Floating offshore platform with integrated tanks and bolted flange connections

Abstract

The support structure (4) of the floating offshore platform includes a transverse member (8) formed of one or more pipes (10) with tanks (12) partitioned inside 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 the support structure (4), wherein each bolted flange connection (16) includes a first flange (20) and a second flange (22) together bolted by bolts (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) configured to seal the bolted flange connection (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of floating offshore platforms, particularly floating offshore platforms for wind turbines.

Background Art

[0002] A floating offshore platform includes a support structure configured to support the facilities of the offshore platform. The support structure includes, for example, a plurality of metal structural elements, such as columns and cross-members extending transversely between the columns to maintain a transverse spacing between the columns, which are, for example, welded together.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to propose a floating offshore platform 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 floating offshore platform comprising a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a transverse member formed of one or more pipes, the transverse member including a tank for storing fluid integrated inside the transverse member, the tank being partitioned inside one or more pipes of the transverse member; and at least one bolted flange connection, each bolted flange connection connecting the end of one pipe 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] The integrated tank within the transverse members provides an efficient method for increasing the fluid storage capacity of floating offshore platforms while limiting the construction costs of such platforms. By providing bolted flange connections between the transverse member tubing 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 tank and its associated fluid components, are easy.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the floating offshore platform 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 provided as a sealing sleeve that surrounds 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, wherein the opposing faces of the first flange and the second flange are, 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 a fluid component located outside the crossbar via a connecting pipe that extends through a bolted flange connection; - 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 a wind turbine assembly, which includes a floating offshore platform as defined above and a wind turbine supported by the floating offshore platform.

[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 a floating offshore platform, including a support structure with 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 partial side view of the support structure of a floating offshore platform structure according to a different embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a partial side view of the support structure of a floating offshore platform structure according to a different embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The floating 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] Each structural element 6 of the support structure 4 is, for example, a column of the support structure 4. Each structural element 6 is preferably made of metal.

[0012] At least one or each of the two structural elements 6 defines, for example, a floater. Such a structural element 6 has positive buoyancy.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The cross member 8 is preferably submersible. "Submersible" means that the cross member 8 sinks partially or completely when the floating offshore platform 2 is operating offshore.

[0016] The support structure 4 includes a tank 12 for storing a fluid, and the tank 12 is partitioned 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.

[0017] The tank 12 is partitioned, for example, within one single pipe 10 of the cross member 8 or within a plurality of 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 internal volumes of the pipes 10 partition a single common internal 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 a groove weld connection.

[0018] The tank 12 is fluidly connected, for example, to a fluid component 14 supported by a support structure 4, and the fluid component 14 is positioned, for example, on a structural element 6 connected by a pontoon or a cross member 8 of the offshore platform 2.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The cross member 8 is connected to the structural element 6 via a bolted flange connection 16. Each bolted flange connection 16 connects an end of one pipe 10 of the cross member 8 to one of the two structural elements 6.

[0021] The cross member 8 has at least one pipe 10 connected to each of the two structural elements 6.

[0022] The cross member 8 is connected to one structural element 6 via, for example, one pipe 10, two pipes 10 or more than two pipes 10, and is connected to the other structural element 6 via one pipe 10, two pipes 10 or more than two pipes 10.

[0023] The cross member 8 is connected to at least one of the two structural elements 6 by one or more bolted flange connections 16, and each bolted flange connection 16 connects each respective pipe 10 to one of the two structural elements 6.

[0024] The cross member 8 is connected to each of the two structural elements 6 by one or more bolted flange connections 16, and each bolted flange connection connects each respective end of the pipe 10 to one of the structural elements 6.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 and connect the two structural elements 6.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The first flange 20 and the second flange 22 abut each other axially and are bolted together via a plurality of bolts 24.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The bolted flange connection 16 includes a sealing assembly 32 configured to seal the bolted flange connection 16.

[0041] The sealing assembly 32 seals the joint between the pipe 10 and the structural element 6.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 10, or is fully housed in the second groove 38 formed in the second flange 22 and in contact with the first flange 20.

[0046] Each annular seal 34 is made of, for example, natural or synthetic rubber or elastomer.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, two annular seals 34 arranged concentrically around a central axis A.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In one embodiment, the pipe 10 partitions the tank 12.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] The tank 12 is connected to the fluid component 14 via a flange connection 16 fastened with bolts.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The bolted flange connection 16 is not limited to the embodiments and variations discussed in relation to Figure 2.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The bolts 24 of the bolted flange connection 16 are arranged in one row of bolts 24 extending along a virtual circle centered on the central axis A, or in 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Alternatively or optionally, as illustrated in Figure 3, the sealing assembly 32 includes a sealing sleeve 50 positioned around a bolted flange connection 16.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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, laminated onto a polyester film coated with microcrystalline wax.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 56 formed in the other flange of the first flange 20 and the second flange 22, and optionally at least one annular seal 34 is housed in the annular groove 56 and compressed by the annular projection 54.

[0081] In particular, two annular seals 34 are housed, for example, in an annular groove 56, 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 in relation to each other.

[0082] The sealing assembly 32 includes, for example, an annular projection 54 provided on the second flange 22 and an annular groove 56 provided on the first flange 20, where 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 relative to and inclined with respect to the central axis A.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The semiconical angle of each sealing seat 58 is, for example, 30° to 60°, and is substantially equal to 45°.

[0085] 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 flanges 20 and the second flange 22, the groove being shaped such that the annular seal 34 is secured within the groove.

[0086] The groove is formed, for example, such that the opening of the groove is narrower than the bottom of the groove.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The sealing arrangement 60 includes, for example, a sealing ring 62 wedge-fastened between the outer surface 46A of the connecting pipe 46 and the sealing seat 64 of one of the flanges, the first flange 20 and the second flange 22.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 62 is fitted onto the connecting pipe 46 and wedge-fastened between the connecting pipe 46 and the first flange 20.

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, each partition wall 40 that divides the tank 12 is preferably non-planar.

[0097] Each partition wall 40 that divides the tank 12 is, for example, dish-shaped.

[0098] The bulkhead 40 is particularly dish-shaped, with the surface of the bulkhead 40 facing the inside of the tank 12 being concave.

[0099] Alternatively, the bulkhead 40 is dish-shaped such that the surface of the bulkhead 40 facing the inside of the tank 12 is convex.

[0100] The partition wall 40 is, for example, a hemispherical disk, a trispherical disk, an elliptical disk, a conical disk, or a convex disk.

[0101] 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.

[0102] The horizontal member 8 may have different arrangements of pipes 10, various numbers of connections 16 with each of the structural elements 6, and different arrangements of tanks 12 within the pipes 10 of the horizontal member 8.

[0103] Each horizontal member 8 includes a primary pipe 10, each primary pipe 10 having at least one end connected to one of the structural elements 6. Each primary pipe 10 may have, for example, one end connected to one of the structural elements 6 and one end connected to another structural element 6, or one end connected to one of the structural elements 6 and one end connected to another pipe 10 of the horizontal member 8.

[0104] The cross members 8 optionally include secondary pipes 10. The two ends of each secondary pipe 10 are connected to other pipes of the cross members 8, each of which is either a primary pipe 10 or another secondary pipe 10. Such secondary pipes 10 are also called “diagonal members”.

[0105] The horizontal members 8 are connected to the structural elements 6 via connecting parts. Each connection connects the end of the primary pipe 10 of the horizontal member 8 to one of the structural elements 6.

[0106] The tank 12 is advantageously fluidically connected to the fluid component 14 via a connection between the cross member 8 and the structural element 6.

[0107] Each connection to one of the structural elements 6 is a bolted flange connection 16, and each connection to the other structural elements 6 is a welded connection or a bolted flange connection 16.

[0108] Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 1, each connection to each structural element 6 is a flange connection 16 fastened with bolts.

[0109] In one variant configuration, each connection to one structural element 6 is a flanged connection 16 fastened with bolts, while each connection to other structural elements 6 is a welded connection.

[0110] The connection of one of the structural elements 6 or each structural element 6 to the cross member 8 allows the support structure 4 to be manufactured as separate components and then assembled via bolted flange connections 16. This facilitates manufacturing and maintenance, as the cross member 10 specifically integrates with the tank 12, which implies the presence of a fluid coupling component.

[0111] In some embodiments, the tank 12 is partitioned within at least one primary pipe 10 of the horizontal member 8. This allows for easy connection of the tank 12 to the fluid equipment 14 via a connection between the end of the primary pipe 10 and one of the structural elements 6.

[0112] The primary pipe 10 that demarcates the tank 12 has, for example, one end connected to one structural element 6 and the other end connected to another structural element or another pipe 10, in particular another primary pipe 10 or secondary pipe 10.

[0113] In some embodiments, no divisions of the tank 12 are demarcated within at least one primary pipe 10, particularly within at least one primary pipe 10 having one end connected to one of the structural elements 6 and the other end connected to another structural element 6. This allows the primary pipe 10 to be used as a pontoon, enabling workers to walk inside the primary pipe 10 and move between the structural elements 6.

[0114] In some embodiments, the tank 12 is partitioned within at least one secondary pipe 10 of the horizontal member 8. The tank 12 is partitioned, for example, within a single secondary pipe 10 or within two or more secondary pipes 10.

[0115] In some embodiments, the horizontal member 8 is connected to one of the structural elements 6 by one single or two connecting parts, and / or the horizontal member 8 is connected to another structural element 6 by one single or two connecting parts. The horizontal member 8 is connected to the structural element 6 via, for example, two, three, or four connecting parts.

[0116] In some embodiments, the horizontal member 8 includes two parallel and preferably horizontal primary pipes 10, each of which has one end connected to a structural element 6 by a connecting portion 16 and the other end connected to the other structural element 6 by the connecting portion 16.

[0117] The horizontal member 8 also includes at least one secondary pipe 10, which connects both primary pipes 10. For example, at least one or each of the secondary pipes 10 extends between the two primary pipes 10 and has one end connected to one of the two primary pipes 10 and the other end connected to the other of the two primary pipes 10.

[0118] The two primary tubes 10 are positioned, for example, one above the other, thus defining the lower primary tube 10 and the upper primary tube 10.

[0119] Advantageously, the tank 12 is partitioned in at least one of the two primary pipes 10 and in at least one secondary pipe 10. For example, the tank 12 is partitioned in one of the two primary pipes 10 and in at least one secondary pipe 10, and no partition of the tank 12 is partitioned in the other of the two primary pipes. The primary pipe 10 that does not include any partition of the tank 12 is preferably the upper primary pipe 10.

[0120] The horizontal member 8 includes, for example, two secondary pipes 10, each extending between two primary pipes 10. At least one or each of the secondary pipes 10 extends diagonally in relation to the primary pipes 10, for example. It is advantageous that the distance between the ends of two secondary pipes 10 connected to one of the two primary pipes 10, in particular the lower primary pipe 10, is strictly shorter, for example, the distance between the ends of two secondary pipes 10 connected to the other primary pipe 10, in particular the upper primary pipe 10.

[0121] As illustrated in Figure 6, the horizontal member 8 preferably includes an upper and lower primary pipe 10, each having one end connected to one structural element 6 via a connecting portion 16 and the other end connected to another structural element 6 via a connecting portion 16, and two secondary pipes 10, each extending between the two primary pipes 10.

[0122] The tank 12 is partitioned within the lower primary pipe 10, but no partitions exist within the upper primary pipe 10. Optionally, the tank 12 can also be partitioned within the two secondary pipes 10.

[0123] By using the upper primary pipe 10 as a pontoon, the need for workers to descend to the lower primary pipe 10 can be avoided. In one modified configuration, the tank 12 is partitioned within the upper primary pipe 10, and no part of the tank 12 is partitioned within the lower primary pipe 10.

[0124] The tank 12 is fluidly connected to one of the structural elements 6, for example, via a connection between the lower primary pipe 10 and the structural element 6, and / or to another structural element 7 via a connection between the lower primary pipe 10 and the other second structural element 6.

[0125] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the tank 12 is fluidly connected to one of the structural elements 6 via a connecting portion 16 between the lower primary pipe 10 and the structural element 6, and is fluidly connected to the other structural element 7 via a connecting portion between the lower primary pipe 10 and the other second structural element 6.

[0126] As illustrated in Figure 7, the fluid components of the floating offshore platform 2 define, for example, an attitude control system 70 configured to control the attitude of the floating offshore platform 2.

[0127] The attitude control system 70 includes, for example, a ballast 72 located within one of the structural elements 6 defining the floater, the ballast 72 having a water opening 74 for allowing water to enter and exit the ballast 72 in accordance with the amount of air stored inside the ballast 72, and a fluid circuit 76 for controlling the amount of air stored inside the ballast 72.

[0128] The tank 12 defines a pressurized air storage area, for example, to store air to be supplied to the ballast 72 in order to increase the buoyancy of the structural element 6 equipped with ballast 72, or to store air drawn from the ballast 72 in order to decrease the buoyancy of the structural element 6 equipped with ballast 6.

[0129] The fluid circuit 76 includes, for example, an inlet fluid line 78 configured to supply pressurized air to the ballast 72, to supply pressurized air to the tank 12, and / or to transfer pressurized air between the ballast 72 and the tank 12, in particular to transfer pressurized air from the ballast 72 to the tank 12 and / or to transfer pressurized air from the tank 12 to the ballast 72.

[0130] The inlet fluid line 78 includes, for example, a pump 80 that is fluid-connected to the ballast 72 to supply pressurized air to the ballast 72 and / or fluid-connected to the tank 12 to supply pressurized air to the tank 12.

[0131] The inlet fluid line 78 includes, for example, one or more valves 82 arranged to control air circulation between the pump 80, ballast 72, and tank 12.

[0132] The fluid circuit 76 includes, for example, an outlet fluid line 84 configured to release air from the ballast 72 into the atmosphere. The outlet fluid line 84 includes, for example, one or more valves 86 arranged to control the release of air from the ballast 72 into the atmosphere.

[0133] During operation, if it is necessary to reduce the buoyancy of the structural element 6 equipped with ballast 72, the fluid circuit 76 is controlled to release air from the ballast 72 by transferring air through the outlet fluid line 84 and / or from the ballast 72 to the tank 12, thereby allowing water to enter the ballast 72 through the water opening 74.

[0134] If it is necessary to increase the buoyancy of the structural element 6 equipped with ballast 72, the fluid circuit 76 is controlled to supply the ballast 72 with air from the outside and / or air stored in the tank 12, thereby pushing the water contained within the ballast 72 out of the ballast 72 through the water opening 74.

[0135] As illustrated in Figure 7, both the inlet fluid line 78 and the outlet fluid line 84 are located within the same structural element 6, which preferably includes ballast 72.

[0136] As illustrated in Figure 8, in one modified configuration, the inlet fluid line 78 is located on one of the structural elements 6 (right side of Figure 8), and the outlet fluid line 84 is located on the other structural element 6 (left side of Figure 8), preferably a structural element 6 including ballast 82.

[0137] Pump 80 is fluid-connected to tank 12, which is fluid-connected to ballast 72. Pump 80, tank 12, and ballast 72 are fluidly arranged in series. Pump 80 is fluid-connected to ballast 72 via tank 12.

[0138] This modified configuration is advantageous because, when operating on a floating offshore platform, the inlet fluid line 78 can be provided to the structural element 6, which is primarily accessed by workers. Thus, workers can easily access the pump 80 for inspection and maintenance.

[0139] The aforementioned structural element 6 is, for example, a structural element 6 connected to a plurality of other structural elements 6 by each horizontal member 8, each surrounding structural element 6 is provided with, for example, its own ballast 72, and each horizontal member 8 integrates its own tank 12.

[0140] The attitude control system 60 advantageously includes a single pump 80 provided in the structural element 6 and fluidly connected to a tank 12 integrated within each cross member 8 for supplying pressurized air to the tank 12.

[0141] Although such a configuration is not considered to be a tank 12 connected to the ballast 72 of the attitude control system 70, it can be applied in a more general form to a support structure 4 that includes multiple cross members 12.

[0142] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the support structure 4 includes structural elements 6 connected to a plurality of other structural elements 6 via each transverse member 8, each transverse member 8 integrating its respective tank 12, and the support structure 4 further includes one pump provided in the structural elements 6 and fluid-connected to the tank 12 of each of the transverse members 8 for supplying fluid to the tank 12.

[0143] The horizontal member 8 may have a different shape from those shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0144] In some embodiments (not shown), the horizontal member 8 differs from that in Figures 7 and 8 in that the horizontal member 8 includes a single secondary pipe 10 that extends diagonally between two primary pipes 10.

[0145] In some embodiments (not shown), the horizontal member 8 differs from that in Figures 7 and 8 in that it includes a first primary pipe 10 extending between the structural elements 6, a second primary pipe 10 extending between the first primary pipe 10 and one of the structural elements 6, and / or a third primary pipe 10 extending between the first primary pipe 10 and another structural element 6.

[0146] The two structural elements 6 connected by the horizontal members 8 are, advantageously, the two columns of the floating offshore platform 2.

[0147] The support structure 4 of the floating offshore platform 2 includes, for example, a plurality of structural elements 6 that define columns connected by horizontal members 8.

[0148] Each structural element 6 optionally defines a floater. In some embodiments, each structural element 6 defines a floater.

[0149] In some embodiments, the floating offshore platform 2 includes three structural elements 6, each structural element 6 being connected to the other two structural elements 6 by transverse members 8.

[0150] In some embodiments, the floating offshore platform 2 includes two pairs of structural elements 6, and the two structural elements 6 of each pair are connected by a transverse member 8.

[0151] In some embodiments, the floating offshore platform 2 includes one central structural element 6 and three or more peripheral structural elements 6 arranged circumferentially around the central structural element 6, with each peripheral structural element 6 connected to the central structural element 6 by its respective transverse members 8.

[0152] The floating offshore platform 2 is preferably a floating offshore platform 2 of a wind turbine assembly 90 including a wind turbine 92 supported by one of the structural elements 6 of the floating offshore platform 2, such as a floater. The bottom end of the wind turbine mast 94 is shown in Figures 1, 7 and 8.

[0153] The present invention makes it possible to provide an offshore platform 2 which includes a support structure 4, a compact and lightweight offshore structure with a simple and robust design, 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 the 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.

[0154] Tank 12 is suitable for storing liquids or gases such as natural gas, natural condensates, or air.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] The dish-shaped partition wall 40 can provide the tank 12 with improved pressure resistance against internal and / or external pressure.

[0160] The support structure 4 is suitable for all types of floating offshore platforms, and is particularly suitable for floating offshore platforms for wind turbines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 2. Floating offshore platform 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 floating offshore platform including a support structure (4), wherein the support structure (4) 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), The present invention includes at least one bolted flange connection (16), each bolted flange connection (16) connecting 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) that are bolted together by a bolt (24), A floating offshore platform 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 floating offshore platform 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. A floating offshore platform according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing assembly includes a sealing member provided as a sealing sleeve (50) that surrounds the joint between the transverse pipe and other structural elements.

4. A floating offshore platform according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a sealing assembly component provided as an annular seal (34) inserted between a first flange (20) and a second flange (22), wherein the annular seal (34) is partially housed in a groove formed in the first flange (20) and partially housed in a groove formed in the second flange (22), or fully housed in a groove formed in the first flange (20) and in contact with the front surface of the second flange (22), or 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 floating offshore platform 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 floating offshore platform according to claim 5, wherein at least one sealing member (58) is housed in an annular groove (56) and pressed by an annular projection (54).

7. A floating offshore platform 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 floating offshore platform 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 floating offshore platform 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 floating offshore platform according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tank is pressurized.

11. A floating offshore platform according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pipe (10) includes an internal bulkhead (40) extending along the pipe (10) to partition a tank (12) inside the pipe (10), the bulkhead (40) being positioned along the pipe (10) at a certain distance from a first flange (20).

12. A floating offshore platform according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a tank (12) is fluidly connected to a fluid component (14) positioned outside a cross member (18) via a connecting pipe (46) that extends through a bolted flange connection (16).

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

15. A wind turbine assembly comprising a floating offshore platform according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a wind turbine (92) supported by the floating offshore platform.

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