US3763809A - Semi-submersible work platform - Google Patents

Semi-submersible work platform Download PDF

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US3763809A
US3763809A US00263012A US3763809DA US3763809A US 3763809 A US3763809 A US 3763809A US 00263012 A US00263012 A US 00263012A US 3763809D A US3763809D A US 3763809DA US 3763809 A US3763809 A US 3763809A
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columns
semi
work platform
deck
projections
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H Pazos
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    • 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
    • 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 
    • 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
    • B63B1/04—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with single hull
    • B63B2001/044—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with single hull with a small waterline area compared to total displacement, e.g. of semi-submersible type

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A semi-submersible work platform comprising a deck with oppositely disposed projections extending outwardly.
  • Twin hull members adapted to float said deck, are transversely spaced and braced apart, and mount upright columns that are spaced and secured around the perimeter of the working deck.
  • the hulls are rectangular in cross-section for damping motion and pointed at both ends for double-ended use in moving.
  • Motion damping fins are mounted on said hulls and extend outwardly and parallel to the deck projections and are vertically aligned therewith.
  • Hydrodynamically shaped stability columns are tumably mounted between each of said deck projections and associated damping fins for the triple use of reducing drag on the work platform, steering the rig while underway, and partially in controlling draft and trim thereof. Propulsion may be added to each of the stability columns at their respective lower ends.
  • the invention relates generally to semi-submersible work platforms and more particularly to platforms that are adapted to floating and grounded use.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide turnable stability columns that are usable for steering and reducing dragwhen immersed in relatively moving water.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide dual purpose motion damping and structure strengthening means for said work platform.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a semisubmersible work platform in which self-propulsion can be optionally installed.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the invention with optional propulsion units installed
  • FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged plan view of a deck projection
  • FIG. 3 an enlarged vertical cross-section of a part of FIG. 1 showing turnable mounting of a stability column
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross section of a part of FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section ity columns 22 are supported for rotation or turning between fins l8 and diagonal projections 20.
  • Hull members 16 are held together together in catamaran configuration with cross bracing 26, and joined to said deck by the support and stability columns.
  • Propulsion units 28 can be mounted in the lower ends of stability columns 22 as shown in FIG. 1, the external parts 30 of said units being secured to said stability columns by pins 32 and 34.
  • a stability column 22 is hydrodynamically shaped in cross-section (FIG. 5) and is round with reduced radii for the portions at it top 36 and bottom 38 for economy of mounting for turning (FIGS. 3 and 6).
  • Ball bearings 40 are'mounted in a ball race 41 bolted between a projection 20 and top 36.
  • a hold down'ring 42 closes the race which turnably supports top of column 22.
  • the reduced bottom 38 fits into a hole defined in associated fin 18.
  • a bushing 46 turnably supports bottom 38 in said hole.
  • the hollow columns houses optional propulsion machinery 48 and ventilation ducts 50. Access to machinery is through the stability columns also.
  • a motor 52 mounted adjacent to top 36 drives a spur gear 54 that meshes with toothed flange 56 secured to top 36 of each stability column 22. The arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the work platform 12 can become self propelled with the mounting of propulsion apparatus in the lower end of each stability column 22 and steered by turning the hydrodynamically shaped stability columns 22.
  • Propellers 58 can be mounted in Kort nozzles 60 as shown in FIG. 5 to improve directional propulsion and assist in steering.
  • Work platform 12 travels as shown in FIG. 1 at lowestwaterline.
  • Flotation tanks (not shown) in hull members l6 and, if desired, in stability columns 22, can be flooded to sink the platform to any desired depth, or occasionally to the sea bottom, as limited by the upper waterline. In either case stability columns stabilize work platform 12 and when turned for blunt edges to face into any relative water flow to reduce the effects of such flow on the platform to a minimum.
  • Pumping means (not shown) can be provided on or off the platform for evacuating said flotation tanks prior to moving the platform.
  • a semi-submersible work platform having a hull structure, a work deck, and supporting columns fixing said work deck to the hull structure in vertical spaced relationship, comprising: parallel projections symmetrically fixed around outer perimeters of said hull structure and work deck respectively, said projections extending outboard of said support columns and being arranged in pairs, the projections of each pair arranged in vertically aligned and spaced relationship; upper and lower mounting means, vertically aligned and spaced, defined by each said pair of projections for turnably engaging oppositely disposed cylindrical ends of stability columns;said stability columns, having respectively oppositely disposed ends and vertical axes, adapted respectively to being mounted between each of said pairs of projections by said respective upper and lower mounting means for turning about each of their said vertical axes, said stability columns being hollow and hydrodynamically shaped in cross-section for a portion intermediate their respectively oppositely disposed ends, whereby said stability columns stabilizes said semi-submersible work platform, can be turned about their respective vertical axes to steer when underway and to reduce drag of columns when

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

A semi-submersible work platform comprising a deck with oppositely disposed projections extending outwardly. Twin hull members, adapted to float said deck, are transversely spaced and braced apart, and mount upright columns that are spaced and secured around the perimeter of the working deck. The hulls are rectangular in cross-section for damping motion and pointed at both ends for double-ended use in moving. Motion damping fins are mounted on said hulls and extend outwardly and parallel to the deck projections and are vertically aligned therewith. Hydrodynamically shaped stability columns are turnably mounted between each of said deck projections and associated damping fins for the triple use of reducing drag on the work platform, steering the rig while underway, and partially in controlling draft and trim thereof. Propulsion may be added to each of the stability columns at their respective lower ends.

Description

United States Patent 1191 'Pazos 1111 3,763,809 Oct. 9, 1973 SEMI SUBMERSIBLE WORK PLATFORM [76] Inventor: HectorVV. Pazos, 2728 Valentine Ct., New Orleans, La. 70114 [22] Filed: May 25, 1972 [2i] Appl. No.: 263,012
Glosten l 14/.5 D
Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Stuart M. Goldstein Attorney-James B. Lake, Jr.
[5 7 ABSTRACT A semi-submersible work platform comprising a deck with oppositely disposed projections extending outwardly. Twin hull members, adapted to float said deck, are transversely spaced and braced apart, and mount upright columns that are spaced and secured around the perimeter of the working deck. The hulls are rectangular in cross-section for damping motion and pointed at both ends for double-ended use in moving. Motion damping fins are mounted on said hulls and extend outwardly and parallel to the deck projections and are vertically aligned therewith. Hydrodynamically shaped stability columns are tumably mounted between each of said deck projections and associated damping fins for the triple use of reducing drag on the work platform, steering the rig while underway, and partially in controlling draft and trim thereof. Propulsion may be added to each of the stability columns at their respective lower ends.
6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 1 SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE WORK PLATFORM The invention relates generally to semi-submersible work platforms and more particularly to platforms that are adapted to floating and grounded use.
Heretofore semi-submersible work platforms have taught a boat-shaped member fixed to a base of each of a plurality of supporting columns. Where columns are used for stability purposes, these functions are incdrporated in said supporting fixed columns.
It is an object of the invention to provide a semisubmersible work platform having separate support and stability columns, the later being mounted outboard of the former and tear-drop shape in cross section for their submersible extent.
Another object of the invention is to provide turnable stability columns that are usable for steering and reducing dragwhen immersed in relatively moving water.
Another object of the invention is to provide dual purpose motion damping and structure strengthening means for said work platform.
-' Another object of the invention is to provide a semisubmersible work platform in which self-propulsion can be optionally installed.
Other objects and a fuller knowledge of the invention may be had by referring to the following specification, claims and drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the invention with optional propulsion units installed,
FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged plan view of a deck projection,
FIG. 3 an enlarged vertical cross-section of a part of FIG. 1 showing turnable mounting of a stability column,
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross section of a part of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section ity columns 22 are supported for rotation or turning between fins l8 and diagonal projections 20. Hull members 16 are held together together in catamaran configuration with cross bracing 26, and joined to said deck by the support and stability columns. Propulsion units 28 can be mounted in the lower ends of stability columns 22 as shown in FIG. 1, the external parts 30 of said units being secured to said stability columns by pins 32 and 34.
More particularly and referring additionally to FIGS. 24 and 6, a stability column 22 is hydrodynamically shaped in cross-section (FIG. 5) and is round with reduced radii for the portions at it top 36 and bottom 38 for economy of mounting for turning (FIGS. 3 and 6). Ball bearings 40 are'mounted in a ball race 41 bolted between a projection 20 and top 36. A hold down'ring 42 closes the race which turnably supports top of column 22. The reduced bottom 38 fits into a hole defined in associated fin 18. A bushing 46 turnably supports bottom 38 in said hole. The hollow columns houses optional propulsion machinery 48 and ventilation ducts 50. Access to machinery is through the stability columns also. A motor 52 mounted adjacent to top 36 drives a spur gear 54 that meshes with toothed flange 56 secured to top 36 of each stability column 22. The arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The work platform 12 can become self propelled with the mounting of propulsion apparatus in the lower end of each stability column 22 and steered by turning the hydrodynamically shaped stability columns 22. Propellers 58 can be mounted in Kort nozzles 60 as shown in FIG. 5 to improve directional propulsion and assist in steering.
Work platform 12 travels as shown in FIG. 1 at lowestwaterline. Flotation tanks (not shown) in hull members l6 and, if desired, in stability columns 22, can be flooded to sink the platform to any desired depth, or occasionally to the sea bottom, as limited by the upper waterline. In either case stability columns stabilize work platform 12 and when turned for blunt edges to face into any relative water flow to reduce the effects of such flow on the platform to a minimum. Pumping means (not shown) can be provided on or off the platform for evacuating said flotation tanks prior to moving the platform.
I claim:
1. A semi-submersible work platform, having a hull structure, a work deck, and supporting columns fixing said work deck to the hull structure in vertical spaced relationship, comprising: parallel projections symmetrically fixed around outer perimeters of said hull structure and work deck respectively, said projections extending outboard of said support columns and being arranged in pairs, the projections of each pair arranged in vertically aligned and spaced relationship; upper and lower mounting means, vertically aligned and spaced, defined by each said pair of projections for turnably engaging oppositely disposed cylindrical ends of stability columns;said stability columns, having respectively oppositely disposed ends and vertical axes, adapted respectively to being mounted between each of said pairs of projections by said respective upper and lower mounting means for turning about each of their said vertical axes, said stability columns being hollow and hydrodynamically shaped in cross-section for a portion intermediate their respectively oppositely disposed ends, whereby said stability columns stabilizes said semi-submersible work platform, can be turned about their respective vertical axes to steer when underway and to reduce drag of columns when stationary in moving water.
2. A semi-submersible platform as described in claim 1 wherein said hydrodynamically shaped stability columns are tear shaped in cross-section.
. 3. A semi-submersible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein said upper and lower mounting means comprises respectively ball races and bushings.
4. A semi-submersible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein the ends of said stability columns are cylindrical for turnably engaging in said upper and lower mounting means, and are smaller in diameter than the hydrodynamically shaped portion for reducing the sizes of said mounting means.
5. A semi-submersible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein said hollow stability columns defines space for mounting propulsion machinery adjacent each said lower mounting means.
6. A semi-submersible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein said hull structure defines a catamaran l 4' i i l

Claims (6)

1. A semi-submersible work platform, having a hull structure, a work deck, and supporting columns fixing said work deck to the hull structure in vertical spaced relationship, comprising: parallel projections symmetrically fixed around outer perimeters of said hull structure and work deck respectively, said projections extending outboard of said support columns and being arranged in pairs, the projections of each pair arranged in vertically aligned and spaced relationship; upper and lower mounting means, vertically aligned and spaced, defined by each said pair of projections for turnably engaging oppositely disposed cylindrical ends of stability columns; said stability columns, having respectively oppositely disposed ends and vertical axes, adapted respectively to being mounted between each of said pairs of projections by said respective upper and lower mounting means for turning about each of their said vertical axes, said stability columns being hollow and hydrodynamically shaped in cross-section for a portion intermediate their respectively oppositely disposed ends, whereby said stability columns stabilizes said semi-submersible work platform, can be turned about their respective vertical axes to steer when underway and to reduce drag of columns when stationary in moving water.
2. A semi-submersible platform as described in claim 1 wherein said hydrodynamically shaped stability columns are tear shaped in cross-section.
3. A semi-submersible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein said upper and lower mounting means comprises respectively ball races and bushings.
4. A semi-submersible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein the ends of said stability columns are cylindrical for turnably engaging in said upper and lower mounting means, and are smaller in diameter than the hydrodynamically shaped portion for reducing the sizes of said mounting means.
5. A semi-submersible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein said hollow stability columns defines space for mounting propulsion machinery adjacent each said lower mounting means.
6. A semi-submerSible work platform as described in claim 1 wherein said hull structure defines a catamaran.
US00263012A 1972-05-25 1972-05-25 Semi-submersible work platform Expired - Lifetime US3763809A (en)

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2146294A (en) * 1983-09-07 1985-04-17 Goetaverken Arendal Ab A semi-submersible offshore vessel
US20050005834A1 (en) * 2003-07-10 2005-01-13 Doria Engineering Floating terminal for loading/offloading ships such as methane tankers
WO2007097611A1 (en) * 2006-02-27 2007-08-30 Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V. Semi-submersible vessel, method for operating a semi-submersible vessel and method for manufacturing a semi-submersible vessel
US20110017511A1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2011-01-27 Payne Michael L Offshore drilling system
US8662000B2 (en) 2009-11-08 2014-03-04 Ssp Technologies, Inc. Stable offshore floating depot
US9446825B1 (en) 2013-12-10 2016-09-20 Hugh Francis Gallagher Self-propelled, catamaran-type, dual-application, semisubmersible ship with hydrodynamic hulls and columns
US9452808B1 (en) * 2013-01-22 2016-09-27 Eli Oklejas, Jr. High speed watercraft stabilization
WO2017173934A1 (en) * 2016-04-03 2017-10-12 大连理工大学 Self-elevating submersible underwater working platform and usage thereof

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2608829A (en) * 1948-03-30 1952-09-02 Standard Oil Dev Co Portable marine foundation
US3224401A (en) * 1964-04-13 1965-12-21 Shell Oil Co Stabilized floating drilling platform
US3273526A (en) * 1963-11-15 1966-09-20 Lawrence R Glosten Stable ocean platform
US3610193A (en) * 1969-07-29 1971-10-05 Bethelehem Steel Corp Offshore drilling structure

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2608829A (en) * 1948-03-30 1952-09-02 Standard Oil Dev Co Portable marine foundation
US3273526A (en) * 1963-11-15 1966-09-20 Lawrence R Glosten Stable ocean platform
US3224401A (en) * 1964-04-13 1965-12-21 Shell Oil Co Stabilized floating drilling platform
US3610193A (en) * 1969-07-29 1971-10-05 Bethelehem Steel Corp Offshore drilling structure

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2146294A (en) * 1983-09-07 1985-04-17 Goetaverken Arendal Ab A semi-submersible offshore vessel
US20050005834A1 (en) * 2003-07-10 2005-01-13 Doria Engineering Floating terminal for loading/offloading ships such as methane tankers
GB2449033B (en) * 2006-02-27 2011-04-13 Heerema Marine Contractors Nl Semi-submersible vessel, method for operating a semi-submersible vessel and method for manufacturing a semi-submersible vessel
GB2449033A (en) * 2006-02-27 2008-11-05 Heerema Marine Contractors Nl Semi-submersible vessel, method for operating a semi-submersible vessel and method for manufacturing a semi-submersible vessel
US20100224114A1 (en) * 2006-02-27 2010-09-09 Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V. Semi-Submersible Vessel, Method For Operating A Semi-Submersible Vessel And Method For Manufacturing A Semi-Submersible Vessel
WO2007097611A1 (en) * 2006-02-27 2007-08-30 Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V. Semi-submersible vessel, method for operating a semi-submersible vessel and method for manufacturing a semi-submersible vessel
AU2006338668B2 (en) * 2006-02-27 2013-06-20 Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V. Semi-submersible vessel, method for operating a semi-submersible vessel and method for manufacturing a semi-submersible vessel
US8752496B2 (en) 2006-02-27 2014-06-17 Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland Se Semi-submersible vessel, method for operating a semi-submersible vessel and method for manufacturing a semi-submersible vessel
US20110017511A1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2011-01-27 Payne Michael L Offshore drilling system
US8342249B2 (en) 2009-07-23 2013-01-01 Bp Corporation North America Inc. Offshore drilling system
US8662000B2 (en) 2009-11-08 2014-03-04 Ssp Technologies, Inc. Stable offshore floating depot
US9452808B1 (en) * 2013-01-22 2016-09-27 Eli Oklejas, Jr. High speed watercraft stabilization
US9446825B1 (en) 2013-12-10 2016-09-20 Hugh Francis Gallagher Self-propelled, catamaran-type, dual-application, semisubmersible ship with hydrodynamic hulls and columns
WO2017173934A1 (en) * 2016-04-03 2017-10-12 大连理工大学 Self-elevating submersible underwater working platform and usage thereof

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