Stochastic dynamic response analysis of a floating vertical-axis wind turbine with a semi-submersible floater

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wang, Kai; Moan, Torgeir; Hansen, Martin Otto Laver

2016-01-01

Floating vertical-axis wind turbines (FVAWTs) provide the potential for utilizing offshore wind resources in moderate and deep water because of their economical installation and maintenance. Therefore, it is important to assess the performance of the FVAWT concept. This paper presents a stochastic...... on the response is demonstrated by comparing the floating wind turbine with the equivalent land-based wind turbine. Additionally, by comparing the behaviour of FVAWTs with flexible and rigid rotors, the effect of rotor flexibility is evaluated. Furthermore, the FVAWT is also investigated in the parked condition...... dynamic response analysis of a 5MW FVAWT based on fully coupled nonlinear time domain simulations. The studied FVAWT, which is composed of a Darrieus rotor and a semi-submersible floater, is subjected to various wind and wave conditions. The global motion, structural response and mooring line tension...

Uncertainty Analysis of OC5-DeepCwind Floating Semisubmersible Offshore Wind Test Campaign: Preprint

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Robertson, Amy N [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

2017-07-26

This paper examines how to assess the uncertainty levels for test measurements of the Offshore Code Comparison, Continued, with Correlation (OC5)-DeepCwind floating offshore wind system, examined within the OC5 project. The goal of the OC5 project was to validate the accuracy of ultimate and fatigue load estimates from a numerical model of the floating semisubmersible using data measured during scaled tank testing of the system under wind and wave loading. The examination of uncertainty was done after the test, and it was found that the limited amount of data available did not allow for an acceptable uncertainty assessment. Therefore, this paper instead qualitatively examines the sources of uncertainty associated with this test to start a discussion of how to assess uncertainty for these types of experiments and to summarize what should be done during future testing to acquire the information needed for a proper uncertainty assessment. Foremost, future validation campaigns should initiate numerical modeling before testing to guide the test campaign, which should include a rigorous assessment of uncertainty, and perform validation during testing to ensure that the tests address all of the validation needs.

Applying a New Adaptive Genetic Algorithm to Study the Layout of Drilling Equipment in Semisubmersible Drilling Platforms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wensheng Xiao

2015-01-01

Full Text Available This study proposes a new selection method called trisection population for genetic algorithm selection operations. In this new algorithm, the highest fitness of 2N/3 parent individuals is genetically manipulated to reproduce offspring. This selection method ensures a high rate of effective population evolution and overcomes the tendency of population to fall into local optimal solutions. Rastrigin’s test function was selected to verify the superiority of the method. Based on characteristics of arc tangent function, a genetic algorithm crossover and mutation probability adaptive methods were proposed. This allows individuals close to the average fitness to be operated with a greater probability of crossover and mutation, while individuals close to the maximum fitness are not easily destroyed. This study also analyzed the equipment layout constraints and objective functions of deep-water semisubmersible drilling platforms. The improved genetic algorithm was used to solve the layout plan. Optimization results demonstrate the effectiveness of the improved algorithm and the fit of layout plans.

Effect of Difference-frequency Forces on the Dynamics of a Semi-submersible Type FVAWT in Misaligned Wave-wind Condition

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wang, Kai; Cheng, Zhengshun; Moan, Torgeir

2015-01-01

With increasing interests in the development of offshore floating vertical axis wind turbines (FVAWTs), a large amount of studies on the FVAWTs have been conducted. This paper focuses on evaluating the effect of second-order difference-frequency force on the dynamics of a 5 MW FVAWT in misaligned...... wave-wind condition. The studied FVAWT is composed of a 5 MW Darrieus rotor, a semi-submersible floater and a catenary mooring system. Fully coupled nonlinear time domain simulations were conducted using the state-of-art code Simo- Riflex-DMS. Several misaligned wave-wind conditions were selected...... to investigate the global dynamic responses of the FVAWT, such as the platform motions, structural responses and mooring line tensions. It has been found that the wave-wind misalignment does not significantly affect the mean values of the global responses since the global responses are primarily wind...

Mechanistic Drifting Forecast Model for A Small Semi-Submersible Drifter Under Tide-Wind-Wave Conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Wei-Na; Huang, Hui-ming; Wang, Yi-gang; Chen, Da-ke; Zhang, lin

2018-03-01

Understanding the drifting motion of a small semi-submersible drifter is of vital importance regarding monitoring surface currents and the floating pollutants in coastal regions. This work addresses this issue by establishing a mechanistic drifting forecast model based on kinetic analysis. Taking tide-wind-wave into consideration, the forecast model is validated against in situ drifting experiment in the Radial Sand Ridges. Model results show good performance with respect to the measured drifting features, characterized by migrating back and forth twice a day with daily downwind displacements. Trajectory models are used to evaluate the influence of the individual hydrodynamic forcing. The tidal current is the fundamental dynamic condition in the Radial Sand Ridges and has the greatest impact on the drifting distance. However, it loses its leading position in the field of the daily displacement of the used drifter. The simulations reveal that different hydrodynamic forces dominate the daily displacement of the used drifter at different wind scales. The wave-induced mass transport has the greatest influence on the daily displacement at Beaufort wind scale 5-6; while wind drag contributes mostly at wind scale 2-4.

DORADO/DOLPHIN: A Unique Semi-submersible Autonomous Vehicle for Ocean Field Experiments.

Science.gov (United States)

Wallace, D.

2016-02-01

The Ocean Science and Technology research group (CERC.OCEAN) at Dalhousie University focuses on new approaches to the design and development of autonomous platforms to study biogeochemical and ecological changes in the world's oceans. Mesoscale "patch" experiments involving tracers are used to test hypotheses (e.g. iron fertilization) and examine near-surface processes and air-sea exchange. Such experiments typically require mapping of rapidly-evolving properties on scales of 10's to 100's of kilometers. These experiments typically employ a research vessel to monitor patch movement and to support process studies: however allocation of expensive vessel time between these uses can be problematic. We present a class of autonomous vehicle with unique potential for mesoscale mapping and experimental science at sea. The Dorado/Dolphin semi-submersibles, manufactured by International Submarine Engineering Ltd., travel just below the sea surface. A surface-piercing, "snorkel" mast allows use of a diesel engine allowing speeds of up to 16 knots and sufficient power for support of complex payloads. A tow-body can profile to 200m. The mast allows air sampling with near-zero atmospheric disturbance as well as remote sensing of the sea surface. The characteristics of this type of vehicle will be compared with those of other available platforms. We will report on our adaptation of the vehicle for measurement of gases and purposeful tracers (e.g. SF5CF3) as well as properties such as T, S, pCO2, O2, fluorescence, etc. and present and solicit ideas for the vehicles' further application/use for ocean science.

Software-In-the-Loop based Modeling and Simulation of Unmanned Semi-submersible Vehicle for Performance Verification of Autonomous Navigation

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Kwangkook; Jeong, Mijin; Kim, Dong Hun

2017-12-01

Since an unmanned semi-submersible is mainly used for the purpose of carrying out dangerous missions in the sea, it is possible to work in a region where it is difficult to access due to safety reasons. In this study, an USV hull design was determined using Myring hull profile, and reinforcement work was performed by designing and implementing inner stiffener member for 3D printing. In order to simulate a sea state 5.0 or more at sea, which is difficult to implement in practice, a regular and irregular wave equation was implemented in Matlab / Simulink. We performed modeling and simulation of semi - submersible simulation based on DMWorks considering the rolling motion in wave. To verify and improve unpredicted errors, we implemented a numeric and physical simulation model of the USV based on software-in-the-loop (SIL) method. This simulation allows shipbuilders to participate in new value-added markets such as engineering, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance for the USV.

Offshore code comparison collaboration continuation within IEA Wind Task 30: Phase II results regarding a floating semisubmersible wind system

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Robertson, Amy; Jonkman, Jason M.; Vorpahl, Fabian

2014-01-01

Offshore wind turbines are designed and analyzed using comprehensive simulation tools (or codes) that account for the coupled dynamics of the wind inflow, aerodynamics, elasticity, and controls of the turbine, along with the incident waves, sea current, hydrodynamics, mooring dynamics, and founda......Offshore wind turbines are designed and analyzed using comprehensive simulation tools (or codes) that account for the coupled dynamics of the wind inflow, aerodynamics, elasticity, and controls of the turbine, along with the incident waves, sea current, hydrodynamics, mooring dynamics......, and foundation dynamics of the support structure. This paper describes the latest findings of the code-to-code verification activities of the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration Continuation project, which operates under the International Energy Agency Wind Task 30. In the latest phase of the project......, participants used an assortment of simulation codes to model the coupled dynamic response of a 5-MW wind turbine installed on a floating semisubmersible in 200 m of water. Code predictions were compared from load case simulations selected to test different model features. The comparisons have resulted...

Integrated System Design for a Large Wind Turbine Supported on a Moored Semi-Submersible Platform

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jinsong Liu

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Over the past few decades, wind energy has emerged as an alternative to conventional power generation that is economical, environmentally friendly and, importantly, renewable. Specifically, offshore wind energy is being considered by a number of countries to harness the stronger and more consistent wind resource compared to that over land. To meet the projected “20% energy from wind by 2030” scenario that was announced in 2006, 54 GW of added wind energy capacity need to come from offshore according to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL study. In this study, we discuss the development of a semi-submersible floating offshore platform with a catenary mooring system to support a very large 13.2-MW wind turbine with 100-m blades. An iterative design process is applied to baseline models with Froude scaling in order to achieve preliminary static stability. Structural dynamic analyses are performed to investigate the performance of the new model using a finite element method approach for the tower and a boundary integral equation (panel method for the platform. The steady-state response of the system under uniform wind and regular waves is first studied to evaluate the performance of the integrated system. Response amplitude operators (RAOs are computed in the time domain using white-noise wave excitation; this serves to highlight nonlinear, as well as dynamic characteristics of the system. Finally, selected design load cases (DLCs and the stochastic dynamic response of the system are studied to assess the global performance for sea states defined by wind fields with turbulence and long-crested irregular waves.

Application of a newly built semi-submersible vessel for transportation of a tension leg platform

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Dagang; Sun, Weiying; Fan, Zhixia

2012-09-01

Transportation of tension leg platform (TLP) structures for a long distance has always been associated with the use of a heavy semi-transport vessel. The requirements of this type of vessel are always special, and their availability is limited. To prepare for the future development of South China Sea deepwater projects, the China Offshore Oil Engineering Corporation has recently built a heavy lift transport vessel-Hai Yang Shi You 278. This semi-submersible vessel has a displacement capacity of 50k DWT, and a breath of 42 meters. Understanding the vessel's applicability and preparing it for use in future deepwater projects are becoming imminent needs. This paper reviews the current critical issues associated with TLP transportation and performs detailed analysis of the designed TLP during load-out and transportation. The newly built COOEC transportation vessel HYSY 278 was applied to dry transport of the TLP structure from the COOEC fabrication yard in Qingdao to an oil field in South China Sea. The entire process included the load-out of the TLP structure from the landsite of the fabrication yard, the offloading and float-on of the platform from the vessel, the dry transport of the TLP over a long distance, and the final offloading of the platform. Both hydrodynamic and structure analysis were performed to evaluate the behavior of the transport vessel and TLP structure. Special attention was paid to critical areas associated with the use of this new vessel, along with any potential limitations. The results demonstrate that HYSY 278 can effectively be used for transporting the structure with proper arrangement and well-prepared operation. The procedure and details were presented on the basis of the study results. Special attention was also given to discussion on future use based on the results from the analysis.

Long-term global response analysis of a vertical axis wind turbine supported on a semi-submersible floating platform: Comparison between operating and non-operating wind turbine load cases

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Collu, Maurizio; Manuel, Lance; Borg, Michael

2015-01-01

This study continues [1] the examination of the long-term global response of a floating vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) situated off the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic Ocean. The VAWT, which consists of a 5-MW 3-bladed H-type rotor developed as part of the EU-FP7 H2OCEAN project, is assumed...... is adopted, as well as also taking into account the drag generated by the wind turbine tower. Short-term turbine load and platform motion statistics are established for individual sea states that are analysed. The long-term reliability yields estimates of 50-year loads and platform motions that takes...... to be mounted on the OC4 semi-submersible floating platform. Adding a non-operational load case (wind speed 35m/s), the sea states identified are used to carry out coupled dynamics simulations using the FloVAWT design tool, for which an improved wave elevation and relative force/moment time signals approach...

Directionality Effects of Aligned Wind and Wave Loads on a Y-Shape Semi-Submersible Floating Wind Turbine under Rated Operational Conditions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shengtao Zhou

2017-12-01

Full Text Available The Y-shape (triangular semi-submersible foundation has been adopted by most of the built full-scale floating wind turbines, such as Windfloat, Fukushima Mirai and Shimpuu. Considering the non-fully-symmetrical shape and met-ocean condition, the foundation laying angle relative to wind/wave directions will not only influence the downtime and power efficiency of the floating turbine, but also the strength and fatigue safety of the whole structure. However, the dynamic responses induced by various aligned wind and wave load directions have scarcely been investigated comparatively before. In our study, the directionality effects are investigated by means of combined wind and wave tests and coupled multi-body simulations. By comparing the measured data in three load directions, it is found that the differences of platform motions are mainly derived from the wave loads and larger pitch motion can always be observed in one of the directions. To make certain the mechanism underlying the observed phenomena, a coupled multi-body dynamic model of the floating wind turbine is established and validated. The numerical results demonstrate that the second-order hydrodynamic forces contribute greatly to the directionality distinctions for surge and pitch, and the first-order hydrodynamic forces determine the variations of tower base bending moments and nacelle accelerations. These findings indicate the directionality effects should be predetermined comprehensively before installation at sea, which is important for the operation and maintenance of the Y-shape floating wind turbines.

Tender moments in the North Sea

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fox, C

1991-04-01

Described is tender-assisted drilling (TAD) on the UK North Sea Gannet field. The Gannet field is developed by Shell UK Exploration and Production (Shell Expro). In March 1990, Shell Expro awarded Sedco Forex the design and engineering contract to convert the semisubmersible drilling rig Sedco 704 into the Gannet TSV (Tender Support Vessel). The only semisubmersible TSV operation so far to have completed drilling in the North Sea has been in the Norwegian sector. The Odin field, operated by Esso Norge a/s, was developed using the converted drilling rig Treasure Hunter. 1 fig., 1 ill., 3 refs.

The Semi-Submersible Network

Science.gov (United States)

2012-12-01

Hallan Sumergible de las FARC con sistemas por satélite e informáticos,” Semana, September 26, 2011, http://www.semana.com/nacion/hallan-sumergible-farc... sistemas -satelite-informaticos/164832- 3.aspx. 20 Rear Admiral Charles Michel, “Hearing on Border Security Threats to the Homeland: DHS’s Response to... web page on the FARC that provides a detailed description of the terror group’s history, sub-organizations, and their operational locations. In

Technology trends, energy prices affect worldwide rig activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rappold, K.

1995-01-01

The major worldwide offshore rig markets have improved slightly this year, while the onshore markets generally lagged slightly. Offshore rig utilization rates have remained strong worldwide, with some areas reaching nearly 100%. Total worldwide offshore rig (jack ups, semisubmersible, drillships, submersibles, and barges) utilization was about 86%. Offshore drilling activity is driven primarily by oil and natural gas price expectations. Natural gas prices tend to drive North American offshore drilling activity, including the shallow waters in the Gulf of Mexico. International offshore drilling activity and deepwater projects in the Gulf of Mexico are more closely tied to oil prices. The paper discusses US rig count, directional drilling activity, jack up rig demand, semisubmersibles demand, rig replacement costs, and new construction

Floating production platforms and their applications in the development of oil and gas fields in the South China Sea

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Dagang; Chen, Yongjun; Zhang, Tianyu

2014-03-01

This paper studies the current available options for floating production platforms in developing deepwater oil fields and the potential development models of future oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea. A detailed review of current deepwater platforms worldwide was performed through the examples of industry projects, and the pros and cons of each platform are discussed. Four types of platforms are currently used for the deepwater development: tension leg platform, Spar, semi-submersible platform, and the floating production system offloading. Among these, the TLP and Spar can be used for dry tree applications, and have gained popularity in recent years. The dry tree application enables the extension of the drilling application for fixed platforms into floating systems, and greatly reduces the cost and complexity of the subsea operation. Newly built wet tree semi-submersible production platforms for ultra deepwater are also getting their application, mainly due to the much needed payload for deepwater making the conversion of the old drilling semi-submersible platforms impossible. These platforms have been used in different fields around the world for different environments; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are many challenges with the successful use of these floating platforms. A lot of lessons have been learned and extensive experience accumulated through the many project applications. Key technologies are being reviewed for the successful use of floating platforms for field development, and potential future development needs are being discussed. Some of the technologies and experience of platform applications can be well used for the development of the South China Sea oil and gas field.

46 CFR 2.10-101 - Annual vessel inspection fee.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... inspections, damage surveys, repair and modification inspections, change in vessel service inspections, permit... of international certificates. (d) Entitlement to inspection services for the current year remains... MODUs 4,695 Semi-submersible MODUs 8,050 Nautical School Vessels: Length not greater than 100 feet 835...

Motion Performance and Mooring System of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Jing Zhao; Liang Zhang; Haitao Wu

2012-01-01

The development of offshore wind farms was originally carried out in shallow water areas with fixed (seabed mounted) structures.However,countries with limited shallow water areas require innovative floating platforms to deploy wind turbines offshore in order to harness wind energy to generate electricity in deep seas.The performances of motion and mooring system dynamics are vital to designing a cost effective and durable floating platform.This paper describes a numerical model to simulate dynamic behavior of a new semi-submersible type floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) system.The wind turbine was modeled as a wind block with a certain thrust coefficient,and the hydrodynamics and mooring system dynamics of the platform were calculated by SESAM software.The effect of change in environmental conditions on the dynamic response of the system under wave and wind loading was examined.The results indicate that the semi-submersible concept has excellent performance and SESAM could be an effective tool for floating wind turbine design and analysis.

Motion performance and mooring system of a floating offshore wind turbine

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Jing; Zhang, Liang; Wu, Haitao

2012-09-01

The development of offshore wind farms was originally carried out in shallow water areas with fixed (seabed mounted) structures. However, countries with limited shallow water areas require innovative floating platforms to deploy wind turbines offshore in order to harness wind energy to generate electricity in deep seas. The performances of motion and mooring system dynamics are vital to designing a cost effective and durable floating platform. This paper describes a numerical model to simulate dynamic behavior of a new semi-submersible type floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) system. The wind turbine was modeled as a wind block with a certain thrust coefficient, and the hydrodynamics and mooring system dynamics of the platform were calculated by SESAM software. The effect of change in environmental conditions on the dynamic response of the system under wave and wind loading was examined. The results indicate that the semi-submersible concept has excellent performance and SESAM could be an effective tool for floating wind turbine design and analysis.

Computers make rig life extension an option

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1996-10-01

The worldwide semisubmersible drilling rig fleet is approaching retirement. But replacement is not an attractive option even though dayrates are reaching record highs. In 1991, Schlumberger Sedco Forex managers decided that an alternative might exist if regulators and insurers could be convinced to extend rig life expectancy through restoration. Sedco Forex chose their No. 704 semisubmersible, an 18-year North Sea veteran, to test their process. The first step was to determine what required restoration, meaning fatigue life analysis of each weld on the huge vessel. If inspected, the task would be unacceptably time-consuming and of questionable accuracy. Instead a suite of computer programs modeled the stress seen by each weld, statistically estimated the sea states seen by the rig throughout its North Sea service and calibrated a beam-element model on which to run their computer simulations. The elastic stiffness of the structure and detailed stress analysis of each weld was performed with ANSYS, a commercially available finite-element analysis program. The use of computer codes to evaluate service life extension is described.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) platform configuration and integration. Volume II. Conceptual design. Final report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

None

1978-06-01

The purpose of this project is to evaluate six candidate hullforms as candidates for the OTEC commercial plant. This volume is a summary of the conceptual design including facility requirements, cost, schedule, and site sensitivity. Two OTEC commercial plant configurations are considered in this study: the ship and the semi-submersible. Engineering drawings are presented. (WHR)

The Submersible Threat to Maritime Homeland Security

Science.gov (United States)

2013-09-01

successfully utilized both semi-submersible and fully-submersible vessels during naval engagements. David boats were cigar -shaped, steam driven, wooden vessels...Capabilities: Maximum diving depth of 40 feet. Features an Auto-Hover system, built-in SONAR, Fly-By-Wire Joystick, Electronic Buoyancy Control...Features include a Fly-By-Wire Joystick, Electronic Buoyancy Control, and Electrical Systems Monitor. Cost: $ 59,000 (USD) (International VentureCraft Corp

An Analysis of Mathematical Models to Improve Counter-Drug Smuggling Operations

Science.gov (United States)

2014-09-01

map that specifies the likely location of the targets. Environmental factors may influence how the heat map blobs move across the map. Currently...commercial fishing vessels, recreation vessels, and go-fast boats (Seelke, 2010). Traffickers also have increasingly used self-propelled semisubmersibles...12. Illustration of the Search Plan. The blue blob represents the likely location of the target and the red dot represents the location of the

North Sea trends typify industry's worldwide adjustment to change

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nicandros, C.S.

1993-01-01

In response to rapid industry changes, oil companies are employing new practices and entering new relationships. In the U.K. North Sea's Britannia field, Conoco (U.K.) Ltd. and Chevron (U.K.) Ltd. share duties of field operator in the region's first such business arrangement. Here, the Neddrill 6 semisubmersible drills a Britannia appraisal well. This report tells how companies are using teamwork and other techniques to derive maximum value from their assets and technologies

An area for para-petroleum development in Western France; Un pole parapetrolier a l'Ouest

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anon,

2000-08-01

The Brest Offshore Industrie and Brest Offshore Developpement groups sited in Brest (Brittany, France) belong to a general interest pool with advanced competences in offshore technologies. In order to celebrate the construction of the Sedco Energy semi-submersible platform, built by the direction of naval constructions (DCN) of Brest for Transocean Sedco Forex company, an information day was organized on May 11, 2000 by Brest-Iroise Technopole to show the R and D capabilities of the local companies in offshore technology. (J.S.)

An area for para-petroleum development in Western France; Un pole parapetrolier a l'Ouest

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anon.

2000-08-01

The Brest Offshore Industrie and Brest Offshore Developpement groups sited in Brest (Brittany, France) belong to a general interest pool with advanced competences in offshore technologies. In order to celebrate the construction of the Sedco Energy semi-submersible platform, built by the direction of naval constructions (DCN) of Brest for Transocean Sedco Forex company, an information day was organized on May 11, 2000 by Brest-Iroise Technopole to show the R and D capabilities of the local companies in offshore technology. (J.S.)

Les ouvrages pétroliers en mer Offshore Petroleum Structures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Susbielles G.

2006-11-01

Full Text Available Dans la conjoncture actuelle, la situation de l'offshore pétrolier semble plus prometteuse que par un passé récent car, au moins, soixante pays ont des ressources existantes ou possibles. Depuis 1975, la technique pétrolière a continué à progresser mais, surtout dans le domaine du développement des champs. Pour les plates-formes de production en acier, celles des champs de Cognac, Hondo, Ninian et Maureen se distinguent des autres, soit par leur architecture, soit par leurs dimensions. Les plates-formes en béton sont installées, pour la plupart, en mer du Nord, celle du champ de Ninian dépassant toutes les autres en dimensions. Une exception, le Brésil, avec trois plates-formes en eau peu profonde. Pour les champs marginaux, ou pour préciser les caractéristiques d'un gisement découvert, la mise en production se fait à partir de têtes de puits sous-marines, d'un manifold et de liaisons à un ouvrage flottant (plate-forme semi-submersible, tanker. Peu de modifications ont été apportées aux plates-formes semi-submersibles. Seule la plate-forme Sedco 709 est différente des autres car elle est positionnée dynamiquement. Les plus importantes opérations de levage en mer sont assurées par des grues de très forte capacité. La conception des postes de chargement reste le domaine de quelques sociétés. Quant à la pose de pipelines et de conduites, elle a évolué par l'apparition d'ouvrages tels que les barges Castoro VI de Saipem et Apache de Santa Fe et le navire Flexservice 1. Il reste aux ingénieurs à créer des systèmes de développements en mer profonde (au-delà de 500 m de profondeur d'eau. Within the present economic context, the offshore petroleum situation seems more promising than in the recent past because at least sixty countries have existing or possible resources. Since 1975 petroleum technology has continued ta advance, especially in the area of field development. For steel production platforms, the ones on

Dynamic Analysis of a Floating Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Under Emergency Shutdown Using Hydrodynamic Brake

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wang, K.; Hansen, Martin Otto Laver; Moan, T.

2014-01-01

Emergency shutdown is always a challenge for an operating vertical axis wind turbine. A 5-MW vertical axis wind turbine with a Darrieus rotor mounted on a semi-submersible support structure was examined in this study. Coupled non-linear aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulations of the floating vertical...... axis wind turbine were carried out for emergency shutdown cases over a range of environmental conditions based on correlated wind and wave data. When generator failure happens, a brake should be applied to stop the acceleration of the rotor to prevent the rotor from overspeeding and subsequent disaster...

Robotic vehicle with multiple tracked mobility platforms

Science.gov (United States)

Salton, Jonathan R [Albuquerque, NM; Buttz, James H [Albuquerque, NM; Garretson, Justin [Albuquerque, NM; Hayward, David R [Wetmore, CO; Hobart, Clinton G [Albuquerque, NM; Deuel, Jr., Jamieson K.

2012-07-24

A robotic vehicle having two or more tracked mobility platforms that are mechanically linked together with a two-dimensional coupling, thereby forming a composite vehicle of increased mobility. The robotic vehicle is operative in hazardous environments and can be capable of semi-submersible operation. The robotic vehicle is capable of remote controlled operation via radio frequency and/or fiber optic communication link to a remote operator control unit. The tracks have a plurality of track-edge scallop cut-outs that allow the tracks to easily grab onto and roll across railroad tracks, especially when crossing the railroad tracks at an oblique angle.

Update on the Comparison of Second-Order Loads on a Tension Leg Platform for Wind Turbines: Preprint

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gueydon, Sebastien; Jonkman, Jason

2016-08-01

In comparison to other kinds of floaters (like a spar or a semisubmersible), the tension leg platform has several notable advantages: its vertical motions are negligible, its weight is lighter, and its mooring system's footprint is smaller. Although a tension leg platform has a negligible response to first-order vertical wave loads, the second-order wave loads need to be addressed. This paper follows up on a verification study of second-order wave loads on a tension leg platform for wind turbines done by the Maritime Research Institute of The Netherlands and National Renewable Energy Laboratory and it brings some corrections to its conclusions.

A study of wave forces on an offshore platform by direct CFD and Morison equation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhang D.

2015-01-01

The next step is the presentation of 3D multiphase RANS simulation of the wind-turbine platform in single-harmonic regular waves. Simulation results from full 3D simulation will be compared to the results from Morison’s equation. We are motivated by the challenges of a floating platform which has complex underwater geometry (e.g. tethered semi-submersible. In cases like this, our hypothesis is that Morison’s equation will result in inaccurate prediction of forces, due to the limitations of 2D coefficients of simple geometries, and that 3D multiphase RANS CFD will be required to generate reliable predictions of platform loads and motions.

Decommission of nuclear ship 'MUTSU'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tateyama, Takeshi

1996-01-01

The nuclear-powered ship 'MUTSU' was decommissioned by removing the reactor room in June 1995, which was hoisted and transported by a floating crane to a shore storage room at Sekinehama, Aomori Prefecture. This work was carried out in three stages: extraction of the spent fuel assemblies and neutron sources, dismantling of the machinery in the reactor auxiliary room, and separation and transportation of the reactor together with the secondary shielding structure and surrounding hull. IHI mainly conducted the third stage work. The separation work of the reactor room structure using a semisubmersible barge is outlined. Stress analysis and design of the reactor room for lifting work is also described. (author)

Structural Dynamic Analysis of Semi-Submersible Floating Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jeremiah Ishie

2016-12-01

Full Text Available The strong and stable wind at offshore locations and the increasing demand for energy have made the application of wind turbines in deeper water surge. A novel concept of a 5 MW baseline Floating Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (FVAWT and a 5 MW optimised FVAWT with the DeepWind Darrieus rotor and the optimised DeepWind Darrieus rotor, respectively, were studied extensively. The structural responses, fatigue damages, platform global motions and mooring line dynamics of the FVAWTs were investigated comprehensively during normal operating conditions under steady wind and turbulent wind conditions, using a coupled non-linear aero-hydro-servo-elastic code (the Simo-Riflex-DMS code which was developed by Wang et al. for modeling FVAWTs. This coupled code incorporates the models for the turbulent wind field, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, structural dynamics, and generator controller. The simulation is performed in a fully coupled manner in time domain. The comparison of responses under different wind conditions were used to demonstrate the effect of turbulence on both FVAWTs dynamic responses. The turbulent wind condition has the advantage of reducing the 2P effects. Furthermore, comparative studies of the FVAWTs responses were undertaken to explore the advantages of adopting the optimised 5 MW DeepWind Darrieus rotor over the baseline model. The results identified the 5 MW optimised FVAWT to having: lower Fore-Aft (FA but higher lower Side-Side (SS bending moments of structural components; lower motions amplitude; lower short-term fatigue equivalent loads and a further reduced 2P effects.

Design and analysis of a semi-submersible vertical axis wind turbine

OpenAIRE

Siddique, Muhammad Abu Zafar

2017-01-01

Wind energy are deployed by two types of wind turbines. They are Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) and Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT), classified according to their axis of rotation. In recent years, offshore wind energy playing a vital role in the wind turbine industry due to high intensity of air, less turbulent and comparatively clean and easily employed in large area which is difficult to manage for onshore or near-shore. The advantages of HAWTs are now facing different challenge in ...

Recommendations on the use of expert judgment in safety and reliability engineering studies. Two offshore case studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hokstada, Per; Oien, Knut; Reinertsen, Rune

1998-01-01

This paper provides guidance on the process of establishing input data to safety and reliability engineering analyses when no or little field data exist, and expert judgment is required. Some recommendations are directly related to a discussion of basic requirements for scientific work. Further, two case studies are discussed in order to highlight some actual problem areas that are experienced when using expert judgment, and some recommendations for handling these problems are given. The first case describes how expert judgment was used to analyse the safe operation of an umbilical on a semisubmersible drilling rig, and the second case is related to establishing generic failure rates/probabilities for components of offshore safety systems

The monitoring, operation and assessment of a semi-submersible tidal stream prototype

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2004-07-01

It is feasible that for deep water (60-80m) sites around the British Isles, the most suitable tidal stream turbine is the free-swinging type. As a forerunner of a commercial system, a small-scale turbine (1.5m diameter) was studied firstly in a swimming pool and secondly in the River Thames. The river tests were carried out over 15 months on both flood and ebb tides. The results of the tests and conclusions drawn are reported. The tests demonstrated the promise of the system but a number of problems arose which will need to be resolved before designing a commercial-scale system. The problems mainly concerned the method of handling the large torque and thrust loads, and buoyancy in strong tides.

A CAD model for energy efficient offshore structures for desalination and energy generation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. Rahul Dev,

2016-09-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a ‘Computer Aided Design (CAD’ model for energy efficient design of offshore structures. In the CAD model preliminary dimensions and geometric details of an offshore structure (i.e. semi-submersible are optimized to achieve a favorable range of motion to reduce the energy consumed by the ‘Dynamic Position System (DPS’. The presented model allows the designer to select the configuration satisfying the user requirements and integration of Computer Aided Design (CAD and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD. The integration of CAD with CFD computes a hydrodynamically and energy efficient hull form. Our results show that the implementation of the present model results into an design that can serve the user specified requirements with less cost and energy consumption.

WindFloat Pacific Project, Final Scientific and Technical Report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Banister, Kevin [Principle Power, Inc., Emeryville, CA (United States)

2017-01-17

PPI’s WindFloat Pacific project (WFP) was an up to 30 MW floating offshore wind demonstration project proposed off the Coast of Oregon. The project was to be sited approximately 18 miles due west of Coos Bay, in over 1000 ft. of water, and is the first floating offshore wind array proposed in the United States, and the first offshore wind project of any kind proposed off the West Coast. PPI’s WindFloat, a semi-submersible foundation designed for high-capacity (6MW+) offshore wind turbines, is at the heart of the proposed project, and enables access to the world class wind resource at the project site and, equally, to other deep water, high wind resource areas around the country.

Pressured drilling riser design for drilling in ultra deep water with surface bop

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, J.; Morrison, D.; Efthymiou, M.; Lo, K.H. [Shell Global Solutions, 78 - Velizy Villacoublay (France); Magne, E.; Leach, C. [Shell Internationale Exploration and Production (Netherlands)

2002-12-01

In conventional drilling with a semi-submersible rig valuable rig time is used to run and retrieve the BOP and its accessories on the seabed, and this time increases with water depth. Furthermore, use of the conventional sub-sea BOP requires a large-diameter riser, which requires substantial rig storage and deck load capacity prior to installation. It also requires high riser-tensioning capacity or additional buoyancy. Thus as the water depth increases, it leads to a need for heavy duty 4. and 5. generation rigs with escalation in costs. The high cost of deep-water drill rigs is leading to the development of Surface BOP technology. In this development, the BOP is placed above sea level and the riser is simply a continuation of the casing (typical diameter 13-3/8''). This eliminates the need for a heavy 21'' riser and for running the BOP to the sea bed and retrieving it. Moreover, the reduced tension requirement for the smaller riser extends the water depth capability of 3. generation drilling semi-submersibles, enabling them to drill in deeper waters. A critical success factor for this development is the ability to design the riser/casing to withstand high internal pressures due to well kicks, in addition to environmental loads, and to restrict vessel offsets within certain limits so as not to overload the riser under the prevailing weather conditions. This paper addresses the design considerations of a pressured drilling riser that can be used with a surface BOP in deep-water. Key design issues that are sensitive to ultra-deep-water applications are discussed. The technical aspects of using (disposable) standard casing with threaded connector for the drilling riser are discussed, with a particular emphasis on the connector fatigue-testing program to quantify the stress concentration factor for fatigue design. Emerging composite material offers some alternatives to the steel riser when drilling in ultra-deep water Design issues related to the

Delay-Range-Dependent H∞ Control for Automatic Mooring Positioning System with Time-Varying Input Delay

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaoyu Su

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Aiming at the economy and security of the positioning system in semi-submersible platform, the paper presents a new scheme based on the mooring line switching strategy. Considering the input delay in switching process, H∞ control with time-varying input delay is designed to calculate the control forces to resist disturbing forces. In order to reduce the conservativeness, the information of the lower bound of delay is taken into account, and a Lyapunov function which contains the range of delay is constructed. Besides, the input constraint is considered to avoid breakage of mooring lines. The sufficient conditions for delay-range-dependent stabilization are derived in terms of LMI, and the controller is also obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by a realistic design example.

A Method for Modeling of Floating Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wang, Kai; Hansen, Martin Otto Laver; Moan, Torgeir

2013-01-01

It is of interest to investigate the potential advantages of floating vertical axis wind turbine (FVAWT) due to its economical installation and maintenance. A novel 5MW vertical axis wind turbine concept with a Darrieus rotor mounted on a semi-submersible support structure is proposed in this paper....... In order to assess the technical and economic feasibility of this novel concept, a comprehensive simulation tool for modeling of the floating vertical axis wind turbine is needed. This work presents the development of a coupled method for modeling of the dynamics of a floating vertical axis wind turbine....... This integrated dynamic model takes into account the wind inflow, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, structural dynamics (wind turbine, floating platform and the mooring lines) and a generator control. This approach calculates dynamic equilibrium at each time step and takes account of the interaction between the rotor...

Ancrage dynamique: principales applications Dynamic Positioning: Main Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fay H.

2006-11-01

Full Text Available L'ancrage dynamique est la technique qui a permis à la recherche pétrolière d'étendre ses possibilités bien au-delà des plateaux continentaux, sans limitation de profondeur, pour des opérations difficiles, ou encore dans un environnement océanométéorologique sévère, comme celui de la mer du Nord et des mers froides avec la présence d'icebergs. Cet article correspond à des extraits de l'ouvrage Ancrage dynamique. Technique et applications , à paraître aux Editions Technip. Après un bref rappel historique et un exposé succinct des caractéristiques des systèmes d'ancrage dynamique, les principales réalisations de navires et de plates-formes semi-submersibles équipées d'un ancrage dynamique sont présentées. La précision du maintien en position, ainsi que les limites opérationnelles des supports considérés sont de même exposées. Enfin la conclusion retrace les avantages de ce procédé, dont l'exceptionnel développement s'applique aussi aux domaines scientifiques et militaires, ainsi qu'à d'autres secteurs industriels que celui des hydrocarbures. Dynamic positioning is the technique that has enabled oil exploration to extend its possibilities far beyond continental shelves, without any limitation of water depth, for difficult operations or else in harsh environments such as for the North Sea and arctic zones with the presence of icebergs. This paper consists of extracts from the book Dynamic Positioning. Technique and Applications , to be published by Editions Technip. After a brief historical review and a succinct survey of the characteristics of dynamic positioning systems, the principal realizations of ships and semi-submersible platforms equipped with a dynamic positioning system are described. The accuracy of position holding capability as well as the operational limits of the supports considered are also described. The conclusion reviews the advantages of this technique, whose exceptional development also

Offshore high - Titanic challenge: Mastering moving mountains of ice tests men and machines

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Will, G.

1998-06-01

Hibernia`s iceberg management program, which includes the difficult but occasional lassoing and towing of an iceberg to alter its direction away from the platform, was described. The platform has a concrete ice wall built around it which can withstand a six-million tonne iceberg, however, even small `bergy bits` or `growlers`, no larger than a typical bungalow, can inflict serious damage on semi-submersibles and other oil and gas installations on the Grand Banks. In the case of these smaller ice structures, propeller washing and water blasting are the favored techniques. With water blasting two water cannons are turned on the growler bobbing in the waves, the force of the jets driving it away from potential danger. Propeller washing is a similar technique, but instead of water cannons the ship`s churning propellers are used to send a bergy bit on its way, away from oil and gas installations.

New solids control system reduced oil on cuttings

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wilkinson, T.P. [Oiltools Europe Ltd., Aberdeen (United Kingdom)

1996-04-08

A new solids control system, consisting of four new shakers and a dryer in parallel all discharging into another dryer, significantly reduced the oil on the cuttings in a nine-well offshore drilling program. Cleaned, slurrified cuttings were then discharged overboard. In November 1994, Oiltools (Europe) Ltd. received contracts to upgrade the solids control systems on Sedco Forex`s Sedco 711 and Sovereign Explorer semisubmersible drilling vessels. Sedco Forex required systems that would meet the reduced oil-on-cuttings (OOC) disposal limit of less than 80 g/kg set by the operator, while staying efficient and economical to operate and maintain. In addition, all solids were required to be slurrified for pumping overboard to ensure dispersal away from the subsea center. This article highlights the equipment used and the savings realized on the Sovereign Explorer after the first three wells of a nine-well program.

Model improvements for evaluating the effect of tower tilting on the aerodynamics of a vertical axis wind turbine

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wang, K.; Hansen, Martin Otto Laver; Moan, T.

2015-01-01

If a vertical axis wind turbine is mounted offshore on a semi-submersible, the pitch motion of the platform will dominate the static pitch and dynamic motion of the platform and wind turbine such that the effect of tower tilting on the aerodynamics of the vertical axis wind turbine should...... be investigated to more accurately predict the aerodynamic loads. This paper proposes certain modifications to the double multiple-streamtube (DMS) model to include the component of wind speed parallel to the rotating shaft. The model is validated against experimental data collected on an H-Darrieus wind turbine...... in skewed flow conditions. Three different dynamic stall models are also integrated into the DMS model: Gormont's model with the adaptation of Strickland, Gormont's model with the modification of Berg and the Beddoes-Leishman dynamic stall model. Both the small Sandia 17m wind turbine and the large DeepWind...

Development experience and development prospect оf electromechanical technological complexes of movement and positioning of technic shelf development equipment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

А. Е. Козярук

2016-11-01

Full Text Available From the example of active semisubmersible drilling rigs it is shown characteristics of electromechanical complexes of drill rigs and anchor position control systems on the base of controlled electric drive with directcurrent motors. It is presented suggestions which allow increasing electric power and service reliability criteria through the use of semiconductor converters supplied from power semiconductor converter with active front end in technological drilling systems, propulsion and position control systems of electromechanical systems on the base of noncontact asynchronous motors. It is outlined information about experience of using such kind of electromechanical complexes at the objects of mining industry working in difficult operating conditions. It is presented information about developing of electromechanical complexes of displacement systems, position control systems, technological and technical shelf development equipment and their characteristics. Also it is outlined structures and examples of designing modern high efficiency systems with contactless actuating motors.

Challenges associated with pre-border management of biofouling on oil rigs.

Science.gov (United States)

Hopkins, Grant A; Forrest, Barrie M

2010-11-01

The potential for oil rigs to transport diverse, reef-like communities around the globe makes them high risk vectors for the inadvertent spread of non-indigenous species (NIS). This paper describes two case studies where a suite of pre-border management approaches was applied to semi-submersible drilling rigs. In the first case study, a drilling rig was defouled in-water prior to departure from New Zealand to Australia. Risk mitigation measures were successful in reducing biosecurity risks to the recipient region, but they resulted in the unintentional introduction of the non-indigenous brown mussel (Perna perna) to New Zealand when the rig was defouled in-water by divers. In the second case study, lessons learned from this high-profile incursion resulted in a more structured approach to pre-border management, and this serves as a useful template for future rig transfers. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wind Loads on Ships and Offshore Structures Estimated by CFD

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Aage, Christian; Hvid, S.L.; Hughes, P.H.

1997-01-01

Wind loads on ships and offshore structures could until recently be determined only by model tests, or by statistical methods based on model tests. By the development of Computational Fluid Dynamics or CFD there is now a realistic computational alternative available. In this paper, wind loads...... on a seagoing ferry and on a semisubmersible offshore platform have been estimated by CFD. The results have been compared with wind tunnel model tests and, for the ferry, a few full-scale measurements, and good agreement is obtained. The CFD method offers the possibility of a computational estimate of scale...... effects related to wind tunnel model testing. An example of such an estimate on the ferry is discussed. Due to the time involved in generating the computational mesh and in computing the solution, the CFD method is not at the moment economically competitive to routine wind tunnel model testing....

On the relative importance of loads acting on a floating verticalaxis wind turbine system when evaluating the global system response

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Collu, Maurizio; Borg, Michael; Manuel, Lance

2016-01-01

of the VAWT aerodynamic forces, the platform hydrodynamic forces, and the mooring forces. The results help evaluate the relative importance of hydrodynamic with respect to aerodynamic forces, depending on the loading condition. A deeper insight into the aerodynamic forces is provided, which shows the impact...... their potential advantages. Due to the substantial differences between HAWT and VAWT systems, analysis procedures employed for a floating HAWT analyses cannot be extended to use for floating VAWT systems. Here, the main aim is to provide a systematic analysis and comparison of the forces acting on a reference...... by the OC4-Phase II semisubmersible. Using the coupled model of dynamics for VAWT "FloVAWT", the global response of the system is estimated for a set of load cases, allowing the assessment of the contributions of individual force components. In particular, the simulations allow us to assess the impact...

Experimental investigation of flow characteristics around four square-cylinder arrays at subcritical Reynolds numbers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mingyue Liu

2015-09-01

Full Text Available The Deep Draft Semi-Submersible (DDS concepts are known for their favourable vertical motion performance. However, the DDS may experience critical Vortex-Induced Motion (VIM stemming from the fluctuating forces on the columns. In order to investigate the current-induced excitation forces of VIM, an experimental study of flow characteristics around four square-section cylinders in a square configuration is presented. A number of column spacing ratios and array attack angles were considered to investigate the parametric influences. The results comprise flow patterns, drag and lift forces, as well as Strouhal numbers. It is shown that both the drag and lift forces acting on the cylinders are slightly different between the various L/D values, and the fluctuating forces peak at L/D = 4.14. The lift force of downstream cylinders reaches its maximum at around α = 15°. Furthermore, the flow around circular- section-cylinder arrays is also discussed in comparison with that of square cylinders.

Journal of The Society of Naval Architects of Japan. Vol. 181; Nihon Zosen Gakkai Ronbunshu. 181

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-06-01

A total of 40 papers presented to the society`s springtime symposium held in May 1997 are collected. Some of the major topics are for sailing boats, including sail force by full scale measurement and numerical simulation, design method for sailing boats by CFD performance simulation, and CFD simulation of two-sail interaction about a sailing yacht; for large floating structures, including numerical response analysis of a large mat-type floating structures in regular waves, an assessment of a mega-float on water quality and ecosystem in Tokyo Bay, and structural analyses of very large semi-submersibles in waves; for basic calculation methods, including integrated Green`s function method for 3-dimensional unsteady flow field around an advancing ship, and the characteristic analysis of turbulent diffusion on the functional design of marine systems; and others, including development of a small cruising-type AUV and training of constant altitude swimming, development of the hull inspection robot, and a consideration on the elastic response and design of deepwater riser

FAST Model Calibration and Validation of the OC5-DeepCwind Floating Offshore Wind System Against Wave Tank Test Data

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wendt, Fabian F [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Robertson, Amy N [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Jonkman, Jason [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

2017-06-03

During the course of the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration, Continued, with Correlation (OC5) project, which focused on the validation of numerical methods through comparison against tank test data, the authors created a numerical FAST model of the 1:50-scale DeepCwind semisubmersible system that was tested at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands ocean basin in 2013. This paper discusses several model calibration studies that were conducted to identify model adjustments that improve the agreement between the numerical simulations and the experimental test data. These calibration studies cover wind-field-specific parameters (coherence, turbulence), hydrodynamic and aerodynamic modeling approaches, as well as rotor model (blade-pitch and blade-mass imbalances) and tower model (structural tower damping coefficient) adjustments. These calibration studies were conducted based on relatively simple calibration load cases (wave only/wind only). The agreement between the final FAST model and experimental measurements is then assessed based on more-complex combined wind and wave validation cases.

Hydrodynamic analysis and design of high-level radioactive waste disposal model penetrators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Visintini, L.; Mazazzi, R.; Murray, C.N.

1991-01-01

The Commission of the European Communities is studying in the framework of the NEA/OECD Internationally Co-ordinational Seabed Programme the feasibility of using deep ocean sedimentary geological formations as a final disposal medium for vitrified high level waste and fuel elements. At present, two options are being considered for the embedment of such wastes in the sediment column, drilling and free fall penetrators. In the second case, the high level waste would be contained in specially designed drums which would be placed into torpedo-shaped projectiles. These penetrators would then be launched from a semi-submersible platform or ship and allowed to fall freely through the water column (≅ 5 km depth) and to bury themselves within the sediment column. The present article reports some work which has been carried out by the Joint Research Centre, Ispra Establishment on designing large model penetrators for tests at two sites in the North Atlantic

Gulf of Mexico rig activity up, international lags

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rappold, K.

1994-01-01

Demand for jack up and semisubmersible rigs has improved in the Gulf of Mexico following a decline in activity earlier this year. International drilling activity, however, has shown slight declines in several regions. Relatively firm natural gas prices have helped buoy rig activity in North America. Rig day rates have not followed suit, mainly because of the influx of rigs from weaker international markets. Day rates in the US may not increase until international activity picks up and the world-wide drilling market tightens. Oil prices have hit almost $20/bbl, mainly because of the recent oil worker' strike in Nigeria and good demand. Natural gas prices in the US have hovered around $2.00/MMBTU, and many industry analysts expect gas prices to remain strong over the next few years. This paper gives data on drilling rig counts and crude oil and gas prices in the Gulf of Mexico and onshore

FAST Model Calibration and Validation of the OC5- DeepCwind Floating Offshore Wind System Against Wave Tank Test Data: Preprint

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wendt, Fabian F [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Robertson, Amy N [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Jonkman, Jason [National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

2017-08-09

During the course of the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration, Continued, with Correlation (OC5) project, which focused on the validation of numerical methods through comparison against tank test data, the authors created a numerical FAST model of the 1:50-scale DeepCwind semisubmersible system that was tested at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands ocean basin in 2013. This paper discusses several model calibration studies that were conducted to identify model adjustments that improve the agreement between the numerical simulations and the experimental test data. These calibration studies cover wind-field-specific parameters (coherence, turbulence), hydrodynamic and aerodynamic modeling approaches, as well as rotor model (blade-pitch and blade-mass imbalances) and tower model (structural tower damping coefficient) adjustments. These calibration studies were conducted based on relatively simple calibration load cases (wave only/wind only). The agreement between the final FAST model and experimental measurements is then assessed based on more-complex combined wind and wave validation cases.

Probabilistic analysis and fatigue damage assessment of offshore mooring system due to non-Gaussian bimodal tension processes

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Anteng; Li, Huajun; Wang, Shuqing; Du, Junfeng

2017-08-01

Both wave-frequency (WF) and low-frequency (LF) components of mooring tension are in principle non-Gaussian due to nonlinearities in the dynamic system. This paper conducts a comprehensive investigation of applicable probability density functions (PDFs) of mooring tension amplitudes used to assess mooring-line fatigue damage via the spectral method. Short-term statistical characteristics of mooring-line tension responses are firstly investigated, in which the discrepancy arising from Gaussian approximation is revealed by comparing kurtosis and skewness coefficients. Several distribution functions based on present analytical spectral methods are selected to express the statistical distribution of the mooring-line tension amplitudes. Results indicate that the Gamma-type distribution and a linear combination of Dirlik and Tovo-Benasciutti formulas are suitable for separate WF and LF mooring tension components. A novel parametric method based on nonlinear transformations and stochastic optimization is then proposed to increase the effectiveness of mooring-line fatigue assessment due to non-Gaussian bimodal tension responses. Using time domain simulation as a benchmark, its accuracy is further validated using a numerical case study of a moored semi-submersible platform.

Flexible Riser Monitoring Using Hybrid Magnetic/Optical Strain Gage Techniques through RLS Adaptive Filtering

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniel Pipa

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Flexible riser is a class of flexible pipes which is used to connect subsea pipelines to floating offshore installations, such as FPSOs (floating production/storage/off-loading unit and SS (semisubmersible platforms, in oil and gas production. Flexible risers are multilayered pipes typically comprising an inner flexible metal carcass surrounded by polymer layers and spiral wound steel ligaments, also referred to as armor wires. Since these armor wires are made of steel, their magnetic properties are sensitive to the stress they are subjected to. By measuring their magnetic properties in a nonintrusive manner, it is possible to compare the stress in the armor wires, thus allowing the identification of damaged ones. However, one encounters several sources of noise when measuring electromagnetic properties contactlessly, such as movement between specimen and probe, and magnetic noise. This paper describes the development of a new technique for automatic monitoring of armor layers of flexible risers. The proposed approach aims to minimize these current uncertainties by combining electromagnetic measurements with optical strain gage data through a recursive least squares (RLSs adaptive filter.

Saving money on rig refurbishments through foreign trade zones or duty-drawback

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ward, R.J. Jr.

1997-01-01

The recent boom in day rates for rigs capable of drilling in deep water and harsh environments has created a frenzy of rig refurbishment activity in shipyards located in US Gulf states. In most instances, the destination for the rigs upon completion is the US Outer Continental Shelf (USOCS) in the Gulf of Mexico. The problem faced by contractors/operators planning to use US shipyards is that this circumstance has caused difficulty in shielding rigs and their foreign-sourced components from US Customs duties. Under US Customs law, a bona fide exportation requires severance from US commerce and joining to the commerce of some foreign country or, in the case of a vessel supply, a qualifying international voyage. The USOCS does not qualify as an exportation, nor do movements to drilling sites located on it qualify as an international voyage. Described here are two possible solutions to this economic dilemma and an example of how the foreign trade zone solution was applied by Global marine in its plans for upgrading some of its semisubmersible drilling rigs for deepwater USOCS work

Preprint of the papers of the Spring 1997 Meeting of the Society of Naval Architects of Japan; Nippon zosen gakkai (1997 nen) shunki koen ronbun maezuri

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-08-01

This is a proceedings of the Spring 1997 Meeting of the Society of Naval Architects of Japan. It includes 19 papers on structures, materials, welding, building, design and machinery of ships and floating structures. For the automation of ocean surveys, a development is conducted of cruising-type autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). The following are important studies: `Development of a small cruising-type AUV and training of constant altitude swimming,` `Visual feedback navigation for cable tracking by autonomous underwater vehicles,` and `Development of the hull inspection robot (RTV-SHIP).` Large floating bodies for the ocean space utilization are being proposed, and the following are useful for strength analyses: `Structural analyses of very large semi-submersibles in waves,` `An investigation on the dynamic response and strength of very long floating structures by beam modeling on an elastic foundation` relating especially to pontoon-type floating bodies with no mooring, and `A basic investigation on deflection wave propagation and strength of very large floating structures.` The title `Temperature effect on corrosion fatigue strength of coated ship structural steel` is very useful for prevention of the hull corrosion.

Design, Numerical Modelling and Analysis of a Semi-submersible Floater Supporting the DTU 10MW Wind Turbine.

OpenAIRE

Islam, Md Touhidul

2016-01-01

In recent years, the demand for renewable energy has increased significantly because of its lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. Wind power is one of the most important sources of renewable energy produced nowadays. As land based turbines have reached their maximum potential, recent market trends are moving into deeper waters with higher capacity turbines. The design of a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) foundation poses few technical challenges....

OC5 Project Phase II: Validation of Global Loads of the DeepCwind Floating Semisubmersible Wind Turbine

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Robertson, Amy N.; Wendt, Fabian; Jonkman, Jason M.

2017-01-01

This paper summarizes the findings from Phase II of the Offshore Code Comparison, Collaboration, Continued, with Correlation project. The project is run under the International Energy Agency Wind Research Task 30, and is focused on validating the tools used for modeling offshore wind systems thro...

New start of nuclear-powered ship 'Mutsu'. 2. On decommissioning works

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuo, Ryusuke

1996-01-01

It was decided that 'Mutsu' is decommissioned immediately after the finish of the experimental voyage in the fundamental plan. Therefore, Nuclear-powered Ship Decommissioning Department was organized in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute in 1992, and the investigation was begun on the measures to abolish the reactor facilities of 'Mutsu'. The fundamental plan was decided to adopt the removal and isolation method for the reactor room including the reactor and shields, to use the ship as the conventional propulsion ocean research ship, and to exhibit the removed reactor chamber under proper control. The required technical assessment and safety examination were carried out based on this fundamental plan. The technical feasibility studies were carried out on the safety of placing 'Mutsu' on a semisubmersible barge, the safety of the cutting works of the hull, the safety of a floating crane, and the safety at the time of accidents. Taking-out of fuel assemblies, the removal works of machinery and equipment in the reactor auxiliary machine room and others, the removal and transport works of the reactor room in a lump, the construction works of the preservation building, and the safety control on the decommissioning works are described. (K.I.)

Islands of steel rise over North Sea gas. Pt. 1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hind, J A

1965-10-27

Nowhere is the offshore oil and gas prospecting boom more enthusiastic, urgent, and crowded than in the North Sea. The type of rig required for this type of offshore drilling mainly depends upon how far offshore drilling is to take place. The fixed jack-up type is most suitable where depth of water is not excessive and for actual drilling operations were the drill is most easily held steady over the hole. This type of rig presents a stability problem under tow from location to location with a shallow depth of hull. Depth of water limits the operational mobility of the submerged-type rig and it is the most prone to scouring effects. Fully floating and ship-mounted rigs solve the depth of water problem and many others associated with ocean transportation. However, this is at the expense of more difficult drilling operations and complexity of equipment. Semi-submersibles are a popular compromise between fixed sit-on-bottom rigs and fully floating types. From a naval architectural point of view they have much to recommend them as all- round units. Typical North Sea drill rigs are described and a table is given for complete details.

Changing the fundamentals[Drill technology

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Flatern, R. von

2003-02-01

Evolution of the science of drilling oil and gas wells has evolved in fits and starts. From drilling with cables to rotary tables to top drives, from straight holes to horizontal, it has been a process interrupted occasionally by flashes of revolutionary brilliance. In this article the author looks at the state of just a few of the technologies that define or threaten to change how drillers go about their business. In the early days of deepwater exploration drillers responded more to technical challenges than financial ones, primarily with immense semisubmersibles and drillships, together with all he necessary ancillary items. The goal of getting deeper faster is not a new one, better performance bits, muds, LWD and MWD, together with numerous other developments all emerged as a result of the desire to shorten the time between spud and TD. But whereas saving a day or two drilling onshore or nearshore is desirable, it has never before been possible to realize the kind of substantial financial benefits from relatively small time savings. Research and development into these type of savings with the design and improvement of different types drill bits and casing drilling is described.

Steel catenary riser design based on coupled analysis methodology; Projeto de um riser rigido em catenaria baseado em metodologia de analise acoplada

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bahiense, Rodrigo A.; Rodrigues, Marcos V. [Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2008-07-01

Due to adoption of oil and gas production systems to deep and ultra-deep water, achieving frontiers that were not conceivable before, research in computational methods has contributed to implementation of sophisticated and efficient numerical tools in order to perform simulations considering those operational conditions. Thus, this work presents a steel catenary riser (SCR) design which is connected to a semi-submersible platform where the applied motions to SCR are obtained from analyses based on de-coupled and coupled methodologies. With increase of the line number of the system and water depth, the effects due to coupling of the lines on the platform motions are significant. It can be observed from performed evaluations for a floating production system, comparing the obtained results for SCR under extreme and fatigue conditions when it was submitted to the platform motions considering both methodologies mentioned. So, from the results obtained it can be concluded that for production system evaluated the adoption of decoupled methodology presents more conservative results. Thus the adoption of the coupled model associated to design practice of production lines presents as an alternative more realist and accurate to provide the optimization in the design of these structures. (author)

The mobile rig industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karlsen, J.K.

1992-08-01

This study is part of the project ''A competitive Norway'', based on the theories and methods presented in the book ''The competitive advantage of nations'', by Michael E. Porter. The rig market may be segmented according to the type of service, the geographical market and the type of equipment. The focus of the report is exploration and appraisal drilling using jackup rigs and semi-submersible rigs in the Northwestern European market. Market shares of Norwegian, other European and US suppliers in the jackup and semi-submerisible market segments on the Norwegian continental shelf and the entire Northwestern market are presented. The main driving force behind the rig demand is the price of oil, but technological trends and changes in relative importance of the various geographical markets are also important. The industry is fairly fragmented on the supplier side, while the oil companies as customers have substantial bargaining power. There are high exit barriers because of the high capital intensity of the business. Combined with a highly volatile demand, this forces the industry through cycles of low capacity utilization and depressed rig day rates. 8 refs., 19 figs., 2 tabs

Optimal Configurations of Wave Energy Converter Arrays with a Floating Body

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhang Wanchao

2016-10-01

Full Text Available An array of floating point-absorbing wave energy converters (WECs is usually employed for extracting efficiently ocean wave energy. For deep water environment, it is more feasible and convenient to connect the absorbers array with a floating body, such as a semi-submersible bottom-moored disk, whose function is to act as the virtual seabed. In the present work, an array of identical floating symmetrically distributed cylinders in a coaxial moored disk as a wave energy device is proposed The power take-off (PTO system in the wave energy device is assumed to be composed of a linear/nonlinear damper activated by the buoys heaving motion. Hydrodynamic analysis of the examined floating system is implemented in frequency domain. Hydrodynamic interferences between the oscillating bodies are accounted for in the corresponding coupled equations. The array layouts under the constraint of the disk, incidence wave directions, separating distance between the absorbers and the PTO damping are considered to optimize this kind of WECs. Numerical results with regular waves are presented and discussed for the axisymmetric system utilizing heave mode with these interaction factors, in terms of a specific numbers of cylinders and expected power production.

Turbomachinery systems for floating production applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Windt, Jonathan P.; Kurz, Rainer [Solar Turbines Incorporated, San Diego, CA (United States)

2008-07-01

Since 1995 there has been a dramatic increase in oil and gas exploration and production using floating platforms in deeper waters located further offshore. This exploration started with tension leg platforms, progressed through SPARs and Semi-Submersibles, and later evolved into Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Turbomachinery equipment installed on a floating platform or vessel will be expected to operate in the same manner as a land based machine, but in a variety of climate and environmental conditions that now includes motion. To operate successfully, specific design considerations for the turbo-machinery packages are required. It is critical to take into account the type of vessel, the expected list, trim and dynamic motion angles, the dynamic forces applied, the expected deck deflection as a result of those forces, understand the applicable class requirement, and where the equipment will be located on the vessel. This information is then translated into the design conditions to determine the type of mounting method to be used to attach the turbo-machinery package to the deck, the expected accelerations for structural analysis, and oil tank and system designs for fluid management. Furthermore, compressor designs need to allow utmost flexibility to adapt to changing operating conditions. (author)

Geologic and operational summary, COST No. G-2 well, Georges Bank area, North Atlantic OCS

Science.gov (United States)

Amato, Roger V.; Simonis, Edvardas K.

1980-01-01

The Continental Offshore Stratigraphic Test (COST) No. G-2 well is the second deep well to be drilled in the Georges Bank Basin and the third in a series of COST wells on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The G-2 was drilled by Ocean Production Company, acting as the operator for 19 participating companies between January 6 and August 30, 1977. The semisubmersible rig Ocean Victory was used to drill the well to a depth of 21,874 feet at a location 132 statute miles east-southeast of Nantucket Island in 272 feet of water. An earlier deep Stratigraphic test, the COST No. G-l well, was drilled 42 statute miles west of the G-2 well, to a depth of 16,071 feet in 1976 (fig. 1). Geological and engineering data obtained from the well were used by companies and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for evaluating the petroleum potential and possible drilling problems in the U.S. North Atlantic OCS area in preparation for lease sale 42 held on December 18, 1979. The Stratigraphic test was intentionally drilled away from any potential petroleum-bearing feature, but in a block bordering several tracts that were included in the sale area.

Study for a stress joint at the top of a SCR (Steel Catenary Risers); Estudo de 'stress joints' para o topo de um SCR (Steel Catenary Risers)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Siqueira, Elizabeth Frauches Netto; Andrade, Edmundo Queiroz de [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2008-07-01

Steel Catenary Risers, SCRs, need a top connection that bears the force transmitted to the platform. Essentially, two types of connections exist on the market: flex joint and stress joint (SJ). PETROBRAS has a SCR with top connection of flex joint type installed on one of its platforms; however, the company has been studying SJ as an option out of SCR top connection. A stress joint is a monolithic structure and can be inspected during manufacture and service, without so many difficult. They are metal structures composed of a uniform bore inserted in a tapered wall that increases gradually to support the force coming from the riser. The objective of this paper is to present a SJ sensitivity study for a production SCR supposedly hardwired to a unit of production of the semi-submersible type. The data used is based on real SCR data. For this study, global and local analyses were conducted for some models of stress joints, varying some parameters such as material and dimensions, allowing for the verification of some of the critical points of this type of connection. The results obtained will be shown in graphs and tensions maps to illustrate comparatively the critical points of the models analyzed. (author)

A comparison of extreme structural responses and fatigue damage of semi-submersible type floating horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cheng, Zhengshun; Aagaard Madsen, Helge; Chai, Wei

2017-01-01

•A comprehensive comparison of floating HAWTs and VAWTs with different blade number.•Extreme structural responses and fatigue damage are studied.•Both operational and parked conditions are considered.•The merits and disadvantages of floating HAWTs and VAWTs are revealed and highlighted.......•A comprehensive comparison of floating HAWTs and VAWTs with different blade number.•Extreme structural responses and fatigue damage are studied.•Both operational and parked conditions are considered.•The merits and disadvantages of floating HAWTs and VAWTs are revealed and highlighted....

La banque de données platform de l'Institut français du pétrole : un outil de base pour des études de risque Ifp's Platform Databank: a Basic Implement for Risk Analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bertrand A. R. V.

2006-11-01

Full Text Available La banque de données PLATFORM de l'Institut Français du Pétrole (IFP concerne les accidents survenus depuis 1955 aux engins pétroliers de forage, de production et d'habitation en mer, de type fixe (plates-formes en acier, en béton . . . ou mobile (submersibles, auto-élévatrices, semi-submersibles, navires, barges . . . et ayant donné lieu à un arrêt de travail ni programmé, ni prévisible, d'au moins 24 heures. Ce critère, éliminant les nombreux incidents mineurs, peu ou mal connus, lui confère une certaine homogénéité indispensable à la validité de toute banque de données d'accidents. Comportant : - une banque de connaissanceconstituée de fiches détaillées sur le déroulement et des conséquences de chaque accident, et - une banque informatiséebasée sur les seuls paramètres principaux mis en mémoire d'ordinateur, la banque PLATFORM présente le double avantage de : - regrouper, sous une forme ramassée et facilement interrogeable, l'ensemble des accidents connus d'une branche industrielle, - fournir des résultats chiffrés (comptages, statistiques, . . . qui, même approximatifs, sont irremplaçables pour les études de risque, de sécurité et de fiabilité. Différents exemples d'application illustrent les possibilités de PLATFORM en s'appuyant sur des paramètres aussi variés que les types d'engin, d'accident, d'activité au moment de l'accident, de facteurs préliminaires, de zones géographiques. IFP's PLATFORM databank concerns accidents since 1955 to all kinds of off-shore drilling, production or accomodation platforms, both fixed (steel, cement, etc. and mobile (jackups, submersibles, semi-submersibles, drillships, barges, etc. having caused an unplanned and unforeseen work stoppage of at least 24 hours. The databank is designed to underline the homogeneity of the data gathered, which is an indispensible condition for obtaining valid statistics. PLATFORM consists of (1 a knowledge base made up of an ongoing

Fabricator opens next chapter in style

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knott, Terry.

1997-01-01

The evolution of two offshore fabrication yards over twenty five years at Nigg and Ardersier on the Cromarty and Moray Firths in Scotland is traced. For most of the period since opening in 1972, the two yards operated as separate competing entities under the ownership of the construction companies Brown and Root and McDermott. In the early 1990s, market demand was shifting from the yard's traditional base of fixed platforms to floating and subsea technology while competition in the fabrication industry was growing in Europe. In response to this market challenge, in 1995 the two companies entered into a joint venture to operate the two yards as one entity, Barmac. Within three months of the formation of Barmac, the decision was taken to focus participation in the traditional offshore market at Ardersier and redevelop Nigg to take advantage of the rapidly expanding marine business. The key to this has been the transformation of Nigg's dormant graving dock into a dry dock capable of handling new market applications such as floating production systems, production jackups and semi-submersibles as newbuild, conversions or refurbishment. Two major construction contracts using the dock have already been secured by Barmac and other opportunities are opening up. Meanwhile, performance improvements have also been made in the traditional business at Ardersier. (UK)

Concrete loading column for Maureen field built at Loch Kishorn

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1982-09-01

The first concrete-built loading column for a North Sea oilfield left the Kyle of Lochalsh under tow on August 18, bound for the Phillips Petroleum Group's Maureen field 163 miles (262 km) eastnortheast of Aberdeen. The 10,000 tonne gravity structure is 430ft (131m) tall and will have cost pounds29 million by the time it is installed offshore. Before starting its 20-day tow behind the tug ''Les Abeilles'', the offshore tankerloading column recently underwent the complex final stages in its construction, involving tow-out from drydock of two concrete sections, their joining by an articulated or hinged joint and then the structure's uprighting in deep water for the fitting of a rotating steel head. The concrete articulated loading column is one of several innovations in the Maureen development programme. The operator, Phillips Petroleum United Kingdom Ltd., and its co-venturers considered that some new approaches were necessary in view of the relatively small size of Maureen's recoverable oil reserves and hence the field's marginal development economics. These innovations included drilling the development wells by semisubmersible drilling rig through a subsea template while the production platform is being built on shore (with a fully completed deck section). Production will commence as soon as the wells are tied back from the subsea template to the platform.

Subsea well intervention; Learning from the past - planning for the future

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ramsnes, Trond Inge

2010-07-01

Over many years Statoil has focussed on increasing hydrocarbon recovery factors from their reservoirs. The company has a stated ambition for achieving an average 55% recovery factor from subsea wells. Considering that the majority of the company's oil production originates from subsea wells, it is clear that this is a major strategic area for development. Continuous technology development has been is delivering more safe, efficient and cost effective well intervention operations in subsea wells. During 2009 new technology has been taken into use for the first time, this consists of a fit-for-purpose LRP (Lower Riser Package), high pressure riser and near-surface BOP system operating from the Stena Don semi-submersible unit. This unique system enables, for the first time, coiled tubing and TTRD (Through Tubing Rotary Drilling) operations on subsea wells with the same riser and well control system. The presentation will review some history relating to increasing reserves recovery from subsea wells. Activities from light to medium well intervention operations will be discussed with a focus on the technical and operational experiences. A review of the 2009 activities will be provided - with several coiled tubing and TTRD operations with Stena Don. The presentation will also provide a look ahead to further plans for improvement and optimisation in this area. (Author)

Environmental assessment of exploration drilling off Nova Scotia: executive summary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2000-01-01

The environmental assessment project of drilling offshore Nova Scotia covers year-around drilling conducted from jackup rigs, semi-submersible rigs, and drill ships that use the methods described in the project description on the Scotian Shelf, the Laurentian Channel and St, Pierre Bank. The assessment was sponsored by all the oil companies active in the area, namely Mobil Oil Canada, Shell Canada, Imperial Oil Resources, Gulf Canada Resources, Chevron Canada Resources, PanCanadian Petroleum, Murphy Oil Company and Norsk Hydro Canada Oil and Gas. This summary describes the impact assessment methodology used, provides a description of the project, reviews the cumulative impact, and the impacts of discrete activities such as noise and disturbances, operational discharges of oil, disruption of the benthos, garbage and waste disposal, and accidental oil spills, and outlines mitigation and monitoring activities to deal with the impacts. Mitigation measures encompass routine discharges, accidental oil spills, spill response, monitoring activities, contingency plans and an overall environmental protection plan. In addition to this generic assessment, the consultants recommend that individual exploration drilling programs that fall outside of the parameters outlined in the generic environmental assessment document, be required to undergo a program-specific assessment that focuses on those aspects of the proposed program that differ from the parameters prescribed in the present document. 9 refs

The Threats from Oil Spills: Now, Then, and in the Future

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jerneloev, Arne (Vienna (Austria)), e-mail: arne.jernelov@chello.at

2010-07-15

The recent oil spill from the blown-out well by the name of Macondo, drilled by the ill-fated rig Deepwater Horizon, has many features in common with another blowout in the Mexican Gulf that happened three decades ago. Then the oil gushed out from the Ixtoc I well drilled by the Sedco 135-F semi-submersible rig. In the years between these catastrophes, the source and nature of oil spills have undergone large changes. Huge spills from tankers that ran aground or collided used to be what caught the headlines and caused large ecological damage. The number and size of such accidental spills have decreased significantly. Instead, spills from ageing, ill-maintained or sabotaged pipelines have increased, and places like Arctic Russia, the Niger Delta, and the northwestern Amazon have become sites of reoccurring oil pollution. As for blowouts, there is no clear trend with regard to the number of incidences or amounts of spilled oil, but deepwater blowouts are much harder to cap and thus tend to go on longer and result in the release of larger quantities of oil. Also, oil exploration and extraction is moving into ever deeper water and into stormier and icier seas, increasing potential risks. The risk for reoccurring spills like the two huge Mexican Gulf ones is eminent and must be reduced

Response characteristics of a long life type floating offshore airport in waves. 3rd Report. Response due to short waves and an attempt of active inclination control; Chojumyogata futaishiki kaijo kuko no harochu oto tokusei. Tanhachoiki no oto oyobi shisei seigyo no kokoromi

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hirayama, T.; Ma, N.; Nishio, O.; Sato, N. [Yokohama National University, Yokohama (Japan). Faculty of Engineering

1996-12-31

Notice was given on response characteristics in a short wavelength range of a large floating structure for an offshore airport consisting of semi-submersible replaceable type units, and influence of unit lacking. An attempt was also made on performing restoration of inclination change during unit lacking and suppression of long-cycle variation in waves by using air pressure control. The result of a numerical calculation based on a three-dimensional singular point method may be summarized as follows: mass force added vertically on columns in short wavelength range differs in the outer edges and the central part; relatively uniform values are shown in the central part; and interactive interference is recognized in wave forces in the vertical direction, but the influence therefrom decreases as the wave length decreases. Calculations on vertical movements and bending moments in waves were performed by using a mode synthesizing method. The calculations used fluid force which was calculated based on the three-dimensional singular point method utilizing symmetry with respect to each condition for a complete model plus unit lacking and unit lacking plus inclination control. As a result of verifying the calculations by using an experiment, relatively good agreement was achieved in either case. A high-frequency vibration experiment made clear the characteristics of elastic response in the short-wave length range. 14 refs., 14 figs.

Development and Sensing Properties Study of Underwater Assembled Water Depth-Inclination Sensors for a Multi-Component Mooring System, Using a Self-Contained Technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wenhua Wu

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Prototype monitoring techniques play an important role in the safety guarantee of mooring systems in marine engineering. In general, the complexities of harsh ocean environmental conditions bring difficulties to the traditional monitoring methods of application, implementation and maintenance. Large amounts of existing mooring systems still lack valid monitoring strategies. In this paper, an underwater monitoring method which may be used to achieve the mechanical responses of a multi-point catenary mooring system, is present. A novel self-contained assembled water depth-inclination (D-I sensor is designed and manufactured. Several advanced technologies, such as standalone, low power consumption and synchronism, are considered to satisfy the long-term implementation requirements with low cost during the design process. The design scheme of the water resistance barrel and installation clamp, which satisfies the diver installation, are also provided in the paper. An on-site test has previously been carried out on a production semisubmersible platform in the South China Sea. The prototype data analyses, including the D-I value in the time domain (including the data recorded during the mooring retraction and release process and spectral characteristics, are presented to reveal the accuracy, feasibility and stability of the sensor in terms of fitting for the prototype monitoring of catenary mooring systems, especially for in-service aging platforms.

OTEC platform configuration and integration study. Volume I. Systems engineering and integration. Final report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

None

1978-04-01

The economic success of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system is highly dependent on a platform which provides adequate support for the power system, accommodates reliably the cold water pipe, and is most cost effective. The results of a study conducted for the Department of Energy to assess six generic types of platforms to determine the most satisfactory platform for severl potential sites are presented. The six platform configurations are ship, circular barge, semi-submersible, Tuned Sphere, submersible, and spar. These represent directional and symmetric types of platforms which operate on the surface, at the interface, and submerged. The five sites for this study were primarily New Orleans, Keahole Point (Hawaii), Brazil, and secondarily Key West and Puerto Rico. Electrical transmission of energy by submarine cable is the planned form of energy transmission for all sites except Brazil, where chemical conversion is to be the method of transmission. This study is devoted to the platform (or ocean systems) of the OTEC plant which is chiefly comprised of the hull and structure, the seawater system, the position control system, and miscellaneous support/assembly systems. The principal elements in the work breakdown structure for the commercial plants are presented. The assessment of the six platform configurations was conducted utilizing a baseline plan (100-MW(e) (Net)) and site (New Orleans) with variations from the baseline to cover the range of interested platforms and sites.

Technological contribution of production engineering for national self-sufficiency in petroleum; Contribuicao tecnologica da engenharia de producao para a auto-suficiencia nacional

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lara, Anelise Quintao [PETROBRAS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). E e P Engenharia de Producao. Gerencia de Engenharia de Reservatorios], e-mail: alara@petrobras.com.br; Pinto, Antonio Carlos Capeleiro [PETROBRAS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). E e P Engenharia de Producao. Gerencia de Pre-Projetos de Desenvolvimento da Producao], e-mail: acc@petrobras.com.br; Lage, Antonio Carlos Vieira Martins [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Centro de Pesquisas (CENPES). Gerencia de Tecnologia e Engenharia de Poco], e-mail: antoniolage@petrobas.com.br; Del Vecchio, Cesar Jose Moraes [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Centro de Pesquisas (CENPES). Programa Tecnologico de Transporte (PROTRAN)], e-mail: cdv@petrobras.com.br; Masetti, Isaias Quaresma [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Centro de Pesquisas (CENPES). Gerencia de Metodos Cientificos], e-mail: masetti@petrobras.com.br; Formigli Filho, Jose Miranda [PETROBRAS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). E e P Engenharia de Producao. Gerencia Executiva de Engenharia de Producao; Fagundes Netto, Jose Roberto [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Centro de Pesquisas (CENPES). Gerencia de Tecnologia de Elevacao, Escoamento e Processamento], e-mail: rfagundes@petrobras.com.br; Beltrao, Ricardo Luis Carneiro [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Centro de Pesquisas (CENPES). Gerencia Geral de Producao], e-mail: rbeltrao@petrobras.com.br

2006-06-15

This paper presents a retrospective of some of PETROBRAS' main technological advances that contributed for Brazil to reach petroleum production self-sufficiency. The impact of the corporate strategy to invest in training and qualifying human resources in the development of critical technologies for the Company's business is discussed. From the mid-seventies, there has been a significant increase in the effort directed to research and development (R and D) in the Exploration and Production (E and P) segment. Motivated by challenges imposed by ever increasing water depths (WD) and the early production of discovered fields, technological developments accelerated. A few of the topics discussed herein include the competition between wet subsea systems and atmospheric systems, the first floating production units based on semi-submersible drilling platforms and on adapted tankers, the development of wellhead systems, risers and production lines. Beginning in the mid-eighties, PETROBRAS successively broke world records in terms of water depth with its wells and production and off loading facilities. In order to support this leadership, new technologies were developed and adapted, in partnership with vendors and scientific and technological institutions, in the country and abroad. This paper discusses the technologies developed for maintaining the production of mature fields, increasing the production capacity and managing the integrity of installed units, managing great volumes of produced water as a function of mechanisms adopted for the maintenance of reservoir pressure and managing production projects. In conclusion, the main solutions currently in development are described. (author)

Zapata Ugland

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1974-05-01

The Zapata SS-3000, the largest semisubmersible built to data in the US, was recently completed by Bethlehem Steel's Beaumont Yard (Tex.) for the Ugland group of companies in Grimstad, Norway. The rig will start drilling east of Shetland for Total under a 12-y bareboat charter by the joint-venture Zapata Ugland Drilling Inc. (70% Zapata, 30% Ugland). The unit is designed with catamaran lower hulls and 6 stability columns supporting a watertight upper hull. The lower hulls have a sea-barge configuration with faired bows for optimum heave-dampening action and propulsion. The upper hull is designed to minimize the amount of exposed machinery and storage on the upper deck. The unit is designed to drill in waves of up to 40 to 50 ft and remain moored in waves of up to 100 ft. Self-propelled at speeds of up to 9 knots, the rig has a mooring system designed for 1000-ft water depths and a deckload capacity of 3000 tons to allow long-period operation without resupply. The special storm-shield mooring system was designed from extensive computer analyses based on model test data, theoretical evaluation, and mooring-system operational data. The system consists of a conventional 8-line spread of 3500-ft lengths of 3-in. chains and two 3500-ft storm lines, with each leading out to a high-holding-capacity 40,000-lb Baldt Moorfast anchor. The storm-shield system is designed to withstand storms, wave actions, and associated storm currents from 100-knot sustained winds.

Present situation of floating nuclear power plants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sakurai, A [Central Research Inst. of Electric Power industry, Tokyo (Japan)

1975-08-01

The present situation of investigation and the future problems of floating nuclear power plants in Japan are examined, referring to those in USA. The committee report on a new power generation system in 1970 is quoted. In this report, the site conditions are supposed to be 5 km offshore, 100m water depth, 60 m/sec wind velocity, 10 m wave height, 200 m wave length, 12 seconds wave period 0.2 g earthquake acceleration, and 2.5 knots tide current. The semisubmersible hull of double construction 15 m under water is employed. A pair of 1,000,000 kW BWR reactors are utilized. A sea water desalting unit using bleed steam from turbines is installed. The solid radioactive wastes packed in drums are disposed in the sea. The design and cost estimation were made. The names of the organizations who have made investigation in this field, namely the Civil Engineering Society, the Sience and Technology Agency and other several centers, are reported. The Chubu Electric Power Company is forwarding its project. Referring to the investigations in USA, the project of Atlantic nuclear power station unit is described. A report of plant design has been submitted by O.P.S. to United States Atomic Energy Commission in 1973. The Coastal Area Facilities Act was instituted in New Jersey in 1973. Although the Atlantic nuclear power station has been postponed, it is the most feasible project. For the realization of a floating nuclear power plant in Japan, investigation must be started on the ground construction that can endure the construction of breakwater in water depth of 14 to 30 meter.

Case study : a real-time collaborative workflow for geosteering a horizontal well offshore eastern Canada

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cutler, M.; Pineda, G. [Halliburton Energy Services, Bakersfield, CA (United States)

2002-06-01

A horizontal well can be geologically steered using a forward modelling geosteering software that helps determine the stratigraphic position of the drillstring and interpret the well in the reservoir. The software shows reservoir engineers how to maximize the pay zone, optimize the well path, characterize reservoir properties and avoid entering undesired beds or fluid contacts. The best way to maximize the pay zone is to use an integrated arrangement of formation evaluation tools, software and reservoir engineering expertise. This paper presents a series of measurements while drilling and logging. Drilling (MWD/LWD) tools obtain real-time data and forward modelling while drilling software. When interpreted by a trained specialist, these tools help in decision making processes regarding reservoir depletion. The paper presents a case study from offshore eastern Canada in which a well was drilled horizontally from a semi-submersible mobile drilling unit. StrataSteer {sup TM}, a software tool developed by Halliburton Energy Services, was used to interpret the LWD data. The software is compatible with other downhole tools and the INSITE information system which provides real-time data. The objective of the study is to demonstrate the capabilities of the forward modelling tool while drilling the well. A computer was set up at the client's office and at the offshore rig site. The geological model which was constructed using the acquired data was then used to make real-time collaborative decisions to land the well correctly in the reservoir, maximize the productive interval, optimize the well path, and analyze the reservoir properties. However, it was noted that due to geological uncertainty, the objectives in this well were not achieved. 6 figs.

1:50 Scale Testing of Three Floating Wind Turbines at MARIN and Numerical Model Validation Against Test Data

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dagher, Habib [Univ. of Maine, Orno, ME (United States); Viselli, Anthony [Univ. of Maine, Orno, ME (United States); Goupee, Andrew [Univ. of Maine, Orno, ME (United States); Allen, Christopher [Univ. of Maine, Orno, ME (United States)

2017-08-15

The primary goal of the basin model test program discussed herein is to properly scale and accurately capture physical data of the rigid body motions, accelerations and loads for different floating wind turbine platform technologies. The intended use for this data is for performing comparisons with predictions from various aero-hydro-servo-elastic floating wind turbine simulators for calibration and validation. Of particular interest is validating the floating offshore wind turbine simulation capabilities of NREL’s FAST open-source simulation tool. Once the validation process is complete, coupled simulators such as FAST can be used with a much greater degree of confidence in design processes for commercial development of floating offshore wind turbines. The test program subsequently described in this report was performed at MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The models considered consisted of the horizontal axis, NREL 5 MW Reference Wind Turbine (Jonkman et al., 2009) with a flexible tower affixed atop three distinct platforms: a tension leg platform (TLP), a spar-buoy modeled after the OC3 Hywind (Jonkman, 2010) and a semi-submersible. The three generic platform designs were intended to cover the spectrum of currently investigated concepts, each based on proven floating offshore structure technology. The models were tested under Froude scale wind and wave loads. The high-quality wind environments, unique to these tests, were realized in the offshore basin via a novel wind machine which exhibits negligible swirl and low turbulence intensity in the flow field. Recorded data from the floating wind turbine models included rotor torque and position, tower top and base forces and moments, mooring line tensions, six-axis platform motions and accelerations at key locations on the nacelle, tower, and platform. A large number of tests were performed ranging from simple free-decay tests to complex operating conditions with

A procedure to identify and to assess risk parameters in a SCR (Steel Catenary Riser) due to the fatigue failure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stefane, Wania [Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP (Brazil). Faculdade de Engenharia Mecanica; Morooka, Celso K. [Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia de Petroleo. Centro de Estudos de Petroleo; Pezzi Filho, Mario [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). E and P. ENGP/IPMI/ES; Matt, Cyntia G.C.; Franciss, Ricardo [PETROBRAS S.A., Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Centro de Pesquisas (CENPES)

2009-12-19

The discovery of offshore fields in ultra deep water and the presence of reservoirs located in great depths below the seabed requires innovative solutions for offshore oil production systems. Many riser configurations have emerged as economically viable technological solutions for these scenarios. Therefore the study and the development of methodologies applied to riser design and procedures to calculate and to dimension production risers, taken into account the effects of mete ocean conditions, such as waves, current and platform motion in the fatigue failure is fundamental. The random nature of these conditions as well as the mechanical characteristics of the riser components are critical to a probabilistic treatment to ensure the greatest reliability for risers and minimum risks associated to different aspects of the operation like the safety of the installation, economical concerns and the environment. The current work presents a procedure of the identification and the assessment of main parameters of risk when considering fatigue failure. Static and dynamic behavior of Steel Catenary Riser (SCR) under the effects of mete ocean conditions and uncertainties related to total cumulative damage (Miner-Palmgren's rule) are taken into account. The methodology adopted is probabilistic and the approach is analytical. The procedure is based on the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) which usually presents low computational effort and acceptable accuracy. The procedure suggested is applied for two practical cases, one using data available from the literature and the second with data collected from an actual Brazilian offshore field operation. For both cases, results of the probability of failure due to fatigue were obtained for different locations along the SCR length connected to a semi-submersible platform. From these results, the sensitivity of the probability of failure due to fatigue for a SCR could be verified, and the most effective parameter could also be

Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for an Underground Blowout Scenario in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) Well

Science.gov (United States)

Tyagi, M.; Zulqarnain, M.

2017-12-01

Offshore oil and gas exploration and production operations, involve the use of some of the cutting edge and challenging technologies of the modern time. These technological complex operations involves the risk of major accidents as well, which have been demonstrated by disasters such as the explosion and fire on the UK production platform piper alpha, the Canadian semi-submersible drilling rig Ocean Ranger and the explosion and capsizing of Deepwater horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico. By conducting Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA), safety of various operations as well as their associated risks and significance during the entire life phase of an offshore project can be quantitatively estimated. In an underground blowout, the uncontrolled formation fluids from higher pressure formation may charge up shallower overlying low pressure formations or may migrate to sea floor. Consequences of such underground blowouts range from no visible damage at the surface to the complete loss of well, loss of drilling rig, seafloor subsidence or hydrocarbons discharged to the environment. These blowouts might go unnoticed until the over pressured sands, which are the result of charging from higher pressure reservoir due to an underground blowout. Further, engineering formulas used to estimate the fault permeability and thickness are very simple in nature and may add to uncertainty in the estimated parameters. In this study the potential of a deepwater underground blowout are assessed during drilling life phase of a well in Popeye-Genesis field reservoir in the Gulf of Mexico to estimate the time taken to charge a shallower zone to its leak-off test (LOT) value. Parametric simulation results for selected field case show that for relatively high permeability (k = 40mD) fault connecting a deep over-pressured zone to a shallower low-pressure zone of similar reservoir volumes, the time to recharge the shallower zone up to its threshold LOT value is about 135 years. If the ratio of the

Comparative numerical and experimental study of two combined wind and wave energy concepts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhen Gao

2016-01-01

Full Text Available With a successful and rapid development of offshore wind industry and increased research activities on wave energy conversion in recent years, there is an interest in investigating the technological and economic feasibility of combining offshore wind turbines (WTs with wave energy converters (WECs. In the EU FP7 MARINA Platform project, three floating combined concepts, namely the spar torus combination (STC, the semi-submersible flap combination (SFC and the oscillating water column (OWC array with a wind turbine, were selected and studied in detail by numerical and experimental methods. This paper summarizes the numerical modeling and analysis of the two concepts: STC and SFC, the model tests at a 1:50 scale under simultaneous wave and wind excitation, as well as the comparison between the numerical and experimental results. Both operational and survival wind and wave conditions were considered. The numerical analysis was based on a time-domain global model using potential flow theory for hydrodynamics and blade element momentum theory (for SFC or simplified thrust force model (for STC for aerodynamics. Different techniques for model testing of combined wind and wave concepts were discussed with focus on modeling of wind turbines by disk or redesigned small-scale rotor and modeling of power take-off (PTO system for wave energy conversion by pneumatic damper or hydraulic rotary damper. In order to reduce the uncertainty due to scaling, the numerical analysis was performed at model scale and both the numerical and experimental results were then up-scaled to full scale for comparison. The comparison shows that the current numerical model can well predict the responses (motions, PTO forces, power production of the combined concepts for most of the cases. However, the linear hydrodynamic model is not adequate for the STC concept in extreme wave conditions with the torus fixed to the spar at the mean water level for which the wave slamming on the

Design, Analysis, Hybrid Testing and Orientation Control of a Floating Platform with Counter-Rotating Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines

Science.gov (United States)

Kanner, Samuel Adam Chinman

The design and operation of two counter-rotating vertical-axis wind turbines on a floating, semi-submersible platform is studied. The technology, called the Multiple Integrated and Synchronized Turbines (MIST) platform has the potential to reduce the cost of offshore wind energy per unit of installed capacity. Attached to the platform are closely-spaced, counter-rotating turbines, which can achieve a higher power density per planform area because of synergistic interaction effects. The purpose of the research is to control the orientation of the platform and rotational speeds of the turbines by modifying the energy absorbed by each of the generators of the turbines. To analyze the various aspects of the platform and wind turbines, the analysis is drawn from the fields of hydrodynamics, electromagnetics, aerodynamics and control theory. To study the hydrodynamics of the floating platform in incident monochromatic waves, potential theory is utilized, taking into account the slow-drift yaw motion of the platform. Steady, second-order moments that are spatially dependent (i.e., dependent on the platform's yaw orientation relative to the incident waves) are given special attention since there are no natural restoring yaw moment. The aerodynamics of the counter-rotating turbines are studied in collaboration with researchers at the UC Berkeley Mathematics Department using a high-order, implicit, large-eddy simulation. An element flipping technique is utilized to extend the method to a domain with counter-rotating turbines and the effects from the closely-spaced turbines is compared with existing experimental data. Hybrid testing techniques on a model platform are utilized to prove the controllability of the platform in lieu of a wind-wave tank. A 1:82 model-scale floating platform is fabricated and tested at the UC Berkeley Physical-Model Testing Facility. The vertical-axis wind turbines are simulated by spinning, controllable actuators that can be updated in real-time of

Going deep : new generation of giant rigs extends drillers' reach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laverty Wilson, K.

2001-01-01

The Eirik Roude, an offshore super rig, arrived in Halifax Harbour from Florida in the summer 2001 for a retrofit before it is sent to work in the rugged environment offshore of Nova Scotia. The drilling platform is a joint venture between PanCanadian Petroleum and Ocean Rig. Is is the most technologically advanced and sophisticated deep water drilling platform in the world and can operate in 3,000 metre deep water for 365 days of the year. It is a fifth-generation semi-submersible rig. It floats on long legs that lower the centre of gravity below surface turbulence to provide a stable work platform even during Atlantic storms. The 110 metre long rig has three mud systems that store 593 cubic metres in mud pits, 1,260 cubic metres in pontoons, and can carry 26,140 barrels of fuel oil, 4,070 barrels of potable water and 13,210 barrels of drilling water. PanCanadian has provided $2 million to the Nova Scotia Community College to teach an appropriate curriculum for the required workforce. It is expected that 120 local workers will be recruited. PanCanadian plans to drill 3 or 4 offshore wells annually for the next 5 years. It is estimated that 700-800 workers will be on site at the peak of the retrofit. In addition, Marathon Oil has contracted the Smedvig-owned West Navion for Nova Scotia work. This vessel is designed to work in depths of up to 2,500 metres and can be upgraded to reach 3,000 metres. Its' dual handling capacity makes it suitable to do drilling and well completion simultaneously, thereby reducing the halts in operations and increasing the drilling efficiency. East Coast governments and trade associations are also committed to make the most of the offshore oil and gas revival, including the development of a petrochemical market. Their goal is to build a world class energy sector while protecting the environment and optimizing the financial, economic and social benefits to Nova Scotians. The Nova Scotia Benefits program requires that oil companies

Risks to offshore installations in Europe due to natural hazards

Science.gov (United States)

Necci, Amos; Krausmann, Elisabeth

2017-04-01

contrast, in other parts of the world, and in particular in the Gulf of Mexico, tropical storms are likely to trigger severe direct damage to structures, resulting in platform capsizing, sinking or grounding. The in-depth analysis of the incident records also showed that the natural event was often just the triggering cause of the accident, which was frequently accompanied by contributing factors (e.g. corrosion, fatigue, wrong procedures, etc.). Under these circumstances, not only extreme storms, but also storms with moderate intensity can trigger incidents. Due to the high density of offshore structures and the unique environmental conditions promoting fatigue and corrosion, the North Sea is the area with the highest number of incidents recorded in Europe, as well as the area with the highest number of incidents at semi-submersible units in the world. About 4% of all reported global Natech events at offshore infrastructures involved casualties, and 2.6% for the European incident subset. Hazardous materials releases were documented for 21 events in Europe, resulting in fires and hydrocarbon spills polluting the sea. Furthermore, a surprisingly high number of severe events occurred during towing which highlights the impact of natural hazards on the safety of offshore transfer operations.

Offshore concrete structures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lamas Pardo, M.; Carral Couce, L. M.

2011-01-01

proof that in certain cases the benefits to the steel tip the lance toward the concrete. concrete Gravity Baseplaforms type Con deep have been building since the first unit became operational in 1976, together with a few floating platforms, that in its geometry are similar to those made of steel (barges, semi-submersibles and TLP type platforms). Some of the concepts in concrete that are being emerging last years are floating and gravity base platforms for use as offshore LNG terminals and as offshore industrial plants. The life of these barges can be designed up to 200 years, as the floating Nkossabarge, so they con be a good alternative to the construction of these facilities an land, thus avoiding landfills on the coast that degrade the already punished coast in industrialized countries. the challenge is precisely to optimize their capital costs to complete for an offshore installation against a shore facility. The environment will undoubtedly benefit from this great challenge that lies ahead in the XXI century. (Author) 29 refs.

Offshore concrete structures; Estructuras Offshore (mar adentro) de Hormigon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lamas Pardo, M.; Carral Couce, L. M.

2011-07-01

proof that in certain cases the benefits to the steel tip the lance toward the concrete. concrete Gravity Baseplaforms type Con deep have been building since the first unit became operational in 1976, together with a few floating platforms, that in its geometry are similar to those made of steel (barges, semi-submersibles and TLP type platforms). Some of the concepts in concrete that are being emerging last years are floating and gravity base platforms for use as offshore LNG terminals and as offshore industrial plants. The life of these barges can be designed up to 200 years, as the floating Nkossabarge, so they con be a good alternative to the construction of these facilities an land, thus avoiding landfills on the coast that degrade the already punished coast in industrialized countries. the challenge is precisely to optimize their capital costs to complete for an offshore installation against a shore facility. The environment will undoubtedly benefit from this great challenge that lies ahead in the XXI century. (Author) 29 refs.