hull for a semi-submersible offshore platform, and, method of employing a deep, floating, semi-submersible offshore platform

摘要

"HULL FOR A SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE OFF-SHORE PLATFORM, AND METHOD OF USING A FLOATING, SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE OFF-SHORE PLATFORM". A deep draft multi-column semi-submersible floating platform for offshore use in drilling and oil and gas production comprises a floating hull having an adjustable floating base, a plurality of vertical columns from the base, and an equipment deck that is supported at the top of the columns when the platform is operationally employed. Each of the columns comprises a cellular structure that includes a plurality of elongate tubes having a variety of cross-sectional shapes extending from the base to the top of the column. Each tube defines one or more enclosed compartments. At least one of the compartments has a buoyancy that is fixed, and at least one of the compartments has a buoyancy that is adjustable. The buoyancy of the compartments and the base can be adjusted controllably with pressurized air to provide a safer and cheaper method of employing the platform in offshore operations.