Modular Structures

The modular structure is the mainstream construction mode for offshore engineering. Its core lies in disassembling the upper facilities of the offshore platform (Topside) into multiple independent functional and structurally standardized single modules. All these modules are prefabricated, assembled, and debugged in a land-based factory, and then transported to the project area by sea. The entire platform is erected through offshore hoisting and integration methods, and it is widely applicable to various fixed and floating offshore platform construction projects. 

Core objectives of modular design

- Reduce offshore operation time and risks: Transfer a large number of high-altitude and offshore high-risk construction processes to land-based factories, significantly shortening the offshore construction period and reducing operational safety risks caused by the marine environment.

- Improve construction quality and accuracy: Standardized workshop construction in land-based factories ensures stable working conditions and complete equipment, enabling effective control of component processing and equipment installation accuracy, and enhancing overall project quality.

- Reduce overall construction costs: Large-scale factory prefabrication can reduce on-site material waste, labor costs, and costs for leasing offshore vessels, optimizing the overall project investment.

- Achieve parallel operations and shorten project duration: Land-based module prefabrication can be carried out simultaneously with offshore foundation construction, breaking the sequential limitations of processes and significantly compressing the overall project duration.

- Facilitate later modifications and expansions: Each functional module is independently formed, and later, based on the oilfield's production capacity requirements, flexible operations such as module replacement, addition, renovation, and removal can be completed.

Application scenario

- The entire upper facilities of large offshore platforms are constructed, adapting to the process and supporting facilities setup on fixed-type jacket platforms.

- The upper production process modules and auxiliary facilities modules of FPSO and FSO floating devices are constructed and integrated.

- The construction of independent living modules for offshore platforms, meeting the accommodation and living support needs of offshore operation personnel.

- Prefabrication and installation of independent modules for offshore power stations, compressors, and other utility engineering.

- Core process treatment modules such as oil and gas separation, dehydration, and metering.

- Modular construction of the upper facilities of offshore wind power transmission stations.

- Construction of offshore modular docks and port supporting facilities.

Main Module Types

(1) Process Modules

These are the core functional modules for oil and gas production, responsible for processing and processing of offshore oil and gas. They mainly include oil and gas separation modules, gas treatment and compression modules, oilfield water injection/air injection modules, and oil and gas measurement modules, etc. They are the core facilities that ensure the production capacity of oil and gas.

(2) Utility Modules

These provide supporting guarantees for the overall production and operation of the platform, covering power generation modules, heat medium and steam supply modules, seawater purification and treatment modules, and compressed air supply modules, etc. They provide basic supporting infrastructure for the operation of all platform equipment and the implementation of operations.

(3) Living Quarter Modules

These are dedicated modules for the living, rest, and operation support of personnel on the platform, integrating accommodation and rest areas, dining and kitchen areas, medical emergency facilities, fitness and leisure facilities, etc. They can be integrated with helicopter deck structures to meet the needs of personnel commuting and emergency rescue.

(4) Bridges/Link Modules

These are used in scenarios of multi-platform cluster layout, mainly including connection bridges between platforms and dedicated channels for personnel and equipment, to achieve connectivity between independent platforms and modules, and to ensure smooth passage for operation and equipment transportation.

 Core Characteristics of Modular Structure

Module Support Frame (MSF), with an independent and complete structure and a clear force-bearing system. The overall size and weight of the modules are strictly limited by the capacity of offshore transportation vessels and lifting equipment. In the industry, most modular single units are of several thousand tonnage. On-site assembly of the modules can adopt bolt connection or welding connection methods, suitable for different construction conditions. The design of the modules needs to precisely calculate the structural strength and stability of the entire process from land prefabrication, maritime transportation, and offshore lifting, to avoid structural deformation and damage during transportation and lifting. The overall force calculation, structural coordination analysis, and system matching debugging after the integration of the module units are the core focuses of modular platform design and construction.

Product advantages

1. Core capabilities in steel structure manufacturing

- The essence of modular structure is large-scale prefabrication of steel structures

- Xinyue has many years of experience in manufacturing large-scale steel structures

- Welded steel pipes can be directly used as the vertical and horizontal columns and beams of the modules 

2. The experience in scaffolding systems can be transferred.

- The scaffolding system is provided by Tianjin Nolite Steel within the group.

- The modular design concept of the scaffolding system is similar to that of offshore modules.

- The experience in rapid assembly/disassembly can be applied to the prefabrication of modules. 

3. Experience in Large-Span Structures

- Modular structures require large-span steel frames

- Xinyue's experience in steel structures (such as bridges and buildings) can be directly applied

- Hollow Section products are applicable 

4. Integrated Anti-corrosion and Thermal Insulation

- The pipelines and equipment within the module need anti-corrosion treatment

- The module structure itself requires long-term anti-corrosion protection

- Xinyue can provide a complete set of solutions including 3LPE, epoxy paint, and polyurethane insulation 

5. Advantages of EN 1090 EXC3 Certification

- The modular structure typically requires the EXC3 execution level

- Xinyue has obtained the highest-level certification

- This is a crucial qualification for entering the European modular market 

6. Ability to collaborate with large state-owned enterprises

- Large-scale module projects usually require cooperation with companies like CSSC or CIMC

- Xinyue has established partnerships with large state-owned enterprises

- It can participate as a subcontractor in large-scale module projects

Corresponding product standards, material standards:

Steel grade of the module framework:

EN 1090-2 Execution Grade Requirements:

Welding and Inspection Standards: