Objective
To study the tethered buoyant platform concept: develop analytical techniques for evaluating the platform dynamics and to examine the design of specific critical elements of the systems.
The results of the work undertaken demonstrated the feasibility of the concept, but have now been superceded by subsequent developments in this field of technology.
Early work examined the tethered buoyant platform (tbp) concept and its influence on the other elements of the total system such as risers, manifolds and umbilicals. Small-scale tests were carried out on a simple model to demonstrate the dynamic characteristics of the tbp. The next phase of work included forecasts of offshore production for the north sea and north west europe against a background of world energy supply and demand in order to identify the potential demand and most likely applications for innovative engineering solutions such as the tbp.
The comparative economics of alternative development programmes were evaluated and the tbp confirmed as a cost effective producing system for a range of fields and applications. The engineering and analytical developments necessary to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept were defined as a basis for further work. The subsequent design study undertook the development of a suite of analytical techniques for predicting the dynamic loading conditions. In addition,design studies were carried out on specific technical aspects, in particular methods of attaching and adjusting the moorings, riser design and installation techniques.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
LA14 1AF Barrow-in-Furness
United Kingdom