Title:
MUDMATS FOR OFFSHORE PLATFORM SUPPORT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO1999042666
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A mudmat (24) in which the bearing plates (28) of the mudmat are fabricated of a non-corrosive, man-made structural material such as plastic. The plates, formed of such a material, are lightweight, easily fabricated and generally less expensive than the prior art plates and their associated support structure. In one preferred embodiment, the plates are formed of extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a fiber reinforced composite such as thermoset resin reinforced with glass fibers (GRP). The individual plates are supported by standard frame members (26). The PVC or GRP plates are of such a size, shape and weight that they can easily be transported to, assembled and attached to the offshore jacket at the jacket fabrication site. Being formed of such materials, the plates are corrosion-resistant, eliminating the need for cathodic protection. In addition, the PVC or GRP plates are much lighter in weight than the wood or metal plates of the prior art, such that they have less impact on the buoyancy and weight of the jackets to which they are attached. In one preferred embodiment, the plates may be corrugated to enhance resistance to horizontal and vertical displacement forces placed on the offshore jacket.
Inventors:
HAAS MARK E (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US1999/003345
Publication Date:
October 21, 1999
Filing Date:
February 17, 1999
Export Citation:
Assignee:
STUCK IN THE MUD LIMITED PARTN (US)
HAAS MARK E (US)
HAAS MARK E (US)
International Classes:
E02B17/00; E02D27/52; E02D5/02; (IPC1-7): E02B17/02
Foreign References:
| US4307977A | 1981-12-29 | |||
| US4863315A | 1989-09-05 | |||
| US4720214A | 1988-01-19 |
Other References:
See also references of EP 1056909A4
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