Conceptual Design of Monocolumn Production and Storage With Dry Tree Capability

Abstract

A new concept and a preliminary study for a monocolumn floating unit are introduced, aimed at exploring and producing oil in ultradeep waters. This platform, which combines two relevant features—great oil storage capacity and dry tree production capability—comprises two bodies with relatively independent heave motions between them. A parametric model is used to define the main design characteristics of the floating units. A set of design alternatives is generated using this procedure. These solutions are evaluated in terms of stability requirements and dynamic response. A mathematical model is developed to estimate the first order heave and pitch motions of the platform. Experimental tests are carried out in order to calibrate this model. The response of each body alone is estimated numerically using the WAMIT® code. This paper also includes a preliminary study on the platform mooring system and appendages. The study of the heave plates presents the gain, in terms of decreasing the motions, achieved by the introduction of the appropriate appendages to the platform.