Subsea Platform Transporter for Heavy Load Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea platform transportation technologies are limited by the weight capacity of about 500 metric tons, requiring multiple support ships and a lengthy construction and testing phase, making the installation process inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A subsea platform transporter system comprising pontoon and column members with buoyancy and retaining mechanisms, allowing for the transport and submersion of fully integrated subsea systems, with thrusters for positioning and drag appendages for controlled ascent, capable of handling loads up to 3,000 metric tons to depths of 10,000 feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current subsea platform transportation technology is used, then multiple support ships are required to transport sub-systems, but this increases device complexity and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sub-systems (drilling system, processing system, support system) into a single integrated subsea platform that can be transported as one unit weighing up to 3000 metric tons, eliminating the need for multiple separate transport operations and support ships
Solution Approach 2:
The transporter is designed as a universal platform capable of transporting various subsea systems (drilling, processing, support) in a single operation, making the transportation system multi-functional and reducing the need for specialized equipment for each sub-system
2Loss of time
If sub-systems are transported and assembled separately at the site, then installation time is extended, but transporting fully integrated systems requires higher weight capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea platform and all its sub-systems are fully integrated and tested onshore before transportation, completing all assembly and testing operations in advance to eliminate lengthy on-site construction and testing phases
Solution Approach 2:
The transporter is designed with a weight capacity parameter of up to 3000 metric tons, which is a significant increase from conventional transporters, enabling the transport of fully integrated platforms without requiring decomposition into smaller components
3Loss of energy
If multiple sub-systems are transported separately, then transportation cost increases, but transporting as one unit requires precise positioning control
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-systems are merged into a single transport unit, reducing the number of transportation trips and associated costs while requiring the development of advanced positioning systems to handle the larger, heavier integrated platform
Solution Approach 2:
The transporter incorporates thrusters and drag appendages with control systems that provide feedback-based positioning, allowing precise control of descent and positioning at the sea floor despite the increased size and weight of the transported platform
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 rapid deployment of fully integrated subsea systems by reducing the need for multiple ships and shortening the installation process, while controlling descent and ascent for precise positioning and cost reduction.
Implementation Method 1
one or more buoyancy members mechanically linked to at least one of the plurality of pontoon members and the plurality of column members
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea platform transporter includes a plurality of pontoon members, a plurality of column members interconnecting select adjacent ones of the plurality of pontoon members forming a support frame having an inner platform receiving area, a plurality of buoyancy members mechanically linked to at least one of the plurality of pontoon members and the plurality of column members, and a plurality of platform retaining members mounted to one or more of the plurality of pontoon members and the plurality of column members about the inner platform receiving area. The plurality of platform retaining members is configured and disposed to selectively retain and release a platform supported by the subsea platform transporter.