Sofec, Inc.

Fmc Technologies, Inc.

Stephen P Lindblade

Miles A Hobdy

William Louis Fontenot

Hao Yu

L Terry Boatman

Yonghui Liu

David M Seaman

Vernon Raymond Jenkins

Brent A Salyer

Arun Sanjay Duggal

Steven Eskridge

Patrick R Thornberry

Ananth Natarajan

Quoc Anh Dang

Charles L Garnero

Caspar Heyl

Michael G Shuhatovich

James Nelson Pratt

Saradhi Koneru

Jane C McCollum, Legal Representative

William L Fontenot

Yoke mooring systems and processes for using same. The system can include a turntable connected to and rotatable with respect to a base. A yoke can be connected to the turntable such that the yoke can at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the yoke and at least partially rotate about a second axis that can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A first and second link arm can be connected to the yoke and to a first component of a first and a second releasable connector, respectively. A first and second lifting line can be connected to the second end of the first and second link arms, respectively. A first and second lifting device can be disposed on a vessel and configured to be connected to a second end of the first and second lifting lines, respectively, to lift and lower the link arms and the yoke.

Disconnectable yoke mooring systems and processes for using same

A connector assembly can include a stinger and a sleeve assembly that includes a latching mechanism. An outer surface of the stinger can define first and second grooves located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. An inner surface of the sleeve assembly can define first and second shoulders located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. The latching mechanism can be in an unlocked position or a locked position. When the latching mechanism is unlocked the stinger can be inserted into or removed from the sleeve assembly. When the stinger is within the sleeve assembly and the latching mechanism is locked, the latching mechanism can maintain a first split ring partially within the first groove and partially on the first shoulder and a second split ring partially within the second groove and partially on the second shoulder to secure the stinger within the sleeve assembly.

Connector assemblies

Mooring support structures, systems for mooring vessels, and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure than can include a post connected at a first end to a turntable disposed on a base structure. The post can extend out from the turntable and a yoke head connector can be connected to a second end of the post. A distal end of the yoke head connector can provide a disconnection location such that when a yoke head is disconnected from the yoke head connector, the yoke head can fall by gravity from the yoke head connector without contacting the mooring support structure.

Mooring support structures, systems for mooring vessels, and processes for using same

Elongated member handling systems and methods for using same. The system can include one or more elongated members. A connector can be formed on or mechanically linked to a first end of each of the one or more elongated members. An optional cover can be coupled to the connector. The system can also include a pulling assembly at least partially disposed about the one or more elongated members and adjacent the first end of each of the one or more elongated members. The pulling assembly can include a support skid. The pulling assembly or, if present, the optional cover can include a primary pulling anchor. The system can also include a jumper winch configured to be mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor. The jumper winch, when mechanically linked to the primary pulling anchor, can be configured to pull the pulling assembly from a first structure to a second structure.

Systems for handling one or more elongated members and methods for using same

Surge damping systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure that can include a base structure and a turntable disposed on the base structure. A vessel support structure can be disposed on the vessel. At least one extension arm can be suspended from the vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the extension arm. A uni-directional passive surge damping system can be disposed on the vessel and can include an elongated tension member connected to the ballast tank that can be configured to dampen a movement of the ballast tank by applying a tension thereto. A yoke can extend from and can be connected at a first end to the ballast tank and can include a yoke head disposed on a second end thereof that can be configured to connect to the turntable.

Surge damping systems and processes for using same

In a three row, roller bearing assembly coupling a vessel to a turret, the bearing assembly having a support row assembly disposed between an inner ring connected to the turret and outer rings connected to the vessel, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. Couplers are secured to existing inner ring stud bolts. A continuous bearing ring below the couplers is assembled and a support bearing arrangement is installed between the couplers and the bearing ring. Reaction plates are mounted to the vessel. Each reaction plate has a jack screw which is positioned directly below the bearing ring. The jack screws are turned to elevate the bearing ring and form a flat surface for support of the support bearing arrangement. The turret axial load is transferred from the damaged support row assembly to the support bearing arrangement.

In situ turret bearing remediation and assembly

A yoke mooring system and method for disconnecting a moored vessel from a tower structure. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable. A second winch system can be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable.

Disconnectable tower yoke mooring system and methods for using same

A yoke mooring system for connecting a floating vessel to a tower structure at sea. The system can include a support structure with one or more extension arms suspended from the support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the one or more extension arms, and a yoke can extend from and connect to the ballast tank. The yoke can include a tower connector disposed on a second end thereof for connecting to the tower structure. A first winch system can be located on the support structure and connect to the yoke proximate a second end of the yoke via a first line or cable. A second winch system can be connected to the ballast tank via a second line or cable.

A disconnectable spread mooring and riser tower system for a vessel floating at a water surface. The system comprises a forward chain table assembly releasably connected to the vessel at the bow via a first connector assembly, and an aft chain table assembly releasably connected at the stem via a second connector assembly. Mooring legs are attached to the chain table assemblies and are capable of being anchored at spaced locations on a seafloor. The first and second connector assemblies are arranged and designed to unlock and release the forward and aft chain table assemblies from the vessel. A riser tower system fixed to the seafloor may be located near the moored vessel and flexible jumper hoses can be extended between the riser tower system and the vessel to transfer fluids, air, power and control signals.

Disconnectable spread mooring and riser tower system and method

A system and method for mating equipment offshore to a spar buoy secured to a foundation without the use of a crane barge. The system comprises a floating vessel having a pair of forks defining a slot. A gimbal table, defining an opening, is positioned within the slot and connected to the vessel and a locking collar is mounted to the gimbal table. A mating member is attached to the spar buoy. The vessel is maneuvered to bring the spar buoy within the gimbal table opening. With the spar buoy positioned within the gimbal table opening, the locking collar is arranged and designed to releasably attach to the mating member of the spar buoy and restrict relative vertical motion between the spar buoy and the vessel while the gimbal table allows the floating vessel to roll and pitch without driving these motions into the spar buoy.

Offshore structure mating system and installation method

In an offshore system having a floating vessel, a turret within a hull opening, and a bearing assembly including a support row assembly axially transferring the weight of the turret to the vessel and allowing the vessel to weather vane about the turret, a method and arrangement for in situ remediation of a damaged support row assembly. An outer upper ring is removed from an outer lower ring and a support ring is installed on the outer lower ring. A lower race and support rollers of a remedial support row assembly are installed on the support ring. A reaction ring is positioned above the support ring and connected to an inner ring secured to the turret. The inner ring is axially displaced relative to the outer lower ring and the turret axial loading is transferred to the remedial support row assembly between the support ring and the reaction ring.

In-situ turret bearing repair and assembly

An arrangement for connecting a turret within a vessel opening such that the vessel is capable of rotation about a longitudinal axis of the turret. The arrangement including an inner ring assembly coupled to the turret and an outer ring assembly coupled to the vessel in concentric alignment with the inner ring assembly. A support row assembly connected between the inner and outer ring assemblies allows rotation of the outer ring assembly with respect to the inner ring assembly and axially transfers the weight of the turret to the vessel. A radial row assembly is coaxially disposed about the longitudinal axis between the inner and outer ring assemblies. A centralizer is disposed between the inner and outer ring assemblies. During normal operation the radial row assembly transfers any radial load from the vessel to the turret and the centralizer has a radial clearance with the outer ring assembly.

Replaceable element roller bearing assembly

A disconnectable rigid mooring system for attaching a ship to a tower structure includes a yoke releasably connected to a yoke head. The yoke head is pivotally attached to the tower structure and the yoke is arranged and designed to attach to the ship. The yoke and the yoke head each have a mating connector portion arranged and designed to connect the yoke to the yoke head. When the connector portions are engaged and locked, the yoke is securely attached to the yoke head, allowing a rigid interconnection between the ship and the tower structure. During normal operations and in normal sea states, the yoke remains connected to the yoke head pivotally attached to the tower structure. In the event of predicted abnormally high sea states, the yoke may be disconnected from the yoke head by the ship and be secured to the ship and removed prior to the abnormally high sea state event. The yoke and yoke head are provided with alignment guides and mechanisms which permit the yoke and yoke head to be properly aligned during the connect and disconnect procedures.

Growing community of inventors

Waller, TX, United States of America

Stephen P Lindblade