Free-sliding seabed mudmat foundation
US11396732B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L1/20
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention relates to a free-sliding seabed mudmat foundation, which belongs to the fields of offshore and ocean engineering. The mudmat comprises a base foundation, an upper foundation, and a cover plate. The base foundation sits on the seabed to support dead weights of the mudmat itself and the subsea production system fixed on the mudmat. The upper foundation, with a plurality of universal rolling ball bearing being attached to the bottom, can slide on the base foundation when it is subjected to a horizontal push force generated by the pipeline during operation. Therefore, the axial load on the pipeline during operation due to heating and pressurization is released and the buckling failure risk is then reduced. The mudmat disclosed has smaller size and lighter weight, which is beneficial in reducing fabrication costs and reducing requirements for cranes on the pipeline laying vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.