A TLP Solution for 8000 Ft Water Depth
A Tension Leg Platform (TLP) solution is proposed for dry tree applications in ultra-deep water depths (∼8000 ft). Major challenges for a TLP associated with the ultra deep environment are addressed with an innovative air spring – mass vibration absorber (VAB) system introduced by SBM Atlantia. The tendon system for the TLP therefore is able to scale essentially linearly with the water depth, instead of quadratically for a conventional TLP. This paper details the integrated platform design issues, including the hull, tendon design and the coupled motion analysis approach. It also discusses the system weight and dimension scales for typical applications and the constructability in terms of their upper bound limits compared with existing platforms. A design example is presented for the offshore Brazil Santos Basin environment at 8000 ft water depth with consistent current and relatively large fatigue sea states.