Drill Floor Heave Compensation via Segmented Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling platforms face challenges in maintaining stability against heave motion due to increasing waterplane area, which enhances susceptibility to vertical motion, necessitating effective solutions for stabilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an actuation system, including drawworks and a heave compensation system, to control the vertical movement of the drill floor relative to the platform deck, utilizing active heave drawworks and a heave compensation frame to maintain constant tension and stability during maritime conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the waterplane area of the offshore platform is increased to improve stability against lateral movement and surge, then the platform's resistance to sway and surge is improved, but the platform's susceptibility to heave motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill floor is segmented from the platform deck through the introduction of a movable connection system. The drill floor is supported by drawworks and compensation frames that allow independent vertical movement, separating the stability requirements of the platform from those of the drilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Heave compensation drawworks and compensation frames are introduced as intermediary devices between the platform deck and the drill floor. These intermediaries actively counteract heave motion through mechanical advantage systems and hydraulic actuators, isolating the drill floor from vertical platform movements.
2Device complexity
If a fixed drill floor is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for heave motion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The drill floor connection system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic movable system. The drill floor is supported by drawworks with payout reels and compensation frames that can dynamically adjust their position and tension to follow platform heave motion while maintaining operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and parameters of the connection between drill floor and platform. Hydraulic actuators and tensioning mechanisms adjust parameters such as cable tension, frame position, and mechanical advantage ratios to maintain optimal compensation performance under varying sea conditions.
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
This solution effectively stabilizes the drill floor against heave motion, ensuring consistent operation and reducing the impact of wave and wind-induced vertical movements, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation system, including drawworks and a heave compensation system, to control the vertical movement of the drill floor relative to the platform deck
Implementation Method 2
a heave compensation frame to maintain constant tension and stability during maritime conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (92) includes a first structure (106) configured to be coupled to a tubular string extending to a seafloor (14), whereby the first structure (106) comprises a drill floor (26). The system (92) further includes a second structure (96) configured to provide a lateral force to the first structure (106) while allowing for vertical movement between the first structure (106) and the second structure (96) relative to the seafloor (14).