Gene Kliewer,
Technology Editor, Subsea & Seismic

HOUSTON -- Finite element modeling can provide a simple way to estimate the bottom tension load on an umbilical, said Fugro GeoConsultant Inc. at the 2008 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.

A group of speakers from the company presented a parametric analysis method for static stability of umbilicals with curved and straight sections in deepwater Gulf of Mexico applications. The model represents the umbilical and surrounding soil at the riser touchdown point using thin-walled pipe elements and non-linear springs. Soil resistance to axial load and a set of parameters was examined and the displacements along the umbilical were given.

The paper, by M.K. Hossain, K-M Tjok, and A. Nobahar, considered the heave motion at the surface and its resulting cyclic tensions loads on the umbilical at the seafloor and at the touchdown point.

05/05/2008