Integrated production complex on a gravity-based structure (GBS)
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon processing facilities face challenges in operating in Arctic waters with ice conditions, including high construction costs, environmental impact, and limited accessibility due to the need for extensive infrastructure development and the limitations of existing designs such as LNG plants on pile foundations, floating bases, and gravity-based structures (GBS) which are not suitable for ice-prone areas.
Innovation Solution
An integrated production complex on a gravity-based structure (GBS) with a rectangular top slab, central and protruding parts, internal and external vertical walls, and additional ballast compartments to enhance buoyancy, stability, and protection from ice impacts, allowing for efficient hydrocarbon processing and storage while facilitating easier transportation and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional GBS design is used, then the structure provides basic stability, but it lacks protection from ice impact and emergency ship impact in Arctic waters
Solution Approach 1:
The GBS is divided into multiple functional compartments including ballast compartments, hydrocarbon storage compartments, and protective protruding parts. This segmentation allows different zones to serve specific purposes: ballast compartments for stability control, storage compartments for hydrocarbons, and protruding parts as sacrificial ice barriers that protect the main structure from impact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a protruding protective structure that extends horizontally from the main GBS body. This dimensional extension creates a sacrificial ice barrier that intercepts ice floes and emergency ships before they can impact the critical main structure, thereby protecting the GBS from harmful impacts while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the GBS is designed with adequate protection for Arctic ice conditions, then reliability improves, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the harmful impact force of ice floes into a beneficial protective mechanism. The protruding parts are intentionally designed to be the first elements to contact ice, absorbing impact energy that would otherwise damage the main GBS structure. This sacrificial approach protects the valuable main structure by allowing less critical protruding elements to承受 the brunt of ice impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies key structural parameters including adding protruding protective elements, creating multiple ballast compartments for enhanced stability, and designing specific compartment arrangements. These parameter changes optimize the GBS for Arctic ice conditions while controlling construction costs through efficient use of concrete and steel reinforcement in critical areas only.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the GBS structure is enlarged to accommodate additional equipment for expansion, then adaptability improves, but the draft increases making transportation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The GBS is designed with modular compartments that can be selectively activated for different production phases. Ballast compartments can be filled or emptied to adjust draft during transportation versus operation. Storage compartments can be progressively utilized as production expands, allowing the structure to adapt to increasing production requirements without requiring physical enlargement that would increase draft.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates dynamic ballast systems that can adjust the distribution of ballast water to optimize draft characteristics. During transportation, ballast compartments are configured to minimize draft for easier vessel movement. During operation, the same compartments can be adjusted to provide stability and support additional equipment weight, enabling adaptability without permanent draft increase.
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 design reduces draft during transportation, stabilizes the structure, protects against ice and emergency impacts, and enables efficient hydrocarbon processing and storage, addressing the challenges of remote and harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The GBS protruding part and the GBS central part share the above-mentioned base slab, with the protruding part being lower in height than the central part... additional ballast compartments to enhance buoyancy, stability
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated production complex includes a gravity-based structure (GBS) accommodating topside modules with process equipment. The GBS has rectangular top and base slabs, an intermediate horizontal slab, internal vertical walls, at least one compartment with a tank to store hydrocarbons and/or respective processed products, and ballast compartments. The top slab has supports, on which the topside modules are installed. The GBS has a rectangular prism central part including the top slab, and a protruding part disposed along the sides of the central part around its entire perimeter and having external vertical walls. Protruding and central parts share the base slab, with the protruding part height less than the central part. The central part has longitudinal and transverse walls forming compartments for tanks and ballast compartments. The protruding part has internal walls that are perpendicular to its external walls and form compartments, some of which are ballast compartments.