Advanced Design Methodologies for SCRs

摘要

As the offshore industry continues to progress developments in deep and ultra-deep water locations, in many large EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, construction and Installation) contracts the considered or preferred riser system solutions are steel catenary risers (SCRs) or lazy wave SCRs.rnRiser system engineering often requires the adoption of advanced procedures and methodologies in order to fit project schedule, more particularly to manage critical uncertainties and interfaces, facilitate long-lead procurement items and any qualification programs. To cope with the critical schedule and techno-economic constraints, the Saipem EPCI execution experience has necessitated the development of a fully integrated approach to riser technology and phased riser design procedure. The design procedure utilises early screening and principle of design margins, together with focused advanced design methodologies/tools to confirm key riser response when the design process is sufficiently mature. For the design of SCRs in particular, MCS' specialised analytical support and software development capabilities have proved an important contribution to the overall definition of the necessary advanced modelling techniques to be applied to the complex interaction of the SCR with the environment and boundaries.rnThis paper presents a typical SCR design procedure as part of an EPCI project, highlights the integrated approach to general riser technology, details the advanced methodologies for the nonlinear analysis of the SCR behaviour, and briefly presents the Saipem look forward for future riser technology.