Mooring system for tension leg platform
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mooring a tension leg platform. The platform is positioned over an anchor means attached to the ocean floor. A plurality of guidelines or cables, attached to the anchor means, are called to the surface by means of acoustic recall buoys which are attached to a free end of the guide cables. The guide cables are then connected to the floating platform. Tension legs, each including a plurality of tubular leg elements threaded at each end, with threaded couplings connecting adjacent leg elements, are then lowered from the floating platform. Guide means connected between the tension legs and the guide cables direct the tension legs toward the anchor means on the ocean floor. A hydraulically actuated wellhead connector is connected to a lower end of the tension leg. The wellhead connector engages a wellhead body attached to the anchor means, and is locked thereto upon the sending of a hydraulic signal to the wellhead connector. The hydraulic signal is directed to the wellhead connector through the tubular tension leg. After the tension legs are connected between the anchor means and the floating platform, the floating platform is deballasted to apply a tensile load to the tension legs.
- Assignee:
- Conoco Inc
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4226555
- OSTI ID:
- 6827268
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 8 Dec 1978
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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