Multiple Leg Patents (Class 114/265)
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Publication number: 20150075417Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Jon E. KHACHATURIAN
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Patent number: 8967068Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Technip FranceInventor: Chan Kyu Yang
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Patent number: 8955449Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Global Dock and Marina Systems, LLCInventor: Paul Patrick Falcone
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Publication number: 20150027358Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Bassoe Technology ABInventors: Yungang Liu, Gerry Steen
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Patent number: 8899881Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.Inventors: Lyle David Finn, Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher
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Publication number: 20140305363Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: EXMAR OFFSHORE COMPANYInventors: Harris Knecht, Otto Dasilva, Marty Knapp
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Publication number: 20140299032Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: Qi XU
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Publication number: 20140238289Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: TSC GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventor: Yuanhui Sun
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Patent number: 8813670Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Moss Maritime ASInventors: Per Herbert Kristensen, Erik Pettersen
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Patent number: 8807062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc.Inventors: Arcandra Tahar, Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher
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Publication number: 20140196654Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Principle Power, Inc.Inventors: Dominique Roddier, Christian Cermelli
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Patent number: 8757082Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Seahorse Equipment CorpInventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
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Patent number: 8757081Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Technip FranceInventor: Qi Xu
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Patent number: 8752496Abstract: 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 cType: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland SEInventor: Ton Coppens
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Patent number: 8733266Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: China National Offshore Oil Corporation, China National Offshore Oil Corporation Research InstituteInventors: Bin Xie, Wenhui Xie, Hengyi Zeng, Wei Zhang, Junrong Wang, Zhe Jiang
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Patent number: 8707882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Seahorse Equipment CorpInventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
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Patent number: 8678733Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Technip FranceInventors: Pierre-Armand Thomas, Jean-Marc Cholley
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Publication number: 20140020615Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: Jan Vidar Aarsenes, Otto Skjåstad, Kåre Syvertsen
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Publication number: 20140014020Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Victor Valeryevich Cheboxarov
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Publication number: 20130319314Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: AKER SOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: Tao Wang, Yijian Zeng
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Publication number: 20130298815Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: COBUS BEHEER B.V.Inventor: Herm Berend Bussemaker
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Publication number: 20130239868Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventor: Yong Luo
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Publication number: 20130233231Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Habib J. Dagher, Anthony M. Viselli, Andrew J. Goupee
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Patent number: 8523491Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Carl Rhys Brinkmann, George F. Davenport
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Publication number: 20130220203Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: NORDIC YARDS HOLDING GMBHInventor: Nordic Yards Holding GmbH
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Publication number: 20130180443Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Seahorse Equipment Corp.Inventor: Seahorse Equipment Corp
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Publication number: 20130160693Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Marc Louis Brinkman, Alexei Bereznitski
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Patent number: 8453588Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Luno, Mehr & Glever-Enger Marin ASInventors: Geir Lasse Kjersem, Torbjørn Bringedal
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Patent number: 8430050Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Technip FranceInventors: Michael Y. H. Luo, Anil K. Sablok
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Patent number: 8398339Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Jesse B. Riha
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Patent number: 8387550Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Alaa Mansour
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Patent number: 8381670Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: GVA Consultants ABInventors: Efva Willén, Magnus Malo, Erik Svensson
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Publication number: 20130032076Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: AKER SUBSEA INC.Inventors: Yijian Zeng, Leiv Gunnar Wanvik, Tao Wang, Stein Rasmussen, Renjian Lu
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Publication number: 20130000540Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: SEAHORSE EQUIPMENT CORPInventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
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Publication number: 20130000541Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: SEAHORSE EQUIPMENT CORPInventors: Oriol R. Rijken, Xiaoqiang Bian, Edward Sean Large, Steven John Leverette
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Publication number: 20120285361Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Seahorse Equipment Corp.Inventor: Oriol R. Rijken
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Publication number: 20120216737Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCEInventors: Michael Y.H. LUO, Anil K. SABLOK
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Patent number: 8253790Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Drilling Technological Innovations, LLCInventors: David Trent, Michael Jacob Gross, Charles Clarence Trent
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Publication number: 20120183359Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: THE GLOSTEN ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventors: Charles J. Nordstrom, William L. Moon, III, Benjamin B. Ackers
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Patent number: 8220406Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventor: Jack Pollack
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Patent number: 8220407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Seahorse Equipment CorporationInventors: Anthony Neil Williams, Amir Homayoun Heidari, Sean Large
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Patent number: 8210115Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Frigstad Engineering LtdInventor: Harald Frigstad
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Patent number: 8196539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Seahorse Equipment CorporationInventors: Steven J. Leverette, Oriol R. Rijken, Peter A. Lunde, Stephen E. Kibbee, John O. Telders
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Publication number: 20120111256Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCEInventor: Qi XU
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Publication number: 20120103244Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Ling Gong, Jin Wang
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Publication number: 20120090524Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Jon E. KHACHATURIAN
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Publication number: 20120055389Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: KEPPEL OFFSHORE & MARINE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PTE LTDInventors: Chin Kau QUAH, Kok Seng FOO, Cheng Choong CHAN
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Patent number: 8097150Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventors: Dwight Francis Houser, Dwight F. Houser, II, Mattew J. Houser
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Patent number: 8087373Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Jerry L. Mattson
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Publication number: 20110315062Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Stephen B. Wetch