TWI765123B - A method for offshore floating petroleum production, storage and offloading - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for offshore floating petroleum production, storage and offloading comprising receiving hydrocarbons from at least one of an FPSO, production risers, or wellhead on the seabed by a floating hull; processing received hydrocarbons forming hydrocarbon product in the floating hull; storing the hydrocarbon product in the floating hull; and offloading the stored hydrocarbon product. The floating hull contains a hull plan view that is circular and wherein the floating hull has a bottom surface, a top deck surface, at least three connected sections, joined in series and symmetrically configured about a vertical axis with the connected sections extending downwardly from the top deck surface toward the bottom surface. The at least three connected sections contain an upper cylindrical portion, a lower conical section, a cylindrical neck section, and a set of fins secured to the hull configured to provide hydrodynamic performance through linear and quadratic damping.

Description

Method for offshore floating oil production, storage and offloading

This application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15/798,078 filed on October 30, 2017, entitled "FLOATING DRILLER", and claims the same The priority of this co-pending U.S. patent application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/705,073 filed on September 14, 2017, entitled "BUOYANT STRUCTURE", which application The case is a continuation of US Patent Application No. 15/522,076 filed on April 26, 2017 and entitled "BUOYANT STRUCTURE", which claims that the application filed on October 26, 2015 has a serial number of PCT /US2015/057397 Priority and Interest in National Phase Application and Claims Filed on October 27, 2014 Titled "BUOYANT STRUCTURE" US Patent Application Serial No. 14/524,992 Priority right of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/105,321, filed on December 13, 2013 and entitled "BUOYANT STRUCTURE", issued on October 28, 2014 A continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent No. 8,869,727, which applies The petition is for U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/369,600, filed on February 9, 2012, and entitled "STABLE OFFSHORE FLOATING DEPOT", which was filed on March 4, 2014 US Patent No. 8,662,000, a continuation-in-part application filed on October 28, 2010, US Patent Application Serial No. 12/914,709, filed on August 28, 2012 Issued as US Patent No. 8,251,003, a continuation-in-part application asserting US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/259,201 filed on November 8, 2009 and US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/259,201 filed on November 18, 2009 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/262,533; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/521,701, filed on August 9, 2011, both expired. These references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for operating a Floating Platform, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The present invention relates to a method for operating a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel and more particularly to a method for Floating Drilling, Production, Storage and Offloading (FDPSO) ) the hull design and unloading system of the vessel.

These embodiments of the present invention meet these needs.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for offshore floating oil production, storage and offloading comprising the steps of: (a) receiving hydrocarbons via a floating hull from at least one of: an FPSO, production risers or subsea wellheads on the seabed; (b) processing the hydrocarbons received in the floating hull to form hydrocarbon products; (c) storing the hydrocarbons in the floating hull The product, the floating hull comprising: a hull which is circular in plan view and wherein the floating hull comprises (i) a bottom surface; (ii) a top deck surface; (iii) a series of at least three connecting sections Combined and assembled symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis, the connecting sections extend downwardly from the top deck surface toward the bottom surface, the at least three connecting sections include: an upper cylindrical portion; a lower conical section; a cylindrical neck and (iv) a set of fins secured to the hull, assembled to provide hydrodynamic performance via linear and quadratic damping; and (d) unloading the stored hydrocarbons Compound product to at least one of: a tanker or a pipeline.

10: FPSO Vessels

12, 12h, 12p, 82: Hull

12a, 12i, 12q, 20a, 20d, 82a: Top deck surface

12b, 82b: Upper cylindrical part

12c, 12j, 12s, 82c: Upper cone section

12d, 12k, 82d: cylindrical neck segment

12e, 12m, 12t, 82e: lower cone section

12f, 12n, 12r, 12u, 82f: lower cylindrical section

12v: Bottom plate

12w: upper wall

12x: Chamber or recessed part

14, 22, 26, CC: center column

14a, 22a, 26a: upper end

14b, 26b: lower end

16, 16a-16d: Anchor cables

17, 24, 28, MT: Mass Collector

18: Big Cable

18a, 18b: Connection point

18c: Tanker End

20: Hose

20a: Tanker End

20b: Opening/Hose Reel

22b: Bottom end

22c: lowest cylindrical part

40,60: Removable cable connection

42: Tubular channel

42a: Longitudinal slot

42b: Sidewall

42c: inner wall

42d, 42e: Horizontal Walls

42f, 42g: end

44, 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d: pillars

46: Crane

46a: Bottom plate

46b, 46c, 46d, 46e: Rectangular opening

46f, 46g, 46h, 46i: Wheels

46j, 46k, 46m, 46n: axis

48: Crane adapter

50: Flat

50a, 50b: holes

52: Flat ring

54: latch

70a, 70b: Reel

72: Second hose and hose reel

80: FDPSO or FPSO vessel

82g: Bottom surface

82h: Inner annular cabin

82i: Center vertical cabin

82j: Outer annular compartment

82k: Outer ring cabin

82m: Torus-shaped cabin

84: Fins

84a, 84b, 84c, 84d: Fin segments

84e: Bottom edge

84f: Bevel

84g: end

86, 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d: Clearance

88a, 88b, 88c, 88d: Anchor cables

90, 90a-90m, P1, P2, P3: production risers

92: Center Section

94, 94a, 94b, 94c, 94d, 96, 96a-96m: Radial support members

A, B: imaginary line

T: Tanker

W: water

The detailed description of the invention will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, as follows: FIG. 1 is a top view of an FPSO vessel, in accordance with the present invention, and a tanker moored to the FPSO vessel.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the FPSO vessel of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of an enlarged and more detailed version of the FPSO vessel shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the FPSO vessel shown in FIG. 1 and a top view of a more detailed version.

Figure 5 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the hull of the present invention for an FPSO vessel.

Figure 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the hull of the present invention for an FPSO vessel.

7 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of an FPSO vessel of the present invention showing a center post received in an inner bore through the hull of the FPSO vessel.

Figure 8 is a cross-section of the central post of Figure 7, as seen along the line 8-8.

9 is a side view of the FPSO vessel of FIG. 7 showing an alternate embodiment of the center column of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a cross-section of the central post of Figure 9, as seen along the line 11-11.

Figure 11 is an alternate embodiment of a central column and a mass collector as will be seen along the line 11-11 in Figure 9 in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 12 is a top view of a movable cable connection of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a side view of the large movable cable connection of Figure 12 in partial cross-section as seen along line 13-13.

Figure 14 is a side view of the large movable cable connection of Figure 13 in partial cross-section as seen along line 14-14.

Figure 15 is a side view of a vessel of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a cross-section of the vessel of Figure 15 in the form of a cross-section as seen along the line 16-16.

Figure 17 is a cross-section of the vessel of Figure 15 in the form of a cross-section as seen along the line 17-17.

Figure 18 is a cross-section of the vessel of Figure 15 in the form of a cross-section as seen along the line 18-18.

These specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the listed drawings.

Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to these particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present invention provides a floating platform, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel with alternate hull designs, alternate center column designs, and a system of movable slings for offloading, allowing the tanker to be relative to the FPSO The boat covers a large arc like a weather vane.

The present invention relates more particularly to a method for offshore floating oil production, storage and offloading.

The first step of the method includes receiving hydrocarbons via a floating hull from at least one of: an FPSO, production risers, or a subsea wellhead on the seabed.

The next step involves processing the received hydrocarbons in the floating hull to form a hydrocarbon product.

Next, the method continues with storage in the floating hull The hydrocarbon product, wherein the floating hull uniquely has: a hull that is circular in plan view and wherein the floating hull comprises: a bottom surface; a top deck surface; at least three connecting segments, in sequence Combined and symmetrically assembled with respect to a vertical axis, the connecting sections extend downward from the top deck surface toward the bottom surface; the at least three connecting sections include: an upper cylindrical portion; a lower conical portion; a cylindrical neck portion; and a set of fins secured to the hull configured to provide hydrodynamic performance via linear and quadratic damping; and unloading the stored hydrocarbon product.

Turning now to the drawings, the unique hull can be seen.

In accordance with the present invention, a plan view of an FPSO vessel 10 is shown in FIG. 1 and a side view is shown in FIG. 2 .

The FPSO vessel 10 has a hull 12 and a center post 14 attachable to the hull 12 and extending downwardly.

The FPSO vessel 10 floats in water W and can be used to produce, store and/or offload resources mined from the earth, such as hydrocarbons including crude oil and natural gas, and minerals such as those that can be mined by solution mining.

The FPSO vessel 10 can be assembled onshore using known methods, similar to shipbuilding, and towed to an offshore location, typically below which are surface oil and/or gas fields.

Anchor lines 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, which are fastened to anchors not shown in the seabed, moor the FPSO vessel 10 at the desired location. These mooring cables are generally referred to as mooring cables 16, and similarly related elements described herein will share a representative symbol and be associated with a suffix letter. distinguish each other.

In a typical application for the FPSO vessel 10, crude oil is produced from below the earth's seabed below the vessel 10, transported into and temporarily stored in the hull 12, and offloaded to a tanker T for transport to an onshore facility. During the unloading operation, the tanker T is temporarily moored to the FPSO vessel 10 by means of a large rope 18 . A hose 20 is tied between the hull 12 and the tanker T for transporting crude oil and/or other fluids from the FPSO vessel 10 to the tanker T.

3 is a side view of the FPSO vessel 10, and FIG. 4 is a top view of the FPSO vessel 10, and each view is larger and shows more detail than the corresponding FIGS. 2 and 1, respectively. The hull 12 of the FPSO vessel 10 has a circular top deck surface 12a, an upper cylindrical portion 12b extending downwardly from the deck surface 12a, an upper conical section 12c extending downwardly and tapering inwardly from the upper cylindrical portion 12b , a cylindrical neck section 12d extending downwardly from the upper conical section 12c, a lower conical section 12e extending downwardly from the neck section 12d and flared outwardly, and a lower conical section 12e extending downwardly from the lower conical section 12e Cylindrical segment 12f. The lower conical section 12e is illustrated herein as having an inverted cone shape or as having an inverted conical shape opposite the upper conical section 12c, and is illustrated herein as having a regular conical shape. The FPSO vessel 10 is preferably floated such that the water surface intersects a regular, upper conical section 12c, here considered a waterline lying on the regular conical shape.

The FPSO vessel 10 is preferably loaded and/or ballasted to maintain the waterline on a bottom portion of the regular, upper cone section 12c. When the FPSO vessel 10 is mounted and properly floated, a cross-section of the hull 12 through either horizontal plane preferably has a circular shape.

The hull 12 can be designed and dimensioned to meet the needs of a particular application, and services required by the Netherlands Maritime Research Institute (Marin) provide optimized design parameters to meet those design needs for a particular application.

In this embodiment, the upper cylindrical section 12b has approximately the same height as the neck section 12d, while the height of the lower cylindrical section 12f is approximately 3 or 4 times greater than the height of the upper cylindrical section 12b. The lower cylindrical section 12f has a larger diameter than the upper cylindrical section 12b. The upper conical section 12c has a greater height than the lower conical section 12e.

Figures 5 and 6 are side views showing alternate designs for the hull.

Figure 5 shows a hull 12h having a circular top deck surface 12i, essentially the same as top deck surface 12a, which rests on a top portion of an upper conical section 12j that It tapers inward as it extends downward.

A cylindrical neck section 12k is attached to the lower end of the upper conical section 12j and extends downwardly from the upper conical section 12j. A lower conical section 12m is attached to the lower end of the neck section 12k and extends downwardly from the neck section 12k while flared outwardly. The lower cylindrical section 12n is attached to the lower end of the lower conical section 12m and extends downwardly from the lower conical section 12m. A significant difference between hull 12h and hull 12 is that hull 12h does not have an upper cylindrical portion corresponding to upper cylindrical portion 12b of hull 12 . In addition, the upper cone section 12j corresponds to the upper cone section 12c; the neck section 12k corresponds to the neck section 12d; the lower cone section 12m corresponds to the lower cone section 12e; And the lower cylindrical section 12n corresponds to the lower cylindrical section 12f.

Each of the lower cylindrical section 12n and the lower cylindrical section 12f has a circular bottom deck, not shown, but is similar to the circular top deck 12a, except that the central section 14 extends downwardly from the circular bottom deck.

Figure 6 is a side view of hull 12p having a top deck 12q that resembles top deck surface 12a. An upper cylindrical section 12r extends downwardly from the top deck 12q and corresponds to the upper cylindrical section 12b.

An upper conical section 12s is attached to a lower end of the upper cylindrical section 12r and extends downward while tapering inwardly. The upper conical section 12s corresponds to the upper conical section 12c in FIG. 1 . The hull 12p in FIG. 6 does not have a cylindrical neck section corresponding to the cylindrical neck section 12d in FIG. 3 .

Alternatively, an upper end of the lower conical segment 12t is connected to a lower end of the upper conical segment 12s, and the lower conical segment 12t extends downwardly while flared outwardly. The lower conical section 12t in FIG. 6 corresponds to the lower conical section 12e in FIG. 3 .

The lower cylindrical section 12u is attached at an upper end, such as by welding, to a lower end of the lower conical section 12t and extends downward, essentially corresponding in size and configuration to the lower cylindrical section 12f in FIG. 3 . A bottom plate 12v (not shown) encloses a lower end of the lower cylindrical section 12u, and the lower end of the hull 12 in FIG. 3 and the hull 12h in FIG. 5 is likewise enclosed by a bottom plate, and each bottom plate Can be adapted to accommodate an individual center post corresponding to center post 14 in FIG. 3 .

Turning now to Figures 7-11, alternate tools for the center post are shown body example. FIG. 7 is a side view of an FPSO vessel 10 in accordance with the present invention, partially cut away to show a center post 22 . The FPSO vessel 10 has a top deck surface 20a with an opening 20b through which the center post 22 can pass. In this embodiment, the center post 22 can be retracted and an upper end 22a of the center post 22 can be raised above the top deck surface 20a. If the center post 22 is fully retracted, the FPSO vessel 10 is able to move through shallower waters than if the center post 22 were fully extended. US Patent No. 6,761,508, issued to Haun, provides further details relating to this and other aspects of the present invention and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 7 shows that the center post 22 is partially retracted, and the center post 22 can be extended to a depth where the upper end 22 a is anchored within a lowermost cylindrical portion 20 c of the FPSO vessel 10 . FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the center post 22 as seen along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 shows a mass collector 24 positioned on a bottom end 22b of the center post 22. A floor plan. Mass collector 24, shown in this embodiment as having a hexagonal shape in its plan view, is water-heavy for use when FPSO 10 floats in water and withstands wind, wave, current, and other forces time to stabilize it. The center post 22 is shown in Figure 8 as having a hexagonal cross-section, but this is a design choice.

9 is a side view of the FPSO vessel 10 of FIG. 7 partially cut away to show a center post 26 in accordance with the present invention. The central column 26 is shorter than the central column 22 in FIG. 7 . An upper end 26a of the center post 26 is capable of moving up or down within the opening 20b of the FPSO vessel 10, with respect to the center post 26. In other words, the FPSO vessel 10 can operate with the center column 26 protruding only two or several meters below the bottom of the FPSO vessel 10 .

A mass collector 28 , which is filled with water to stabilize the FPSO vessel 10 , is fastened to a lower end 26b of the center column 26 .

FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the center post 26 as seen in FIG. 9 along the line 10-10.

In this embodiment of a central column, the central column 26 has a square cross-section, and the mass collector 28 has an octagonal shape in the plan view of FIG. 10 .

In an alternate embodiment of the central column as seen along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9, a central column CC and a mass collector MT are shown in FIG. 11 in top view. In this embodiment, the central column CC has a triangular shape in its transverse cross-section, and the mass collector MT has a circular shape in its top view.

Returning to FIG. 3 , the FPSO vessel hull 12 has a cavity or recessed portion 12x shown in phantom line, which is a bottom portion with a central opening into the lower cylindrical section 12f of the FPSO vessel hull 12 . An upper end portion 14a of the center post 14 protrudes into substantially the entire depth of the recessed portion 12x.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the central post 14 effectively extends cantilevered from the bottom of the lower cylindrical section 12f, much like a rod fixed in a hole, but with the central post 14 down. Extends into the water on which the FPSO vessel hull 12 floats. Attached to the lower end 14b of the center column 14 is a mass collector 17 for containing the weight of water to stabilize the hull 12 .

Different embodiments of the center post have been described; however, the center post is optional and can be removed entirely or replaced with a different structure that protrudes from the bottom of the FPSO vessel and helps stabilize the vessel.

One application for the FPSO vessel 10 illustrated in Figure 3 is the production and storage of hydrocarbons such as crude oil and natural gas and associated fluids and minerals and other resources that can be mined or harvested from the earth and/or waters. As shown in Figure 3, the production risers P1, P2 and P3 are pipes or guide pipes through which, for example, crude oil can flow from the depths of the earth to the FPSO vessel 10, which has tanks within the hull 12 of a large storage capacity .

In Figure 3, the production risers P1, P2 and P3 are shown positioned on an outboard surface of the hull 12 and the product will flow into the hull 12 through openings in the top deck surface 12a. An alternate arrangement suitable for use in the FPSO vessel 10 shown in Figures 7 and 9, wherein the production riser can be located in the opening 20b, provides an open flow from the bottom of the FPSO vessel 10 to the top of the FPSO vessel 10. Expressway. The production riser is not shown in Figures 7 to 9, but can be located on an outside surface of the hull or within opening 20b. An upper end of the production riser can terminate at a desired location relative to the hull so that product flows directly into a desired storage compartment within the hull.

The FPSO vessel 10 of Figures 7 and 9 can also be used to drill into the earth to discover or extract resources, particularly hydrocarbons such as crude oil and natural gas, making the vessel a floating drilling, production, storage and offloading (FDPSO) vessel .

For this application, mass collection cabinets MT, 24 or 28 There is a central opening drill pipe string through which the top surface can pass to the bottom surface, which is a structural design that can also be used to accommodate the production riser in the opening 20b in the FDPSO vessel 10. A boom (not shown) will be deployed on a top deck surface 20d of the FPSO vessel 10 for loading, unloading, dropping, turning and raising the drill pipe and an assembled drill string, which will be lowered by the boom Through opening 20b of FPSO vessel 10, through an inner portion of central column 22 or 26, through a central opening (not shown) in mass collection cabinet 24 or 28, through the water surface and into the seabed.

After the drilling operation is successfully completed, production risers can be installed, and resources, such as crude oil and/or natural gas, can be received and stored in storage tanks located within the FPSO vessel. US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0126616, in which Srinivasan is listed as a single inventor, describes the arrangement of storage tanks for oil and ballast water storage in the hull of a FPSO vessel and is incorporated by reference. In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to use heavy ballast, such as hematite and water slurries, in the outer ballast tanks. A slurry system is preferred, preferably one part hematite and three parts water, but a fixed ballast such as concrete can be used. Concrete and heavy aggregates such as hematite, barite, limonite, magnetite, punching steel and fines can be used, but preferably high density materials in slurry form are used. The drilling, production and storage perspective of the floating drilling, production, storage and offloading vessel of the present invention has thus been described, leaving this offloading function of the FDPSO vessel.

Turning to the unloading operation function of the FDPSO vessel of the present invention, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the transport tanker T by means of a large rope 18, which is a rope or cable A cable, moored to the FPSO vessel 10, and a hose 20 has been extended from the FPSO vessel 10 to the tanker T. The FPSO vessel 10 is anchored to the seabed via anchor lines 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, and the position and orientation of the tanker T is affected by the force and direction of the wind and wind, wave action and current.

Thus, the tanker T changes direction relative to the FPSO vessel 10 as its bow is moored to the FPSO vessel 10 and its bow is determined to move into an aligned condition by the balance of forces. The tanker T can move to the position indicated by the imaginary line A or to the position indicated by the imaginary line B when the wind, waves and currents change. The tugboat or a temporary anchoring system, both not shown, can be used to keep the tanker T at a minimum safe distance from the FPSO vessel 10 if the net force change causes the tanker T to move towards the FPSO vessel 10 rather than away from the FPSO vessel 10. Therefore The cable 18 is still taut.

If wind, wave, current (and any other) forces remain calm and constant, tanker T will act as a weather vane into a position where all forces acting on it are in balance, and tanker T remains in that position. However, this is generally not the case in the natural environment. In particular, changes in wind direction and speed or wind force from time to time, and any changes in the forces acting on the tanker T cause the tanker T to move into a different position where the different forces are again balanced. Thus, the tanker T moves relative to the FPSO vessel 10 as the different forces acting on the tanker T change, such as due to wind, waves and currents.

Figures 12-14, in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, illustrate a moveable cable connection 40 on the FPSO vessel, which assists in accommodating the FPSO vessel, in accordance with the present invention. Movement of the tanker relative to the FPSO vessel.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a partial cross-section of the movable cable connection 40. FIG. In one embodiment, the movable cable connection 40 includes a nearly fully enclosed tubular channel 42 having a rectangular cross-section and a longitudinal slot 42a in a side wall 42b; a set of struts 44, including strut 44a and 44b, the tubular channel 42 is horizontally connected to an outer side, upper wall 12w of the hull 12 in FIGS. 1-4; a trolley 46 is fixed in the tubular channel 42 and can be moved; It is attached to the trolley 46 and provides a connection point; and a plate 50 which is pivotally attached to the trolley adapter 48 via a plate adapter 52 .

Plate 50 has a generally triangular shape, the apex of which is attached to plate ring 52 via a pin 54 through a hole in plate 50 . Plate 50 has a hole 50a adjacent to another point of the triangle and a plate hole 50b adjacent to the final point of the triangle. The terminal end of the cable 18 has dual connection points 18a and 18b, which are connected to the plate 50 by passing through holes 50a and 50b, respectively. Alternatively, the double ends 18a and 18b, the plate 50 and/or the adapter 52 can be removed and the cable 18 can be connected directly to the adapter 48, as well as other variations of how the cable 18 is connected to the trolley 46 Forms are available.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a partial cross-section of the large movable cable connection 40 as seen along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12 . The side view of the tubular channel 42 is shown in cross-section. Wall 42b, which has a slot 42a, is a relatively tall, vertical outer wall, and an outer surface of an opposite inner wall 42c is of equal height.

A strut 44 is attached to an outer side surface of the inner wall 42c, such as by welding. A pair of opposing, relatively short, horizontal walls 42d and 42e extend between vertical walls 42b and 42c to complete the enclosure of tubular channel 42, except that vertical wall 42b has the horizontal extending substantially the entire length of tubular channel 42. , outside the longitudinal slot 42a.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a partial cross-section of the tubular channel 42 in order to show a side view of the trolley 46 . The trolley 46 includes a base plate 46a having four rectangular openings 46b, 46c, 46d and 46e for receiving four wheels 46f, 46g, 46h and 46i, respectively, which are mounted on the four axles, respectively On 46j, 46k, 46m and 46n, the shafts are attached to the base plate 46a via struts.

In Figures 1-4 the tanker T is moored to the FPSO vessel 10 via a large cable 18, which is attached to the mobile trolley 46 via a slab 50 and adapters 48 and 52. When wind, waves, currents and/or other forces act on the tanker T, the tanker T is able to move in an arc relative to the FPSO vessel 10 at a radius determined by the length of the cable 18 because the trolley 46 is The tubular channel 42 freely rolls back and forth in a horizontal plane. As best seen in FIG. 4 , the tubular channel 42 extends at an arc of approximately 90 degrees relative to the hull 12 of the FPSO vessel 10 . The tubular channel 42 has opposite ends 42f and 42g, each enclosed for providing a stop for the trolley 46. The tubular channel 42 has a radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the outer side wall 12w of the hull 12 because the struts 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d are of equal length. The trolley 46 rolls freely back and forth within the tubular channel 42 enclosed between the ends 42f and 42g of the tubular channel 42 . The pillars 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d allow The tubular channel is spaced from the outer sidewall 12w of the hull 12 and the hose 20 and anchor cable 16c pass through a space defined between the outer sidewall 12w and the inner wall 42c of the tubular channel 42 .

Typically, wind, wave and current forces position the tanker T relative to the FPSO vessel 10 in a position that is considered to be downwind of the FPSO vessel 10 herein. When the wind, waves and currents exert a force on the tanker T, the cable 18 is taut and under tension in an attempt to move the tanker T away from the stationary FPSO vessel 10 and downwind of the FPSO vessel 10 . The trolley 46 stays within the tubular channel 42 due to the balance of forces, counteracting the tendency of the trolley 46 to move.

Once the wind direction changes, the tanker T is able to move relative to the FPSO vessel 10 and as the tanker T moves, the trolley 46 rolls within the tubular channel 42 with the wheels 46f, 46g, 46h and 46i against the walls of the tubular channel 42 One of the inner surfaces of 42b. As the wind continues to blow in its new, fixed direction, the trolley 46 will stop within the tubular channel 42, where the forces causing the trolley 46 to roll are offset.

One or more tugboats can be used to limit the movement of the tanker, preventing the tanker T from moving too close to the FPSO vessel 10 or around the FPSO vessel 10, such as due to a substantial change in wind direction.

For flexibility in adapting to the wind direction, the FPSO vessel 10 preferably has a second movable cable link 60 positioned opposite the movable cable link 40 . The tanker T can be moored to the movable tether 40 or to the movable tether 60 , depending on which is best suited to being positioned below the FPSO vessel 10 .

The movable cable connection 60 is inherently designed and constructed in The face is the same as the movable cable connection 40, with its own slotted tubular channel and a fixed, free-rolling trolley having an adapter ring protruding through the slot of the tubular channel. It is believed that each movable cable link 40 and 60 is capable of allowing the tanker T to move within a 270 degree arc, thus allowing a single unloading operation (by moving the trolley within one of the movable cable links) ) and during both from one unloading operation to another (by being able to choose between relatively movable cable connections) great flexibility.

Wind, wave and current actions can exert large forces on the tanker T, especially during a storm or storm, in turn exerting large forces on the trolley 46, in turn on the slotted wall 42b of the tubular channel 42 (Fig. 13) Apply a lot of force on it. The slot 42a weakens the wall 42b, and if sufficient force is applied, the wall 42b can flex, possibly allowing the slot 42a to open wide enough for the trolley 46 to dislodge from the tubular channel 42. The tubular channel 42 will need to be designed and constructed to withstand the expected forces. Internal appendages within tubular channel 42 can be constructed for reinforcement, possibly using wheels with a spherical shape. The tubular channel is merely a member for providing a removable cable connection. I-beams, which have opposing flanges attached to a central web, can be used as a track in place of the tubular channel for a trolley or other rolling or sliding device to be secured to the outer flanges, and Can move on this outer flange. The movable cable connection is similar to a gantry crane, except that the gantry crane is adapted to accommodate vertical forces while the movable cable connection is adapted to accommodate horizontal forces applied via the cable 18 . Any type of track, channel or rail can be used in the movable cable connection to provide a trolley or any type of rolling, movable or sliding device capable of The rail, channel or rail moves longitudinally, but is otherwise fixed to the rail, channel or rail. The following patents are incorporated herein by reference for their teachings and in particular for what they teach how to design and construct a removable connection. U.S. Patent No. 5,595,121 to Elliott et al., entitled "Amusement ride and self-propelled vehicle therefor"; U.S. Patent No. 5,595,121 to Checketts et al. 6,857,373, entitled "Variably Curved Track-Mounted Amusement Ride"; U.S. Patent No. 3,941,060, issued to Morsbach, entitled "Monorail Syatem"; U.S. Patent No. 4,984,523 to Dehne et al., entitled "Self-propelled Trolley and Supporting Track Structure"; and U.S. Patent No. 7,004,076 to Traubenkraut et al. , entitled "Material Handling System Enclosed Track Arrangement," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. As described herein and in the patents incorporated herein by reference, a plurality of members can be used to resist a horizontal force, such as exerted on the FPSO vessel 10 from the tanker T via the cable 18, while providing lateral movement, such as The trolley 46 is rolled back and forth horizontally while being secured within the tubular channel 42 .

Wind, waves and currents exert a plurality of forces on the FDPSO or FPSO vessel of the present invention which, among other motions, cause Make a vertical up-and-down movement or undulation. A production riser is a pipe or guide pipe that extends from a subsea wellhead on the seabed to the FDPSO or FPSO, generally referred to herein as an FPSO. The production riser can be fixed at the seabed and to the FPSO. Waves of the FPSO vessel can exert alternating tension and compression forces on the production risers, causing fatigue and damage to the production risers. One aspect of the present invention is to minimize the turbulence of the FPSO vessel.

Figure 15 is a side view of an FDPSO or FPSO vessel 80 according to the present invention. The hull 80 has a hull 82 and a circular top deck surface 82a, and a cross-section of the hull 82 passing through any horizontal plane, preferably having a circular shape when the hull 82 is floating and stationary. shape. An upper cylindrical section 82b extends downwardly from the circular top deck surface 82a, and an upper conical section 82c extends downwardly and tapers inwardly from the upper cylindrical portion 82b. The vessel 80 could have a cylindrical neck section 82d extending downwardly from the upper conical section 82c, which would make it more similar to the vessel 10 of Figure 3, but without. Alternatively, the lower conical section 82e extends downwardly from the upper conical section 82c and flares outwardly. The lower cylindrical section 82f extends downwardly from the lower conical section 82e. The hull 82 has a bottom surface 82g. The lower conical section 82e is illustrated herein as having an inverted cone shape or as having an inverted conical shape opposite the upper conical section 82c, and is illustrated herein as having a regular conical shape.

The FPSO vessel 80 is shown floating so that when it is loaded and/or ballasted, the water surface intersects the upper cylindrical portion 82b. In this embodiment, the upper conical section 82c has a substantially larger vertical height than the lower conical section 82e, and the upper cylindrical section 82b has a slightly larger vertical height than the lower cylindrical section 82f.

To reduce undulation and otherwise stabilize the vessel 80, a set of fins 84 are attached to the lower and outer portions of the lower cylindrical section 82f, as shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. 16 is a cross-section of vessel 80 as seen in FIG. 15 along line 16-16. As can be seen in Figure 16, fin portion 84 includes four fin segments 84a, 84b, 84c and 84d separated from each other by gaps 86a, 86b, 86c and 86d (collectively referred to as gap 86). Gap 86 is the space between fin segments 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d, providing a place to accommodate production risers and anchor cables on the outer portion of hull 82 that are not in contact with fin 84. Anchor lines 88a, 88b, 88c and 88d in Figures 15 and 16 are received in gaps 86c, 86a, 86b and 86d, respectively, and secure the FDPSO and/or FPSO vessel 80 to the seabed. Production risers 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f, 90g, 90e, 90g, 90h, 90i, 90j, 90k, and 90m are received in gap 86 and deliver resources from the earth below the seabed, such as crude oil, Natural gas and/or filtered minerals to the storage tanks of the vessel 80 . A central section 92 extends from the bottom 82g of the hull 82 .

FIG. 17 is a front view in vertical cross-section of FIG. 15 showing a simplified view of the storage compartment within hull 82 in cross-section. The produced resources flowing through production riser 90 are stored in an inner annular compartment 82h. A central vertical tank 82i can be used as a separator vessel, such as for separating oil, water and/or gas, and/or for storage. An outer annular tank 82j having an outer wall conforming to the shape of the upper conical section 82c and the lower conical section 82e can be used to maintain ballast water and/or store resources for production. In this embodiment, an outer ring-shaped compartment 82k is a void having at its top defined by a lower conical section 82e and a lower cylindrical section 82f A cross section of an irregular trapezoid with a vertical inner side wall and a horizontal lower bottom wall, although the tank 82k can be used for ballast and/or storage. A torus-like compartment 82m, shaped like a washer or doughnut with a square or rectangular cross-section, is attached to the lowermost and outermost portion of the hull 82. Tank 82m can be used to store produced resources and/or ballast water. In one embodiment, tank 82m is loaded with a slurry of hematite and water, and in a further embodiment, tank 82m contains about one part hematite and three parts water.

The fin portion 84 for reducing undulation is shown in cross-section in FIG. 17 . Each segment of the fin portion 84 has the shape of a right-angled triangle in its vertical cross-section, wherein the 90-degree angle tie is positioned adjacent to a lowermost outer side wall of the cylindrical segment 82f below the hull 82, so that the triangular shape A bottom edge 84e of the triangular shape is coplanar with the bottom surface 82g of the hull 82, and a hypotenuse 84f of the triangular shape extends upwardly and inwardly from an end 84g of the bottom edge 84e of the triangular shape for attachment to The outer side wall of the lower cylindrical section 82f is located at a point only slightly above the lowermost edge of the outer side wall of the lower cylindrical section 82f, as can be seen in FIG. 17 . Some experimentation may be required to size the fins 84 for optimum utility. A starting point is that the bottom edge 84e extends radially outward a distance which is approximately half the vertical height of the lower cylindrical section 82f, and that the hypotenuse 84f is attached to the lower cylindrical section 82f approximately from the bottom of the hull 82 82g is more than a quarter of the vertical height of the lower cylindrical section 82f. Another starting point is that if the radius of the lower cylindrical section 82f is R, the bottom edge 84e of the fin portion 84 extends radially outward for an additional length of 0.05 to 0.20R, preferably about 0.10 to 0.20R. 0.15R, and more preferably about 0.125R.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the hull 82 of the FDPSO and/or FPSO vessel 80 as seen along line 18-18 in FIG. 17 . Radial support members 94a, 94b, 94c, and 94d provide structural support for the inner annular compartment 82h, shown as having four compartments separated by the radial support members 94. Radial support members 96a, 96b, 96c, 96d, 96e, 96f, 96g, 96h, 96i, 96j, 96k, and 96m provide structural support for outer annular chamber 82j and chambers 82k and 82m. The outer annular compartment 82j and compartments 82k and 82m are divided by the radial support members 96 .

One of the FPSO vessels of the present invention, such as FPSO vessels 10, 20 and 80, can be built onshore, preferably at a shipyard using conventional shipbuilding materials and techniques. The FPSO vessel preferably has a circular shape in plan view, but construction costs may favor a polygonal shape, so flat, planar metal sheets can be used instead of bending the sheets to a desired curvature. An FPSO vessel hull having a polygonal shape with multiple faces in a plan view, such as described in US Pat. No. 6,761,508 to Haun and incorporated herein by reference, is included in the present invention. If a polygonal shape is chosen and if a movable cable connection is desired, a tubular channel or track with a suitable radius of curvature can be designed and mounted with suitable struts to provide the movable cable connection. If an FPSO vessel is constructed according to the description of the FPSO vessel 10 in Figures 1-4, the FPSO vessel may preferably be moved, without a center post, to its final destination, allowing the FPSO vessel to anchor at the desired location, at the desired location. The center post is installed offshore after the FPSO vessel has been moved and anchored in place. for the graph With the particular embodiment illustrated in 7 and 9, it may be preferable to install the center post while the FPSO vessel is ashore, retract the center post to an uppermost position, and to carry the center post installed in a fully retracted manner. The FPSO vessel is towed to its final destination. After the FPSO vessel is positioned in its desired location, the center column can extend to a desired depth, and the mass collector at the bottom of the center column can be filled to help stabilize the hull Resist wind, waves and currents.

After the FPSO vessel is anchored and its installation is otherwise completed, it can be used to drill exploration or production wells, provided booms installed, and it can be used to produce and store resources or products. In order to unload the fluid cargo that has been stored on the FPSO vessel, a transport tanker travels close to the FPSO vessel.

Referring to Figures 1-4, auxiliary cables can be stored on reels 70a and/or 70b. One end of the auxiliary cable can be launched from the FPSO vessel 10 to the tanker T using a pyrotechnic gun and seized by personnel on board the tanker T. The other end of the auxiliary line can be attached to one of the tanker ends 18c of the line 18 (Fig. 2), and the person on the tanker can pull the line end 18c of the line 18 to the tanker T, where it is A suitable structure that can be attached to the tanker T. The personnel on the tanker T can then launch one end of the auxiliary cable to the personnel on the FPSO vessel, which hooks the end of the auxiliary cable to one of the tanker ends 20a of the hose 20 (Fig. 2). Persons on the tanker can then pull the tanker end 20a of the hose 20 to the tanker and fasten it to a suitable connection on the tanker for fluid communication between the FPSO vessel and the tanker. Typically, the cargo will be unloaded from the storage tank on the FPSO vessel to the tanker, but also The opposite can be done, where cargo is unloaded from the tanker to the FPSO vessel for storage.

Although the hose may be large, such as 20 inches in diameter, the hooking of the hose and the unloading operation can take a long time, typically several hours but less than a day. During this time, the tanker T will typically be weathervaned downwind of the FPSO vessel and move a bit as the wind changes, which is connected via the moveable cable to allow the FPSO vessel to adapt, allowing the FPSO vessel to adapt. Considerable movement of the tanker relative to the FPSO, possibly involving an arc of 270 degrees, did not interfere with the unloading operation. In the event of a major storm or storm, the unloading operation can be stopped and the tanker can be disengaged from the FPSO vessel by loosening the big line 18, if necessary. After a typical and uneventful unloading operation, the hose end 20a can be disengaged from the tanker and a hose reel 20b can be used to reel the hose 20 back into the hose reel of the FPSO vessel Storage location on 20b. A second hose and hose reel 72 is provided on the FPSO vessel for use in conjunction with the second moveable cable connection 60 on the opposite side of the FPSO vessel. The tanker end 18c of the cable 18 can then be disengaged, allowing the tanker T to move away and transport the received cargo to the onshore terminal facility. The auxiliary rope can be used to pull the tanker end 18c of the big rope 18 back to the FPSO vessel, and the big rope can float on the water adjacent to the FPSO vessel, or the tanker end 18c of the big rope 18 can be attached to the FPSO vessel. A reel (not shown) fitted to the deck 12a of the FPSO vessel 10, and the cable 18 can be reeled on the reel for storage on the FPSO, and the double ends 18a and 18b of the cable 18 ( FIG. 12 ) Maintain connection to movable cable connection 40 .

The present invention relates to a method for offshore floating oil production, storage and offloading, which first comprises receiving hydrocarbons by means of a uniquely shaped floating hull from at least one of: an FPSO, a production stand A pipe or a subsea wellhead located on the seabed.

The next step involves processing the received hydrocarbons in the floating hull to form a hydrocarbon product.

The method continues by storing the hydrocarbon product in the uniquely shaped floating hull having a hull that is circular in plan view and wherein the floating hull has a bottom surface; a the top deck surface; at least three connecting sections are connected in series and arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis, the connecting sections extending downwardly from the top deck surface towards the bottom surface; the at least three connecting sections include: An upper cylindrical section; a lower conical section; a cylindrical neck section; and a set of fin sections secured to the hull assembled to provide hydrodynamic performance via linear and quadratic damping.

Both linear damping and quadratic damping are empirical methods used to quantify the hydrodynamic behavior of a floating body in an incompressible homogeneous Newtonian fluid. Within the context of various embodiments, the fin portion and the hull of the floating drilling well are separately designed and assembled in a manner to provide hydrodynamic performance via linear and quadratic damping, including by applying numerical values Numerical evaluation and experimentation of analytical methods (linear or nonlinear) are used to determine accurate estimates of viscous damping.

Compared to conventional circular floats, which do not include a fin feature, the hull as described herein includes a set of fins that FPSO provides better hydrodynamic performance (related to damping). The shape and/or dimensions of the fins can also have a positive effect, making a better contribution to the hydrodynamic performance (related to damping). However, different shapes and/or sizes of fins may respond differently in a water embodiment, wherein depending on the shape and/or size of the fins, the effect of water flow on flow and pressure may be greatly different.

The method continues by unloading the stored hydrocarbon product to at least one of: a tanker or a pipeline.

In these embodiments, the method contemplates mooring the floating vessel system to the seabed.

In the embodiments of the method, the floating hull has an upper frustoconical side segment (or may be referred to as an upper conical segment) engaging the cylindrical neck segment, and the upper cylindrical side segment Extending downwardly from the main deck, and the upper frustoconical side section is positioned below the upper cylindrical side section and maintained above a waterline for a shipping depth and for oil drilling, production, storage and offloading vessels and wherein the upper frustoconical side segment has a diameter that decreases from a diameter of the upper cylindrical side segment.

In these embodiments the method includes the step of installing a side edge extending at the bottom surface of the hull.

In these embodiments the method includes the use of a plurality of fin segments separated from each other by a gap to provide a housed production riser and anchor cable located on the outer portion of the hull without contacting the fin portion.

In these embodiments the method includes using for One of the fin portions of the set of fin portions that reduce undulation has the shape of a right triangle in vertical cross-section.

In these embodiments the method includes using a fin portion having a bottom edge, wherein the triangular shape is coplanar with the bottom surface of the hull.

In these embodiments the method includes a fin portion wherein a hypotenuse of the triangular shape of the fin portion is extended upwardly and inwardly from an end of the bottom edge of the triangular shape to attach to the lower cylinder The outer side wall of the segment is located at a point only slightly above the lowermost edge of the outer side wall of the hull.

In these embodiments the method includes using a uniquely shaped hull with a central column having a square cross-section, and a mass collector having an octagonal shape.

In these embodiments the method includes the use of at least three connecting sections which can be joined in tandem and assembled symmetrically about a vertical axis, the connecting stages extending from the top deck surface downwards towards the bottom surface.

Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for what is claimed and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously utilize the present invention.

Although these specific embodiments have been described with emphasis on these specific embodiments, it is to be understood that such specific embodiments that are not specifically described are encompassed within the scope of these appended claims.

10: FPSO Vessels

12: Hull

12a: Top deck surface

12b: Upper cylindrical part

12c: Upper cone segment

12d: Cylindrical neck segment

12e: Lower cone section

12f: Lower cylindrical segment

12w: upper wall

12x: Chamber or recessed part

14: Center column

14a: upper end

14b: lower end

16: Anchor cable

17: Mass Collector

18: Big Cable

20: Hose

20b: Opening/Hose Reel

40,60: Removable cable connection

42: Tubular channel

50: Flat

P1, P2, P3: Production risers

Claims (8)

A method for offshore floating oil production, storage and offloading comprising the steps of: a. Receiving, by a floating hull, hydrocarbons from at least one of: an FPSO, production risers or a subsea wellhead located on a seabed; b. process the received hydrocarbons in the floating hull to form a hydrocarbon product; c. store the hydrocarbon product in the floating hull , the floating hull comprises a circular hull plan view, and wherein the floating hull comprises: i. a bottom surface; ii. a top deck surface; iii. at least three connecting segments, in series Combined and assembled symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis, the at least three connecting sections extend downward from the top deck surface toward the bottom surface, the at least three connecting sections include: an upper cylindrical portion, a lower conical portion, a cylindrical portion a neck section; iv. a set of fins secured to the floating hull, which are assembled to provide hydrodynamic performance through linear and quadratic damping; v. a telescopic central column with a square cross-section; and vi. a mass collector secured to the lower end of the retractable center column; and d. unloading the stored hydrocarbon product to at least one of: a tanker or is a pipeline. The method of claim 1, wherein the floating vessel system is moored to the seabed. The method of claim 1, the floating hull having an upper conical section engaging the cylindrical neck section and the upper cylindrical side section extending downwardly from a main deck on which the upper conical section is located Below the cylindrical side section and maintained above a waterline for a shipping depth and partially below a waterline for an operating depth of oil drilling, production, storage and offloading vessels; and wherein the upper conical section has a The diameter of one of the upper cylindrical side segments is gradually decreasing in diameter. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: using a plurality of fin segments separated from each other by a plurality of gaps, the gaps providing a place to accommodate a portion located on the outer portion of the hull that is not associated with the set of fin segments The production risers and several anchor cables in contact. The method of claim 1 , wherein one of the fins in the set of fins for reducing undulation has a right triangle shape in vertical cross-section. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the set of fins has a bottom edge, wherein the triangular shape is coplanar with the bottom surface of the hull. The method of claim 1, wherein a hypotenuse of the triangular shape of the fin portion of the set of fin portions extends upward and inward from an end of the bottom edge of the triangular shape for attachment to the lower One of the outer side walls of the cylindrical section is located at a point only slightly above the lowest edge of one of the outer side walls of the hull. The method of claim 1, wherein the mass collector has an octagonal shape.

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