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US 2003/0147703 A1Published application
Tension leg platform having modified wave response characteristics
OwnerChristian Andre Cermelli, Mike Efthymiouinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modified tension leg platform (referred to as “Soft TLP”)for the exploration of, drilling of, and production from offshore subterranean reservoirs. The buoyant section has been positioned below 100 feet of water depth, to provide this Soft TLP with a reduced surface area in the first 100 feet of water depth to reduce the effect of wave forces on the structure.
Claims27
An offshore platform comprising:
- (A) a deck for supporting hydrocarbon exploration, drilling or production equipment;
- (B) a buoyant member;
- (C) an open support structure positioned between the deck and buoyant member, comprising an upper end connected to the deck, and comprising a lower end connected to the buoyant member;
- (D) a plurality of tendons connected to the buoyant member suitable for anchoring the platform;
- wherein when the platform is positioned offshore, the deck is supported above the waterline, the upper end of the open structure is positioned above the water line, with the lower end positioned at least 100 feet below the waterline;
- and the heave resonance of the platform is at least 6 seconds.
3 more elements
A method of exploring an offshore target zone for hydrocarbons, the method comprising:
- (A) positioning a platform offshore near the target zone;
- (B) conducting exploration activities from the platform,
- wherein the platform comprises:
- (i) a deck for supporting hydrocarbon exploration equipment;
- (ii) a buoyant member;
- (iii) an open support structure positioned between the deck and buoyant member, comprising an upper end connected to the deck, and comprising a lower end connected to the buoyant member;
- (iv) a plurality of tendons connected to the buoyant member suitable for anchoring the platform;
- wherein when the platform is positioned offshore, the deck is supported above the waterline, the upper end of the open structure is positioned above the water line, with the lower end positioned at least 100 feet below the waterline;
- and the heave resonance of the platform is at least 6 seconds.
6 more elements
A method of drilling for or production of hydrocarbons from an offshore target zone, the method comprising:
- (A) positioning a platform offshore near the target zone;
- (B) conducting drilling or production activities from the platform,
- wherein the platform comprises:
- (i) a deck for supporting hydrocarbon exploration equipment;
- (ii) a buoyant member;
- (iii) an open support structure positioned between the deck and buoyant member, comprising an upper end connected to the deck, and comprising a lower end connected to the buoyant member;
- (iv) a plurality of tendons connected to the buoyant member suitable for anchoring the platform;
- wherein when the platform is positioned offshore, the deck is supported above the waterline, the upper end of the open structure is positioned above the water line, with the lower end positioned at least 100 feet below the waterline;
- and the heave resonance of the platform is at least 6 seconds.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.