Control force tank and method for stabilizing floating vessels
AssigneeSeatek Corporation
InventorsWilbur H. Goss, Gunnar B. Bergman
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Abstract
Control forces for stabilizing semi-submersible platforms are provided outboard the platform columns, at a point approximately where the free surface of the water intersects the columns, without altering the internal arrangements or structure of the platform and employing equipment which develops pressures needed to impose control forces only. In a similar manner, control forces for stabilizing pitch and roll motions in ships and to effectively damp the oscillatory motion of the water level in a "moon pool" are provided.
Claims16
A system for stabilizing a vessel having flotation means, said system comprising:
- one or more tanks, having open access to the water, mounted to the outboard surfaces of the flotation means at a point where the ambient surface of the water approximately intersects the flotation means;
- said tanks being selectively supplied with air in such magnitudes and phases as are required to develop control forces for producing control forces to stabilize the motion of the vessel in varying water conditions;
- said control forces being developed solely by the selective supply of air to said tanks.
A method of applying control forces for stabilizing a vessel having a flotation member, said method comprising the step of applying selectively variable control forces to the outboard surface of the flotation member at a point where said flotation member approximately intersects the ambient surface of the water independent of the movement of the vessel through the water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.