Floating support for oil production fitted with pack ice destruction devices, and an associated method
US8347801B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B35/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A floating support for off-shore oil production in an arctic or antarctic zone, the support being fitted under its hull with a disconnectable turret from which there extend anchor lines connected to the sea bottom and bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The hull including lateral sides extending in its longitudinal direction. The longitudinal lateral sides of the support carry respective pluralities of devices for localized destruction of pack ice, each device having a destruction tool having at least one pointed portion suitable for breaking pack ice by repeated actuation in vertical pivoting and/or translation of the tool relative to the side, the point, on moving downwards, thus bearing in localized manner against the surface of the pack ice with a force that is preferably at least 10,000 kN. The tool being actuated in pivoting and/or translation with the help of a pivoting and/or translation guide structure applied against the side of the support.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.