Semi-Submersible Column Hydrocarbon Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semi-submersible production platforms face challenges in efficiently storing hydrocarbon liquids due to limited storage capacity and structural integrity issues, particularly in maintaining a stable center of gravity during hydrocarbon operations, which complicates ballast activities and safety.

Innovation Solution

The storage of hydrocarbon liquids is optimized by positioning cargo tanks and variable ballast tanks side by side within the columns of a semi-submersible vessel, ensuring equal weight capacity and accessibility, thereby maintaining a constant draft and minimizing center of gravity shifts, and enhancing safety by containing potential leaks within the column.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If hydrocarbon storage tanks are positioned above ballast tanks, then vertical space utilization is improved, but center of gravity stability deteriorates and ballast operations become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical space utilizationVSAvoidcenter of gravity stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal side-by-side arrangement of cargo tanks and ballast tanks within the column. This dimensional change allows both tank types to occupy the same vertical level, eliminating the need for complex ballast operations while maintaining space utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If hydrocarbon storage capacity is increased, then productivity is improved, but structural integrity and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon storage capacityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the column into separate compartments for cargo tanks and ballast tanks, with the cargo tanks positioned side by side and accessible from the top. This segmentation allows for optimized structural design in each compartment while maintaining overall structural integrity and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If ballast operations are simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but storage capacity flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveballast operations simplicityVSAvoidstorage capacity flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs variable ballast tanks that can dynamically adjust their water content to compensate for cargo weight variations. This dynamic capability simplifies ballast operations while maintaining flexibility in storage capacity through automated ballast management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration allows for safe and efficient storage and handling of hydrocarbon liquids, reducing the complexity of ballast operations, maintaining a storm-ready condition, and ensuring safety by containing any leaks within the column, thus enabling reliable hydrocarbon production from offshore gas fields without additional pipelines.

Implementation Method 1

semi-submersible offshore vessel comprising surface piercing columns interconnected by subsurface pontoons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

A column houses at least one hydrocarbon storage tank ('cargo tank') and at least one variable ballast tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

The weight capacity of the hydrocarbon cargo tank(s) is approximately equal to the weight capacity of the variable ballast tank(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9878763B2Production semi-submersible with hydrocarbon storage

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC

AI summary

A floating, offshore vessel having surface-piercing columns (e.g., a semi-submersible or a tension leg platform) has means for storage of liquid hydrocarbon liquids inside one or more columns. Hydrocarbon liquids may be stored in only two of the four columns typically found on a semi-submersible, thereby providing a safe-zone where the living quarters are located. A column houses at least one hydrocarbon storage (cargo) tank and at least one variable ballast tank, where the weight capacity of the hydrocarbon cargo tank(s) is approximately equal to the weight capacity of the variable ballast tank(s). The hydrocarbon cargo tank(s) and the variable ballast tank(s) are positioned in such an orientation that the horizontal center of gravity of the cargo tank(s) is (nearly) identical to the horizontal center of gravity of the variable ballast tank(s). Both the hydrocarbon cargo tank and the variable ballast tank may be directly accessible from top-of-column.