocarbon from the undersea reservoir; and transporting the second quantity of hydrocarbon to the floating vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Jan Hendrik Gerretsen, Joao Paulo Juliao Matsuura
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Patent number: 9482059Abstract: A hybrid riser tower is disclosed with a rigid riser column and a buoyancy tank positioned to apply tension to the riser column by buoyant upthrust when the tower is in an upright orientation for use. At least one jumper support structure is attached to a side of the buoyancy tank between upper and lower ends of the buoyancy tank when the tower is oriented for use. At least one riser connection extends outside the buoyancy tank from a riser pipe of the riser column to the jumper support structure, where it connects to a flexible end fitting carried by the jumper support structure. The riser connection splays laterally moving from the riser pipe toward the jumper support structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Acergy France SASInventor: Jean-Luc Bernard Legras
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Patent number: 9422035Abstract: Turret mooring system for receiving a mooring buoy, includes a turret mooring structure, and a buoy locking system for locking the mooring buoy, whereby the turret mooring system includes an intermediate connection member, which includes the buoy locking system. The intermediate connection member is rotatably suspended from the turret mooring structure. A method of mooring a vessel, including a turret mooring system, is described whereby the turret mooring system is arranged to receive the mooring buoy. The turret mooring system includes a turret mooring structure that is rotatably suspended from the vessel and an intermediate connection member that is rotatably suspended from the turret mooring structure. The method includes the steps of receiving the mooring buoy into the turret mooring system, locking the mooring buoy to the intermediate connection member, and rotating the intermediate connection member and the turret mooring structure with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Christian Raymond Bauduin, Jean-Yves Silvain Toggiani, Jean Pierre Benoit, Jerome Perrin
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Patent number: 9404619Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer arrangement for transfer of fluids between an offshore unit and a carrier which are placed in an offloading configuration, includes at least one transfer hose and a gas return hose, wherein the end of the at least one transfer hose is connected to a floating multi-function unit allowing for the transport of the transfer hose between the offshore unit and the carrier, wherein the floating multi-function unit can be lifted out of the water and can be held in a fixed position above water-level and is provided with connection elements for making a fluid connection between the transfer hose end and a manifold of the carrier and with emergency disconnect elements for the at least one transfer hose, placed at a distance from the connection elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Pieter Liem, Jean-Robert Fournier, Jean-Charles Rinaldi
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Patent number: 9315241Abstract: A disconnectable buoyant turret mooring system for an FPSO is vulnerable to damage from collisions between the buoy and the buoy turret cage during mating and de-mating operations. It is therefore desirable that the buoy separate quickly from the turret of the FPSO vessel during a disconnect operation. A buoy turret cage is provided with a certain degree of porosity that allows a flow of seawater from the outside of the receptor to the inner surface of the receptor. Introducing water in this way relieves the suction forces and allows for a quicker separation of the buoy from the turret of the FPSO vessel, minimizing the time during which an uncontrolled collision between the buoy and the FPSO vessel is most likely. Filling a portion of the turret above the mooring buoy with water prior to releasing the buoy also decreases the separation time.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Seahorse Equipment CorpInventors: Todd Vincent Carrico, Steven John Leverette
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Publication number: 20150122167Abstract: A turret mooring system (1) is arranged on a vessel for receiving a mooring buoy (6). The turret mooring system includes a turret mooring structure (3) with a receptacle for the reception of the buoy, and at least one structural connector (10). The at least one structural connector secures the turret to the mooring buoy which is provided with at least one buoy locking system (7) for locking the mooring buoy (6). The buoy locking system is arranged with a base mount that connects the structural connector to the vessel. The base mount is arranged as an adjustable element for adjustment of the connection between the at least one structural connector and the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Peter Alan Lunde, Bram David Weisman
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Patent number: 9011046Abstract: A mooring leg connector for use with a mooring leg (3) that has an upper portion with an axis, where the mooring leg (3) extends up from the sea floor, to connect a floating body (1) to the seabed. The mooring leg connector includes one part (20) fixed with regard to the floating body (1) and another part (30) which is movable with regard to the fixed part (20) from a first position to a second position. An offshore construction including such a mooring leg connector and a method to retract such a mooring leg connector when disconnected, are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventors: Ioannis Mikis Lajugie, Jean-Baptiste Yves Hames, Sébastien Jean-François Truchi
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Patent number: 8991325Abstract: A connection system comprises a first latching (5) element mountable on or to a first body (3) and a second latching element (6) mountable on or to a second body (4), and means for drawing the first latching element and second latching element together to facilitate connection of the first body to the second body, said drawing means comprising a buoyant winching system (2). A connection method for connecting a first body carrying a first latching element to a second body carrying a second latching element, comprises the steps of connecting a winch line (11) from a buoyant winching system comprising a winch, through the first latching element to a tether line attached to the second latching element and operating the winch to draw the first and second latching element together to connect the first body to the second body wherein the connection of the winch line to the tether line is carried out without tension in the winch line.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Pelamis Wave Power LimitedInventors: Richard William Yemm, Edward Charles Maycock, Martin Goldman Shaw, Michael Collee, Elizabeth Anne Jane Dickens
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Patent number: 8967913Abstract: A mooring leg connector (4) is configured for use with a mooring chain part (3) of a mooring leg extending up from the sea floor to moor a floating structure (1) to the seabed. The connector has an elongate tubular element (5) extending in the mooring leg direction and a latch mechanism (6) for fixation of the mooring chain part to the floating structure to be moored and preventing movement along the mooring leg in the direction of the seabed. The elongate tubular element has a passage for the mooring chain to pass through and includes at the top a double articulation axis including a roll articulation (7) and a pitch articulation (8). The roll and pitch articulations are coplanar.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventors: Ioannis Mikis Lajugie, Jean-Baptiste Yves Hames, Sebastien Jean-Francois Truchi
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Patent number: 8950349Abstract: A turret/vessel bearing arrangement and method for replacing bearings in situ without removing other bearings. The bearings are capable of being separated. A removable axial spacer secures the vessel and the turret into engagement with the upper and lower thrust bearings. Removal of the spacer allows increased separation between vessel and turret flanges that sandwich the thrust bearings. The mid radial bearing assembly includes one or more radially arranged bearing pads that allow for limited axial displacement of the turret with respect to the vessel during thrust bearing replacement while still bearing radial loads and allowing rotation. The addition of a temporary thrust bearing allows the vessel to weathervane about the turret while thrust bearing are replaced in situ.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: SOFEC, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Lindblade, William Louis Fontenot, James Nelson Pratt
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Publication number: 20150034002Abstract: Turret mooring system for receiving a mooring buoy, includes a turret mooring structure, and a buoy locking system for locking the mooring buoy, whereby the turret mooring system includes an intermediate connection member, which includes the buoy locking system. The intermediate connection member is rotatably suspended from the turret mooring structure. A method of mooring a vessel, including a turret mooring system, is described whereby the turret mooring system is arranged to receive the mooring buoy. The turret mooring system includes a turret mooring structure that is rotatably suspended from the vessel and an intermediate connection member that is rotatably suspended from the turret mooring structure. The method includes the steps of receiving the mooring buoy into the turret mooring system, locking the mooring buoy to the intermediate connection member, and rotating the intermediate connection member and the turret mooring structure with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Christian Raymond Bauduin, Jean-Yves Silvain Toggiani, Jean Pierre Benoit, Jerome Perrin
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Patent number: 8851004Abstract: A vessel includes a hull with a turret, a cavity in the turret and a mooring buoy releasably attached in the cavity, the buoy including a buoyant body and carrying a number of risers, extending to a subsea hydrocarbon well and a number of anchor lines connected to the sea bed, wherein upon connection of the buoy to the cavity, the buoy is attached to a pulling member connected to a winch on the vessel for lifting of the buoy. Each anchor line and/or riser at its upper end is connected to a stopper member, the stopper member being attached to the pulling member, wherein during lifting, each anchor line and/or riser and the stopper member are movable relative to the buoyant body in a length direction of the anchor lines and/or risers, and wherein after connection of the buoyant body to the cavity, the stopper member is engaged with an abutment member on the buoyant body to support the anchor line and/or riser weight off the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventors: Philippe Lavagna, Xavier Connaulte, Christoph Vogt
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Publication number: 20140261131Abstract: A vessel includes a hull with a turret, a cavity in the turret and a mooring buoy releasably attached in the cavity, the buoy including a buoyant body and carrying a number of risers, extending to a subsea hydrocarbon well and a number of anchor lines connected to the sea bed, wherein upon connection of the buoy to the cavity, the buoy is attached to a pulling member connected to a winch on the vessel for lifting of the buoy. Each anchor line and/or riser at its upper end is connected to a stopper member, the stopper member being attached to the pulling member, wherein during lifting, each anchor line and/or riser and the stopper member are movable relative to the buoyant body in a length direction of the anchor lines and/or risers, and wherein after connection of the buoyant body to the cavity, the stopper member is engaged with an abutment member on the buoyant body to support the anchor line and/or riser weight off the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Philippe LAVAGNA, Xavier CONNAULTE, Christoph VOGT
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Patent number: 8821202Abstract: A buoy includes a turret coupled to a buoyant body using a bearing assembly; a deckhouse disposed on the buoyant body; and a bearing retainer configured to retain the bearing assembly and to releasably attach to the turret. The buoy may also include a locking mechanism having an inner opening in the turret, an outer opening in the buoyant body, and a locking member configured for insertion through the inner and outer openings. In one embodiment, the inner opening is out of alignment with the outer opening during operation of the buoy. The buoy may further include a detachable cover on the deckhouse, wherein the cover is configured to attach to the bearing retainer.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Wison Offshore & Marine (USA), IncInventor: Hendricus Hogewoning
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Patent number: 8813668Abstract: A device for rotating a turntable includes a turret and a turntable bearing The turret is rotatable in a through-going opening or well in the hull of a vessel and has axial and radial bearing assemblies arranged in a polar array about the turret center line. In order to reduce the substantial wear caused by relative movements between the axial wheels of the bearing assembly and the circular rail on the bearing support structure, the axial wheels are conically shaped with a double curved surface rolling on the upward facing edge of the circular rail with a slope aligned with an extension line of the rail substantially intersecting with the shaft center line at the center line of the turret. The radial bearing assembly includes horizontally arranged radial wheels with double curved surfaces. Each wheel rolls on an inward facing edge of the circular rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Advanced Production and Loading ASInventor: Sigmund Askestad
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Publication number: 20140230712Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventor: Keith K. Millheim
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Publication number: 20140216322Abstract: In a mooring assembly for a vessel, comprising a moonpool defined in the vessel, a turret is rotatably mounted within the moonpool with an upper main bearing for transmitting horizontal and vertical loads between the vessel and turret and with a lower secondary bearing for substantially transmitting horizontal loads between the vessel and the turret. Mooring lines are attached to the lower region of the turret that comprises a number of circumferentially spaced torsion box like torsion members each extending substantially vertically. The torsion members resist bending in a circumferential direction that is greater than in a radial direction. The lower secondary bearing is defined by outwardly facing bearing members attached to said torsion members and an inwardly facing bearing ring attached to the moonpool. In a situation in which a torsion member is not loaded horizontally by a respective mooring line its bearing member does not engage the ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2011Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: BLUEWATER ENERGY SERVICES B.V.Inventor: Patrizio Giovanni Matia Ottolini
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Patent number: 8770128Abstract: A facility for producing and processing fluids, including a boat with a system for rotatable single-point mooring via a turret pivotably mounted in a shaft which extends vertically through the hull of the boat. The turret includes an upper portion having a rotary device for receiving and supporting incoming fluid-transfer pipes, and an upper bearing, smaller in diameter than the shaft, positioned between a head portion of the upper portion of the turret and a supporting structure connected to the hull of the vessel. The upper bearing of the turret is located above the rotary device for receiving and supporting the incoming fluid-transfer pipes.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Technip FranceInventors: Bernard Dupont, Cyrille Dechiron
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Publication number: 20140123889Abstract: Disclosed is a turret device. The turret device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper turret installed in a vertical opening which penetrates a hull; and a lower turret which is coupled to the bottom of the upper turret and has a lower bearing assembly which supports the hull to allow rotation, wherein a lower bearing is arranged on the outer surface of the lower turret; and an independent sliding pad is coupled to the inner surface of the hull forming the vertical opening, and slidably contacts the lower bearing in the shape of a plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., LtdInventor: Young Hak Seo
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Patent number: 8671864Abstract: A radial bearing arrangement (2) including a turret (14) carried by a vessel (10), the turret (14) having an outer annular rail (38) secured about its outer circumference. The radial bearing arrangement (2) also includes a plurality of rollers (104) attached to the vessel (10) via bearing assemblies (74). The bearing assemblies (74) are arranged and designed to urge the rollers (104) into contact with the annular rail (38), and to limit radial movement of the vessel (10) relative to the turret (14). A plurality of bearing pads (114) are attached to the vessel (10) and positioned circumferentially between the bearing assemblies (74). The bearing pads (114) are arranged and designed to contact the rail (38) under peak loading to limit radial movement of the vessel (10) relative to the turret (14).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: SOFEC, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Lindblade, William Fontenot, Caspar Heyl
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Patent number: 8651040Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system for a vessel is presented, comprising a moonpool in the vessel, a turret structure mounted for a rotation in said moonpool and a buoy member having a plurality of passages each adapted to receive a riser. The turret structure has a lower end comprising a buoy receptacle for detachably receiving the buoy member, wherein the mooring system further comprises a plurality of mooring lines for transmitting mooring forces and each have a lower end and an upper end connected to the seabed and the buoy member, respectively. The mooring lines each comprise a first section which in a disconnectable manner is connected to the turret structure and a second section connected to the first section at a coupling point and connected to the buoy member. Also methods for disconnecting and reconnecting such a mooring system are presented.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventors: Rik Robert Heideman, Patrizio Giovanni Matia Ottolini, Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat, Boris Rijnten, Richard Leeuwenburgh, Jacob Jan Van Nielen, Henk Heikens Pleizier
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Publication number: 20130269582Abstract: A radial bearing arrangement (2) including a turret (14) carried by a vessel (10), the turret (14) having an outer annular rail (38) secured about its outer circumference. The radial bearing arrangement (2) also includes a plurality of rollers (104) attached to the vessel (10) via bearing assemblies (74). The bearing assemblies (74) are arranged and designed to urge the rollers (104) into contact with the annular rail (38), and to limit radial movement of the vessel (10) relative to the turret (14). A plurality of bearing pads (114) are attached to the vessel (10) and positioned circumferentially between the bearing assemblies (74). The bearing pads (114) are arranged and designed to contact the rail (38) under peak loading to limit radial movement of the vessel (10) relative to the turret (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Stephen Lindblade, William Fontenot, Caspar Heyl
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Publication number: 20130213290Abstract: A disconnectable turret mooring system includes a mooring buoy, a turret structure, and a buoy locking system for locking the mooring buoy to the turret structure, whereby the turret structure includes an intermediate connection member, which includes the buoy locking system, wherein the intermediate connection member is rotatably supported by the turret structure. A method of mooring a vessel includes a turret structure to a mooring buoy, whereby the turret structure is arranged to receive the mooring buoy. The turret mooring system includes a turret structure that is rotatably supported by the vessel and an intermediate connection member that is rotatably supported by the turret structure. The method includes: receiving the mooring buoy into the turret structure, locking the mooring buoy to the intermediate connection member, and rotating the intermediate connection member and the turret structure with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Christian Raymond Bauduin, Jean-Yves Toggiani
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Patent number: 8511246Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Nagan Srinivasan
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Publication number: 20130199432Abstract: A device for rotating a turntable includes a turret and a turntable bearing The turret is rotatable in a through-going opening or well in the hull of a vessel and has axial and radial bearing assemblies arranged in a polar array about the turret center line. In order to reduce the substantial wear caused by relative movements between the axial wheels of the bearing assembly and the circular rail on the bearing support structure, the axial wheels are conically shaped with a double curved surface rolling on the upward facing edge of the circular rail with a slope aligned with an extension line of the rail substantially intersecting with the shaft center line at the center line of the turret. The radial bearing assembly includes horizontally arranged radial wheels with double curved surfaces. Each wheel rolls on an inward facing edge of the circular rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: ADVANCED PRODUCTION AND LOADING ASInventor: Sigmund Askestad
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Patent number: 8491350Abstract: An offshore production system comprising a floating production unit, a production buoy, and a modular production transfer system therebetween. The modular production transfer system may include a support structure configured to be secured to an exterior side of the floating production unit, a moon pool secured outboard of the support structure, an inspection platform secured above the moon pool, a turntable secured to the inspection platform. The modular production transfer system may be configured to mate with the buoy connector and rotate within the moon pool, thereby maintain the buoy in a fixed orientation, while the floating production unit rotates about the buoy, during production.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.Inventors: Majid Al-Sharif, Tony A. Owen
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Patent number: 8485116Abstract: An oil production floating support including a disconnectable mooring system for anchor lines to the sea bottom and for bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The floating support comprises a mooring buoy for mooring lines and bottom-to-surface connection pipes, the buoy preferably being an annular buoy. The floating support being characterized in that said turret has a watertight tubular outer structure having a bottom wall assembled in watertight manner to the bottom end of the watertight tubular outer structure. The tubular outer structure contains an inner structure secured at its top end to the hull. The inner and outer tubular structures co-operate with at least one bottom rolling or friction bearing, enabling the inner structure to turn, with the outer structure not being caused to turn when the floating support is caused to turn about a vertical axis ZZ? of the cavity and of the watertight tubular outer structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Saipem S.A.Inventors: Michel Baylot, Jean-Paul Denise, Thomas Marty
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Patent number: 8449341Abstract: An oil production floating support having a mooring device for mooring anchor lines anchoring to the bottom of the sea and bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The device has two mooring buoys having the anchor lines and the bottom-to-surface connection pipes moored respectively thereto. The said two mooring buoys being connectable and disconnectable to a turret under which they are fastened, independently of each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Saipem S.A.Inventors: Jean-Paul Denise, Thomas Marty