System and Method for Modular, High Volume Deepwater Facility Production

Abstract

Production systems and associated methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the production system includes a production barge and a production facility disposed on the production barge. The production facility is operable to produce a plurality of modular components for use in construction of an offshore structure, wherein the modular components comprise at least one of a stiffened plate and a stiffened tubular.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 096,174 filed on Sep. 11, 2008, and entitled “Modular, High Volume Deepwater Facility Production,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to production systems and methods for manufacturing of components for offshore structures, including fixed or floating platforms and vessels. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and associated methods for high-volume fabrication of modular components for the offshore structures.[0004]Conventional methods for fabrication and assembly of offshore structures are driven by the design of the offshore structures themselves and typically require special procedures that can be performed only by skilled te...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a production system and method for making modular components of offshore structures. The system includes a production barge and a production facility on it that produces stiffened plates and tubular components. The components are assembled to form a portion of the offshore structure and then transported to the installation site using a load out barge. The invention improves the efficiency and automation of offshore structure production."

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, production of an offshore structure is a lengthy and expensive process.

Limited capacity of existing yards wherein offshore structures may be fabricated and assembled further increases production costs and completion time for these structures.

Moreover, in some locations, expansion beyond existing yard capacity to reduce production time and cost is either impossible due to a lack of space or undesirable due to local conditions.

In other locations, expansion is possible but not desirable for economic reasons.

For example, there may be only a short term need for expansion of an existing yard or construction of a new yard that does not justify the associated expense.

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