Frank Hartley
Drilling & Production Editor
HOUSTON -- Current deep water projects typically require insulated flowlines operating at high temperature, which presents a range of design challenges related to thermal expansion. Recent experiences of the development of design solutions to mitigate lateral buckling and walking, from preliminary evaluation to design optimization using advanced finite element modeling and reliability analysis has been documented, said Jo Jin with ExxonMobil. Jin spoke at DOT in Houston on Feb. 12.
A range of solutions are being considered, including snake lay, sleepers, buoyancy, and combinations of the above, he said. Evaluation and control of strain localization and cyclic strength effects are being discussed, taking into account accelerated low cycle/high stress range fatigue damage due to corrosive agents in produced fluids, Jin said.
Jin also discussed the design and installation of sleepers, along with special pipelay and survey procedures, required to ensure reliable triggering of benign lateral deformations.
02/12/2008
