Apparatus for offshore production of hydrocarbon fluids
US6564873B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B35/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for offshore production of hydrocarbon fluids is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base and a buoyant structure secured to said base and connected or adapted to be connected to a subsea well or wells. The key characteristics of the apparatus are that: (A) the apparatus includes storage facility means for fluid(s) received from the subsea well or wells and/or for processed fluid(s) produced by the apparatus; (B) the buoyant structure is tethered to the base by a plurality of flexible tethers; and (C) the buoyant structure comprises (i) a sub-surface housing containing facilities for processing fluids received from the subsea well or wells via said storage facility in said base; and (ii) a column extending upwardly from the housing to a level above the sea surface. The invention also relates to the buoyant structure per se.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.