Floating offshore structure and method for constructing floating offshore structure
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SAMSUNG HEAVY IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure KR2026001448_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Floating offshore structure and method of constructing a floating offshore structure
[0001] The present invention relates to a floating offshore structure and a method for constructing a floating offshore structure.
[0002] A floating offshore structure is a device that floats on the sea and produces goods by receiving raw materials from land or the seabed.
[0003] Among these floating offshore structures, there is the FLNG (Floating Liquefied Natural Gas), which receives natural gas (NG) from gas wells on land or the seabed, liquefies it to produce LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), and stores and offloads it. In addition, there is the FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading), which receives well fluid from oil wells on land or the seabed, processes it to produce crude oil, and stores and offloads it.
[0004] A floating offshore structure includes a hull that floats on the sea and stores products, and a topside section that is positioned on the hull and receives raw materials to produce products.
[0005] Conventionally, the height, width, and length of the hull were redesigned for every floating offshore structure constructed. The design of the cross-section of a floating offshore structure is carried out by adjusting the position of the main plates and the spacing of the reinforcing members, and then determining the thickness of the plates and the size of the reinforcing members through classification society rules, strength analysis, and fatigue analysis. However, if the height and width of the hull are changed, the arrangement of members such as the main plates and reinforcing members must be changed as well; consequently, the entire process for determining the main plates and reinforcing members had to be performed again. Consequently, the design man-hours and design period were extended, leading to reduced productivity in terms of design.
[0006] Furthermore, since the height, width, and length of the hull vary for each floating offshore structure constructed in this manner, productivity was reduced because processes such as component cutting, processing, assembly, installation, and inspection for the construction of the designed floating offshore structures were not standardized. Additionally, productivity was further reduced because the scaffolding required for construction was also not standardized.
[0007] The construction period of floating offshore structures was prolonged due to reduced productivity resulting from such non-standardization.
[0008] Meanwhile, the hull produces and supplies electricity, compressed air, and other utilities necessary for the production of products in the topside section. To this end, the hull includes a machine room where utility equipment such as generators and compressors, as well as auxiliary facilities such as piping for the functioning of the utility equipment, are arranged.
[0009] Conventionally, in floating offshore structures, utility equipment was installed by individually positioning it within the machinery room, and auxiliary facilities were installed around each piece of equipment. Consequently, interference could occur between utility equipment, between auxiliary facilities, or between utility equipment and auxiliary facilities. To resolve such interference, the already installed equipment or auxiliary facilities had to be removed and reinstalled in a different location free from interference, but this was not an easy task. Consequently, the construction of floating offshore structures was delayed.
[0010] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a floating offshore structure and a method for constructing a floating offshore structure that can float in a moderate shore where the significant wave height is 9m or less, prevent the inflow of green water into the upper deck, and adequately respond to global bending moments, and improve productivity in design and construction and shorten the construction period through standardization.
[0011] In addition, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a floating offshore structure and a method for constructing a floating offshore structure that can minimize interference between utility equipment and shorten the construction period by dividing a machine room into multiple utility areas according to function and arranging utility equipment that performs the corresponding function in each utility area.
[0012] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.
[0013] One aspect of the floating offshore structure of the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises a hull; and a topside portion disposed on the hull and receiving raw materials to produce products, and floats in a moderate shore where the wave height is 9m or less, and the hull may have a height within a predetermined height range that can prevent green water from flowing into the upper deck.
[0014] One aspect of the method for constructing a floating offshore structure according to the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises: a design step for designing a floating offshore structure comprising a hull and a topside portion disposed on the hull and receiving raw materials to produce products; and a construction step for constructing the floating offshore structure based on the design in the design step, wherein the floating offshore structure floats in a moderate shore where the significant wave height is 9m or less, and in the design step, the hull may be designed to have a height within a predetermined height range that can prevent the inflow of green water to the upper deck.
[0015] Another aspect of the floating offshore structure of the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises a hull; and a topside portion disposed on the hull and receiving raw materials to produce a product, wherein the hull comprises a machine room in which a plurality of utility equipment is disposed to support the production of the product in the topside portion, and the machine room may comprise a plurality of utility areas partitioned so that the plurality of utility equipment are each disposed according to function.
[0016] Another aspect of the method for constructing a floating offshore structure according to the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises a design step for designing a floating offshore structure including a hull and a topside section disposed on the hull that receives raw materials and produces a product, and a construction step for constructing the floating offshore structure based on the design in the design step. In the design step, a plurality of utility areas may be partitioned and set up in a machine room that is included in the hull and in which a plurality of utility equipment is disposed to support the production of a product in the topside section, wherein a plurality of utility equipment is disposed of according to function.
[0017] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.
[0018] The floating offshore structure and the method for constructing the floating offshore structure according to the present invention can float in a moderate shore where the significant wave height is 9m or less, while preventing the inflow of green water to the upper deck and sufficiently responding to global bending moments, and can improve productivity in design and construction and shorten the construction period through standardization.
[0019] In addition, the floating offshore structure and the method for constructing the floating offshore structure according to the present invention can minimize interference between utility equipment, etc. and shorten the construction period by dividing the machine room into multiple utility areas according to function and arranging utility equipment, etc. that performs the corresponding function in each utility area.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a method for constructing a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 5 is a side view of the stern of the hull of the floating offshore structure of Figure 4.
[0025] Figure 6 is a plan view of the floor deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of Figure 4.
[0026] Figure 7 is a plan view of the fourth deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of Figure 4.
[0027] Figure 8 is a plan view of the third deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of Figure 4.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of FIG. 4.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a method for constructing a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a side view of a floating offshore structure according to some embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a floating offshore structure according to some embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a floating marine structure (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can produce a product by receiving raw materials from land or the seabed while floating on the sea.
[0033] For example, the floating offshore structure (10) may be a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) that produces, stores, and offloads LNG by receiving natural gas (NG) from a gas well on land or the seabed while floating on the sea. Additionally, the floating offshore structure (10) may be a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) that produces, stores, and offloads crude oil by receiving and processing well fluid from an oil well on land or the seabed while floating on the sea. However, the floating offshore structure (10) is not limited to this.
[0034] A floating offshore structure (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can float in a moderate shore where the significant wave height is 9 m or less. Accordingly, the height (H) of the hull (100) can be set to prevent the inflow of green water into the upper deck (HD) of the hull (100) described later, which is included in the floating offshore structure (10).
[0035] A floating marine structure (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hull (100), a topside section (200), and a deck house (300), etc.
[0036] The hull (100) can float on the sea. The hull (100) may include an empty space inside to allow it to float on the sea. This space of the hull (100) may be designed to maintain the buoyancy of the hull (100) and to respond to external forces or changes in the marine environment.
[0037] The hull (100) may have a height (H) within a predetermined height range that can prevent the inflow of green water onto the upper deck (HD). Accordingly, the inflow of green water onto the upper deck (HD) can be prevented without the installation of a separate protector to prevent the inflow of green water onto the upper deck (HD).
[0038] In addition, if the height (H) of the hull (100) has a predetermined height range, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be fixed within a predetermined range. In other words, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be standardized.
[0039] When the cross-section of the hull (100) is standardized in this way, the process of determining the arrangement of the main plate and reinforcing material, which are not shown and constitute the hull (100), as well as the thickness of the main plate and the size of the reinforcing material, can be omitted or significantly reduced. Accordingly, the design time and design period can be shortened, thereby improving productivity in terms of design. Furthermore, productivity can be improved in the construction of the floating offshore structure (10) because processes such as member cutting, processing, assembly, installation, and inspection can be standardized. Additionally, productivity can be improved because scaffolding and other materials required for the construction of the floating offshore structure (10) can also be standardized. Moreover, through such standardization of the floating offshore structure (10), the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10) can be shortened.
[0040] The predetermined height range of the height (H) of the hull (100) may be 30m or more and 35m or less. In other words, the height (H) of the hull (100) may be 30m or more and 35m or less.
[0041] Generally, the maximum wave height is about 1.8 times the significant wave height. Therefore, in a medium sea where the significant wave height is 9m or less, the maximum wave height can reach about 16m. In addition, when the vertical and longitudinal motions and the transverse motions of the hull (100) are superimposed, the relative water level rise relative to the upper deck (HD) can increase to about 20m. Furthermore, considering wave uncertainty, variability of hull motion, and structural safety margin together, it is desirable that the height (H) of the hull (100) be at least about 30m or more to effectively prevent the inflow of green water onto the upper deck (HD).
[0042] Accordingly, if the height (H) of the hull (100) is less than 30m, it may be difficult to sufficiently prevent green water from flowing into the upper deck (HD) of the hull (100), even if the floating offshore structure (10) is floating in a medium sea with a significant wave height of 9m or less. In other words, if the height (H) of the hull (100) is less than 30m, green water may flow into the upper deck (HD) of the hull (100), even if the floating offshore structure (10) is floating in a medium sea with a significant wave height of 9m or less. As a result, the cost may increase because the equipment and facilities placed on the upper deck (HD) must be able to withstand the pressure of the green water.
[0043] Additionally, if the height (H) of the hull (100) is less than 30m, the second moment of area of the cross-section of the hull (100) corresponding to the global bending moment may be reduced. Accordingly, when the floating offshore structure (10) floats in the medium sea with a significant wave height of 9m or less, the hull (100) may not be able to adequately respond to the global bending moment. Also, the possibility of the hull (100) being bent upward or downward by waves may increase.
[0044] Meanwhile, if the height (H) of the hull (100) is greater than 35m, it is possible to prevent the inflow of green water into the upper deck (HD) of the hull (100) and to respond to the global bending moment, but it may not be easy to construct the hull (100) due to the increase in the size and weight of the hull (100).
[0045] The hull (100) may have a width (B) within a predetermined width range. If the width (B) as well as the height (H) of the hull (100) has a predetermined height range, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be fixed within a predetermined range. In other words, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be standardized. When the cross-section of the hull (100) is standardized in this way, as described above, the design time and design period can be shortened, thereby improving productivity in terms of design. Furthermore, productivity can also be improved in the construction of the floating offshore structure (10). Additionally, since scaffolding and other materials required for the construction of the floating offshore structure (10) can also be standardized, productivity can be improved. Furthermore, through such standardization of the floating offshore structure (10), the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10) can be shortened.
[0046] The predetermined width range may be 60m or more and 70m or less. In other words, the width (B) of the hull (100) may be 60m or more and 70m or less.
[0047] If the width (B) of the hull (100) is less than 60m, it may be difficult to place the topside portion (200) on the hull (100).
[0048] In addition, if the width (B) of the hull (100) is greater than 70m, the construction of the hull (100) may not be easy due to an increase in the size and weight of the hull (100).
[0049] Meanwhile, the hull (100) may have a shape in which the center in the width direction is higher than both ends in the width direction. As a result, even if green water flows into the upper deck (HD), it does not remain stagnant on the upper deck (HD) but is guided to both sides in the width direction and discharged out of the hull (100).
[0050] The hull (100) may store products produced in the topside section (200). To this end, the hull (100) may include a storage tank (110) in which the products are stored. There may be multiple storage tanks (110). Multiple storage tanks (110) may be arranged in the width direction and length direction of the hull (100), respectively. For example, two storage tanks (110) may be arranged in the width direction of the hull (100) and four in the length direction. In other words, the hull (100) may include eight storage tanks (110). However, the number of storage tanks (110) and the configuration in which the storage tanks (110) are arranged in the hull (100) are not limited thereto.
[0051] The length (L) of the hull (100) can be determined according to the product storage capacity of the hull (100). As described above, in a state where the height (H) of the hull (100) is within a predetermined height range and the width (B) is within a predetermined width range, the length (L) of the hull (100) can be changed to satisfy the product storage capacity. In other words, since the cross-section of the hull (100) is fixed and the cross-section of the storage tank (110) is also fixed, the length (L) of the hull (100) can be varied according to the product storage capacity of the hull (100). If the product storage capacity of the hull (100) increases, the length (L) of the hull (100) increases accordingly, and if the product storage capacity of the hull (100) decreases, the length (L) of the hull (100) can be shortened accordingly.
[0052] For example, the product storage capacity of the hull (100) may be 180K, 200K, 220K, 250K, or 275K. Here, K means 1000 m³. And, the corresponding length (L) of the hull (100) may be 290 m to 390 m. However, the product storage capacity of the hull (100) and the corresponding length (L) of the hull (100) are not limited thereto.
[0053] Meanwhile, the storage tank (110) of the hull (100) may be a membrane-type tank or an independent tank. However, the storage tank (110) is not limited to this.
[0054] The hull (100) can produce electricity, compressed air, etc., necessary for the production of products in the topside section (200) and supply them to the topside section (200). To this end, the hull (100) may include a machine room (120). In addition, multiple utility equipment not shown, such as generators and air compressors, and auxiliary facilities for supporting the production of products in the topside section (200) may be arranged in the machine room (120). The machine room (120) may be located in the stern section of the hull (100). Alternatively, the machine room (120) may be located in the stern section and the bow section of the hull (100).
[0055] The topside section (200) may be positioned on the hull (100). The topside section (200) may be connected to a raw material supply source, such as a gas well or oil well on land or the seabed, via a raw material supply pipe not shown, to receive raw materials such as natural gas or oil well fluid. Additionally, the topside section (200) may be connected to the machine room (120) of the hull (100) to receive electricity, compressed air, etc., to produce products such as LNG or crude oil.
[0056] The topside section (200) may include various equipment for producing products. For example, when LNG is produced in the topside section (200), the topside section (200) may include equipment for pre-treating natural gas (not shown), equipment for removing impurities or adjusting the composition of natural gas, and equipment for liquefying natural gas. Additionally, when crude oil is produced in the topside section (200), the topside section (200) may include equipment for separating crude oil, gas, and water, etc., from well fluid (not shown), equipment for processing and compressing gas, equipment for processing produced water, and equipment for stabilizing crude oil. However, the equipment included in the topside section (200) for producing products is not limited thereto.
[0057] And, the topside section (200) is connected to the storage tank (110) of the hull (100) so that products such as produced LNG or crude oil can be stored in the storage tank (110).
[0058] The deck house (300) may provide a space for a worker to control and monitor the floating offshore structure (10). To this end, the deck house (300) may include a control room not shown. Additionally, the deck house (300) may provide a space for a worker to reside. To this end, the deck house (300) may include a living quarters not shown. The deck house (300) may be placed on the hull (100). The deck house (300) may be placed at the stern of the hull (100). The deck house (300) may receive electricity, etc. from the machine room (120) of the hull (100).
[0059] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a method for constructing a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, a floating offshore structure (10) can be constructed by a method for constructing a floating offshore structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a hull (100) and a topside section (200) disposed on the hull (100) and receiving raw materials to produce a product. The floating offshore structure (10) constructed by the method for constructing a floating offshore structure may also include other components other than the hull (100) and the topside section (200), such as a deck house (300). The method for constructing a floating offshore structure includes a design step (S100) and a construction step (S200), etc.
[0061] By the method of constructing a floating offshore structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the floating offshore structure (10) being constructed can float in the medium sea where the significant wave height is 9 m or less. Accordingly, the range of the height (H) of the hull (100) can be determined so as to prevent green water from flowing into the upper deck (HD) of the hull (100) of the floating offshore structure (10).
[0062] In the design stage (S100), a floating offshore structure (10) can be designed, comprising a hull (100) and a topside section (200) that is positioned on the hull (100) and receives raw materials to produce products. The floating offshore structure (10) may include other components such as a deck house (300) in addition to the hull (100) and the topside section (200), and in the design stage (S100), a floating offshore structure (10) including these components can be designed.
[0063] In the design stage (S100), the hull (100) can be designed to have a height (H) within a predetermined height range that prevents the inflow of green water. Accordingly, the inflow of green water into the upper deck (HD) can be prevented without the installation of a separate protector to prevent the inflow of green water into the upper deck (HD).
[0064] In addition, if the height (H) of the hull (100) has a predetermined height range, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be fixed within a predetermined range. In other words, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be standardized.
[0065] By standardizing the cross-section of the hull (100), the design time and design period can be shortened, thereby improving productivity in terms of design. Additionally, productivity can be improved in the construction of the floating offshore structure (10). Furthermore, since scaffolding and other equipment required for the construction of the floating offshore structure (10) can also be standardized, productivity can be improved. Moreover, through such standardization of the floating offshore structure (10), the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10) can be shortened.
[0066] The predetermined height range may be 30m or more and 35m or less. In other words, the height (H) of the hull (100) may be 30m or more and 35m or less.
[0067] If the height (H) of the hull (100) is less than 30m, it may be difficult to sufficiently prevent green water from flowing into the upper deck (HD) of the hull (100) even if the floating offshore structure (10) floats in a medium sea with a significant wave height of 9m or less. Consequently, since equipment and facilities placed on the upper deck (HD) must be able to withstand the pressure of green water, costs may increase. Additionally, if the height (H) of the hull (100) is less than 30m, when the floating offshore structure (10) floats in a medium sea with a significant wave height of 9m or less, the hull (100) may not be able to sufficiently respond to the global bending moment. Consequently, the possibility of the hull (100) bending upward or downward due to waves may increase.
[0068] Meanwhile, if the height (H) of the hull (100) is greater than 35m, it is possible to prevent the inflow of green water into the upper deck (HD) of the hull (100) and to respond to the global bending moment, but it may not be easy to construct the hull (100) due to the increase in the size and weight of the hull (100).
[0069] In the design stage (S100), the hull (100) can be designed to have a width (B) within a predetermined width range. If the width (B) as well as the height (H) of the hull (100) has a predetermined height range, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be fixed within a predetermined range. In other words, the cross-section of the hull (100) can be standardized. When the cross-section of the hull (100) is standardized in this way, as described above, the design time and design period can be shortened, thereby improving productivity in terms of design. Furthermore, productivity can also be improved in the construction of the floating offshore structure (10). Additionally, since scaffolding and other equipment required for the construction of the floating offshore structure (10) can also be standardized, productivity can be improved. Furthermore, through such standardization of the floating offshore structure (10), the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10) can be shortened.
[0070] The predetermined width range may be 60m or more and 70m or less. In other words, the width (B) of the hull (100) may be 60m or more and 70m or less.
[0071] If the width (B) of the hull (100) is less than 60m, it may be difficult to place the topside portion (200) on the hull (100).
[0072] In addition, if the width (B) of the hull (100) is greater than 70m, the construction of the hull (100) may not be easy due to an increase in the size and weight of the hull (100).
[0073] Meanwhile, the hull (100) may store products produced in the topside portion (200). To this end, the hull (100) may include a storage tank (110) in which the products are stored.
[0074] In the design stage (S100), the length (L) of the hull (100) may be determined according to the product storage capacity of the hull (100). The hull (100) may include a storage tank (110) in which the product is stored. As described above, in a state where the height (H) of the hull (100) is within a predetermined height range and the width (B) is within a predetermined width range, the length (L) of the hull (100) may be changed to satisfy the product storage capacity. In other words, since the cross-section of the hull (100) is fixed and the cross-section of the storage tank (110) is also fixed, the length (L) of the hull (100) may vary according to the product storage capacity of the hull (100). If the product storage capacity of the hull (100) increases, the length (L) of the hull (100) increases accordingly, and if the product storage capacity of the hull (100) decreases, the length (L) of the hull (100) can also decrease accordingly.
[0075] In the construction stage (S200), a floating offshore structure (10) can be constructed based on the design in the design stage (S100).
[0076] In the construction stage (S200), the hull (100) can be constructed first. As described above, since the cross-section of the hull (100) is standardized, productivity can be improved during the construction of the hull (100), and accordingly, the construction period of the hull (100) can be shortened. Once the hull (100) is constructed, a topside section (200) and a deck house (300), etc., can be placed on the hull (100). The deck house (300) can be placed on the hull (100) first, and then the topside section (200) can be placed.
[0077] FIG. 4 is a side view of a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 4, a floating marine structure (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hull (100), a topside section (200), and a deck house (300), etc.
[0079] The hull (100) can float on the sea. The hull (100) may include an empty space inside to allow it to float on the sea. This space of the hull (100) may be designed to maintain the buoyancy of the hull (100) and to respond to external forces or changes in the marine environment.
[0080] The hull (100) can store products such as LNG or crude oil produced in the topside section (200). For the storage of products, the hull (100) may include a storage tank (110). For example, the storage tank (110) may be a membrane-type tank or an independent tank. However, the storage tank (110) is not limited thereto.
[0081] The hull (100) can produce electricity, compressed air, etc., necessary for the production of products in the topside section (200) and supply them to the topside section (200). Additionally, the hull (100) can produce and supply firefighting water, etc. To this end, the hull (100) may include a machine room (120). Furthermore, a plurality of utility equipment (122), such as a generator (GR) and an air compressor (CP), to support the production of products in the topside section (200) may be arranged in the machine room (120). The machine room (120) may be located in the stern section of the hull (100). In addition, the machine room (120) may be located in the stern section and the bow section of the hull (100).
[0082] FIG. 5 is a side view of the stern of the hull of the floating offshore structure of FIG. 4. Also, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the floor deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a plan view of the fourth deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of FIG. 4, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the third deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second deck of the engine room of the hull of the floating offshore structure of FIG. 4.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 9, the machine room (120) may include a plurality of utility areas (121) that are partitioned so that a plurality of utility equipment (122) are each arranged according to function. Additionally, utility equipment (122) and auxiliary equipment (123) for performing the function of the utility equipment (122) may be arranged in the utility areas (121).
[0084] In other words, a plurality of utility areas (121) are partitioned according to function in the machine room (120), and utility equipment (122) and auxiliary equipment (123) that perform the corresponding function can be placed in each utility area (121). Accordingly, interference between utility equipment (122), between auxiliary equipment (123), or between utility equipment (122) and auxiliary equipment (123) can be minimized. In addition, the separation and reinstallation of already installed utility equipment (122) or auxiliary equipment (123) in other locations to resolve interference between utility equipment (122), between auxiliary equipment (123), or between utility equipment (122) and auxiliary equipment (123) can be minimized. Furthermore, the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10) can be shortened.
[0085] Utility equipment (122) and auxiliary facilities (123) can be combined into a single module and placed in the utility area (121). Accordingly, the placement of utility equipment (122) and auxiliary facilities (123) in the machine room (120) is easy, so the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10) can be shortened.
[0086] The machine room (120) may be formed across at least some of the multiple decks (DH, D2, D3, D4, DF) included in the hull (100). And, the utility area (121) may be partitioned into at least one of the decks (D2, D3, D4, DF) within the machine room (120).
[0087] For example, the hull (100) may include a floor deck (DF), a fourth deck (D4) above the floor deck (DF), a third deck (D3) above the fourth deck (D4), a second deck (D2) above the third deck (D3), and a hull deck (DH) above the second deck (D2). And, the engine room (120) may be formed across the floor deck (DF), the fourth deck (D4), the third deck (D3), and the second deck (D2).
[0088] The floor deck (DF) may be partitioned into utility areas (121) including a fire pump system area (RF), a compressed air system area (RA), and a purification system area (RP).
[0089] In the fire pump system area (RF), utility equipment (122) such as a fire pump (PF) and a control panel (CL) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as a pipe valve sensor system (PVS) may be installed.
[0090] In the compressed air system area (RA), utility equipment (122) such as an air compressor (CP) and an air dryer (AD) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as an air receiver (AR) and a pipe valve filter system (PVF) may be installed.
[0091] In the purification system area (RP), utility equipment (122) such as a purification pump (PP) and a filtering device (FA) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as a pipe valve sensor system (PVS) and a monitoring device (MO) may be installed.
[0092] In the fourth deck (D4), the generator system area (RG) can be partitioned into a utility area (121).
[0093] In the generator system area (RG), utility equipment (122) such as a generator (GR), a transformer (TR), and a power distribution panel (PD) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as a fuel supply system (FS), a cooling system (CS), and an exhaust system (EX) may be installed.
[0094] In the third deck (D3), the hydraulic system area (RH) and the air conditioning chiller system area (RC) can be partitioned into utility areas (121).
[0095] In the hydraulic system area (RH), utility equipment (122) such as a hydraulic pump (OP), a hydraulic power unit (PU), and a hydraulic cylinder (OC) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as a hydraulic oil tank (OT) and a filter (FT) may be installed.
[0096] In the air conditioning chiller system area (RC), utility equipment (122) such as a chiller (CR), an air conditioner (AC), and a cooling tower (CT) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as a circulation pump (PC), a piping and valve system (PV), and a refrigerant storage tank (TC) may be installed.
[0097] The second deck (D2) may be partitioned into a nitrogen system area (RN), a fire extinguishing gas system area (RI), a foam fire extinguishing system area (RFF), and a glycol system area (RL) as utility areas (121).
[0098] In the nitrogen system area (RN), a nitrogen generator (GN) and a nitrogen storage tank (TN) are installed as utility equipment (122), and a piping and valve system (PV) and a control panel (CL) may be installed as auxiliary equipment (123).
[0099] In the fire extinguishing gas system area (RI), a fire extinguishing gas storage container (VI) and the like are placed as utility equipment (122), and a pipe control monitoring system (PCM) and the like can be placed as auxiliary equipment (123).
[0100] In the foam extinguishing system area (RFF), utility equipment (122) such as a foam mixer (MF) and a foam storage tank (TF) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as a pump piping nozzle system (PPN) and a control panel (CL) may be installed.
[0101] In the glycol system area (RL), utility equipment (122) such as a glycol mixer (MG) and a glycol storage tank (TG) may be installed, and auxiliary equipment (123) such as a circulation pump (PC), a heat exchanger (HE), and a piping and valve system (PV) may be installed.
[0102] However, the utility area (121), utility equipment (122), auxiliary facilities (123), and the deck (DH, D2, D3, D4, DF) of the hull (100) in which the utility area (121) is placed is not limited to this.
[0103] Meanwhile, the hull (100) may include an unillustrated unloading facility for unloading products such as LNG or crude oil stored in a storage tank (110) onto a transport vessel that transports them.
[0104] In addition, the hull (100) may be equipped with a propeller, such as a pod thruster, which is not shown, and may move on the sea.
[0105] Referring again to FIG. 4, the topside section (200) may be positioned on the hull (100). The topside section (200) may be connected to a raw material supply source, such as a gas well or oil well on land or the seabed, via a raw material supply pipe not shown, and receive raw materials such as natural gas or oil well fluid. Additionally, the topside section (200) may be connected to the machine room (120) of the hull (100) to receive electricity, compressed air, etc., and produce products such as LNG or crude oil. The topside section (200) may include various equipment for producing products. For example, when producing LNG in the topside section (200), the topside section (200) may include equipment for pre-treating natural gas not shown, equipment for removing impurities or adjusting components in natural gas, and equipment for liquefying natural gas. Additionally, when crude oil is produced in the topside section (200), the topside section (200) may include equipment for separating crude oil, gas, and water, etc., from well fluid, equipment for processing and compressing gas, equipment for processing produced water, and equipment for stabilizing crude oil, etc., which are not illustrated. However, the equipment included in the topside section (200) to produce the product is not limited thereto.
[0106] And, the topside section (200) is connected to the storage tank (110) of the hull (100) so that products such as produced LNG or crude oil can be stored in the storage tank (110).
[0107] The deck house (300) may provide a space for a worker to control and monitor the floating offshore structure (10). To this end, the deck house (300) may include a control room not shown. Additionally, the deck house (300) may provide a space for a worker to reside. To this end, the deck house (300) may include a living quarters not shown. The deck house (300) may be placed on the hull (100). The deck house (300) may be placed at the stern of the hull (100). The deck house (300) may receive electricity, etc. from the machine room (120) of the hull (100).
[0108] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a method for constructing a floating offshore structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, the method for constructing a floating offshore structure includes a design stage (S100) and a construction stage (S200), etc.
[0110] In the design stage (S100), a floating offshore structure (10) can be designed, comprising a hull (100) and a topside section (200) that is positioned on the hull (100) and receives raw materials to produce products. The floating offshore structure (10) may include other components such as a deck house (300) in addition to the hull (100) and the topside section (200), and in the design stage (S100), a floating offshore structure (10) including these components can be designed.
[0111] In the design stage (S100), a plurality of utility areas (121) can be partitioned and configured in which a plurality of utility equipment (122) is arranged to support the production of products in the topside section (200) included in the hull (100), and a plurality of utility areas (121) are arranged according to function.
[0112] Meanwhile, the machine room (120) of the hull (100) may be formed across at least some of the plurality of decks (DH, D2, D3, D4, DF) included in the hull (100). And, a utility area (121) may be partitioned in at least one of the decks (D2, D3, D4, DF) within the machine room (120).
[0113] In the construction stage (S200), a floating offshore structure (10) can be constructed based on the design in the design stage (S100).
[0114] In the construction stage (S200), the hull (100) can be constructed first. Then, in the construction stage (S200), utility equipment (122) and auxiliary equipment (123) for performing the function of the utility equipment (122) can be placed in the utility area (121) of the machine room (120) of the hull (100).
[0115] In this way, during the design phase (S100), a plurality of utility areas (121) are partitioned and set up in the machine room (120) of the hull (100), and during the construction phase (S200), utility equipment (122) and auxiliary facilities (123) can be placed in each utility area (121). Accordingly, interference between utility equipment (122), between auxiliary facilities (123), or between utility equipment (122) and auxiliary facilities (123) can be minimized. Furthermore, the separation of already installed utility equipment (122) or auxiliary facilities (123) and their reinstallation in other locations to resolve interference between utility equipment (122), between auxiliary facilities (123), or between utility equipment (122) and auxiliary facilities (123) can be minimized. Additionally, the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10) can be shortened.
[0116] In addition, the location of utility equipment (122) and auxiliary facilities (123) within the utility area (121) during the design phase (S100) or the drying phase (S200) may be easily changed.
[0117] In the construction phase (S200), utility equipment (122) and auxiliary equipment (123) can be combined into a single module and placed in the utility area (121). Accordingly, the placement of utility equipment (122) and auxiliary equipment (123) in the machine room (120) is facilitated, thereby shortening the construction period of the floating offshore structure (10).
[0118] After the placement of utility equipment (122) and auxiliary facilities (123) in the utility area (121) of the machine room (120) of the hull (100) is completed, in the construction stage (S200), a topside section (200) and a deck house (300), etc., can be installed on the hull (100).
[0119] The floating offshore structure and the method for constructing the floating offshore structure according to such an embodiment can float in medium seas with a significant wave height of 9m or less, while preventing the inflow of green water to the upper deck and sufficiently responding to global bending moments, and can improve productivity in design and construction and shorten the construction period through standardization.
[0120] In addition, the floating offshore structure and the method for constructing the floating offshore structure according to such an embodiment can minimize interference between utility equipment and shorten the construction period by dividing the machine room into multiple utility areas according to function and arranging utility equipment that performs the corresponding function in each utility area.
[0121] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.
Claims
1. Hull; and It includes a topside section positioned on the hull above, which receives raw materials and produces products, and Floating in moderate shore where the significant wave height is 9m or less, The above-mentioned hull is a floating offshore structure having a height within a predetermined height range that can prevent the inflow of green water into the upper deck.
2. In Paragraph 1, A floating offshore structure having a predetermined height range of 30m or more and 35m or less.
3. In Paragraph 1, The above hull is a floating offshore structure having a width within a predetermined width range.
4. In Paragraph 3, A floating offshore structure having a predetermined width range of 60m or more and 70m or less.
5. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned product is stored in the above-mentioned hull, and A floating offshore structure in which the length of the hull is determined according to the product storage capacity of the hull.
6. A design step for designing a floating offshore structure comprising a hull and a topside portion disposed on the hull and receiving raw materials to produce a product; and It includes a construction step of constructing the floating offshore structure based on the design in the above design step, and The above-mentioned floating offshore structure floats in moderate shore waters where the significant wave height is 9m or less, and A method for constructing a floating offshore structure, wherein, in the above design stage, the hull is designed to have a height within a predetermined height range that can prevent the inflow of green water to the upper deck.
7. In Paragraph 6, A method for constructing a floating offshore structure, wherein the above-mentioned predetermined height range is 30m or more and 35m or less.
8. In Paragraph 6, A method for constructing a floating offshore structure, wherein, in the above design stage, the hull is designed to have a width within a predetermined width range.
9. In Paragraph 8, A method for constructing a floating offshore structure, wherein the above-mentioned predetermined width range is 60m or more and 70m or less.
10. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned product is stored in the above-mentioned hull, and A method for constructing a floating offshore structure in which, in the above design stage, the length of the hull is determined according to the product storage capacity of the hull.
11. Hull; and It includes a topside section positioned on the hull above, which receives raw materials and produces products, and The above hull includes a machine room in which a plurality of utility equipment is arranged to support the production of products in the topside section, and A floating offshore structure in which the machine room comprises a plurality of utility areas partitioned so that a plurality of utility equipment are each arranged according to function.
12. In Paragraph 11, A floating offshore structure in which the utility equipment and auxiliary facilities for performing the functions of the utility equipment are arranged in the utility area.
13. In Paragraph 12, A floating offshore structure in which the above utility equipment and the above auxiliary facilities are combined into a single module and placed in the above utility area.
14. In Paragraph 12, The above machine room is formed across at least some of the plurality of decks included in the hull, and A floating offshore structure in which the utility area is partitioned on at least one of the decks within the machine room.
15. A design step for designing a floating offshore structure comprising a hull and a topside portion disposed on the hull and receiving raw materials to produce a product, and It includes a construction step of constructing the floating offshore structure based on the design in the above design step, and In the above design stage, A method for constructing a floating offshore structure, wherein a plurality of utility areas are partitioned and configured in a machine room that is included in the hull and in which a plurality of utility equipment is arranged to support the production of products in the topside section, and wherein a plurality of utility areas are configured such that a plurality of utility equipment is arranged according to function.
16. In Paragraph 15, In the above drying step, A method for constructing a floating offshore structure, wherein the utility equipment and auxiliary facilities for performing the functions of the utility equipment are placed in the utility area.
17. In Paragraph 16, A method for constructing a floating offshore structure in which the above utility equipment and the above auxiliary facilities are combined into a single module and placed in the above utility area.
18. In Paragraph 15, The above machine room is formed across at least some of the plurality of decks included in the hull, and A method for constructing a floating offshore structure, wherein the utility area is partitioned in at least one of the decks within the machine room.