Quick release system for topsides float-over installation on offshore platforms
AssigneeTechnip France
InventorsMichael Y. H. Luo, David N. Edelson, Steven Barras, Kostas F. Lambrakos, Anil K. Sablok
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Abstract
The present invention provides a system and method that keeps a barge and grillage system on the barge in compression with a topsides supported by the grillage system during the transport, while providing a quick release system between the barge, grillage system, and topsides during an installation procedure that transfers the topsides to an offshore platform. The quick release system can be in tension to apply a compressive force between the grillage system and the topsides until the quick release system is released.
Claims22
A method of loading a topsides onto an offshore platform, comprising:
- positioning a topsides having a weight in proximity to one or more barges having a grillage system and the grillage system having at least one attachment point for the topsides;
- transferring at least a portion of the weight of the topsides to the one or more barges and vertically supporting the weight of the topsides with the grillage system;
- laterally coupling the topsides to the at least one attachment point on the grillage system on the one or more barges;
- vertically restraining the topsides to the grillage system with at least one quick release system by applying a tension force to the topsides independently of the vertical supporting of the weight of the topsides with the grillage system;
- transporting the topsides and the one or more barges to the offshore platform;
- adjusting a relative elevation between the topsides and the offshore platform;
- transferring at least a portion of the weight of the topsides to the offshore platform;
- laterally uncoupling the topsides from the at least one attachment point on the grillage system on each barge;
- and
- vertically uncoupling the topsides from the grillage system by actuating the at least one quick release system.
A system for loading a topsides onto an offshore platform, comprising:
- a topsides having a weight supported on one or more barges having a grillage system and each grillage system having at least one attachment point for the topsides, the grillage system configured to vertically support the weight of the topsides;
- at least one quick release system configured to be coupled to the topsides;
- a means for laterally coupling the topsides to the at least one attachment point on the grillage system on each barge;
- a means for vertically restraining the topsides to the grillage system with the at least one quick release system independently of the grillage system vertical support for the weight of the topsides;
- a means for laterally uncoupling the topsides from the at least one attachment point on the grillage system on each barge;
- and
- a means for vertically uncoupling the topsides from the grillage system by actuating the at least one quick release system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.