Offshore Platform Tendon Support System for Deep Water Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of tension-leg platforms (TLPs) in deep water depths is hindered by the difficulty in connecting multiple tendons or tethers due to tangling caused by wind and sea currents, making it challenging to secure them to the platform.
Innovation Solution
A tendon support system (TSS) with a buoyancy assembly and tethering assembly, featuring cylindrical vessels, harness assemblies, and remotely operable clamps, which maintain tendons spaced to prevent tangling and facilitate connection to the platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multiple tendons are connected at spaced locations on a TLP, then the platform can be moored in deep water, but the tendons tangle due to wind and sea currents making connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon connection process is segmented into distinct phases: first securing the tendon to the platform, then releasing the buoyancy bags afterward. This segmentation allows the tendon to be connected in a controlled state before being exposed to environmental forces that cause tangling.
Solution Approach 2:
Buoyancy bags are attached to tendons in advance during preparation on land, creating pre-assembled tendon-buoyancy units. This preliminary action ensures that when tendons are deployed, they are already equipped with the buoyancy assistance needed for easy connection, eliminating the need to handle bare tendons in harsh marine environments.
2Length of moving object
If tendons are deployed in deep water, then TLPs can be installed in deeper waters, but wind and sea currents cause tendons to tangle
Solution Approach 1:
Buoyancy bags attached to tendons provide an upward counteracting force against the downward pull of water currents and the weight of the tendon itself. This anti-weight effect keeps tendons suspended in a more stable, upright position, preventing them from tangling during deployment and connection operations in deep water.
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
The TSS effectively prevents tendon tangling during installation, allowing for secure and efficient connection of tendons to the platform, enabling TLPs to be installed in deeper waters without the limitations of earlier technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A tendon support system (TSS) with a buoyancy assembly and tethering assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A tendon support system has a floatation assembly and a tethering assembly. The tendon support system is capable of installing multiple tendons to an offshore platform while minimizing the chances that the tendons will tangle or otherwise become entwined.