Arctic Drilling System Ice Load Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore drilling systems are unable to withstand the high global and local ice loading in sub-arctic environments, and most are not mobile, requiring permanent structures and significant logistics for relocation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile drilling system with closed, cylindrical legs of increased diameter and moment of inertia, supported by a foundation system, allowing the system to resist ice loads and relocate efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard offshore drilling systems are used, then they can resist wave, wind and current loading, but they cannot withstand ice loading in sub-arctic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the drilling system by increasing the diameter and moment of inertia of the legs to resist ice loading. The legs are designed with specific dimensional characteristics that enable them to withstand ice forces while maintaining mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction for the legs, combining outer and inner plates with bonding agents to create a structurally sound composite member. This composite structure provides enhanced strength and ice resistance while maintaining the mobile platform's ability to relocate.
2Strength
If permanent structures are built at each drilling location, then ice loading can be resisted, but relocation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static permanent structures into a dynamic mobile platform. The drilling system is designed to be relocatable, with the ability to move between drilling locations while maintaining ice resistance through its engineered leg structure and foundation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the drilling system into separable components including the mobile platform, legs, and foundation elements. This segmentation enables the system to be disassembled and relocated to different drilling locations without requiring permanent construction at each site.
3Ease of operation
If conventional jack-up systems are used, then mobility is achieved, but they cannot resist local and global ice loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of conventional jack-up systems by increasing the leg diameter and moment of inertia to ice-resistant levels. These parameter changes enable the mobile platform to resist both local and global ice loads while maintaining its mobility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system that combines mobility with ice resistance. The mobile platform can relocate to different positions while its engineered leg structure provides continuous protection against ice loading, eliminating the need to choose between mobility and strength.
4Device complexity
If single-leg monopod structures are used, then simplicity is achieved, but structural soundness for seismic activity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-leg monopod structure to a multi-leg configuration. This segmentation into multiple legs provides enhanced structural soundness and seismic resistance while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of identical, standardized leg components that can be assembled together.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively resists both global and local ice loads, enabling mobile offshore drilling operations in sub-arctic environments while minimizing relocation time and logistics, and reducing the need for permanent structures at each drilling location.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least two legs has a closed structure comprising an outer plate and an inner plate forming an annulus, wherein a bonding agent is disposed in the annulus
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile, year-round drilling system (MYADS) for drilling offshore wells and/or performing other offshore activities at multiple, successive locations in an arctic or sub-arctic environment is provided. The present invention combines the ability to move to different locations and the strength to resist ice loading when on location and when ice-covering is present in the arctic or sub-arctic environment. The MYADS applies a multiple leg “jack-up” concept in which supporting legs are lowered through a hull to touch down on the seabed and elevate the hull out of the water.