Tilt-up/jack-up off-shore drilling apparatus and method
US4277051A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02B2017/0039
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Method and apparatus for elevating a prefabricated, off-shore, well-drilling or other platform. The platform is elevated by jacking units on the platform having legs suspended from a superstructure on the support. At least one pair of preassembled jacking units is mounted upon the platform at each caisson well. A superstructure is premounted on the upper end of each caisson. A set of self-energizing "fail safe" slips is mounted in the superstructure near each of its ends. Each jacking unit includes a tubular jacking leg. Means are provided for positioning each jacking leg so as to positively lock its upper end in the slips in the superstructure after berthing. Each jacking unit also includes a jacking mechanism comprising two slip holders, each containing a set of self-energizing, "fail safe" slips surrounding the jacking leg. Lifting rods associated with slip holder housings are pivotally connected at their lower end to the platform. Each jacking unit also has a cylinder and piston on opposite sides of the jacking leg. Elastomeric members mounting the piston and cylinder assemblies in the slip holder housings yield to relieve stresses and provide uniform load distribution. The pis…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.