Jack-up rig for marine drilling

• US 4,269,542 A
• Filed: 06/18/1979
• Issued: 05/26/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Petrã“Leo Brasileiro SA - Petrobras (Presidãªncia Da Repãºblica)
• Original Assignee: Petrã“Leo Brasileiro SA - Petrobras (Presidãªncia Da Repãºblica)
• Inventors: Mueller, Sergio R. C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Taylor, Dennis L.
• Application Number:
  US06/049,297
• Time in Patent Office: 708 Days
• Field of Search: 405/197-200, 405/195, 405/196, 405/203-208, 175/5, 175/7, 175/9
• US Class Current: 405/196
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 17/021 with relative movement between supporting construction and platform
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 17/027 steel structures E02B17/021 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 2017/006 with lattice style supporting legs
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 2017/0082 Spudcans, skirts or extended feet

Abstract

This invention relates to a mobile drilling platform of the jack-up type equipped with a special system which allows the said drilling platform to work as a drilling derrick and alternatively as a hoisting crane rig for marine service.

Claims

1. A mobile jack-up rig, for marine drilling, of the self-elevating type having a floatable hull, legs which can be propelled from transport positions projecting above the hull downwardly to engage the bottom of the sea to serve as bases for use in jacking-up the hull to a stable drilling position substantially above the water surface, said rig being fitted with conventional devices and equipment for marine drilling of oil wells characterized by comprising a special system which allows the conversion of a drilling derrick into a high capacity crane and vice-versa, said special system comprising the following members:

(a) a drilling derrick attached to a movable structure on a drilling deck by means of pivots which permit it to be tilted in order to be changed into a crane boom;

(b) a drilling winch provided with two drums which act separately including a main drum which actuates the wire lines that move the travelling block and a secondary drum which actuates the wire lines that move the parts which perform swabbing operations, directional logging, movement of parts along the well, etc.;

(c) a drilling deck mounted on a swivelling base capable of rotating 360°

in any direction, said swivelling base also forming the rotating crane table when the assembly formed by the drilling derrick and the drilling deck is acting as a crane; and

(d) a movable substructure over which said swivelling base rests, said movable substructure being provided with a motor which transmits rotating motion to the swivelling base, this motor also being designed to drive the substructure on rails along the deck whenever it is necessary for the operation of the rig in the crane mode.

2. A mobile jack-up rig for marine drilling according to claim 1 characterized in that said main drum of said drilling winch is employed to move the load block and the auxiliary drum of said drilling winch is used to move the crane boom whenever said drilling derrick is working as a crane.

3. A mobile jack-up rig or marine drilling according to claim 1 characterized in that said drilling derrick is laid down on the main deck during the transportation of the rig from one place to another.