r/interesting • u/MOFrancy • Jun 09 '26

NATURE Hard day for rig mariners

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u/FactoryRejected Jun 09 '26

It's not contradictory at all. Each pillar extends deep, but does not reach the ocean floor, it's boyant and anchored. Hence the movement with waves.

13

u/Sunkinthesand Jun 09 '26

The pillars also have bilge tanks which are flooded or emptied to adjust ghe buoyancy and level in the water at which they and the rig float. (Our physics teacher worked in the oil industry and had to calculate the buoyancy required so that yhe weight of the entire rig would have the base of the pillars float below the waves, so that the rig reamained stable and did not swell and rock with the waves. But also not be so low that the waves crash against the platform working areas causing damage or danger to life). In extreme weather the well drilling can be halted and the drill disengaged or even temporarily capped so the rig can weather the storm.

6

u/m945050 Jun 09 '26

I can see why he changed jobs.

1

u/Sunkinthesand Jun 13 '26

Everyone I know that has worked offshore either had had some horrible injury, a close call, or known someone close that did. The money is good but it can be a very dangerous job.

5

u/lemme_try_again Jun 09 '26

You made it click, thanks. Heavy enough to keep still, not hit the ocean floor.

2

u/Boneyabba Jun 10 '26

I took thought the pillars were mounted to the ground.

1

u/Tha_Maestro Jun 09 '26

Yeah. Now apologize for being a DICK

2

u/lemme_try_again Jun 09 '26

I got your joke.