Multiple Leg Patents (Class 114/265)
  • Publication number: 20150075417
    Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jon E. KHACHATURIAN
  • Patent number: 8967068
    Abstract: The disclosure reduces vertical movement of a floating offshore platform by including a centralized open keel plate coupled to the hull that allows water below and above the keel plate. As the floating platform moves vertically, the keel plate separates the water and causes drag on the platform. The water moving vertically with the plate also increases the dynamic mass. The drag results in less vertical movement of the offshore platform without the need to extend legs of the platform to gain an equivalent reduction in vertical movement. The added dynamic mass increases the natural period of the vertical motion away from the wave excitation period to minimize the wave driven motion. The keel plate generally is above or at the same level of the keel, and therefore would not reduce the clearance between the seabed and the keel of the hull at the quayside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: Chan Kyu Yang
  • Patent number: 8955449
    Abstract: A dock assembly is made of floats and deck supports on top of the floats. The floats have upwardly opening channels in which utility conduits may be laid from above before the channels are closed by the deck supports. Whalers attached to the sides of the floats and deck supports connect adjacent floats to each other. Decking may be attached to the deck supports. Rods extending from side to side hold the whalers in place and fasten the deck supports to the floats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Global Dock and Marina Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Patrick Falcone
  • Publication number: 20150027358
    Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore platform comprises a main structure comprising two longitudinal lower side beam structures, two transverse lower side beam structures and four columns, the longitudinal and transverse lower side beam structures are located between the four columns connecting the four columns with each other such that the semi-submersible offshore platform exhibits a frame shaped submersible pontoon having a lower central opening the four columns extends upwards from the frame shaped submersible pontoon. The main structure of the semi-submersible offshore platform comprises two longitudinal upper side beam structures and two transverse upper side beam structures, the longitudinal and transverse upper side beam structures are to located between the four columns connecting the four columns with each other such that the semi-submersible offshore platform exhibits a frame shaped deck box structure having an upper central opening for receiving at least one structural module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Bassoe Technology AB
    Inventors: Yungang Liu, Gerry Steen
  • Patent number: 8899881
    Abstract: An offshore structure comprises a hull having a longitudinal axis and including a first column and a second column moveably coupled to the first column. Each column has a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the offshore structure comprises an anchor coupled to the second end of the second column and configured to secure the hull to the sea floor. The first column includes a variable ballast chamber and a first buoyant chamber positioned between the variable ballast chamber and the first end of the first column. The first buoyant chamber is filled with a gas and sealed from the surrounding environment. The second column includes a variable ballast chamber. Further, the offshore structure comprises a topside mounted to the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle David Finn, Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher
  • Publication number: 20140305363
    Abstract: A support structure includes a column having multiple sides. A first side and a second side of the column are disposed at a first angle with respect to another. The second side and a third side of the column are disposed at a second angle with respect to another. The third side and a fourth side of the column are disposed at a third angle with respect to another. The fourth side and a fifth side of the column are disposed at a fourth angle with respect to another. The fifth side may be disposed at a fifth angle with respect to a sixth side and/or the first side of the column, in which the sixth side and the first side of the column may be disposed at a sixth angle with respect to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: EXMAR OFFSHORE COMPANY
    Inventors: Harris Knecht, Otto Dasilva, Marty Knapp
  • Publication number: 20140299032
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a semi-submersible offshore platform with columns having an enlarged base on the bottom of each column with pontoons coupled between the columns. The enlarged column base can be at least as high as a height of the pontoon and on at least embodiment can be about 50% of the draft of the platform. The enlarged base can change a current flow shape around the base and columns for lower VIM. An outside corner of the base can be trimmed at an angle. Alternatively, the lower portions of the columns can be extended horizontally outward to form an effectively enlarged base having similar characteristics. In some embodiments, the pontoon volume can be reduced inversely proportional to the base enlargement to have comparable total buoyancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Qi XU
  • Publication number: 20140238289
    Abstract: A mobile offshore drilling unit is described that has an operating deck supported on a submersible deck, which may be a pontoon deck or a mat deck, by four or more columns, wherein a ratio of displacement of the mobile offshore drilling unit to total column cross-sectional area is at least about 40 mT/m2 during operation. The submersible deck has a recess at each end with a thruster group disposed in each recess. The thrusters of the thruster group are displaced in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TSC GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Yuanhui Sun
  • Patent number: 8813670
    Abstract: A floating structure 1, for instance a semi submersible platform, comprises a deck structure 2, vertical columns 3 and a pontoon structure 4. The floating structure 1 is moored to the seabed with anchor lines 7. The floating structure is moored with taut line anchoring system, and the vertical stiffness in the anchoring system is approximately 20% of the water plane stiffness for the floating structure. The pontoon structure 4 comprises at least two levels of pontoons and the columns 3 are formed to give variable water plane stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Moss Maritime AS
    Inventors: Per Herbert Kristensen, Erik Pettersen
  • Patent number: 8807062
    Abstract: A platform for offshore drilling and/or production operations comprises an equipment deck. In addition, the platform comprises a buoyant hull coupled to the equipment deck and configured to extend below the surface of the water. The hull comprises a first column having a central axis, an upper end coupled to the deck, a lower end distal the deck, and a plurality of axially stacked cells between the upper end and the lower end. Each cell defining an inner chamber within the cell and an exterior region outside the cell. The plurality of cells includes a first cell extending from the upper end of the first sub-column and a second cell axially positioned below the first cell. The first cell is water-tight. Further, the second cell includes a gas port configured to supply a buoyancy control gas to the inner chamber of the second cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.
    Inventors: Arcandra Tahar, Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher
  • Publication number: 20140196654
    Abstract: A floating wind turbine platform includes stabilizing columns, a tower, water-entrapment plates connected to the stabilizing columns, and a ballast control system. The tower is mounted over one of the columns. The stabilizing columns include internal volumes for containing a ballast. The ballast control system includes an alignment sensor and a controller. The alignment sensor is configured to detect a rotation of the tower. The controller is configured to direct a transfer of ballast from one column to another column to adjust an alignment of the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Principle Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Roddier, Christian Cermelli
  • Patent number: 8757082
    Abstract: A hull, suitable for use as a tension leg platform (TLP) or as a semi-submersible vessel, comprises columns having a generally polygonal transverse cross section at least one axis of which is generally radially aligned with the central vertical axis of the hull. Buoyant, subsurface pontoons interconnect adjacent columns. The pontoons are generally rectangular in cross section and the outboard, generally vertical surface of each pontoon is connected to a side surface of an adjoining column at a location which is substantially inboard of the outermost face of the column. In certain embodiments of the invention, tendon porches (configured to receive the upper tendon connectors of a TLP) are mounted to the outboard surface of one or more pontoons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp
    Inventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
  • Patent number: 8757081
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a semi-submersible offshore platform with columns having an enlarged base on the bottom of each column with pontoons coupled between the columns. The enlarged column base can be at least as high as a height of the pontoon and on at least embodiment can be about 50% of the draft of the platform. The enlarged base can change a current flow shape around the base and columns for lower VIM. An outside corner of the base can be trimmed at an angle. Alternatively, the lower portions of the columns can be extended horizontally outward to form an effectively enlarged base having similar characteristics. In some embodiments, the pontoon volume can be reduced inversely proportional to the base enlargement to have comparable total buoyancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: Qi Xu
  • Patent number: 8752496
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-submersible vessel comprising at least one lower hull section (22) which defines a first water displacing volume; a support structure (24) connected to the at least one lower hull section (22) and extending upward from the at least one lower hull section, wherein the support structure (24) has a waterplane area which is substantially smaller than the waterplane area of the at least one lower hull section; a deck structure (26) connected to the support structure (24), wherein the deck structure (26) is provided at a distance above the at least one lower hull section (22); a ballast system for controllably varying the draft of the vessel such that at a first draft (30) the at least one lower hull section (22) may be provided at least in part above the water-line and at a second draft (28) the support structure may be provided at least partly below the water-line; wherein the assembly of said at least one lower hull section, said support structure and said deck structure c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland SE
    Inventor: Ton Coppens
  • Patent number: 8733266
    Abstract: An integrative deep draft floating production platform with unconditional stability and an offshore installation method thereof are disclosed. The platform comprises an ring ballast tank at the bottom, some columns with small cross sections, an ring buoyancy tank at the middle part, some columns with large cross sections, and an upper drilling equipment and oil gas processing module. The ballast tank adopts a permanently fixed ballast, and the tank is internally filled with weights to ensure that the center of buoyancy of the platform is higher than the center of gravity. The drilling equipment and oil gas processing module is installed in the construction site, and the platform is transported to the installation site by a dry tow or wet tow as a whole and then is installed. The platform can be applied to deepwater oil and gas exploitation under harsh marine environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: China National Offshore Oil Corporation, China National Offshore Oil Corporation Research Institute
    Inventors: Bin Xie, Wenhui Xie, Hengyi Zeng, Wei Zhang, Junrong Wang, Zhe Jiang
  • Patent number: 8707882
    Abstract: A hull, suitable for use as a tension leg platform (TLP) or as a semi-submersible vessel, comprises four columns arranged in a rectangular planform with each column having a generally polygonal transverse cross section at least one axis of which is generally disposed at a 45-degree angle to a line between the center points of adjacent columns. Buoyant, subsurface pontoons interconnect adjacent columns. The pontoons are generally rectangular in cross section and the outboard, generally vertical surface of each pontoon is connected to a side surface of an adjoining column at a location which is substantially inboard of the outermost face of the column. In certain embodiments of the invention, tendon porches (configured to receive the upper tendon connectors of a TLP) are mounted to the outboard surface of one or more pontoons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp
    Inventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
  • Patent number: 8678733
    Abstract: The structure (10) for transporting and installing or retrieving underwater equipment comprises a floating hull (11) equipped with legs (20) that can be moved vertically relative to the floating hull (11), a platform (60) carried by shuttles (30) each associated with a leg (20) and able to be moved vertically relative to the hull (11) by said legs (20), means of temporarily anchoring the equipment to the underside of the platform (60) and means (65, 66) of moving said equipment in the water between a first position pressed against the anchoring means and a second position away from said means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Pierre-Armand Thomas, Jean-Marc Cholley
  • Publication number: 20140020615
    Abstract: A floating production unit is operable for production and storage of hydrocarbons. The production unit exhibits in operation movement properties rendering connection of one or more loose hanging risers (5) of suitable material possible. Such a unit comprises a hull (1) and a deck (4) in an upper end of the hull, the deck being equipped adequately in accordance with the intended application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jan Vidar Aarsenes, Otto Skjåstad, Kåre Syvertsen
  • Publication number: 20140014020
    Abstract: The wind power plant includes blades mounted on an annular pontoon. The pontoon is rotatable about a vertical axis. An energy converter is situated on a platform that is encircled by the annular pontoon. A kinematic mechanism is designed so as to be capable of transmitting the rotational energy of the annular pontoon to the receiving unit of the energy converter. The floating platform is equipped with positioning means that include at least six anchors located on the bottom of a body of water. The anchors are connected to the platform by flexible members and are offset in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the annular pontoon relative to the point at which the flexible member is attached to the platform. The technical result is an increase in the number of places where the wind power plants can be installed and an increase in electric power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Victor Valeryevich Cheboxarov
  • Publication number: 20130319314
    Abstract: An offshore floating structure (10) for the drilling and production of oil and gas includes a generally circular toroidal, hollow pontoon (11) of substantially the same radial width throughout a perimeter of the pontoon. The offshore floating structure includes a plurality of columns (12) of substantially a same cross-sectional area, each coupled at a coupling point, on a bottom end thereof to the pontoon at an equidistant point along the perimeter of the pontoon, and adapted to be coupled on a top end to a deck structure. The diameter (23) from a center of the radial width of the pontoon is greater than a distance (21) from a center of one column to a center of an adjacent column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: AKER SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Yijian Zeng
  • Publication number: 20130298815
    Abstract: The invention provides a sub-structure (2) comprising at least one leg (4) having first buoyancy means (4a) arranged in a lower part of the at least one leg to provide a first buoyancy, and a float element (3) having second buoyancy means to provide a second buoyancy, wherein the sub-structure and the float element are constructed to allow relative wave induced motion with respect to each other in a substantially vertical direction wherein the leg is movable from a pre-installation position to an installation position by a substantially downwards movement of the leg with respect to the float element, and wherein during at least a second part of the downwards movement of the leg towards the installation position and/or in the installation position the first buoyancy means are substantially located below a wave zone to substantially decrease heave action on the first buoyancy means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: COBUS BEHEER B.V.
    Inventor: Herm Berend Bussemaker
  • Publication number: 20130239868
    Abstract: Column-stabilized floating offshore platform structure for dry tree application is provided. The offshore floating platform can include a deck, a jacket frame attached to the bottom of the deck for supporting the deck, a hull structurally coupled with the jacket frame for providing buoyancy and a restoring force to stabilize the platform, and a mooring system coupled with the hull for maintaining the position of the platform. A method for providing the offshore floating platform is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Yong Luo
  • Publication number: 20130233231
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Habib J. Dagher, Anthony M. Viselli, Andrew J. Goupee
  • Patent number: 8523491
    Abstract: A mobile, year-round drilling system (MYADS) for drilling offshore wells and/or performing other offshore activities at multiple, successive locations in an arctic or sub-arctic environment is provided. The present invention combines the ability to move to different locations and the strength to resist ice loading when on location and when ice-covering is present in the arctic or sub-arctic environment. The MYADS applies a multiple leg “jack-up” concept in which supporting legs are lowered through a hull to touch down on the seabed and elevate the hull out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Carl Rhys Brinkmann, George F. Davenport
  • Publication number: 20130220203
    Abstract: A platform topside for an offshore platform including a self-floating superstructure with a stable floating position, projections on the superstructure, means for mounting legs in an upright arrangement in the projections, wherein the projections and the means for mounting legs are arranged above the water line or not far below the water line, means for displacing the legs in the longitudinal direction of the legs in the means for mounting and means for fixing the legs in their positions in the means for mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: NORDIC YARDS HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Nordic Yards Holding GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130180443
    Abstract: A floating, offshore drilling and/or production vessel has supports for steel catenary risers mounted on a riser keel guide. This allows the riser attachment points to be located closer to the vessel's center(s) of rotation of pitch, roll and yaw thereby decreasing roll-, pitch- and yaw-induced displacements of the risers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Seahorse Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Seahorse Equipment Corp
  • Publication number: 20130160693
    Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel for offshore operations is suitable to be operated in icy waters and in ice-free waters. The vessel includes an operating deck, at least one lower hull, an essentially vertical connecting structure between the at least one lower hull and the operating deck, and a ballast system. The connecting structure has a water portion and an icebreaking portion arranged on top of each other. The vessel is configured to have an icebreaking draft for icy waters, and a water draft for ice-free waters in which the waterline is substantially level with the water portion. The icebreaking portion has a closed tapered contour. During the water draft, the collective area of the water portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface is smaller than the collective area of the icebreaking portion of the connecting structure intersecting the water surface during the icebreaking draft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Marc Louis Brinkman, Alexei Bereznitski
  • Patent number: 8453588
    Abstract: The float structure is constructed with a bottom structure providing buoyancy to the float structure, an upper deck and a number of support columns that connect the bottom structure and the equipment deck which is to be positioned above the surface of the water in which the float is arranged to operate. The float structure is characterized in that at least one of said support columns comprises a liquid storage column which is placed in the middle section of the float structure with the remaining support columns are positioned in the outer sections of the float structure. Active ballast tanks are disposed in the middle section of the bottom structure adjacent the liquid storage column and secondary ballast tanks are disposed in the outer part of the bottom structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Luno, Mehr & Glever-Enger Marin AS
    Inventors: Geir Lasse Kjersem, Torbjørn Bringedal
  • Patent number: 8430050
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for locking and unlocking an extendable column to a deck. A deck-to-column connection assembly includes a pawl and shim used in a sequential de-ballasting and ballasting of the column to the deck that can easily lock and unlock the column with the deck. Generally, the locking method includes ballasting the column to insert a pawl between the column and the deck, de-ballasting the column to raise the column relative to the deck and create a vertical gap between the column and the deck, inserting a shim to fill the gap and secure the pawl in a deployed position, and further de-ballasting the column to raise the deck connected to the column. Generally, the unlocking method lowering the deck to float on water, de-ballasting the column to remove compressive stress on the shim, removing the shim, ballasting the column, and retracting the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Michael Y. H. Luo, Anil K. Sablok
  • Patent number: 8398339
    Abstract: A self-tensioning tendon for pulling a tension leg platform (TLP) down to a desired draft position. The self-tensioning tendon can be utilized with either a co-installation process or a pre-installation process and connects to an assembled tendon joint. The self-tensioning tendon comprises a hydraulically controlled Length Adjustment Joint (LAJ) that further comprises an integral cylinder with external threads and a piston rod. The self-tensioning apparatus has features that advantageously reduce the time required to ballast the hull of the TLP. A hydraulic source actuates the integral cylinder to pull the TLP down to the target draft position, significantly reducing the time needed to ballast the hull of the TLP with millions of gallons of water. A Top Tendon Connector (TTC) ratchets down along the cylinder to lock the TLP at the final draft position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse B. Riha
  • Patent number: 8387550
    Abstract: A semi-submersible floating platform for use in offshore applications having a semi-submersible hull structure including motion damping support columns, a pontoon structure adjoined to the motion damping support columns at a lower end thereof, and a deck structure supported at an upper end of thereof for supporting equipment mounted thereon above the water surface. Each motion damping support column has an inner water trapping damper chamber of closed base or open base construction that allows natural flooding of said inner water trapping damper chamber during installation and before reaching an operating draft of the platform, and which when flooded provides hydrodynamic mass, damping, and in-water weight to said platform during operation. A plurality of smaller columns are disposed on the perimeter of the upper portion of each support column and surround the upper portion of the inner water trapping damper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Alaa Mansour
  • Patent number: 8381670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform body for supporting drilling, storing, treatment or production of hydrocarbons. The platform body have a cross section with a center point in a first plane, and is defined by a side wall formed by at least one side wall section, the side wall is arranged around the periphery of an open recess. Each side wall section comprises a first and a second side, an upper and a lower edge, the first and second side of the side wall section defines at least a first side wall thickness. The first side of the side wall section faces away from the open recess and the second side of the side wall section faces towards the open recess. The mentioned open recess has a cross section with a center point in the first plane. Further is the center point of the cross section of the open recess displaced a distance in the first plane, from the center point of the cross section of the platform body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: GVA Consultants AB
    Inventors: Efva Willén, Magnus Malo, Erik Svensson
  • Publication number: 20130032076
    Abstract: A deep draft semi-submersible production and drilling platform unit with dry trees is described. The platform unit preferably comprises four columns, a ring pontoon, a two-axis symmetrical hull with draft in the range of 100 to 155 feet, top-tensioned risers with push or pull tensioners of preferred combined vertical stiffness of 10% to 30% of the platform water plane stiffness, a well-bay with a well spacing in the range of 12 to 18 feet, a riser guiding system supported by the pontoons or at an elevated level, topside facilities supported by a box type of deck structure, mooring lines, and catenary risers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: AKER SUBSEA INC.
    Inventors: Yijian Zeng, Leiv Gunnar Wanvik, Tao Wang, Stein Rasmussen, Renjian Lu
  • Publication number: 20130000540
    Abstract: A hull, suitable for use as a tension leg platform (TLP) or as a semi-submersible vessel, comprises columns having a generally polygonal transverse cross section at least one axis of which is generally radially aligned with the central vertical axis of the hull. Buoyant, subsurface pontoons interconnect adjacent columns. The pontoons are generally rectangular in cross section and the outboard, generally vertical surface of each pontoon is connected to a side surface of an adjoining column at a location which is substantially inboard of the outermost face of the column. In certain embodiments of the invention, tendon porches (configured to receive the upper tendon connectors of a TLP) are mounted to the outboard surface of one or more pontoons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SEAHORSE EQUIPMENT CORP
    Inventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
  • Publication number: 20130000541
    Abstract: A hull, suitable for use as a tension leg platform (TLP) or as a semi-submersible vessel, comprises four columns arranged in a rectangular planform with each column having a generally polygonal transverse cross section at least one axis of which is generally disposed at a 45-degree angle to a line between the center points of adjacent columns. Buoyant, subsurface pontoons interconnect adjacent columns. The pontoons are generally rectangular in cross section and the outboard, generally vertical surface of each pontoon is connected to a side surface of an adjoining column at a location which is substantially inboard of the outermost face of the column. In certain embodiments of the invention, tendon porches (configured to receive the upper tendon connectors of a TLP) are mounted to the outboard surface of one or more pontoons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SEAHORSE EQUIPMENT CORP
    Inventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
  • Publication number: 20120285361
    Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel comprises pontoons having a generally five-sided transverse cross section. In the case of a 4-sided semi-submersible, the columns may be arranged in a generally rectangular form with a column at each corner of the rectangular form, each column having with four sides disposed at a right angle to at least one adjacent side and a fifth side on the exterior of the generally rectangular form disposed at 45 degrees to each adjacent side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Seahorse Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Oriol R. Rijken
  • Publication number: 20120216737
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for locking and unlocking an extendable column to a deck. A deck-to-column connection assembly includes a pawl and shim used in a sequential de-ballasting and ballasting of the column to the deck that can easily lock and unlock the column with the deck. Generally, the locking method includes ballasting the column to insert a pawl between the column and the deck, de-ballasting the column to raise the column relative to the deck and create a vertical gap between the column and the deck, inserting a shim to fill the gap and secure the pawl in a deployed position, and further de-ballasting the column to raise the deck connected to the column. Generally, the unlocking method lowering the deck to float on water, de-ballasting the column to remove compressive stress on the shim, removing the shim, ballasting the column, and retracting the pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Michael Y.H. LUO, Anil K. SABLOK
  • Patent number: 8253790
    Abstract: A cylinder stroke system with a laser proximity detector including a pressure containing tube. The pressure containing tube can include a first tube end and a second tube end. A cylinder rod can be movably disposed within the pressure containing tube. The system can also include a piston disposed on the cylinder rod first end; a first fluid port formed in the pressure containing tube; a second fluid disposed within the pressure containing tube; a blind end cap and mount; a laser secured to the pressure containing tube; at least one optic guide; a lens separating the at least one optic guide from the second fluid. The cylinder stroke system can also include a camera in communication with a main controller. The camera can receive the reflection from the piston and convert the reflection into a reflection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Drilling Technological Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: David Trent, Michael Jacob Gross, Charles Clarence Trent
  • Publication number: 20120183359
    Abstract: A method for installing a water-submersible platform is disclosed. The method includes lowering the platform in water from a vessel positioned above the platform while spuds connecting the vessel to the platform stabilize the platform during lowering. An assembly of the vessel and platform, and a vessel that is used to connect to the platform is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: THE GLOSTEN ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Charles J. Nordstrom, William L. Moon, III, Benjamin B. Ackers
  • Patent number: 8220406
    Abstract: A buoyant submersible structure floating above the sea floor includes a support portion to support a load, and a gas-filled tank. The tank has an opening, and a connected tube. The tube is partially filled with seawater defining a water-gas interface at a first level. In operation, the structure is fully submerged below the water surface to a first depth. The second chamber is partially filled with seawater defining a water-gas interface at a first position inside the second chamber. Then, the buoyancy structure is moved to a second, greater depth. Water enters the second chamber to raise the water-gas interface to a second, higher level and without entering the first chamber. Subsequently, the buoyancy of the structure is adjusted to tension the cable, a support structure to support a load is attached to the structure, and then the buoyancy of the structure is readjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Pollack
  • Patent number: 8220407
    Abstract: A semisubmersible platform includes a deck supported on the upper ends of support columns extending upwardly from a horizontally disposed pontoon-ring. The columns are battered inwardly and upwardly from the pontoon-ring to the deck. Mooring lines passing through fair leads on the outer faces of the base nodes anchor the platform to the seabed. The footprint of the battered columns is greater than the footprint of the deck supported on the upper ends of the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Neil Williams, Amir Homayoun Heidari, Sean Large
  • Patent number: 8210115
    Abstract: A drilling vessel device comprising a deck structure including at least a main deck with several generators, and a cellar deck providing a passage for at least a main cable from a generator to a consumption item, where the cellar deck is provided with at least one about the central vertical axis of the drilling vessel encircling cable compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Frigstad Engineering Ltd
    Inventor: Harald Frigstad
  • Patent number: 8196539
    Abstract: An offshore platform includes a buoyant hull comprising three or more interconnected pontoons and a plurality of support columns. The support columns support a deck or structure that supports equipment and/or payloads above a water surface. The support columns extend upwardly from respective ends of the pontoons to the deck or structure supported above the water surface. Anchoring members anchor the platform to the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Leverette, Oriol R. Rijken, Peter A. Lunde, Stephen E. Kibbee, John O. Telders
  • Publication number: 20120111256
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a semi-submersible offshore platform with columns having an enlarged base on the bottom of each column with pontoons coupled between the columns. The enlarged column base can be at least as high as a height of the pontoon and on at least embodiment can be about 50% of the draft of the platform. The enlarged base can change a current flow shape around the base and columns for lower VIM. An outside corner of the base can be trimmed at an angle. Alternatively, the lower portions of the columns can be extended horizontally outward to form an effectively enlarged base having similar characteristics. In some embodiments, the pontoon volume can be reduced inversely proportional to the base enlargement to have comparable total buoyancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventor: Qi XU
  • Publication number: 20120103244
    Abstract: Truss cable semi-submersible floater for offshore wind turbines and construction methods are provided. A floating system includes a hull, a tensioned cable system, and a tower. The hull includes vertical buoyant columns with one column at the center of the pattern, larger size column base tanks, and a truss system, all of which are coupled to each other for supporting the tower and wind turbines. The column can be made of hybrid materials, including steel and composite-concrete. The steel section and the composite-concrete section of the column can be connected by grouting. The tensioned cable system including upper, lower, and diagonal tensioned cables to connect the column, the column base, and the tower to reduce the bending moments and improve stability, strength and dynamic performance of the hull structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Ling Gong, Jin Wang
  • Publication number: 20120090524
    Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jon E. KHACHATURIAN
  • Publication number: 20120055389
    Abstract: An installation vessel for installing an offshore structure, the installation vessel comprising a hull and a plurality of legs, each leg comprising vertical chords and cross braces, the hull having a plurality of leg openings each configured for passage of a leg therethrough, each leg opening having a number of jack-cases for supporting pinions thereon, each pinion being configured for rotatably engaging a rack disposed on a chord of the leg to move the leg relative to the hull, each jack-case comprising a number of guides for guiding passage of the leg through the leg opening, each guide comprising a plurality of angled surfaces configured for sliding engagement with a corresponding plurality of surfaces of a rack, each of the plurality of angled surfaces comprising a wear plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KEPPEL OFFSHORE & MARINE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Chin Kau QUAH, Kok Seng FOO, Cheng Choong CHAN
  • Patent number: 8097150
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion system includes a barge support frame having a frame superstructure and a plurality of frame support legs selectively extendable from the frame superstructure, a barge carried by the barge support frame and at least one wave energy conversion pump comprising a water transfer conduit carried by the barge support frame and having a filter port and an inner water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the filter port, a pressure conduit mounted for displacement on the water transfer conduit and having an outer water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the inner water transfer space and a buoyancy vessel carried by the pressure conduit. Also disclosed are a power generation pumping system and a river or stream fed system having tanks to contain and pressurize water to a force sufficient to drive turbine generators for electric power production and potable water use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Dwight Francis Houser, Dwight F. Houser, II, Mattew J. Houser
  • Patent number: 8087373
    Abstract: A floating module and fastening system for interconnecting a row of modules while allowing relative movement of the modules resulting from wave action. The present invention provides a system for interconnecting floating structures to form breakwaters and other integrated floating structures. The interconnection system includes one or more cables or other securing lines extending longitudinally through a row of floating structures and fastened at the ends of the row. Two or more socket members, through which the cables pass, are secured in and project outwardly from each end wall of the floating structures. Each of the socket members defines a recess, which extends into the end walls of the floating structures. Opposed socket members projecting from adjacent floating structures are sized so that an end of a first of the socket members fits within an opposed end of a second of the socket members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry L. Mattson
  • Publication number: 20110315062
    Abstract: A riser support system for use in a body of water comprises a buoyant and ballastable support structure and a plurality of substantially vertical and rigid risers each of which is attached to the inside of the support structure at a location below the center of buoyancy of the support structure and below the surface of the body of water. Usually, each riser passes through the inside of a single tube in the support structure. Typically, the riser support system is used to support a plurality of risers and their surface wellheads inside the hull of an offshore platform, usually in such a manner that the axial movement of the risers and support structure is independent of the axial movement of the hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wetch