Offshore deployment of extendable draft platforms
US6718901B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02B17/0863
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Deploying an offshore oil and gas production platform comprises placing a buoyant equipment deck on a buoyant pontoon so that elongated legs on the pontoon, each comprising a buoyant float, extend movably through respective openings in the deck. Chains extending from winches on the deck are reeved through fairleads on the pontoon and connected back to the deck. The chains are tightened to secure the deck to the pontoon for conjoint movement to an offshore location. The chains are loosened and the pontoon and leg floats ballasted so that the pontoon and leg floats sink below the floating deck. The chains are then re-tightened until pawls on the leg floats engage the deck. The buoyancy of at least one of the pontoon and leg floats is increased so that the deck is thereby raised above the surface of the water. The chains are connected to mooring lines around an offshore well site, and the raised deck and submerged pontoon are maintained in a selected position over the site with the winches.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.