System and Method for Improving A Jack Up Platform with Asymmetric Cleats

摘要

A mobile drilling unit having a floatable platform for use in a body of water with a plurality of vertical support legs. With each vertical support leg configured to move with a cleat at the lower end of each support leg. Each cleat having a lower surface to transmit gravitational force from the unit to the sea floor. The cleats are asymmetric with respect to the legs which allows expansion of the center of pressure on the cleats to be beyond the vertical support legs.

主权项

1. A mobile drilling unit for use in a body of water comprising:
a floatable platform having a plurality of leg wells around the periphery of the platform, said plurality of leg wells each having a center, the centers defining the corners of a first area on the floatable platform; a plurality of vertical support legs extending substantially vertically upwardly through a respective one of said plurality of leg wells; said vertical support legs being configured to move vertical with respect to the platform from a first retracted position to a second extended position; each of the vertical support legs including an cleat attached at a lower end of the support leg, said cleat comprising an enclosure for containing ballast and providing buoyancy and comprising a lower surface for transmitting the gravitational force from the mobile drilling unit to the sea floor; said lower surface having a center of pressure; said cleat extending outward from the respective leg such that center of pressure lies outside the first area defined by the leg wells.