The Technology and the System

The Artificial unit (AU) is a steel tank with several compartments. It has buoyancy elements attached so the unit will have positive buoyancy even with all internal space filled with water.

The AU is deployed and retrieved by use of chain weight systems, one from each of two anchor handling vessels.

The AU has a centre hole through its total height where the casing is going through. The casing weight will rest on the AU top and it will have side support centering it in the AU hole. When drilling the BOP will rest on top of the AU

The control of the AU is made from a control container located on the rig. The communication between the rig and the AU is via an umbilical and/or through acoustical means. The umbilical has electric lines for signals for control, monitoring and recording, lines for supply of hydraulic oil for valve oerations and air to the AU.

The AU has fixed buoyancy elements whith the compartments to the sea. The total buoyance with resulting load carrying capacity is regulated by filling air into or removing air out of the compartments. The Atlantis Concept has three lines of development The Explorer for exploration and appraisal well drilling The Producer for one well production and/or as riser tower The Tower for up to three wells for production and/or as riser tower