Structural assembly including cross members with integrated tanks and bolted flange connections.

Abstract

A structural assembly comprising a transverse member with an integrated tank and bolted flange connections. The structural assembly comprises a transverse member (8) formed of one or more pipes (10) with a tank (12) partitioned inside one or more pipes (10) of the transverse member (8), and at least one bolted flange connection (16) connecting the end of one pipe (10) of the transverse member (8) to another structural element (6) of a support structure (4), wherein each bolted flange connection (16) includes a first flange (20) and a second flange (22) together bolted by a bolt (24), and the at least one bolted flange connection (16) is sealed by a sealing assembly (32) which includes at least one sealing member (34, 48, 50, 62) configured to seal the bolted flange connection (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of offshore platforms, particularly offshore platforms for hydrocarbon exploration and / or production.

Background Art

[0002] A bottom-fixed offshore platform includes a support structure configured to support the facilities of the offshore platform. The support structure includes, for example, legs, columns or pylons, and cross-members extending transversely between the legs, columns or pylons to maintain a transverse spacing therebetween, for example, a plurality of metal structural elements welded together.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to propose an offshore platform support structure that is easy to install, operate and maintain, and has a simple, robust, compact and lightweight marine structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] For this purpose, the present invention proposes a structural assembly for a support structure, the structural assembly comprising: a transverse member formed of one or more tubes, the transverse member including a tank for storing fluid integrated inside the transverse member, the tank being partitioned inside one or more tubes of the transverse member; and at least one bolted flange connection, each bolted flange connection connecting the end of one tube of the transverse member to another structural element of the support structure, each bolted flange connection including a first flange and a second flange bolted together by bolts, wherein the at least one bolted flange connection is sealed by a sealing assembly comprising at least one sealing member configured to seal the bolted flange connection.

[0005] Tanks integrated within transverse members provide an efficient method for increasing the fluid storage capacity of offshore platforms while limiting construction costs. By providing bolted flange connections between the transverse member tubes and other structural elements of the support structure, it is possible to obtain a compact and lightweight offshore structure that is very easy to install. The number of welding operations required to assemble the support structure can be limited. Inspection and maintenance, particularly of the tanks and associated fluid components, are easy.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the support structure includes one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically feasible combination: — The first flange and / or the second flange extend inward in relation to the transverse tube; - The sealing assembly includes a sealing member that is provided as a sealing sleeve surrounding the joint between the transverse tube and other structural elements; - The sealing assembly includes a sealing member provided as an annular seal inserted between a first flange and a second flange, the annular seal being partially housed in a groove formed in the first flange and partially housed in a groove formed in the second flange, or fully housed in a groove formed in the first flange and in contact with the front surface of the second flange, or fully housed in a groove formed in the second flange and in contact with the front surface of the first flange; - One of the first flange and the second flange includes an annular projection configured to engage with an annular groove formed in the other of the first flange and the second flange; - At least one sealing member is housed within the annular groove and pressed by the annular projection; - The connecting pipe extends from the second flange, and the sealing ring is pressed between the connecting pipe and the first flange; - The opposing surfaces of the first flange and the second flange are in contact with each other; - The sealing assembly includes a sealing member provided as a sealing washer inserted between a first flange and a second flange, the first flange and the second flange being, for example, spaced apart; - The tank is pressurized; - The pipe includes internal partitions extending along the pipe to partition a tank inside the pipe, the partitions being positioned along the pipe at a certain distance from the first flange; - The tank is fluidly connected to fluid components located outside the crossbar via connecting pipes that extend through bolted flange connections; - The horizontal members consist of two tubes, each connected to other structural elements by bolted flange connections; - The transverse members extend between the two structural elements and are connected to at least one of the two structural elements via one or more flange connections fastened with bolts.

[0007] The present invention also relates to an offshore platform including a support structure, and more particularly to a bottom-fixed offshore platform, wherein the support structure includes at least one structural assembly as defined above.

[0008] The present invention and its advantages will be better understood by reading the following description, which is shown with reference to the accompanying drawings as merely non-limiting embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a partial side view of the support structure of an offshore platform, which includes two structural elements and a transverse member extending between the two structural elements. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a structural assembly component including a bolted flange connection between a structural element of a support structure and a transverse member tube, according to a different embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a structural assembly component including a bolted flange connection between a structural element of a support structure and a transverse member tube, according to a different embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a structural assembly component including a bolted flange connection between a structural element of a support structure and a transverse member tube, according to a different embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a structural assembly component including a bolted flange connection between a structural element of a support structure and a transverse member tube, according to a different embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a structural assembly component including a bolted flange connection between a structural element of a support structure and a transverse member tube, according to a different embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view of a support structure for an offshore platform structure according to a different embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a side view of a support structure for an offshore platform structure according to a different embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a side view of a support structure for an offshore platform structure according to a different embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The offshore platform 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a support structure 4 including two spaced-apart structural elements 6 and a cross member 8 extending between and connecting the two structural elements 6 together.

[0011] The support structure 4 is configured to support the offshore platform 2 and / or the facilities on the upper deck of the offshore platform 2.

[0012] Each structural element 6 of the support structure 4 is, for example, a leg or column or pylon of the support structure 4 or yet another cross member. Each structural element 6 is preferably made of metal.

[0013] The support structure 4 defines a jacket structure in which the structural elements 6 define legs or columns or pylons of the support structure 4, and each cross member 8 connects to two such structural elements 6.

[0014] The cross member 8 is a tubular structure. The cross member 8 is formed of one pipe 10 or a plurality of pipes 10 connected together, preferably welded together. Each pipe 10 is preferably made of metal.

[0015] The outer diameter of each pipe 10 of the cross member 8 is, for example, between 1 meter and 6 meters, particularly between 2 meters and 5 meters.

[0016] The cross member 8 is preferably submersible. "Submersible" means that when the offshore platform is operating offshore, the cross member 8 sinks partially or completely.

[0017] The support structure 4 includes a tank 12 for storing a fluid, and the tank 12 is compartmentalized within one or more pipes 10 of the cross member 8. Thus, the tank 12 is "integrated" within the cross member 8. The fluid is, for example, a liquid or a gas, particularly a pressurized gas, such as pressurized air.

[0018] The tank 12 is partitioned, for example, by a single pipe 10 of a cross member 8 or by multiple pipes 10 of the cross member 8. In the latter case, the pipes 10 of the cross member 8 are connected together such that the individual volumes of the pipes 10 partition a single common volume that defines the tank 12. The pipes 10 of the cross member 8 that partition the tank 12 are welded together, for example, via groove weld connections.

[0019] The tank 12 is fluidly connected to a fluid component 14 supported by, for example, a support structure 4, and the fluid component 14 is positioned on, for example, a pontoon of an offshore platform 2 or on a structural element 6 connected by a crossbar 8.

[0020] The fluid component 14 includes, for example, one or more fluid circuits, one or more pipes, one or more storage tanks and / or one or more passive or active fluid control devices, such as one or more valves, one or more pressure regulators and / or one or more flow regulators.

[0021] The horizontal members 8 are connected to the structural elements 6 via bolted flange connections 16. Each bolted flange connection 16 connects one end of a pipe 10 of the horizontal member 8 to one of the two structural elements 6.

[0022] The horizontal member 8 has at least one pipe 10 connected to one of the two structural elements 6.

[0023] The horizontal members 8 are connected to one structural element 6 via, for example, one pipe 10, two pipes 10, or more than two pipes 10, and are connected to other structural elements 6 via one pipe 10, two pipes 10, or more than two pipes 10.

[0024] The horizontal member 8 is connected to at least one of the two structural elements 6 by one or more flange connections 16 fastened with bolts, and each bolted flange connection 16 connects each pipe 10 to one of the two structural elements 6.

[0025] The horizontal member 8 is connected to each of the two structural elements 6 by, for example, one or more flange connections 16 fastened with bolts, and each bolted flange connection 16 connects each end of the pipe 10 to one of the structural elements 6.

[0026] In one modified configuration, the horizontal member 8 is connected to one structural element 6 by one or more flange connections 16 fastened with bolts, each bolted flange connection 16 connects each end of the pipe 10 to the structural element 6, and is connected to other structural elements 6 by one or more welded connections, each welded connection connects each end of the pipe 10 to the other structural elements 6.

[0027] The horizontal member 8 includes at least one pipe 10 extending between two structural elements 6, having, for example, one end connected to one structural element 6 via a bolted flange connection 16, and another end connected to the other structural element 6 via a bolted flange connection 16 or a welded connection.

[0028] The horizontal members 8 may include a different number of pipes 10 and may have different shapes, depending on the arrangement of the pipes 10 in the horizontal members 8. Furthermore, the support structure 4 includes one or more separate horizontal members 10 that extend between two structural elements 6 and connect the two structural elements 6.

[0029] Advantageously, at least one bolted flange connection 16 provided at one end of the pipe 10 partitioning the tank 12 is configured to be permanently submerged when the floating offshore platform 2 is operational.

[0030] Advantageously, at least one pipe 10 of the transverse member 8, which partitions the tank 12 and has one end connected via bolted flange connections 16 or both ends connected via bolted flange connections 16, is configured to be submerged at all times when the floating offshore platform 2 is operational. The bolted flange connections 16 provided at the ends of such pipes 10 are submerged at all times when the floating offshore platform 2 is operational.

[0031] A bolted flange connection 16 is similar. Examples of structural assemblies including a transverse member 10 connected to a structural member 6 of the support structure 4 via a bolted flange connection 16 are illustrated in Figures 2-6, where corresponding or similar elements are indicated by the same number.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 2, the bolted flange connection 16 includes a first flange 20 provided on the pipe 10 and a second flange 22 provided on the structural element 6, and both the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 are bolted together.

[0033] The first flange 20 and the second flange 22 are annular. The first flange 20 and the second flange 22 extend around the central axis A of the bolted flange connection 16. The first flange 20 has a front surface 20A, and the second flange 22 has a front surface 22A. The front surface 20A of the first flange 20 faces the front surface 22A of the second flange 22.

[0034] The first flange 20 and the second flange 22 abut each other axially and are bolted together via a plurality of bolts 24.

[0035] The bolts 24 are distributed circumferentially on the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 with respect to the central axis A. The bolts 24 are distributed along one or more virtual circles with respect to the central axis A.

[0036] In Figure 2, only two bolts 24 placed opposite each other are visible. In practice, a bolted flange connection 16 preferably includes more than two bolts 24. The number of bolts 24 is selected, for example, depending on the diameters of the first and second flanges 20, 22.

[0037] The first flange 20 is provided at the end 28 of the pipe 10. The second flange 22 is provided, for example, at the connecting opening 30 of the structural member 6. The end 28 of the pipe 10 and the connecting opening 30 are preferably coaxial and center on the central axis A of the bolted flange connection 16. The end 28 of the pipe 10 and the connecting opening 30 preferably have a circular cross-section and the same diameter.

[0038] The bolts 24 of the bolted flange connection 16 extend through the flanges of the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 to secure the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 together, and each bolt 24 is engaged with, for example, a corresponding nut 26.

[0039] The first flange 20 and the second flange 22 extend radially outward from the pipe 10 and the connecting opening 30, or radially inward from the pipe 10 and the connecting opening 30, as illustrated in Figure 2, for example.

[0040] The first flange 20 and the second flange 22 are, for example, in direct contact with each other, particularly in metal-to-metal contact. More specifically, the front surface 20A of the first flange 20 and the front surface 22A of the second flange 22 are in direct contact with each other. In this way, a reliable mechanical connection between the pipe 10 and the structural element 6 via the bolted flange connection 16 is ensured.

[0041] The bolted flange connection 16 includes a sealing assembly 32 configured to seal the bolted flange connection 16.

[0042] The sealing assembly 32 seals the joint between the pipe 10 and the structural element 6.

[0043] The sealing assembly 32 is configured to prevent liquid and / or gas from flowing into and / or out of the support structure 4 through the bolted flange connection 16.

[0044] The sealing assembly 32 is advantageously configured to prevent water from flowing into the support structure 4 via the bolted flange connection 16, and / or to prevent liquids and / or gases stored in the tank 12, particularly pressurized gases stored in the tank 12, from flowing out of the support structure 4 via the bolted flange connection 16.

[0045] The sealing assembly 32 includes one or more sealing members, such as one or more annular seals, one or more sealing washers, one or more sealing rings and / or one or more sealing sleeves.

[0046] The sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, an annular seal 34 that is inserted between a first flange 20 and a second flange 22 and is partially housed in a first groove 36 formed in the first flange 20 and partially housed in a second groove 38 formed in the second flange 22, or is fully housed in the first groove 36 formed in the first flange 20 and in contact with the second flange 22, or is fully housed in the second groove 38 formed in the second flange 22 and in contact with the first flange 20.

[0047] Each annular seal 34 is made of, for example, natural or synthetic rubber or elastomer.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 2, the sealing assembly 32 includes at least one annular seal 34, each annular seal 34 of the sealing assembly 32 partially housed in a first groove 36 formed in the first flange 20 and partially housed in a second groove 38 formed in the second flange 22.

[0049] The sealing assembly 32 is preferably configured such that the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 are in contact with each other's respective front surfaces 20A and 22A. Each annular seal 34 housed in the first groove 36 and / or the second groove 38 allows contact between the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 while efficiently sealing.

[0050] Preferably, the sealing assembly 32 is configured such that each annular seal 34 is compressed between the first flange 20 and the second flange 22.

[0051] In particular, the size and shape of each annular seal 34, as well as the size and shape of each groove (first groove 36 and / or second groove 38) that accommodates the annular seal 20, are configured to compress the annular seal 34 between the first flange 20 and the second flange 22.

[0052] Each annular seal 34, for example, in its free state, i.e., before compression between the first flange 20 and the second flange 22, has a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0053] The sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, two annular seals 34 arranged concentrically around a central axis A.

[0054] The sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, one annular seal 34 positioned radially outward in relation to the bolt 24 and / or one annular seal 34 positioned radially inward in relation to the bolt 24.

[0055] The cross-section of the groove formed in the front surface 20A of the first flange 20 or in the front surface 22A of the second flange 22 to accommodate the annular seal 34, at least partially or completely, may exhibit various cross-sectional shapes, such as a semicircular cross-sectional shape, a square cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0056] In one embodiment, the pipe 10 partitions the tank 12.

[0057] In such a case, the pipe 10 advantageously includes a bulkhead 40 extending along the pipe 10 to partition the tank 12 within a section of the pipe 10, the bulkhead 40 being positioned along the pipe 10 at a certain distance from the first flange 20. The pipe 10 includes a connecting section 42 extending between the end 28 and the bulkhead 40 and a tank section 44 extending from the bulkhead 40 on the opposite side of the end 28.

[0058] By providing a partition wall 40 at a certain distance from the end 28 of the pipe 10 connected to the structural element 6 by a bolted flange connection 16, the reliability of the bolted flange connection 16, which is stored inside the storage tank 30 and not exposed to fluid pressure, is improved.

[0059] The support structure 4 advantageously includes a connecting pipe 46 for fluidly connecting the tank 12 to the fluid component 14 (not shown in Figure 2).

[0060] The tank 12 is connected to the fluid component 14 via a flange connection 16 fastened with bolts.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 2, the connecting pipe 46 extends from the bulkhead 40 toward the structural element 6 to connect the tank 12 to the fluid component 14.

[0062] The connecting pipe 46 is connected to the fluid component 14 by, for example, a bolted connection, a welded connection, or any other preferred type of connection.

[0063] The bolted flange connection 16 is not limited to the embodiments and variations discussed in relation to Figure 2.

[0064] As will be discussed below, other embodiments and variations may also be considered in relation to Figures 3-6, where elements corresponding to those in Figure 2 are shown with the same numbers.

[0065] In the bolted flange connection 16 shown in Figure 2, the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 protrude radially outward from the connecting opening 30 of the pipe 10 and the structural element 6.

[0066] The bolted flange connection 16 in Figure 3 differs from that in Figure 2 in that the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 protrude radially inward from the connecting opening 30 of the pipe 10 and the structural element 6. This configuration offers the advantage that the bolts 24 are positioned inside the bolted flange connection 16 and are therefore protected from external elements, namely water.

[0067] The arrangement of the bolts 24 in the bolted flange connection 16 may differ from that of the bolted flange connection 16 in Figure 2.

[0068] The bolts 24 of the bolted flange connection 16 are arranged in the form of a single row of bolts 24 extending along a virtual circle centered on the central axis A, or in the form of multiple rows of bolts 24, each row extending along a virtual circle centered on the central axis A, and the rows being arranged concentrically with respect to the central axis A.

[0069] The bolted flange connection 16 in Figure 3 differs from that in Figure 2 in that the bolted flange connection 16 includes two rows of bolts 24 that extend concentrically around the central axis A.

[0070] The sealing assembly 32 of the bolted flange connection 16 of the bolted flange in Figure 2 includes one or more annular seals 34, each annular seal 34 housed in a first groove 36 and a second groove 38.

[0071] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Figure 3, a bolted flange connection 16 includes a sealing washer 48 inserted between the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 such that the first flange 20 and the second flange 22 support each other via the sealing washer 48 without contacting each other.

[0072] At least when compressed between the first flange 20 and the second flange 22, the sealing washer 48 preferably takes on a flat shape and extends radially in relation to the central axis A. The bolts 14 of the bolted flange connection 16 extend through the sealing washer 48, for example, through holes provided in the sealing washer 48.

[0073] The sealing washer 48 is made of, for example, metal, preferably a corrosion-resistant metal, especially stainless steel or bronze, such as copper and even bronze and / or aluminum containing tin and zinc.

[0074] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Figure 3, the sealing assembly 32 includes a sealing sleeve 50 positioned around a bolted flange connection 16.

[0075] The sealing sleeve 50 extends over the outer surface of the pipe 10 and the outer surface of the structural member 6, while covering the joint between the pipe 10 and the structural member 6.

[0076] The sealing sleeve 50 is made of, for example, a flexible material. The sealing sleeve 50 made of a flexible material is adaptable to a bolted flange connection 16. The sealing sleeve 50 is wrapped around, for example, the bolted flange connection 16.

[0077] The sealing sleeve 50, for example, if it consists of one or more layers, each layer may be made of rubber or a composite material including a base material and reinforcing fibers embedded within the base material.

[0078] The sealing sleeve 50 is obtained, for example, by wrapping TRENTON's Guard-Wrap® product around a bolted flange connection 16. Guard-Wrap® includes a spunbonded polyester mat saturated with microcrystalline wax, which is laminated onto a polyester film coated with microcrystalline wax.

[0079] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Figure 4, the sealing assembly 32 includes an annular seal 34 that is fully housed in a groove provided within the first flange 20 to create a sealing contact with the second flange 22, and / or an annular seal 34 that is fully housed in a groove provided within the second flange 22 to create a sealing contact with the first flange 20.

[0080] In particular, the sealing assembly 32 includes an annular seal 34 that is completely housed in a second groove 38 formed within the front surface 22A of the second flange 22 and makes sealing contact with the front surface 20A of the first flange 20A when the bolts 24 of the bolted flange connection 16 are tightened.

[0081] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Figure 5, the sealing assembly 32 includes an annular projection 54 formed on one of the first flange 20 and the second flange 22, the annular projection 54 engaging in an annular groove 52 formed in the other of the first flange 20 and the second flange 22, and optionally at least one annular seal 34 housed in the annular groove 56 and compressed by the annular projection 50.

[0082] In particular, two annular seals 34 are housed, for example, in an annular groove 52, and each annular seal 34 is compressed into its respective sealing seat 58 by an annular projection 54, and the two sealing seats 58 are preferably inclined in relation to the central axis A and / or inclined in relation to each other.

[0083] The sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, an annular projection 54 provided on the second flange 22 and an annular groove 52 provided on the first flange 20, and two annular seals 34 are housed in the annular groove 56 and compressed within the annular groove 56 against their respective sealing seats 58 which are inclined in relation to the central axis A and inclined toward each other.

[0084] Each sealing seat portion 58 is, for example, frustoconical in shape, with the central axis A as the center, one sealing seat portion 58 facing radially outward, and the other sealing seat portion 58 facing radially inward.

[0085] The semiconical angle of each sealing seat 58 is, for example, 30° to 60°, and is substantially equal to 45°.

[0086] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Figure 6, the sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, an annular seal 34 that is partially or completely housed in a groove formed within the front surfaces 20A, 22A of one of the first flange 20 and the second flange 22, the groove being shaped such that the annular seal 34 is secured within the groove.

[0087] The groove is formed, for example, such that the opening of the groove is narrower than the bottom of the groove.

[0088] The groove, for example, has a trapezoidal cross-section, where two parallel sides of the trapezoidal cross-section define the bottom and opening of the first groove, and the converging sides of the trapezoidal cross-section define the side surface of the first groove.

[0089] As illustrated in Figure 6, the sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, an annular seal 34 which is completely housed in a first groove 36 formed within the front surface 20A of the first flange 20, which is in sealing contact with the front surface 22A of the second flange 22.

[0090] The first groove 38 has a trapezoidal cross-section, with two parallel sides of the trapezoidal cross-section defining the bottom and opening of the first groove 38, and the converging sides of the trapezoidal cross-section defining the side surface of the first groove 38.

[0091] Optionally, sealing of bolted flange connections 16 is achieved through the application of a sealing coating (not shown) such as polyester or epoxy resin, preferably a resin, paint, in the form of bulk, woven, or nonwoven fabric, optionally reinforced with glass and / or carbon fiber.

[0092] The sealing coating is applied, for example, to the first flange 20, the second flange 22, the joint between the pipe 10 and the structural element 6, and / or to the bolts 24.

[0093] As illustrated in Figure 6, additionally or optionally, the sealing assembly 32 includes a connecting pipe 46 for fluid connection of the tank 12 and a sealing arrangement 60 for creating a seal between the first flange 20 and the second flange 22.

[0094] The sealing arrangement 60 includes, for example, a sealing ring 62 wedge-fastened between the outer surface 46A of the connecting pipe 46 and a sealing seat 64 of one of the first flange 20 and the second flange 22.

[0095] The sealing ring 62 includes, for example, a cylindrical inner surface 66 that is in contact with the outer surface of the connecting pipe 46, and / or a frustoconical outer surface 68 that is in contact with the sealing seat 64.

[0096] As illustrated in Figure 6, the connecting pipe 46 is attached to the second flange 22, the sealing arrangement 60 is provided between the connecting pipe 46 and the first flange 20, and the sealing ring 64 is fitted onto the connecting pipe 46 and wedge-fastened between the connecting pipe 46 and the first flange 20.

[0097] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, each partition wall 40 that divides the tank 12 is preferably non-planar.

[0098] Each partition wall 40 that divides the tank 12 is, for example, dish-shaped.

[0099] The bulkhead 40 is particularly dish-shaped, with the surface of the bulkhead 40 facing the inside of the tank 12 being concave.

[0100] Alternatively, the bulkhead 40 is dish-shaped such that the surface of the bulkhead 40 facing the inside of the tank 12 is convex.

[0101] The partition wall 40 is, for example, a hemispherical disk, a trispherical disk, an elliptical disk, a conical disk, or a convex disk.

[0102] As illustrated in Figure 1, the horizontal member 8 includes a single tube 10, each having two ends connected to its respective structural element 6.

[0103] The horizontal member 8 may contain a different number of pipes 10, and may exhibit different shapes depending on the arrangement of the pipes 10 in the horizontal member 8.

[0104] As illustrated in Figure 7, the support structure 4 includes two structural members 6 that form, for example, legs, columns, or pylons, connected by one or more transverse members 8, each transverse member 8 including four tubes 10, each tube 10 extending between a central connection and one of the structural elements 6, two tubes 10 connected to one of the structural elements 6, and two tubes 10 connected to the other structural element 6. The transverse members 8 substantially exhibit an "X" shape.

[0105] As illustrated in Figure 8, the support structure 4 includes two structural members 6 that form, for example, legs, columns, or pylons, connected by one or more transverse members 8, each transverse member 8 including one of the first pipes 10 extending between the two structural elements 6 and the two second pipes 10, each second pipe 10 extending between the middle portion of the first pipe 10 and the respective structural element 6. The transverse members 8 substantially exhibit a "K" shape.

[0106] As illustrated in Figure 9, the support structure 4 includes two structural parts 6 that form, for example, legs, columns, or pylons, connected by one or more transverse members 8, each transverse member 8 including two parallel first tubes 10, each first tube 10 extending between the two structural elements 6, and one second tube welded to the first tubes 10 extending diagonally between the two first tubes 10. The transverse members 8 substantially exhibit a "Z" shape.

[0107] In another embodiment not illustrated, each horizontal member 8 includes a first pipe 10 extending between two structural elements 6 and a second pipe 10 extending between the middle portion of the first pipe 10 and one of the two structural elements 6. The horizontal member 8 has a "Y" shape.

[0108] As illustrated in Figures 7-9, each horizontal member 8 is connected to each structural element 6 via one or more flange connections 16 fastened, for example, with bolts, and each bolted flange connection 16 connects from the end of each single pipe 10 to one of the two structural elements 6.

[0109] In another embodiment, each horizontal member 8 is connected to one structural member 6 by one or more bolted flange connections 16, each bolted flange connection 16 connecting from each end of the pipe 10 to the structural element 6, and is also connected to the other structural element 6 by one or more welded connections, each welded connection connecting from each end of the pipe 10 to the other structural element 6.

[0110] These embodiments can be applied to transverse members 8 of tubular structures of any shape, such as transverse members 8 in a single pipe 10, or transverse members 8 in the shape of an "X", a "Y", or a "K".

[0111] The present invention provides an offshore platform 2 that includes a support structure 4, which is a compact and lightweight offshore structure with a simple and robust design, and in which each bolted flange connection 16 is connected to at least one of two structural elements 6 using one or more bolted flange connections 16 that connect the pipe 10 to the structural element 6, and a tank 12 integrated into one or more pipes 10 of a tubular cross member 8 extending between the two structural elements 6 facilitates inspection, maintenance, and installation.

[0112] Tank 12 is suitable for storing liquids or gases such as natural gas, natural condensates, or air.

[0113] The bolted flange connection 16 provides a fluid connection between the tank 12 and the fluid component 14, which is easy to implement, inspect, and maintain, thereby facilitating the erection of the support structure 4.

[0114] By sealing the bolted flange connection 16, the ingress of fluid into the support structure 4 is prevented, particularly while limiting the ingress of fluid into the tank 12 and / or the leakage of fluid from the support structure 4, especially the leakage of fluid from the tank 12.

[0115] By having the first and second flanges 20 and 22 protrude inward, direct contact between the first and second flanges 20 and 22 and the bolt 26 and the surrounding air or water is avoided.

[0116] A partition wall 40 is provided inside the pipe 10 at a certain distance from the bolted flange connection 16 that partitions the tank 12, thereby preventing the bolted flange connection 16 from being subjected to mechanical stress due to the fluid stored in the tank, especially when the fluid is a pressurized fluid, and preventing direct contact between the bolted flange connection 16 and the fluid stored in the tank 12.

[0117] The dish-shaped partition wall 40 can provide the tank 12 with improved pressure resistance against internal and / or external pressure.

[0118] The support structure 4 is suitable for all types of offshore platforms, and is particularly suitable for bottom-fixed offshore platforms such as jack-up rig platforms, conventional bottom-fixed platforms, tension-leg platforms, spar platforms, or gravity platforms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 2 Offshore Platforms 4 Support structure 6 Structural elements 8 Crosspiece 10 tubes 12 tanks 16 bolted flange connection 20 First flange 22 Second flange 24 volts 32 Sealing assembly parts 34 Sealing components 48 Sealing components 50 Sealing material 62 Sealing components

Claims

1. A structural assembly component for a support structure (4), wherein the structural assembly component is A cross member (8) formed of one or more tubes (10), the cross member (8) includes a tank (12) for storing fluid integrated inside the cross member (8), and the tank (12) is partitioned inside the one or more tubes (10) of the cross member (8), A bolted flange connection comprising at least one bolted flange connection, wherein each bolted flange connection (16) connects the end of one pipe (10) of a horizontal member (8) to another structural element (6) of a support structure (4), and each bolted flange connection (16) includes a first flange (20) and a second flange (22) bolted together by a bolt (24), A structural assembly in which at least one bolted flange connection (16) is sealed by a sealing assembly (32) which includes at least one sealing member (34, 48, 50, 62) configured to seal the bolted flange connection (16).

2. The structural assembly component according to claim 1, wherein the first flange (20) and / or the second flange (22) extend inward in relation to the pipe (10) of the transverse member (8).

3. The structural assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing assembly (32) includes a sealing member that is provided as a sealing sleeve (50) surrounding the joint between the pipe (10) of the horizontal member (8) and other structural elements (6).

4. The structural assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing assembly (32) comprises a sealing member provided as an annular seal (34) inserted between a first flange (20) and a second flange (22), the annular seal (34) being partially housed in a groove formed in the first flange (20) and partially housed in a groove formed in the second flange (22), or being fully housed in a groove formed in the first flange (20) and in contact with the front surface of the second flange (22), or being fully housed in a groove formed in the second flange (22) and in contact with the front surface of the first flange (20).

5. A structural assembly component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one of the first flange (20) and the second flange (22) includes an annular projection (54) configured to engage with an annular groove (56) formed in the other of the first flange (20) and the second flange (22).

6. The structural assembly component according to claim 5, wherein at least one sealing member (34) is housed in an annular groove (53) and pressed by an annular projection (54).

7. A structural assembly component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a connecting pipe (46) extends from a second flange (22) and a sealing ring (62) is pressed between the connecting pipe (46) and the first flange (20).

8. A structural assembly component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the opposing surfaces of the first flange (20) and the second flange (22) are in contact with each other.

9. A structural assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing assembly includes a sealing member provided as a sealing washer (48) inserted between a first flange (20) and a second flange (22).

10. A structural assembly component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tank (12) is pressurized.

11. A structural assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pipe (10) includes an internal partition wall (40) extending along the pipe (10) to partition a tank (10) inside the pipe (10), the partition wall (40) being positioned along the pipe (10) at a certain distance from a first flange (20).

12. A structural assembly component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tank (10) is fluidly connected to a fluid component (14) positioned outside the cross member (10) via a connecting pipe (46) that extends through a bolted flange connection (16).

13. A structural assembly component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the horizontal member (8) includes two pipes (10) each connected to other structural elements (6) by bolted flange connections (16).

14. A structural assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a horizontal member (8) extends between two structural elements (6), and the horizontal member is connected to at least one of the two structural elements (6) via one or more flange connections (16) fastened with bolts.

15. An offshore platform, particularly a bottom-fixed offshore platform, comprising a support structure including at least one structural assembly component as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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