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:
Aug. 24, 1976
Filed:
Sep. 08, 1975
Kenneth A Blenkarn, Tulsa, OK (US);
William D Greenfield, Tulsa, OK (US);
Standard Oil Company (Indiana), Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
This invention relates to the installation of a Vertically Moored Platform and equipment and apparatus used in effecting such installation. The floating structure, anchored only by essentially parallel and vertical elongated members under tension, is positioned with a gravity base over the subsea well site. The gravity base is lowered from engagement with the floating structure with cables to the sea floor while maintaining the floating structure in a positive buoyancy state. A large-diameter drive pipe is inserted through each receiving passage in the gravity base and into the soil or rock beneath the gravity base where it is anchored. A conductor is inserted through the drive pipe and anchored or cemented to the soil or rock beneath the drive pipe. A riser pipe is then inserted into the drive pipe and secured to the conductor. The upper end of the riser pipe is secured to the floating structure. Up to 32 or more such risers are connected between the floating structure and the gravity base. The riser pipes are then placed under tension and the cables used to lower the gravity base are then removed. Drilling operations then proceed through each of the risers. Modification of this installation and equipment necessary therefor are described.