Latest Breakthrough in Turret Moorings for FPSO Systems: The ForgivingTan kerrrurret l nterface

Abstract

This paper was s e w e d for presentation by the OTC Program Commitfee following review ofinfortnation contained in an abstract subm'med by tha author(s). Contents of the paper, as presentad, have n d been reviewed by the Offshore Tedrndoey C c n f~ and are subject to axrection by the author(s). The material, as presented, does n d necessarily refled any positii of the ORshon, Technology Conference or its off-.Electronic reprodudion, distribution, or stwage of any part of this paper tor commercial purposes without the winen consent of the Offshore Technolagy Conference is prohibited. Permission to repodurn in print is restricted lo an abstract of not more then 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstred must contain conspicuous acknwledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. AbstractShip-shaped vessels have seen a tremendous growth in their use as Floating Production andlor Storage vessels. Along with this growth has come a need to moor in ever deeper water depths and with more flow lines. The most efficient means of dealing with the mooring of these vessels has been the incorporation of a turret. This turret allows the vessel to weathervane while providing a geostationary hull area to bring in flow and mooring lines. It is desirable to have these turret systems weathervane passively, which requires an efficient bearing system, particularly as many turrets are retrofitted into converted vessels. Interfacing these bearing systems with the turret and vessel structure requires extensive design and analysis to assure their mutual deformations will not affect the longevity of the bearing system.A self-aligning bearing interface, incorporating the use of elastomeric supports, has been developed which eases the design of this bearing interface and reduces bearing loads. The elastomeric support system prevents the transmission of vessel deformations to the bearings thus assuring a low torque, long life, high external load capacity, bearing system.

Different Categories of Working Units

“…The internal turret mooring system is positioned inside the hull (see Fig. 5.18b) and it is either permanent or disconnectable [15][16][17]. Permanent internal turret mooring systems are located in a moonpool.…”