公开(公告)号：US6371697B2

公开(公告)日：2002-04-16

申请号：US30307899

申请日：1999-04-30

Applicant: ABB LUMMUS GLOBAL INC

Inventor： HUANG EDWARD ,  SARWONO BAMBANG A ,  CLAPP THOMAS W

IPC: B63B1/04 ,  B63B17/00 ,  B63B35/44 ,  E21B19/00

CPC classification number: B63B39/005 ,  B63B1/048 ,  B63B17/00 ,  B63B35/4413 ,  B63B2001/044 ,  E21B19/006

Abstract: An exemplary floatable vessel is described having an upper tower section with a reduced diameter or width and an affixed lower base section having an enlarged diameter or width. The lower section contains weighted ballast distributed upon its lower floor. The lower section also includes flotation tanks which can be filled with air to raise the vessel in the water such that portions of the lower section are raised above the water line. Alternatively, the flotation tanks can be flooded to dispose the lower section and a portion of the upper section below the water level. The upper tower section of the vessel supports a deck structure upon which rig components can be constructed or secured. The tower section includes flotation tanks as well. In preferred embodiments, these tanks are variable tanks that can be partially filled with air and partially flooded with water. The vessel defines a central chamber within which drilling risers are contained and suspended from the deck structure of the vessel downward toward the sea floor. One or more pneumatic supports are provided which assist in securing the riser and absorbing energy from movement of the platform. The floating vessel can be constructed and transported in a upright or vertical orientation so that it does not need to be upended prior to mooring at its intended location. In addition, structures such as rig components may be placed atop the tower portion prior to or during transportation of the vessel. During transportation by towing, the flotation tanks of the lower section are filled with air so that the lower section is partially raised above the surface of the water. The vessel is placed into its installed position by flooding the flotation tanks of the lower section to cause the lower section to become submerged.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种示例性可浮动容器，其具有直径或宽度减小的上部塔架部分和具有扩大的直径或宽度的固定的下部基部部分。 下部包含分布在其下层的加权镇流器。 下部还包括可以充满空气的浮选罐，以使水中的容器升高，使得下部的部分在水线上方升高。 或者，浮选槽可以被淹没以将下部和上部的一部分设置在水位下方。 容器的上部塔架支撑甲板结构，钻机部件可以在其上构造或固定。 塔段也包括浮选槽。 在优选实施例中，这些罐是可以部分地填充有空气并部分地充满水的可变容器。 船舶限定了一个中心室，在该中心室内，钻井立管被容纳并从船的甲板结构悬挂到海底。 提供了一个或多个气动支撑件，其有助于固定立管并且吸收来自平台运动的能量。 浮式船舶可以直立或垂直定向构造和运输，使其在系泊在其预定位置之前不需要升起。 此外，诸如钻机部件的结构可以在船舶运输之前或期间放置在塔架部分的顶部。 在通过牵引运输期间，下部的浮选槽充满空气，使得下部分部分地升高到水面之上。 通过淹没下部的浮选槽将容器置于其安装位置，以使下部分淹没。