Abstract
This study aims to investigate the behavioral characteristics of the LWSCR (lazy-wave steel catenary riser) for a turret-moored FPSO (Floating Production Storage Offloading) by using fully-coupled hull-mooring-riser dynamic simulation program in time domain. In particular, the effects of initial geometric profile on the global performance and structural behavior are investigated in depth to have an insight for optimal design. In this regard, a systematic parametric study with varying the initial curvature of sag and arch bend and initial position of touch down point (TDP) is conducted for 100-yr wind-wave-current (WWC) hurricane condition. The FPSO motions, riser dynamics, constituent structural stress results, accumulated fatigue damage of the LWSCR are presented and analyzed to draw a general trend of the relationship between the LWSCR geometric parameters and the resulting dynamic/structural performance. According to this study, the initial curvature of the sag and arch bend plays an important role in absorbing transferred platform motions, while the position of TDP mainly affects the change of static-stress level.
Address
Seungjun Kim : Department of Construction Safety and Disaster Prevention Engineering, Daejeon University,
62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
Moo-Hyun Kim: Department of Ocean Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Abstract
Characteristics of a turbulence wind model control the magnitude and frequency distribution of wind loading on floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), and an in-depth understanding of how wind spectral characteristics affect the responses, and ultimately the design cost of system components, is in shortage in the offshore wind industry. Wind spectrum models as well as turbulence intensity curves recommended by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have characteristics derived from land-based sites, and have been widely adopted in offshore wind projects (in the absence of site-specific offshore data) without sufficient assessment of design implications. In this paper, effects of wind spectra and turbulence intensities on the strength or extreme responses of a 5 MW floating offshore wind turbine are investigated. The impact of different wind spectral parameters on the extreme blade loads, nacelle accelerations, towertop motions, towerbase loads, platform motions and accelerations, and mooring line tensions are presented and discussed. Results highlight the need to consider the appropriateness of a wind spectral model implemented in the strength design of FOWT structures.
Address
Ikpoto E. Udohand Jun Zou:Houston Offshore Engineering / Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group,
17220 Katy Freeway, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77094, USA
Abstract
Meeting the touchdown point (TDP) target box is one of the challenges during catenary riser installation, especially for deep water or ultra-deep water riser systems. TDP location mismatch compared to the design can result in variation of riser configuration, additional hang-off misalignment, and extra bending loads going into the hang-off porch. A good understanding of the key installation parameters can help to minimize this mismatch, and ensure that the riser global response meets the design criteria. This paper focuses on investigating the potential factors that may affect the touchdown point location, and addressing the challenges both in the design stage and during installation campaign. Conventionally, the vessel offset and current are the most critical factors which may affect the TDP movement during installation. With the offshore exploration going deeper and deeper in the sea (up to 10,000ft), other sources such as the seabed slope and seabed soil stiffness are playing an important role as well. The impacts of potential sources are quantified through case studies for steel catenary riser (SCR) and lazy wave steel catenary riser (LWSCR) in deep water application. Investigations through both theoretical study and numerical validation are carried out. Furthermore, design recommendations are provided during execution phase for the TDP mismatch condition to ensure the integrity of the riser system.
Key Words
TDP; target box; SCR; LWSCR; misalignment; mismatch; installation; deep water; integrity
Address
Chaojun Huang, Guanyu Hu and Fengjie Yin: 2H Offshore Inc., 15990 N Barkers Landing Rd, Houston, TX 77079, USA
Abstract
The inclination of seabed profile (sloped seabed) is one of the known topographic features which can be observed at different seabed level in the large offshore basin. A mooring system connected between the platform and global seabed is an integral part of the floating structure which tries to keep the floating platform settled in its own position against hostile sea environment. This paper deals with an investigation of the motion responses of an FPSO platform moored on the sloped seabed under the combined action of wave, wind and current loads. A three-dimensional panel discretization method has been used to model the floating body. To introduce the connection of multi-segmented non-linear elastic catenary mooring cables with the sloped seabed, a quasi-static composite catenary model is employed. The model and analysis have been completed by using hydrodynamic diffraction code AQWA. Validation of the numerical model has been successfully carried out with an experimental work published in the latest literature. The analysis procedure in this study has been followed time domain analysis. The study involves an objective oriented investigation on platform motions, in order to identify the effects of the slopped seabed, the action of the wave, wind and current loads and the presence of riser system. In the end, an effective analysis has been performed to identify a stable mooring model in demand of reducing structural responses of the FPSO.
Key Words
sloped seabed; FPSO; wave; wind; current; quasi-static
Address
Shovan Roy and Atul K. Banik: Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, WB, India
Abstract
Increasing demand for large-sized Floating, Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) for oil and gas industries led to the development of novel geometric form of Buoyant Leg Storage and Regasification Platform (BLSRP). Six buoyant legs support the deck and are placed symmetric with respect to wave direction. Circular deck is connected to buoyant legs using hinged joints, which restrain transfer of rotation from the legs to deck and vice-versa. Buoyant legs are connected to seabed using taut-moored system with high initial pretension, enabling rigid body motion in vertical plane. Encountered environmental loads induce dynamic tether tension variations, which in turn affect stability of the platform. Postulated failure cases, created by placing eccentric loads at different locations resulted in dynamic tether tension variation; chaotic nature of tension variation is also observed in few cases. A detailed numerical analysis is carried out for BLSRP using Mathieu equation of stability. Increase in the magnitude of eccentric load and its position influences fatigue life of tethers significantly. Fatigue life decreases with the increase in the amplitude of tension variation in tethers. Very low fatigue life of tethers under Mathieu instability proves the severity of instability.