Unmanned Floating Production Unit Hull Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The development of cost-effective solutions for smaller offshore hydrocarbon fields is hindered by the high costs and complexities associated with existing large-scale manned floating production units, which require expensive construction equipment and continuous manpower.
Innovation Solution
A compact, unmanned floating production unit is designed with a cylindrical hull structure comprising two sections, allowing for independent towing and assembly at the offshore site using ballasting and buoyancy, eliminating the need for heavy lift cranes and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large-scale manned floating production units are used, then production capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating production unit is divided into two main sections: a hull structure and a deck structure. These sections can be fabricated separately at different locations and then assembled at the installation site, eliminating the need for heavy lift cranes and reducing installation complexity while maintaining production capability.
2Productivity
If large-scale manned floating production units are used, then production capability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating production unit is designed to operate autonomously with minimal human intervention. The modular design allows for remote monitoring and maintenance, reducing the need for continuous on-site personnel and thereby lowering operational costs while maintaining production capability.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If compact unmanned design is used, then operational cost is reduced, but stability in wave forces worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hull structure is designed with ballast tanks that can be adjusted to counterbalance wave forces and maintain stability. The cylindrical shape of the hull provides inherent stability, and the ballast system allows for dynamic adjustment to compensate for changing sea conditions, ensuring stability despite the compact unmanned design.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular assembly at offshore site is used, then installation cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both the hull and deck structures are fabricated at coastal facilities with pre-installed connection interfaces and alignment features. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the structures are assembled at the offshore site, the connection process is simplified and requires minimal precision adjustment, reducing both installation cost and the stringency of precision requirements.
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 approach enables the cost-effective installation and operation of floating production units in smaller fields, reducing susceptibility to wave forces and allowing for lower production costs, while maintaining stability and hydrodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of storage cells operable to store ballast when the floating production unit is in use, the hull structure providing a displacement to allow the floating production unit to float when in use, to produce a heave natural period of the floating production unit corresponding to a period above which there is less than 15% of a total wave spectral energy
Implementation Method 2
The second section includes an air skirt for providing a recess in a lower part of the second section for adjusting the buoyancy of the floating production unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a unmanned floating production unit (300) and method of installing a floating production unit comprising a deck structure (301) for mounting equipment for processing hydrocarbons, and a hull structure (302) formed from a first section (303) and a second section (306), wherein the second section (306) is wider than the first section (303). The floating production unit (300) according to the present disclosure can provide a compact unit, which has dimensions which can lead to a heave natural period outside an area of significant wave energy, and as a result, it has substantially reduced and improved hydrodynamic responses. The floating production unit is configured to be small and lightweight, and can be fabricated, launched and towed to the installation site in two parts, without the requirement for heavy lifting or construction machinery, thus lowering manufacturing costs. In addition, the two parts of the floating production unit can be joined together at the installation site using a buoyancy and ballasting based technique. The floating production unit is designed to be unmanned during routine production operations, thus ensuring operating costs are low.