How oil rigs are installed and remain so stable deep at sea is fascinating

The deep ocean remains as Earth’s biggest mystery, but the fascinating method of how oil rigs are installed and remain so stable has been revealed.

While we may never know what is really lurking at the bottom of the Pacific, there are man-made mysteries that have answers.

One of those is oil rigs, and how the large scaffolding-like structures don’t float away when it’s impossible to swim down and nail their legs into more water…

But there is a way, and we know how.

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How oil rigs are installed

In the automotive industry, oil technology is imperative, even if EVs are taking over.

So, there’s quite a lot of weight placed on oil rigs to help power the fabled V12 supercars that we know and love.

However, there are actually several ways that oil rigs are installed, depending on how far away from land they are.

The first method is in shallower water, up to 1,700ft.

Here, a fixed platform will be attached to the seabed. Made of steel beams and in a solid triangular shape, it’s arguably the most sturdy part of the installation process, but it is difficult to move.

In deeper water, up to 4,900ft, the rigs are set up with a longer and straight ‘compliant tower’, which connects to the seabed in the same way.

These are two of the most-seen methods, given that you can be closer to the shores.

But out in the deep sea, it’s a buoy’s game.

When the floor is over 5,000 feet below sea level, the systems change significantly to make ‘floating’ oil rigs.

How oil rigs are installed here is much easier, but there’s a bit of movement in choppy waters.

The most popular method is installing the rigs on pontoons, like big kayaks, and anchoring them down at each corner. Submerging the buoys makes it incredibly stable.

A video on social media showcases these methods.

Oil rigs are the future of expanding our land

Oil rigs are moving beyond their usual purpose, too, and Saudi Arabia is actively using the techniques to expand its land.

For instance, there’s an entire theme park being built on a rig, featuring massive Ferris wheels, waterparks, and helipads.

Recent pictures of ‘The Rig’ suggest it will even have cranes holding dining tables in mid-air to have guests suspended while tucking into a tasty meal.

So, as the technology continues to improve, we might be seeing many more of these impressive structures floating around on pontoons.

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