Spar

Abstract

Spar platform is a type of offshore oil platform used to extract and process oil from the deep sea. Unlike other floating platforms that generally are rectangular in shape, the spar platform is cylindrically constructed. The large cylinder serves to stabilize the platform in the water and helps it to maintain its position while carrying out the necessary oil excavation operations. A spar platform consists of a large‐diameter single vertical cylinder supporting a deck, which forms the topside on the surface of the deck with drilling and production equipment. The cylinder does not extend all the way to the seafloor, but instead is tethered to the bottom by a series of cables and lines. It usually includes different risers for production, drilling, and export. The hull is moored using a taut catenary system of 6–20 lines anchored into the sea floor. Spar platform is one of the deepest drilling types of offshore rigs in use. SPAR's are presently used in water depths up to 1000 m, although existing technology can extend its use to water depths as great as 2500 m. Therefore, spar platforms are one of the most highly favored floating platforms in deepwater or ultradeepwater oil and gas production system.