James O Luke

US Patent:

48197300, Apr 11, 1989

Filed:

Jul 24, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/077365

Inventors:

Frank B. Williford - Frisco TX
James M. Luke - Keller TX
Paul V. Devlin - Rowlett TX

Assignee:

Schlumberger Technology Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 7128
E02D 2100
B63H 2500

US Classification:

166355

Abstract:

A floating drilling platform having dual work stations is disclosed for performing deep sea drilling and/or hydrocarbon production operations. The structure of the platform is designed to accommodate replaceable modules which facilitate the installation and removal of either a drilling derrick or production equipment. Thus, during the drilling phase of a reservoir's development, the platform may be outfitted with dual drilling derricks while at later times the platform may be outfitted with a drilling derrick and a full production facility. Various expedients are available to permit the equipment of one work station to be used in conjunction with the equipment of one other. Simultaneous management of dual conductors is enabled by a dual riser management system which models in real time riser behavior under varying environmental and other operational conditions. The dual riser management system includes a riser analysis subsystem, a mooring analysis subsystem and a vessel stability analysis subsystem.