MODULAR TOPSIDES SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING DUAL INSTALLATION CAPABILITIES FOR OFFSHORE STRUCTURES
First Claim
1. A modular topsides for an offshore structure, comprising:
- a module support frame constructed separate from the offshore structure, comprising;
a plurality of frame members extending laterally and adapted to receive a plurality of production modules that can be loaded thereon; and
a plurality of support interfaces coupled to the frame members and adapted to be coupled to the offshore structure after the offshore structure is installed at an installation site; and
at least one production module coupled with the module support frame, the at least one production module being adapted to extract or process hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well in an offshore location.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an improved method and system for loading a topsides onto an offshore structure by functional modules. A module support frame forms a supporting structure to which production modules can be assembled. The production modules are adapted to extract or process hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well in an offshore location. One production module is a well bay production module to which other production modules can be coupled, including a drilling support production module, separation production module, export module, and utility module. The module support frame can be loaded onto floating barges and other modules assembled thereto to allow the barges to provide incremental and controlled support during the loading process and for the floatover installation. The barges can be floated out to the offshore structure and loaded onto the offshore structure by methods including a floatover method or with a heavy-lift crane vessel.
21 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A modular topsides for an offshore structure, comprising:
-
a module support frame constructed separate from the offshore structure, comprising; a plurality of frame members extending laterally and adapted to receive a plurality of production modules that can be loaded thereon; and a plurality of support interfaces coupled to the frame members and adapted to be coupled to the offshore structure after the offshore structure is installed at an installation site; and at least one production module coupled with the module support frame, the at least one production module being adapted to extract or process hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well in an offshore location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method of installing a topsides to an offshore structure, comprising:
-
constructing a module support frame of a plurality of frame members extending laterally to receive a plurality of production modules; loading the module support frame onto a transportation barge; coupling a first production module adapted to extract or process hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well in an offshore location to the module support frame to form a topsides; transporting the module support frame and the first production module to the offshore structure; installing the module support frame onto the offshore structure; and installing a second production module to the module support frame. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification