Minimized wave-zone buoyancy platform

Abstract

Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy is a new approach to oil and gas platform design with superior construction and performance characteristics compared to state-of-art off-shore drilling and production platforms. Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy platforms capitalize on low cross sectional area of the portion of the platform exposed to waves. The low cross sectional area reduces buoyancy forces that result from vertical platform movement, enabling the platform to oscillate at a low natural frequency. The low cross sectional area also minimizes the cyclical vertical forces induced by waves. Compare to current designs, application of the Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy concept will result in a lower natural frequency of oscillation, lower overall weight of platform, or both. Minimized Wave-zone Buoyancy offers an attractive alternative with improved platform stability, fatigue considerations, lower construction and installation costs, and shorter implementation schedule.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A floating platform comprising: 
 a superstructure; a minimized wave-zone buoyancy structure; and a substructure;    with said minimized wave-zone buoyancy structure having a low cross sectional area;    with said substructure effective in providing buoyancy and stability; and    with the minimized wave-zone buoyancy structure effective in transmitting said superstructure's weight to the substructure.    
     
     
         2 . A floating platform according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more stabilizers, with said stabilizer or stabilizers attached to said minimized wave-zone buoyancy structure from  claim 1  and effective in providing buoyancy lift.  
     
     
         3 . A floating platform according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 one or more stabilizers; and limited-free-movement means;    with said stabilizer or stabilizers effective in providing buoyancy lift; and    with the stabilizer or stabilizers attached to said floating platform from  claim 1  by said limited-free-movement means.    
     
     
         4 . A floating platform according to  claim 1 , further comprising limited-free-movement means, with said floating platform from  claim 1  anchored to ocean bottom by said limited-free-movement means.