Preloading to reduce loads and save steel on topsides and grillage of catamaran systems
US8312828B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B77/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention reduces loads and saves steel on topsides and grillage of a catamaran system by creating a lifting force from a barge to the topsides to offset a sagging bending moment of the self-weight on the topsides during transportation. The present invention can reduce the span of the supports on the topsides on the catamaran float-over barges and move the reaction forces toward inner edges of the float-over barges. The lifting force can cause a reduction of stress on the topsides' and grillage's members caused during the topside offloading and transportation. The stress reduction can result in the members withstanding the additional dynamic load caused by a catamaran system without increasing member sizes adequate for an offloading operation. The reduction results in a significant savings, given the size of a typical topsides for a Spar hull or other offshore structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.