TENSION-BASED TENSION LEG PLATFORM: TECHNOLOGIES FOR ULTRA DEEPWATER APPLICATIONS

摘要

This paper is about technology of the Tension Leg Platform (TLP) for use in ultra deepwater to support dry-tree in oil and gas production. New TLP concept for ultra deepwater development is introduced in this paper. A technically feasible and cost-effective artificial sea-bed is used to ease the tendon design practical at such deep water in harsh environment. The truss-pontoon is utilized to reduce the vertical and horizontal wave loadings. A simple and slim hull easy to design, fabricate, transport and install is obtained. Installation method is illustrated. Optional riser-support tower is proposed to make production risers feasible in 8000 ft of water depth with no riser pre-tension to the hull and with no vortex induced vibration problems. The paper enhances the TLP capability in deepwater.