Importance

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Abstract

According to various aspects of the invention, a buoyancy apparatus, a buoyancy system and a buoyancy method are provided. In one example embodiment of the present invention, a buoyancy apparatus for drilling and production caisson is provided for use in deep water offshore well operations. The buoyancy apparatus comprises a central cell, and a plurality of secondary cells essentially surrounding the central cell and secured to the central cell; wherein the perimeter surface of the buoyancy apparatus is essentially continuous along the length of at least the secondary cells. In one example embodiment, rigidly connecting the central cell and the secondary cells creates void chambers. The tops, bottoms, and sides, of the void chambers are sealed for buoyancy or production fluid storage. In another example embodiment, the void chambers have open bottoms. Another example embodiment comprises a mixture of sealed and open bottomed void chambers. In yet another example embodiment of the buoyancy apparatus comprises non-traditional curved shapes, rigidly connected. In alternate embodiments, any combination of the central cell, secondary cell, and the void chambers provide fixed ballast, variable ballast, buoyancy, or production storage as will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art.

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First Claim