Abstract: A suction anchor for a subsea well is provided. The suction anchor includes a wellhead support structure. The wellhead support structure is at least in part external of the internal volume of the suction anchor.

Abstract: Casings for the circulation of fluids, used at the bottom of oil wells, applicable in conventional systems for bottom completion in the oil industry are provided. Specifically, modification of the design of the casing in the form of the opening thereof, which is carried out by moving the sliding sleeve downwards, the aim of which is to solve the problem of the accidental closing of the casing as a jet pump enters same.

Abstract: A pile anchor reinforcing system includes a pile anchor having an end penetrating a seafloor, and a mudmat positionable on the seafloor and defining a reinforcing pile aperture or a surface area to receive a gravity anchor or both, and a pile anchor aperture sized to receive the pile anchor. A reinforcing pile is extendable through the reinforcing aperture and penetrates the seafloor. The mudmat and the reinforcing pile and/or the gravity anchor cooperatively reinforce the pile anchor against lateral and vertical loading.

Abstract: A floating object attachment system for attaching one end of a rope or cable attached at its opposite end to a submerged anchor. The attachment system includes a rigid support pole attached to a mounting plate attached to the bottom surface of a floating object. Attached to the support pole is a swivel arm adapted to rotate freely 360 degrees around the support pole. A plurality of radially aligned gussets hold the support arm perpendicular to the mounting plate. The swivel arm includes a horizontal flange with a center bore that receives the support pole and a lateral, downward extending diagonal arm with a grommet hole that connects to the rope or cable. The support pole includes a lower stop surface and an upper stop surface on the support pole. Disposed around the support pole and between the horizontal flange and the upper and lower stop surfaces are nylon washers.

Abstract: ODSC system is a system for conversion of the whole kinetic energy of sea wave, both in propagation and oscillation direction, into electricity. The ODSC system comprises 2 main structures, a tower and a floating power plant. A tower is utilized as a site station and a pivot of the floating power plant. The floating power plant with a triangle based pyramid framework keeps afloat along with the sea tide and always turns its front toward to the wave propagation direction. This self-alignment maximizes effectiveness of energy conversion by ODSC converter installed in the floating power plant. The ODSC converter comprises 3 main structures, a plurality of attenuators, a one-way clutch and meshing gear system, and a drive shaft, wherein the whole kinetic energy of the sea wave is captured, transformed, converted and integrated together into a powerful one-way driving torque. The powerful torque then drives an electric generation system directly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for soft soil foundation treatment by vacuum-membrane-free vacuum preloading and a treatment method. The device comprises includes several top plates for being laid on the surface of soft soil foundation and several vertical plates for being vertically driven into the soft soil foundation, wherein the vertical plates are driven against the symmetrical side edges of the top plates; the vertical plate has an inner chamber, the top surface of the vertical plate is provided with a vertical plate main-hole in communication with the inner chamber of the vertical plate, both sides of the vertical plate are provided with several vertical plate vacuum mini-holes in communication with the inner chamber of the vertical plate; the vertical plate main-hole is in communication with vacuum equipment. The invention is applicable to applicable to the field of geotechnical engineering techniques.

Abstract: An anchor system for a floating object that includes an eyelet mounted on a rotating swivel arm. The eyelet is adapted to connect to a rope or cable that extends downward from the floating object. The swivel arm is adapted to rotate freely 360 degrees around a rigid support pole. The lower end of the support pole includes at least one support flange that is imbedded into a concrete block during manufacturing. The swivel arm includes a horizontal flange with a center bore adapted to receive the support pole. The support pole includes a lower stop surface and an upper stop surface. When assembled, the swivel arm is mounted on the support pole so that the horizontal flange is positioned between the lower and upper stop surfaces. Disposed around the support pole and between the horizontal flange and the upper and lower stop surfaces are upper and lower nylon washers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a foundation for an offshore wind turbine and a template for use herein. In illustrative embodiments, the template is releasably anchored in a seafloor and the template is leveled before installing a pile. In a method according to some illustrative embodiments herein, a template may be provided, the template comprising at least one hollow guiding element for receiving the pile, at least one suction bucket, a frame body to which the at least one hollow guiding element and the at least one suction bucket are coupled, and controlling means configured to supply a pressure to the at least one suction bucket.

Abstract: A stationary aquatic kickboard for leg kicking exercises in water. Aging and quadriceps decline are the origin of this products creation. TKS is anchored to the swimming pool wall or deck by two separate lines having equal tension when in use. The buoyancy of the kickboard is adjustable to accommodate persons of different body weight and for the preferred level of floatation. The handle grips positions will permit user to exercise in the prone or supine positions. Board and handle grips will provide high stability to do high intensity leg kicking action. This equipment is able to detach for removal from pool. TKS Hydrakick system will be used for exercise, physical therapy, relaxation or recreation. TKS hydrakicking is optimal lower extremity exercise and does not cause trauma to the legs.

Abstract: A foundation system for the foundation of an offshore structure includes a monopile having an anchoring portion anchorable in a seabed and a connection portion disposed at the opposite end. A platform structure is connected directly to the connection portion of the monopile or indirectly via a transition piece. The platform structure is disposable above a water surface. The foundation system includes at least two stabilizing devices connected directly to the platform structure or indirectly to the platform structure via the transition piece. The stabilizing devices are attachable to the seabed such that tensile forces or compression forces are transmittable between the seabed and the platform structure. Securing points on the stabilizing devices, together with the connection portion of the monopile, define a plane having a horizontally extending component.

Abstract: A offshore structure (10) comprising a tube (12) having a longitudinal axis (32) and comprising an open-ended lower end (22) whose peripheral edge (24) is adapted to cut into the sea bed (14) as the offshore structure (10) is driven into it, the offshore structure (10) comprising: a plurality of stabilisers (18) each comprising a main body portion forming a hollow interior volume (23) and having an open lower end (22) whose peripheral edge (24) is adapted, in use, to cut into the sea bed (14), whereby in use, a trapped volume of fluids is retained in the hollow interior volume between the main body portion and the sea bed (14), each stabiliser (18) further comprising an outlet (34) communicating with its respective hollow interior volume (23) and a control means (36) to control, in use, the egress of the trapped volume of fluids from the hollow interior volume (23) of each respective stabiliser (18), and wherein the geometric centres of the hollow interior volumes (23) of the stabilisers (18) are radially off

Abstract: The subsea support system includes a suction pile installed underwater without a remote operated vehicle (ROV). A drilling rig or offshore windfarm can be anchored by the suction pile in relatively shallow water with reduced equipment and costs. The system includes a suction pile, a vent valve assembly made integral with the suction pile, and an installation tool assembly removably attached to the vent valve assembly by a clamping device. The system is connected on a vessel before being deployed. Once lowered to the subsea location, the installation tool assembly actuates a seal plate to positions corresponding to closing the suction pile, pumping water through the vent valve assembly to embed the suction pile, and sealing the suction pile at the desired depth. The installation tool assembly can be released by the clamping device to separate from the vent valve assembly and return to the vessel for reuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction pile comprising a cylinder shaped body (1) with a closed end (3) and an open end (2), means (4) for attaching an arrangement to ejecting entrapped water, air and mud, but also provide a pressure difference within the suction pile during installation, and an attachment system (10) for attaching external equipment to the suction pile, the suction pile is formed with a skin portion (17) and at least one flange portion (6). At least one of the flange portions (6) comprises an element (11, 26) that form at least a part of the attachment system (10) for external equipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method for installing a tubular element, such as a suction pile, in a bottom of a body of water. The system comprises a tubular element and a deintensifier in fluid communication with the tubular element. The deintensifier is configured to be exposed to an ambient pressure external to the tubular element and reduce pressure within the tubular element. The method comprises lowering the tubular element to the bottom of the body of water, filling the tubular element with water at ambient pressure, and exposing the water within the tubular element to a deintensified external ambient pressure so as to withdraw the water out of the tubular element.

Abstract: Assembly for mooring a pile with a mooring line. The assembly according to one implementation has a frame disposed on the pile that is configured to support a connecting end of a chain, the other end of the chain being connected to the pile. The assembly having an attachment assembly having an attachment element connected at one end of the mooring line. A coupler coupled to the attachment element allows positioning the attachment element with respect to the connecting end of the chain. The coupler includes a guide for positioning the attachment element on the frame. A fixing assembly is provided allowing the interconnection of the attachment element and the connecting end of the chain.

Abstract: A semisubmersible wind turbine platform capable of floating on a body of water and supporting a wind turbine over a vertical center column includes a vertical center column and three or more vertical outer columns spaced radially from the center column, each of the outer columns being connected to the center column with one or more of bottom beams, top beams, and struts, with the major structural components being made of concrete and having sufficient buoyancy to support a wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A vent cap system includes a top plate, a center stem assembly, a retainer assembly attached to the top plate, a bottom plate, a flange assembly with a connection end for installation on a suction pile and a plurality of perimeter stem assemblies. The center stem assembly extends from the top plate, through threaded engagement to the retainer assembly, and to the bottom plate. Rotation of the center stem assembly moves the bottom plate between opened and closed positions, relative to the top plate and flange assembly. The perimeter stem assemblies hold the relative position of the top plate to the flange assembly, and the bottom plate seals against the flange assembly, when the system is in the closed position. The bottom plate has a bottom alignment pin to assure alignment of the bottom plate to the flange assembly for any orientation of the vent cap system.

Abstract: Subsea anchor (1) having a hollow cylindrical body (3) extending down from a top part (13). The anchor has a top aperture (15) and a top hatch (17) which is adapted to close and open the top aperture (15). The cylindrical body (3) is adapted to penetrate into a seabed. The area of said aperture (15) is at least 30% of the corresponding cross section area encircled by the cylindrical body (3).

Abstract: An improved reusable suction anchor, method of using this suction anchor, and method of manufacturing this suction anchor which uses doors to provide access to the interior of the anchor, by ROV or crane operated shovel for example. It provides a simple way to eliminate piping or plugging. It provides a simplified way to install or maintain a blowout preventer. It also provides a simplified way to align various diameters of pipe and to install conductor pipe. It also provides storage and protection from falling objects.

Abstract: A suction pile comprising a cylindrical wall and a piston that is movable inside the cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall has one suction end suitable for sinking into an ocean floor. The piston delimits two chambers, one being able to be filled with water. The suction pile includes a pump for extracting the water from the one chamber and for causing the sinking of the suction end. The pump comprises a device for stopping the piston while the cylindrical wall has one water intake end to allow water to enter into the other chamber. The piston is alternatively stopped and driven in movement as the suction end sinks.

Abstract: Suction pile installation method comprising the steps of lowering a suction pile to the sea bed, while keeping a top end substantially closed providing openings in the suction pile near a lower end, the interior of the suction pile being in open fluid communication with the exterior via the openings, dropping the pile onto the sea bed, while allowing air to escape from the pile via said openings, and allowing the suction pile to penetrate into the sea bed driven substantially by its weight over such a distance that the openings become closed from the exterior, and pumping air from the suction pile for driving the pile further into the sea bed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an underwater sediment evacuation system. The invention uses a suction pile and one or more pumps, valves, and lines to evacuate sediment contained within the internal volume of the suction pile.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a pile anchor (75) using an anchor installation system (100). The anchor installation system comprising an elongated hollow anchor element (75) that is releasably attached to an installation element or installer (50). The installer can be used repeatedly for multiple installations.

Abstract: An elongated hollow member (160), as shown in FIG. 1, with longitudinally disposed external vane(s) (275A–B) for securing an offshore structure to the seafloor. The external vanes help maintain the heading and bearing of the anchor during the installation process, and may also enhance the pile anchor's holding capacity.

Abstract: A suction device includes a suction cell formed to include a cup having an open end and a stem extending from a side of the cup opposite from the open end. A control system is connected to the stem and arranged to form a partial vacuum in the cup such that the cup is attached to the substrate. The control system may include an actuator and a strain sensor connected to the stem. The actuator preferably includes a length of a material that includes a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: There is disclosed improved mooring apparatus and method suitable for use with large offshore vessels. To avoid deploying an anchor with a full weight of mooring chain, they are deployed separately. An anchor, such as a suction anchor (1), is fitted with a short chain (C1) with one end permanently connected (6) thereto and its free end temporarily placed in a chain locator (8), which is positioned so as to be accessible after deployment of the anchor to the seabed, minimising the potential for seabed material to cause disruption. The anchor with its short chain is deployed to the seabed and at some stage the free end of a mooring chain (C2) is lowered to and accurately guided (100) into the chain locator, such that both free ends align. A pin (101) is inserted by an ROV to interconnect the two chains, after which the combined mooring chain (C) is tensioned, withdrawing it from the chain locator.

Abstract: There is disclosed improved mooring apparatus and method suitable for use with large offshore vessels. To avoid deploying an anchor with a full weight of mooring chain, they are deployed separately. An anchor, such as a suction anchor (1), is fitted with a short chain (C1) with one end permanently connected (6) thereto and its free end temporarily placed in a chain locator (8), which is positioned so as to be accessible after deployment of the anchor to the seabed, minimising the potential for seabed material to cause disruption. The anchor with its short chain is deployed to the seabed and at some stage the free end of a mooring chain (C2) is lowered to and accurately guided (100) into the chain locator, such that both free ends align. A pin (101) is inserted by an ROV to interconnect the two chains, after which the combined mooring chain (C) is tensioned, withdrawing it from the chain locator.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for deploying a suction pile anchor in which flood valves are opened on the top of a suction pile and the suction pile anchor is off loaded from the anchor boat and lowered it to the sea floor. The suction pile anchor is set down and the rate of feed is adjusted to match the rate of self-penetration. An ROV with pump capability closes the flood valves on the top of the suction pile and attaches to the pumping port of the suction pile. The pump of the ROV operates to draw down the suction pile to full depth and brings the first load line connection and the attached first end of the load line well below the mudline while the second load connection at the second end of the load line is supported above the mudline. The ROV disconnects from the pump port and connects a mooring line to second the load connection. Another aspect of the present invention is a suction pile system having a suction pile with an ROV compatible pressure port and a flood valve at the top.

Abstract: A suction substructure (2) is for the setting of one or more conductor casing strings (14) in connection with drilling of at least one underwater well, preferably a petroleum well. Use of the suction substructure (2) renders possible the installation of conductor casing by means of known piling technique and by means of a suitable surface vessel, e.g. a suitable boat. The suction substructure (2) consists of a substructure body, which is joined in a pressure sealing manner, and which is shaped with a downwards open end part (8), which is set some way down in the seabed sediments (22). Thereupon water is pumped out of the suction substructure (2), which causes a negative pressure in the suction substructure (2), and where the suction substructure (2) thereby is pressed further down into the seabed sediments (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for buoyant marine structures such as mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's) and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel carries one or more anchors each having a deployment connection and a mooring connection and individually moves each anchor over its stem roller and deploys it to the sea bottom for installation. A handling line is disconnected by ROV from the deployment connection and is moved from the deployment connection to the mooring connection so as to become the main mooring line. Syntactic buoys are then mounted on the main mooring line for elevating it above the sea bottom for recovery. When MODU stationing is desired the anchor handling vessel then recovers the surface buoy and connects to the rig mooring line using a short section of mooring chain. A J-chaser stopper device is then installed in the mooring string and is connected to the mooring line of the MODU by a short section of chain.

Abstract: A load handling system for offshore load transfer operations, using a floater equipped with a supporting structure for transfer of heavy construction elements between the floater and a transfer site. The supporting structure includes an elongated transfer beam incorporating an arm structure projecting from the floater or a structure attached thereto, and a load carrying point, carried by the arm structure. The load carrying point is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the arm structure. The arm structure is rotatably supported relative to the floater or a structure attached thereto, in a manner allowing it to be swung in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical shaft. The arm structure is supported in a manner permitting tilting movements about substantially horizontal axes.

Abstract: Marine structure with one or more suction piles for embedment into the subsea bottom and with buoyancy sufficient such that the structure can be transported over water independently floating, including in an upright position, wherein the buoyancy is concentrated near the suction piles, and may be substantially in line with the suction piles, and wherein the buoyancy is such that if the suction piles touch the subsea bottom with their undersides, at least part of the buoyancy projects above the water surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deployment of mooring systems for buoyant marine structure such as mobile offshore drilling units (MODU's) and for connecting the same to the mooring lines thereof. An anchor handling vessel carries one or more anchors each having a deployment connection and a mooring connection and individually moves each anchor over its stern roller and deploys it to the sea bottom for installation. A handling line is disconnected by ROV from the deployment connection and is moved from the deployment connection to the mooring connection so as to become the main mooring line. Syntactic buoys are then mounted on the main mooring line for elevating it above the sea bottom for recovery. When MODU stationing is desired the anchor handling vessel then recovers the surface buoy and connects to the rig mooring line using a short section of mooring chain. A J-chaser stopper device is then installed in the mooring string and is connected to the mooring line of the MODU by a short section of chain.

Abstract: A combination of an installation device and a sea bottom anchor is adapted to install the anchor (1) into the subsea bottom by means of suction pressure. The anchor has one or more anchoring amplification members that can be brought into an active position from an inactive position to increase the anchoring capacity of the installed anchor.

Abstract: A floater that is U-shaped in plan view for offshore load transfer is provided with storage/deployment apparatus for suction anchors. The suction anchors are placed in the seabed directly from the floater and are connected to the floater by adjustable tethers. The individual tethers are adjusted to attenuate relative motions between floater and seabed and to attenuate rolling motions of the floater during a load transfer.

Abstract: A bottom-founded offshore structure in relatively shallow waters is protected against sliding. It uses at least one pile and a suction pump inside the pile. The pile has a length-to-diameter ratio such as to achieve sufficient pile imbedment with the selected suction pump. A dedicated pile lowering and lifting device lowers and lifts the pile as needed. Guides allow the pile's vertical motion and limit its rotational motion during imbedment and extraction. A stop device limits the vertical motion of the pile's top rim during pile extraction. The pile is reusable, light weight, easy to install and to extract, self-contained, and economical in relationship to its high holding power when imbedded.

Abstract: A pumpskid comprises a frame adapted for connection to a remotely operated vehicle for positioning thereby. A male connector mounted on the frame is adapted for engagement with the suction port on a suction anchor. Clamping apparatus is provided for securing the male connector in engagement with the suction port of the suction anchor and thereby clamping the pumpskid in engagement with the suction anchor. A pump mounted on the frame is connected in fluid communication with the male connector by piping sections which include a port open to the surrounding sea. Valves and valve actuators are provided for causing the pump to cause water flow out of or into the suction anchor, as required.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for anchor installation, a plate anchor is mounted at the bottom of a suction follower comprising a hollow cylinder having an open lower insertion end and a closable upper suspension end. The suction follower and the anchor secured thereto are engaged with the sea floor, whereupon water is pumped out of the suction follower causing the suction follower and the anchor to penetrate into the sea floor to a predetermined depth. The anchor is then disengaged from the suction follower, whereupon water is pumped into the suction follower to disengage the suction follower from the sea floor for recovery to the surface, leaving the anchor embedded in the sea floor. The plate anchor may comprise first and second plate members, the second plate member pivoting relative to the first plate member to prevent upward movement of the anchor.

Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembly is installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembles installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for anchor installation, a plate anchor is mounted at the bottom of a suction follower comprising a hollow cylinder having an open lower insertion end and a closable upper suspension end. The suction follower and the anchor secured thereto are engaged with the sea floor, whereupon water is pumped out of the suction follower causing the suction follower and the anchor to penetrate into the sea floor to a predetermined depth. The anchor is then disengaged from the suction follower, whereupon water is pumped into the suction follower to disengage the suction follower from the sea floor for recovery to the surface, leaving the anchor embedded in the sea floor.

Abstract: A pumpskid comprises a frame adapted for connection to a remotely operated vehicle for positioning thereby. A male connector mounted on the frame is adapted for engagement with the suction port on a suction anchor. Clamping apparatus is provided for securing the male connector in engagement with the suction port of the suction anchor and thereby clamping the pumpskid in engagement with the suction anchor. A pump mounted on the frame is connected in fluid communication with the male connector by piping sections which include a port open to the surrounding sea. Valves and valve actuators are provided for causing the pump to cause water flow out of or into the suction anchor, as required.

Abstract: An anchor for personal watercraft provides a generally cylindrical housing closed at a top end and enclosing a concavity formed through the opposite, bottom, diametral end. The opening of the concavity is defined by a circumferential edge of the housing, and may be further shaped or formed with a circumferential edge or with a central and/or a plurality of circumferential spikes to readily engage with any of a variety of materials found on the floor of a water body or beach. A weight may be removably attached to either the top side or within the concavity at the bottom side of the anchor, thereby functioning as additional ballast as may be necessary to overcome natural buoyancy of any air trapped in the concavity when the anchor is lowered into an anchoring position, or to overcome heavier seas.

Abstract: A deep water pile and installation and removal method that eliminates the need for underwater hammers or pile drivers. The pile is a hollow tube that is open at the lower end and provided with a fitting at the upper end for attachment to a lowering pipe. The fitting at the upper end also for fluid communication between the lowering pipe and the pile. Injecting air into the lowering pipe draws water from the lowering pipe and pile. This creates a hydrostatic pressure differential whereby the greater pressure on the outside of the pile head forces the pile into the sea floor. Removal of the pile may be accomplished by injecting high pressure water into the pile through the pile head. The high pressure water injection aids in overcoming the hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the pile head.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a flotation device is comprised of a plurality of adjustable straps attached at respective first ends thereof to a lower major surface of a flotation device which is in contact with the water. A suction device is attached at a second end of each strap opposite from the first end thereof, for securing the corresponding strap to a stationary object, such as the side of a swimming pool. By attaching selected ones of the straps to a stationary object and adjusting the respective lengths of the selected straps, the flotation device can be anchored in a substantially fixed position and desired orientation with respect to the statonary object. Thus, a sunbather can position the flotation device as desired with respect to the location of the sun to take full advantage thereof. The anchoring apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for attachment to flotation devices of various types and materials.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. It is a two-part structure comprising (1) a platform which is made up of a deck structure, multiple columns and braces; and (2) a reinforced concrete subbase that rests on the sea floor and upon which the platform is founded. The structure is normally held down by gravity for standard platform operations, but during the deballasting procedure due to an iceberg emergency a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until full deballasting is achieved. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere.

Abstract: A foundation element, preferably for subsea use. The element consists of a number of open-bottom cells which are closed at their top and which are delimited by cell walls and comprise a common roof. The element is arranged to penetrate down into the sea bottom soil until the cells are filled with soil. The width of the element corresponds to or is in excess of the length of the cell walls.The roof of the foundation element, when said element is installed in the bottom strata, is essentially level with the sea bottom surface, thus constituting a high-quality seabed floor suitable for various loads.The invention also comprises the use of the element for various applications.

Abstract: A wellhead apparatus and a method for positioning the apparatus on the ocean floor. The wellhead apparatus is equipped with a removable pump and a central opening for receiving a well conductor pipe. The apparatus provides a well base structure that is highly stable, capable of taking high vertical and lateral loads, and can be controlled during installation to be either truly plumb or positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are elastomeric seals that define chambers between the column and the subbase which may be evacuated by pumping. Pressure by the platform weight forces the elastomeric seals down onto the subbase to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for depolyment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Flexible seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by this evacuation to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.