Method and apparatus for hawser connection in a TLP—TAD system
US9180935B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B21/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hawser system between a tension leg platform (TLP) and another vessel employs two lines, oriented in a V-shape, to restrict the vertical motion of a hawser near the bow of the other vessel which may be a semi-submersible tender assisted drilling vessel (TAD). Drilling operations may be performed from the TLP while the semi-submersible provides the supporting services for the drilling operation, e.g. drilling fluid and drill pipe storage. The restricted vertical motion of the hawsers significantly reduces the possibility of the hawsers contacting each other. A hawser system according to the invention couples the semi-submersible TAD vessel to the TLP and may be implemented without passing the hawsers through sheaves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.