Vessel turret systems
AssigneeJ. Ray McDermott, S.A.
InventorsIan Whitby, Mehmet Ismet Basaran, Philip Raymond Hawley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A turret system is installed on an existing vessel such as an oil tanker. A portion of the existing structure, such as the center splice, is removed to leave an opening. A support structure is attached within the opening. The support structure includes a turret support structure. The turret structure is assembled within the turret support structure. Fluid piping is installed between the turret structure and the pipework of the vessel, including a manifold structure and a fluid swivel. The turret assembly is cladded for environmental protection. In one arrangement, the turret system is within the profile of the original vessel. In another arrangement, the turret system is external to the profile of the original vessel.
Claims34
A method of installing a turret system on to an existing vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
- removing a portion of the existing structure of the vessel at one end thereof, the removed portion including external plating;
- attaching a support structure to an exposed portion of the vessel remaining after removal of the existing structure portion, the support structure including turret support means and metal plating attached to the exposed portion;
- attaching a turret assembly to the turret support means of the support structure;
- installing fluid piping between the turret assembly and pipework of the vessel;
- and
- cladding the turret assembly for environmental protection thereof.
A floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, including a turret system installed on a converted vessel, the FPSO vessel comprising:
- a support structure attached to an exposed portion of the vessel remaining after removal of a portion of the existing structure including external plating, the support structure including turret support means and metal plating attached to the exposed portion;
- a turret assembly attached to the turret support means;
- fluid piping between the turret assembly and pipework of the vessel;
- and
- cladding around the turret assembly for environmental protection thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.