Modular Topsides Installation via Floatover and Crane Methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing topsides on offshore structures, such as Spar platforms, are inefficient and inflexible, requiring multiple heavy lifts or floatover techniques that are costly, time-consuming, and dependent on the availability of heavy lifting barges and equipment, leading to scheduling challenges and increased risks in project completion.

Innovation Solution

A modular system and method for loading topsides onto offshore structures, allowing for the assembly of production modules onshore or nearshore and transporting them to the installation site using a module support frame, which can be installed using either heavy-lift cranes or floatover methods, providing incremental and controlled support during the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heavy lift derrick barges are used to install topsides, then the installation can be completed, but the cost and time increase significantly due to multiple module lifts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation completionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The topsides structure is divided into multiple transportable modules that can be fabricated separately onshore and then assembled offshore. This segmentation allows each module to be transported independently using smaller, more available vessels rather than requiring a single massive heavy-lift barge, thereby reducing installation time and cost while maintaining reliable assembly through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If heavy lift derrick barges are used to install topsides, then the installation can be completed, but the cost increases due to availability and scheduling challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation completionVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the topsides into modular components, the system enables parallel fabrication of multiple modules onshore while simultaneously preparing the offshore platform. This eliminates the sequential dependency of traditional methods where the entire topsides must be ready before installation begins, providing scheduling flexibility and reducing costs by using smaller, more readily available transport vessels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Modules are fabricated, tested, and prepared onshore in advance before being transported to the offshore site. This preliminary action allows concurrent engineering activities including module fabrication, platform preparation, and logistics planning to occur simultaneously, improving scheduling flexibility and reducing overall project duration while maintaining installation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If floatover method is used to install topsides, then the need for heavy lift vessels is reduced, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel requirementsVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The topsides are divided into modular sections that can be transported on smaller barges and assembled offshore using cranes. This segmentation avoids the complexity of floatover operations while still reducing dependence on heavy-lift vessels, achieving a balanced solution that maintains ease of manufacture with moderate vessel requirements and simplifies the overall installation process through standardized module handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If larger and heavier capacity derrick barges are built to handle massive topsides, then the installation capability is improved, but the expense increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetopsides handling capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of building expensive larger-capacity heavy-lift barges, the topsides are segmented into smaller modules that can be handled by existing, more economically available vessels. This approach maintains adaptability to handle large overall structures by assembling multiple modules, while avoiding the significant expense of constructing or chartering specialized heavy-lift barges with increased capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular system design allows standard transport and assembly vessels to handle multiple different module configurations and sizes. This universality enables existing fleet vessels to be used for various topsides projects without requiring specialized heavy-lift barges, maintaining versatile handling capability while reducing costs by utilizing existing multi-purpose assets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances efficiency and flexibility in topsides installation, reducing the need for large, expensive heavy-lift vessels and allowing for phased deployment of modules, thereby minimizing project delays and costs while enabling earlier utilization of offshore facilities.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural support:

Implementation Method 2

Floatover methods offer an alternative to the heavy left derrick barges. In general, one or more barges are loaded with a topsides near land and floated to the offshore structure, where the barge(s) or the offshore structure is ballasted so that the topsides can be transferred from the barge to the offshore structure.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS8070389B2Modular topsides system and method having dual installation capabilities for offshore structures

Publication Date: 2011.12.06 TECH FRANCE SA

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an improved method and system for loading a topsides onto an offshore structure by functional modules. A module support frame forms a supporting structure to which production modules can be assembled. The production modules are adapted to extract or process hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well in an offshore location. One production module is a well bay production module to which other production modules can be coupled, including a drilling support production module, separation production module, export module, and utility module. The module support frame can be loaded onto floating barges and other modules assembled thereto to allow the barges to provide incremental and controlled support during the loading process and for the floatover installation. The barges can be floated out to the offshore structure and loaded onto the offshore structure by methods including a floatover method or with a heavy-lift crane vessel.