Conductor Pipe Support System for Offshore Drilling Rigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling rigs face limitations in installing additional equipment below the cantilever due to restricted space between the Texas deck and the cantilever, which hinders the accommodation of larger or additional blow-out preventer systems and pressure control equipment.
Innovation Solution
A conductor pipe support system comprising a guide member for horizontal support and a support member for vertical support of the conductor pipe, allowing the support member to be connected below the access platform, thereby freeing up space above for other equipment installations and providing easy access to the blow-out preventer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Texas deck is attached to the hull, then the conductor pipe is supported against horizontal movement, but the available height between the Texas deck and the bottom of the cantilever is limited, preventing installation of additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor pipe support system is divided into separate functional components: the Texas deck provides horizontal support and access, while a separate support member positioned below the Texas deck provides vertical support. This segmentation allows additional equipment to be installed in the space between the cantilever and the support member, resolving the space limitation while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is positioned in the vertical dimension below the Texas deck rather than requiring the Texas deck to be positioned higher. This dimensional reconfiguration creates horizontal and vertical space between the cantilever and the support member, enabling installation of additional equipment without compromising the horizontal support function of the Texas deck.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the Texas deck is positioned higher to accommodate additional equipment, then installation space increases, but access to the blow-out preventer system becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the access function. The Texas deck remains positioned for optimal access to the blow-out preventer system, while a separate support member positioned below the Texas deck provides the necessary vertical support. This allows additional equipment to be installed above the support member without elevating the Texas deck, thereby maintaining ease of access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment is installed between the Texas deck and the cantilever, then equipment capacity increases, but the space available for installation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is positioned in the vertical dimension below the Texas deck, creating a three-dimensional installation volume between the cantilever and the support member. This vertical reconfiguration transforms the limited two-dimensional space into a more voluminous three-dimensional space, enabling installation of additional equipment without moving the Texas deck.
4Strength
If the support member is positioned above the Texas deck, then vertical support is provided, but space for additional equipment installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the support member above the Texas deck as in conventional designs, the support member is inverted and positioned below the Texas deck. This inversion maintains the vertical support function while creating valuable installation space between the cantilever and the support member, allowing additional equipment to be installed in this newly available volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor pipe support system for a bottom-supported offshore drilling rig, the conductor pipe support system including a guide member configured for supporting a conductor pipe against horizontal movement when the conductor pipe extends from a blow-out preventer downward towards the seabed; a support member configured for vertically supporting at least a part of the load of the conductor pipe; and an access platform for allowing personnel to access at least a bottom portion of the blow-out preventer system; wherein the support member is connectable to the conductor pipe below the access platform.