US3653349A - Self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig - Google Patents

Self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig Download PDF

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Publication number
US3653349A
US3653349A US38218A US3653349DA US3653349A US 3653349 A US3653349 A US 3653349A US 38218 A US38218 A US 38218A US 3653349D A US3653349D A US 3653349DA US 3653349 A US3653349 A US 3653349A
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United States
Prior art keywords
members
hull
columns
drilling rig
drilling
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Expired - Lifetime
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US38218A
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English (en)
Inventor
Elliot E Brown
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Ocean Drilling and Exploration Co
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Ocean Drilling and Exploration Co
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
    • B63H25/42—Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elements; Steering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor only; Steering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
    • B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
    • B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
    • B63B1/107—Semi-submersibles; Small waterline area multiple hull vessels and the like, e.g. SWATH
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B35/4413—Floating drilling platforms, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H5/00—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water
    • B63H5/07—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers
    • B63H5/14—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers characterised by being mounted in non-rotating ducts or rings, e.g. adjustable for steering purpose

Definitions

  • the second successful type is the semi-submersible barge, usually of large dimensions, consisting of a lower base assembly or hull, tubular supporting columns, and an upper working deck or platform.
  • the hull in some cases was a substantially continuous hollow, box-like, structure, and in others consisted of a plurality of hollow tubular members connected to fonn a base.
  • the hull was provided with tubular supporting columns on which was mounted an upper working deck or platform.
  • Such a semi-submersible barge is designed to float on its lower hull and normally is moved by tugs or other draft vessels from location to location in this afloat position.
  • This invention while preserving the available operating characteristics of a semi-submersible, adds the capability of cruising under its own power for extended periods and will thus greatly reduce and even overcome the present advantages of mobility available to ship-type structures.
  • a semi-submersible unit in which the principal supporting hull or base comprises a plurality of elongate, parallel, spaced-apart, tubular elements in the aft ends of at least some of which are mounted propulsion units driven by power sources aboard the vessel.
  • the propulsion units are capable of propelling the rig at speeds comparable to those attained by ship-type units over long distances and add to the operating efficiency of the rig as a whole.
  • the hull elements have mounted thereon a superstructure comprising a plurality of large diameter vertical columns which are arranged in a generally circular configuration adapted to provide uniform stability in all directions and which are arranged to afford a maximum degree of nautical stability under all conditions.
  • the superstructure includes a working deck, and the drilling location is disposed in the center of the structure, again affording maximum stability under all operating conditions.
  • the propulsion system comprises propulsion units mounted in at least two of the parallel hull members, preferably the inboard members.
  • Each unit basically consists of a five bladed propeller enclosed within a Kort nozzle, a known type of accelerating nozzle, which is attached to the aft end of the hull member and made steerable for purposes to be described hereinafter.
  • the propeller is driven by a straight shaft coupled directly to the DC. electric motor.
  • the nozzle is pivoted in a support structure and turned by an electro-hydraulic steering system.
  • Electric power for the propulsion motors is provided by the main diesel-electric power plant required for the drilling operation.
  • the propulsion system is economically adaptable to a mobile drilling unit since the main power plant is not needed during moves of the rig and thus becomes available for driving the propulsion motors.
  • power supplied by a diesel-electric system can be readily transferred by a simple switching system from drilling to propulsion, thereby rendering the system relatively simple and economically attractive.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the complete drilling rig
  • FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along lines 2 2 ofFlG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken generally in line 3 3 of FIG. 2 showing one of the propulsion units;
  • FIG. 4 is a detail of one of the steerable propeller units
  • FIG. 5 is a side profile of the rig structure
  • FIG. 6 is an aft end elevational view taken on line 6 6 of FIG. 5.
  • the drilling rig comprises the base or main hull member designated generally by the numeral 10, a superstructure, designated generally by the numeral 12, mounted on the base member and in turn supporting a working platform, designated generally by the numeral 14.
  • the base member comprises a plurality of parallel spaced-apart hull elements of hollow cylindrical form and includes a pair of inboard members 16 l6 and a pair of outboard members 18 18 of lesser length than the inboard members and centrally disposed longitudinally with respect to the inboard members.
  • hull members are of quite large diameter, for example 25 feet 6 inches, and together provide substantially all the required buoyancy for floating the structure.
  • these hull members will be divided by means of suitable bulkheads into a plurality of compartments which will be connected to a suitable system for ballasting and de-ballasting the compartments, all in accordance with known practices, to effect submergence and raising of the rig as required in connection with drilling and towing operations to be conducted therewith.
  • Some of the compartments in the hull members may be employed for storage of fresh water, fuel oil and the like.
  • the superstructure comprises a plurality of large diameter hollow cylindrical columns 19 totaling eight in number, two of which are mounted on each of the hull members spaced near the opposite ends thereof.
  • These columns 19 which provide nautical stability, particularly in raising and submerging of the rig, also provide support for the working platform and its loads, and are arranged in an annular configuration defined by a circle C (shown in broken lines in FIG. 2) which passes through the centers of all of the columns 19 and has its own center coincident with the center of the drilling location indicated at 20 in FIG. 2, which is located on the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines of the rig.
  • the angular spacing of columns 19 on the circle while not necessarily equal in all cases, generally provides a symmetrical arrangement about center 20.
  • Opposed columns 19 mounted on outboard members 18 are connected by hollow cylindrical cross members 21 21 disposed at a substantial elevation above the several hull members and are secured inboard members 16 by risers 22.
  • the columns 19 mounted on inboard hull members 16 are likewise interconnected by hollow cylindrical cross members 25, likewise located at a substantial height above the hull elements.
  • the height of the several cross members above the hull members will preferably be selected such that they will be well above the water surface when the hull members are submerged to normal towing draft to reduce the drag during towing of the rig.
  • a number of additional columns 24 substantially smaller in diameter than stabilizing columns 19 are mounted to extend between the hull members and the platform to provide additional support therefor and to generally strengthen the structure.
  • a few additional horizontally disposed cylindrical members 25 are employed to connect the stabilizing columns as bracing members; however, it will be evident that with the geometric configuration illustrated, the superstructure involves the use of a minimum number of structural elements thereby providing maximum wave transparency for the structure while assuring adequate strength under all conditions.
  • rearwardly tapering conical extensions 26 .26 which house and support the propulsion units.
  • the latter as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, comprise five bladed propellers 30 mounted for rotation on straight shafts 31 extending through the centers of extensions 26 for connection to power units 32 which are preferably D.C. electric motors.
  • power units 32 which are preferably D.C. electric motors.
  • the current will be supplied to the motors from conventional diesel-electric generating units (not shown) of generally conventional form, mounted on the working platform.
  • Each propeller is enclosed within an accelerating type flow nozzle 33 which may be of the well known Kort form.
  • the nozzle is mounted on upper and lower shafts 34 and 35 respectively journaled in a bracket 36 mounted on the aft end of extension 26 to render the nozzle steerable.
  • Upper shaft 34 extends into a housing 37 and is secured therein to the center of a tiller arm 38, the opposite ends of which are connected to fluid pressure-operated steering cylinders 39 39 which are powered by a conventional steering motor and pump 40 mounted in extension 26 (FIG. 3.).
  • Kort nozzle 33 By making the Kort nozzle 33 steerable it becomes an effective steering device, being referred to as a Kort rudder, which directs the nozzle thrust as required to create a turning moment in the vessel. This directed thrust is not dependent on the vessel speed as with a conventional rudder.
  • the vessel By the use of these rudders the vessel may be steered by varying and reversing the speeds of the propellers in the opposite hulls.
  • these steerable nozzles provide a safety measure in case one propeller is damaged in which case one of the rudders could be used to hold the vessel on a straight course.
  • these rudders are also highly useful in maneuvering on location.
  • the propulsion motors will be used while the vessel is moored on drilling location to reduce the loads on the moorings during extreme weather thus reducing the likelihood of anchor or chain failure.
  • Another advantage of these propulsion devices is that the installation of the anchor system at the drilling site is facilitated by the unit's capability of moving itself about or maintaining its position without assistance from tugs while auxiliary vessels stream the anchors.
  • the propulsion devices will also prove useful for assisting with dynamically positioning the unit when drilling in deep water where conventional moorings are not feasable.
  • Working platform 14 will be provided with the various housings for men and equipment as shown in FIG. 1. Drilling derrick D is shown mounted over the center of the vessel through which drilling will be conducted as required.
  • the rig has variable draft capability. Vessel motions (depending on the height and period of the seas) in any particular location will dictate what operating draft results in the least vessel motion.
  • the propulsion units are sufficiently powered to self-propel the rig for any required distance at a satisfactory rate of speed, say 8 knots per hour.
  • the system described is usable for propulsion at drafts varying from that at which the vessel is normally towed (about 19 feet) down to and including the normal drilling draft (about 70 feet). While in transit the vessel can submerge to drafts deeper than the normal towing draft to minimize adverse motions resulting from heavy seas, and still maintain headway. Such drafts could be expected to vary from about 45 to about 60 feet depending on sea conditions.
  • a self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig comprising:
  • a submersible base structure comprising a plurality of hollow, cylindrical, elongate, spaced-apart parallel hull members; said base structure comprising:
  • a wave-transparent stabilizing superstructure mounted on the base structure; said superstructure comprising;
  • a plurality of vertical hollow cylindrical stabilizing columns disposed in angularly spaced-apart relation in a configuration defined by a circle passing through the centers of said columns and whose center coincides with the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines of the rig;
  • steerable propulsion means mounted on at least two of said hull members for propelling said rig through a water body.
  • a drilling rig according to claim 1 wherein said superstructure comprises:
  • each of said propulsion means comprises:
  • a propeller rotatably mounted on the aft end of the hull member
  • a steerable accelerating nozzle enclosing said propeller and mounted to the hull member for pivotal movement about said propeller to steer said rig;
  • d. means on the hull member for steering said nozzle.
  • a drilling rig according to claim 3 wherein said means for steering said nozzle comprises:
  • a rudder post connected to said nozzle
  • a drilling rig according to claim 1 having a well drilling unit centered on the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse center lines of the rig.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
US38218A 1970-05-18 1970-05-18 Self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig Expired - Lifetime US3653349A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US3821870A 1970-05-18 1970-05-18

Publications (1)

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US3653349A true US3653349A (en) 1972-04-04

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US38218A Expired - Lifetime US3653349A (en) 1970-05-18 1970-05-18 Self-propelled semi-submersible drilling rig

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US3653349A (es)
JP (1) JPS5218471B1 (es)
DE (1) DE2062057A1 (es)
FR (1) FR2088411B1 (es)
GB (1) GB1302227A (es)
NL (1) NL7100096A (es)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3830176A (en) * 1972-06-26 1974-08-20 Mitsubushi Jukogyo Kk Semi-submerged marine platform structure
US3924415A (en) * 1974-12-30 1975-12-09 Santa Fe Int Corp Column stabilized semisubmersible pipelaying barge
US3987640A (en) * 1974-12-30 1976-10-26 Santa Fe International Corporation Column stabilized semisubmersible pipelaying barge
USRE29478E (en) * 1971-05-03 1977-11-22 Santa Fe International Corporation Single column semisubmersible drilling vessel
US4232625A (en) * 1979-03-07 1980-11-11 Sante Fe International Corporation Column stabilized semisubmerged drilling vessel
GB2346841A (en) * 1999-02-18 2000-08-23 Marvin Motsenbocker Watercraft, particularly electric watercraft
US6273015B1 (en) 1998-02-26 2001-08-14 Maruta Electric Boatworks Llc Stabilized electric watercraft for high speed cruising, diving and sailing
EP1050454A3 (en) * 1999-05-03 2002-05-22 Electric Boat Corporation External electric drive propulsion module arrangement for SWATH vessels
US6532884B2 (en) 2000-05-01 2003-03-18 Maruta Electric Boatworks Llc High speed electric watercraft
US6701861B2 (en) * 2002-05-03 2004-03-09 Friede & Goldman, Ltd. Semi-submersible floating production facility
US7357687B1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-04-15 Navatek, Ltd. Marine propulsion steering system
US20110174206A1 (en) * 2010-01-19 2011-07-21 Kupersmith John A Wave attenuating large ocean platform
US20150060138A1 (en) * 2013-08-30 2015-03-05 Ssp Technologies, Llc Method for drilling with a buoyant structure for petroleum drilling, production, storage and offloading
US10953960B1 (en) * 2018-01-22 2021-03-23 Robert John Sharp Self-propelled emissions control servicing watercraft

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2141076A (en) * 1983-05-19 1984-12-12 Interig Limited Semi-submersible marine platform
JPS61131396U (es) * 1985-02-06 1986-08-16
IT1185428B (it) * 1985-10-11 1987-11-12 Rover Marine Srl Struttura combinata di trasmissione,propulsione ed orientamento,per motoscafi con motore entrobordo

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3179081A (en) * 1963-11-08 1965-04-20 Ingenieur Buro Kort Combined propulsion and steering apparatus for vessels
US3443543A (en) * 1966-03-03 1969-05-13 Inst Francais Du Petrole Semi-submersible floating structure of high stability
US3556033A (en) * 1969-08-01 1971-01-19 Inst Francais Du Petrole Semi-submersible floating structure with dynamic positioning

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2389M (fr) * 1962-11-15 1964-03-09 Ct D Etudes Pour L Ind Pharma Médicament analgésique, anti-inflammatoire, sédatif de la toux et modificateur des sécrétions bronchiques a base d'acéthylsalicylate de codéine.
NL6712041A (es) * 1967-09-01 1969-03-04

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3179081A (en) * 1963-11-08 1965-04-20 Ingenieur Buro Kort Combined propulsion and steering apparatus for vessels
US3443543A (en) * 1966-03-03 1969-05-13 Inst Francais Du Petrole Semi-submersible floating structure of high stability
US3556033A (en) * 1969-08-01 1971-01-19 Inst Francais Du Petrole Semi-submersible floating structure with dynamic positioning

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE29478E (en) * 1971-05-03 1977-11-22 Santa Fe International Corporation Single column semisubmersible drilling vessel
US3830176A (en) * 1972-06-26 1974-08-20 Mitsubushi Jukogyo Kk Semi-submerged marine platform structure
US3924415A (en) * 1974-12-30 1975-12-09 Santa Fe Int Corp Column stabilized semisubmersible pipelaying barge
US3987640A (en) * 1974-12-30 1976-10-26 Santa Fe International Corporation Column stabilized semisubmersible pipelaying barge
US4232625A (en) * 1979-03-07 1980-11-11 Sante Fe International Corporation Column stabilized semisubmerged drilling vessel
US6273015B1 (en) 1998-02-26 2001-08-14 Maruta Electric Boatworks Llc Stabilized electric watercraft for high speed cruising, diving and sailing
GB2346841B (en) * 1999-02-18 2003-03-26 Marvin Motsenbocker Advantageous use of battery mass in electric watercraft
GB2346841A (en) * 1999-02-18 2000-08-23 Marvin Motsenbocker Watercraft, particularly electric watercraft
EP1050454A3 (en) * 1999-05-03 2002-05-22 Electric Boat Corporation External electric drive propulsion module arrangement for SWATH vessels
US6532884B2 (en) 2000-05-01 2003-03-18 Maruta Electric Boatworks Llc High speed electric watercraft
US6701861B2 (en) * 2002-05-03 2004-03-09 Friede & Goldman, Ltd. Semi-submersible floating production facility
US7357687B1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-04-15 Navatek, Ltd. Marine propulsion steering system
US20110174206A1 (en) * 2010-01-19 2011-07-21 Kupersmith John A Wave attenuating large ocean platform
US20150060138A1 (en) * 2013-08-30 2015-03-05 Ssp Technologies, Llc Method for drilling with a buoyant structure for petroleum drilling, production, storage and offloading
US9297206B2 (en) * 2013-08-30 2016-03-29 Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd. Method for drilling with a buoyant structure for petroleum drilling, production, storage and offloading
US10953960B1 (en) * 2018-01-22 2021-03-23 Robert John Sharp Self-propelled emissions control servicing watercraft

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2062057A1 (de) 1971-12-02
FR2088411B1 (es) 1975-01-17
FR2088411A1 (es) 1972-01-07
GB1302227A (es) 1973-01-04
JPS5218471B1 (es) 1977-05-21
NL7100096A (es) 1971-11-22

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