Abstract: An apparatus for supporting one or more pipes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first tower, a second tower, and each tower includes four vertical columns, and a first set of horizontal beams. Each beam is configured to span and connect two of the vertical columns via biaxial moment connecting collars. The towers are aligned to support a first pipe on beams from both towers along a primary pipe support axis, and none of the columns in the first tower is connected to a column of the second tower by a biaxial moment connecting collar.

Abstract: A method of assembling a floating wind turbine platform includes forming a base assembly of the floating wind turbine platform in either a cofferdam or a graving dock built in water having a first depth. The base assembly includes a keystone and a plurality of buoyant bottom beams extending radially outward of the keystone, wherein longitudinal axes of each of the plurality of bottom beams are coplanar. The cofferdam or the graving dock is flooded and the assembled base assembly is floated to an assembly area in water having a second depth. A center column and a plurality of outer columns are assembled or formed on the base assembly, a tower is assembled or formed on the center column, and a wind turbine is assembled on the tower, thereby defining the floating wind turbine platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel type of computing apparatus which is integrated within a buoy that obtains the energy required to power its computing operations from winds that travel across the surface of the body of water on which the buoy floats. Additionally, these self-powered computing buoys utilize their close proximity to a body of water in order to significantly lower the cost and complexity of cooling their computing circuits. Computing tasks of an arbitrary nature are supported, as is the incorporation and/or utilization of computing circuits specialized for the execution of specific types of computing tasks. And, each buoy's receipt of a computational task, and its return of a computational result, may be accomplished through the transmission of data across satellite links, fiber optic cables, LAN cables, radio, modulated light, microwaves, and/or any other channel, link, connection, and/or network.

Abstract: Provided is a damping apparatus for a moonpool, which has a simple driving mechanism. The damping apparatus includes one or more damping plates which cover a moonpool of a hull entirely or partially. The damping plates are pivotally hinged to a sidewall of the moonpool, and one or more conveying units are disposed above the moonpool to convey drilling equipment. Driving wires are coupled between the conveying units and the damping plates, and the conveying force of the conveying units is transferred through the driving wires to the damping plates. Thus, the damping plates are pivoted to open and close the moonpool entirely or partially.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting an offshore wind energy convertor is provided and includes a foundation base resting on the seabed and a column supporting the wind energy convertor which is linked to the foundation base. The column and the base are linked by an articulated joint connection, allowing tilt motions of the column in all directions from a vertical axis. A wind power generator facility including such a support, and a method of erecting such a foundation system, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cantilever (10) for skidding on a platform (30) of a drilling rig. The cantilever (10) has two longitudinal members (12) while an edge (32) of the platform (30) has two transverse members (14,14a). The longitudinal and transverse members are connected at each interposition by a sliding and swivel assembly (20, 20a, . . . 20d). Each sliding/swivel assembly (20, 20a . . . 20d) is connected by an actuator (24, 24a) to the longitudinal or transverse member so that the cantilever (10) is operable to be displaced on the platform (30) by translation, rotation or a combination of translation and rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is a lubrication system for movable pins connecting pivotable structural members of a deepwater floating oilfield production platform. The lubrication provides adequate lubrication for easing movement of the pins and also for maintaining the long-term functionality of the pins by reducing the corrosion of the pin assemblies. The lubrication of each of the pins is provided by a closed loop circulation system that provides sufficient flow and pressure to establish hydrostatic bearings around the bearing surfaces of the pin-connected members that are being axially assembled and between pin-connected members that are being rotated relative to each other. The lubrication system provides for continuously lubricating a static pinned connection for the purpose of preventing water intrusion and subsequent corrosion. Furthermore, the lubrication system provides a means for ensuring the lubrication of the most highly loaded zones of a laterally loaded pin connection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved method and system for loading a topsides onto an offshore structure by functional modules. A module support frame forms a supporting structure to which production modules can be assembled. The production modules are adapted to extract or process hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well in an offshore location. One production module is a well bay production module to which other production modules can be coupled, including a drilling support production module, separation production module, export module, and utility module. The module support frame can be loaded onto floating barges and other modules assembled thereto to allow the barges to provide incremental and controlled support during the loading process and for the floatover installation. The barges can be floated out to the offshore structure and loaded onto the offshore structure by methods including a floatover method or with a heavy-lift crane vessel.

Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of connections between compliant tubular members and subsea facilities. A compliant tubular member is deployed to a subsea location in a manner that arranges the compliant tubular member in a curvilinear shape. The distal end of the compliant tubular member is drawn down into proximity with the subsea facility and then moved horizontally into alignment with the subsea facility. Subsequently, the distal end is lowered into engagement with the subsea facility without being detrimentally affected by motion of an upper end of the compliant tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pins that may be selectably operated to engage and disengage socket bores in the assembly and disassembly of large structures, such as floating offshore platforms for deepwater applications. The pin connections can be engaged or disengaged robotically or under direct operator control. The construction and installation of structures utilizing the pin connections will typically use multiple sets of selectably operable pins to connect, support and stabilize the structural components of the structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning and engaging a topside with a fixed or floating substructure during float-over installation of the topside are disclosed. Some system embodiments include an alignment member coupled to the substructure, an extendable member coupled to the topside, the extendable member having a receptacle configured to receive the alignment member, and a damping system. In some embodiments, the damping system includes a piston-rod assembly having a piston slideably disposed with a housing, wherein a first chamber and a second chamber are formed, and a rod coupled between the piston and the extendable member, a source of pressurized gas coupled to the first chamber, and an accumulator containing fluid coupled to the second chamber.

Abstract: A floating moored oilfield production structure for deepwater application. An apparatus and a method for the construction and installation of floating oilfield production structures, wherein the deck structure is supported by multiple pairs of inclined buoyant legs which in turn support a subsurface damping plate structure for reducing the motions of the platform. The structure initially is initially constructed in a first configuration in relatively shallow water and then towed to a deepwater location where it is reconfigured to its operational configuration. The major structural components are joined by selectably operable pin connections.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a collapsible pod for providing cathodic protection to a preferred structure 12. The present invention 10 has a top frame 20 and a bottom frame 22 with a plurality of folding leg segments 24 positioned therebetween. The leg segments are comprised of the anode material having a pivot 30 positioned at each distal end. Also extending between the top 20 and bottom 22 frame is the folded retaining means 28 that prevents random deployment of the structure. To expand the structure the folded retaining means 28 is disengaged whereby the top 20 and bottom 22 frame are spaced apart by the segmented leg elements 24. Also shown are stabilizers 26 and a rest channel 32 for the upper anode. Also disclosed is a lock bracket 34 forming a dual pivot point 30 for each leg segment 24. The lock bracket 34 provides means whereby each leg segment 24 lays in communication with each other adding rigidity to the folded structure.

Abstract: A rotating tower system for transferring hydrocarbons to a ship, comprising a transfer structure extending from the bottom (3) of the ship (1) to the deck (4) thereof, the structure at its lower end being connected to a number of risers (22) and to anchor lines (9) for anchoring of the ship (1), and at its upper end being connected to a rotatable coupling device (20) on the deck of the ship (1). The structure comprises a lower and an upper rotating body (5, 6) which are independently mounted in relation to the ship (1) and are connected to each other via an intermediate connecting unit (7). The lower (5) and possibly also the upper (6) rotating body in its central region is connected to the adjacent end of the connecting unit (7) via an articulated bearing connection (30, 31) allowing occurring angular deviations and possibly absorbing radial and/or axial forces.

Abstract: A device for lifting a seagoing construction such as a drilling rig, which device comprises one or more floater bodies, one or more beam-like lifting members supported movably on a floater body and running parallel or practically parallel to each other, wherein the or each lifting member is supported on at least two support points of the floater body, at least one of which is adjustable in height direction, and the end part of the lifting member lying outside the floater body has a pressure point which is in contact with the construction for lifting, this such that the seagoing construction can be easily connected to the end of the lifting member without this construction suffering damage as a result of the sea swell.

Abstract: A marine platform provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and a connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. Each connection can provide first and second portions (or devices) and a load transfer mechanism that transfers load from the first portion to the second portion so that one of the portions (or devices) can be serviced.

Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: A marine platform provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and a connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. Each connection can provide first and second portions (or devices) and a load transfer mechanism that transfers load from the first portion to the second portion so that one of the portions (or devices) can be serviced.

Abstract: The removable pier support system of the present invention comprises a plurality of folding pier support posts. Each post has a platform section having a horizontal base plate for supporting the post on a bed of a body of water. The base plate has a lower surface which in use rests on the bed. An anchoring probe extends from the lower surface of the base plate, and a support arm section extends upwardly from the horizontal base plate. A folding arm section is coupled to the support arm section. The folding arm section is movable between a first position extending upwardly from the support arm section and a second lying adjacent the support arm section. A pivot mechanism couples the support arm section and the folding arm section to one another. The pivot mechanism comprises two sets of cooperating pins and slots with the pins disposed on one section and the slots positioned in the other. The pins are vertically aligned, and include a pivot pin and a locking pin.

Abstract: A marine platform provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform.

Abstract: A ship type floating oil production system for access to subsea wells through installation of surface wellheads on a ship type surface vessel on the sea comprises a cylindrical turret moored to a seabed is located within a moon pool formed in the ship type surface vessel such that the ship type surface vessel is freely rotatable about the cylindrical turret. A plurality of riser pipes have a rigid structure and extend downward to subsea wells through the cylindrical turret, and each riser pipe is provided at its top portion with a surface wellhead including valves of the riser pipe. Accordingly, workover operations can be facilitated as needed by running workover tools through the surface wellhead of the corresponding riser pipe through use of a work-over-rig installed on the ship type surface vessel.

Abstract: An offshore structure used for the production of or exploration for oil or gas or for some other purpose. The configuration enables the offshore structure to be installed and removed simply and economically. A central tower is wholly or partly supported by piles, foundations, and a template which is located on the sea bed and to which the central tower is attached. The dimensions of the central tower and the location and dimensions of the piles allow the offshore structure to have the desired response characteristics to permit a structurally sound and efficient arrangement. The central tower extends above the water level to support a module, deck, or building, generally referred to as the topsides. The central tower is placed on the template or can be driven into and fixed to the sea bed. The template can be used to drill wells before the installation of the central tower or piles.

Abstract: A stress relieving joint for use with riser pipe in floating systems wherein a vessel is subject to variable motion caused by wind, currents, and wave action. The riser pipe has one end connectable to the sea floor and an upper portion adapted to pass through a constraining opening at the bottom of the vessel. A ball joint and socket assembly is removably attached to the keel at the constraint opening. A sleeve is attached at substantially its midpoint in the ball joint. Riser pipe received in the sleeve is provided with wear strips that reduces the rate of reduction in wear surface diameter.

Abstract: Curvature limiter for a pipe running in a marine environment, more specifically a pipe riser (12) running between a sub-sea oil well (14) and a support (10) on the surface (16) of the sea. The curvature limiter (26) comprises at least two elements (28) which are substantially tubular and arranged around the pipe riser (12), these elements being joined together by an interconnection (30) which serves to limit the angular separation between the elements.

Abstract: A tower structure for offshore oil and gas fields is formed from various vertically spaced and interconnected tower sections. At least one of the tower sections is rotated about a vertical axis relative to another section so as to define a twisted portion. The number and orientation of the tower sections are varied depending on the particular environment and, particularly the water depth where the tower structure is located.

Abstract: A method for conducting offshore well operations is disclosed in which a compliant platform is restrained out of its normal position substantially over a well pattern by adjusting a first lateral mooring system connecting the compliant platform to a first array of anchors secured to an ocean floor. An offshore drilling vessel is then positioned over a selected well site of the well pattern at a location at the surface of the water not accessible to the offshore drilling vessel with the compliant platform in its normal position by adjusting a second lateral mooring system connecting the compliant platform to a second array of anchors on the ocean floor. Well operations are then conducted through a substantially vertical riser while maintaining a clearance to prevent direct contact between the compliant platform and the offshore drilling vessel.

Abstract: A tensioned riser deepwater platform suitable for offshore oil and gas applications is disclosed having a foundation secured to the ocean floor, a topside facility above the ocean surface, and a vertically extending tower jacket secured to the foundation and supporting the topside facility. A plurality of substantially vertically extending risers provide fluid communication between the wells and the topside facility. These risers are connected to riser supports near their upper ends and the riser supports provide the principal load transfer between the risers and the tower jacket. Thus, the conductor guides and attendant horizontal bracing of conventional deepwater design can be substantially eliminated.

Abstract: An improved support system is disclosed for providing flexibility to a restrained termination of a highly pressurized, highly tensioned tubular element which extends from a subsea facility to a compliant structure. The tubular element is provided with an intermediate tension relief connection which separates a running span from a backspan and operably connects the tubular element to a support structure, transfering thereto a significant portion of the tension carried by the tubular element. This connection passes angular rotation of the tubular element but resists lateral motion, in effect forming a node in the deflection of the tubular element. A backspan is thus created in the tubular element having a tension load which is reduced from that in the running span, thereby increasing the flexibility apparent at the end of the running span, while maintaining a relatively restrained termination of the tubular element at the distal end of the backspan.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a line of variable stiffness over part of the length thereof and the associated element which allows the line to have the variable stiffness thereof is disclosed. The element is integrated during the manufacturing of the line or deposited thereafter around the line; the element consists of composite material underlayers in which the directions of the fibers have at least one component making a zero or a low-value angle with the axis of the pipe, and the layers end in a graded way. The process has application to the manufacturing of a riser base.

Abstract: A bumper system is disclosed for docking an auxiliary drilling vessel to a compliant platform through first and second pads having vertically extending, complementary outboard faces presented from the respective structures in vertically slidable abutment. A biasing system pushes the vessel and platform into abutment across the first and second pads and the system allows the vessel to dock to the structure in a manner such that vertical loading is not substantially transmitted between the vessel and the structure across the sliding engagement.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conducting offshore well operations from an auxiliary vessel in support of a compliant platform. The auxiliary offshore drilling vessel is docked to the compliant platform and is positioned over a selected well site for conducting drilling operations by driving the compliant platform out of alignment as necessary to bring the well operations facilities of the auxiliary vessel docked thereto into substantially vertical alignment. The production riser is transferred from the auxiliary vessel to the compliant platform after well operations are complete.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for flaring large amounts of natural gas at a location spaced from an offshore production platform. The apparatus includes a spar buoy structure (32, FIG. 1) anchored at a location on the order of 0.1 kilometer from the platform (12) and coupled through an undersea conduit (44) to the platform. The structure is anchored by catenary chains (71-74), and has a ballasted lower portion and a buoyant upper portion to keep the structure upright so the flare (42) always remains high above sea level. The undersea conduit (44) which carries natural gas to the structure, connects to a buoy pipe (66) that extends along the structure, at a location (64) close to the center of gravity (80) of the structure, or at the bottom (keel) of the buoy, to minimize failure from constant structure pivoting. A wide lower part (34) of the structure includes several individually-sealed air-filled chambers (91-98, FIG. 2) spaced along its height. A mechanism (100, FIG.

Abstract: A method are disclosed for establishing hydrocarbon production for offshore reservoirs in which a compliant platform is installed at a selected site, an offshore drilling vessel is docked to the compliant platform and the vessel is positioned over a selected well site for conducting drilling operations, and the production riser is transferred from the vessel to the compliant platform and secured there. Communication between a surface tree installed on the production riser and facilities supported by the compliant platform is established and these steps are repeated for each selected well site served by the compliant platform.

Abstract: A marine structure situated in a seabed having mooring means designed to provide resistance to the environmental forces acting on the structure. Weights are attached to the mooring means at a distance above the seabed so that the weights do not touch the seabed during normal operating conditions. When extreme environmental loads move the structure a certain distance leeward of its original locations, the weights on leeward mooring means contact the seabed, significantly and immediately increasing the restoring force provided by the mooring means.

Abstract: A spar-buoy type boring device including a main pipe and a central pipe installed in the main pipe. The main pipe, which has a service deck at the top and a float near the top so that the float stays underneath the water, is anchored at the bottom to a sinker which is placed on the seabed, and the central pipe with the bottom end opening in the sea is used for guiding boring equipments to the seabed and collecting samples from the seabed.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a multiple degree of freedom coupler interconnecting a floatation section and an anchoring section of a dock system. The system also comprises a drawbridge section, a gangway section and a shoreline mooring section. The multiple degree of freedom coupler prevents hanging-up of the floatation sections which is an expensive, frequently occurring problem experienced by virtually every free floating anchor/sleeve dock system currently in existence.

Abstract: Built-up towers for offshore wells, production platforms and for microwave communications antennae, for example, are formed of triangular base members which may be made up of equilateral triangles which are arranged vertically spaced from each other and with their base legs laterally and vertically spaced, respectively, and so that the centroids of the triangles formed by said base members are aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the tower. Each of the triangular base members is connected to an adjacent base member by lateral braces which extend between the apices or nodes of each triangle to the adjacent apices or nodes of the adjacent base member.

Abstract: A subsea structure for oil well drilling, completion and production and specially designed for utilization in water depths of 1,000 m or more. The structure includes a template having radially extending structures and which extends radially from a central foundation, on top of which the template shall be set and where a central manifold for controlling the production of wells is located. Each structure arm is provided in its extremity with an opening for adaptation of a guide-base for well drilling, and one of the arms of the template (1) is intended to receive connectors (6) of export and well control lines.

Abstract: A Kevlar.RTM. rope termination in which the rope is passed through an opening in a tension leg termination, is divided and laid over a rigid pin, being sealed around the pin with a resin. A flexible bearing member is located between the rope covered pin and a rigid support member contiguous with the inside of the termination, adjacent to the opening so that the rope covered pin can easily rotate within the bearing member without kinking the rope.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a multiple degree of freedom coupler interconnecting a floatation section and an anchoring section of a dock system. The system also comprises a drawbridge section, a gangway section and a shoreline mooring section. The multiple degree of freedom coupler prevents hanging-up of the floatation sections which is an expensive, frequently occurring problem experienced by virtually every free floating anchor/sleeve dock system currently in existence.

Abstract: A marine platform comprising a deck supported by a tower composed of a rigid fixed structure of the jacket type anchored to the sea floor, an oscillating structure supported by and connected to the fixed structure by flexible piles anchored in the lower part of the fixed structure and arranged on the periphery of the oscillating structure, and by a shear device, the oscillating structure being equipped with a floater. In one embodiment the connection between the fixed and oscillating structures is located in a zone between 30 and 60% of the water depth from the water level. The shear device consisting of at least one set of pairs of structural elements placed obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the axis of the tower between a lower part of the upper structure and an upper part of the lower structure or of the base and allowing transmission of shear forces and torsional moments between the two parts.

Abstract: A resilient ball joint support including two plates movable with respect to each other and connected together by at least one ball joint, the transmission of a load between the plates being provided, partly through at least one cushion formed of at least one sealed envelope confining at least one fluid which is pressurized by the action of the load and partly by at least one ball joint centering the plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: A system for offshore operations include a column 1 extending above sea level from the seabed, which is connected by a bridge 2 to a semisubmersible offshore oil production platform 3. The connection of the bridge 2 to the platform 3 is achieved by an improved joint arrangement which permits relative rotation about both substantially vertical and horizontal axes to reduce loads transmitted to the column. The column 1 is connected by a universal joint arrangement 4 to a base on the seabed. The joint 4 has radially outwardly distributed joint surfaces which provides an axial passageway through the joint for risers. The joint arrangement includes a first main joint and a second normally unloaded ball joint which takes up the column load in the event of failure of the first joint.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for structures comprising a plurality of substantially identical structural cells, each comprising a cube having concrete walls of selected or calculated thickness. The walls enclose a hollow interior so that each cube is floatable. The walls are constructed so that tendons can be passed inside the walls in orthogonal directions. The tendons are tensioned after the structure has been assembled so as to prestress all walls along at least two dimensions so as to provide a three dimensional posttensioning effect on the concrete in the structure. Means are also provided which communicate with each of the cells for selectively filling or emptying each cell with liquid. The cells can be joined together at a drydock on land or at sea to form the structure.

Abstract: A resilient ball joint support is provided including two plates movable with respect to each other and connected together by at least one ball joint, the transmission of a load between said plates being provided, partly through at least one cushion formed of at least one sealed envelope confining at least one fluid which is pressurized by the action of said load and partly by at least one ball joint centering said plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: A variable rigidity element is provided to surround and protect a riser or transfer column installed at a water bottom and extending usually to a platform associated with production of hydrocarbons. The element is composed of a number of shells which surround the riser and two or more concentric rings of shells may be provided. The shells, preferably made of metal, are shaped to avoid contact and have an ogive end remote from the bottom installation.

Abstract: Connector consists of a male connector part (40) linked to the tension line (6) and operable to penetrate a female receptacle part (1) being part of the anchoring point and having an upper necked portion (.phi..sub.2) forming an internal circular shoulder (3). The connector comprising a cylindrical body (5) connected to the line and an internal cavity (10) whose cylindrical wall (16) is provided with a circular series of openings (11) to the outside. Each opening receives a dog (12) operable to assume a first, extended position projecting radially beyond the connector wall (16), radially abutting said wall and bearing upon the bottom surface of the opening (11) under the urging of a spring (14) and a second, retracted position during descent of the male connector part due to the pushing of the inclined bottom face (18) of the end of the dog against the mouth (4) of the female receptacle part.

Abstract: Structures for providing a stable platform in or above the water and capable of surviving extreme environmental conditions and of minimizing risk and damage to itself and to vessels in the event of a collision. A disclosed structure includes a base mooring element fixed to the seafloor, a positively buoyant column having a base end and an opposite end, at least one articulated joint between the column base end and the base mooring element permitting pivotal movement of the column, and at least one elastic element connected to the column for urging the column towards an equilibrium position and for providing a restoring force following displacements of the column from the equilibrium position. Significantly, buoyancy primarily serves the function of returning the column to a vertical or near-vertical position to facilitate location and repair in the event an elastic element is broken.

Abstract: A compliant offshore structure in which the primary restoring force to lateral displacement is provided by elongate flex elements. A gravity base is rigidly secured to the ocean bottom. A tower extends vertically upward from the base to a position above the ocean surface. A work deck is supported atop the tower. The tower is secured to the base by elongate flex elements which are arranged in an array surrounding the central axis of the structure. Each flex element has one end secured to the base and a second end secured to the tower. The flex elements permit the tower to pivot about its lower end, thus providing the tower and deck with a compliant response to environmental forces. The flex elements also support the tower above and free from contact with the base. This eliminates the need for a vertical load bearing joint between the tower and base.

Abstract: A platform comprising a deck supported by a tower composed of a rigid fixed structure of the jacket type anchored to the sea floor and of an oscillating structure supported by, and connected to, the fixed structure by flexible piles anchored in the lower part of the fixed structure and arranged on the periphery of the oscillating structure, and by a shear device, the oscillating structure being equipped with a floater. The connection between the fixed and oscillating structures is located in a zone between 30 and 60% of the water depth from the water level.