Multipurpose Floating Platform for Arctic Drilling and Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offshore drilling and production practices require frequent vessel repositioning and cessation of operations due to harsh weather and ice conditions, leading to increased costs and interruptions, especially in arctic regions where drilling windows are limited.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose floating unit equipped with detachable production turrets and interchangeable drilling and production modules, allowing for simultaneous drilling, completion, and production operations, along with hydrocarbon storage and treatment facilities, enabling continuous operations in extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single floating drilling vessel is used sequentially for drilling and production operations, then equipment cost is reduced, but operational time is lost due to vessel repositioning and cessation of activities
Solution Approach 1:
The floating vessel is designed with interchangeable modules that enable it to perform multiple functions - serving as both a drilling vessel and a production vessel. The vessel can be configured with drilling modules for exploration/drilling operations or production modules for hydrocarbon extraction and processing, eliminating the need for separate specialized vessels and allowing continuous operations without repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating vessel employs dynamically reconfigurable modules that can be added, removed, or exchanged based on operational requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the vessel to transition between drilling and production modes seamlessly, maintaining operational continuity and eliminating downtime associated with vessel replacement or repositioning.
2Productivity
If the floating vessel is removed and replaced by a fixed production platform, then production capability is improved, but operational flexibility is reduced due to complete cessation of drilling activities
Solution Approach 1:
The production system is divided into modular, detachable components that can be independently configured on the floating vessel. Production modules including separators, compressors, and storage tanks can be selectively deployed and reconfigured based on whether drilling or production operations are prioritized, maintaining flexibility while enabling full production capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration of production modules on the floating vessel, allowing seamless transition between drilling and production modes. The vessel can rapidly switch between operational states without permanent installation of fixed infrastructure, preserving adaptability while achieving production capabilities comparable to fixed platforms.
3Ease of operation
If drilling operations are conducted from floating vessels in arctic regions, then mobility is improved, but operational duration is limited by seasonal ice conditions to approximately five months
Solution Approach 1:
The floating vessel is equipped with ice-capable propulsion systems and reinforced hull design that enable continuous operation through ice-covered waters. The vessel can maintain drilling and production activities year-round by navigating through ice fields and operating in conditions that would normally halt conventional floating vessels, eliminating the five-month seasonal limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating vessel employs variable parameters including adjustable draft, reversible propulsion, and configurable ballast systems that optimize performance across different ice conditions and water depths. These parameter changes enable the vessel to adapt to extreme arctic environments and maintain continuous operation regardless of seasonal ice formation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for conducting simultaneous drilling and production are provided. The apparatus can include a ship shape floating vessel, wherein the ship shape floating vessel includes at least two drilling derricks, at least two drilling modules, and at least one production module, all situated on the upper surface of the ship shape floating vessel. The drilling modules are adapted for conducting drilling operations; the production module is adapted for conducting production operations. The apparatus can include at least two marine risers, wherein each marine riser depends from a drilling or production module toward a hydrocarbon bearing zone or sea floor and is adapted for conducting drilling and/or production operations; at least one production turret located on the lower surface of the ship shape floating vessel; and at least one production riser, wherein the production riser depends from the production turret, extends toward the sea floor, and is adapted for conducting production operations.