EP2285660A1 - Mating - Google Patents

Mating

Info

Publication number
EP2285660A1
EP2285660A1 EP08760302A EP08760302A EP2285660A1 EP 2285660 A1 EP2285660 A1 EP 2285660A1 EP 08760302 A EP08760302 A EP 08760302A EP 08760302 A EP08760302 A EP 08760302A EP 2285660 A1 EP2285660 A1 EP 2285660A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hull
end piece
semi
opening
submersible unit
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
EP08760302A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2285660B1 (en
Inventor
Bernt Erik Westre
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.)
GVA Consultants AB
Original Assignee
GVA Consultants AB
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 GVA Consultants AB filed Critical GVA Consultants AB
Publication of EP2285660A1 publication Critical patent/EP2285660A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2285660B1 publication Critical patent/EP2285660B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B75/00—Building or assembling floating offshore structures, e.g. semi-submersible platforms, SPAR platforms or wind turbine platforms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B77/00—Transporting or installing offshore structures on site using buoyancy forces, e.g. using semi-submersible barges, ballasting the structure or transporting of oil-and-gas platforms

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the method comprises the steps of - placing a hull in a body of water, the hull comprising an opening for receiving an end piece, the end piece constituting at least a portion of the side wall, - lowering the hull into the body of water, and connecting a deck structure to the hull to form a semi-submersible unit
  • the present invention also relates to a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the kit comprises hull comprising an opening and a deck structure Moreover, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible unit constructed according to the method and/or from a kit according to the present invention
  • Semi-submersible units are inter alia used for drilling for, or production of, natural resources such as gas and oil, when the natural resources for example are located in a source located at the bottom of a sea or lake Furthermore, semi-submersible units are used for quartering staff working out at sea
  • semi-submersible units have generally increased which results in various problems when constructing the units
  • semi-submersible units are often provided with a deck structure adapted to accommodate e g drilling or production equipment and such a deck structure is often too heavy and/or large to be lifted by conventional lifting arrangements, such as cranes
  • units comprising a side wall or, even more preferred, being provided with an outer wall delimiting an enclosed area within the unit wherein the outer wall substantially constitutes the hull of the unit
  • the latter unit may be referred to as a ring wall type of semi-submersible unit
  • US 6125780 discloses a method of constructing a hull for a ring wall semi- submersible unit which method comprises the steps of providing four substantially identical buoyant modules and attaching them to one another to thereby form a hull of a ring wall type
  • the hull obtained using the 780 method will also exhibit a large water plane area, hence requiring a large amount of e g ballast water in order to lower the hull to a position in which a deck structure may be connected to the hull
  • a first object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein no one of the components constituting the semi-submersible unit is subjected to excessive loading during the construction
  • a second object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, which method ensures that the floating components of the unit provide an appropriately high stability during the construction
  • a third object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, which reduces, preferably eliminates, a risk of obtaining large residual stresses in any part of the semi-submersible unit
  • a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, which requires a minimum of construction time in a dry dock and/or at a quay
  • At least one of the objects above is achieved by a method for constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall according to claim 1
  • the present invention relates to a method of constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the method comprises the steps of placing a hull in a body of water, the hull comprising an opening for receiving an end piece, the end piece constituting at least a portion of the side wall, lowering the hull into the body of water, and connecting a deck structure to the hull to form a semi-submersible unit
  • the method further comprises the steps of - floating the end piece into the opening, and attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible unit
  • the two last steps of the method as presented hereinabove are executed after the deck structure has been connected to the hull
  • the mating of the deck structure with the hull may be performed when the hull provides appropriate hydrostatic characteristics, such as water plane area and stability Then, the end piece is inserted in the semi-submersible unit thus formed, wherein the introduction of the end piece will further contribute to the hydrostatic characteristics of the hull without impairing the above mentioned mating procedure
  • the deck structure since the hull and deck structure are connected to one another, thus preferably forming a continuous unit prior to the insertion of the end piece, initial deflections of the hull - e g due to differences in the inner and outer pressure of the hull - may be reduced, or even avoided since the deck structure generally is a member with a high stiffness As may be realized by a person skilled in the art, if the end piece was to be inserted and connected to the hull when the hull was subjected to initial deflections - this may result in residual stresses in at least a portion of the complete semi-submersible unit These residual stresses may be reduced, or even avoided, by the construction method of the present invention
  • the step of attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible unit need not necessarily be an additional method step, the end piece and semi-submersible unit may namely be arranged to become attached to one another on insertion of the end piece and semi-submersible unit with mating mechanical parts arranged to fasten and/or lock on insertion of the end piece into the semi-submersible unit
  • an end piece need not necessarily fill the entire opening but that several end pieces may be arranged to be inserted into the same opening, said one or more end pieces not necessarily filling the opening Additionally, and end piece may itself comprise one or more openings
  • the method further comprises a step of elevating the semi-submersible unit after the deck structure has been connected to the hull in order to facilitate the floating in of the end piece
  • the method further comprises a step of elevating the semi-submersible unit after the end piece has been inserted into the opening such that the step of attaching the end piece to the semi- submersible unit may be performed above a still water level of the body of water
  • the end piece is buoyant such that the end piece may be self-floating into the opening, preferably the end piece is towed into the opening.
  • the need for additional floating members, such as barges, during the construction of the semi- submersible unit may be reduced, or even omitted
  • the hull comprises a truss assembly at least partially delimiting the opening and the step of attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible unit in turn comprises the steps of attaching the end piece to the truss assembly, and sealing the truss assembly from ambient water by attaching a sealing arrangement, which sealing arrangement preferably comprises a plate such as a steel plate, to the truss assembly
  • the truss assembly as mentioned hereinabove may provide additional structural stiffness to the hull - hence preferably reducing the risk for initial deflections - without substantially increasing the water plane area of the hull
  • the hull comprises guide means for guiding the end piece into the opening and the step of floating the end piece into the opening in turn comprises a step of guiding the end piece into the opening using the guide means
  • the step of attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible structure in turn comprises the steps of attaching the end piece to the hull, and attaching the end piece to the deck structure
  • a second aspect of the present invention relates to a kit for constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the kit comprises hull comprising an opening, and a deck structure According to the second aspect of the present invention, the kit further comprises an end piece adapted to constitute at least a portion of the side wall, the end piece further being adapted to be floated into the opening and attached to the hull
  • the hull comprises means for guiding the end piece into the opening
  • the hull comprises a truss assembly at least partially delimiting the opening
  • the hull comprises a first and a second longitudinally extending float, wherein each one of the first and second floats is adapted to extend through a still water level of a body of water, wherein the first and second floats are connected to one another by means of a substantially transversally extending bridging arrangement wherein at least a portion of the first float, at least a portion of the second float and at least a portion of the bridging arrangement at least partially delimits the opening
  • the end piece comprises structural tanks, such as ballast water tanks
  • the hull comprises tanks adapted to store liquefied natural gas
  • the kit comprises a plurality of end pieces such that the side wall delimits an enclosed area
  • a third aspect of the present invention relates to a semi-submersible unit constructed according to the method according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or from a kit according to the second aspect of the present invention
  • Fig 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a hull comprising an opening for receiving an end piece
  • Fig 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the hull illustrated in Fig 1 ,
  • Fig 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view the hull of Fig 1 as well as a deck structure in a step of the method of the present invention wherein the deck is connected to the hull to form a semi-submersible unit,
  • Fig 4 illustrates a schematic side view of the semi-submersible unit as illustrated in Fig 3,
  • Fig 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the semi-submersible unit of
  • Fig 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the semi-submersible unit in Fig 3 and Fig 5, wherein the end piece is being attached to the hull
  • Fig 7 illustrates a side view of an alternative implementation of a hull suitable for the construction method of the present invention
  • Fig 8 illustrates an top view of the hull illustrated in Fig 7, and
  • Fig 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of yet another hull which may be used in the construction method of the present invention
  • Fig 1 illustrates a hull 10 which is suitable to be used in the construction method of the present invention
  • the hull 10 comprises a first and a second longitudinally extending float 12, 14
  • Each one of the first 12 and second 14 floats is adapted to extend through a still water level (SWL) of a body of water
  • the first and second floats 12, 14 are connected to one another by means of a substantially transversally extending bridging arrangement, which bridging arrangement in the implementation of the hull 10 illustrated in Fig 1 is constituted by two transversally extending bracings, namely a first 16 and a second bracing 18, wherein each one of the bracings 16, 18 connects a lower portion of the first float 12 to a lower portion of the second float 14
  • the floats 12, 14 and the bracings 16, 18 are preferably made out of steel
  • the hull 10 may have a displacement within the range of 50 000 - 500 000 metric tonnes when in an operational draught
  • first and the second floats 12, 14 in combination with each one of the bracings 16, 18 form an opening in the hull
  • the first and second floats 12, 14 and the first bracing 16 form a first opening 20
  • the first and second floats 12, 14 and the second bracing 18 form a second opening 22
  • At least one, but preferably both, of the floats 12, 14 are preferably furnished with tanks for storing hydrocarbons, such as gas or oil More preferred, the floats are furnished with tanks for storing liquefied natural gas (LNG) Moreover, the floats 12, 14 - and possibly also the bracings 16, 18 - are provided with ballast water tanks and a ballast water system including inter alia water pumps for controlling the water level in the aforementioned ballast water tanks such that the load and hence the floating condition of the hull 10 may be controlled
  • LNG liquefied natural gas
  • Fig 2 presents a side view of the Fig 1 hull 10, wherein deflections of the hull 10 have been exaggerated
  • Fig 2 illustrates that it is not unlikely that the bracings 16, 18 may be subjected to a bending deflection resulting in that the first and second floats 12, 14 will be inclined away from one another
  • an end piece (not shown in Fig 2), adapted to be fitted into the first opening 20 was to be attached to the hull 10 in the floating condition illustrated in Fig 1 and Fig 2
  • This problem is at least
  • Fig 3 illustrates a further step of the construction method of the present invention, wherein the hull 10 has been lowered into the water such that the freeboard, i e the distance from the still water level to the uppermost portion of the first and second floats 12, 14, is so small that a deck structure 24 may be floated over the hull 10
  • the hull 10 is lowered by introducing ballast water into the hull 10, e g by using the aforementioned ballast water tanks (not shown)
  • the water plane area of the hull 10 is only constituted by the water plane areas of the first 12 and second 14 floats, respectively, the hull 10 may be lowered to a desired draught without subjecting the hull 10 to excessive loads
  • the water plane areas of the first 12 and second 14 floats, respectively preferably are adapted to provide an appropriate stability to the hull 10 in the floating condition illustrated in Fig 3
  • the deck structure 24 When the hull 10 is in the position illustrated in Fig 3, the deck structure 24 is floated over the hull 10 To this end, the deck structure 24 may be loaded onto one or several barges (not shown) wherein at least one of the barges may be guided through the second opening 22 of the hull 10
  • the deck structure 24 may be buoyant - for instance a centre portion of the deck structure 24 may be adapted to be immersed in water and thus carry the rest of the deck structure 24 when it is introduced through the second opening 22
  • the deck structure 24 may have various designs, depending inter alia on the purpose of the semi-submersible unit to be constructed Purely by way of example, the deck structure 24 may be a buoyant member or at least have a water tight bottom
  • the deck structure 24 may comprise, or even be constituted by, a truss structure (not shown)
  • the deck structure 24 in Fig 3 is illustrated as being constituted by one single unit, the deck structure 24 may instead be split up into several sub-structures (not shown) wherein each one of the sub-structures are floated into position and connected to the hull 10
  • the deck structure 24 may comprise additional equipment, e g for drilling, producing or storing hydrocarbons (not shown)
  • a deck structure 24 without the additional equipment as presented hereinabove may weigh approximately 10 000 to 20 000 metric tonnes
  • the deck structure 24, including such arrangements may weigh 60 000 to 80 000 metric tonnes
  • the two components When the deck structure 24 has been placed in position over the hull 10, the two components may be connected to one another to form a semi-submersible unit 26 To this end, the deck structure 24 may be fixedly attached to the hull 10, e g by means of welding Optionally, the deck structure 24 may simply be resting on the hull 10 wherein the deck structure 24 will be held in place in relation to the hull 10 by means of friction forces developed between the two structures
  • Fig 4 illustrates a side view of the Fig 3 semi-submersible unit 26
  • the Fig 4 semi-submersible unit 26 comprises the deck structure 24 which is connected to the hull 10 and since the deck structure 24 often is relatively stiff, the deflections of the hull 10 in the Fig 4 configuration are generally substantially less pronounced than in the case illustrated in Fig 2
  • the configuration as proposed in Fig 4 provides for that an end piece may be inserted in the first opening 20 in the hull 10 and may also be attached to the hull 10 when the hull 10 subjected to small initial deflections, resulting in a semi-submersible unit with low residual stresses
  • Fig 5 illustrates a perspective view of the semi-submersible unit 26 obtained from the construction step illustrated in Fig 3
  • Fig 5 further illustrates that an end piece 28 may be floated into the opening 20 and connected to the semi-submersible unit 26
  • the draught - i e the distance from the bottom of the hull 10 to the still water level - of the semi-submersible unit 26 in the condition illustrated in Fig 5 is preferably substantially lower than the draught of the hull 10 during the deck structure 24 mating step as illustrated in Fig 3
  • This reduction of the draught is carried out order to facilitate the floating in of the end piece 28
  • the end piece 28 preferably constitutes a substantial part of the side wall Purely by way of example, the end piece 28 may have a height which is in the interval of
  • the end piece 28 is preferably made out of steel and preferably comprises structural tanks, such as ballast water tanks (not shown) Such ballast water tanks may be used to control the floating condition of the end piece 28, in the case of a buoyant end piece 28 Moreover, once the end piece 28 has been connected to the semi-submersible unit 26, the ballast water tanks of the end piece 28 may preferably be connected to a ballast water system (not shown) of the semi-submersible unit 26 such that the ballast water tanks of the end piece 28 may be used for controlling the floating condition of the semi- submersible unit 26
  • the hull 10 and/or the end piece 28 is preferably provided with guide means for guiding the end piece 28 into position in the first opening 20
  • a guide means may comprise a rod (not shown) of the hull 10 which rod extends substantially vertically in the first opening 20 as well as two frames (not shown) located on the bottom of the end piece 28, which frames form a tapering gap
  • the hull 10 may be provided with supports (not shown) located below the opening on which supports the end piece 28 may rest when it has been inserted into the first opening 20
  • the end piece 28 and the semi-submersible unit 26 are attached to one another
  • the end piece 28 is fixedly attached to the semi-submersible unit 26, e g by means of welding
  • the end piece 28 is preferably fixedly attached to the hull 10 and, if possible, also to the deck structure 24
  • the end piece 28 may be attached to the semi-submersible unit 26 when the unit 26 is in the floating condition as illustrated in Fig 5, e g immediately after the end piece 28 has been inserted into the first opening 20
  • the semi-submersible unit 26 is raised - i e the draught of the unit 26 is reduced - before the end piece 28 is attached to the unit 26
  • attachment procedures such as welding, may be performed in a dry environment which generally provides for
  • Fig 7 illustrates a side view of another implementation of a hull 10 which may be used in the construction method of the present invention
  • the hull 10 comprises a truss assembly 30 at least partially delimiting the first opening 20
  • the truss assembly 30 adds additional structural stiffness without adding any substantial hydrostatic stiffness to the hull 10
  • the aforementioned changes in the characteristics of the hull 10 obtained by the introduction of the truss assembly 30 may be useful when e g performing the construction method of the present invention, for instance as regards deflections of the hull 10 and/or the capability of raising and lowering the hull
  • an end piece (not shown in Fig 7) is preferably attached to the inner portion of the truss assembly 30
  • the truss assembly 30 is preferably sealed from ambient water after the end piece 28 has been inserted in the first opening 20 and attached to the truss assembly 30
  • a sealing is obtained by attaching a sealing arrangement to the truss assembly 30
  • An example of such a sealing arrangement is illustrated in Fig 8, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises four steel plates 32', 32" 34' and 34" Each one of the steel plates 32', 32", 34 and 34 ' is placed in an appropriate position on or over the truss assembly and attached to the hull 10 and the end piece 28
  • the sealing arrangement illustrated in Fig 8 further comprises a two more plates (not shown in Fig 8) adapted to be located at each side of the end piece 28 and adapted to cover the portions of the truss assembly 30 located below the end piece 28
  • Fig 9 illustrates another hull 10

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of constructing a semi-submersible unit (26) comprising a side wall, wherein the method comprises the steps of: placing a hull (10) in a body of water, the hull (10) comprising an opening (20) for receiving an end piece (28), the end piece (28) constituting at least a portion of the side wall; - lowering the hull (10) into the body of water, and - connecting a deck structure (24) to the hull (10) to form a semi-submersible unit (10). The present invention also relates to a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit (26) comprising a side wall, wherein the kit comprises hull (10) comprising an opening (20) and a deck structure (24). Moreover, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible unit (26) constructed according to the method and/or from a kit according to the present invention.

Description

MATING
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method of constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the method comprises the steps of - placing a hull in a body of water, the hull comprising an opening for receiving an end piece, the end piece constituting at least a portion of the side wall, - lowering the hull into the body of water, and connecting a deck structure to the hull to form a semi-submersible unit
The present invention also relates to a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the kit comprises hull comprising an opening and a deck structure Moreover, the present invention relates to a semi-submersible unit constructed according to the method and/or from a kit according to the present invention
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Semi-submersible units are inter alia used for drilling for, or production of, natural resources such as gas and oil, when the natural resources for example are located in a source located at the bottom of a sea or lake Furthermore, semi-submersible units are used for quartering staff working out at sea
Over the years, the sizes of semi-submersible units have generally increased which results in various problems when constructing the units For instance, there may be few, if any, dry docks available in the world adapted to accommodate a complete semi- submersible unit the displacement and load carrying capacity of which meets the requirements of a modern drilling or production unit Moreover, semi-submersible units are often provided with a deck structure adapted to accommodate e g drilling or production equipment and such a deck structure is often too heavy and/or large to be lifted by conventional lifting arrangements, such as cranes
Furthermore, within the field of semi-submersible units, there has recently been an interest in units comprising a side wall or, even more preferred, being provided with an outer wall delimiting an enclosed area within the unit wherein the outer wall substantially constitutes the hull of the unit The latter unit may be referred to as a ring wall type of semi-submersible unit
When constructing a semi-submersible unit of a ring wall type with a deck structure, the prior art, see e g WO 02/092425, proposes a method of constructing a platform structure comprising a hull structure and a self-floating deck module, which method comprises the steps of lowering the hull structure into a body of water, floating the deck module over the hull structure and connecting the hull structure with the deck module The steps as defined hereinabove as regards the floating in and connection of the deck module is often referred to as a mating procedure However, as may be realized by a person skilled in the art, lowering the complete hull structure as proposed by '425 requires a large amount of e g ballast water - due to the large water line area of the hull structure - which results in that the hull structure will be subiected to large loads Moreover, when the '425 hull structure is lowered to a position in which the deck structure may be connected to the hull structure, only a small portion of the hull structure is intersecting a still water level, resulting in a low stability of the hull structure As may be realized by a person skilled in the art, there is generally a desire to avoid large loads, as well as a low stability, of the hull structure during a mating procedure
Moreover, US 6125780 discloses a method of constructing a hull for a ring wall semi- submersible unit which method comprises the steps of providing four substantially identical buoyant modules and attaching them to one another to thereby form a hull of a ring wall type However, as in the '425 case, the hull obtained using the 780 method will also exhibit a large water plane area, hence requiring a large amount of e g ballast water in order to lower the hull to a position in which a deck structure may be connected to the hull
As such, as may be realized from the above, when a constructing semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall and/or which is of a ring wall type, there is a need for improving the methods by which such units are constructed
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein no one of the components constituting the semi-submersible unit is subjected to excessive loading during the construction A second object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, which method ensures that the floating components of the unit provide an appropriately high stability during the construction
A third object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, which reduces, preferably eliminates, a risk of obtaining large residual stresses in any part of the semi-submersible unit
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, which requires a minimum of construction time in a dry dock and/or at a quay
At least one of the objects above is achieved by a method for constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall according to claim 1
As such, the present invention relates to a method of constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the method comprises the steps of placing a hull in a body of water, the hull comprising an opening for receiving an end piece, the end piece constituting at least a portion of the side wall, lowering the hull into the body of water, and connecting a deck structure to the hull to form a semi-submersible unit
According to the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of - floating the end piece into the opening, and attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible unit
Preferably, the two last steps of the method as presented hereinabove are executed after the deck structure has been connected to the hull
Thus, by utilizing the aforementioned method of the invention, the mating of the deck structure with the hull may be performed when the hull provides appropriate hydrostatic characteristics, such as water plane area and stability Then, the end piece is inserted in the semi-submersible unit thus formed, wherein the introduction of the end piece will further contribute to the hydrostatic characteristics of the hull without impairing the above mentioned mating procedure
Moreover, since the hull and deck structure are connected to one another, thus preferably forming a continuous unit prior to the insertion of the end piece, initial deflections of the hull - e g due to differences in the inner and outer pressure of the hull - may be reduced, or even avoided since the deck structure generally is a member with a high stiffness As may be realized by a person skilled in the art, if the end piece was to be inserted and connected to the hull when the hull was subjected to initial deflections - this may result in residual stresses in at least a portion of the complete semi-submersible unit These residual stresses may be reduced, or even avoided, by the construction method of the present invention
It should be noted that the step of attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible unit need not necessarily be an additional method step, the end piece and semi-submersible unit may namely be arranged to become attached to one another on insertion of the end piece and semi-submersible unit with mating mechanical parts arranged to fasten and/or lock on insertion of the end piece into the semi-submersible unit
It should also be noted that an end piece need not necessarily fill the entire opening but that several end pieces may be arranged to be inserted into the same opening, said one or more end pieces not necessarily filling the opening Additionally, and end piece may itself comprise one or more openings
According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of elevating the semi-submersible unit after the deck structure has been connected to the hull in order to facilitate the floating in of the end piece
According to another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of elevating the semi-submersible unit after the end piece has been inserted into the opening such that the step of attaching the end piece to the semi- submersible unit may be performed above a still water level of the body of water
This ensures that the end piece may be attached to the semi-submersible unit by means of conventional attachment techniques, such as dry welding, which is considerably cheaper and more efficient than for instance wet welding, i e welding below the still water surface
According to a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, the end piece is buoyant such that the end piece may be self-floating into the opening, preferably the end piece is towed into the opening Thus, if the end piece is self-floating, the need for additional floating members, such as barges, during the construction of the semi- submersible unit, may be reduced, or even omitted
According to another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the hull comprises a truss assembly at least partially delimiting the opening and the step of attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible unit in turn comprises the steps of attaching the end piece to the truss assembly, and sealing the truss assembly from ambient water by attaching a sealing arrangement, which sealing arrangement preferably comprises a plate such as a steel plate, to the truss assembly
The truss assembly as mentioned hereinabove, may provide additional structural stiffness to the hull - hence preferably reducing the risk for initial deflections - without substantially increasing the water plane area of the hull
According to a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, the hull comprises guide means for guiding the end piece into the opening and the step of floating the end piece into the opening in turn comprises a step of guiding the end piece into the opening using the guide means
According to another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the step of attaching the end piece to the semi-submersible structure in turn comprises the steps of attaching the end piece to the hull, and attaching the end piece to the deck structure
A second aspect of the present invention relates to a kit for constructing a semi- submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein the kit comprises hull comprising an opening, and a deck structure According to the second aspect of the present invention, the kit further comprises an end piece adapted to constitute at least a portion of the side wall, the end piece further being adapted to be floated into the opening and attached to the hull
According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the hull comprises means for guiding the end piece into the opening
According to another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the hull comprises a truss assembly at least partially delimiting the opening
According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the hull comprises a first and a second longitudinally extending float, wherein each one of the first and second floats is adapted to extend through a still water level of a body of water, wherein the first and second floats are connected to one another by means of a substantially transversally extending bridging arrangement wherein at least a portion of the first float, at least a portion of the second float and at least a portion of the bridging arrangement at least partially delimits the opening
According to another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the end piece comprises structural tanks, such as ballast water tanks
According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the hull comprises tanks adapted to store liquefied natural gas
According to another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the kit comprises a plurality of end pieces such that the side wall delimits an enclosed area
A third aspect of the present invention relates to a semi-submersible unit constructed according to the method according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or from a kit according to the second aspect of the present invention
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will hereinafter be further explained by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the appended figures wherein Fig 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a hull comprising an opening for receiving an end piece,
Fig 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the hull illustrated in Fig 1 ,
Fig 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view the hull of Fig 1 as well as a deck structure in a step of the method of the present invention wherein the deck is connected to the hull to form a semi-submersible unit,
Fig 4 illustrates a schematic side view of the semi-submersible unit as illustrated in Fig 3,
Fig 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the semi-submersible unit of
Fig 3, wherein an end piece is floated into the opening of the hull,
Fig 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the semi-submersible unit in Fig 3 and Fig 5, wherein the end piece is being attached to the hull,
Fig 7 illustrates a side view of an alternative implementation of a hull suitable for the construction method of the present invention,
Fig 8 illustrates an top view of the hull illustrated in Fig 7, and
Fig 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of yet another hull which may be used in the construction method of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention will be described using examples of embodiments It should however be realized that the embodiments are included in order to explain principles of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, defined by the appended claims
Fig 1 illustrates a hull 10 which is suitable to be used in the construction method of the present invention The hull 10 comprises a first and a second longitudinally extending float 12, 14 Each one of the first 12 and second 14 floats is adapted to extend through a still water level (SWL) of a body of water The first and second floats 12, 14 are connected to one another by means of a substantially transversally extending bridging arrangement, which bridging arrangement in the implementation of the hull 10 illustrated in Fig 1 is constituted by two transversally extending bracings, namely a first 16 and a second bracing 18, wherein each one of the bracings 16, 18 connects a lower portion of the first float 12 to a lower portion of the second float 14 The floats 12, 14 and the bracings 16, 18 are preferably made out of steel Purely by way of example, the hull 10 may have a displacement within the range of 50 000 - 500 000 metric tonnes when in an operational draught
Furthermore, as may be gleaned from Fig 1 , the first and the second floats 12, 14 in combination with each one of the bracings 16, 18 form an opening in the hull As such, the first and second floats 12, 14 and the first bracing 16 form a first opening 20 whereas the first and second floats 12, 14 and the second bracing 18 form a second opening 22
In the presentation of the construction method of the present invention hereinbelow, reference will be made to the first opening 20 only However, a person skilled in the art will directly realize that each step in the construction method is equally applicable for the second opening 22
At least one, but preferably both, of the floats 12, 14 are preferably furnished with tanks for storing hydrocarbons, such as gas or oil More preferred, the floats are furnished with tanks for storing liquefied natural gas (LNG) Moreover, the floats 12, 14 - and possibly also the bracings 16, 18 - are provided with ballast water tanks and a ballast water system including inter alia water pumps for controlling the water level in the aforementioned ballast water tanks such that the load and hence the floating condition of the hull 10 may be controlled
Fig 2 presents a side view of the Fig 1 hull 10, wherein deflections of the hull 10 have been exaggerated As may be realized from Fig 2, when the hull 10 is floating in water, there is a risk that the hull may be subjected to initial deflections due to e g difference in the internal pressure and the external pressure - i e the water pressure - of the hull 10 Moreover, Fig 2 illustrates that it is not unlikely that the bracings 16, 18 may be subiected to a bending deflection resulting in that the first and second floats 12, 14 will be inclined away from one another As such, if an end piece (not shown in Fig 2), adapted to be fitted into the first opening 20 was to be attached to the hull 10 in the floating condition illustrated in Fig 1 and Fig 2, there is a risk that the hull 10 thus obtained - i e comprising the original hull 10 and the end piece - would contain residual stresses which may impair the strength of the hull 10 This problem is at least reduced by the construction method of the present invention, as will be explained hereinbelow
Fig 3 illustrates a further step of the construction method of the present invention, wherein the hull 10 has been lowered into the water such that the freeboard, i e the distance from the still water level to the uppermost portion of the first and second floats 12, 14, is so small that a deck structure 24 may be floated over the hull 10 Preferably, the hull 10 is lowered by introducing ballast water into the hull 10, e g by using the aforementioned ballast water tanks (not shown) Since the water plane area of the hull 10 is only constituted by the water plane areas of the first 12 and second 14 floats, respectively, the hull 10 may be lowered to a desired draught without subjecting the hull 10 to excessive loads Furthermore, the water plane areas of the first 12 and second 14 floats, respectively, preferably are adapted to provide an appropriate stability to the hull 10 in the floating condition illustrated in Fig 3
When the hull 10 is in the position illustrated in Fig 3, the deck structure 24 is floated over the hull 10 To this end, the deck structure 24 may be loaded onto one or several barges (not shown) wherein at least one of the barges may be guided through the second opening 22 of the hull 10 Optionally, the deck structure 24 may be buoyant - for instance a centre portion of the deck structure 24 may be adapted to be immersed in water and thus carry the rest of the deck structure 24 when it is introduced through the second opening 22
The deck structure 24 may have various designs, depending inter alia on the purpose of the semi-submersible unit to be constructed Purely by way of example, the deck structure 24 may be a buoyant member or at least have a water tight bottom Optionally, the deck structure 24 may comprise, or even be constituted by, a truss structure (not shown) Moreover, although the deck structure 24 in Fig 3 is illustrated as being constituted by one single unit, the deck structure 24 may instead be split up into several sub-structures (not shown) wherein each one of the sub-structures are floated into position and connected to the hull 10 Additionally, the deck structure 24 may comprise additional equipment, e g for drilling, producing or storing hydrocarbons (not shown) Purely by way of example, a deck structure 24 without the additional equipment as presented hereinabove may weigh approximately 10 000 to 20 000 metric tonnes In a case wherein a deck structure 24 is provided with arrangements for e g producing LNG, the deck structure 24, including such arrangements, may weigh 60 000 to 80 000 metric tonnes
When the deck structure 24 has been placed in position over the hull 10, the two components may be connected to one another to form a semi-submersible unit 26 To this end, the deck structure 24 may be fixedly attached to the hull 10, e g by means of welding Optionally, the deck structure 24 may simply be resting on the hull 10 wherein the deck structure 24 will be held in place in relation to the hull 10 by means of friction forces developed between the two structures
Fig 4 illustrates a side view of the Fig 3 semi-submersible unit 26 As may be realized when comparing Fig 4 and Fig 2, since the Fig 4 semi-submersible unit 26 comprises the deck structure 24 which is connected to the hull 10 and since the deck structure 24 often is relatively stiff, the deflections of the hull 10 in the Fig 4 configuration are generally substantially less pronounced than in the case illustrated in Fig 2 Thus, the configuration as proposed in Fig 4 provides for that an end piece may be inserted in the first opening 20 in the hull 10 and may also be attached to the hull 10 when the hull 10 subjected to small initial deflections, resulting in a semi-submersible unit with low residual stresses
Fig 5 illustrates a perspective view of the semi-submersible unit 26 obtained from the construction step illustrated in Fig 3 Fig 5 further illustrates that an end piece 28 may be floated into the opening 20 and connected to the semi-submersible unit 26 In this respect, the draught - i e the distance from the bottom of the hull 10 to the still water level - of the semi-submersible unit 26 in the condition illustrated in Fig 5 is preferably substantially lower than the draught of the hull 10 during the deck structure 24 mating step as illustrated in Fig 3 This reduction of the draught is carried out order to facilitate the floating in of the end piece 28 However, in some implementations of the construction method of the present invention, it may not be necessary to reduce the draught between the steps of the construction method of the present invention as illustrated in Fig 3 and Fig 5 As further may be realized from Fig 5, the end piece 28 preferably constitutes a substantial part of the side wall Purely by way of example, the end piece 28 may have a height which is in the interval of 0 2 - 0 8 of the height of the hull 10 and the width of the end piece 28 may also range from 0 2 to 0 8 of the width or length, whichever is the largest, of the hull 10 In a preferred implementation of the end piece 28 floating in step of the method of the present invention, the end piece 28 is buoyant such that it may be self-floating into the first opening 20 To this end, the end piece 28 may preferably be connected to an arrangement (not shown) adapted to propel the end piece 28 Purely by way of example, such an arrangement may comprise one or more tugs (not shown) Optionally, if the end piece 28 is not buoyant or if it by some reasons is so desired, the end piece may be loaded on a floating arrangement (not shown) such as a barge (not shown) which floating arrangement in turn may be floated into the first opening 20
The end piece 28 is preferably made out of steel and preferably comprises structural tanks, such as ballast water tanks (not shown) Such ballast water tanks may be used to control the floating condition of the end piece 28, in the case of a buoyant end piece 28 Moreover, once the end piece 28 has been connected to the semi-submersible unit 26, the ballast water tanks of the end piece 28 may preferably be connected to a ballast water system (not shown) of the semi-submersible unit 26 such that the ballast water tanks of the end piece 28 may be used for controlling the floating condition of the semi- submersible unit 26
In order to facilitate the floating in of the end piece 28 into the first opening 20, the hull 10 and/or the end piece 28 is preferably provided with guide means for guiding the end piece 28 into position in the first opening 20 Purely by way of example, such a guide means may comprise a rod (not shown) of the hull 10 which rod extends substantially vertically in the first opening 20 as well as two frames (not shown) located on the bottom of the end piece 28, which frames form a tapering gap
Moreover, the hull 10 may be provided with supports (not shown) located below the opening on which supports the end piece 28 may rest when it has been inserted into the first opening 20
When the end piece 28 has been inserted into the first opening 20, the end piece 28 and the semi-submersible unit 26 are attached to one another Preferably, the end piece 28 is fixedly attached to the semi-submersible unit 26, e g by means of welding Moreover, the end piece 28 is preferably fixedly attached to the hull 10 and, if possible, also to the deck structure 24 The end piece 28 may be attached to the semi-submersible unit 26 when the unit 26 is in the floating condition as illustrated in Fig 5, e g immediately after the end piece 28 has been inserted into the first opening 20 However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the semi-submersible unit 26 is raised - i e the draught of the unit 26 is reduced - before the end piece 28 is attached to the unit 26 This implementation of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in Fig 6 If the end piece 28 is attached to the semi- submersible unit 26 when the unit is in a floating condition as illustrated in Fig 6, attachment procedures, such as welding, may be performed in a dry environment which generally provides for a more rapid and efficient attachment procedure
Fig 7 illustrates a side view of another implementation of a hull 10 which may be used in the construction method of the present invention As may be gleaned from Fig 7, the hull 10 comprises a truss assembly 30 at least partially delimiting the first opening 20 The truss assembly 30 adds additional structural stiffness without adding any substantial hydrostatic stiffness to the hull 10 As may be realized by a person skilled in the art, the aforementioned changes in the characteristics of the hull 10 obtained by the introduction of the truss assembly 30 may be useful when e g performing the construction method of the present invention, for instance as regards deflections of the hull 10 and/or the capability of raising and lowering the hull With a semi-submersible unit 26 comprising a hull 10 as illustrated in Fig 7, an end piece (not shown in Fig 7) is preferably attached to the inner portion of the truss assembly 30
In order to obtain a buoyant - or at least weather proof - side wall extending from the first float 12 to the second float 14 of the hull 10 as illustrated in Fig 7, the truss assembly 30 is preferably sealed from ambient water after the end piece 28 has been inserted in the first opening 20 and attached to the truss assembly 30 Preferably, such a sealing is obtained by attaching a sealing arrangement to the truss assembly 30 An example of such a sealing arrangement is illustrated in Fig 8, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises four steel plates 32', 32" 34' and 34" Each one of the steel plates 32', 32", 34 and 34 ' is placed in an appropriate position on or over the truss assembly and attached to the hull 10 and the end piece 28 Preferably, the sealing arrangement illustrated in Fig 8 further comprises a two more plates (not shown in Fig 8) adapted to be located at each side of the end piece 28 and adapted to cover the portions of the truss assembly 30 located below the end piece 28 Finally, Fig 9 illustrates another hull 10 for use in the construction method of the present invention may be performed As may be gleaned from Fig 9, the hull 10 illustrated therein comprises a ring pontoon 36 and four substantially vertically extending columns 38, 40, 42 and 44 wherein each one of the columns is connected to the ring pontoon 36 As may be realized from Fig 9, the hull 10 has four openings 46, 48, 50 and 52 and each one of the openings is adapted to receive and end piece (not shown in Fig 9) Preferably, when all the four openings of a semi-submersible unit, based on the hull 10 illustrated in Fig 9, have been provided with an end piece, a semi-submersible unit is obtained which has a continuous outer wall, i e the unit is of a so called ring wall type
It should be realized that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove and illustrated in the drawings Rather, a person skilled in the art will realize that many changes and modifications may be performed within the scope of the appended claims

Claims

1 A method of constructing a semi-submersible unit (26) comprising a side wall, wherein the method comprises the steps of
- placing a hull (10) in a body of water, said hull (10) comprising an opening (20) for receiving an end piece (28), said end piece (28) constituting at least a portion of said side wall,
- lowering said hull (10) into said body of water,
- connecting a deck structure (24) to said hull (10) to form a semi-submersible unit (26), characterized in that said method further comprises the steps of floating said end piece (28) into said opening (20), and
- attaching said end piece (28) to said semi-submersible unit (26)
2 The method according to claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises a step of elevating said semi-submersible unit (26) after said deck structure (24) has been connected to said hull (10) in order to facilitate said floating in of said end piece (28)
3 The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said method further comprises a step of elevating said semi-submersible unit (26) after said end piece (28) has been inserted into said opening (20) such that said step of attaching said end piece (28) to said semi-submersible unit (26) may be performed above a still water level of said body of water
4 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said end piece (28) is buoyant such that said end piece (28) may be self-floating into said opening (20), preferably said end piece is towed into said opening (20)
5 The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hull (10) comprises a truss assembly (30) at least partially delimiting said opening (20) and said step of attaching said end piece (28) to said semi-submersible unit (26) in turn comprises the steps of attaching said end piece (28) to said truss assembly (30), and sealing said truss assembly (30) from ambient water by attaching a sealing arrangement, which sealing arrangement preferably comprises a plate such as a steel plate, to said truss assembly (30)
6 The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hull (10) comprises guide means for guiding said end piece (28) into said opening (20) and said step of floating said end piece (28) into said opening (20) in turn comprises a step of guiding said end piece (28) into said opening (20) using said guide means
7 The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said step of attaching said end piece (28) to said semi-submersible structure (26) in turn comprises the steps of attaching said end piece (28) to said hull (10) and attaching said end piece (28) to said deck structure (24)
8 A kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit comprising a side wall, wherein said kit comprises a hull (10) comprising an opening (20), and a deck structure (24) characterized in that said kit further comprises an end piece (28) adapted to constitute at least a portion of said side wall, said end piece (28) further being adapted to be floated into said opening (20) and attached to said hull (10)
9 The kit according to claim 8, wherein said hull (10) comprises means for guiding said end piece (28) into said opening (20)
10 The kit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said hull (10) comprises a truss assembly (30) at least partially delimiting said opening (20)
1 1 The kit according to any one of claims 8 - 10 wherein said hull (10) comprises a first and a second longitudinally extending float (12, 14), wherein each one of said first and second float (12, 14) is adapted to extend through a still water level of a body of water, wherein said first and second floats (12, 14) are connected to one another by means of a substantially transversally extending bridging arrangement (16, 18) wherein at least a portion of said first float (12), at least a portion of said second float (14) and at least a portion of said bridging arrangement (16, 18) at least partially delimits said opening (20)
The kit according to any one of claims 8 - 1 1 , wherein said end piece (28) comprises structural tanks, such as ballast water tanks
The kit according to any one of claims 8 - 12 wherein said hull (10) comprises tanks adapted to store liquefied natural gas
The kit according to any one of claims 8 - 13 wherein said kit comprises a plurality of end pieces (28) such that said side wall delimits an enclosed area
A semi-submersible unit constructed according to the method according to any one of claims 1 - 7 and/or from a kit according to any one of claims 8 - 14
EP08760302.3A 2008-05-30 2008-05-30 Mating Not-in-force EP2285660B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2008/056715 WO2009143899A1 (en) 2008-05-30 2008-05-30 Mating

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2285660A1 true EP2285660A1 (en) 2011-02-23
EP2285660B1 EP2285660B1 (en) 2014-05-07

Family

ID=40343470

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08760302.3A Not-in-force EP2285660B1 (en) 2008-05-30 2008-05-30 Mating

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2285660B1 (en)
KR (1) KR101508028B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102046458B (en)
AU (1) AU2008357137B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0822733A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2009143899A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8877780B2 (en) 2006-08-30 2014-11-04 Celgene Corporation 5-substituted isoindoline compounds
KR101616689B1 (en) 2016-02-01 2016-04-29 주식회사 마텍 A offshore platform

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6125780A (en) * 1997-04-15 2000-10-03 Mobil Oil Corporation Floating barge-platform and method of assembly
US6299383B1 (en) 1997-10-15 2001-10-09 Deep Oil Technology, Inc. Method for deck installations on offshore substructure
US6340272B1 (en) 1999-01-07 2002-01-22 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Co. Method for constructing an offshore platform
NO20012087L (en) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-28 Mpu Entpr As Liquid multi-use platform construction and method of building it
SE526284C2 (en) 2003-02-18 2005-08-16 Gva Consultants Ab Semi-submersible offshore platform and methods for positioning operating modules on said platform

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2009143899A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2285660B1 (en) 2014-05-07
BRPI0822733A2 (en) 2015-07-14
KR20110023857A (en) 2011-03-08
KR101508028B1 (en) 2015-04-07
AU2008357137B2 (en) 2013-09-26
CN102046458B (en) 2015-02-18
CN102046458A (en) 2011-05-04
AU2008357137A1 (en) 2009-12-03
WO2009143899A1 (en) 2009-12-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU701557B2 (en) Offshore apparatus and method for oil operations
US6652192B1 (en) Heave suppressed offshore drilling and production platform and method of installation
KR101341763B1 (en) Preloading to reduce loads and save steel on topsides and grillage of catamaran systems
CN101973373B (en) Ballast tank ventilating system
US20090205554A1 (en) Dry tree semi-submersible platform for harsh environment and ultra deepwater applications
US20040253060A1 (en) Semi-submersible multicolumn floating offshore platform
US8613570B2 (en) Method and a kit for constructing a semi-submersible unit
CA2596091A1 (en) Vessel with mooring system, and mooring system
CA2401409A1 (en) Submersible heavy lift catamaran
US20240208619A1 (en) A semi-submersible service vessel for a floating installation and method therefor
CN110371270B (en) Method for safely floating and refuting product ship in water
AU2008357137B2 (en) Mating
CN201951688U (en) Ballast tank ventilating system and semi-submerged ship provided with the same
AU719838B2 (en) Transportation system and installation method
GB2485678A (en) Jack-up vessel system for offshore transport and handling of cargo
WO2023135165A1 (en) Hull structure for a semi-submersible wind power turbine platform
US20230356814A1 (en) Floating unit with under keel tank
US7762744B2 (en) Method and vessel for removing offshore structures
US7422394B2 (en) Tendon for tension leg platform
US20210394873A1 (en) Operations Vessel for the Maintenance, Installation and/or Disassembly of Offshore Structures
EP3867138B1 (en) Combination of heavy lift vessel and floating appendage structure
GB2430965A (en) Method of deploying a floating platform
US20100186650A1 (en) Preloading to reduce loads and save steel on topsides and grillage of catamaran systems
SE545506C2 (en) Hull structure for a semi-submersible wind power turbine platform
EA029878B1 (en) Variable-draught barge, and system and method of transferring loads from the barge to a supporting structure in a body of water

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20101125

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: WESTRE, BERNT ERIK

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20120719

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: WESTRE, BERNT ERIK

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20131127

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 666421

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602008032086

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140618

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 666421

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140507

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NO

Ref legal event code: T2

Effective date: 20140507

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20140507

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140808

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140907

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602008032086

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140908

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140531

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602008032086

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20141202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20150302

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20150210

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20140807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20141202

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140530

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140807

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140507

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20080530

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140530

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Payment date: 20160511

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NO

Ref legal event code: MMEP

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170531