Floating platform with canted columns
This invention provides a floating platform with canted columns, and a new method of mooring line makeup and installation method that can be used for the canted columns. In one embodiment, the platform includes 3 columns having upper ends projecting above water surface. The columns are canted or inclined inward from the corner of hull toward the top of column. The 3 columns converge at the top of column such that each column will lean against the other 2 columns. Each column connects to the other 2 columns. Horizontally disposed pontoons interconnect adjacent columns at the lower ends. The columns and pontoons form a closed structure hull to support a foundation structure directly above the top of column.
1. A floating platform, comprising:
a. at least 3 columns ( 23 ), wherein each of said at least 3 columns comprises an upper end and a lower end;
b. at least 3 pontoons ( 24 ), wherein each of said at least 3 pontoons comprises a left end and a right end;
wherein, each of said at least 3 columns is connected to two adjacent columns of said at least 3 columns at said upper end to converge and form a surface for supporting of a topside, each of said at least 3 pontoons is horizontally disposed with said left end and right end separately connected to the lower ends of two adjacent columns of said at least 3 columns to form a closed hull structure whereby one or more of said at least 3 columns are canted or inclined inward; wherein one of said at least 3 columns is inclined at an acute angle from a vertical axis.
2. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein each of said at least 3 columns at said upper end overlap with two adjacent columns.
3. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein one or more of said at least 3 columns or 3 pontoons have a cross section that is substantially rectangular.
4. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein one or more of said at least 3 pontoons or columns have a cross section that is circular or triangular in shape.
5. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein said acute angle is at 30, 50, or 70 degrees.
6. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein said floating platform further comprises vertical tensioned lines.
7. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein one or more or said at least 3 columns are tapered columns ( 33 ) having a small sectional area at said lower end, and a large sectional area at said upper end.
8. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein one or more of said at least 3 columns are tapered columns ( 33 ) having a large sectional area at said lower end, and a small sectional area at said upper end.
9. The floating platform of claim 1 , said at least 3 pontoons or columns are made of a material selected from the group consisting of concrete, steel, or a combination of both.
10. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein one or more of said at least 3 columns comprises a vertical portion ( 13 ) and a canted portion ( 23 ).
11. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein said floating platform comprises 3 columns.
12. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein said floating platform comprises 4 columns.
13. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein one or more of said at least 3 pontoons have a width exceeding width of said at least 3 columns.
14. The floating platform of claim 1 , wherein one or more of said at least 3 pontoons have a portion that can be removed.
15. A method of installing said floating platform of claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
a. providing a mooring system comprising mooring lines and connection devices;
b. installing one of said connection devices on each of said at least 3 columns except for a last column;
c. mooring all said columns installed with connection device in step (b) with said mooring lines one by one; and
d. installing a line tensioning device on said last column and tensioning up all of said mooring lines to a desired tension.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein said floating platform comprises 3 columns.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein said floating platform comprises 4 columns.
18. A method of installing a turbine or topside on said floating platform of claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
a. Constructing said floating platform, wherein one or more of said at least 3 pontoons have a portion that can be removed;
b. Removing said portion of one of said at least 3 pontoons ( 24 );
c. Accessing center of the floating platform with a lifting device;
d. Lifting said turbine or topside onto said surface for supporting of a topside; and
e. Removing said lifting device, and putting said portion of one of said at least 3 pontoons ( 24 ) in place.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein said floating platform comprises 3 columns.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein said floating platform comprises 4 columns.