Modular Buoyancy Can Assembly for Spar Crane Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enhancing the buoyancy capacity of spars in deepwater oil extraction platforms are limited by the inability to install additional buoyancy cans using the platform crane and additional installation equipment, as the original buoyancy cans are very long and require a derrick barge for installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular buoyancy can system composed of connectable compartments, which can be assembled and coupled to the spar using a platform crane, allowing incremental buoyancy enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If original buoyancy cans are installed using a derrick barge, then installation capability is sufficient, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy can is divided into multiple modular compartments that can be assembled in segments. Each compartment is designed to be installable by platform crane, eliminating the need for derrick barge while maintaining structural integrity and buoyancy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from installing a single long buoyancy can horizontally (requiring derrick barge) to assembling multiple smaller compartments vertically in the center well (compatible with platform crane), changing the installation dimension from horizontal to vertical.
2Quantity of substance
If additional buoyancy cans are installed to enhance capacity, then buoyancy capacity increases, but installation difficulty increases due to platform crane limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy can is segmented into multiple smaller compartments that fit within the lifting capacity and dimensional constraints of the platform crane, enabling installation of additional buoyancy capacity without requiring external derrick barge support.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular compartment design allows flexible assembly configurations that can be adapted to the specific platform crane capabilities and available space in the center well, optimizing installation ease while maximizing buoyancy capacity.
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
Enables efficient and flexible installation of additional buoyancy capacity without the need for a derrick barge, enhancing the spar's buoyancy and supporting structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A buoyancy can that is modular, made of compartments connectable to one another. The buoyancy can includes means for coupling the buoyancy can to the spar.
Data Source
AI summary
The buoyancy capacity of a spar (i.e., a floating platform in deep waters) is enhanced using a modular can. The modular can includes a plurality of compartments releasably connectable (e.g., via bolts) to one another. The spar includes a spar deck and a hull surrounding a center well. The center well is partitioned by walls that form slots inside the hull. One of the slots is vacant. The vacant slot includes a compliant guide mounted to the walls. The modular can is assembled inside the vacant slot and progressively lowered into it so that the buoyancy can interfaces with the spar at the compliant guide. In use, the modular can supports the spar at the spar deck, the compliant guide, and/or a soft can coupled below the hull via a truss.