An Overview of Deepwater Pipeline Laying Technology

The technology and methods involved in pipeline laying in shallow water have evolved to the level of routine and commonplace. However, regarding the unexpected deepwater complexity, the traditional pipeline laying techniques have to confront many new challenges arisen from the increase of the water depth, diameter of the pipe and the welding difficuhy, all of which should be modified and/or innovated based on the existed mature experiences. The purpose of this investigation is to outline the existing and new engineering laying techniques and the associated facilities, which can provide some significant information to the related research. In the context, the latest deepwater pipeline laying technology and pipe laying barges of the renowned companies from Switzerland, Norway, Italy etc., are introduced and the corresponding comparison and discussion are presented as well.

Dynamic analysis of an offshore pipe laying operation using the reel method

A system designed for a rigid and flexible pipe laying purposes is presented in the paper.Mathematical and numerical models are developed by using the rigid finite element method（RFEM）.The RFEM is an efficient solution in the time domain.Static and dynamic problems related to pipe installation are solved by taking the advantage of simple interpretation and implementation of the method.Large deformations of the pipe during spooling and when it is reeled out at sea are considered.A material model implemented is used to take into consideration nonlinear material properties.In particular,the full elasto-plastic material characteristics with hardening and Bauschinger effect are included.Dynamic analyses are performed and the results attached in this work demonstrates how the sea conditions influence the machinery and pipeline,assuming a passive reel drive system. The influence of several other operational parameters on dynamic loads is verified.An active system,implemented as a part of the mathematical model,improves the system performance.Some results are presented as well.

Multiaxial Fatigue Analysis on Reeled Deepwater Steel Catenary Risers with Girth Weld Defects

In the present study, we simulated the reel-lay installation process of deepwater steel catenary risers（SCRs） using the finite element method and proposed multiaxial fatigue analysis for reeled SCRs. The reel-lay method is one of the most efficient and economical pipeline installation methods. However, material properties of reeled risers may change, especially in the weld zone, which can affect the fatigue performance. Applying finite element analysis（FEA）, we simulated an installation load history through the reel, aligner, and straightener and analyzed the property variations. The impact of weld defects during the installation process, lack of penetration and lack of fusion, was also discussed. Based on the FEA results, we used the Brown-Miller criterion combined with the critical plane approach to predict the fatigue life of reeled and non-reeled models. The results indicated that a weld defect has a significant influence on the material properties of a riser, and the reel-lay method can significantly reduce the fatigue life of SCRs. The analysis conclusion can help designers understand the mechanical performance of welds during reel-lay installation.