Arctic Platform

Abstract

The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms that are particularly useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Methods and means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, improved platform floor plans are provided, and various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means are also described. Methods and means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided. Also taught are a variety of methods of adjusting the height and level of an assembled drilling platform, and methods and means of adding extension members useful for extending the length of a support post are also described.

1 . A method of constructing a drilling or production platform, said method comprising:
 drilling a support post into a ground surface, wherein said support post further comprises an adjustable shoulder member;   disposing a modular platform section on top of said adjustable shoulder member to establish a platform deck surface; and   adjusting said adjustable shoulder member so that said platform deck surface is disposed substantially level, regardless of the pitch or unevenness of said ground surface.   
   
   
       2 . A method of constructing a drilling or production platform, said method comprising:
 hammering a support post into a ground surface, wherein said support post further comprises an adjustable shoulder member;   disposing a modular platform section on top of said adjustable shoulder member to establish a platform deck surface; and   adjusting said adjustable shoulder member so that said platform deck surface is disposed substantially level, regardless of the pitch or unevenness of said ground surface.   
   
   
       3 . A method of adjusting the height of a modular drilling platform section, said method comprising:
 disposing a modular platform section atop an adjustable shoulder nut disposed on a support post, wherein a top portion of said support post further comprises a lift receiving means;   disposing a lifting means proximate to said lift receiving means, and then mutually engaging said lifting means and said lift receiving means;   lifting said modular platform section off of said adjustable shoulder nut and then supporting said modular platform section using a support means;   raising said adjustable shoulder nut; and   replacing said modular platform section atop said adjustable shoulder nut using said support means.