Pneumatic load-transfer system and method for mating an integrated deck with a pre-installed platform substructure

摘要

A new pneumatic load transfer and shock absorbing system is disclosed. The pneumatic system includes a layer of air-bags to perform two basic functions during a floatover installation operation: 1) lifting the platform deck from the support to create additional air gaps at the mating surfaces, and the heave motions of the lifted platform deck may be reduced; 2) performing as a shock absorbing device with variable vertical stiffness easily controlled by the air-bag internal air pressure during the mating operation and the separation operation.

主权项

1. A pneumatic load-transfer system for an offshore floatover installation comprising:
a transport vessel having a transport vessel deck loaded with a module for transporting the module to an offshore installation site; a support structure situated on the transport vessel deck to provide rigid support to the transported module during transportation of the module; and a plurality of air bags horizontally placed inside a layer of housings located between the bottom of the loaded module and the top of the support structure to provide flexible support to the module during installation, wherein the load of the module is uniformly distributed among the plurality of air bags, wherein the flexible support is equipped with telescopic structures against lateral loading and is able to provide adjustable spring rate during installation; wherein the load of the module is transferred from the support structure to a plurality of main legs of a preinstalled jacket contacted at a plurality of mating surfaces through a plurality of mating apparatuses.