OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

6200 North Central Expressway

Dallas, Texas 75206

A Deep Water Mat-Supported Jack-Up Dr i I ling Unit

With Tubular Telescoping Columns and
Intermediate Column Frame
By
Ralph E. Scales, Bethelehem Steel Corp.

THIS PAPER IS SUBJECT TO CORRECTION

©Copyright 1976
Offshore Technology Conference on behalf of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum
Engineers, Inc. (Society of Mining Engineers, The Metallurgical Society and Society of Petroleum Engineers),
American Association of Petroleum Geologists, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Society
of Civil Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics En-
gineers, Marine Technology Society, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and Society of Naval Architects
and Marine Engineers. .- .
This paper was prepared for presentation at the Eighth Annual Offshore Technology Conference, Houston,
Tex., May 3-6, 1976. Permission to copy is restricted to. an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations
may not be copied. Such use of an abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by
whom the paper is presented.

ABSTRACT
Basic features of a mat-supported jack-
up mobile drilling unit are described in
this paper. Important new components are
the telescoping columns, a column frame
attached to the lO\'ler end of the upper
columns, and a jacking system wholly con-
tained in the upper platform which actuates
both the lower (inner) and upper (outer)
columns. This type rig is suitable for
operations over a wide range of conditions
on most of the continental shelves through-
out the world. For the Gulf of f1exico
the rig is rated for a maximum ~tater depth
of 377 ft. during non hurricane season and
354 ft. during hurricane sea?on.
The telescoping columns and an inter-
mediate column frame are not nevI concepts
in themselves. However, the way in which
these features are integrated into the over-
all design is unique and allowed the develop~
ment of a single jacking system to perform
all jacking functions.
Drawings and tabulated information
show the general arrangement, size,
References and illustrations at end of paper
capacities, and particular capabilities of
the first rig designed utilizing this con-
figuration and concept. Arrangement of the
jacking system is shown and operation of the
jacks described. Floating stability and
column stresses due to dynamic motion is dis-
cussed. Have forces and moments are compared
with other column configurations. Weight of
the rig is also compared with other mat jack-
up rigs.
HlTRODUCTI Of'1
The jack-up ri9 is a proven economical
mobile offshore drilling device for water
depths up to 300 feet. t1at supported type
jack-up rigs built by the author's company
have more than 175 rig years of service.
The advantages of a very stable structure
from which drilling operations can continue
under all weather conditions except for very
severe wi nd or \'Ja ves is \'le 11 known and has
been discussed in previous publications.
There are many jack-up rigs capable of drill-
ing in 250 ft. of 'dater but few that are rated
for greater depths especially for severe
 A DEEP VlATER ~1AT -SUPPORTED JACK-UP DRILLING UNIT HITH
832 ~ TUBULAR TELESCOPING COLUMNS AND INTERMEDIATE COLUMN FRAME
weather conditions such as a Gulf of Mexico
hurricane or a North Sea winter storm.
An evaluation of present and future
offshore drilling activity was made which
indicated a substantial potential need for
a jack-up rig with significant increase in
water depth capability over present designs.
A maximum water depth of about 375 feet was
selected as a result of customer-provided
information and conclusions resulting from
an analysis of continental shelf areas
versus \'Iater depths as shown in Table 1.
Mobile platform costs are closely if
not directly related to maximum operating
water depth capability. It became obvious
that beyond 375 1 the additional area avail-
able did not increase at an acceptable rate
to offset the additional cost. Even more
important is the fact that costs of mobile
jackup rigs having capabilities beyond about
375 1 of water equal or exceed the average
costs of semi-submersiL,les \'Ihich can operate
in much greater depths of vIa ter.
Therefore, a rig for a maximum water
depth of 375' seemed desirable. The primary
justification is the large percent (16.7)
of continental shelf area bet\'leen 250 and
375 feet of water. The rig is also suitable
for water depths as shallow as 45 feet.
As a result of the above studies, tile
author's company developed the design pre-
sented in tlli s paper. l1any proven concepts
from earlier designs were used to insure
the most reliable performance of the rig.
However, new concepts were employed to
eliminate or minimize some of the more
critical problems that the deeper water
depth posed. Floating stability and
dynamic motion column stresses, especially
during an ocean tow, are two of the more
critical design problems that are essentially
eliminated by use of the telescoping column
feature. These two problems vlere also mini-
mized because the added rigidity from the
col umn frame allovled the col umn diameters
to be smaller which resulted in less weight
and a lower center of gravity, and less
wind force and moment. These and other
features will be covered in more detail in
later sections of the paper.
APPLICATION
The first rig of this concept,
essentially as described herein, has been
contracted for wi th Hari ne Dri 11 i ng Company
of Corpus Christi, Texas. Construction is
OTC 2504
currently in progress and delivery of the
rig is scheduled to be made before the end
of this year.
Design calculations and construction
drawings for the rig have been submitted
to, and in part reviewed and approved by
the American Bureau of ~~~ipping. The unit
will be classed as" ~ Al Self-Elevating
Drilling Unit".
The environmental conditions used in
designing the first rig are for the Gul f of
Mexico. However, the rig with present
scantlings, and in lesser water depths, is
suitable for areas ",lith more severe wind
and "'lave conditions. Investiqations sho"'l
the rig to be suitable for about 70 ft.
waves and 100 knot winds in 300 feet of
'/later \'Ji th an added lock-off posi ti on 40
feet below the fully extended position.
Haterials used allovi for minimum design
temperatures of 28°F in water and 14°F in
air. (approved by American Bureau of
Shi ppi ng) • These des i gn temperatures VIi 11
permit use of t~e ,rig in more artic latitudes.
A rig of this basic concept can be
designed for significantly deeper water with
appropriate increases in size of components
and scantlings. Additionally this concept
is attractive compared with existing designs
for shallower water. Studies are currently
under vlay on a desi gn for 300 feet maximum
"'later depth.
A patent application with numerous
claims covering unique features of this
design has been allowed by the U. S. Patent
and Trademark Office. Applications for
patents have also been filed in numerous other
countries.
GEtIEPJ\L DESCRIPTION
Principle Parts
There are six principle parts composing
the drilling unit as shovm by Fig. 1 through
5, Table 2, and as described below.
The mat, or bottom foundation, is a
square "A"shaped barge-like structure which
rests upon the bottom vlhen the rig is on
location. It provides support and stability
for the weight of the rig and the overturn-
ing forces of wind, "lave, current, and tilt.
Friction between the mat bottom and the soil
and lateral pressure on the skirts resist
horizontal forces. The mat is subdivided
OTe 2504 RAJ PI-!
into buoyant compartments and flooded com-
partments. The buoyancy in the mat supports
part of the weight of the rig while afloat
or on location. The flooded compartments re-
main full when on location and during normal
moving operations. However, if it is desir-
able to decrease the overall draft of the rig,
the flooded compartments are provided with
piping so that they can be de-ballasted.
This can be done only when the platform is
afloat with the mat and column frame in the
upper most position below the platform. The
complete rig with limited variable loads will
float on the mat vlhen the flooded compartments
are completely de-ballasted.
The upper platform is a buoyant
rectangular barge-like structure with a slot
in one end. It will be raised above the
surface of the \'/ater v/hen on location to
provide clearance for waves. When moving,it
will be floating and will provide stability and
a major portion of the buoyancy required to
support the vleight of the rig. The platform
will be subdivided to provide tanks for drill
water, fuel oil, potable water, sewage, waste
water, and voids. Space and compartments
will also be provided for quarters, machinery,
mud pits, bulk pressure tanks and store rooms.
The main deck will provide space for pipe
racks, skid unit, deck house and miscellaneous
other items. Located at the house top level
is the heliport, cranes, control house, and
other equipment. Also the jack houses are a
part of the platform and will be described
in more detail later.
Three cylindrical lower (inner) columns
have their bottom ends attached to tile mat
and their top ends telescoping into the
upper (outer) columns. The lower portion of
these columns are buoyant and support a part
of the rig weight when afloat or on location.
The lower columns will, in conjunction with
the upper columns, support the weight of the
platform and skid unit when on location.
They also act to raise or lower the mat when
changing location.
Three cylindrical upper (outer) columns
are attached to the column frame at their
bottom ends and extend upward through the
jack houses on the platform~ These columns,
in conjunction with the lower columns, support
the weight of the platform and skid unit when
on location. They also act to raise or lower
the mat when changing location.
The column frame is made up of box girder
members spanning between and attached to the
bottom end of the three upper columns. All of
the column frame is buoyant and therefore
supports a portion of the weight of the rig
r: ~rlll I:"~ 833
when afloat or on location. The primary pur-
pose of the column frame is to provide
increased rigidity and strength to the upper-
lower column system for resisting vertical
and lateral loads.
A skid unit composed of an upper and a
lower carriage is supported by longitudinal
tracks on the aft end of the upper platform.
The derrick, dravMorks, rotary, and other
items of drilling equipment are mounted on the
upper carriage. A skid jack system provides
for transverse. movement of the upper carriage
of 7 1 -6" off centerline to port and starboard.
Longitudinal movement of the skid unit allows
positioning over the platform slot to suit
well location, or stowage over the pipe racks,
if desired, for afloat conditions.
Jacking System
Jacks located around the upper column
in each jack house are used to raise or lower
the platform when on location and to raise or
lower the mat and columns when afloat. See
Fi g. 6 and 7.
Each jack consists of hydraulic pumping
units, hydraulic cylinders, a movable yoke
actuated by the hydraulic cylinders and yoke
pins for engaging pinholes in the columns.
Also included are fixed pins for holding dur-
ing jacking and for lock-off between platform
and columns, a central control station for
simultaneous operation of all three jacks, and
necessary piping, wiring, etc.
A set of lock-off pins is provided in the
top end of the lower columns to lock the upper
and lower columns together.
SUf1MARY OF DESIGN
Classification and Regulations
The drilling unit now being built is
designed in accordance with the American
Bureau of Shipping Rules for Building and
Classing Offshore Mobile Drilling Units.
All requirements of the U. S. Coast
Guard Rules for Artificial Islands are
complied with.
Environmental Criteria
The basic environmental conditions the
first unit was designed for are listed in
Table 5. These criteria equal or exceed those
used in the Gulf of l1exico and numerous other
areas around the vlorld. Areas \1ith more
 A DEEP WATER !lAT-Sl!PPORTEU \CK-UP BRILLII!GUIIIT}IITH
34
TUBULAR TELESCOPIPIG COLUilllS
severe conditions may be suitable to operate
in as indicated previously in the Applications
section.
Capacities and Allowable Loads
Table 4 lists capaciti& of consumable
items and gives maximum allowable variable
loads for the different modes of operation.
IlaterialsSpecifications
The basic structural steel is ABSgrade
material for all but a very slight percent of
the total. !lostof the material is ordinary
strength hull structural steel, Grades A, B
and IISas required by thickness. Nest of the
column material is grade CS. A small amount
of column and mat steel is higher strength
hull structural steel grade EH36. Naterial
in way of the mat buoyant compartments is
mostly grade AH36. Some of the steels used
in jacking system components are mediun to
high strength castings and forgings.
Generally steels were selected with proper-
ties providing for ease of fabrication,
notch toughness and ductility, and moderate
strengths. All of these properties are
desirable in developing a design with a
good fatigue life.
Wind and Wave Forces
Stokes Fifth Order Theory with 0.5
drag coefficient and 1.5 inertial coefficient
was used to calculate wave forces and over-
turning moments. Wind forces and moments
were calculated in accordance with ABS
criteria. For hurricane wind and wave
conditions given in Table 5 the total maxi-
mum lateral load is about 3,400 kips.
(Almost half of this is wave force on the
mat). Maximum overturning moment is
approximately 570,000 kip-ft.
Soil Loadings
Average bearing pressure on the soil
is about 425 PSF with survival variable
loads, and 475 PSFwith maximum drilling
loads. With the overturning moment given
in the previous paragraph, maximum bottom
bearing is about 800 PSF. Average bottom
bearings are equal to or slightly less than
most mat supported rigs designed and built
by the author’s company. Bottom bearings
with maximum overturning moments are slightly
higher. Mat supported rigs with bottom
/ ) IIITEI?IIECIIATE
COLUF1/{
FPA:IE OTC 2504
bearings of the magnitude given above have
proven by many years of experience to be
very well suited for a wide variety of
bottom soil conditions. These type rigs
have performed well even during hurricanes
on extremely weak soils such as the
Mississippi River delta area. (See reference
1)
Natural Periods of Vibration
A modal analysis of the rig on location
in the fully elevated position was performed
by Southwest Research Institute in San
Antonio, Texas. The ANSYS (Engineering
At’lalysisSYStem) computer program was used
fir this ~dy. Results indicate that the
rig will have a natural period of about 4.5
seconds when the platform is at or near its
maximun elevation. Additional computer
studies and operational information from
other rigs in service with similiar natural
periods demonstrate that synchronism with
waves will not cause excessive response.
Resonance of the columns extending above
the top of the jack house with wind vortex
shedding was studied. See References 3 and
4. The maximum length of column above the
jack house top is about 153 feet when the
rig is on a location with an air gap of 25
feet and a column frame submergence of about
20 feet. Both of these values are the mini-
mum allowable. For this condition a wind
velocity of about 60 miles per hour produces
vortex shedding at a frequency equal to the
natural frequency of the free standing
column. However, as indicated by References
3 and 4, and verified by experience for wind
velocities of about 50 HPH or greater the
high degree of turbulence in the wind pre-
cludes the possibility of developing vortex
shedding at regular intervals for any
significant period of time. Therefore no “
appreciable amplification of column deflection
and stress is realized. For lesser lengths
of colunns above the jack house critical wind
velocities increase, further minimizing
resonance due to vortex shedding because of
increasing turbulence.
Structural Analysis
Various combinations of wind velocities,
wave heights, water depths, direction of
wind and wave forces, drilling and survival
load conditions, and inner-outer column lock
off positions were analyzed. Most of the
analysis was performed by W. B. Joseph and
Associates of Houston, Texas using the Stran

~
)TC 7.04
computer program by Synercom Technology,
In more critical areas additional stress and
buckling analysis was performed by Southwest
Research Institute using finite element com-
puter programs and large scale model testing.
Areas investigated in this manner include the
lower column connection to the mat, the lower
buoyant section of the lower column, and the
lower end of the upper column in way of the
slotted holes shown on Fig. 7. For more
complete details on analysis and design pro-
cedures see Reference 6.
Propulsion Assist
Conventional propulsion systems have
been provided in the port and starboard plat-
form fingers to assist in towing and
maneuvering. Thruster type units could be
used, or propulsion assist could be
eliminated as it is not required for the
proper operation of the rig.
Afloat Conditions
The maximum load line draft is 13’-0”
measured from the bottom of the platform.
Metacentric height at this draft is 58.5 feet
and the vertical center of gravity about
seven feet. Therefore the rig has a G!lof
about 50 feet with normal free surface effects
allowed for. Overall draft to the bottom of
the skirts on the underside of the mat is 41’
when floating at the 13’ load line and with
the mat fully retracted. Lesser overall
drafts can be achieved by reducing platform
variable loads and/or deballasting the mat.
Although the complete rig can be floated on
the mat this is not a normal operating
condition. Deballasting to float on the mat
should be performed in protected areas or in
very calm waters.
A.B.S. intact stability requirements
with 100 knot wind are met with an angle of
heel of about 5.5°. The corresponding maxi-
mum draft is about 19 feet which leaves a
freeboard of 1 foot. tleeldue to a steady
100 knot wind is less than 4°. Mind heeling
moment and righting moment at 20° is 50,000
ft.-kips and 180,000 ft.-kips respectively.
Damaged stability with 50 knot wind, as
required by ABS, is met with maximum drafts
for all conditions being below the platform
main deck level.
Table 6 indicates the great improvement
in floating stability provided by the tele-
scoping columns. Intact stability with either
-. .-. . —--- --- R35
---
ML Pll L. SLAI~s
Inc. of the two one piece column configurations
would not be satisfied with the existing
platform size even if the rig VCG remained
at7’. At 20° heel (which is beyond the
downflooding angle) the existing rig has a
righting moment of 180,000 ft.-kips. The
wind heeling moment is”140,000 ft.-kip on
the 20 ft. diameter one piece cylindrical
columns. The area under the righting moment
curve is much less than the AfiSrequirement
of 1.4 times the area under the wind heeling
moment curve for the 20 ft. diameter columns.
If the increased rig VCG is considered,then
over half of the initial Gl!of 50’ is lost.
It becomes obvious that the platform size
would have to be greatly increased to pro-
vide adequate stability. A larger platform
would result in greater wind forces and over-
turning moments In addition to increased
weight. Larger and/or heavier columns and
mat would be required to support these
increased loads.
Stresses in the columns due to dynamic
rolling or pitching motions of 15° in 10
seconds according to A13S requirements have
been calculated. These stresses are con-
siderably below allowable with full length .
columns. 110column removal is required for
an ocean tow.
Telescoping Colurims and Column Frame
T}w major advantage of the telescoping
columns and column frame is seen in the
afloat condition as descril,ed in the previous
section. The second major advantage of the
tubular telescoping columns is that the
arrangement and configuration allowed a single
jacking systen to be developed that could
actuate both the upper and lower columns. One
disadvantage of cylindrical columns is the
r:lucll
larger wave forces compared to equivalent
trussed type columns. The column frame
greatly reclucesthese large wave forces by
allowing much smaller diameter columns to be
useclwhile maintaining adequate strength and
stiffness. This is clearly indicated by the
wave force and moment data given in Table G.
Even though the telescoping columns with frame
have considerably larger forces and moments
than the trussed type the values are greatly
less than for the 20 ft. diameter column.
The 20 ft. diameter cylindrical shape and the
24 ft. center-to-center triangular trussed
configuration were sized to give strength
and lateral stiffness equal to the telescop-
ing columns.
At each lock-off position between the
upper and lower columns an upper and lower
 A DEEP MATER MAT-SUPPOI?TED
836 TUBULAR TELESCOPING COLUHMS A
bearing point is provided between the columns.
These bearing points are indicated on Fig. 1
and are shown in more detail on Fig. 7.
While the lock off pins transfer axial loads
between the upper and lower columns the bear-
ing points provide fop the transfer of hori-
zontal shear loads and bending noments between
the two column sections. The lower t;earing
point is always at the lower end of the
upper column and the upper bearing point is
always near the upper end of the lower column.
The bearing point between the two columns
line up only when the columns are at the
three lock off positions. A very close
tolerance fit at the bearing points is con-
sidered important to minimize impact and
wear due to rocking action. Close tolerance
was maintained on the lower columns by
locating flats or heavy ring girders inside
the column in way of the bearing points, and
machining the outside diameter at the bear-
ing points. Tolerance was controlled at
the lower bearing point on the upper column
by an accurate machine burn and touch up
grinding after completion of fabrication of
the lower assembly of the upper column. The
remaining upper column bearing points are
held to a circumference tolerance. If the
upper column is slightly out of round it
will conform to the circumferentially rigid
lower column bearing point when it aligns
with the upper column bearing point. The
annular clearance at the bearing points is
held to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
~ all six of the yoke and fixed pins for each
A plan view of a jack house from an
elevation above the yoke is shown in Fig.
6. Fig. 7 is a section through the jack
house showing jacking system components,
inner column, and outer column with column
frame.
Fig. 7 shows the upper column in the
upper most position in relation to the
platform which is the only location from
which the lower columns can be jacked. The
three slotted holes in each upper column
allow the yoke to travel the full 8 ft.
stroke of the hydraulic cylinders with three
yoke pins extending through the slotted holes
and engaging pin holes in the lower column.
At this time the other three yoke pins are
kept in a retracted position. Three fixed
pins are partially extended to engage upper
column pin holes only to hold the upper
column while the lower column is being jacked.
The other three fixed pins extend through
oversize holes in the upper column and engage
~CK-UP DRILLING UNIT MITH
1 INTERMEDIATE COLU!I!I
FI?AHE OTC 2504
pin holes in the lower column for holding
while the jacks are being cycled for
another stroke. }Jhenthe lov;ercolumn has
been jacked to the desired position the
lock off pins are actuated hydraulically
to engage the lock off pin holes in the
upper columns. hydraulic lines from the
lock off pin actuators are located inside
the lower column with connections access-
ible through upper and lower colunn pin
holes from within the jack house.
The mat is never to be lowered onto
the bottom by jacking on the lower columns.
This is because the column frame would
then be too near tilewater surface and
liable to damage from boats and pounding
from wave action. Therefore one of the
three lock-off positions for the lower
colunns is chosen, depending on water
depth, as shown in Table 3. The proper
lock-off position for any particular
water depth insures that the column frame
will always he a safe distance below the
water surface, and that the platform can
always I)eelevated to give adequate wave
clearance.
Because the mat and lower columns are
partially buoyant, the load while jacking
on the lower columns is relatively small.
Therefore the jacki?g capacity provided by
only three of the SIX yoke and fixed pins
is more than adequate.
Jacking of the upper columns utilizes
column. The pins are partially extended so
as to engage the upper columns only. The
jacking procedure used is identical to that
used on many existing rigs. The fixed pins
are retracted while making a stroke with the
yoke pins engaged, then the column is held
by the fixed pins as the yoke is making a
return stroke with the yoke pins retracted.
After completion of jacking, the platform
weight is supported on the fixed pins.
The lock-off pins must always be
engaged when jacking the upper columns, and
always disengaged when jacking the lower
columns.
The lock-off pins will be under water
if the rig is on location in a depth greater.
than about 225”ft. However, it “is empha-
sized that the lock-off pins are always
above water when they are actuated. More-
over access to them is always possible for
inspection or maintenance when they are
being operated. Normal operation of the
 -----.
f)TL L!2U4 RAI P}{ F
lock-off pins is controlled from within the
jack house.
Jacking is normally done from a central
control station. Local jacking controls are
also provided in each jack house for testing
and emergency use. The central station pro-
vides complete control and indication for
hydraulic pumps, directional flow control
valves, yoke and fixed pin operation, and
other miscellaneous items and functions.
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Going on Location
Various events performed in placing the
rig on location are described in the approxi-
mate order of their occurrence although
conditions of wind and sea may alter the
procedure. The flooded compartments in the
mat always remain ballasted during normal
moving conditions. For short moves the
upper and lower wedges are not installed
around the columns unless very rough seas are
encountered. The weight of the mat and
columns is carried on the fixed pins.
If the move from one location to
another is a short distance then the mat
can be left in a lowered position near the
bottom. Towing.with the mat near the bottom
is acceptable except when sea conditions are
rough.
For longer moves the mat may be jacked
up to, or near, its upper most position to
minimize towing resistance. In this case
lowering of the mat can begin before reaching
the location if sea conditions are moderate.
The lower columns and mat are first
jacked to and locked off at one of the three
positions as determined by Table 3 for the
water depth at the location being approached.
Then the mat, columns, and column frame are
further lowered by jacking on the upper columns
until the mat is near the sea bottom.
LovJeringof the mat as the location is
being approached allows the platform to be
jacked up out of the water very quickly after
arriving at the location. As the mat is
lowered near to the bottom it acts as a
dampner to gradually eliminate wave induced
rig heave, and therefore, impacting or pound-
ing on the bottom. This characteristic
permits the rig to come off or go on location
in more severe wave conditions than other
type bottom supported rigs are normally
capable of.
— R?7
-“,
‘X31~~r
Hhen the rig arrives on location, it
is positioned with tugs and/or propulsion
assist units as the nat is lowered to the
bottom. To aid in positioning, tlie mat can
be lcn?eredor raised slightly to lightly
contact or free itself from the bottom. In
this way movement of the rig can be con-
trolleclrluchmore accurately.
Continued jacl:ing on the ~lpper colunins
}rill lift t~leplatform out of the water to
a level desired for ~!avcclearance. Proper
wave clearance depends on i!ater depth,
season of t!leyear, and area of operation.
In the Gulf of ;Iexicothe minimum clearance
is about 25 feet in non-hurricane season and
45 feet during hurricane season.
After tileplatform is at the proper
elevation it is locked off to tl~ecolumns
with the fixed pins. I!edqcs are then in-
stalled around the column-at the top and
hotton of the jack house. !!otethat the
~~edges should not be in place around the -.
columns w!]enjacking. The wedges provide
a rigid lateral connection between the
columns and tileplatform.
Preparations for drilling operations
can now begin.
/lovingOff Location
The procedure for removing the rig
from location is essentially the reverse
of the going on location sequence. If
the mat has settled into a very soft bottom
it can be extracted by jacking the platform
down into the water beyond its normal float-
ing draft. The excess buoyancy of the plat-
form can provide a large force to pull the
mat off bottom.
Comparison Hith Other Rigs
A comparison of total steel weight in
this rig was made with numerous other
shallower water rigs designed and built by
the author’s company. The weight per foot
of maximum rated water depth is about equal
for the telescoping column rig and the
shallower water rigs. Total costs of the rig
per foot of water depth capability is also
approximately equal to or less than cost for
shallower water rigs. The steel weight of
the rig is considerably less than the weight
of large semi-submersibles and somewhat
greater than small semi-submersibles.
 A DEEP \dATERMAT-SUPPORTEll JACK-UP DRILLING UrlITWITH
38 TUBULAR TELESCOPING COLUNtlSAND IHTERtlCDIATECOLU!lN FRANE
Engineering_ studies have determined that
the total steel weight in a rig with 20 ft.
diameter one piece columns is considerably
greater than the steel weight of the telescop-
ing column rig. Additional studies show that
the total steel weight with trussed type one
piece columns is at least equal to steel
weight of the telescoping column rig. However,
the material and construction costs for trussed
type columns are about 1.5 to 2 times more ex-
pensive per ton of steel than for tubular type
columns. Therefore cost of the telescoping
column rig is significantly less than for the
other two configurations described above.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of telescoping columns and an
intermediate column frame provide a config-
uration that has excellent floating condition
characteristics. A smaller size platform is
adequate thereby reducing weight and wind
forces which minimizes column and mat size
and weight. A relatively simple and economi-
cal jacking system is possible because the
tubular telescoping type .of columns can be
jacked with one set of jacks located in the
platform. The overall result, as verified
by detailed design and analysis, is a deeper
water mobile jack-up rig that is relatively
economical and practical to operate compared
to other designs.
OTC 2504
REFERENCES
1. Hirst, T. J., Steele, J. E., Remy,
N. D., and Scales, R. E.: “Performance
of Hat Supported Jack-Up Drilling Rigs”
paper number OTC 2503 presented at the
Eighth Annual Offshore Technology Con-
ference, Houston, Texas, May, 1976.
2. Giblon, R. P., and !Iinorsky,V. U.:
“Super Jack-Up Type Nobile Drill Rig
Platform for Operation in 500 to 600
Ft. Water Depths” paper number OTC 1879
presented at the Fifth Annual Offshore
Technology Conference, Houston, Texas,
April 2’3- May 2, 1973.
3. \doodruff,G. B. and Kozak, J. J.: “Wind
Forces on Structures: Fundamental Con-
siderations” paper 1709 Journal of the
Structural Division, Proceedings of the
American Society of Civil Engineers,
July 1958.
4. Vellozzi, J., and Cohen, Edward:
“Dynamic Response of Tall Flexible
Structures to Hind Loading”, Arnmannand
Whitney, flewYork, January, 1969.
5. American Bureau of Shipping: “Rules
for Buildinq and Classing Offshore Hobile
Drilling Units”, 1973.
G. Whitley, J. O., Jr., “SonleAspects of
the Structural Design of A Three Column,
Ilat Supported, Self-Elevating !Iobile
Drilling Platform”, presented at the
spring meeting,Texas Section, American
Society of Civil Engineers April 30 -
Nay 2, 1970, Galveston, Texas.
 TABLE 1 - SELECTED CONTINENTAL SHELF AREAS VS WATER DEPTH

Area in Sq. Miles and (%) of Total Area

For Indicated Water Depth Increments

0-125 ‘ 125’-250’ 250’-375’ 375’-600’ TOTAL

Gulf of Mexico (55.5) (27.1) (8.1) {;.;;O (loo)

(U. S. Waters Only) 68,900 33,700 10,000 9 124,200

(39.9) (37.0) (14.1) (9.0) (loo)

U. S. East Coast 41,900 38,900 14,800 9,400 105,000

{;;.qo p. (2;1:00 (:) (loo)

Java Sea s s ~

South China Sea (~.:]. (51.8) (23.0) {:.:JO (:;:)OOO

Lat. 1°N to 9°N ? 114,000 50,500 $ ?

Timor Sea (N of Lat. (::.;OO ~;.:~o (JKl;)ooo

12°N) And Arafura Sea 9 s Y

(8.4) (52.8) (30.8) (8.0) (loo)

North Sea 10,500 66,000 38,500 10,000 125,000

West Coast Africa (36.1) (:;.;;O (;;.:~o {:oi;; (] Kl:)ooo

34°S To 35°N Lat.) 66,000 , 9 9 9
TOTAL 401,300 510,400 198,300 79,000 1,189,000

% OF
TOTAL 33.8 42.9 16.7 6.6 I 100

M4T TABLE 2 - PRINCIPALDIMENSIONS

Length, Width, Oepth 250’x 21O’X 12’

Skirt Oepth 2’
Slot Width, Length 98’ X 100’

PLATFORM

Length (Not Including Heliport) 194’

Width [I;tW:;d:f Jack Houses) 150’
Oepth 2(I
‘
Slot Width, Length 50’ x 60’
cyLINDIHcAL LOWEFi(INNER) COLUMNS

Diameter,Length 14’ X 231’ - 6“

Spacing Transverse,Longitudinal 120’.X 120’

cyLIfioRIcIIL UPPER (OUiTR) COLUMNS

Diameter, Length 15’ x253’ - 9“

Spacing Transverse, Longitudinal 120’ x 120’

COLUMN FRAME

Width, Depth 12’ X1l’ -3”

SKIO UNIT

Derrick Floor Width, Length 46’ x65’

Derrick Floor Elev. Above Main Deck 20 ‘
 TABLE 3 - OPERATING WATER,DFPTH RANGES
OPERATING WATER DEPTIIS

COLUMN FRAME MAX. ELEV. ELEV. OF TOP NON-HURRICANE SEASON HURRICANE SEASON
POSITION OF PLATFORM OF COL. FRAME MAXI}lUf~lAppROXC
MIN. IIAXIMUII]APPROX.
MIN.
,
Fully Extended 402 ‘ 200.5’ 377 ‘ 225 ‘ 354 ‘ 240 ‘

Intermediate 314’ 112.5’ 289 ‘ 140’ 266 ‘ 155’

201 ‘ 451* 178’ 451*

Retracted 226 ‘ 24.5’ I

*Controlled by floating draft

TABLE 4 - VARIABLE LOAD CAPACITIES AND LIMITATIONS

CAPACITIES

Drill Water 5,800 Bbls.

Fuel Oil 2,000 Bbls.
Potable Water 1,100 Bbls.
Salt Water (In Platform) 2,900 Bbls.
Mud 1,600 Bbls.
Bulk Mud and Cement 6;400 Cu. Ft.
Bag Storage 3,000 Sacks
Pipe Rack Area 4,200 Sq. Ft.
Quarters Complement 48 Persons*

NAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VARIABLE LOADS**

Jacking 2,500 Kips

Floating (At 13’ Loadline Draft 5,000 Kips (approx.)
on Platform)
Survival 3,500 Kips
Drilling 5,000 Kips

* Quarters can be provided to accommodate 70 or more persons.

** variable loads include drill water, fuel oil, potable Water, Salt

water in platform, liquid mud, hulk mud and cement, sack material, drill
pipe and collars, casing, BOP’s, and other consumable materials used in
the drilling operation.

TABLE 5 - DESIGN CRITERIA

Hurricane Non-Hurricane
Season Season

Still Water Depth* 354 ‘ 377

llax.Elevation of Bottom of Platform 402 ‘ 402 ‘
Air Gap 48 ‘ 25 ‘
Naximum Wave Height, Period 60’, 15 Sec. 33’, 10 Sec.
Maximum 1 Min. Hean Wind Velocity** 100 Knots 70 Knots
Approx. 3 Second Gust Wind Velocity 133 Knots 93 Knots
Minimum Design Temperature - Air 14°F
Water 28°F
Crest Elevation of Wave Above Bottom 387 ‘ 398 ‘
Platform Clearance Above Wave Crest 15’ 4’

*Still water depth includes astronomical tide, storm tide, and mat sinkage
into the bottom if any.

**One minute mean wind velocity used to calculate overall rig wind forces and
moments for combining with the maxinum wave.
 TABLE 6 - WIND AND WAVE FORCES AND MOMENTS FOR DIFFERENT COLUMN CONFIGURATIONS

All column configurations provide for 402’ maximum elevation of bottomof

platform.

Rig VCG is for floating condition with draft at loadline and mat in upper-
most position below platform. VCG is measured from bottom of platform.

Wind forces and moments are with rig in floating condition with mat in the
uppermost position below platform. Forces and moments are for columns only,
and are in accordance with American Bureau of Shipping criteria.

Wave forces and moments are calculated by Stokes 5th Order Theory. Drag
and inertia coefficients used are from American Bureau of Shipping Rules
for Offshore Mobile Drilling Units.

/ 100 KNOT WIND \60:15 SEC. WAVE IN j

354’ STILL WATER
tOLUMr RIG ~ MAX MO
CONFIGURATION VCG ~IPS FT~KIP~”
.-,——--—..——
3 - Telescoping Tubular Cols.
With Column Frame As Described 7’ 204 28,760 1,705 392,700
In Fig . 1 and Table 2

3 - 20’ Diameter One Piece

Cylindrical Columns 40 ‘ 576 140,000 2,546 589,000
(No Column Frame )

3 - 24’ c/c Triangular

Trussed Columns 35 ‘ 691 168,000 800 248,000
(No Column Frame)
 DERRICI(

..- ,.
>.
...,. —.
,
. ———
——
...
. .1
_L.-..
:5
-. ..

7 .4 r
RETRACTED POSITION
,. UPPER BEARING POINT
t
— Q

ie
!.

, ,.

!.

..
.. ..
,s
‘INTERMEDIATE POSITION !.
INTERMEDIATE POSITION
LOCK-OFF PINHOLES ,.
UPPER BEARING POINT
. . !.
. . !.
t

L
. . .

. . .

. . .

;
‘;” UPPER(OUTER)COLUM~ :.

. . ‘.
.

II
. .
.
“~” FULLY EXTENDED
LOCK-OFF
POSITION “n
,:, _ FULLY
,
/ UF?ER
a
EXTENDED POSITIO1
BEARING POINT

+’-
.

.
‘-i-
COLUMN
-FULLY EXTENDED
FRAME
POSITION
LOWER BEARING PoINT
1

“---”-
-
.
.
.

.. -INTERMEDIATE POSITION
LOWER BEARING POfNT

A ,1
‘:- WATERTIGHT FLAT

LfOWER (INNER) COLUMN ,.

.
\
25 0 25 BUOYANT
so COMPARTMENT
SCALE IN FEET

+--’7
.—

Fig. 1 - Outboard profi Ie, on Iocat on.

 (OUTER) COLWNS

I ,,
.,
: ;UPPiR P~TFOi@
I 1 COLUIVNNFRAME I i I ~
::
MAT——— —.——-—~:
--. J-.-_.. .I
~=
2!5 o 50 75
SCALE IN FEET

Fig.2 - Out board .profi le, af I oat ful Iy retracted.

~-
>ACK HouSE

C’* *“A
x,~“14
I
__ -i I ~. I

L
--- T“ = DERR[CK

.:@
FLOW
?17
~
PI PE

-— .,
c
.:. -
/==&

&#!
II

m.lR*cKiy HELIPORT
J–-u I o
/ 00”:
SKIO UNIT IN 1
ORILLING POSITION
lllll!l[il[L~ .

2s -0.. - 25. 50 75
UPPER
SCALE IN FEET
PLATFORM

Fig. 3 -. Plan view of platform.

 ORILLlffi AREA
—

LOWER
i, ‘
25 0 25 50 i% COLUMNS

SCALE IN FEET ‘\
l/\ n ‘\

Fig. 4-- Plan view of ~at.

DRILLING

I
I

SCRLE IN FEET

UPPER COLUMN

I
Fi g.. .=5..- Plan vi_e Jv. o-f co .umn frame.
 ~
/—
/
UPPER(OUTdR)COLUMN—

P UPPER

‘“l~
COLU
(6IJ
N FINHOLES
60”)
“OP OF JACKHOU6E

JACK HOUSE
u
JACKING YOKE ii
II
II
l!

0 [::
lNNER-OUiER COLUMN G) PIN
LOC/@26@2)PlNS --

=3= RUBBING PLATES

MAIN DECK OF
‘FULLY EXTENDED PLATFORM
UPPER BEARING P$IINT h-lk -
~-: -
~’j FIXED ( .DING) PIN
L_J

ULOWE cOLUMN —
PINH( ES (3 at 120°)
.—

❑
E

BOTTOM OF PLATFORM
\ND JACK HOUSE

1..-...
I

(
❑ ;.! )
-LOWER (lNNER)COLUMN-
-Eii& Ew4t’%%ollu
\
+; !-
..—
—..-. -.
‘COLUMN FRAME

. ,Cl.,. ~ 5 0 .—— —— . . . 5 10
—— 4
SCALE IN FEET

Fig. 6 - Plan view of aft ja-ck house.

 ,

.-.
——- , ..A_Q-
r----
- .—. -- —..— — -
~YDf3AuiJc /

PIN

L- . .

YOKE
GUIDE
—= ..—
COLUMN~

/’

ACKiNG
YOKE

JACK
HOUSE
I

25 0 25 50 75
SCALE IN FEET

Fig. 7 - Sect on through jack house and jacking

system.