The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 27, 1976
Filed:
Jun. 03, 1974
Edward E Horton, Portuguese Bend, CA (US);
John H Brewer, Irvine, CA (US);
William H Silcox, Newport Beach, CA (US);
T A Hudson, Balboa Island, CA (US);
Deep Oil Technology, Inc., Long Beach, CA (US);
Chevron Oil Field Research Co., La Habra, CA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for anchoring an offshore tension leg platform which includes a platform supported above an ocean surface by buoyant supports comprising at least three vertical buoyant support members. Each vertical support member includes a central axial conductor tube for passage of drill pipe adapted to be connected to anchor members carried at the bottom of the vertical support member, the drill pipe providing a for lowering the anchor member, for drilling beneath the anchor member to pin the anchor member in the ocean bottom, and for transfer of ballast from the vertical support member to the anchor member. Each vertical support member includes longitudinally extending anchor line casings spaced from the axial tube to provide passageways for anchor tension lines connected to the anchor and adapted to be tensioned at the upper end of the vertical support member or at the platform. A method of anchoring a tension leg platform wherein anchor members are substantially empty when lowered and are filled with ballast material at or near the sea floor. A method which includes advantages in mobility, installation, and anchoring of a tension leg platform under varying weather and sea conditions.