Tension-leg off shore platform

Patent · Tue Aug 28 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6162638

Horton, E E

A tension-leg offshore platform comprises a positively buoyant, floating upper unit in which an operations platform is supported above an ocean surface by a plurality of spaced vertical columns defining buoyancy chambers. The lower ends of the columns are connected to the ocean floor by a corresponding plurality of tension-leg assemblies. Each tension-leg assembly is comprised of a plurality of positively buoyant tubular members having their lower ends connected securely against upward movement to the ocean floor. The tubular members are of substantially equal length less than the pertinent water depth by an amount adequate to cause their upper ends to be located below the area of significant surface wave action yet substantially above the ocean floor. A separate flexible tension member for each tubular member connects the lower ends of the columns to the upper ends of the corresponding tubular members. The positive buoyancy of the platform upper unit, as connected to the tubular members, is greater than the buoyancy it would have if floated at the same draft free of connection to the tubular members.

• Assignee: Global Marine Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 4468157
• OSTI ID: 6162638
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
DESIGN
GRAVITY WAVES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
SEA BED
SUPPORTS
WATER WAVES
WAVE FORCES