Spar Platform Centerwell Buoyancy Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spar-type offshore drilling and production platforms lack buoyancy contribution from their open centerwells, which also increase size and weight, making transportation and construction challenging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing airtight and watertight barriers within the centerwell to create variable buoyancy compartments, with sleeves forming seals at deck junctions, allowing for adjustable buoyancy and reduced platform size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the centerwell is left open to the sea, then the platform structure is simple and easy to construct, but the centerwell provides no buoyancy contribution and increases platform size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The centerwell is divided into multiple compartments using transverse barriers (decks) that create sealed sections. These segmented compartments can be filled with air or water independently, allowing the centerwell to provide buoyancy while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy of the platform is adjusted by changing the physical state of the compartments - specifically by controlling whether they are filled with air (providing buoyancy) or water (reducing buoyancy). This allows dynamic adjustment of platform weight and buoyancy without changing the physical structure.
2Weight of moving object
If the centerwell is sealed to provide buoyancy, then platform buoyancy increases and size is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating one large sealed compartment, the centerwell is segmented into multiple smaller compartments using transverse barriers. This segmentation provides buoyancy while keeping the structural complexity manageable, as each barrier is a discrete, relatively simple element.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse barriers serve multiple functions: they segment the centerwell into buoyant compartments, provide structural support, and create platforms for equipment placement. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity by combining several functions into single elements.
3Volume of moving object
If the centerwell is closed to reduce platform size, then transportation becomes easier, but buoyancy adjustability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates dynamic buoyancy adjustment capabilities through movable transverse barriers and controllable flooding systems. The barriers can be positioned at different levels, and compartments can be selectively filled with air or water, allowing the platform volume and buoyancy to be dynamically adjusted for different transportation and operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform maintains adaptability by enabling parameter changes in the buoyant compartments - specifically by controlling the air-water fill state of each compartment. This allows the platform to optimize its volume and buoyancy characteristics for different phases of operation while maintaining a compact overall structure.
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
Enhances buoyancy, reduces platform size and weight, enabling easier transportation and construction, and provides adjustable buoyancy to maintain balance as conditions change.
Implementation Method 1
The buoyancy tanks 106 define voids or compartments 108 that may be selectively filled with air or water to provide varying degrees of buoyancy to the platform 100
Implementation Method 2
a sleeve extending through the barrier and the compartment, wherein the sleeve forms an airtight and watertight seal at its junction with the barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A spar platform for use in the offshore drilling or production of fossil fuels includes a hull having a centerwell. An airtight and watertight barrier traverses the centerwell, forming a variable buoyancy compartment in the centerwell. In certain embodiments the centerwell is open at the bottom to the sea, while in certain other embodiments the centerwell is sealed at the bottom. At least one sleeve for accommodating a riser extends through the barrier and the variable buoyancy compartment to the bottom of the centerwell. The sleeve has an open upper end to provide a drain for water accumulating in the centerwell, and it forms an airtight and watertight seal at its juncture with the barrier. In some embodiments, two or more airtight and watertight barriers are provided across the centerwell, defining an airtight and watertight fixed buoyancy chamber between each adjacent pair of barriers.