Ultra-deepwater floating platform

Abstract

A floating platform system includes a hull design configuration ( 40, 50 ) for limiting maximum tendon loads and aiding in inhibiting resonant responses in the platform system leading to better motions for personnel, equipment and riser support, and to lighter and lower cost tendon systems.

1 . A floating platform, comprising:
 a) a central column having an upper end and a lower end;   b) pontoons extending radially outward from said lower end of said central column;   c) outer columns located at the distal ends of said pontoons, said outer columns extending substantially vertically;   d) a deck supported above the water surface on said central column and said outer columns; and   e) anchor means securing said floating platform to the seabottom.   
     
     
         2 . The floating platform of  claim 1  wherein said outer columns are battered. 
     
     
         3 . The floating platform of  claim 2  wherein the batter angle is less than 10 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The floating platform of  claim 3  wherein the batter angle is in the range of 6 to 8 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The floating platform of  claim 1  wherein said outer columns are located along the pontoons but not at the distal ends of said pontoons. 
     
     
         6 . The floating platform of  claim 5  wherein said outer columns are battered. 
     
     
         7 . The floating platform of  claim 6  wherein the batter angle is less than 10 degrees. 
     
     
         8 . The floating platform of  claim 7  wherein the batter angle is in the range of 6 to 8 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . A method of minimizing floating platform tendon tension response in ultra-deep water comprising installing said platform in a body of water and anchoring said platform to the seabottom, wherein said platform comprises:
 a) a central column having an upper end and a lower end;   b) pontoons extending radially outward from said lower end of said central column;   c) outer columns located at or near the distal ends of said pontoons, said outer columns extending substantially vertically; and   d) a deck supported above the water surface on said central column and said outer columns.   
     
     
         10 . A floating platform, comprising:
 a) four corner columns each having an upper end and a lower end;   b) pontoons extending between said lower ends of said corner columns forming a square or rectangle;   c) the four corner columns being battered such that the tops are closer together than the bottoms;   d) a deck supported above the water surface on said corner columns; and   e) anchor means securing said floating platform to the seabottom.