Articulated multiple buoy marine platform apparatus and method of installation

Abstract

A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility) next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Claims

1. A marine platform, comprising: a) a plurality of individual buoys, each buoy having an upper end and a lower end; b) a platform deck with a central portion and a peripheral portion, a superstructure having an oil and gas well producing facility and a portion that includes a plurality of connecting positions, one connecting position for each buoy; c) wherein the platform central portion includes a number of beams welded together as part of a grid; d) the connecting positions defined by a plurality of articulating connections, one of the articulating connections connecting one of said plurality of individual buoys to the platform deck and superstructure at a respective connecting position; e) wherein each articulating connection is a separate joint movably connecting one of said plurality of individual buoys to the platform deck, and wherein axial and tangential forces are substantially transmitted without transfer of substantial bending movement, allowing relative movement between each buoy and the platform deck or superstructure; f) multiple anchor lines that anchor the platform and said plurality of individual buoys to a selected locale and seabed, multiple of said anchor lines attached to a beam of said central portion of the platform inwardly of said peripheral portion; g) wherein each pair of said anchor lines extends in between two of said plurality of individual buoys and wherein an upper part of each anchor line is positioned at an elevation that is in between the buoy top and buoy bottom; and h) wherein rotation of the buoys about said central portion is prevented by the said upper part of a said anchor line.

2. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein the articulating connections are universal joints.

3. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein each of the articulating connections includes correspondingly concave and convex engaging portions.

4. The marine platform of claim 3 wherein at least one buoy has a convex articulating portion and the platform has at least one concave articulating portion, the at least one convex articulating portion and the at least one concave articulating portion forming at least one articulating connection of the plurality of articulating connections.

5. The marine platform of claim 3 wherein at least one buoy has a concave articulating portion and the platform has at least one convex articulating portion, the at least one concave articulating portion and the at least one convex articulating portion forming at least one articulating connection of the plurality of articulating connections.

6. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein each buoy has a height and a diameter, the height being greater than the diameter.

7. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein there are between 3 and 8 connecting positions.

8. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein the platform is comprised of a trussed deck.

9. The marine platform of claim 8 wherein the trussed deck has lower horizontal members, upper horizontal members, and a plurality of inclined members spanning between the upper and lower horizontal members, and wherein the connecting positions are next to the lower horizontal members.

10. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein each buoy is between 100 and 500 feet in height.

11. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein each buoy is between about 25 and 100 feet in diameter.

12. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein each buoy has a generally uniform diameter over a majority of its length.

13. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein each buoy has an upper end portion that is generally cylindrically shaped.

14. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein at least one articulated connection is comprised of one of said plurality of individual buoys with a hemispherically shaped upper end and a correspondingly shaped concave receptacle on the platform that fits the hemispherically shaped upper end.

15. The marine platform of claim 1 wherein the buoys support a platform that weighs between 500 and 100,000 tons.

16. A marine platform, comprising: a) a plurality of individual buoys, each buoy having a top, a bottom and including buoyant and ballast portions; b) a platform deck with a central portion that includes an oil and gas well producing facility weighing between 500 tons and 100,000 tons and a portion that includes a plurality of connecting positions, one connecting position for each buoy; c) wherein the platform central portion includes a number of beams welded together as part of a grid that do not rotate relative to the platform; d) the connecting positions defined by a plurality of articulating connections, respective articulating connections connecting the plurality of buoys to the platform deck at different respective connecting positions, the plurality of articulating connections allowing for buoy motions induced by sea movement; e) wherein each articulating connection is a separate joint movably connecting one of said plurality of individual buoys to the platform deck or superstructure, and wherein axial and tangential forces are substantially transmitted without transfer of substantial bending movement, allowing relative movement between each buoy and the platform deck or superstructure; f) a plurality of mooring lines that attach between a seabed and a beam of the central portion of the platform deck, a plurality of said lines not attaching to one of said plurality of individual buoys; and g) wherein a pair of said mooring lines extend in between each pair of said buoys; h) wherein an upper portion of each mooring line is placed in between two of said buoys at an elevation that is in between the buoy top and buoy bottom; and i) wherein rotation of the buoys about said central portion is prevented by the said upper part of a said anchor line.

17. The marine platform of claim 16 further comprising a mooring extending from the plurality of the buoys for holding the platform and buoys to a desired location.

18. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein the articulating connections are universal joints.

19. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein each of the articulating connections includes correspondingly concave and convex engaging portions.

20. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein at least one buoy has a convex articulating portion and the platform has at least one concave articulating portion, the at least one convex articulating portion and the at least one concave articulating portion forming at least one articulating connection of the plurality of articulating connections.

21. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein at least one buoy has a concave articulating portion and the platform has at least one convex articulating portion, the at least one concave articulating portion and the at least one convex articulating portion forming at least one articulating connection of the plurality of articulating connections.

22. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein each buoy has a height and a diameter, the height being greater than the diameter.

23. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein there are at least four buoys and at least four connecting positions.

24. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein the platform is comprised of a trussed deck.

25. The marine platform of claim 24 wherein the trussed deck has lower horizontal members, upper horizontal members, and a plurality of inclined members spanning between the upper and lower horizontal members, and wherein the connecting positions are next to the lower horizontal members.

26. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein each buoy is between 100 and 500 feet in height.

27. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein each buoy is between about 25 and 100 feet in diameter.

28. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein each buoy has an upper end portion that is generally cylindrically shaped.

29. The marine platform of claim 16 wherein at least one articulated connection is comprised of one of said plurality of individual buoys with a hemispherically shaped upper end and a correspondingly shaped concave receptacle on the platform that fits the hemispherically shaped upper end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top plane view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the buoys;

(5) FIG. 4 is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the buoys;

(6) FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the buoys;

(7) FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is an elevation, side view illustrating the apparatus and the method of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 11 is an end view illustrating the method of the present invention;

(13) FIG. 12 is an end view illustrating the method of the present invention;

(14) FIG. 13 is an end view illustrating the method of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention;

(17) FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the method of the present invention and the apparatus of the present invention;

(19) FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the method and apparatus of the present invention and a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(20) FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(21) FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(22) FIG. 21 is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and

(23) FIG. 22 is a partial end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(24) FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 14-18 show a preferred embodiment of the floating marine platform apparatus (and method) of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10.

(25) In FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 14-18, the floating marine platform apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown, which is designed to float upon a water surface 11 of an ocean 12, or other deep body of water. The floating marine platform apparatus 10 of the present invention employs four buoys 13, 14, 15, 16. A platform 17 is supported upon the buoys 13, 14, 15, 16. The platform 17 includes a peripheral portion 96 having a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy 13, 14, 15, 16. An articulating connection 18 is provided atop each buoy 13, 14, 15, 16 that interfaces the platform 17 with each buoy 13, 14, 15, 16. Such a connection 18 between a buoy 13, 14, 15 or 16 and a platform 17 can be seen in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,425,710, 6,435,773, 6,435,774, 6,692,190 and 6,719,495, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Platform 17 provides a central load transfer portion 19 to which are attached multiple anchor lines or mooring lines 20. Other anchor lines or mooring lines 21 can be provided which do not attach to central portion 19. Anchor lines or mooring lines 20, 21 can be attached to platform 17 at a position that is spaced inwardly of the buoys 13, 14, 15 or 16. This arrangement of anchor lines 20, 21 is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 6. FIGS. 19-22 show an interface between a selected anchor 20 or 21 and platform central portion 19.

(26) As seen in FIG. 2, each line 20 has an upper part that is below the top of a buoy 13, 14, 15, 16 and above the bottom of a buoy 13, 14, 15, 16. Such an arrangement would clearly prevent weathervaning (or rotation about central portion 19) as a buoy 13, 14, 15, 16 would reach and contact a line 20 and stop.

(27) The present invention provides buoys 13, 14, 15, 16 of improved configuration. The buoys 13, 14, 15, 16 are shown in a side view of each of the FIGS. 3-5. The buoy 13 will be described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 5. Each of the buoys 13, 14, 15, 16 are similarly configured. An alternate buoy arrangement 22 is shown in FIG. 4. It should be understood that each of the buoys 14, 15, 16 can be the same identical configuration as the buoy 13 shown in FIGS. 3, 5. It should also be understood that buoy 22 in FIG. 4 could be substituted in place of any or all of the buoys 13, 14, 15, 16.

(28) Each of the buoys 13, 22 provides an upper buoyant floatation portion 23, a lower ballast portion 24 and a central neutrally buoyant portion 25 which can be flooded. In FIG. 4, the buoy 22 provides floatation bouyant portion 26, ballast portion 27 and neutrally buoyant portion 28.

(29) In FIGS. 3 and 5, the neutrally buoyant section 25 can be comprised of longitudinally extending corner members 29, transverse members 30 and diagonally extending members 31. Transverse members 30 span between a pair of corner members 29. Diagonally extending members 31 likewise extend diagonally between corner members 29. The diagonally extending members 31 can connect to transverse members 30.

(30) In FIG. 4, the buoy 22 neutrally buoyant portion 28 can be comprised of longitudinally extending corner members 32, transverse members 33, and diagonally extending members 34. The diagonally extending members 34 can extend diagonally between corner members 32 and can contact transverse members 33.

(31) The upper floatation or buoyant portion 23 of buoy 13 can be comprised of a plurality (for example, four) longitudinally extending corner members 35 which are connected with transverse members 36 at joints or welds 37 (see FIG. 3). Members or sections 35 can be generally cylindrically shaped as seen in FIG. 5. This arrangement produces gaps at 38, 39 between the transverse members 36 as well as between a transverse member 36 and the plurality of diagonally extending portions 41. Tapered sections 40 (which can be frustoconically shaped) join each longitudinally extending corner member 35 of a buoy 13 upper floatation buoyant portion 23 to a corner member 29 of the neutrally buoyant portion 25 of buoy 13. A fitting 42 can be part of the articulating connection 18. Each of the diagonally extending portions 41 is joined at connections 59, 60 (e.g., welds) to fitting 42. A central member 43 extends downwardly from the plurality of diagonally extending portions 41. The central member 43 can be an extension of fitting 42. Radially extending supports 44 extend between a longitudinally extending corner member 35 and central member 43 as shown in FIG. 3.

(32) In FIG. 4, the buoy 22 likewise includes a plurality of longitudinally extending corner members 45 that are a part of floatation or buoyant portion 26. Transverse members 46 span between corner members 45 as shown. Joints or welds 47 form a connection between each transverse member 46 and a corner member 45. Gaps or spaces 49 are provided between each pair of transverse members 46. A space or gap 48 is provided in between an uppermost of the transverse members 46 and central member 53. Tapered sections 50 can be frustoconically shaped. The tapered sections 50 form a joint between each longitudinally extending corner member 45 of floatation or buoyant portion 26 and a corner member 32 of neutrally buoyant portion 28 as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, diagonally extending portions 51 extend from each longitudinally extending corner column member 45. Fitting 52 can be a part of central member 53. Radially extending supports 54 extend between each longitudinally extending corner member 45 and central member 53.

(33) Each of the ballast sections or ballast portions 24, 27 can be similarly configured. Each ballast section 24 or 27 can include longitudinally extending corner members 57, transverse members 56, and tapered sections 55 (see FIGS. 3, 4). The tapered sections 55 can be frustoconically shaped and join the longitudinal corner member 57 with the corner member 29, 32 of neutrally buoyant portion 25, 28. This arrangement produces gaps 58 between tapered sections 55. Opposite tapered portion 55 is another tapered section 61 which forms the lowermost portion of buoy 13, 22. In FIG. 6, a central support 65 can be provided extending downwardly from the central portion 19 of platform 17 (see also FIGS. 7-9).

(34) FIGS. 7-9 show more particularly the construction of platform 17 and its central portion 19. Platform 17 can be a truss as shown. FIGS. 10-18 illustrate the method and apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 10, a vessel 70 is shown carrying a buoy 13, 22 or 14, 15, 16 to a selected local. In FIG. 10, arrow 71 illustrates the direction of travel of the vessel 70 upon a water surface 72. FIG. 11 illustrates the placement of vessel 70 in between a pair of hulls 73, 74 which support one or more lifting frames 75. U.S. Pat. No. 7,527,006, incorporated herein by reference shows such a marine lifting apparatus that employs a pair of hulls such as 73, 74 and one or more lifting frames 75. In FIG. 12, lifting frame or frames 75 lift buoy 13 or 22 using lifting lines/rigging 76. The hull 70 can be ballasted downwardly as indicated by arrows 77 to facilitate its removal from a position under buoys 13 or 22.

(35) In FIG. 13, the buoy 13 or 22 is lowered to the water's surface 72 as illustrated by arrows 77. Once each buoy 13, 14, 15, 16 is so transported using the method of the present invention, each buoy can be partially flooded at its neutrally buoyant portion 25 or 28 (see FIGS. 3, 4). Each ballast portion 24 or 27 can be filled with ballast material such as lead, steel or other material which is heavy in water, not neutrally buoyant.

(36) In FIG. 14, the buoys 13, 14, 15, 16 are positioned using work boats 80 and held in position using anchor ropes and rigging 81. Platform 17 can be transported to the selected location near the buoys 13, 14, 15, 16 as shown in FIG. 14, 15. Platform 17 can be transported upon vessel 82 (see FIG. 17). In FIG. 16, each of the buoys 13, 14, 15, 16 can be placed next to the platform 17, each buoy 13, 14, 15, 16 being aligned with a corner of the platform 17 and a connection formed between each buoy 13, 14, 15, 16 and platform 17 which is an articulating connection 18 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

(37) In FIG. 17, the vessel 82 is removed as illustrated by arrow 83. In FIG. 18, the platform 17 and buoys 13, 14, 15, 16 are maintained at a selected local using anchor lines 20, each anchor line 20 forming a connection with the central portion 19 of the platform 17.

(38) FIGS. 19-22 show an interface device 95 that connects each cable 20 or 21 to the platform 17 central portion 19. As an example, there could be between about eight (8) and twelve (12) cables 20 or 21. Platform 17 central portion 19 provides a number of beams 84, 85 welded together as part of a grid or structure or structural portion of platform 17. Each beam 84, 85 is thus attached (e.g. welded) to another beam or beams 84, 85 or to other beams that are part of the platform. Each beam 84, 85 can be a flanged beam, I-beam or wide flanged beam, having a web 88 and spaced apart flanges 86, 87. In FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, there is a gap or space 89 in between beams 84, 85 to accommodate cable 20 or 21 as shown. A pair of chain stoppers or chain chocks 90, 91 are provided. Such chain stoppers or chain chocks can be powered using hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, electric motors with linkage or any other actuator which moves the chain stoppers or chain chocks 90, 91 together (closed position) or apart (open position). End portions of the chocks 90, 91 could be shaped to grip the chain when moved to the closed position. When the chain stoppers or chain chocks 90, 91 are powered to move together (closed position), they grip the chain portion of cable 20 or 21 there between thus anchoring the cable 20 or 21 to the platform 17 central portion 19. When the chain stoppers or chain chocks 90, 91 are powered to move apart (open position), they release a grip of the chain portion of cable 20 or 21 thus not anchoring the cable 20 or 21 to the platform 17 central portion 19 (such as when cable 20 or 21 is to be payed out or retrieved).

(39) Central portion 19 of platform 17 would be fitted with one interface device 95 as shown in FIGS. 19-22 for each cable 20 or 21. Central portion 19 could be an area of about 40 square feet equipped with multiple of such devices 95, one for each cable 20 or 21. The chain sheave 92 mounts to shaft 94 which is supported by plates 93 attached (e.g. welded) to a beam 84 (see FIGS. 21, 22). The sheave 92, plates 93, shaft 94 could be located under the deck 17 close to the center of the deck 17 (e.g. on a 40 foot square pattern centered on the deck 17).

(40) Each cable 20 or 21 could include chain and wire or rope or polyester portions. For example, there could be chain on the end that terminates on the chain sheave 92 and chain stoppers or chocks 90, 91. This chain would then connect to a wire rope or polyester rope or both (in a sequence).

(41) TABLE-US-00002 PARTS LIST PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION 10 floating marine platform apparatus 11 water surface 12 ocean 13 buoy 14 buoy 15 buoy 16 buoy 17 platform 18 articulating connection 19 central portion 20 anchor line/mooring line/cable 21 anchor line/mooring line/cable 22 buoy 23 upper floatation buoyant portion 24 ballast portion 25 neutrally buoyant portion 26 floatation/buoyant portion 27 ballast portion 28 neutrally buoyant portion 29 longitudinal/corner member 30 transverse member 31 diagonally extending member 32 longitudinal/corner member 33 transverse member 34 diagonally extending member 35 longitudinally extending corner member 36 transverse member 37 joint/weld 38 space/gap 39 space/gap 40 tapered section 41 diagonally extending portion 42 fitting 43 central member 44 radial support 45 longitudinally extending corner member/corner column 46 transverse member 47 joint/weld 48 space/gap 49 space/gap 50 tapered section 51 diagonally extending portion 52 fitting 53 central member 54 radial support 55 tapered section 56 transverse member 57 longitudinally extending corner member/corner column 58 gap/space 59 connection 60 connection 61 tapered section 65 central support 70 vessel 71 arrow 72 water surface 73 hull 74 hull 75 lifting frame 76 rigging 77 rigging arrow 80 work boat 81 anchor ropes/rigging 82 vessel 83 arrow 84 beam 85 beam 86 flange 87 flange 88 web 89 gap/space 90 chain stopper/chock 91 chain stopper/chock 92 chain sheave 93 plate 94 shaft 95 interface device 96 peripheral portion

(42) All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise.

(43) The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.