Patent · US Expired

System for offshore operations

US4893965A · kind A · utility

13Cited by
6References
18Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 3, 1988
Grant dateJan 16, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB63B35/4406
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A system for offshore operations include a column 1 extending above sea level from the seabed, which is connected by a bridge 2 to a semisubmersible offshore oil production platform 3. The connection of the bridge 2 to the platform 3 is achieved by an improved joint arrangement which permits relative rotation about both substantially vertical and horizontal axes to reduce loads transmitted to the column. The column 1 is connected by a universal joint arrangement 4 to a base on the seabed. The joint 4 has radially outwardly distributed joint surfaces which provides an axial passageway through the joint for risers. The joint arrangement includes a first main joint and a second normally unloaded ball joint which takes up the column load in the event of failure of the first joint.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.