Lookout tower for floating production storage and offloading unit

Abstract

The observation platform of a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit belongs to the technical field of FPSO. It includes a mounting base plate, a drive structure for lifting and lowering set on top of the mounting base plate, and a platform structure for observation. The platform structure includes a fixed plate set on top of the mounting base plate, with a steel structure main body of the observation platform connected above it. Through the platform structure, three windproof glass windows can be simultaneously folded and unfolded at an upward tilt angle, which can resist the impact of wind from the front, sides, and diagonal directions, greatly reducing the sway of the main body of the observation platform and improving the stability of observation. It can also guide the wind force in the three directions upward, and discharge the high-speed airflow along the plate surface upward, avoiding the wind force directly hitting the hull. This effectively reduces wind resistance, disperses wind load, reduces wind-induced vibration and wind noise, and improves the comfort of operation. Moreover, the transparent material ensures a wide field of vision with no blind spots after the three sides are enclosed, allowing clear observation of the bow operation details. It is easy to operate and the linkage is reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) equipment, specifically to the lookout tower of a FPSO equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units are core equipment for offshore oil and gas development, operating long-term in complex marine environments in the open ocean. Their bow area frequently hosts critical operations such as shuttle tanker transport, mooring, and emergency lookout. To address the issue of obstructed visibility from the upper modules in the living quarters, preventing clear observation of tanker operations at the bow, FPSOs typically have an independent lookout tower at the forecastle location. This ensures the safety of transport operations and improves communication and coordination efficiency.

[0003] Existing FPSO lookout towers are mostly fixed-height steel structures or simple lifting platforms with fixed glass windows. While these meet basic lookout requirements, they reveal significant technical deficiencies under harsh conditions such as strong ocean winds and waves on the deck. The problems are particularly pronounced under high-altitude observation conditions. When the lookout tower is at a high position, it is susceptible to multi-directional wind impacts, resulting in severe swaying and poor stability. In the marine environment, strong winds often act on the high-altitude hull from three directions: front, side, and oblique. Existing fixed windows only block winds directly in front, while side and oblique winds directly impact the side walls and top of the hull, creating asymmetrical wind loads. This causes significant swaying, vibration, and displacement of the lookout tower, with sway amplitudes reaching several centimeters. This severely affects personnel stability, observation accuracy, and operational safety, and may even lead to risks such as dizziness and misjudgment of operational status. Based on the shortcomings of existing technology, this invention designs a lookout tower for a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a lookout tower for a floating production oil storage device, which has the advantages of wind protection in three directions, significantly reducing high-level swaying, and improving observation stability, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The present invention provides the following technical solution: a lookout platform for a floating production storage and offloading device, comprising a mounting base plate, a drive structure for lifting and lowering disposed on top of the mounting base plate, and a platform structure for observation, wherein the platform structure comprises; A fixed plate is set on top of the mounting base plate, and a steel-structured observation platform is connected above it for observing the water surface. Three windproof glass windows, hinged to the side of the fixed plate, are hinged to the main body of the observation deck via hinge rods, and are used to guide the wind. Three sets of sliding grooves are symmetrically arranged on the three sides of the main body of the observation tower. Each set of sliding grooves is equipped with a miniature lead screw and a limit rod, and is hinged to the hinge rod through a sliding block. A miniature motor is installed below the main body of the observation tower. The output shaft is connected to a pulley via a coupling. The pulley is connected to one of the miniature lead screws via a connecting belt. Connecting belt two, linked to connecting belt one via a pulley, is used to drive the left-side miniature lead screw; Connecting belt three is connected to connecting belt two via a pulley, and the other end is connected to the left miniature lead screw via a pulley. Connecting belt four is connected to connecting belt one via a pulley, and its other end is connected to connecting belt five via a pulley. Connecting belt five is also connected to the right-side miniature lead screw via a pulley.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the observation tower is provided with observation glass windows on three sides for observing the situation on the water, and a sealed door is provided on the back of the main body of the observation tower.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, six supporting diagonal rods are installed at the bottom of the fixing plate, and threaded collars are installed between the six supporting diagonal rods. Four supporting sliding rods are fixedly installed at the bottom of the fixing plate to limit the movement position of the fixing plate.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support frame is installed on the top of the mounting base plate, and the support frame slides in cooperation with four support slide rods to support the platform structure.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving structure includes a drive motor, a drive screw, and a support plate. The drive motor is disposed on the side of the mounting base plate, and a bevel gear is mounted on one end of the output shaft.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive screw is rotatably positioned at the center of the mounting base plate, and the drive screw is threadedly connected to the threaded collar.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support rod is sleeved on the top of the outer surface of the drive screw, and the support rod is fixedly connected to the support frame.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bevel gear one is connected to the outer surface of the drive screw, and the outer surface of the bevel gear one meshes with the outer surface of the bevel gear two.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support plate is located between the drive motor and the drive screw, and is rotatably connected to the output shaft of the drive motor for supporting it.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is installed on one side of the outer surface of the support frame, and a guardrail is provided on the top of the ladder for the protection of workers.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The observation platform of this floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit features a platform structure. When the main body of the observation platform is in a high-level observation position, three windproof windows are hinged on three sides. Driven by a micro motor, the windows are transmitted through connecting belts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, which simultaneously drive three sets of micro screws to rotate. This causes the sliding blocks to move along the sliding grooves and are linked by the hinge rods, allowing the three windproof windows to fold and unfold synchronously at an upward tilt angle. This not only resists the impact of wind from the front, sides, and diagonal directions, but also significantly reduces the sway of the main body of the observation platform and improves the stability of observation. Furthermore, it guides the wind force in the three directions upward, directing the high-speed airflow upward along the plate surface, preventing the wind force from directly impacting the hull. This effectively reduces wind resistance, disperses wind load, reduces wind-induced vibration and wind noise, and improves operational comfort. The transparent material ensures a wide field of vision with no blind spots after the three sides are enclosed, allowing for clear observation of the details of the bow operation. The operation is convenient and the linkage is reliable. 2. The lookout tower of this floating production storage and offloading unit is raised and lowered by a drive screw. In the initial state, the overall height of the lookout tower is lower than that of the bulwark. When the wind and waves are large or the deck is surging, it can be lowered to a lower position, which effectively avoids the lookout tower being damaged by the waves and significantly improves the structural safety and reliability under severe sea conditions. 3. The lookout tower of this floating production storage and offloading unit is guided by support rods and support slides during the lifting and lowering of the main body of the lookout tower, ensuring horizontal stability and no tilting or swaying during the lifting and lowering process; the drive screw has self-locking properties and can automatically lock after lifting and lowering to the correct position to prevent the main body of the lookout tower from falling accidentally. It has good safety protection performance and is suitable for complex marine working conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting base plate structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drive motor structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the driving structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the platform structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the observation tower of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting strip structure of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the observation deck and the bulwark when the observation deck is not in use.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Mounting base plate; 2. Support frame; 3. Drive structure; 31. Drive motor; 32. Drive screw; 33. Support rod; 34. Bevel gear one; 35. Bevel gear two; 36. Support plate; 4. Platform structure; 41. Fixing plate; 42. Supporting diagonal rod; 43. Threaded collar; 44. Supporting slide rod; 45. Observation platform main body; 46. Sealed door; 47. Observation glass window; 48. Windshield glass window; 49. Slide groove; 410. Miniature screw; 411. Limiting rod; 412. Sliding block; 413. Hinge rod; 414. Connecting belt one; 415. Miniature motor; 416. Connecting belt two; 417. Connecting belt three; 418. Connecting belt four; 419. Connecting belt five; 5. Ladder; 6. Guardrail. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Please see Figures 1-8 The observation platform of a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit includes a mounting base plate 1, a drive structure 3 for lifting and lowering mounted on top of the mounting base plate 1, and a platform structure 4 for observation. The platform structure 4 includes a fixed plate 41, and an observation platform body 45 is mounted on top of the fixed plate 41. Windshield windows 48 are hinged on three sides of the observation platform body 45. Two sliding grooves 49 are symmetrically opened on three of the three sides of the observation platform body 45. A miniature lead screw 410 is rotatably mounted inside one of the sliding grooves 49, and a limit rod 411 is installed inside the other symmetrical sliding groove 49. Sliding blocks 412 are threaded onto the outer surfaces of the three miniature lead screws 410. Other sliding blocks 412 are slidably fitted onto the three limit rods 411. Hinge rods 413 are hinged inside the three sets of sliding blocks 412. The other end of 13 is hinged to the windshield 48. One of the miniature screws 410 is connected to a connecting belt 414 via a pulley. One end of the connecting belt 414 is connected to a miniature motor 415 connected to the main body 45 of the observation tower via a pulley. The pulley of the miniature motor 415 located above the main body 45 of the observation tower is connected to a connecting belt 416 via a transition pulley. One end of the connecting belt 416 is connected to a connecting belt 417 via a pulley. The connecting belt 417 is connected to the miniature screw 410 on the side via a pulley. The miniature motor 415 is connected to a connecting belt 418 via another pulley above it. One end of the connecting belt 418 is connected to a connecting belt 419 via a pulley. One end of the connecting belt 419 is connected to the miniature screw 410 on the other side via a pulley.

[0020] Please see Figures 5-8 To ensure a comprehensive field of vision and maintain the structure's airtightness and integrity even when the windbreak function is activated, large observation windows 47 are provided on the three sides of the main body 45 of the lookout tower. These windows correspond to the folded-down windbreak windows 48, ensuring that operators can clearly observe details of operations on the water. Simultaneously, a closable, airtight door 46 is located on the fourth side of the main body 45, away from the work area, for safe entry and exit of personnel and to ensure the enclosure's airtightness. This rational arrangement of windows and doors ensures a balance between functionality, safety, and user experience for the lookout tower. To provide a solid support foundation for the platform structure 4 and ensure its stable guidance and limiting during lifting, six downward-extending support rods 42 are evenly installed in the bottom space of the fixed plate 41. These six support rods 42 are securely connected by a threaded collar 43. In addition, four downward-extending support slide rods 44 are symmetrically fixed at the bottom of the fixed plate 41 near its four corners. These support slide rods are used to strictly limit and guide the movement trajectory of the platform structure during subsequent lifting, thereby preventing unnecessary swaying or twisting during lifting or when subjected to impact, and enhancing the rigidity of the overall structure. To form a reliable lifting and sliding guide structure between the mounting base plate 1 and the platform structure 4, a ring-shaped support frame 2 is fixedly installed in the top center area of ​​the mounting base plate 1. The inner sidewall of the support frame 2 slides in conjunction with the aforementioned four support slide rods 44, thereby stably supporting and guiding the fixed plate 41 and the observation platform body 45 above it. This provides a basic support plane and sliding track for the smooth lifting of the entire platform structure 4 and optimizes the transmission path of the driving force.

[0021] Please see Figures 1-5The drive structure (3) includes a drive motor 31, a drive screw 32, and a support plate 36. The drive motor 31 is fixedly mounted on the side of the mounting base plate 1, and a bevel gear 35 is precisely mounted on the end of its output shaft. By driving the drive motor 31, the lifting process of the platform structure can be smoothly started. The drive screw 32 is rotatably mounted at the center through position of the mounting base plate 1 and forms a threaded connection with the threaded collar 43 between the bottom support inclined rod 42 of the fixed plate 41. In this way, when the drive screw 32 rotates, it will directly drive the entire threaded collar 43 and the fixed plate 41 and the observation platform body 45 connected to it to move vertically along the axial direction. A fixed ring 333 is sleeved on the upper part of the outer surface of the drive screw 32. The upper end of the support rod 33 is fixedly connected to the support frame 2. It can reduce the slight sway that may occur at the top of the drive screw 32 during the lifting process of the platform structure 4, and further enhance the overall rigidity of the entire transmission system. A bevel gear 34 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the outer surface of the drive screw 32. The outer surface of the bevel teeth of the bevel gear 34 meshes orthogonally with the outer surface of the bevel gear 35 at the end of the output shaft of the drive motor 31, thereby efficiently converting the horizontal torque generated by the drive motor 31 into the vertical torque required by the drive screw 32. The support plate 36 is positioned and installed in the area between the drive motor 31 and the drive screw 32, forming a rotatable connection with the end of the output shaft of the drive motor 31, and is used to provide stable support for the overhang of the motor shaft.

[0022] Please see Figures 1-4 To facilitate safe access for staff to the low-lying observation tower, a ladder 5 is fixedly installed on one side of the outer surface of the support frame 2, and a surrounding guardrail 6 is installed on the top platform of the ladder 5 to provide additional protection for staff during climbing and access, thereby improving the human-machine safety and convenience of the operation process.

[0023] Working principle: When the lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit is in use, initially, the overall height of the tower structure 4 is lower than the bulwark. In windy and wavey weather, the height is lowered to avoid damage from impacts. When high-level observation is required, the drive motor 31 drives the output shaft to rotate the bevel gear 35. Since the bevel gear 35 meshes with the outer surface of the bevel gear 34, the rotation of the bevel gear 35 causes the bevel gear 34 to drive the drive screw 32 to rotate. At this time, the drive screw 32 is supported by the support rod 33. Simultaneously, due to the limiting of the support slide rod 44 and the support of the support diagonal rod 42, the rotation of the drive screw 32 causes the fixed plate 41 to move the lookout tower body 45 upward horizontally. At this time, the upward direction of the lookout tower body 45 is limited by the support slide rod 44. After moving to the appropriate position, the drive is turned off. Motor 31, through the self-locking property of drive screw 32, can prevent the main body of the observation tower 45 from falling. At this time, the observer can observe the situation on the water through the observation glass window 47. If the wind is strong, the micro motor 415 needs to be started, so that the pulley connected to the output shaft end of the connecting belt 414 drives one of the micro screws 410 to rotate. Due to the limiting rod 411 on the other side, the two sliding blocks 412 can move on the outer surface of the micro screw 410 and the limiting rod 411, so that the hinge rod 413 drives the windshield window 48 to fold, guiding the wind force upward. At the same time, through the connection of connecting belt 2 416, connecting belt 3 417, connecting belt 418 and connecting belt 5 419, the windshield windows 48 on the other two sides can also fold, thus completing the wind protection on three sides and improving the wind resistance of the main body of the observation tower 45.

[0024] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0025] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lookout platform for a floating production oil storage device, comprising a mounting base plate (1); the top of the mounting base plate (1) is provided with a driving structure (3) for lifting and lowering and a platform structure (4) for observation, characterized in that: The platform structure (4) includes; A fixed plate (41) is set on top of the mounting base plate (1), and a steel structure observation platform (45) is connected above it for observing the water surface. Three windproof glass windows (48) are hinged to the side of the fixed plate (41) and are hinged to the main body of the observation deck (45) through the hinge rod (413) for wind guidance; Three sets of sliding grooves (49) are symmetrically arranged on three sides of the main body (45) of the observation tower. Each set of sliding grooves (49) is equipped with a miniature lead screw (410) and a limiting rod (411), and is hinged to the hinge rod (413) through a sliding block (412). A micro motor (415) is located below the main body (45) of the observation tower. The output shaft is connected to a pulley via a coupling. The pulley is connected to one of the micro screws (410) via a connecting belt (414). Connecting belt two (416) is linked with connecting belt one (414) via a pulley and is used to drive the left micro screw (410); Connecting belt three (417) is connected to connecting belt two (416) via a pulley, and the other end is connected to the left micro screw (410) via a pulley; Connecting belt four (418) is connected to connecting belt one (414) via a pulley, and the other end is connected to connecting belt five (419) via a pulley. One end of connecting belt five (419) is connected to the right micro screw (410) via a pulley.

2. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (45) of the observation tower is provided with observation glass windows (47) on three sides for observing the situation on the water, and a sealed door (46) is provided on the back of the main body (45).

3. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the fixed plate (41) is equipped with six support diagonal rods (42), and threaded collars (43) are installed between the six support diagonal rods (42). The bottom of the fixed plate (41) is fixedly equipped with four support sliding rods (44) for limiting the movement position of the fixed plate (41).

4. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support frame (2) is installed on the top of the mounting base plate (1). The support frame (2) slides with four support slide rods (44) to support the platform structure (4).

5. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive structure (3) includes a drive motor (31), a drive screw (32), and a support plate (36). The drive motor (31) is located on the side of the mounting base plate (1), and a bevel gear (35) is installed at one end of the output shaft.

6. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drive screw (32) is rotatably positioned at the center of the mounting base plate (1), and the drive screw (32) is threadedly connected to the threaded collar (43).

7. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A support rod (33) is sleeved on the top of the outer surface of the drive screw (32), and the support rod (33) is fixedly connected to the support frame (2).

8. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer surface of the drive screw (32) is connected to a bevel gear one (34), and the outer surface of the bevel gear one (34) meshes with the outer surface of the bevel gear two (35).

9. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support plate (36) is located between the drive motor (31) and the drive screw (32), and is rotatably connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (31) for supporting it.

10. The lookout tower of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A ladder (5) is installed on one side of the outer surface of the support frame (2), and a guardrail (6) is provided on the top of the ladder (5) for the protection of the staff.

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