EP1797245A1 - Offshore oil-drilling rig and methods for installing same on an offshore oil-drilling site - Google Patents

Offshore oil-drilling rig and methods for installing same on an offshore oil-drilling site

Info

Publication number
EP1797245A1
EP1797245A1 EP05804232A EP05804232A EP1797245A1 EP 1797245 A1 EP1797245 A1 EP 1797245A1 EP 05804232 A EP05804232 A EP 05804232A EP 05804232 A EP05804232 A EP 05804232A EP 1797245 A1 EP1797245 A1 EP 1797245A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
box
leg
platform
seabed
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP05804232A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1797245B1 (en
Inventor
Pierre-Armand Tour Défense 2000 - THOMAS
Nicolas Tcherniguin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Technip Energies France SAS
Original Assignee
Technip France SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Technip France SAS filed Critical Technip France SAS
Publication of EP1797245A1 publication Critical patent/EP1797245A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1797245B1 publication Critical patent/EP1797245B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/02—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
    • E02B17/021—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto with relative movement between supporting construction and platform
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/04—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction
    • E02B17/08—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
    • E02B17/0818—Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering with racks actuated by pinions
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0056—Platforms with supporting legs
    • E02B2017/006—Platforms with supporting legs with lattice style supporting legs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0056—Platforms with supporting legs
    • E02B2017/0073—Details of sea bottom engaging footing
    • E02B2017/0078—Suction piles, suction cans

Definitions

  • Offshore operating platform and installation processes at an offshore operation site of such a platform are possible.
  • the present invention relates to an offshore operating platform, as well as methods of installation on a site of operation of such a platform.
  • Offshore platforms of the self-elevating type such as oil rigs, generally include legs, including three in number, resting on the seabed, and a movable bridge mounted and adjustable in height along the legs and including operating equipment and living quarters.
  • each leg is equipped with a foot or a base to bear on the seabed when the platform is installed on a site of exploitation.
  • This foot or base of each leg has a contact surface with the seabed which is limited to support the weight of the platform that under calm sea conditions and for a relatively short time.
  • the legs of the platform must be firmly anchored in the seabed.
  • this arrangement poses problems when assembling the boxes on the lower end of the legs of the platform. Indeed, the lower end of each leg is submerged in most cases so that the handling of these boxes requires a heavy infrastructure and complex because of the volumes to manage because these boxes have a diameter of about 17 to 20 meters and a height that can reach several meters.
  • the invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing an offshore operating platform whose installation cost on a marine site is reduced.
  • the invention therefore relates to an offshore operating platform, of the type comprising a movably mounted bridge on legs each having, at its lower part, a support base on the seabed and a box open at its base and intended to penetrate into the seabed to anchor the platform, characterized in that each box is disposed inside a leg and is movable in the axis of this leg between a retracted high position and a position low protruding from the base of the leg and anchored in the seabed and in that the box has locking means on the leg in the lower position of said box.
  • the distance separating the abutments and the base of the leg is less than the height of the casing of this leg
  • each box comprise: at least two opposite arms, mounted on the lower end of the box and extending above said box,
  • the arms are inclined towards the outside of the box and movable between this inclined position and a substantially vertical position during the translation of the box.
  • the subject of the invention is also a method of installation on an offshore exploitation site of a platform, characterized in that it consists of the following steps: - to bring the platform by flotation or on a barge on the site, the caisson of each leg being in the high retracted position,
  • the invention also relates to another method of installation on an offshore exploitation site of a petroleum platform, characterized in that it consists of the following steps: - to bring the platform by flotation or on a barge on the site, the caisson of each leg being in high retracted position,
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevational view of an offshore operating platform, in accordance with the invention, and in a floating position,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a leg of the platform and taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view in elevation and on a larger scale of the lower part of a leg of the platform, according to the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an anchoring box of a leg of the platform, according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the lower part of a chord of a leg of the platform, according to the invention.
  • the bridge 1 is movably mounted on vertical legs 2 which each have a triangular section, as shown in FIG. 2. These legs 2 may also have a square or circular section and they may be three or four, evenly distributed on the bridge 1.
  • the displacement of the bridge 1 on the legs 2 is effected by means of drive mechanisms, not shown, housed for each leg, in a supporting frame 5 also called by the "jack-house” specialists.
  • Each supporting frame 5 is supported by the bridge 1 and the drive mechanisms are formed, in a conventional manner by geared motor assemblies each driving an output pinion cooperating with racks 6 disposed on the frames 3 of each leg 2, and as shown in FIG. 2.
  • These legs 2 are intended to bear on the seabed 7 (FIGS.6 and 7) when the platform is in the drilling or operating position and, for this purpose, each leg 2 ends, at its lower part, by a base 8.
  • each leg 2 comprises, at its lower part, a box 10 open at its base and which is intended to penetrate into the seabed 7 to a desired depth so as to anchor the corresponding leg 2 in this seabed, as we will see later.
  • each leg 2 is disposed inside the corresponding leg 2 and is movable in the axis of this leg 2 between a raised retracted position (Figs 1 and 3) in which only the lower end 10a of this box 10 protrudes below the base 8 of the leg 2 and a low protruding position ( Figure 7) in which only the upper end 10b of this box 10 is disposed in the leg 2.
  • each leg 2 comprise at least one support member on the corresponding box 10 in the upper position of this box 10 so as to prevent the rise of said box during the application of the lower end of this leg 2 on the seabed 7 and each box 10 has locking means on the corresponding leg 2 in its lower position so as to block the box 10 in the lower anchoring position of the corresponding leg 2 on the seabed 7.
  • each support member on the casing 10 in each leg 2 is constituted by a horizontal abutment stop 20 and fixed on a chord 3 inside the leg 2 above the upper end 10b of the box 10 in its retracted high position (FIG 3).
  • the distance between the bearing stops 20 and the base 8 of the leg 2 is less than the height of the box 10 of the leg 2 so as to maintain the lower part 10a of the box 10 below the base 8 in the up position. retracted from this box 10.
  • the box 10 has a cross section conjugate to the cross section of the leg 2 and, in this case, a triangular cross section.
  • the locking means of the box 10 comprise an arm 25 for each frame 3 of the leg 2 and mounted on the upper end 10b of the box 10, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the arms 25 extend above the box 10 and are inclined towards the outside of this box 10.
  • each arm 25 has a first end 25a hingedly mounted on the box 10 and a second end 25b said free end which is provided with two opposite pins 26 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the arm 25.
  • Each arm 25 is movable between this inclined position in which the end 25b is held pressed against a frame 3 of the leg 2 and a substantially vertical position during the translation of the box 10 between the retracted high position and the low protruding position, as will be described later.
  • each arm 25 is provided for example by a jack 27, such as for example a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic or electric, disposed on the upper face of the box 10.
  • the movement of each arm 25 can be provided by any other body appropriate and of known type, such as for example an elastic member holding the corresponding arm 25 in its inclined position towards the outside of the box 10.
  • each arm 25 may have a shape suitable for this arm is inclined outwards the box in its normal position and an elastic portion holding the arm in this position.
  • the locking means of the box 10 in the low projecting position also comprise a bottom stop 30 (FIGS 3 and 5) fixed on each frame 3, disposed inside and at the lower end of each frame 3 of a leg. 2.
  • These stops 30 are intended to cooperate each with a stop 31 disposed at the upper end of the box 10 in the lower position of the box 10.
  • each upper lateral edge of the stops 30 is equipped with a flange 30a forming with the opposite flange 30a a space 32 extending upwards and in the shape of a V (FIG.5) for guiding the stop 31 corresponding.
  • each box 10 comprises an intermediate stop 35 fixed on each frame 3, disposed inside the leg 2 above the lower stops 30.
  • Each stop 35 is constituted, as shown in FIG. 5, two parallel elements 35a and forming between them a V-shaped space 36 for guiding and the passage of a stop 31 during the descent of the box 10.
  • each box 10 comprise at least two opposite arms 25, at least two opposite lower stops 30 and at least two intermediate stops 35 also opposed.
  • these elements 25, 30 and 35 are preferably three in number each and in the case of a leg 2 with a square section, said elements 25, 30 and 35 are preferably in number of four each.
  • the installation of the platform on an operating site is carried out as follows.
  • the platform is brought to the site by floatation or on a barge.
  • the legs 2 of the platform are in the raised position and the box 10 of each leg 2 is in the raised position retracted into the corresponding leg 2.
  • Each box 10 is held in this position for example by applying the ends 25b of the arms 25 to the ribs 3 of the legs 2 by means of the cylinders 27 or by any other appropriate means, such as for example a chain connecting the box 10 to the bridge 1 of the platform.
  • the legs 2 When the platform is on the operating site, the legs 2 are gradually lowered by means of the drive mechanisms carried by the bridge 1 and which act on the racks 6 of the chords 3 of said legs 2. These legs 2 are progressively down to the application of the bases 8 on the seabed 7, as shown in FIG. 6. During the descent of each leg 2, the bearing stops 20 of the leg 2 are in contact with the box 10 so as to penetrate the lower portion 10a of the box 10 in the seabed 7.
  • the next step is to anchor the legs 2 in the seabed 7 by means of the boxes 10.
  • the anchoring of a box 10 we will describe the anchoring of a box 10, the anchoring of the other boxes 10 being identical.
  • the pressure inside the box 10 is reduced by means of the pumping unit associated with the box 10 so as to cause a progressive descent of the box 10 which enters the seabed 7.
  • the arms 25 are tilted by the cylinders 27 substantially in vertical position so as to allow these arms 25 to pass between the bearing abutments 20 and between the intermediate stops 35.
  • deck 1 of the platform can be raised before the caissons 10 are driven into the seabed 7.
  • the stops 30 and 31 which are in contact in the anchoring position of the legs 2 by the box 10 allow, in the case where the legs 2 are raised, these boxes 10 to follow the movement.
  • the platform according to the invention has the advantage, thanks to the retractable anchoring boxes in the legs, to have a reduced draft during its transport on a site of exploitation compared to the platforms of this type used so far.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)
  • Foundations (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns an offshore oil-drilling rig, of the type comprising a deck (1) mounted mobile on legs (2) each including a support base (8) on the seafloor and a pontoon (10) open at its base and designed to penetrate into the seafloor. Each pontoon (10) is arranged inside the leg (2) and is mobile in the axis of said led (2) between a retracted upper position and a projecting lower position and anchored on the seafloor. The invention also concerns methods for installing such a rig on an oil-drilling site.

Description

Plate-forme d'exploitation en mer et procédés d'installation sur un site d'exploitation en mer d'une telle plate-forme. Offshore operating platform and installation processes at an offshore operation site of such a platform.
La présente invention concerne une plate-forme d'exploitation en mer, ainsi que des procédés d'installation sur un site d'exploitation d'une telle plate-forme.The present invention relates to an offshore operating platform, as well as methods of installation on a site of operation of such a platform.
Les plates-formes d'exploitation en mer du type auto-élévatrice, comme par exemple les plates-formes pétrolières, comprennent généralement des jambes, notamment au nombre de trois, prenant appui sur le fond marin, ainsi qu'un pont monté déplaçable et réglable en hauteur le long des jambes et portant notamment des équipements d'exploitation et des locaux d'habitation.Offshore platforms of the self-elevating type, such as oil rigs, generally include legs, including three in number, resting on the seabed, and a movable bridge mounted and adjustable in height along the legs and including operating equipment and living quarters.
L'extrémité inférieure de chaque jambe est équipée d'un pied ou d'un socle destiné à prendre appui sur le fond marin lorsque la plate-forme est installée sur un site d'exploitation. Ce pied ou ce socle de chaque jambe présente une surface de contact avec le fond marin qui est limitée permettant de supporter le poids propre de la plate-forme que sous des conditions de mer calme et pendant un temps relativement court.The lower end of each leg is equipped with a foot or a base to bear on the seabed when the platform is installed on a site of exploitation. This foot or base of each leg has a contact surface with the seabed which is limited to support the weight of the platform that under calm sea conditions and for a relatively short time.
De ce fait, pour un long séjour correspondant à la durée normale d'une campagne de production, les jambes de la plate-forme doivent être solidement ancrées dans le fond marin.Therefore, for a long stay corresponding to the normal duration of a production campaign, the legs of the platform must be firmly anchored in the seabed.
Pour cela, il est connu de fixer chacun des pieds des jambes de la plate-forme au moyen de pieux profondément enfoncés dans le sol. Mais, cette disposition est, compte tenu de la dimension de tels pieux, une opération longue et coûteuse car elle nécessite l'intervention de matériels lourds et dont le coût d'exploitation est extrêmement élevé.For this, it is known to fix each foot of the legs of the platform by means of piles deeply sunk into the ground. But, this provision is, given the size of such piles, a long and expensive operation because it requires the intervention of heavy equipment and whose operating cost is extremely high.
Une autre solution couramment utilisée pour ancrer les jambes de la plate-forme dans le fond marin consiste à associer à chaque jambe, un caisson ouvert à sa base et muni d'une valve. L'enfoncement de chaque caisson dans le fond est effectué sous le poids de l'ensemble de la plate-forme. Dans d'autres cas, chaque caisson est associé à une unité de pompage de façon à réduire la pression à l'intérieur du caisson et à faire pénétrer ce caisson dans le fond marin jusqu'à une profondeur désirée. Ces caissons associés à une unité de pompage sont dénommés par les spécialistes sous le nom de "suction pile".Another solution commonly used to anchor the legs of the platform in the seabed is to associate each leg, a box open at its base and provided with a valve. The depression of each box in the bottom is performed under the weight of the entire platform. In other cases, each box is associated with a pumping unit so as to reduce the pressure inside the box and to penetrate this box in the seabed to a desired depth. These boxes associated with a pumping unit are referred to by specialists as the "suction pile".
Généralement, chaque caisson est fixe et en saillie au-dessous du pied ou du socle de la jambe correspondante ce qui présente des inconvénients.Generally, each box is fixed and projecting below the foot or the base of the corresponding leg which has drawbacks.
En effet, lors du transport de la plate-forme préalablement assemblée du site de montage jusqu'au site d'exploitation, soit par flottaison de la plate-forme, soit par une barge, ces caissons qui ont une hauteur de plusieurs mètres, sont dans l'eau et offrent une résistance à l'avancement de la plate-forme importante et par conséquent une dépense d'énergie supplémentaire.Indeed, during the transport of the previously assembled platform from the assembly site to the operating site, either by floating the platform or by a barge, these caissons which have a height of several meters, are in water and provide significant platform forward resistance and therefore additional energy expenditure.
De plus, cette disposition pose des problèmes au moment du montage des caissons sur l'extrémité inférieure des jambes de la plate-forme. En effet, l'extrémité inférieure de chaque jambe est immergée dans la plupart des cas si bien que la manutention de ces caissons nécessite une infrastructure lourde et complexe du fait des volumes à gérer car ces caissons ont un diamètre de l'ordre de 17 à 20 mètres et une hauteur qui peut atteindre plusieurs mètres.In addition, this arrangement poses problems when assembling the boxes on the lower end of the legs of the platform. Indeed, the lower end of each leg is submerged in most cases so that the handling of these boxes requires a heavy infrastructure and complex because of the volumes to manage because these boxes have a diameter of about 17 to 20 meters and a height that can reach several meters.
L'invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant une plate-forme d'exploitation en mer dont le coût d'installation sur un site marin est réduit. L'invention a donc pour objet une plate-forme d'exploitation en mer, du type comprenant un pont monté déplaçable sur des jambes comportant chacune, à sa partie inférieure, un socle d'appui sur le fond marin et un caisson ouvert à sa base et destiné à pénétrer dans le fond marin pour ancrer la plate¬ forme, caractérisée en ce que chaque caisson est disposé à l'intérieur d'une jambe et est déplaçable dans l'axe de cette jambe entre une position haute escamotée et une position basse en saillie par rapport au socle de la jambe et ancrée dans le fond marin et en ce que le caisson comporte des moyens de verrouillage sur la jambe dans la position basse dudit caisson.The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing an offshore operating platform whose installation cost on a marine site is reduced. The invention therefore relates to an offshore operating platform, of the type comprising a movably mounted bridge on legs each having, at its lower part, a support base on the seabed and a box open at its base and intended to penetrate into the seabed to anchor the platform, characterized in that each box is disposed inside a leg and is movable in the axis of this leg between a retracted high position and a position low protruding from the base of the leg and anchored in the seabed and in that the box has locking means on the leg in the lower position of said box.
Suivant des modes particuliers de mise en œuvre : - dans la position haute escamotée du caisson, seule l'extrémité inférieure de ce caisson dépasse au-dessous du socle de la jambe et dans la position basse en saillie du caisson, seule l'extrémité supérieure dudit caisson est disposée dans la jambe,According to particular modes of implementation: - in the high retracted position of the box, only the lower end of this box exceeds below the base of the leg and in the low position protruding from the box, only the upper end of said box is disposed in the leg,
- la jambe comporte au moins un organe d'appui sur le caisson dans la position haute de ce caisson, - ledit organe d'appui sur le caisson est formé par une butée d'appui fixée sur chaque membrure à l'intérieur de la jambe correspondante,- The leg comprises at least one support member on the box in the upper position of the box - said support member on the box is formed by a bearing abutment fixed on each frame inside the leg correspondingly,
- la distance séparant les butées d'appui et le socle de la jambe est inférieure à la hauteur du caisson de cette jambe,the distance separating the abutments and the base of the leg is less than the height of the casing of this leg,
- les moyens de verrouillage de chaque caisson comprennent : - au moins deux bras opposés, montés sur l'extrémité inférieure du caisson et s'étendant au-dessus dudit caisson,the locking means of each box comprise: at least two opposite arms, mounted on the lower end of the box and extending above said box,
- au moins deux butées inférieures opposées, disposées à l'intérieur et à l'extrémité inférieure de la jambe et destinées à coopérer chacune dans la position basse de ce caisson, avec une butée disposée à l'extrémité supérieure du caisson, etat least two opposite lower stops arranged inside and at the lower end of the leg and intended to cooperate each in the low position of this box, with a stop disposed at the upper end of the box, and
- au moins deux butées intermédiaires opposées, disposées à l'intérieur de la jambe au-dessus des butées inférieures et destinées à bloquer chacune une extrémité inférieure d'un bras dans ladite position basse du caisson,at least two opposite intermediate stops arranged inside the leg above the lower stops and intended to each block a lower end of an arm in said lower position of the box,
- les bras sont inclinés vers l'extérieur du caisson et déplaçables entre cette position inclinée et une position sensiblement verticale lors de la translation du caisson.the arms are inclined towards the outside of the box and movable between this inclined position and a substantially vertical position during the translation of the box.
L'invention a également pour objet un procédé d'installation sur un site d'exploitation en mer d'une plate-forme, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste en les étapes suivantes : - à amener la plate-forme par flottaison ou sur une barge sur le site, le caisson de chaque jambe étant en position haute escamotée,The subject of the invention is also a method of installation on an offshore exploitation site of a platform, characterized in that it consists of the following steps: - to bring the platform by flotation or on a barge on the site, the caisson of each leg being in the high retracted position,
- à descendre les jambes pour appliquer sur le fond marin le socle de chaque jambe,- to lower the legs to apply on the seabed the base of each leg,
- à faire pénétrer chaque caisson dans le fond marin en pompant l'eau à l'intérieur du caisson,- to penetrate each box into the seabed by pumping water inside the box,
- à bloquer dans la jambe correspondante chaque caisson en position basse en saillie et ancrée dans le fond marin, et - à soulever le pont de la plate-forme à la hauteur désirée. L'invention a aussi pour objet un autre procédé d'installation sur un site d'exploitation en mer d'une plate-forme pétrolière, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste en les étapes suivantes : - à amener la plate-forme par flottaison ou sur une barge sur le site, le caisson de chaque jambe étant en position haute escamotée,- to block in the corresponding leg each box in low position protruding and anchored in the seabed, and - lift the platform deck to the desired height. The invention also relates to another method of installation on an offshore exploitation site of a petroleum platform, characterized in that it consists of the following steps: - to bring the platform by flotation or on a barge on the site, the caisson of each leg being in high retracted position,
- à descendre les jambes pour appliquer sur le fond marin le socle de chaque jambe, et- to lower the legs to apply on the seabed the base of each leg, and
- à soulever le pont de la plate-forme à la hauteur désirée, - à faire pénétrer chaque caisson dans le fond marin en pompant l'eau à l'intérieur du caisson, et- to raise the bridge of the platform to the desired height, - to penetrate each box into the seabed by pumping water inside the box, and
- à bloquer dans la jambe correspondante chaque caisson en position basse en saillie et ancrée dans le fond marin.- To block in the corresponding leg each box in low position protruding and anchored in the seabed.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
- la Fig. 1 est une vue schématique en élévation d'une plate-forme d'exploitation en mer, conforme à l'invention, et en position de flottaison,FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevational view of an offshore operating platform, in accordance with the invention, and in a floating position,
- la Fig. 2 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'une jambe de la plate-forme et selon la ligne 2-2 de la Fig. 1 ,FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a leg of the platform and taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1,
- la Fig. 3 est une vue schématique en élévation et à plus grande échelle de la partie inférieure d'une jambe de la plate-forme, conforme à l'invention,FIG. 3 is a schematic view in elevation and on a larger scale of the lower part of a leg of the platform, according to the invention,
- la Fig. 4 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un caisson d'ancrage d'une jambe de la plate-forme, conforme à l'invention,FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an anchoring box of a leg of the platform, according to the invention,
- la Fig. 5 est une vue schématique en perspective de la partie inférieure d'une membrure d'une jambe de la plate-forme, conforme à l'invention,FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the lower part of a chord of a leg of the platform, according to the invention,
- les Figs. 6 et 7 sont des vues schématiques en élévation montrant les étapes d'installation sur un site d'exploitation de la plate-forme, conforme à l'invention. Sur la Fig. 1 , on a représenté schématiquement une plate-forme d'exploitation en mer, notamment auto-élévatrice, comprenant un pont 1 pourvu des équipements d'exploitation et des locaux d'habitation habituels.- Figs. 6 and 7 are schematic views in elevation showing the steps of installation on a site of exploitation of the platform, according to the invention. In FIG. 1, there is shown schematically an offshore operating platform, including self-elevating, comprising a bridge 1 provided with the usual operating equipment and living quarters.
Le pont 1 est monté déplaçable sur des jambes verticales 2 qui présentent chacune une section triangulaire, ainsi que montré sur la Fig. 2. Ces jambes 2 peuvent également présenter une section carrée ou circulaire et elles peuvent être au nombre de trois ou quatre, réparties uniformément sur le pont 1.The bridge 1 is movably mounted on vertical legs 2 which each have a triangular section, as shown in FIG. 2. These legs 2 may also have a square or circular section and they may be three or four, evenly distributed on the bridge 1.
Comme montré à la Fig. 2, chaque jambe 2 est formée de trois membrures 3 reliées entre elles par un treillis de poutrelles métalliques 4. Sur les Figs. 1, 6 et 7 uniquement deux membrures 3 ont été représentées dans un but de simplification.As shown in FIG. 2, each leg 2 is formed of three members 3 interconnected by a lattice of metal beams 4. In Figs. 1, 6 and 7 only two chords 3 have been shown for simplification purposes.
Le déplacement du pont 1 sur les jambes 2 est effectué au moyen de mécanismes d'entraînement, non représentés, logés pour chaque jambe, dans une ossature porteuse 5 également appelée par les spécialistes "jack- house". Chaque ossature porteuse 5 est supportée par le pont 1 et les mécanismes d'entraînement sont formés, de façon classique par des ensembles moto-réducteurs entraînant chacun un pignon de sortie coopérant avec des crémaillères 6 disposées sur les membrures 3 de chaque jambe 2, ainsi que montré à la Fig. 2. Ces jambes 2 sont destinées à prendre appui sur le fond marin 7 (Fig. 6 et 7) lorsque la plate-forme est en position de forage ou d'exploitation et, à cet effet, chaque jambe 2 se termine, à sa partie inférieure, par un socle 8.The displacement of the bridge 1 on the legs 2 is effected by means of drive mechanisms, not shown, housed for each leg, in a supporting frame 5 also called by the "jack-house" specialists. Each supporting frame 5 is supported by the bridge 1 and the drive mechanisms are formed, in a conventional manner by geared motor assemblies each driving an output pinion cooperating with racks 6 disposed on the frames 3 of each leg 2, and as shown in FIG. 2. These legs 2 are intended to bear on the seabed 7 (FIGS.6 and 7) when the platform is in the drilling or operating position and, for this purpose, each leg 2 ends, at its lower part, by a base 8.
De plus, chaque jambe 2 comporte, à sa partie inférieure, un caisson 10 ouvert à sa base et qui est destiné à pénétrer dans le fond marin 7 jusqu'à une profondeur désirée de façon à ancrer la jambe 2 correspondante dans ce fond marin, comme on le verra ultérieurement.In addition, each leg 2 comprises, at its lower part, a box 10 open at its base and which is intended to penetrate into the seabed 7 to a desired depth so as to anchor the corresponding leg 2 in this seabed, as we will see later.
De manière classique, chaque caisson 10 est relié à une unité de pompage, non représentée, de façon à réduire la pression à l'intérieur du caisson 10 et à le faire pénétrer dans le fond marin 7 au moment de l'installation de la plate-forme sur le site d'exploitation.Conventionally, each box 10 is connected to a pumping unit, not shown, so as to reduce the pressure inside the box 10 and to make it penetrate the seabed 7 at the time of installation of the plate on the operating site.
Ces caissons sont dénommés par les spécialistes sous le nom de "suction pile". Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur les figures et comme montré à plus grande échelle à la Fig. 3, le caisson 10 de chaque jambe 2 est disposé à l'intérieur de la jambe 2 correspondante et est déplaçable dans l'axe de cette jambe 2 entre une position haute escamotée (Fig. 1 et 3) dans laquelle seule l'extrémité inférieure 10a de ce caisson 10 dépasse au-dessous du socle 8 de la jambe 2 et une position basse en saillie (Fig. 7) dans laquelle seule l'extrémité supérieure 10b de ce caisson 10 est disposée dans la jambe 2.These boxes are called by the specialists under the name of "suction pile". In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures and as shown on a larger scale in FIG. 3, the casing 10 of each leg 2 is disposed inside the corresponding leg 2 and is movable in the axis of this leg 2 between a raised retracted position (Figs 1 and 3) in which only the lower end 10a of this box 10 protrudes below the base 8 of the leg 2 and a low protruding position (Figure 7) in which only the upper end 10b of this box 10 is disposed in the leg 2.
D'une manière générale, les membrures 3 de chaque jambe 2 comportent au moins un organe d'appui sur le caisson 10 correspondant dans la position haute de ce caisson 10 de façon à éviter la remontée dudit caisson lors de l'application de l'extrémité inférieure de cette jambe 2 sur le fond marin 7 et chaque caisson 10 comporte des moyens de verrouillage sur la jambe 2 correspondante dans sa position basse de façon à bloquer le caisson 10 dans cette position basse d'ancrage de la jambe 2 correspondant sur le fond marin 7.In general, the members 3 of each leg 2 comprise at least one support member on the corresponding box 10 in the upper position of this box 10 so as to prevent the rise of said box during the application of the lower end of this leg 2 on the seabed 7 and each box 10 has locking means on the corresponding leg 2 in its lower position so as to block the box 10 in the lower anchoring position of the corresponding leg 2 on the seabed 7.
Comme cela apparaît sur les Figs. 2 et 3, chaque organe d'appui sur le caisson 10 dans chaque jambe 2 est constitué par une butée d'appui 20 horizontale et fixée sur une membrure 3 à l'intérieur de la jambe 2 au-dessus de l'extrémité supérieure 10b du caisson 10 dans sa position haute escamotée (Fig. 3). La distance séparant les butées d'appui 20 et le socle 8 de la jambe 2 est inférieure à la hauteur du caisson 10 de cette jambe 2 de façon à maintenir la partie inférieure 10a du caisson 10 au-dessous du socle 8 dans la position haute escamotée de ce caisson 10.As it appears in Figs. 2 and 3, each support member on the casing 10 in each leg 2 is constituted by a horizontal abutment stop 20 and fixed on a chord 3 inside the leg 2 above the upper end 10b of the box 10 in its retracted high position (FIG 3). The distance between the bearing stops 20 and the base 8 of the leg 2 is less than the height of the box 10 of the leg 2 so as to maintain the lower part 10a of the box 10 below the base 8 in the up position. retracted from this box 10.
En se reportant maintenant plus particulièrement aux Figs. 3 à 5, on va décrire les moyens de verrouillage d'un caisson 10 sur une jambe 2 dans la position basse de ce caisson 10, les moyens de verrouillage des autres caissons 10 étant identiques.Referring now more particularly to Figs. 3 to 5, we will describe the locking means of a box 10 on a leg 2 in the lower position of the box 10, the locking means of the other boxes 10 being identical.
Le caisson 10 présente une section transversale conjuguée à la section transversale de la jambe 2 et, dans le cas présent, une section transversale triangulaire.The box 10 has a cross section conjugate to the cross section of the leg 2 and, in this case, a triangular cross section.
Les moyens de verrouillage du caisson 10 comprennent un bras 25 pour chaque membrure 3 de la jambe 2 et monté sur l'extrémité supérieure 10b du caisson 10, comme cela apparaît à la Fig. 4. Les bras 25 s'étendent au- dessus du caisson 10 et sont inclinés vers l'extérieur de ce caisson 10. Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté à la Fig. 4, chaque bras 25 comporte une première extrémité 25a montée articulée sur le caisson 10 et une seconde extrémité 25b dite extrémité libre qui est munie de deux tétons opposés 26 s'étendant transversalement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du bras 25. Chaque bras 25 est déplaçable entre cette position inclinée dans laquelle l'extrémité 25b est maintenue appliquée contre une membrure 3 de la jambe 2 et une position sensiblement verticale lors de la translation du caisson 10 entre la position haute escamotée et la position basse en saillie, comme cela sera décrit ultérieurement.The locking means of the box 10 comprise an arm 25 for each frame 3 of the leg 2 and mounted on the upper end 10b of the box 10, as shown in FIG. 4. The arms 25 extend above the box 10 and are inclined towards the outside of this box 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each arm 25 has a first end 25a hingedly mounted on the box 10 and a second end 25b said free end which is provided with two opposite pins 26 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the arm 25. Each arm 25 is movable between this inclined position in which the end 25b is held pressed against a frame 3 of the leg 2 and a substantially vertical position during the translation of the box 10 between the retracted high position and the low protruding position, as will be described later.
Selon un mode de réalisation représenté à la Fig. 4, le déplacement de chaque bras 25 est assuré par exemple par un vérin 27, comme par exemple un vérin hydraulique, pneumatique ou électrique, disposé sur la face supérieure du caisson 10. Le déplacement de chaque bras 25 peut être assuré par tout autre organe approprié et de type connu, comme par exemple un organe élastique maintenant le bras 25 correspondant dans sa position inclinée vers l'extérieur du caisson 10. Par ailleurs, chaque bras 25 peut avoir une forme appropriée pour que ce bras soit incliné vers l'extérieur du caisson dans sa position normale et une portion élastique maintenant le bras dans cette position.According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the displacement of each arm 25 is provided for example by a jack 27, such as for example a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic or electric, disposed on the upper face of the box 10. The movement of each arm 25 can be provided by any other body appropriate and of known type, such as for example an elastic member holding the corresponding arm 25 in its inclined position towards the outside of the box 10. Moreover, each arm 25 may have a shape suitable for this arm is inclined outwards the box in its normal position and an elastic portion holding the arm in this position.
Les moyens de verrouillage du caisson 10 en position basse en saillie comprennent aussi une butée 30 inférieure (Figs. 3 et 5) fixée sur chaque membrure 3, disposée à l'intérieur et à l'extrémité inférieure de chaque membrure 3 d'une jambe 2. Ces butées 30 sont destinées à coopérer chacune avec une butée 31 disposée à l'extrémité supérieure du caisson 10 dans la position basse de ce caisson 10. Pour assurer le positionnement de chaque butée 31 par rapport à une butée inférieure 30 lors de la descente du caisson 10, chaque bord latéral supérieur des butées 30 est équipé d'un flasque 30a ménageant avec le flasque 30a opposé un espace 32 s'étendant vers le haut et en forme de V (Fig. 5) pour le guidage de la butée 31 correspondante. Enfin, les moyens de verrouillage de chaque caisson 10 comprennent une butée intermédiaire 35 fixée sur chaque membrure 3, disposée à l'intérieur de la jambe 2 au-dessus des butées inférieures 30. Chaque butée 35 est constituée, comme montré à la Fig. 5, de deux éléments 35a parallèles et ménageant entre eux un espace 36 en forme de V pour le guidage et le passage d'une butée 31 lors de la descente du caisson 10.The locking means of the box 10 in the low projecting position also comprise a bottom stop 30 (FIGS 3 and 5) fixed on each frame 3, disposed inside and at the lower end of each frame 3 of a leg. 2. These stops 30 are intended to cooperate each with a stop 31 disposed at the upper end of the box 10 in the lower position of the box 10. To ensure the positioning of each stop 31 relative to a lower stop 30 during the descent from the box 10, each upper lateral edge of the stops 30 is equipped with a flange 30a forming with the opposite flange 30a a space 32 extending upwards and in the shape of a V (FIG.5) for guiding the stop 31 corresponding. Finally, the locking means of each box 10 comprise an intermediate stop 35 fixed on each frame 3, disposed inside the leg 2 above the lower stops 30. Each stop 35 is constituted, as shown in FIG. 5, two parallel elements 35a and forming between them a V-shaped space 36 for guiding and the passage of a stop 31 during the descent of the box 10.
D'une manière générale, les moyens de verrouillage de chaque caisson 10 comprennent au moins deux bras 25 opposés, au moins deux butées inférieures 30 opposées et au moins deux butées intermédiaires 35 également opposées. Dans le cas d'une jambe 2 à section circulaire ces éléments 25, 30 et 35 sont de préférence au nombre de trois chacun et dans le cas d'une jambe 2 à section carrée lesdits éléments 25, 30 et 35 sont de préférence au nombre de quatre chacun.In general, the locking means of each box 10 comprise at least two opposite arms 25, at least two opposite lower stops 30 and at least two intermediate stops 35 also opposed. In the case of a leg 2 of circular section these elements 25, 30 and 35 are preferably three in number each and in the case of a leg 2 with a square section, said elements 25, 30 and 35 are preferably in number of four each.
L'installation de la plate-forme sur un site d'exploitation est réalisée de la façon suivante.The installation of the platform on an operating site is carried out as follows.
La plate-forme est amenée sur le site par flottaison ou sur une barge. Les jambes 2 de la plate-forme sont en position relevée et le caisson 10 de chaque jambe 2 est en position haute escamotée dans la jambe 2 correspondante. Chaque caisson 10 est maintenu dans cette position par exemple par application des extrémités 25b des bras 25 sur les membrures 3 des jambes 2 au moyen des vérins 27 ou par tout autre moyen appropriés, comme par exemple une chaîne reliant le caisson 10 au pont 1 de la plate-forme.The platform is brought to the site by floatation or on a barge. The legs 2 of the platform are in the raised position and the box 10 of each leg 2 is in the raised position retracted into the corresponding leg 2. Each box 10 is held in this position for example by applying the ends 25b of the arms 25 to the ribs 3 of the legs 2 by means of the cylinders 27 or by any other appropriate means, such as for example a chain connecting the box 10 to the bridge 1 of the platform.
Dans cette position seule la partie inférieure 10a de chaque caisson 10 dépasse au-dessous du socle 8 de chaque jambe 2.In this position only the lower part 10a of each box 10 protrudes below the base 8 of each leg 2.
Lorsque la plate-forme se trouve sur le site d'exploitation, les jambes 2 sont progressivement descendues au moyen des mécanismes d'entraînement portés par le pont 1 et qui agissent sur les crémaillères 6 des membrures 3 desdites jambes 2. Ces jambes 2 sont progressivement descendues jusqu'à l'application des socles 8 sur le fond marin 7, comme montré à la Fig. 6. Au cours de la descente de chaque jambe 2, les butées d'appui 20 de la jambe 2 sont en contact avec le caisson 10 de façon à faire pénétrer la partie inférieure 10a du caisson 10 dans le fond marin 7.When the platform is on the operating site, the legs 2 are gradually lowered by means of the drive mechanisms carried by the bridge 1 and which act on the racks 6 of the chords 3 of said legs 2. These legs 2 are progressively down to the application of the bases 8 on the seabed 7, as shown in FIG. 6. During the descent of each leg 2, the bearing stops 20 of the leg 2 are in contact with the box 10 so as to penetrate the lower portion 10a of the box 10 in the seabed 7.
Après cette première étape, l'étape suivante consiste à ancrer les jambes 2 dans le fond marin 7 au moyen des caissons 10. Dans ce qui suit, on va décrire l'ancrage d'un caisson 10, l'ancrage des autres caissons 10 étant identique.After this first step, the next step is to anchor the legs 2 in the seabed 7 by means of the boxes 10. In what follows, we will describe the anchoring of a box 10, the anchoring of the other boxes 10 being identical.
Pour cela, la pression à l'intérieur du caisson 10 est réduite au moyen de l'unité de pompage associée à ce caisson 10 de façon à provoquer une descente progressive de ce caisson 10 qui pénètre dans le fond marin 7. Au cours de cette descente, les bras 25 sont basculés par les vérins 27 sensiblement en position verticale de façon à permettre à ces bras 25 de passer entre les butées d'appui 20 et entre les butées intermédiaires 35.For this, the pressure inside the box 10 is reduced by means of the pumping unit associated with the box 10 so as to cause a progressive descent of the box 10 which enters the seabed 7. During this down, the arms 25 are tilted by the cylinders 27 substantially in vertical position so as to allow these arms 25 to pass between the bearing abutments 20 and between the intermediate stops 35.
Toujours au cours de cette descente, les butées 31 du caisson 30 passent dans l'espace 36 entre les éléments 35a des butées intermédiaires 35 et ces butées 31 viennent en appui sur les butées inférieures 30 des membrures 3 des jambesStill during this descent, the stops 31 of the box 30 pass into the space 36 between the elements 35a of the intermediate stops 35 and these stops 31 bear against the lower stops 30 of the chords 3 of the legs
2, ainsi que montré à la Fig. 7.2, as shown in FIG. 7.
Dans cette position, le caisson 10 est enfoncé dans le sol marin 7 de la profondeur désirée. Ensuite, les bras 25 sont basculés au moyen des vérinsIn this position, the box 10 is pressed into the seabed 7 of the desired depth. Then, the arms 25 are tilted by means of the jacks
27 vers l'extérieur du caisson 10 de telle manière que les tétons 26 viennent s'appliquer contre les butées intermédiaires 35 verrouillant ainsi le caisson 10 dans sa position basse en saillie et d'ancrage de la jambe 2 correspondante. Les bras 35 empêchent donc la remontée de ce caisson 10 et permettent de faire transiter les efforts verticaux de chaque jambe 2 vers le caisson 10 correspondant. Ensuite, le pont 1 de la plate-forme est surélevé à la hauteur désirée.27 to the outside of the box 10 so that the studs 26 are pressed against the intermediate stops 35 and locking the box 10 in its low position protruding and anchoring the leg 2 corresponding. The arms 35 thus prevent the raising of this box 10 and allow to pass the vertical forces of each leg 2 to the corresponding box 10. Then deck 1 of the platform is elevated to the desired height.
Selon une variante, le pont 1 de la plate-forme peut être surélevé avant l'enfoncement des caissons 10 dans le fond marin 7.Alternatively, deck 1 of the platform can be raised before the caissons 10 are driven into the seabed 7.
Les butées 30 et 31 qui sont en contact dans la position d'ancrage des jambes 2 par les caisson 10 permettent, dans le cas où les jambes 2 se soulèvent, à ces caissons 10 de suivre le mouvement.The stops 30 and 31 which are in contact in the anchoring position of the legs 2 by the box 10 allow, in the case where the legs 2 are raised, these boxes 10 to follow the movement.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, chaque caisson 10 peut être complètement escamoté dans la jambe 2 correspondante. Dans ce cas, les membrures 3 ne sont pas équipées des butées d'appui 20 et l'extrémité inférieure 10a de chaque caisson 10 n'est pas en saillie au-dessous du socle 8 dans la position haute escamotée du caisson 10.According to another embodiment, each box 10 can be completely retracted into the corresponding leg 2. In this case, 3 members are not equipped with bearing stops 20 and the lower end 10a of each box 10 is not projecting below the base 8 in the retracted high position of the box 10.
La plate-forme selon l'invention présente l'avantage, grâce aux caissons d'ancrage escamotables dans les jambes, d'avoir un tirant d'eau réduit au cours de son transport sur un site d'exploitation par rapport aux plates-formes de ce type utilisées jusqu'à présent. The platform according to the invention has the advantage, thanks to the retractable anchoring boxes in the legs, to have a reduced draft during its transport on a site of exploitation compared to the platforms of this type used so far.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Plate-forme d'exploitation en mer, du type comprenant un pont1. Offshore operating platform, of the type comprising a bridge
(1 ) monté déplaçable sur des jambes (2) comportant chacune, à sa partie inférieure, un socle (8) d'appui sur le fond marin (7) et un caisson (10) ouvert à sa base et destiné à pénétrer dans le fond marin (7) pour ancrer la plate-forme (1 ), caractérisée en ce que chaque caisson (10) est disposé à l'intérieur d'une jambe(1) movably mounted on legs (2) each having, at its lower part, a base (8) for bearing on the seabed (7) and a box (10) open at its base and intended to penetrate into the seabed (7) for anchoring the platform (1), characterized in that each box (10) is arranged inside a leg
(2) et est déplaçable dans l'axe de cette jambe (2) entre une position haute escamotée et une position basse en saillie par rapport au socle (8) de la jambe (2) et ancrée dans le fond marin et en ce que le caisson (10) comporte des moyens (25, 30, 31 , 35) de verrouillage sur la jambe (2) dans la position basse dudit caisson (10).(2) and is displaceable in the axis of this leg (2) between a retracted high position and a low position protruding from the base (8) of the leg (2) and anchored in the seabed and in that the box (10) has locking means (25, 30, 31, 35) on the leg (2) in the lower position of said box (10).
2. Plate-forme selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que dans la position haute escamotée du caisson (10), seule l'extrémité inférieure (10a) de ce caisson (10) dépasse au dessous du socle (8) de la jambe (2) et dans la position basse en saillie du caisson (10), seule l'extrémité supérieure (10b) dudit caisson (10) est disposée dans la jambe (2).2. Platform according to claim 1, characterized in that in the retracted high position of the box (10), only the lower end (10a) of this box (10) protrudes below the base (8) of the leg (2) and in the low position projecting from the box (10), only the upper end (10b) of said box (10) is disposed in the leg (2).
3. Plate-forme selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que la jambe (2) comporte au moins un organe (20) d'appui sur le caisson (10) dans la position haute de ce caisson (10). 3. Platform according to claim 2, characterized in that the leg (2) comprises at least one member (20) bearing on the box (10) in the upper position of the box (10).
4. Plate-forme selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que ledit au moins organe d'appui sur le caisson (10) est formé par une butée d'appui (20) fixée sur chaque membrure (3) à l'intérieur de la jambe (2) correspondante.4. Platform according to claim 3, characterized in that said at least support member on the box (10) is formed by a bearing abutment (20) fixed on each frame (3) inside of the corresponding leg (2).
5. Plate-forme selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que la distance séparant les butées d'appui (20) et le socle (8) de la jambe est inférieure à la hauteur du caisson (10) de cette jambe (2).5. Platform according to claim 4, characterized in that the distance separating the bearing stops (20) and the base (8) of the leg is less than the height of the box (10) of this leg (2) .
6. Plate-forme selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de verrouillage de chaque caisson (10) comprennent :6. Platform according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the locking means of each box (10) comprise:
- au moins deux bras (25) opposés, montés sur l'extrémité supérieure du caisson (10) et s'étendant au-dessus dudit caisson (10),at least two opposed arms (25) mounted on the upper end of the box (10) and extending above said box (10),
- au moins deux butées inférieures (30) opposées, disposées à l'intérieur et à l'extrémité inférieure de la jambe (2) et destinées à coopérer chacune dans la position basse de ce caisson (10), avec une butée (31) disposée à l'extrémité supérieure du caisson (10), etat least two opposite lower stops (30) arranged inside and at the lower end of the leg (2) and intended to cooperate each in the lower position of this box (10), with a stop (31) disposed at the upper end of the box (10), and
- au moins deux butées intermédiaires (35) opposées, disposées à l'intérieur de la jambe (2) au-dessus des butées inférieures (30) et destinées à bloquer chacune l'extrémité libre (25b) d'un bras (25) dans ladite position basse du caisson (10).at least two opposite intermediate stops (35) arranged inside the leg (2) above the lower stops (30) and intended to each block the free end (25b) of an arm (25) in said lower position of the box (10).
7. Plate-forme selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que les bras (25) sont inclinés vers l'extérieur du caisson (10) et sont déplaçables entre cette position inclinée et une position sensiblement verticale lors de la translation du caisson (10).7. Platform according to claim 6, characterized in that the arms (25) are inclined outwardly of the box (10) and are movable between this inclined position and a substantially vertical position during the translation of the box (10). ).
8. Procédé d'installation sur un site d'exploitation en mer d'une plate-forme selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste en les étapes suivantes :8. Method of installation on an offshore operation site of a platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of the following steps:
- à amener la plate-forme par flottaison ou sur une barge sur le site, le caisson (10) de chaque jambe (2) étant en position haute escamotée,- To bring the platform by flotation or on a barge on the site, the box (10) of each leg (2) being in the retracted high position,
- à descendre les jambes (2) pour appliquer sur le fond marin (7), le socle (8) de chaque jambe (2),- to lower the legs (2) to apply on the seabed (7), the base (8) of each leg (2),
- à faire pénétrer chaque caisson (10) dans le fond marin (7) en pompant l'eau à l'intérieur du caisson (10), - à bloquer dans la jambe (2) correspondante chaque caisson (10) en position basse en saillie et ancrée dans le fond marin (7), et- To penetrate each box (10) in the seabed (7) by pumping the water inside the box (10), - to lock in the leg (2) corresponding each box (10) in the lower position. protruding and anchored in the seabed (7), and
- à surélever le pont (1) de la plate-forme à la hauteur désirée.- to raise the bridge (1) of the platform to the desired height.
9. Procédé d'installation sur un site d'exploitation en mer d'une plate-forme selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste en les étapes suivantes :9. A method of installation on an offshore exploitation site of a platform according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it consists of the following steps:
- à amener la plate-forme par flottaison ou sur une barge sur le site, le caisson (10) de chaque jambe (2) étant en position haute escamotée,- To bring the platform by flotation or on a barge on the site, the box (10) of each leg (2) being in the retracted high position,
- à descendre les jambes (10) pour appliquer sur le fond marin (7), le socle (8) de chaque jambe (2), - à surélever le pont (1 ) de la plate-forme à la hauteur désirée,- to lower the legs (10) to apply on the seabed (7), the base (8) of each leg (2), - to raise the bridge (1) of the platform to the desired height,
- à faire pénétrer chaque caisson (10) dans le fond marin en pompant l'eau à l'intérieur de ce caisson (10), et - à bloquer dans la jambe (2) correspondante chaque caisson (10) se en saillie et ancrée dans le fond marin (7). - to make penetrate each box (10) in the seabed by pumping the water inside this box (10), and - To block in the leg (2) corresponding to each box (10) protrudes and anchored in the seabed (7).
EP05804232.6A 2004-10-06 2005-09-26 Offshore oil-drilling rig Not-in-force EP1797245B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0410545A FR2876124B1 (en) 2004-10-06 2004-10-06 OPERATING PLATFORM AT SEA AND METHODS OF INSTALLATION AT A SITE OPERATING AT SEA OF SUCH A PLATFORM
PCT/FR2005/002379 WO2006037871A1 (en) 2004-10-06 2005-09-26 Offshore oil-drilling rig and methods for installing same on an offshore oil-drilling site

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1797245A1 true EP1797245A1 (en) 2007-06-20
EP1797245B1 EP1797245B1 (en) 2014-11-12

Family

ID=34949456

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05804232.6A Not-in-force EP1797245B1 (en) 2004-10-06 2005-09-26 Offshore oil-drilling rig

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US7690866B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1797245B1 (en)
KR (1) KR101338570B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2005291133B2 (en)
DK (1) DK1797245T3 (en)
EA (1) EA009612B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2530276T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2876124B1 (en)
MX (1) MX2007003811A (en)
NO (1) NO20071588L (en)
WO (1) WO2006037871A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20130139930A (en) * 2010-10-21 2013-12-23 코노코 필립스 컴퍼니 Ice worthy jack-up drilling unit with pre-loading tension system
KR102093844B1 (en) * 2013-12-26 2020-03-26 재단법인 포항산업과학연구원 Jack up rig and elevating device for jack up rig

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2909901A (en) * 1954-11-16 1959-10-27 De Long Corp Tank footing members for a combined barge and working platform assembly
US2908142A (en) * 1956-09-28 1959-10-13 De Long Corp Supporting leg assembly for marine platform
US2994202A (en) * 1958-01-27 1961-08-01 Jersey Prod Res Co Hydraulic mooring means
US3797256A (en) * 1972-09-08 1974-03-19 Sharp Inc G Jack-up type offshore platform apparatus
US4372707A (en) * 1979-11-29 1983-02-08 Pipe Technology Systems, Inc. Pile installation and removal mechanisms in off-shore rigs and method of using same
FR2607165B1 (en) * 1986-11-26 1990-07-20 Technip Geoproduction SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR SELF-LIFTING OIL PLATFORM SUPPORT LEGS
FR2734851B1 (en) * 1995-06-02 1999-03-05 Technip Geoproduction SELF-LIFTING PLATFORM FOR DRILLING OR OIL EXPLOITATION AT SEA.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2006037871A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK1797245T3 (en) 2015-02-23
WO2006037871A1 (en) 2006-04-13
EA200700812A1 (en) 2007-08-31
US20070231075A1 (en) 2007-10-04
MX2007003811A (en) 2007-05-24
KR20070061549A (en) 2007-06-13
US7690866B2 (en) 2010-04-06
KR101338570B1 (en) 2013-12-06
AU2005291133A1 (en) 2006-04-13
ES2530276T3 (en) 2015-02-27
FR2876124B1 (en) 2007-04-13
EA009612B1 (en) 2008-02-28
FR2876124A1 (en) 2006-04-07
NO20071588L (en) 2007-05-07
EP1797245B1 (en) 2014-11-12
AU2005291133B2 (en) 2010-12-02

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