Tilt-up/jack-up off-shore drilling apparatus and method
US4329088A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1979 |
| Grant date | May 11, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02B2017/0082
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Method and apparatus for elevating a prefabricated, offshore, well-drilling or other platform on a prefabricated upright support in deep water. The platform is elevated by jacking units on a platform having legs suspended from a superstructure on the support. The upright support is stabilized against wind and wave action by four guy lines anchored at one end to the sea bottom and connected at its opposite end to the drum of winches mounted on two of the caissons. There are two drums in each of the two caissons. Each drum is connected to one guy line and is separately driven by a remotely controlled, reversible hydraulic motor. The motors are operated to maintain the support vertical and the fottings equally loaded; otherwise, uneven penetration of the footings into the sea bed would result. The guy lines are always tensioned against marine and wind forces. The platform is buoyant and has four open caisson wells arranged in the same geometric pattern as the caissons of the support. The platform is towed to the drilling site and positioned in alignment with the support. Berthing of the platform relative to the support is accomplished by four lines anchored at one end to the sea botto…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.