Patent ID: 6648553
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B63B,E02B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for removing a platform topsides from a substructure by a floatable, ballastable transporter floating in the sea, the transporter is movable due to motions of the sea, comprising the following steps:a) providing the transporter with load transfer units, each load transfer unit comprising a drum having a hatch with a releasable hatch-cover forming a bottom of the drum, the drum is supported by the transporter, a layer of particulate material resting on the hatch-cover, a compression spring resting on the layer of particulate material, a load-element which is slideable in the drum and rests on the spring, and which is adapted to contact the topsides, b) providing the topsides with lift-brackets adapted to the load-elements, c) ballasting the transporter and locating the transporter underneath the topsides with the load-elements of the transporter in alignment with the lift-brackets of the topsides, d) deballasting the transporter until the load-elements contact the lift-brackets, e) further deballasting the transporter until the springs are partly or fully compressed, the springs thereby maintain upward forces on the load-elements and ensure that contact between the load-elements and the lift-brackets is maintained during possible heave motion of the transporter, f) releasing the hatch-covers to suddenly let out the particulate material from the drums, thereby lowering and relieving the springs, and simultaneously further deballasting the transporter, causing the lift-brackets to contact the drums, and causing the topsides to be lifted off the substructure, and g) further deballasting the transporter until a safe distance between the topsides and the substructure is reached, and remove the transporter from the substructure.