Method and apparatus to stablize an offshore platform

Patent · Tue Jul 03 04:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:6557536

Karsan, D I; Demirbilek, Z

This patent describes a column-stabilized floating platform for utilization in deep water, offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production, above a selected portion of a seafloor. It comprises: a floating platform having at least one column which is at least partially hollow to provide positive buoyancy, the column supporting at least one above-surface deck; a stabilizer connected to and suspended a substantial distance beneath the floating platform by a plurality of suspension tendons. The stabilizer has sufficient submerged weight to maintain the suspension tendons in tension and a sufficient added mass, produced by the submerged weight plus resistance to motion of a portion of the water surrounding the stabilizer, to satisfactorily control first order wave-induced heave, pitch, roll, surge and sway motions of the floating platform without the need for anchoring the platform to sid seafloor.

• Assignee: Conoco Inc., Ponca City, OK (USA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4938630; A
• Application Number: PPN: US s 7-235136
• OSTI ID: 6557536
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
42 ENGINEERING
423000 -- Engineering-- Marine Engineering-- (1980-)
DAMPING
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
OIL WELLS
STABILIZATION
SUPPORTS
WELLS