PSI Armour Wire for High Collapse Performance of Flexible Pipe

Author(s):  
Laurent Paumier ◽  
Olivier Mesnage

Ultra Deep Water (UDW) developments are now a reality with several fields below 2 000 m water depth now ready for production. Within the domain of flexible pipe technology for UDW, Technip identified a number of technical challenges such as flow assurance, riser tension capacity and hydrostatic collapse resistance. These challenges have been addressed through the qualification of various flexible pipe products/components and riser configurations. This paper will focus on one of the solutions developed which addresses the hydrostatic collapse resistance of the pipe, namely the dynamic PSI wire. The dynamic PSI wire was developed primarily as structurally optimized pressure armour. Based on the efficient structural cross section of the I-beam, the dynamic PSI wire provides a weight/strength optimized configuration for internal pressure capacity of the pipe. It also provides increased crushing strength for installation of the pipe in Ultra Deep Water and significantly increases the hydrostatic collapse resistance of the pipe. The objective of the development of the dynamic PSI wire was to propose a 12″ riser for 2 500 m water depth and smaller diameter down to 3 000 m. This objective has been reached, without impacting the dynamic and sour service capacity of the riser. The dynamic PSI wire has succeeded all the qualification process (industrial procurement & manufacturing, full scale dynamic test, full scale collapse tests, full scale offshore installation test down to 3 000m water depth, NACE test, etc) and is now deemed fully qualified for project application. This paper will present the qualification program and also some field case studies showing the potential applications of flexible risers integrating this new design. The availability of dynamic PSI wires provides operators with the opportunity to develop flexible riser production systems in UDW fields with larger diameters and therefore enhance the subsea production and export systems.

Author(s):  
Wenhua Zhao ◽  
Hugh Wolgamot ◽  
Scott Draper ◽  
Paul H. Taylor ◽  
Rodney Eatock Taylor ◽  
...  

Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facilities are a new type of offshore structure, which have been developed as a game changer in offshore hydrocarbon development for unlocking stranded gas reserves. One of the key challenges associated is offloading from FLNG facilities to LNG carriers. Offloading may proceed with vessels in a side-by-side configuration, which allows offtake by un-modified vessels and minimizes requirements for new hardware or procedures (e.g. compared to a tandem operation). Significant challenges remain, however, and reliable offloading is critical for successful FLNG implementation. In this scenario, the two vessels are separated by a narrow 4 m wide gap. The resonant response of the sea surface in the gap has been predicted by numerical simulations [1] to be a few times that of the incident waves at particular frequencies. As a consequence, the gap resonant response may play a role in determining the operational window for side-by-side offloading operations, and thus has attracted a lot of attention recently. There have been studies on this topic both numerically and experimentally. However, many of these studies are in 2 dimensions (2D), for relatively large gaps and relatively shallow water depth, which may pose difficulties when extending the results to a real project. It is unclear what will happen for a gap resonance if the gap width gets narrower (say 4 m in full scale) and the water depth gets deeper (say 600 m in full scale). In this study, we conducted a series of model tests at a scale of 1:60 in a large wave basin, and focused on deep water and, crucially, narrow gaps, which are closer to a real project geometry. To facilitate future numerical simulations, we used two identical fixed bodies in the model tests and the vessels were simple barge-like shapes. Using white noise waves as the excitation, which covers a broad brand, the response of the fluid in the gap has been measured at several points. In these experiments, different modes of the gap resonance have been observed. Response amplitude operators (RAOs) of the gap resonance have been obtained through spectral analyses, which provide valuable information for the design of side-by-side operations and will benefit future numerical simulations. Test runs in white noise waves with different significant wave heights were also performed, to study the nonlinearities of the gap resonance phenomenon.


Author(s):  
Victor Nogueira ◽  
Fabio Pires ◽  
Fabio Aquino ◽  
Judimar Clevelario ◽  
Terry Sheldrake

Wellstream is carrying out a research program to provide the adequate knowledge of the interaction between the flexible pipes outer sheath and the I-tube interface equipment used in the field. Wellstream has already completed a full scale dynamic test which was used also to evaluate the wearing behavior of this specific region of the flexible pipe. As a continuation of the mentioned research program Wellstream developed a FEA model of the test rig in order to assess the contact pressure between the flexible pipe outer sheath and the I-tube interface equipment used in the test during the full scale dynamic test. The numerical model used in this assessment was prepared based on the test sample dimensions and test rig characteristics in order to reproduce the actual test condition. Model calibration approach is based on the rigs reaction forces and displacements measured during its execution with strain gauges specially positioned in the test rig’s interest area. This paper introduces the test rig numerical model and presents a comparison between the contact pressure originated by the test loads and the ones expected for the field. Results show that the full scale test contact pressures are significantly higher than the ones expected for the field operation, making the performed test conservative to evaluate the wearing behavior in the field.


2011 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
pp. 810-815
Author(s):  
Hsien Hua Lee

In this study, a protection-pipe system has been developed for the protection of undersea electricity cable layout along shoreline with medium deep water. The protection pipes are made of cast-iron alloys while the dimensions are designed corresponding to the balk diameter of electricity cables. The water depth of the area with cable layout is ranged from several meters to a hundred meters, where berthing anchoring from commercial ships and towing operation from fishing boats are constantly found. Therefore, to make sure that the protection pipe can work dependably against the loadings mainly from the operation as was mentioned, both analytical analysis and experimental tests were carried out. In the experimental studies, the full-scale model of several sets of protection-pipe system was tested for impact loadings. It was found from the results of both the analysis and experimental tests that the protection-pipes are able to meet the requirements of the local power company TPC set for the cable layout under seawater.


Author(s):  
Henk Smienk ◽  
Erwan Karjadi ◽  
Gabriel Vazquez ◽  
Peter Doherty ◽  
Patrick Dooley

Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) is entering a new era of pipe laying with the new Deep water Construction Vessel (DCV) Aegir, designed to be able to reel/J-lay pipelines for a broad range of pipe dimension and water depth combinations. On the one side this is governed by equipment/vessel limitations (moonpool size, high top tension capacity, stinger component capabilities) and on the other side limited by pipeline design code (e.g. DNV, API) acceptance criteria for reel-lay and J-lay installation. This paper outlines the pipelay capabilities of DCV Aegir and details the J-lay (with quad joints) and reel-lay installation analyses performed to aid in the design of the vessel pipelay equipment. DCV Aegir has two modes for J-lay installation, which are light J-lay with friction clamps and heavy J-lay with collar clamps in combination with collars in the pipeline. DCV Aegir reel-lay installation from the pipeline in the tensioners down to the seabed will also be explained. Light J-lay, heavy J-lay and reel-lay have maximum top tension capacities (related to the equipment) of 600 mT, 2000 mT and 800 mT, respectively. The top tension capacity also depends on pipe OD, coating type and thickness. J-lay and reel-lay installation analyses are performed with the non-linear finite element software package Flexcom from MCS Kenny to determine installation capabilities with respect to pipe OD, wall thickness and water depth combinations. Together with that the pipelay equipment design is validated by pipeline installation analyses. Shallow and deep water normal pipeline installation for all three pipelay options will be discussed. DCV Aegir pipelay equipment includes a retractable hang off module/stinger for deployment of pipelines. The usage and benefits of the hang off module will be documented. For the J-lay installation modes the procedure for lowering a quad joint is analysed in order to optimise equipment usage. DCV Aegir possesses a high capacity abandonment and recovery system (up to 2000mT). Abandonment and recovery analyses description and design review aspects will be discussed. Finally, the pipeline in-line structure installation analyses, together with design review considerations will be documented.


Author(s):  
Celso K. Morooka ◽  
Mauricio J. H. Suzuki ◽  
Paulo S. D. Pereira

The ever increase of global demand for petroleum and natural gas brings needs to discover new petroleum fields. Particularly in the Brazilian coast, these discoveries are located on more and more remote areas combined with harsh and aggressive petroleum fluid production, such as the case of recently announced pre-salt petroleum fields. Development of offshore systems for field production in this scenario demands sophisticated and innovative technological solutions. It brings the necessity for developments of frontier technologies to make viable design of oil and gas production systems to be applied for ultra deep water depth applications. Production riser is a very critical component of most offshore petroleum production systems. Riser acts as a physical connection between subsea wells and floating production facility at the sea surface. It conducts the oil and gas production, and sometimes, fluid or gas for injection into the petroleum reservoir. Wellhead control commands are also guided between the floating platform and the subsea system throughout the riser system. In the literature, many different riser systems have been proposed and extensively discussed for ultra deep water applications. Among others configurations, Steel Catenary Riser (SCR) appears as a technically feasible and economically viable solution. This system is comprised with a free hanging steel pipe, suspended from the platform directed to the wellhead in a catenary shape. In ultra deep water, the riser weight itself commonly is the limitation for application of this type of riser system. Once it requires a much more expensive floating production platform with larger capacity. Furthermore, it also can cause high concentrated stresses in some regions along the riser structure. Catenary shaped risers with lighter material such as Aluminum seem to be a very attractive alternative due to the great riser weight reduction observed. The present paper describes and proposes procedures for the design and operation of petroleum production riser system for ultra deep water application to produce high flow rate of oil and gas in a typical pre-salt petroleum field offshore Brazil condition. Results and discussions are shown through comparisons for catenary riser systems composed by steel pipe and other kind of lighter material. Case studies are conducted for water depth up to 3000 meters by parametric analysis. Current and waves effects along with floating platform motions and riser geometries are analyzed in order to identify critical conditions and to depict feasible solutions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 101156
Author(s):  
Rim El Jeni ◽  
Dana K. Dittoe ◽  
Elena G. Olson ◽  
Jeferson Lourenco ◽  
Nicolae Corcionivoschi ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Roger Slora ◽  
Stian Karlsen ◽  
Per Arne Osborg

There is an increasing demand for subsea electrical power transmission in the oil- and gas industry. Electrical power is mainly required for subsea pumps, compressors and for direct electrical heating of pipelines. The majority of subsea processing equipment is installed at water depths less than 1000 meters. However, projects located offshore Africa, Brazil and in the Gulf of Mexico are reported to be in water depths down to 3000 meters. Hence, Nexans initiated a development programme to qualify a dynamic deep water power cable. The qualification programme was based on DNV-RP-A203. An overall project plan, consisting of feasibility study, concept selection and pre-engineering was outlined as defined in DNV-OSS-401. An armoured three-phase power cable concept assumed suspended from a semi-submersible vessel at 3000 m water depth was selected as qualification basis. As proven cable technology was selected, the overall qualification scope is classified as class 2 according to DNV-RP-A203. Presumed high conductor stress at 3000 m water depth made basis for the identified failure modes. An optimised prototype cable, with the aim of reducing the failure mode risks, was designed based on extensive testing and analyses of various test cables. Analyses confirmed that the prototype cable will withstand the extreme loads and fatigue damage during a service life of 30 years with good margins. The system integrity, consisting of prototype cable and end terminations, was verified by means of tension tests. The electrical integrity was intact after tensioning to 2040 kN, which corresponds to 13 000 m static water depth. A full scale flex test of the prototype cable verified the extreme and fatigue analyses. Hence, the prototype cable is qualified for 3000 m water depth.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Gasparetto ◽  
Thierry Hernalsteens ◽  
Joao Francisco Fleck Heck Britto ◽  
Joab Flavio Araujo Leao ◽  
Thiago Duarte Fonseca Dos Santos ◽  
...  

Abstract Buzios is a super-giant ultra-deep-water pre-salt oil and gas field located in the Santos Basin off Brazil's Southeastern coast. There are four production systems already installed in the field. Designed to use flexible pipes to tie back the production and injection wells to the FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading), these systems have taken advantage from several lessons learned in the previous projects installed by Petrobras in Santos Basin pre-salt areas since 2010. This knowledge, combined with advances in flexible pipe technology, use of long-term contracts and early engagement with suppliers, made it possible to optimize the field development, minimizing the risks and reducing the capital expenditure (CAPEX) initially planned. This paper presents the first four Buzios subsea system developments, highlighting some of the technological achievements applied in the field, as the first wide application of 8" Internal Diameter (ID) flexible production pipes for ultra-deep water, leading to faster ramp-ups and higher production flowrates. It describes how the supply chain strategy provided flexibility to cover the remaining project uncertainties, and reports the optimizations carried out in flexible riser systems and subsea layouts. The flexible risers, usually installed in lazy wave configurations at such water depths, were optimized reducing the total buoyancy necessary. For water injection and service lines, the buoyancy modules were completely removed, and thus the lines were installed in a free-hanging configuration. Riser configuration optimizations promoted a drop of around 25% on total riser CAPEX and allowed the riser anchor position to be placed closer to the floating production unit, promoting opportunities for reducing the subsea tieback lengths. Standardization of pipe specifications and the riser configurations allowed the projects to exchange the lines, increasing flexibility and avoiding riser interference in a scenario with multiple suppliers. Furthermore, Buzios was the first ultra-deep-water project to install a flexible line, riser, and flowline, with fully Controlled Annulus Solution (CAS). This system, developed by TechnipFMC, allows pipe integrity management from the topside, which reduces subsea inspections. As an outcome of the technological improvements and the optimizations applied to the Buzios subsea system, a vast reduction in subsea CAPEX it was achieved, with a swift production ramp-up.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Lei Xing ◽  
Mingyu Dong ◽  
Weimin Chen

Abstract Articulated pusher barge vessel is a short-distance transport vessel with good economic performance and practicability, which is widely used in the Yangtze River of China. In this present work, the resistance performance of articulated pusher barge vessel in deep water and shallow water was studied by model tests in the towing tank and basin of Shanghai Ship and Shipping Research Institute. During the experimental investigation, the articulated pusher barge vessel was divided into three parts: the pusher, the barge and the articulated pusher barge system. Firstly, the deep water resistance performance of the articulated pusher barge system, barge and the pusher at design draught T was studied, then the water depth h was adjusted, and the shallow water resistance at h/T = 2.0, 1.5 and 1.2 was tested and studied respectively, and the difference between deep water resistance and shallow water resistance at design draught were compared. The results of model tests and analysis show that: 1) in the study of deep water resistance, the total resistance of the barge was larger than that of the articulated pusher barge system. 2) for the barge, the shallow water resistance increases about 0.4–0.7 times at h/T = 2.0, 0.5–1.1 times at h/T = 1.5, and 0.7–2.3 times at h/T = 1.2. 3) for the pusher, the shallow water resistance increases about 1.0–0.4 times at h/T = 2.7, 1.2–0.9 times at h/T = 2.0, and 1.7–2.4 times at h/T = 1.6. 4) for the articulated pusher barge system, the shallow water resistance increases about 0.2–0.3 times at h/T = 2.0, 0.5–1.3 times at h/T = 1.5, and 1.0–3.5 times at h/T = 1.2. Furthermore, the water depth Froude number Frh in shallow water was compared with the changing trend of resistance in shallow water.


Author(s):  
Jairo Bastos de Araujo ◽  
Roge´rio Diniz Machado ◽  
Cipriano Jose de Medeiros Junior

Petrobras developed a new kind of anchoring device known as Torpedo. This is a steel pile of appropriate weight and shape that is launched in a free fall procedure to be used as fixed anchoring point by any type of floating unit. There are two Torpedoes, T-43 and T-98 weighing 43 and 98 metric tons respectively. On October 2002 T-43 was tested offshore Brazil in Campos Basin. The successful results approved and certified by Bureau Veritas, and the need for a feasible anchoring system for new Petrobras Units in deep water fields of Campos Basin led to the development of a Torpedo with High Holding Power. Petrobras FPSO P-50, a VLCC that is being converted with a spread-mooring configuration will be installed in Albacora Leste field in the second semester of 2004. Its mooring analysis showed that the required holding power for the mooring system would be very high. Drag embedment anchors option would require four big Anchor Handling Vessels for anchor tensioning operations at 1400 m water depth. For this purpose T-98 was designed and its field tests were completed in April 2003. This paper discusses T-98 design, building, tests and ABS certification for FPSO P-50.


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