Steel Catenary Riser Pre-Installation with Buoyancy Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore drilling and production systems require time-consuming installation of steel catenary risers after the arrival of host vessels, delaying fluid product extraction.
Innovation Solution
A steel catenary riser system with a buoyancy module and anchor cable allows pre-installation before host vessel arrival, maintaining a catenary profile and enabling immediate connection upon arrival, utilizing a tubular structure with horizontal, vertical, and curved portions, and a buoyancy module to support the curved section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel catenary riser installation is performed after host vessel arrival, then proper connection and positioning can be ensured, but installation time and project duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steel catenary riser is pre-installed on the seabed before the host vessel arrives, including laying the horizontal portion and forming the curved portion. This preliminary action allows the riser to be ready for immediate connection, eliminating waiting time while maintaining connection reliability through proper pre-positioning and shape maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
A flotation module serves as an intermediary device to maintain the curved portion of the riser in the water column during pre-installation. The flotation module holds the riser in the correct catenary configuration before the host vessel arrives, ensuring proper positioning without requiring the vessel to be present for installation
2Loss of time
If steel catenary riser is pre-installed before host arrival, then installation time is reduced, but maintaining the curved portion shape and position becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation module acts as a temporary intermediary support structure that maintains the curved portion of the riser in the correct catenary configuration during pre-installation. This device simplifies the complexity by providing passive buoyancy support rather than requiring active positioning systems or complex tensioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flotation module provides buoyant force that counteracts the weight of the curved portion of the steel catenary riser, maintaining its position and shape in the water column without requiring active intervention. This counterweight approach simplifies shape maintenance by using natural buoyancy principles
3Reliability
If traditional installation method is used, then proper riser configuration can be ensured, but productivity and fluid extraction timing are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal portion and curved portion of the steel catenary riser are installed in advance on the seabed before the host vessel arrives. This preliminary configuration ensures proper riser geometry is established while enabling immediate connection and fluid extraction upon vessel arrival, maximizing productivity without sacrificing configuration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-installed steel catenary riser maintains its own configuration through the flotation module support, allowing the system to be ready for service before the host vessel arrives. This self-service approach enables the riser to be in operational readiness state, improving productivity by eliminating installation delays
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces installation cycles and costs by allowing the steel catenary riser to be pre-installed, enabling immediate fluid extraction upon host vessel arrival and maintaining the catenary profile without unnecessary bending stresses.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyancy module connected to the second portion, adapted to maintain a shape of the curved portion
Data Source
AI summary
An offshore riser system comprising a tubular from a sea floor to a sea surface comprising a first horizontal portion at the sea floor; a second vertical portion near the sea surface; and a third curved portion located between the first and second portions; and a buoyancy module connected to the second portion, adapted to maintain a shape of the curved portion and enable a connection of a vessel to the second portion.