Hydraulic and earth engineering – Marine structure or fabrication thereof – Floatable to site and supported by marine floor
Patent
1996-12-04
1998-09-15
Graysay, Tamara L.
Hydraulic and earth engineering
Marine structure or fabrication thereof
Floatable to site and supported by marine floor
405203, 405209, 114258, E02D 2500
Patent
active
058070290
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of offshore constructions such as platforms, which are located usually above sea level, supported from the sea bed from columns, towers or pylons.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typical offshore platforms comprise a plurality of towers supported vertically in a barge, for towing to or self propelled navigation to the position of deployment, whereupon the towers are lowered vertically until they reach the sea bed. Subsequently the barge, which is to serve as a platform or the like, is jacked up the towers, clear of the surface of the sea.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a jack-up construction comprising a column and a vessel, said column being supportable on said vessel in a substantially horizontal position for storage or transport, and supportable in relation to said vessel in a substantially vertical position for deployment or use, wherein said construction includes a support structure for supporting said column for rotation between said horizontal position and said vertical position, and wherein said support structure includes an element which selectively allows for said vessel and said column to be disconnected to enable said vessel to embark from and dock to said column.
Preferably said support structure includes a pivotal connection extending between said column and said vessel. In this manner, the pivotal connection provides for rotation of the column relative to the vessel.
Preferably said element comprises a pivoting portion on said carriage which in a closed condition secures said column for sliding movement, and restrains said column in said vertical position.
Alternatively said pivotal connection is dismountable from said column and said carriage to enable said vessel and said column to be disconnected. With such a configuration, it would be necessary to secure said column against sliding, relative to said column, when said vessel is detached.
Preferably said jack-up construction includes hoisting means to move said column vertically, relative to said vessel, when said column is in said vertical position.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a vessel adapted for deployment as an offshore structure supported above the sea floor, said vessel including a support structure for supporting a column for rotation between a substantially horizontal stowed position and a vertical position for deployment, said support structure including an element allowing for said vessel and said column to be connected to enable said vessel to dock to said column, and disconnected to enable said vessel to embark from said column.
Preferably said support structure includes a pivotal connection point for forming a pivotal connection between said column and said vessel.
Preferably said support structure includes a carriage for supporting said column for selective sliding movement in relation thereto. In this manner, the column slides relative to the carriage as the vessel is jacked up or down the column.
Preferably said carriage includes flanged wheels or concave shaped pulleys for guiding said column.
Preferably said pivotal connection extends between said carriage and said vessel.
Preferably said carriage is dismountable from said column to enable said vessel and said column to be disconnected.
Preferably said carriage includes guide means for guiding vertical displacement of said vessel relative to said column.
Preferably said element comprises a pivoting portion on said carriage which in a closed condition secures said column for sliding movement, and restrains said column in said vertical position.
Alternatively said pivotal connection is adapted to be selectively connectable to connect/disconnect said vessel and said column.
Preferably said vessel includes hoisting means for moving said column vertically relative to said vessel, when said vessel is attached to said column and when said column is in said vertical position.
Preferably said vessel includes an o
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Cherwora Pty. Ltd.
Graysay Tamara L.
Lee Jong-Suk
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