Abstract:
A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/188,263, filed 24 Feb. 2014 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,316 on 30 Jun. 2015), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/741,690, filed 15 Jan. 2013 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,532 on 25 Feb. 2014), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/861,589, filed 23 Aug. 2010 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,643 on 15 Jan. 2013), which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/749,587, filed 16 May 2007 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,375 on 24 Aug. 2010), which claimed priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/824,005, filed 30 Aug. 2006, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and priority to each of which is hereby claimed. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/861,589, filed 23 Aug. 2010, also claimed priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/356,813, filed 21 Jun. 2010, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference and priority to each of which is hereby claimed. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/813,290, filed 10 Jun. 2010 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,500 on 23 Aug. 2011), is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     International Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/046358, filed 23 Aug. 2010 (published as No. WO2011/162780 on 29 Dec. 2011), is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to marine platforms such as oil and gas well drilling platforms. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for elevating the deck area of a fixed marine platform to better protect equipment that is located on the deck area from the effects of a storm (e.g., hurricane, tsunami, typhoon) that generates heightened wave action. 
     2. General Background of the Invention 
     There are many fixed platforms located in oil and gas well drilling areas of oceans and seas of the world. Such marine platforms typically employ an undersea support structure that is commonly referred to as a jacket. These jackets can be many hundreds of feet tall, being sized to extend between the seabed and the water surface area. Jackets are typically constructed of a truss-like network of typically cylindrically shaped pipe, conduit or tubing that is welded together. The jackets can be secured to the seabed using pilings that are driven into the seabed. The jacket is then secured to the piling. The part of the offshore marine platform that extends above the jacket and above the water surface is typically manufactured on shore and placed upon the jacket using known lifting equipment such as a derrick barge. This upper portion is the working part of the platform that is inhabited by workers. 
     Marine platforms can be used to perform any number of functions that are associated typically with the oil and gas well drilling and production industry. Such platforms can be used to drill for oil and gas. Such platforms can also be used to produce wells that have been drilled. These fixed platforms typically provide a deck area that can be crowded with extensive equipment that is used for the drilling and/or production of oil and gas. 
     When storms strike over a body of water, offshore marine platforms are put at risk. While the jacket and platform are typically designed to resist hurricane force wind and wave action, equipment located on the deck of the marine platform can easily be damaged if hurricane generated wave action reaches the deck area. 
     An additional consequence of wave action reaching the platform deck is catastrophic platform collapse, which happened in several instances during recent storms (e.g., hurricane Katrina in the United States Gulf of Mexico). 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves these prior art problems and shortcomings by providing a method and apparatus for elevating the deck area of an existing marine platform so that equipment that occupies the deck can be further distanced from the water surface. The method of the present invention provides more clearance, more freeboard and more protection to deck area equipment during severe storms such as hurricanes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic, elevation view of a fixed marine platform; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a method step of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a method step of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a method step of the present invention, placement of the upper and lower bushing sleeves; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating placement of the upper and lower bushing sleeves; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating a method step of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the extension sleeve guides; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating placement of the extension sleeve guides; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing positions of the leg cuts; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the method of the present invention, placement of the upper ring; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating placement of the upper ring; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating placement of the hydraulic pistons; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating placement of the hydraulic pistons; 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary elevation view illustrating the method of the present invention, namely the step of completing the leg cuts; 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmentary perspective of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating extension of the leg with the hydraulics pistons; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of a method and apparatus of the present invention, showing a method step of closing the sleeve openings; 
         FIG. 19  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the marine platform after its deck area has been elevated using the method and apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial elevation view of an alternate embodiment and method of the present invention illustrating an existing deck elevation prior to being elevated using an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is an elevation view illustrating an alternate method and apparatus of the present invention and showing an initial deck lift; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial perspective view of an alternate method and apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a fragmentary elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and alternate method; 
         FIG. 25  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention showing the locking pin; and 
         FIG. 28  is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating a sleeve and a half-pipe pin trough that is used to support the pins prior to insertion; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a partial elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and illustrating an alternate method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded elevation view illustrating an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and an alternate method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36  is a fragmentary view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a fragmentary view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38  is a partial sectional elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  is a partial sectional elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 40  is a partial sectional elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a marine platform deck elevating system  10  that is shown generally in  FIGS. 14-15 and 17  and in method steps that are illustrated in  FIGS. 2-18 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , a fixed marine platform  11  is shown having a deck  16  that is positioned at an elevation  18  that is elevated above the water surface  12  a distance H 1  that is indicated by the numeral  19  in  FIG. 1 . The numeral  19  and the dimension line H 1  represent the existing clearance above water. It is necessary to protect equipment that is contained on the deck  16  from storm generated wave action. Storms such as hurricanes can generate a storm surge and wave action that puts equipment and/or personnel located on deck  16  at peril. If a deck is not located at a safe elevation, it must be elevated.  FIG. 1  illustrates a typical fixed platform  11  having a plurality of legs  14  that support the deck  16 . Diagonal braces  17  can extend between legs  14  and deck  16  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The platform  11  can include other structures such as, for example, horizontal beams or members and/or additional vertical or diagonal members. 
     Legs  14  can be of a constant diameter or can include tapered sections  13 , wherein the diameter of the upper leg section  15 A is less than the diameter of the lower leg section  15 B. Leg  14  can thus include a number of different leg sections such as a lower, larger diameter leg section  15 B, a tapered leg section  13 , and an upper, smaller diameter leg section  15 A that is positioned above the tapered section  13 . The method and apparatus of the present invention can be used to elevate the deck  16  to a new elevation  20  (see  FIG. 19 ) that is higher than the previous, existing deck elevation  18  of  FIG. 1 . The method and apparatus of the present invention thus provides a new clearance  21  above water surface  12  (also shown by the arrow H 2  in  FIG. 19 ). 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an initial method step of the present invention, namely the placement of lower bushing sleeve  24 . The lower bushing sleeve  24  can be comprised of a pair of half sleeve sections  22 ,  23  as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . The sections  22 ,  23  can be joined with welds  26  as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 . Arrows  25  in  FIG. 2  schematically illustrate the placement of sleeve sections  22 ,  23  upon leg  14  at a position below tapered section  13  as shown. 
     In  FIGS. 4-6 , upper bushing sleeve  29  can also be comprised of a pair of sleeve half sections. The sleeve sections  27 ,  28  each provide an opening  35  or  36  that is receptive of a pin  50  as will be explained more fully hereinafter. Weld ring sections  30 ,  31  can be used to attach the sleeve sections  27 ,  28  to tapered section  13 . As with the lower bushing sleeve  24 , one or more welds  37  can be used to join the sleeve sections  27 ,  28  to each other. Arrows  33  in  FIG. 4  illustrate the placement of sleeve sections  27 ,  28  upon tapered section  13 . Arrows  34  in  FIG. 4  illustrate the attachment of weld ring  32  to the assembly of sleeve sections  27 ,  28  and to tapered section  13 . 
     In  FIGS. 6-9 and 11 , a plurality of extension sleeve guides  38  are shown. These extension sleeve guides  38  are attached to the platform  11  leg  14  at a position that is above upper bushing sleeve  29 . The extension sleeve guides  38  can extend from tapered section  13  to smaller diameter leg section  15 A as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 . Arrows  39  illustrate placement of extension sleeve guides  38  to leg  14 . Each extension sleeve  38  can be comprised of flanges  40  and webs  41 . The web  41  actually contacts the leg  14  and can be shaped to conform to the shapes of tapered section  13  and smaller diameter leg section  15 A as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9  (sec DIM “A”,  FIG. 7 ). 
     In  FIGS. 10-15 , an extension sleeve  44  can be comprised of a pair of extension sleeve sections  45 ,  46 . Each extension sleeve section  45 ,  46  has slots  47 ,  48  that can be used to complete a cut through the leg  14  after the sleeve sections  45 ,  46  have been attached to leg  14  and guides  38 . 
     Before attachment of the sleeve sections  45 ,  46 , four cuts are made through leg  14  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The cuts  42 ,  43  do not extend 360 degrees around the leg  14 , but rather extend only a partial distance as shown in  FIG. 10 . Though partial cuts  42 ,  43  are made, enough of the leg  14  remains to structurally support the platform  11  and its deck  16  considering the use of sleeve  44  and the method of the present invention disclosed herein. 
     After the sleeve sections  45 ,  46  have been installed, a cut can be made to encircle the leg  14  thus severing it in two parts. In order to complete the cut, slots are provided in the sleeve sections  45 ,  46 . In  FIG. 11 , the sleeve section  45  has slot  47 . In  FIG. 11 , the sleeve section  46  has slot  48 . 
     After installing the upper bushing sleeve  29 , circular cut openings  49  are made through the leg  14  at the openings  35 ,  36  in the sleeve sections  27 ,  28 . These cut openings  49  enable pin  50  to be placed through the openings  67 ,  68  in sleeve sections  45 ,  46  respectively as well as through the openings  49  in upper bushing sleeve  29 . Pin  50  prevents uplift from damaging the platform  11  should a storm produce excess wave action before the method of the present invention can be completed. 
     Each of the sleeve sections  45 ,  46  provides lugs to which hydraulic pistons can be attached. Sleeve section  45  provides a plurality of lugs  51 . Sleeve section  46  provides a plurality of lugs  52 . Each of the lugs provides an opening for enabling a pinned connection to be made between the lugs  51 ,  52  and the hydraulic pistons  64 . Lugs  51  provide openings  53 . Lugs  52  provide openings  54 . In a preferred method and apparatus, four pairs of lugs  51 ,  52  are thus provided to the extension sleeve  44 . Each pair of lugs  51 ,  52  can be spaced circumferentially about sleeve  44 , about 90 degrees apart. 
     A ring  55  is positioned above extension sleeve  44  as shown in  FIGS. 12-15 and 17-19 . Ring  55  is used to form a connection between the leg  14  and the hydraulic piston  64 . Ring  55  can be formed of a pair of ring sections  56 ,  57  that are attached to the smaller diameter leg section  15 A as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Each of the ring sections  56 ,  57  provides a plurality of lugs  58 ,  59 . The ring section  56  has lugs  58 . The ring section  57  has lugs  59 . Each lug  58 ,  59  has a lug opening  60  that enables a pinned connection to be made between a lug  58  or  59  and a piston  64 . Each ring section  56 ,  57  can be formed of arcuate generally horizontal plate sections and vertical plate sections. Each of the ring sections  56 ,  57  thus provide an upper arcuate plate section  61  and a lower arcuate plate section  62 . Vertical plate sections  63  span between the upper and lower arcuate plate sections  61 ,  62 . 
     Hydraulic pistons  64  are provided for elevating that portion of the leg  14  that is above the cuts that are made through the leg  14  (see  FIGS. 10 and 16 ). Preferably three (3) or four (4) pistons can be used, but as few as two (2) rams can be used or more, such as many as eight (8) could be used, for example. 
     Each hydraulic piston  64  can be comprised of a cylinder  65  and an extensible push rod  66 . Each end portion of hydraulic piston  64  provides an opening  69  on cylinder  65  that enables a pinned connection to be formed between each end of hydraulic piston  64  and lugs  51 ,  52  or  58 ,  59 . The upper end portion of each hydraulic piston  64  attaches with a pinned connection to a lug  58  or  59  that is apart of ring  55 . The lower end portion of each hydraulic piston  64  forms a pinned connection with the lugs  51 ,  52  of extension sleeve  44  as shown in  FIGS. 14-15 . Arrows  74  in  FIG. 14  illustrate assembly of pistons  64  to lugs  51 ,  52 ,  58 ,  59 . 
     Once the hydraulic pistons  64  have been installed to the position shown in  FIG. 15 , a cut can be completed for severing leg  14 . This can be seen in more detail in  FIGS. 10, 15-16  wherein the previously formed cuts  42 ,  43  are shown. Notice that uncut portions  70  (DIM “B”,  FIG. 16 ) of leg  14  align with the slots  47  or  48  of sleeve sections  45 ,  46 . The leg  14  can thus be cut 360 degrees by cutting the previously uncut section  70  at slot  47  or  48 , indicated by phantom lines as cut  73  in  FIG. 16 . The three hundred sixty degree cut ( 42 ,  43 ,  73 ) is made after the extension sleeve  14 , hydraulic pistons  64  and ring  55  form a structural support of the leg  14  above and below the cuts  42 ,  43 . In order to then elevate the smaller diameter leg section  15 A relative to the larger diameter leg section  15 B below tapered section  13 , each hydraulic piston  64  can be activated as illustrated by arrows  72  in  FIG. 17 . 
     Once elevated, the various openings and slots in sleeve  44  can be covered for corrosion protection using a plurality of curved cover plate sections  71 . To complete the repair, the sleeves  44  can be welded to the leg  14  and using shims as necessary between sleeve  44  and leg  14 , tapered section  13  or sections  15 A,  15 B. While the method disclosed herein contemplates that the elevation process would preferably take place as one jacking operation, the invention should not be so restricted. The method of the present invention contemplates a method wherein the jacking process could be subdivided into several smaller (or shorter) jacking elevations. The legs  14  would be pinned off at an intermediate point and the jacks moved to a second set of lugs. Arrow  75  in  FIG. 17  shows the distance that the upper leg section  15 A is elevated. 
       FIGS. 20-40  show an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  80  in  FIGS. 30-34 . Marine platform deck elevating system  80  can be used to elevate the same deck  16  that was shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-19 . Therefore, the  FIGS. 20-40  are schematic in that they do not show each and every part of the marine deck  16  to be elevated.  FIGS. 5, 24, 29, 30  illustrate an existing deck elevation  18 . The numeral  85  illustrates a spacing or clearance (for example, 20 feet (6.1 m)) between deck or upper deck  16  and a lower deck or lower deck portion  84 . 
     A plurality of legs  83  span between the lower deck portion  84  and the deck or upper deck  16 . Each of the legs  83  will be elevated using the method and apparatus of the present invention. An alternate method and apparatus  80  shown in  FIGS. 20-40  can employ a two stage deck elevation. In  FIG. 30 , the existing deck elevation  18  is shown. In  FIG. 31 , an initial or first new deck elevation  81  is shown having a second clearance or elevation  86  (for example, 28 feet (8.5 m)). This second clearance  86  is thus an increase of 8 feet (2.4 m) (for example) over the initial clearance  85  of  FIG. 20 . In  FIG. 31 , the deck or upper deck  16  is now spaced 28 feet (8.5 m), as an example, above the lower deck portion  84 . 
     In  FIG. 31 , a plurality of hydraulic rams or hydraulic jacks  102  have moved from the initial and collapsed position of  FIG. 30  to a partially or first elevation. In  FIG. 32 , the hydraulic rams  102  employed are two stage rams having a first push rod  106  and a second push rod  107  which is inside and which telescopes with the first push rod  106 . Such hydraulic rams  102  are commercially available, wherein the ram  102  has a first push rod  106  that telescopes inside of a lower ram cylinder  108  and a second push rod  107  that telescopes inside of the first push rod  106 . In  FIGS. 32, 33, 34 and 40 , the deck  16  or upper deck has been elevated an additional 8 feet (2.4 m) to elevation or level at  82  so that the clearance or third clearance  87  in  FIGS. 32-34 and 40  is now a spacing or clearance of 36 feet (11 m), as an example, between lower deck portion  84  and deck or upper deck  16 . In  FIG. 34 , four legs  83  are shown, each having been extended a full clearance  87  (36 feet (11 m) per the example). 
     The method and apparatus of the present invention employs two sleeves  95 ,  101  in order to accomplish the elevation of deck or upper deck  16  relative to lower deck portion  84 .  FIGS. 20-21  illustrate that each leg  83  has a lower portion  88  and an upper portion  89 . Partial cuts  90  are made in the leg  83  upper portion  89 . These partial cuts through the deck legs can be, for example, about 45 degrees of the circumference of the leg  83 . These partial cuts  90  can also be spaced circumferentially about leg  83  in equal amounts such as a spacing of about 45 degrees apart. Pin receptive openings  91  are formed in leg  83  upper portion  89  just below the partial cuts  90  and 180 degrees apart as shown in  FIG. 21 . After formation of the openings  91 , an inner/upper sleeve  95  is affixed to upper leg  89  above the partial cuts  90  (see  FIGS. 23-25 ). For example, the connection of sleeve  95  to upper portion  89  of leg  83  can be a welded connection. A lower support ring  92  is attached (for example, welded) to leg  83  lower portion  88  and spaced vertically below inner/upper sleeve  95  as shown in  FIG. 24 . Upper ring  97  is affixed (e.g., welded) to upper portion  89 . The lower support ring  92  provides a plurality of padeyes  93 , namely, one for each hydraulic ram  102  or a total of four padeyes  93  for the example shown in the drawings. Each padeye  93  provides a padeye opening  94  to which a pinned connection can be made between a ram  102  and a padeye  93 . Each ram  102  can have openings or sleeves or bearings at its end portions for enabling a pinned connection to be perfected with a padeye  93  or  98 . 
     The inner/upper sleeve  95  has sleeve openings  96 . Sleeve opening  96  can be provided on sleeve  95  spaced 180 degrees apart as shown in  FIG. 23 . Similarly, there are two openings  91  in leg  83 , the openings  91  being spaced about 180 degrees apart. In this fashion, when the rams  102  extend, the openings  96  will align with the openings  91  so that a locking pin  50  ( FIGS. 27, 28 ) can be placed through the aligned openings  91 ,  96 . An upper ring  97  can be a part of sleeve  95 . The upper ring  97  is above the partial cuts  90  as shown in  FIG. 24 . A plurality of padeyes  98  are affixed to ring  97 , each padeye  98  providing a padeye opening  99 . 
     Multiple windows  100  are provided. The windows  100  (for example, four windows  100 ) are centered over each of the uncut portions of the leg  83  that are in between the partial cuts  90 . In this fashion, once the sleeves  95  and rams  102  are attached as shown, the leg  83  upper  89  and lower  88  portions are structurally supported by the combination of sleeve  95  and rams  102 . Cuts can be made through the windows  100  of the sleeve  95  to cut the remaining uncut portion of leg  83  so that the leg  83  is now cut 360 degrees and ready for elevation of upper part  89  relative to lower part  88 . 
     In  FIGS. 29-33 and 38-40 , an outer/lower sleeve  101  is attached to leg  83  in between the bottom of sleeve  95  and the lower support ring  92 . Pinned connections  103  join each hydraulic ram  102  to the padeyes  93  of lower support ring  92  at openings  94 . A lower ram pin  108  is shown in  FIG. 31  forming a pinned connection between hydraulic ram  102  and a pair of padeyes  93 . Similarly, a pinned connection  104  is formed between second push rod  107  of hydraulic ram  102  and padeyes  98  at openings  99 . In  FIG. 31 , an upper ram pin  109  is shown making a connection between push rod  107  and padeyes  98  at openings  99 . 
     A pin trough  105  can be employed (e.g., welded to a sleeve  95 ,  101  as shown) for holding a generally cylindrically shaped locking pin  50  prior to use. The pins  50  can be placed in the trough (see  FIG. 28 ) and retained in that position until they are ready to be deployed. Locking pins  50  can thus be inserted in case of storm conditions when a first stage of the lift is completed as shown in  FIG. 21  wherein the pin  50  would extend through to spaced apart openings  110  at the top of the lower/outer sleeve  101  through both openings  96  in the upper/inner sleeve  95  and through both openings  91  of the leg  83 . 
     In a fully extended position of  FIGS. 32-34 and 40 , pin  50  is inserted through both openings  111  at the lower end of the outer sleeve  101  and the openings  91  of the leg  83 . A pin  50  is also inserted through the upper opening  110  of the outer/lower sleeve  101  and through the openings  96  of the inner/upper sleeve  95  as shown in  FIGS. 32-34 and 40 . After installation, each sleeve  95 ,  101  is connected (e.g., welded) to leg  83 . Inner sleeve  95  is welded to upper portion  89  of leg  83 . Outer sleeve  101  is welded to lower portion  88  of leg  83 . The sleeves  95 ,  101  are connected (e.g., welded) together once full elevation ( FIGS. 22, 23 ) is reached. Strokes or vertical spacers  112  can be placed (e.g., welded) on each leg  83  (see  FIGS. 35, 38-40 ) as shown by arrow  113 . Collar  114  having openings  115  can be used to reinforce leg  83  at openings  91 . 
     The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention. 
     PARTS LIST 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Part Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 marine platform deck elevating system 
               
               
                 11 
                 platform 
               
               
                 12 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 13 
                 tapered section 
               
               
                 14 
                 leg 
               
               
                   15A 
                 smaller diameter leg section 
               
               
                     15B 
                 larger diameter leg section 
               
               
                 16 
                 deck/upper deck 
               
               
                 17 
                 diagonal brace 
               
               
                 18 
                 existing deck elevation 
               
               
                 19 
                 existing clearance above water 
               
               
                 20 
                 new deck elevation 
               
               
                 21 
                 new clearance above water 
               
               
                 22 
                 sleeve section 
               
               
                 23 
                 sleeve section 
               
               
                 24 
                 lower bushing sleeve 
               
               
                 25 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 26 
                 weld 
               
               
                 27 
                 sleeve section 
               
               
                 28 
                 sleeve section 
               
               
                 29 
                 upper bushing sleeve 
               
               
                 30 
                 weld ring section 
               
               
                 31 
                 weld ring section 
               
               
                 32 
                 weld ring 
               
               
                 33 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 34 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 35 
                 opening 
               
               
                 36 
                 opening 
               
               
                 37 
                 weld 
               
               
                 38 
                 extension sleeve guide 
               
               
                 39 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 40 
                 flange 
               
               
                 41 
                 web 
               
               
                 42 
                 cut 
               
               
                 43 
                 cut 
               
               
                 44 
                 extension sleeve 
               
               
                 45 
                 extension sleeve section 
               
               
                 46 
                 extension sleeve section 
               
               
                 47 
                 slot 
               
               
                 48 
                 slot 
               
               
                 49 
                 drilled/circular cut opening 
               
               
                 50 
                 support/locking pin 
               
               
                 51 
                 lug 
               
               
                 52 
                 lug 
               
               
                 53 
                 opening 
               
               
                 54 
                 opening 
               
               
                 55 
                 ring 
               
               
                 56 
                 ring section 
               
               
                 57 
                 ring section 
               
               
                 58 
                 lug 
               
               
                 59 
                 lug 
               
               
                 60 
                 lug opening 
               
               
                 61 
                 upper arcuate plate section 
               
               
                 62 
                 lower arcuate plate section 
               
               
                 63 
                 vertical plate section 
               
               
                 64 
                 hydraulic piston 
               
               
                 65 
                 cylinder 
               
               
                 66 
                 push rod 
               
               
                 67 
                 opening 
               
               
                 68 
                 opening 
               
               
                 69 
                 opening 
               
               
                 70 
                 uncut portion 
               
               
                 71 
                 cover plate 
               
               
                 72 
                 arrows 
               
               
                 73 
                 cut 
               
               
                 74 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 75 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 80 
                 marine platform deck elevating system 
               
               
                 81 
                 first new deck elevator 
               
               
                 82 
                 second new deck elevator 
               
               
                 83 
                 leg 
               
               
                 84 
                 lower deck portion 
               
               
                 85 
                 initial clearance 
               
               
                 86 
                 second clearance 
               
               
                 87 
                 third clearance 
               
               
                 88 
                 lower portion 
               
               
                 89 
                 upper portion 
               
               
                 90 
                 partial cut 
               
               
                 91 
                 pin receptive opening 
               
               
                 92 
                 lower support ring 
               
               
                 93 
                 padeye 
               
               
                 94 
                 padeye opening 
               
               
                 95 
                 inner/upper sleeve 
               
               
                 96 
                 sleeve opening 
               
               
                 97 
                 ring 
               
               
                 98 
                 padeye 
               
               
                 99 
                 padeye opening 
               
               
                 100  
                 window 
               
               
                 101  
                 outer/lower sleeve 
               
               
                 102  
                 hydraulic ram 
               
               
                 103  
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 104  
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 105  
                 pin trough 
               
               
                 106  
                 first push rod 
               
               
                 107  
                 second push rod 
               
               
                 108  
                 lower ram pin 
               
               
                 109  
                 upper ram pin 
               
               
                 110  
                 upper opening 
               
               
                 111  
                 lower opening 
               
               
                 112  
                 stroke/vertical spacer 
               
               
                 113  
                 arrow 
               
               
                 114  
                 collar 
               
               
                 115  
                 opening 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.