DE1484559A1 - Floatable drilling rig or the like. - Google Patents

Description

Roger SELlGMAN, 17 Bayou Bonfuca R? Ad / Slidell, Louisiana, USA

Schv / i; incompetent drilling rig or the like.

The invention relates sioh to floating work platforms or floating drilling rigs for work on the water, which are opposite to the lake bed or Can form a fixed platform at the bottom of the sea. In particular, the invention relates to a work platform which floats while it is not is firmly anchored or arranged to carry out a drilling process at the desired location.

So far, most of the underwater drilling has been carried out Oil and gas run from platforms that telescope down to the lake bed or the ocean floor have slidable legs, or of platforms erected on pillars rammed into the seabed are. These known devices have perpendicular

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running support legs. The known devices of this type have the disadvantages that they either directly must be erected at the drilling site, or, if floating platforms are involved, that they are extremely bulky and difficult to move to the desired place of work while being transported to the desired one The place can tip over or capsize. In addition, these known buoyant drilling rigs or platforms require a very complex device for anchoring the platform on the seabed. Therefore the main purpose of Invention is to create a buoyant platform that can anchor itself and with support legs is provided that extends downwards and to the sides, deh. so diagonally downwards and outwards to stabilize the Extend the platform when it is anchored.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is to create a buoyant platform, its individual parts for the most part are relatively close to the water level when in the towing position. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a floating drilling platform or drilling platform for work at sea create which has articulated legs which are thereby brought into their working position that Ballast is introduced into chambers of these legs. In addition, the present invention is intended to provide a buoyant Drilling platform can be created that can be raised by putting ballast inside of the overall construction. Furthermore, according to

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the present invention provides an oil rig, which has downwardly and outwardly extending legs that are located on the seabed and seabed on the Can support point at which a drilling process is planned; in addition, they should be on the floating drilling platform hinged legs can be adjusted at a variety of different angles to the platform, being they extend downward and outward from the platform.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a " Create work platform eu that has legs to be ballasted, the legs in a certain Inclination position during the attachment of the ballast to the support device or during the removal of the same of the support device are hydrostatically stable, so that the entire device is stable.

The present invention also aims to provide a buoyant Platform can be created that has a plurality of legs, two of which are horizontal Towing and floating position can be pivoted into a downwardly inclined position, with these legs too their free ends diverge from one another. This pivoting movement is controlled by attaching or removing of the ballast in the chambers of the legs.

^v: eiterhin it is an object of the invention to provide a buoyant work island for use on lakes or oceans

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to create, which has legs serving as a buoyancy body or as a floating body, which in a downward direction and pivoted outward position to the platform by adding ballast or removing ballast can be.

These and other features of the invention are described in detail in connection with the drawing. In the drawing an embodiment of the buoyant platform according to the invention is shown, namely FIG

Fig. 1 is a perspective view with the legs in their lowered position,

Fig. 2 is a side view of the platform in its floating position with the legs pivoted up are and can be seen how they are to the water level,

Pig. Figure 3 is a side view of the platform with the legs in its lower position, the floating position of the platform in this position relative to the water level it can be seen

Fig. 4 is another side view of the platform, wherein it is supported on the lake bed or sea bed and its position in relation to the water level can be recognized is,

Pig. 5 is a side view of the platform in the floating position with the legs folded up;

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Pig. 6 a view, partially cut along line VI - VI in Pig, FIG.

Pig. 7 is a schematic view of a leg from which

Chambers, the individual ligaments arranged in the leg,

Valves and pumps can be seen, and

Pig .. 8 a schematic view of the buoyant platform with inclined pivot axes for the rear legs, the legs being shown in solid lines in their upper position and in dashed lines * in their lower position.

Like in Pig. 1, the platform 1 is supported by rear legs 2 and 3 and front legs 4 and 5. A derrick 6 is arranged on a drilling platform 7 which is attached to the front of the platform 1 is. The platform 1 can be manufactured in any suitable manner, but it should preferably be made into individual parts Divided chambers and with suitable pumps for introducing and removing ballast and with appropriate control. ( must be provided for purposes that are explained in detail below. The rear legs 2 and 3 are in suitably connected by horizontal struts 8 and 9 and cross struts 10 and 11. Each leg 2,

cd 3, 4 and 5 consists of two tubular parts 12 and 13,

* ° 14 and 15, 16 and 17 or 18 and 19. These tubular ^, parts are welded together at their outer ends,; ο at their inner ends by swivel arms 20, 21, 22 or

*** 23 connected to each other and also via struts 24, 25, 26 and 27 are supported against one another. How best

from Pig. 6, the tubular parts 17 and 9 of the front legs 4 and 5 are connected to one another at their upper ends and are held on the platform 1 by means of a bearing 28. If it is desired that the legs 4 and 5 can move independently of each other for reasons described in more detail below, the tubular parts 17 and 19 are not in that shown in Pig. 6 connected to each other, but rather designed so that they can be moved against each other. Legs 4 and 5 are not connected to one another by struts like legs 2 and 3. Suitable struts can be used when the tubular parts 17 and 19 are to be connected to one another and such struts' * do not conflict with the special uses on the water for which the buoyant platform is intended. If the platform is used for drilling, care must be taken to support the legs 4 and 5 against each other, in particular to connect the tubular parts 17 and 19, since such mutual support in the support position of the legs may interfere with the drilling work . The bearing 28 has an axis 29 which extends through the interconnected parts 17 and 19 and through eyes 30 attached to the underside of the platform. Finally, the axis 29 also extends through the arms 22 and 23, as a result of which the legs 4 and 5 are held pivotably on the platform 1.

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The rear legs 2 and 3 are also pivotable ge on the underside of the platform 1 by means of bearings 31 and 32 respectively held. The bearing 31 has an axis 33 which extends through the tubular part 13 of the leg 2, through eyes 34 extending from the underside of the platform and through the arm 20 extends. The bearing 32 has an axis 35 which extends through the tubular part 15 of the leg 3 eyes 36 extending from the underside of the platform 1 and through the arm 21.

A locking plate 37 intended for attaching bolts is welded to the inner end of the part 12 of the leg 2 and can pass through a slot 38 in the platform 1 when the leg 2 is lowered. Similarly, the part 14 of the leg 3 is provided with a locking plate 39 which can pass through a slot 40, while the part 16 of the leg 4 is provided with a locking plate 41 which can pass through a slot 42, and the part 18 of the leg > 5 is provided with a similar locking plate, not shown, which can pass through a slot 43. The locking plate for part 18 of leg 5 is not shown because it is covered by other parts in all of the figures. It is similar to the locking plate 41, but designed as a mirror image. The four locking plates all have a plurality of bores in the manner shown for receiving suitable bolts in any desired position of the legs in order to be able to determine the position of the legs.

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The legs 2 and 4 are also provided with second locking plates 37a and 41a which are attached to the parts 13 and 13, respectively. 17 are attached, as can best be seen from FIG. The legs 3 and 5 are not shown with similar ones second locking plates provided. These locking plates are used to keep the legs in their towing position to fix.

The leg shown in Figure 7 is typical of the internal construction of all legs in accordance with the present invention. For the sake of clarity, this leg is referred to as leg 2. The external connection of the parts 12 and 13 forms a chamber 44 by welding an intermediate wall 45 in part 12 and an intermediate wall 46 in part 13 is. Furthermore, partitions 47, 48 and 49 are in the part

12 welded in so that chambers 50, 51, 52 and 53 are formed will. Partitions 54, 55 and 56 are in the part

13 welded, so that in this chambers 57, 58, 59 and 60 are formed. The outer end of the leg 2 is closed by a plate 61 which is welded to this end is to close the chamber 44. The plate 61 is arranged so that it is on the sea bed can rest on which the platform 1 is to be anchored and supported. The plate 61 lies in one

· * Appropriate angle to leg 2 so that it is essentially J £ runs horizontally when leg 2 is in its support - »is located. In addition, all partition walls should ° of parts 12 and 13 are welded in completely tight

Yl den, so that they form watertight chambers and prevent leakage of ballast 'between the individual chambers.

In the chamber 60 let a pump 62 arranged, you owns an inlet line 63 with a valve 64 to control the flow of water to the pump 62. The pump 62 is a motor 65 is driven. Suitably, the motor 65 is an electric motor for ease of control. The cables and holders for controlling the motor 65 are not shown but well known, and any suitable control device for the engine is conceivable. The inlet line 63 is connected to a water source which serves as ballast. Offensiohtlioh, the water on which the platform 1 is to be set up is generally the best source of water for the ballast, unless » the water contains such corrosive components that would render the ballast system described in full below unusable. A suitable source of water or other ballast fluid must be used in this pail. The ballast system is designed so that whether Can use normal sea water or sea water · The materials for the pumps and valves are accordingly and pipes chosen so that normal sea water does not Causes corrosion, which would render the ballast system unusable

The outlet conduit or pressure line 66, the pump 62 serves as a distribution line to valves 67 »68 and 69 · BIBE circuit 70 connects as" valve 67 to the chamber 99 · connects tin · conduit 71, the valve 6Θ with the chamber 58 and a line 72 connects da valve 69 bit A tr ItMtV 57

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There are vents on chambers 57, 58 and 59! tungtn 73, 74 or 75 connected. From chambers 57, 58 and $ 3 Eretreoken sioh outlet lines 76, 77 and 78 to valves 79, 80 and 81, respectively. A collecting line 81a leads from the dien Valves 79, 80 and 81 on the suction side of a pump 82. In the drawing shows a control rod 83 which extends out of the chamber 60 to the valve 79. The-

This rod serves as an example of the remote control of the valves 79, 80 and 81. Any suitable remote control for controlling the valves can be used in the ballast system according to the present invention, for example an electrical remote control. ^

The pump 82 is driven by a motor 84 suitable for remote control. The pressure line 85 of the pump 82 extends close to the top through part 12 and out of chamber 53 and is provided with a control valve 86. The water used as ballast is returned to the water via line 85 during emptying, on which the platform 1 is arranged. If the device proposed according to the invention does not have sufficient excess buoyancy, the No ballast fluid pumped out can be retained on the device unless it will, when the water in which the device is placed is unsuitable, stored separately from the device.

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Let us, however, as described in detail below, expedient to accommodate ballast in the chambers of the platform 1 and then to pump into and out of the legs 2 in order to adjust the legs relative to the platform 1 EU support.

The chambers 50, 51 and 52 run outlet lines 87, 88 bew, 89 to valves 90, 91 and 92, respectively. A collecting line 93 connects the valves 90, 91st and 92 to the suction element of the pump 82. Its control rod 94 or the like. extends from chamber 53 to valves 90, 91 *

and 92. Vent lines 95, 96 and 97 extend

from the chambers 50, 51 and 52 to the outside of the chamber 53, for a suitable venting of the chambers 50, 51 and 52 to effect during the filling or emptying of the same.

In Figure 7 there is no filling device for the chambers 50, 51 and 52, but it is provided. The pump 62 is expediently also used for introducing Ballast is used in chambers 50, 51 and 52 and there are either additional valves in the pump discharge line 66 is provided to direct the ballast water into chambers 50, 51 and 52 as desired, or it is one A special filling pump and valve arrangement in addition to that shown in chamber 60 is provided in chamber 53.

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According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the chambers 50, 51, 52, 57, 58 and 59 is connected to the filling device and the draining device of the ball load system so that they can be filled and drained independently of one another. It is also possible to modify the ballast system so that the filling and emptying of the chambers is carried out with a single set of control devices and pumps by simply connecting the chambers to one another, ie by connecting chamber 50 with chamber 57, the chamber 51 with the chamber 58 and the chamber 52 with the chamber 59 connects. However, care must be taken to ensure that the position of the legs can be precisely controlled by the penetration or removal of the ballast. It is preferable to influence the ballast of each chamber independently. According to the invention, the chamber 4% can be filled with ballast, emptied and vented via suitable control devices, but these devices are not shown in the drawing so that the control system is clearly shown in relation to the other chambers. It should be emphasized that because of the very large dimensions of the tubular parts of the legs, the arrangement of the valves, the pump and the motor in the chamber 44 is relatively little space compared to the real

_Ä chen size of the chamber 44 claimed. The cam-

o.

«O Beer 44 should be filled with ballast water if the valves * »The pump and the motor are designed in such a way that they ^ work well when in ballast water which is in the

«· Cashier 44 is located, are immersed.

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The main purpose of adding ballast and removing the ballast is to ensure the stability of the floating oil rig. A direct flood of the in the Leg chambers by flood valves or bypass pumps shouldn't be done. With such a direct flooding, air remains in the chambers, Puppies are exposed to additional pressure because of the depth below the water level, causing volume changes the chamber filling can occur that are beyond human control. From this you can in turn, errors in the control of the introduction of ballast or removal of ballast arise, which lead to tipping or capsizing or serious tilting of the buoyant platform.

Another method of adding ballast and removing ballast is by being in platform 1 To control ballast water. As already indicated above, the platform 1 is designed so that it contains ballast water. According to FIG. 2, the (platform 1 can be heavily loaded with ballast water. At the workplace the platform 1 is relieved of load by removing the ballast in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the legs described is removed from the platform. Then the platform 1 emerges from the water while

o the legs are lowered into the water. The process will

** Continue to sit down until the legs are the desired depth

C received. To remove the platform from the Aro ■ ■■ *. ·>

ο the platform is re-equipped with ballet _; • n . . . .

^ω hen after the legs off the seabed or ocean floor overall

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loosens and the bolts have been pulled out of the bolt plates 37, 39, 41, etc.

and unloading This method of loading the platform ensures better control. However, when such a method is used, the entire apparatus is normally larger than otherwise required. It is preferable that a compromise be chosen between the two methods which in practice depends on other conditions, such as the depth of the water and the Y / as serf pool to be covered, the weight to be carried and the limitation of the water channel.

It is a difficult task to stabilize tubular parts immersed in water, as can easily be seen is when you add a small amount of water to a normal stoppered hash. The bottle will not float in an inclined position, but immediately in a practically horizontal position take in the Yfasser.

For effective control, the legs are made from two tubular parts which are arranged in a V-shape to one another. Such legs allow a simple, compulsory and safe control and also, as a secondary advantage, the required strength or rigidity. Each leg must be stable in itself in its pivoting plane, even if all the pins and bolts bought and

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solves are. As known from shipbuilding technology, the Structure and mode of operation in such a way that the GM value of each leg is always positive, i.e. the center of gravity of the device is always below that. Water level. The above-mentioned V-shape, which has a large body of water between the ballasted chamber and the air-filled chamber is the preferred design, to achieve this.

The positive G-M values provided here indicate that the proposed float is stable, i.e. that the center of gravity with or without ballast is below the metacenter is at corresponding loads, which result from the attached support device for the platform 1.

As in lig. 8, legs 2 and 3 can be better attached to inclined bearings than to bearings 31 and 32 shown in other figures. Biee enables legs 2 and 3 to be parallel to each other when they are in the towing position of the platform are, (while they assume a certain angle to each other and run obliquely outwards when they are immersed in the water pivoted downwards or are in their support position. These two positions define a plane in which the legs can be pivoted; the axis of the pivot Lagere is perpendicular mn this pivoting plane. this pivot bearing can be easily attached in that the legs in the correct

Position under the platform 1 and then drilled with the eyes supporting the pivot axis, so that the middle axis of the bearing axis with the desired Pivot axis coincides.

Moving the device according to the present invention into its working position is clearly related with the figures 2, 3 and 4 described. Pig. 2 shows the platform 1 with the legs 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the towing position, floating on the water surface 98. In this position, the device can be towed to the place of use will. If considerable distances are required when towing the buoyant device to the desired location are to be overcome, the pivot axes or pivot bearings 31 and 32 are inclined so that the legs 2 are spread in the desired manner when they are calibrated in their lowered position, and practical lie parallel to each other when they are in their towing position are located, which is shown schematically in FIG and is then described

With such a design, the struts 8, 9 » 10 and 11 can be omitted, and the locking plate * - th 37 and 39 have to be at an angle to get through the slots 38 and 40 to be able to step back when moving the Seine 2 and 3.

When the legs are in the position shown in FIG water ballast from the chambers of the

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form is introduced into the outer chambers of the legs 2, 3, 4 and 5 at the same time after the bolts have been pulled out of the corresponding second locking plates. The introduction of ballast water into the chambers of the legs from the chambers of the platform changes the center of gravity of the legs outwards, while the center of mass or weight determined by the buoyancy forces is not changed. This causes change the center of gravity of the legs to the outside, that the legs plunge with their outer ends in the water and the platform 1 by the constant depth ä gel 98 is lifted. If the ballast comes from a source other than the platform 1, the entire device still displaces enough water to swim in the water, but a larger part of the device is submerged in the water than before the ballast was introduced. The movement of the legs due to the ballast is continued until they have reached the position shown in FIG.

Care must be taken and, if necessary, I

borrowed, mechanical end stops, not shown, be provided that the legs are not stressed so much that their righting movement is reversed. If any of the legs can reach such a point, unloading the leg and loading the platform 1 could not cause the leg to pivot back into its upper position. By keeping the angular position of the legs outside of the critical position under their respective pivot bearings, there is a proper return of the

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Legs exclusively due to the relief of the same, the loading of the platform 1 or due to both facts possible.

It should be noted that the movement of the legs to the critical position under their pivot bearing on the platform 1 cause instability of the device and cause major accidents during the unloading of the legs as their upward movement could be restricted until they move away from their perpendicular position. if preventing such movement until the unloading is substantially complete would be the buoyancy force The legs are enormously high as soon as there are legs out their vertical position. At this point all legs are in the lowered position. They are held in this position on the platform 1 by the bolts inserted in the locking plates. The platform 1 is above the water level 98 and the lower ends of the legs are still in place above the ground or seabed 99 · In. at this moment the device has a buoyancy causing swimming, i.e. additional ballast water has to be brought in to keep the legs of the device on the seabed 99 in the in Pig. 4 to turn off. This additional ballast is attached using the ballast system in easily achieved ..

Great care is taken in filling the legs with water

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ballast required to ensure that the platform 1 remains in its horizontal position and the legs evenly be ballasted. The introduction of the ballast should be carried out by a central control device (not shown) which is located on platform 1. Monitoring can either be done manually Control of the pumps and valves or take place automatically by known control devices to the platform 1 to hold them in their horizontal position while the ballast is being introduced into the legs.

Typically, the apparatus of the present invention is designed so that the legs are of the required length and size to provide the support structure with the desired buoyancy corresponding to the depth of water for which the rig is intended. If the water is relatively shallow in comparison to the length of the legs, the legs are only provided with ballast until they have reached a position that is less deep than the position shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Then, the legs are set in this position, while the device still has a pointed lift her legs do not yet touch · ie the seabed 99 The setting of the legs is carried out by bolts inserted through the respective locking plates la the platform. 1 When the legs are fixed in this position, additional ballast is introduced so that the entire support device is lowered into the water and the legs sit firmly on the floor 99. According to the present invention outside iet

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which provided the possibility that the platform too can be set down on a floor that is not completely flat. Therefore, one or more of the Legs can be pivoted downwards to different degrees to accommodate unevenness in the floor. The legs 4 and 5 are in the same position as long as parts 17 and 19 are connected to one another while the legs 2 and 3 are always in the same position unless the struts 8, 9, 10 and 11 are omitted. If it is desired that the legs 4 and 5 sink to different depths, then they must not be in the one in the drawing be connected to each other in the manner shown,

Ea is also provided according to the present invention, that the device is anchored in water so deep that the legs do not settle on the ground can. Therefore, it is proposed that anchors are provided with floating bodies to the device in the to hold the desired position floating. These anchors and Floats for plaguing the swimming device at the desired location are known and are therefore shown in the drawing not shown.

When it is desired to remove the device according to the present invention from the site, will takes care of removing and moving the ballast in the manner detailed below. By the The device should first remove the water ballast

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made buoyant again by the increased buoyancy be like in Pig. 3 shown. Then the bolts from the corresponding locking plates and the Platform 1 is pulled out, whereupon the removal or movement of the water ballast continues until the ' The device is in its towing position shown in FIG. When the legs are now in their topmost They are in this position fixed to the platform 1 by means of bolts inserted through their respective second locking plates. The assignment of the legs from one position to the other f

can be done in a simple manner exclusively by adding or removing water ballast in the individual Chambers of the tubular parts of the legs are effected '. However, it is also possible that in cases where, due to the shallow water depth, sufficient buoyancy is not achieved mechanical means can be provided for pivoting the legs into their desired lowered position while maintaining the desired buoyancy. It may also be desirable to have such to provide mechanical means for moving the legs to keep them in position during embarkation or pulling the locking bolts into and out of the locking plates and the platform. Suitable Winches, pulley blocks, wire ropes or pneumatic or hydraulic devices are examples of the mechanical ones Means for bringing the legs into their desired positions according to the present invention

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can. These mechanical devices should be in the Be able to move your legs, without any support this movement would be required by adding the ballast or removing the ballast, so that the legs can be swiveled independently of any disturbances in the ballast system.

The device according to the present invention can be made in various sizes, but with consideration on the flexible applicability of the construction and the changeable arrangement of the legs, it is expedient that for example a single device is built for water depths of about 50 m to about 85 m '. This extensive Adaptability or flexibility of the device allowed a maximum area of application for Y / water depths for each size of the support device »

When constructing a buoyant platform according to the invention, the maximum wave height must also be taken into account to which the device is exposed when it is deposited on the seabed. Maximum wave heights are usually around 10-17 m when working offshore. Therefore, for any predetermined depth of water when the device is supported on the seabed the minimum length of the legs should be at least equal to the maximum water depth at the work site plus the desired The height of the joints must be above the water level plus another length sufficient to accommodate the legs allow to stay on the ocean floor without being accurate

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To have to stand vertically, with a length of at least 10 to 17 m added to the to be able to compensate for the expected maximum wave height

The legs are preferably, as shown in the drawing, tubular, but they can also made of steel profiles and provided with these provided containers, the container a Develop sufficient buoyancy to support the legs, platform and cargo, and the entire device to be able to lift so that the platform is at least 10 m above the water level. These containers should also be equipped with a pump and control devices for introducing and removing the ballast, as described above, similar pumps and controls being provided should, as in the legs shown in the drawing.

The operation of the ballast system is best understood in conjunction with FIG. When all chambers are empty, the legs are in the position shown in Figs. Ballasting begins by opening valve 64 and introducing water into inlet lines 63. Then the motor 65 is opened with. Valve approached 69, and the pump 62 pumps water ballast through line 66, valve 69 and line 72 into the chamber 57 _Λ, when the tubular part is provided with a separate filling system 12, its pump starts at the same £ «3- $ (wi «üj, e · PAunpe 62 to work,

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and chamber 50 is filled at the same time as chamber 57. When the chamber 44 is used to hold ballast is correct, it is first filled in order to exert a maximum pivoting moment on the leg in question and that Swivel leg faster to its downward position. As mentioned above, that finds Attaching the ballast to all legs takes place at the same time, and the platform 1 is practically in a horizontal position Location held. When the chambers to be filled first are completely filled with water ballast, a next filled the chamber which is furthest away from platform 1 and another maximum Moment to pivot the leg generated «If the leg is partially filled by filling the chamber 44 with ballast is provided, the chamber 50 is filled before the chamber 57 because it has a greater influence on the movement of the leg in its lowered position. The order in which the chambers are filled, if they are independent of each other can be filled and emptied, is composed as follows: first the chamber 44 is filled, then chamber 50, then chamber 57, then chamber 51, and when the leg approaches its lowered position, the chamber 52 is filled to effect the final part of the movement of the leg to its lowered position. the Chambers 58 and 59 can be filled to disable the buoyancy of the device after the legs were set in their desired position. When "the device on the seabed in its desired position is fixed, all chambers are completely

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fills to compensate for any buoyancy and thereby one to create a stable position of the device, which is not affected by water movements, neither duroh waves on the surface nor duroh water currents

During the introduction of the ballast, when the chamber 57 is filled and it is desired to begin spouting the chamber 58, the valve 69 is closed and the valve 68 opened. The completion of the filling process of the chamber 57 can be determined by observing the water exiting through the ventilation line 73 or the desired amount of ballast water can be measured. When enough ballast is introduced into the chamber 57 can with the introduction of ballast in the nearest Chamber can be started by opening valves 67, 68 and 69 be converted accordingly.

The ventilation lines 73, 74, 75, 95, 96 and 97 are connected all chambers are provided, which are supposed to accommodate water ballast, in order to build up pressure in the chambers during the To prevent the filling process and the formation of a vacuum during the emptying of the water ballast. It is preferable not to completely fill each chamber in order to make the spouts to prevent the vent lines. When the discharge lines are full, everyone is inside Chamber because of the low height of the ventilation duct j the outlet above the water level is always a little higher ·? Print than on the outside. The * oiling of the Bn-kltiftung - lines causes a pressure difference awiaohen tin · »ι

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completely filled chamber and the subsequent chamber if it is not completely filled. To such To prevent pressure differences and always ensure that the pressure in the chambers is less than that Water pressure around the chambers, it is preferable that the vent lines are not filled and that the lower parts of the legs are designed so that they can withstand the lower water pressure in the depth at which eie sioh can withstand.

The removal of the water ballast from the legs begins expediently by opening the Y-valve 86 and the Valve 81 by means of the actuating rod 83. When the valves 81 and 86 are open, the motor 84 is started, and there is water from the chamber 60 through the line 78, the valve 81, the collecting pipe 81a, the pump 82, line 85 and valve 86 are normally pumped into the chambers of platform 1 or into the surrounding water.

8t

When the chamber 60 is empty, the valve is closed and valve 80 opened to begin emptying chamber 59. The chambers in the tubular Part 12 can be emptied of the water ballast at the same time as the chambers in the tubular part 13 by the Valves 90, 91 or 92 are opened because the manifold 81a and the manifold 93 are directly connected to the suction side the pump 82 are connected. Sufficient ballast is first removed until the device is buoyant again has become like Pig. 3 shows. Then the shark

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teboleen pulled out of platform 1 for the legs, whereupon the removal of the ballast from the legs continues until the legs are in the towing position of the Device are pivoted up. The removal of the ballast must be carried out with care so that the platform 1 practically always remains horizontal. This can be done by manual control or by automatic control devices be effected as described above in connection with the introduction of the ballast into the legs became.

From the above it can be seen that the present invention creates a work platform, which can be set up off the coast or in a lake, whereby they can float to be towed to the place of work is and can automatically bring itself into the drilling position or working position by adding chambers in their legs Ballast can be provided. Loading the legs and unloading the platform causes the legs of the device pivoted from a practically horizontal floating position to a downward and outward position will. Another attachment of ballast after fixing or locking the legs in this position sets in the device on the seabed or seabed in the desired position. Through the present invention a floating platform is created for work at sea, for example for underwater drilling, which has downwardly and outwardly extending legs that

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can be supported on the seabed or seabed at the place of use, with the various adjustment options of the legs causing great flexibility or adaptability to different bottom structures and water depths and great stability of the platform on its supports.

The present invention creates a buoyant working platform or drilling rig to which legs constituting floats are articulated and which are moved downward while the platform is raised above the water level. When the legs have been moved down to the desired position, they are fixed in this position in order to prevent further pivoting of the same about their joints , whereupon the entire device is set down on the seabed by adding further ballast

The invention also provides a support and carrying device for a buoyant platform which can be brought into any desired position by attaching or introducing ballast and which returns to its starting position after the ballast has been removed. Therefore, the position of the support device is controlled by the amount of ballast, and by controlling the ballast one obtains a firm stand of the device in the desired position. Furthermore,

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. -29- K84559

by the present invention a buoyant work platform or drilling platform geeohaffen which has a plurality of legs, at least two of which can be pivoted from a substantially horizontal towing position into a submerged position in which they diverge diagonally downwards from one another.

Claims;

909821/0053

Claims (1)

1. Tertakrea in Mtltlgtm Um; eeawiaaffmlgen • 4er Marine el, 41t «is« platform «HA ·! ** Χ · * Τ ** & 1 τ · α ml · Amftrie * e * irf« r amegeUldetea MiMR mmf * · * · *, ti · moved on the 4th Platform gmaaltem (HjA ₁ da * itrik itliiiMlikQit, l% » ti« madltlift In etatr 8 · 1ιΧ · ιι · * · 11 «β« fetfiaAlitli · »l« lm · ■ it laUüMt rtrtihoi ν «Η« ϋ | wilwl 41 · ftul «r« m B ^ mi a · »Mim · Im da« Va ··· »m« · «» kwltrt · btwtgt w * 9 * · *,%! · ·! · il · Plftttfm iuUiitMi ul «liatetsem, w * r * »f-; hl» «1 · MIm mm der! Uttfom f« «tf« ltgt tew »with 8. Ttyfmortm a * eh Amamraeli 1, 4mdmr «h ftktnnetiohatt, 4ml 41« Mim · »lan« · with MIIm »t τ tr ·» hen wtr4tn _t ¥ 1 · 41 · * · γ Mim «« ndtt, ttrtr with 41 · Kritlttht St- W0.UT Ihrtn Smg · * »mm 4tr flattfom trrtitht ** ■ · &. 5 · Terfehren naea dem Amsyrtteamm 1 uad 2, daduroa ■ tl «hBtt _t 4mi 41 · Mim · dmreh 4« a BaXIttt im tlat gtg9nU ¥ t7 4tr Plattftrm tthrag atom «attm mm4 nath auBtn ftrltattti immetaUmmi a ^ gtttnkt and Im« ltttr stitution are old 4erritgtrm. 4 «ftrfaiurtii nata dem AÄtprtehem 1 ei · 3, dadurta gtktan- «• leJuMt, 4 ·· Balltet mm · the al · eoliwima-capable Auftrletekftreer amtge ^ lldeiem mnd wtnijtteae partly 909821/0053. ₉₁ . BATH ORIGINAL -H- »It ballast feftlllte * yiatt * · ** ta as a leash Amsltoi isf «r4« rt «Ir4. $ · Yerfakrea aao * A «» Aas> rttshen 1 »is 4, Aa4« rah gekeaa * «eiohnet, 4 * 0 41« l * ia · uuh dm downward weakening «u4 Yerriegela aa 4« r Jlattfai »w« lt «r ait ballast T * reeh «a« • rd «ft ₉ daxlt ti ·«! «Κ ftuf d« a Mtereeljoden In der 6. Terfakr · * oath den AnsyrUoh · ^ 1 tie 5 »thereby gtktan« «• rejects, 4 · λ gltiiluieitlf ait d« a Aabrlngtn τοη ballast to Ami Btlnam A «r Ballaet 4« r platform gate. 7. T experience «a aaoa daa Anapraehen 1 bi · 6, dsdureh «• lean, dal 4er in the Keaeera of the Plattfora and the Sel & e located ballast ao rereehohen, 4a8 calibrate the Sohwerponkt 4er Bela · v «a of the Sehwenkaohee dereelien moved away, wedureh 41 · leg «Yen 4-person platform» aeh ten rereehweakt wer4en 8. "ohwimaf & hige Torriohtung sum Terankern above the Heeres- ^ y bo4en bsw · 4M SeeseAen in distance τβη 4p coast bsw, the shore, od, for example, floating drilling rig. Like · having a platform and this abstütsende legs gekenneeiohnet characterized in that at the platform (1) a plurality of legs (2, 3, 4, 5) pivotally mounted and devices (62, 65) for "introducing τοη ballast into these legs and devices (64, 67, 68, 69) for controlling 909821/0053. 32 - BATH ORIGINAL -> ^z - 1404559 4 * * Ballast is supplied to the legs τ "seen aiaA, ao dafl Al" B "lne naok below ine water gee" hw "üct * ι-4" η, J ** - d "ea noca enough buoyancy" esitsen , weaa et «partly» it Balltet Ttr * th «n la thr · aii« «« «nkt · lm.g * C« «oaw« a) ct tlaa, «a 41 · flattf« mülier (98) aas « at1> «a f · Torrleatium naek Aaepraea β »Aadarek f« k «aa« «ltaa« t _v 4af SLnri «htiaag« a (82, 84) can Satf «ra * ad ·· Ballast ·« aua d «n Β · 1η · η (2, 3, 4 »5) r» rg «*» h «a« lad · 10. TtrTiehuaf aa «a dea iaaprttea« a 8 aaA 9 »dadurea g» ~ k «aaB« i «aatt _t da« v «ai (at« a «awei 4« r Β · 1β · (2, 3) g #a «ift · Saaw« aka ¥ «a« a »a« ltB «a ₉ « tu ·! 41 · B «la« la your hoohg # aehwenkt # af «al« ffetallaaf praJctieea parallel gm «iaaa4« r lie, la alien aader «a st« lliiac «a Jedooh la guiding your ftaJ« r «a Ia4ea Gegeaelaaaaer 4irergierend rarlaafaa. 11 · Gate alignment after dea Aa * testea «a 8 tola 10, dadureh gekeaaseiehne-k, that Sinriohtungen rue move ran BaI-laat from the platform (1) la 41« legs (2, 3, 4, 5) and swept and bodies xua taxes dleaer Ballast storage is also considered. 12 · Torrlohtung after testing 8 ei β 11, thereby kaaazelehnt that all ballast serves a liquid cold, 41a stands under a lesser pressure since the leg of water which is provided with ballast is provided. ^.,. "^ 909821/0053 BmLOt ^ - 33 - 13. Device naoh the Anaprüehea 8 bi · 12, characterized by the fact that the platform (1) as au · « the leg · (2, 3, 4, 5) a teaching «hollow chambers (44» 50, 51, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 60) widen the u * from depending on each other old ballast liquid filled BiV * yon ballet liquid can be emptied. 14. Device near the test 8 ble 13, thereby ge « indicates that each leg (2, 5, 4, 5) is white tubular ropes (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) consists, the higher ends of which merge into one another, while their distant inner ribbons overlap an arn (20, 21, 22, 23) connected to each other and. 15. Device according to the tests 8 to 14, characterized by the fact that on the inner edge of one leg part. (12, 14, 16, 18) a locking plate (37, 39 »41) provided that the old holes were put through Bolt or the like and thus locking the sun lBefearen Legs (2, 3, 4, 5) on the platform (1) provided. 16. Device near the test 8 to 15, characterized in that a further locking plate (37a, 41a) is provided on each leg (2, 3, 4, 5), «a the legs in their vertically pivoted sole position the platform (1) aittela BoI «en or the like. KU can be detachably locked. - 34 - 909821/0053 BATH ORIGINAL -54- U84559 17. Terriehtiaf aaafei im Aa * prft * a «a β Ha 1 *, Μ« * · * ge · » k «aas * l * ai» «t, Ami Alt tlaaeXaaa KuitTft (44t W» 51 » 5t, 55 »57, 50, 5t, * 0) ta iaa ltiuttüii (11, 15,14, 15, 11, 17, 18, 19) waaatytiaat f «f * atlaaa« ur »>« · - diolittt tu * alt SttftffarX «i <ttta« «a, Jl1» f «ArX« ltuf «m« a « T «r« «H« ft «Int, ■ · i« l la ti · IaX * g «pvapt b« w. ans laauta h «r« m * ftyaafit w * rd «a kaaa un * · 1 · · 1 · * WXXettaiig ait laXXaatvaaanr fill · » ii «ek d« m Aneprüoh «m 8 Ht 17, ta« ** «* ktnnetlehatt, da · llarlehtaii ^ tn Torfta «aaa tlaA, mi d «n 3ehw» rpunk * «er Torrlohtwn * attta mater iaa was- •• repitftl au halttn« ad AaAmraa »in ItarUra. bath 809821/0053