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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Pitch period reduction apparatus for tension leg platforms

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5601632

An apparatus is described for use in decreasing the pitch period of a tension leg platform, the platform having a center of gravity and floating in a body of water having a marine bottom. The platform has interior buoyant member means, the upper portion of the interior buoyant member means connected to a deck mass, the lower portion of the interior buoyant member means operatively engaged in tension to anchor means secured to the marine bottom. The interior buoyant means arranged in a manner wherein they form the corners of a horizontal interior polygon about the center of gravity of the platform. The apparatus consists of: exterior buoyant member means in the form of buoyant columns operatively connected to the interior buoyant member means, the exterior buoyant member means arranged in a manner wherein they form the corners of a horizontal exterior polygon, at least a portion of the sides of the exterior polygon located outside the sides of the interior polygon, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the interior and exterior polygons.

Assignee:
Shell Oil Co., Houston, TX
Patent Number(s):
US 4585373
OSTI ID:
5601632
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English