TLP Pontoon

Abstract

A TLP design with improved motion characteristics and that is drawn to a means of reducing the required tendon stiffness and thereby reducing the overall cost of deepwater TLPs. The invention reduces the hydrodynamic added mass of the TLP hull. The horizontal pontoons that connect the vertical columns of the TLP are shaped to reduce the hydrodynamic added mass of the structure in the vertical direction.

What is claimed as invention is: 
     
         1 . A floating tension leg platform for offshore production and drilling, comprising:
 a. a deck;   b. a plurality of columns attached to and extending downwardly from the deck; and   c. pontoons spanning the lower ends of the columns and rigidly attached to the columns, with the pontoons having a height-to-width ratio of at least 1.2.   
     
     
         2 . The TLP of  claim 1 , wherein each pontoon has a semi-circular rounded top. 
     
     
         3 . The TLP of  claim 1 , wherein each pontoon has a semi-circular rounded bottom. 
     
     
         4 . A floating tension leg platform for offshore production and drilling, comprising:
 a. a deck;   b. a plurality of columns attached to and extending downwardly from the deck; and   c. pontoons spanning the lower ends of the columns and rigidly attached to the columns, with each pontoon having a height-to-width ratio of at least 1.2 and having a semi-circular rounded top and bottom.