Author(s): R. E. Potter; J. C. Bruce; N. F. B. Allyn
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The authors have spent a number of years developing theoretical, laboratory and field evaluations of concepts, for protecting drilling and other systems in moderate water depths in the arctic, using artificially generated grounded rubble pads. This has culminated in the development of preliminary designs for rubble generating mechanisms, and also for potential types of associated drilling vessels. For these, methods have been developed for providing sufficient stability in the system to allow operation through the dynamic break-up season. The paper will review the theoretical, engineering and practical aspects; the methods envisaged for grounding the protective pad; and a number of deployment alternatives. The results of the work undertaken so far have indicated that the system is feasible and could lead to the development of readily mobile alternatives to the drilling systems at present in use or being proposed. In addition to its use as a drilling platform, the concept has the potential of being used to provide relief well capability, where appropriate, or for storage or other uses adjacent to a gravel island or structure. In its present state of development, the system is considered to have application in water depths up to approximately 20 metres, depending to some extent on the dynamics of the ice movement.
Year: 1984