Floatover Method for Offshore Oil Rigs Installation
In the petroleum industry, oil rigs are used to reach underground reserves. As oil is usually found offshore, installing oil rigs in the open sea is a common but challenging task for engineers. To successfully install an oil rig foundation in the open sea, a method known as the floatover method is adopted.
The floatover method is a form of near-shore installation, meaning that it does not require any deep-water engineering techniques. In this method, a barge or vessel is loaded with the preassembled oilrig and floated over the installation site. Once the barge is in position, the oilrig is lowered through the water using a jacking system. This jacking system uses a series of hydraulic rams and pumps to slowly lower the rig until it reaches the sea floor. After the oil rig is securely positioned on the sea floor, the barge is then removed and the structure is completed.
The floatover method of installation has several advantages over other installation techniques. First, since the entire installation process is conducted on the surface of the sea, this method eliminates the need for complex deep-water engineering. Second, the preassembled rig is safely and securely transported to the installation site by the barge, which reduces the risk associated with transporting and assembling the rig. Third, the barge can be used to monitor and adjust the position of the oil rig during the process. Finally, using the floatover method, an oilrig can be installed in less time than other installation methods.
Despite these advantages, the floatover method does have some drawbacks. Because the method requires the use of a barge or vessel that is large enough to carry the preassembled oil rig, a large cost is associated with the process. Additionally, this method can only be used if the foundation is shallow and the soil conditions are good. Finally, the size and location of the rig can create challenges for engineers during the installation process.
Overall, the floatover is a safe and efficient method for installing oil rigs in the open sea. This method eliminates the need for complex deep-water engineering, reduces the risk of transporting and assembling the oil rig, and can generally be completed in a shorter amount of time than other installation methods. However, this method is more expensive than other installation techniques and can only be used in specific environments.
