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INTEGRATED TOPSIDES.
Introduction
Integrated topsides Advantages
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Introduction:
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- As discussed in the Super-module
section, the optimal global design for large platforms will be the
fully integrated topsides design.
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For medium- size and small platforms,
TRC advocate the cassette type of topsides or hybrids between full
integration and cassettes. This makes the project more flexible,
reduces the investment cost, maintenance cost and reduces the project
risk.
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The hybrid topsides is a combination
of a fully integrated topsides structure and closed cassette systems
which makes it attractive to perform stepwise development.
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The medium size platform may also benefit from integration by a
combination of a fully integrated structure and open cassette deck
systems.
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The integration of a topsides into one
complete and closed unit like this one will effect the platform
cost in many ways. Some are positive and some are
negative.
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- The attractive ones are:
- - Significant reduction in structural
steel because the integrated structure is stiffer than a cellar deck /
module combination.
- -Reduced
number of interfaces and offshore hook-up work.
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- There also are many negative
effects of a traditional full integration:
- - Series type of fabrication schedule.
- - Limited number of fabricators, i.e.
expensive.
- - Long project execution time.
- - Rigid in accepting changes and late
arriving equipment.
- - High cost of installation.
- - Expensive to maintain.
- - Difficult and expensive to make
changes later.
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The IPEF method:
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- To overcome the disadvantages and increase the advantages with
fully integrated topsides, TRC has designed and patented a new
topsides and fabrication method called IPEF.
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design and fabrication method makes it possible to fabricate a strong and fully
integrated platform topsides saving significant amount of
structural steel, and at the same time benefit from the "open
access fabrication method" as well as the offshore installation
method.
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The method may be used to fabricate a hybrid integration
like the one used on the Hibernia platform with the topsides composed
from super-modules welded into one complete and strong structure, or
to fabricate the full structure and system cassettes separately.
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The most refined IPEF method is off
course a fully integrated topsides fabricated and tested onshore
before it is installed according to the PEF method. This method
makes it possible to install the topsides by a "float
between" instead of "float over" which normally is
performed by using two barges, and therefore imposes torsion to the topsides
during transport.
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Here, the topsides has been lifted to
its final position on the jacket.
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- Both methods will benefit from the LMEF technique and savings, but
the full structure will be more compact, and lighter than the
super-module integration technique.
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Advantages:
 | All the advantages from the LMEF super-module method |
| The cellar deck / module support frame is eliminated, hence the structural
weight is reduced |
| The structure is stiffer and lighter than a multi-modular design |
| The topsides structure may be prepared for later change-outs and
installations. |
| Stepwise development is made easy by adding open system cassette decks. |
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