MXPA05009214A - Method of installation of a tension leg platform - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for attaching a TLP to its tendons using pull-down lines to rapidly submerge the hull to installation draft while compensating for inherent hull instability during submergence and to provide motion arrest and aid in station keeping. The system includes tensioning devices mounted on the TLP, usually one for each tendon. Each tensioning device is equipped with a pull-down line which is connected to the corresponding tendon. The TLP hull is submerged to lock-off draft by applying tensions to the pull-down lines connected to the top of the tensions, or by a combination of applying tension to the pull-down lines and ballasting the hull.

Description

METHOD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A TRACTION EXTREMITY PLATFORM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention generally refers to floating vessels, both "boat-shaped" vessels and semi-submersible vessels. The invention relates, more particularly, to a method for installing a tension leg platform and for connecting it to tendons / ropes or lashing chains and connecting the tendons to foundations, such as driven or drilled piles, suction piles or drawers by suction severity, which are anchored on the seabed.

Description of the Prior Art In the off-shore oil and gas industry, floating vessels such as tension leg platforms (TLPs) for drilling and / or production are common. A TLP is a type of floating platform that is used for drilling and production in relatively deep water. The TLP is tied using vertical tendons (also referred to as ropes or lashing chains) connected to foundations anchored on the seabed. The tendons are tensed by the floating force of the TLP hull, which is submerged or partially submerged. Depending on your configuration, the stability of a TLP with or without an integrated cover may be inadequate during installation. When a TLP is weighed between the initial free-floating shot (for example, the wet tow or non-floating shot) and the bolt shot (the shot in which the TLP is secured to the tendons), there is a range of shots in which the stability of the BPD is critical - the BPD may be unstable or marginally stable before being attached to the tendons. There are a number of ways to make the BPD stable. For example, a wider separation combination of columns and / or larger columns can be used to increase stability. Alternatively, the upper side cover can be installed off the coast after the helmet is connected to the tendons. Off-shore installation of the roof is an expensive, risky operation and requires a good roofing. Due to concerns about the stability of a TLP when passing through installation shots before being locked, the prior art installation techniques often rely on the use of expensive installation specialized equipment, such as lift modules. or temporary floatation to prevent the hull from tipping over before it can be secured to its mooring tendons and subsequently lose the ballast. Another method to maintain stability is the use of an up-hook load for the TLP by means of a larger installation support vessel. A hook load has the advantage of being able to quickly tense the tendons after the close without waiting for the slow process of removing ballast. However, all over the world there is only a very limited number of vessels that are capable of providing the hook load required for an ordinary size TLP. However, U.S. Patent No. 5,551,802 discloses a method that overcomes the need for special equipment for installation and allows the TLP to be installed with only a conventional deepwater drilling vessel and assist trawlers. After the TLP is towed over the previously installed mooring tendons, it is held in position by the deep water drilling vessel and the trawls. As the helmet is pulled down, it is held downwardly close to each connector sleeve (sometimes referred to as sliding nut assembly or sliding) by means of tension lines, attached to the tendon tips, passing through the sleeves of corresponding connection and passing through clamps or ratchet clamps mounted directly above the connection sleeves. The lines for tensioning are tensioned by means of constant voltage devices. The fasteners serve to monitor any movement towards arpua. So that the helmet incsiauic ag vuci ^ uc, ii lauu ucuc yn u na is ainua, lu ai nu cS _ | | _ j? _n J? e O _-__-_ I- »« ^ •! »-___ t_n_Í n (-» ____- »'_-_ ___ t" * ___' _-. ___ »• _ _-it / -. _ r »? i i + C connection. / Although this method of) prior art described below has many advantages over its predecessors, because the fasteners are mounted on the hull below the waterline, the method suffers from the risk of slippage of the fastener, installation, operation, maintenance and difficult removal of the fastener. The matching of the tension lines can be problematic. In addition, because the fasteners do not allow the line to be released selectively, high transient loads can occur. It is desirable to have the ability to drag and drop line during installation to keep the voltage lines within a safe operating voltage frame. In addition, it is desirable to minimize the time required for installation by reducing the amount of ballasting and deballasting (i.e., haul handling) required to install the TLP. By reducing the ballasting and debasing times, the time in which the TLP is at risk due to environmental conditions and instability is also reduced.

IDENTIFICATION OF OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION A main objective of the invention is to provide a TLP installation method, which provides stability to the TLP during transit through u? ios vain installments without installation c s iQciu üaiyqo uc; yaii iiw w fiiyuwi? YOUR CIVIL Civil? without ui ai. wu and? ujc v? i niui ^) uc is ??? vcr? v / iQ ?? TS pi Up? I? Iwiioi one? What is it? What is it? What is it? iiivvliiiiuíiLvo b rperne añ nla í m nlt n ?? H o l e tonrl ia e ol + & r * r% Another main objective of the invention is to provide a TLP insolving system that helps maintain the TLP station during the installation process. Another main objective of the invention is to provide a system for rapidly submerging the TLP hull without using ballast or ballast and / or minimum ballast handling to minimize the time during which the TLP has to pass through the installation shots. of the TLP. By eliminating or reducing ballasting, the tendon pre-tension required after the tendon lock can be achieved quickly without the need for a prolonged debulking process. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for the installation of a TLP helmet with an integrated cover. When the deck is integrated with the hull on the ground, it is possible to put it in service previously, now the time of commissioning at sea and reduce the risks as well as the costs associated with the marine installation. The invention eliminates the need to use a crane vessel, crane barge or other lifting mechanism for the installation of the deck at sea and, therefore, the _-Uí x ic..m_.¿iu_., _ Μ .u .c ^ u .1c .. i ..s ~ u .1.u ..: n .. c ..i i? ..u. ~ a .. i? ..1c: 11 - i.s-.ic..uia ..-.: Iu. £ .i .. i. Another objective of the invention is to provide a route for the installation of a TLP with an integrated deck in potentially larger sea conditions than is normally acceptable for inetolprlAn rl_a lo r i i r + __? lov / Q t Ha on oí m r _a rp ínc + l níón ? ! io v w e? uict t? wni mtpCiwÍi? vni i..iva miii rvi? vrI pCilij r vs n vCt ri úc i nn le? tkuolií wi vii? V) n i iie OCpilnirvliV? an ascending hook load for the TLP by means of a larger installation support vessel. Another object of the invention is to provide a TLP installation method equally suitable for a TLP hull with or without a pre-installed cover, or for installation of a semi-submersible platform or any floating platform where the tendons are replaced by synthetic lines. , wire chains or cables there were other equivalents tensed verical. Another objective of the invention is to provide a TLP installation system that minimizes the time during which the TLP may have a resonant frequency with an external excitation system (for example, frequencies of oias of the surrounding water). The objective of the invention is to provide a TLP installation system in which the main components can be easily removed after the installation of the TLP and the lifter. Another object of the invention is to provide a TLP installation system having a minimum amount of components below the water level. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of NsiaiSciGn ue TLP that you could use to syuusr in? S stalació u? the moorings, thus eliminating the need for support buoys BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The above-identified objects, as well as other aspects and advantages of the invention, are incorporated into a method and system for installing a TLP and joining it to its tendons using fading lines to rapidly submerge the hull at the minimum ballast bolt setting. The system, which compensates for the instability of the TLP or increases the stability of the TLP during the dive, includes tensioning devices mounted above the water, which may be macaws, cord jacks or other equivalent devices capable of providing an adequate pull. Fensing devices can be mounted in the TLP columns, in the cover or in other support structures. At least one main line of tension or pull down connects each tendon to the sensor. The lines downward, which may be a string, string, syn- thenic lines, tube, tube, a combination of them or another equivalent, are conducted through connecting sleeves within the tendon porches and are connected to the upper parts of the corresponding tendons. During installation, the downstream lines are stretched and pulled vertically through the tendon porches using tensors. Scuttles or guides can be used to guide the lines of pull down for a vertical jail and are generally focused on the forehead. When the weather conditions are favorable, the hull of the TLP is submerged to the bolt draft applying stresses to the (iitnilovGtvs r vío w ¡? G p Ii nil p G? v pCij i rv_ v r »vr» a vorv ar. vo, go p v. I vo. vu ri +? o v euit? nvor? í ivnir v rivo loo f IvoiniOelínvnnvove. r v_ m ni ow rvli u nii 4i ov iinp r wio or uv Ii? i rv * uviiv An n r saw ..ovniivcílnvniiovev v o. i vo. see the nino uovpuve r viov pull down and asfrado helmet. As the sensors pull the line down, the hull is submerged, that is, the draft increases. Despite any instability inherent to the helmet during installation, the system provides the stability required for safe installation. If a pull down and ballast combination is used, it is advantageous to start the installation with a quick pull down to reduce the transition time and dynamic peak effects through the initial setting range. During any concurrent ballasting, sufficient stresses must be maintained on the downstream lines to promote the hull's stability, defi ne the movement and assist in the conservation of the station. When reaching the bolt hole, it is desirable that there are two levels of tension in the lines of the pole downwards. The tendons are clamped within the connecting sleeves or locked in an equivalent manner. The system provides the difficulty of movement for quick locking of the helmet. Once the tendons are locked, the required anterior tension of the tendon can be achieved very quickly by transferring the high voltage from the pull-down line to the connecting sleeves. The voltage is transferred by loosening the lines of pull down, thus allowing the TLP to become safe against the storms much faster than by methods of the prior art which require, in most cases, the deballasting to tension the tendons When appropriate, the TLP is released from the ballast to achieve the design stress of! tendon.

In addition to installing a TLP with moored tendons, the method of the invention can be used to install a TLP that includes a go of the mooring tendons to the bottoms of the seabed. In this case, the lines of fensing are attached to the tendon punctures before the tendons are tied. The TLP with the tendons suspended from it is placed on the mooring site. One by one, the tendons are lowered from the floating TLP and placed and locked sequentially in their foundation receptacles on the seabed. Tensioning lines support the tendons and maintain the vertical orientation, thus obviating the need for support buoys for tendons. Additionally, the pull-down lines connect more easily to the tendons because the tendons can be lifted up through the connecting sleeves so that their tips are above the water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described in detail hereinafter on the basis of the modalities represented schematically in the appended Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a visual view of the towing to the location of installation of a TLP with an intangible superstructure and rigged according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a top view of Fig. 1; Figure 3 shows an example of a TLP equipped with spindle mounted winches and guides that are matched with a pulldown line, according to the invention; Figure 4 illustrates pre-installed tie-down tendons that are anchored to the seabed and are held in place with timeless buoy support buoys; Figure 5 illustrates a step in the installation method of a TLP according to the invention, wherein the TLP is aligned above the tendons, and pull-down lines are attached to the superior portions of the tendons; Figure 6 illustrates a step in the insolving period of a TLP according to the invention, wherein (a TLP is in stall setting, having passed the tendons through the connection sleeves, and the TLP is crippled for violation Fig. 7 illustrates the TLP of Fig. 1 in a locked down position, Fig. 8 illustrates pre-insulated tie downs, one of which is equipped with a pull-down and messenger line, Fig. 8 shows an example of a TLP equipped with tensioning devices and fasteners placed in the superstructure according to the invention; Figure 1 0 illustrates a step in the method of tendon insertion according to the invention, wherein a tendon is ready for transfer from a Assembly vessel to the TLP Figure 1 1 illustrates a step in the method of installing tendons according to the invention, wherein the tendon is suspended by means of a constant voltage device; Figure 12 illustrates a step in the installation method of tendons according to the invention, wherein the tendon is prepared for coupling with its foundation; and Figure 13 illustrates a step in the inventive insulative method according to the invention, wherein the tendon is installed and ready to pull downward from the TLP.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the invention is a method and system for insulating a TLP at its vertical or nearly verical tie-down elements 12. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the TLP has a hull 14 comprising pontoons or submerged or partially submerged support structures (TSS) 16 and a submerged or partially submerged base structure 18. The hull has a keel 24 and an upper part 48. The hull 14 has one or more vertical columns 20 that extend upwards thereof, which penetrate the water surface when the TLP is in installed draft. The hull 14 can support a superstructure 28 of integrated plagform, which consists of one or more covers for drilling equipment, production and processing, soporific materials and for use by humans. Each tendon support structure 16 is designed to mate with at least one, but usually two or more tendons 12. The tendon support structures 16 include tendon porches positioned near the keel 24 which contains connecting sleeves 22 for receive the upper tips 26 of the tendons 12 and fasten them with clamps. The connecting sleeves 22 can be ring-shaped, which is required for vertical entry of the tendons, or they can be grooved to allow lateral entry of the tendons. Each connection sleeve lipo is compatible with the invention. For each tendon 12, the TLP is adjusted with a tensioning device 44 which may be a winch, a cord bundle, a linear gauge device, or an equivalent device. The ascending devices 44 were typically mounted on the side of the columns 20, in the superstructure 28, or in esporucluras de soporíe lemporal. Ventilating devices are placed so that they can remain above the water during insialation, but they may be submerged temporarily. The tensioning devices can be removable so that they can be used anywhere after the insula- tion is removed. Although not illustrated, one or more control stations are provided to control the turnbuckles 44. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the turnbuckles 44 are winches mounted above the waterline near the upper part of the verfical column. Malaccais 44 are pre-insulated preferably in removable support placards 45 attached to the sides of the columns 20. The winch supports 45 include instrumented pins to provide continuous reading of the line tension. The winches are preferably equipped with fail-safe brakes and high-slip induction motors which do not lose torque when they are aiased or drown. Although not specifically illustrated in Figure 3, a sys- tem can be incorporated into the system for emergency interruption or ini- tigation, planned relief of the members of the insured or the intended devices, or for the prevention of reversal, conirability or trincation during the fensing process. For example, the Malaccais 44 may include a line retainer. Each tensioning device 44 is rigged with a pull line 46 to connect to the upper part of a pin 12. Figure 3 illustrates line 46 from the pull down as a chain without bolts, but other lines including wire rope may be used. , tow cable, hawser or rope, rod tube or equivalent. During pre-rigging, the distal end 46A of the pull-down line is held temporarily to the upper part 48 of the helmet, above the connecting sleeve 22. On the loose side of the malacca, line 46B hangs freely along the column 20. The rigging can be done in a graduation area, grading pail, vessel manufacturing site, vessel / canopy integration site, or at the insialation location on the sea. Each push line below is designed to connect to its corresponding tendon 12. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a quick-connect push down connector assembly is used, with a male end 32A connected to the downstream line 46 by a round pin connecting shackle and the 32B end of receptacle fixed to the tip 26 of the fendon 12. Due to the size of the connection equipment, the gaskets 27 for adjusting the The length of the connection and the connection sleeves 22 may be oversized compared to the prior art coniraps. During the installation of the TLP, the tensioners 44 apply tension to the tips of the tendons 12 using the push-down lines 46. Tension should be applied to the upper part of a tendon vertically or almost verfically. For that reason, the pull-down lines are directed ipypically through the connecting sleeve 22, but the lines may temporarily extend outside the sleeve 22 during the initial tensioning stage. Guides or clearances can be used to guide the tensioning member from the upper part of the shaft to the tensioning device and to ensure the verticality of the tension in the upper part of the shaft. For example, as illustrated in Figure 3, fixed line guides 70 are monial at the end of lines 16 of the base line to route lines 46 from bottom to bottom veri- cally from the center of the connecting sleeves 22. . Each guide 70 was mounted on a special foundation at the end of the tendon support structure 1 6 using hooked connections which allows the removal and reinstallation of the guide. Because the guides 70 can not be reached by cranes on board the TLP, they must be removed or installed by means of a crane or basestator A of the installation support vessel. As illustrated in FIG. 3, during the previous rigging, air-operated malacca 86 can be installed. operated by elecrricity, with a wire or siníéíica string 87 suitable to move the lines of pull down around the superior parie 48 of the helmet. Several blocks 88 (passages) and eyelets 90 of block (block) may be required to route the iris lines when necessary. The eyes 90 in the upper part 48 of the helmet can be incorporated in the helmet manufacturing shell. As shown in Figure 3, the underside of the superstructure 28 may be equipped with rail rails 80 mounted from a position vertically above the winches 44 to a position along the edge of the hub. The rails are used for the removal of the macaws 44 and the winch support platforms 45. The rails may extend beyond the edge of the deck by removable extension rails 82 to allow sufficient clearing beyond the deck for an aldos side deck crane to transfer loads from the trolley system. Because írole malacafe 84 can be insialado or removed from the rails of írole with a crane of cubiería, one or two írole winches 84 can be used to sequentially remove all winches 44 and support platforms 45. Ideally, the deck crane is capable of lifting the extension rail 82, the trolley winch 84 and the trolley winch payload simultaneously to accelerate the removal of the components. Although in this specific embodiment the tensioning devices 44 are removable, they can also be used permanently installed tensioning devices. The method of installing the BPD according to the invention can be used to pull and lock a TLP to pre-installed tendons conventionally, or it can provide a streamlined and combined procedure for installing the tendons with the TLP. Referring to the first case, Figure 4 shows pre-insulated ions 12, with their lower exits 50 anchored to the seabed. They can be maintained in a vertical position with optional temporary tendon support buoys attached thereto. However, the support buoys do not have to be used. For example, the pull-down lines 46 can be used to prevent the tendons 12 from loosening during the TLP insertion. Additionally, secondary tension lines of an assembly support vessel or installation support vessel may be used in place of the pulldown lines 46 or to supplement the tension of the pulldown line. The upper end of each tendon has a junction of length adjustment (LAJ) 27 to trim the BPD. The tip 26 is accommodated with a pull-down connector receptacle 32 B. The installation sequence of TLP using conventionally pre-installed tendons 12 is now described. Referring again to Figure 1, a dynamically attached or moored support boat 52 is generally provided at location and equipped with mooring towing cables to connect the TLP 1 0. This vessel does not require power capabilities.

Heavy lifting, but should be equipped with a sea crane, a vehicle operated with conírol remolo (ROV) 55, and other equipment and services required by the job. The ROV 55 inspects the tendons 12 and the tendon support buoys 30, if installed, to ensure they are not damaged and are lyses for connection. The TLP 10 is towed to the location with a towing tow 60 that has ample draft to the top 48 of the hull 16 to allow the riggers to safely move into the hull 14, as necessary. A first side of the TLP 10 is connected to the mooring tow lines at ISV 54, and at least one that is capable of towing the vessel 52 remains connected to the TLP 10 on the opposite side. The TLP 10 is maneuvered and maintained directly on the pre-installed tendons 12, with an observation ROV 54. A forecast of the time to proceed with the connection of TLP 10 to the tendons 12 is evacuated. As illustrated in Figure 3, the 46A of the mooring line of the downstream lines 46 are untied from the hull 16. , and the downstream lines 46 are lowered through the connecting sleeves 22 into the downstream connector housing positioned at the upper tip 26 of! índón Finally, there may not be enough of an u L u u u u l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l = Yuia / vj μaici? Ajai IUICIIICIÍLC Uiia liiiSS ^ 4-0 from bottom to bottom. In such a case, the line 46 of the pulldown can be actively pulled using a rigging line 87, which is rigged from the top 48 of the hull through a block 88 at the end of the TSS 16, and connected to a grid. or sling tuning fork coupled to line 46 from pull-down to a short gap on board of connecting sleeve 22. Referring now to Figure 5, the pull-down connector 32A is guided to the receptacle 32B at the top of the LAJ 27 with the help of the ROV 55. The male 32A pull-down connector is lowered completely toward the connector receptacle of the pulled down and left in position. The ROV 55 ensures that the pole-down linker is safe. Once the line 46 from the bottom down on each TSS 16 is connected to its corresponding 1 2 axis, a lection can be applied to help maintain the TLP 1 0 station, if required. After the lines 46 from downstream are connected to their tendons 12, sensors 44 and lines 46 are tested by increasing tension in all lines 46 g raa'uai and simutaneously. The siphon, drop, ion, and seat of the line are carefully observed during this test of components, and the connectors pointing down on the tendon pins 26 are inspected using an ROV 55. The drivers also check the line on the guides. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, if the prognosis of CII I |. u | jc? iiia i ic? c i ci v u i au l c, 1 a5? u i ñ u o! a i r r o o o o o o o o o o aplica aplica aplica aplica aplica a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a. helmet. According to the tensioners 44 to the line 46 of pull down, the hull 14 is submerged, that is, the draft increases. In spite of any inescapability inherent to the hull during insialation, the system provides the required stability for safe insula- tion. If a pull-down and ballasting combination is used, it is advantageous to start the installation with a quick pull down to reduce the transition time and the dynamic peak effects from the initial range. Lastly, in any given event, there must be sufficient stress on the lines below to promote the hull's content, defend movement and help in the preservation of the location. Referring to Figure 7, upon reaching the bolt-on setting, it is common that there were still levels of tension in the downstream lines 46. The lugs 12 were fastened with clamps on the sleeves 22 for connection or anchoring equivalent. The system provides for the arrest of movement to rapidly promote locking of the hull 14. Once the tendons 12 are locked, a safe tendon tension can be reached with storms very quickly by means of the alias transfer from the line of pull down to 22 connection sleeves. Tension is transferred by loosening the lines 46 downwards, so that the TLP becomes safe in storms much faster than by prior art methods which require debonding to tend the tendons. The tendon support buoys 30, if used, are removed and the TLP 10 can be de-shifted to increase the tension! tendon to a nominal value, which completes the operations of I was from the BPD. The method of installing TLP according to the invention is described above using malaccaids removably mounted in columns 20 as sensors 44 and chain without bolts as the lines 46 from below to insulate TLP 10 in lendons 1 2 insialed Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an alimentary mode of the invention. Figure 8 represented, at one time or another, 12 pre-insulated scores, but each item was now paired with a line 46 of either upside down or down. The fading line 46 can be a chain, wire rope, braided aramid or the like, and is terminated with a messenger cable 34A and a small surface buoy 36. The tensioning lines 46 can be feigned in baskets 31 attached to the upper part of the buoyancy buoys 30, if installed. For each member 1 2, the TLP 1 0 is accommodated with a member or member arrangement, such as an iineai matrix, which would preferably be mounted above the waterline iai as in superstructure 28 or close to it. The vertical column of the vertical column 20. In Figure 9, the sensors 44 are located in the superstructure 28. The TLP 1 0 is also accommodated with a corresponding number of shackles, plugs, ratchet bits or equivalent devices, usually installed. , but not necessarily, above the fíotation line and structurally fixed to the hull, deck or a rigid attachment. The purpose of a shackle 38 is to check the movement out of a line deníro de! same, but allow e! free movement inward. In Figure 9, the shackles 38 are Samples placed in the superstructure 28. Each tensioner 44 is pre-rigged with a messenger cable 34B fixed thereto, which is expelled through one or more shackles 38, the corresponding connection sleeve 22 from the upper part to the bottom and fastened a superior part 48 of the helmet for recovery afterwards. For guiding the messenger cable 34 or the line 46 of tensioning, a bending shoe 42 is mounted in the support structure 16 directly above the connecting sleeve 22. The pre-rigging can be done in an assembly area, a yard or sorting center, a hull manufacturing site, or in the insolling location. Next, the messenger cabinets 34A of the line of tension that float on the water on the buoys 36 are tied with the courier cables 34B of tensioner, which were mounted on top 48 of the hull. The tensioners 44 are coupled, feeding the tensioning lines 46 through the connecting sleeves 22, through the shackles 38 and on the tensioner 44. The shackles 38 are then activated to prevent the tensioning lines 32 from being left outside. The sensors 44 take the tension line 46, lowering the hull of the TLP. Can the 1 4 helical ballast be required to operate? bolt-on draft without creating excessive pull down or tendon epsiopes. The connecting sleeves 22 are lowered to the tendons 12, which are then locked. The tension line tension is then transferred quickly to the connection sleeves 22 by decoupling the shackles 38 and facilitating the exit of the Sensors 44. After the insula- tion, the lines 46 of the sensor, the grilleis 38, the sensors 44 and the buoys 30 (if used) can be removed then, if desired. A third modality of the invention is now described, where the 1 and 2 are insulated in synchronization with the TLP. In addition, such modality is described using a lens 44 of the gaging lens, although any suitable fensor can be used. Frenza gallons are commonly used for pre-layered concrete and are commercially available. In Figure 10, a tendon 1 2 is freely suspended from an assembly vessel (not shown) by line 1 00. A second line 1 02 is run from a constant voltage device 1 01 (not shown) to through the connecting sleeve 22 and is attached to the tip 26 of the tendon 1 2. A movement compensation device 1 04, for example a resorie, is included in line 1 02. In Figure 11, the 1 2 is enighed to TLP 1 0. Line 1 00 then disconnected from tendon 12. This procedure is repeated for all tendons 12. The BPD does not need to be placed in the location of the insialation for this operation. As illustrated in Figure 12, a downstream line 46 is attached to the tip 26 of the tendon 12. An idler tensioner 44, which is mounted in a 1 1 0 location attached to the TSS 1 6, receives the upper end of line 46 from the pole down. The tendon 12 is lifted using the constant tension device 1 01 and the line 1 02 so that its lower connector 120 clears its foundation or piloie 50 de fendón corresponienie. The TLP with suspended plugs is then placed as required in the installation's location. As the TLP 10 is maintained in position in the fendron foundations 50, the lower connecfor 1 20 is introduced into its corresponding foundation receptacle as shown in Figure 1 3. Although the indian is connected to the Constructive voltage device 1 01 and line 1 00 iods with integral motion compensation system 1 04, connector 120 is similarly shaped or similarly attached to the 50 pilot. This procedure is repeated until all the tendons are insured to the seabed. Once all of the tendons are installed, the lines 46 of the pull-down are tensioned and the lines 1 02 of constant tension are attached. If the environmental conditions permit, the TLP is installed by tensioning the downstream lines 46 in a similar manner as described above. Although this invention proposes a period for the insertion of a TLP helmet with or without a cover, the method is equally applicable to the installation of a semi-submersible type platform, in which the tendons are replaced with lines (chain, wire steel or synthetic, ropes made of composite materials or a combination thereof) taut more or less vertically. Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in detail, it is apparent that it will occur to those skilled in the art modifications and adaptations of the preferred embodiments. Such modifications and adaptations fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (44)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for mooring a vessel floats for drilling or producing hydrocarbons to a plurality of tendons, said vessel characterized by not having temporary stability or holding modules coupled thereto and by having a plurality of lensing devices and a plurality of sleeves. connection designed and ready to receive the superior exemptions of said fendones and to be insured thereto, the method that comprises the steps of: anchoring the lower exíres of said índons to the seafloor; coupling a plurality of thrusting members below said tensioning devices to said upper ends of said tendons, and tensioning said thrust tension members down using said tensioning devices to subsequently submerge said vessel.
2. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: checking the tensions in said plurality of thrust tension members below by taking at least one of said tension members to increase its tension or to release by at least one of said tension members to decrease their tension.
3. 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: tensioning said thrust tension members down causing said vessel to submerge without ballasting said vessel.
4. 4. The method of claim 1 which further comprises the step of: ballasting said vessel concurrently.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of: tensioning said thrust tension members below with high pressure: submerging said vessel until said connecting sleeves receive said upper ends of said tendons; coupling said connecting sleeves with said tenons; and rapidly transferring said alpha tension from said thrust tension members down to said connection sleeves by loosening said thrust tension members down.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein anchoring said lower ends of said lugs comprising the steps of: suspending a top end of one of said lugs of said floating vessel; Positioning said node above a hill anchored on the seabed; lower the lower end of said tendon to said cen- tre; and securing said lower end of said tendon to said foundation.
7. 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of: suspending said tendon by means of a constant tension device.
8. 8. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of: providing movement compensation between said suspended tendon and said package.
9. The method of claim 6 which further comprises the step of: suspending said tendon by a line passing through one of said connecting sleeves. 1.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: elevating said lendon through said connecting sleeve; and then coupling one of said plurality of pull-down member members downwardly to said upper end of said finger. eleven .
11. The method of claim 1, wherein: said downstream voltage members pass through said connection sleeves.
12. 12. A method to insulate a floating vessel off shore, said vessel characterized by not having time stability or suspension modules coupled thereto and by having a connecting sleeve designed and adapted to receive an upper end of a mooring member of general vertical stress and to be insured thereto, said mooring member having a lower bottom anchored on the seafloor, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a thrust tension member below said vessel through said connecting sleeve to said upper exircle of said anchoring member; and lensing said push down member to further submerge said vessel.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of: Lightening said thrust tension member down to further submerge said vessel until said connecting sleeve receives said upper end of said clamping member; and coupling said connecting sleeve with said tie-down member.
14. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein: said method is performed by means of a tensioning device.
15. 1 5. The method of claim 14, wherein: said device is an array.
16. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein: said tensioning device is a braid jack. 7.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein: said intending device is coupled to said vessel at a location above the flowering line when said connecting sleeve receives said upper ex- tremment of said mooring member. 1 8.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein: said tensioning device is removably coupled to said vessel. 9.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein: said tensioning device comprises a plug or shackle.
20. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: routing said pulldown tension member to provide a pull or pull generally vertical to said upper end of said tie tensioning member. twenty-one .
21. The method of claim 20, wherein: said routing is performed by a guide which is disposed between said tensioning device and said connecting sleeve.
22. 22. The method of claim 1 4 further comprising the step of: locally controlling said tensioning device.
23. 23. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: synchronizing said tensioning device again.
24. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein: said vessel is a platform with legs of tension.
25. 25. The method of claim 20, wherein: said platform with tension legs has an integrated cover.
26. 26. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of: measure the tension in said pull-down tension member.
27. 27. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: attaching said connecting sleeve to said tie-down member, loosening said pull-down tension member.
28. 28. An arrangement to install a floating boat outside the seam, said craft characterized by having a stable hull or non-timelength helical modules coupled to it and by having a connecting sleeve coupled thereto and at least one column which extends upwardly therefrom, said connecting sleeve which is designed and arranged to receive an upper end of a vertical generational tie-down member and to secure thereto, said tie-down member having a lower end anchored thereto; seabed, the system comprising: a tensioning device assembled ad icha boat; and a pull-down tension member coupled between said tensioning device and said tie-down member.
29. The arrangement of claim 28 further comprising: a playaform designed and arranged to mount said tensioning device, said platform coupled to said column.
30. 30. The arrangement of claim 28 further comprising: a guide coupled to said helmet, said pull-down tension member passing through said guide.
31. 31 The arrangement of claim 28, wherein: said tensioning device is coupled to said column with inscribed pins, said pins designed and arranged to provide an indication of voltage present in said pull-down member.
32. 32. The arrangement of claim 28, further comprising: a designed deflector and ready to close said tensioning device, said conirol fence arranged near said tensioning device.
33. 33. The arrangement of claim 28 further comprising: a conirol designed and ready to rotate said lensing device, said conforming lamellae disposed away from said tensioning device.
34. 34. The arrangement of claim 28, wherein: said pulldown tension member is a line.
35. 35. The arrangement of claim 28, where: said pulldown tension member is a chain.
36. 36. The arrangement of claim 28 further comprising: a stopper collected from said vessel and designed and arranged to prevent the movement of the vessel; member of pulldown voltage when coupled.
37. 37. The arrangement of claim 28 further comprising: a grille attached to said vessel and designed and arranged to prevent movement outwardly of the pull down member when engaged.
38. 38. The arrangement of claim 28, wherein: said urging device is a winch.
39. 39. The arrangement of claim 28, wherein: said tensioning device is a joint of inertia.
40. 40. The arrangement of claim 28 further comprising: rail rails or rail rails disposed under a canopy and coupled thereto, said monolithic roof in the upper part of said column, and a trolley malacaie which is coupled in a manner removable and sliding with said trolley rails or conductive rails.
41. 41 The arrangement of claim 40 further comprising: exten- sion of rail rails or driver rails removably coupled to said trolley rails and extending beyond said deck.
42. 42. A method for instructing a vessel that includes the steps of: suspending an upper section of said vessel from a floating vessel for drilling or production of hydrocarbons; place said arrow above a hill anchored on the seabed; to lower a lower section of said index has said the same; and securing said lower exíremo of said tendon to said foundation.
43. 43. The method of claim 42 further comprising the step of: suspending said tendon by means of a tension die. conspire
44. 44. The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of: providing movement compensation between said suspended member and said vessel.