Marcos Queija de Siqueira

A coupled approach for dynamic analysis of CALM systems

This paper presents a time domain coupled numerical model, integrating the buoy and the slender structures, for the dynamic analysis of catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) systems under random environmental loading. The model is based on the finite element discretization of the slender structures and the buoy hydrodynamics can be represented by two approaches: one based on Morisons equation and another using the diffraction/radiation theory. The moored tanker dynamic behavior is represented in the model by the hawser dynamic tension. The numerical results of a CALM system, designed to operate in 400 m water depth, are compared to model tests data available, resulting in a very good agreement between them.

VIM and Wave-Frequency Fatigue Damage Analysis for SCRs Connected to Monocolumn Platforms

The large Vortex Induced Motion (VIM) due to current acting on a circular-shaped monocolumn platform induces low-frequency stress variations on the SCRs (Steel Catenary Risers) connected to it. These stresses together with stress variations associated to wave effects must be accounted for in the fatigue analysis of these risers. Normally, the joint statistics of waves and currents show that these environmental variables may be considered as statistically independent. Therefore, the number of global riser analyses necessary for the SCRs fatigue analysis becomes extremely high in order to consider a suitable number of combinations (including intensities and directions) of waves and currents. This paper describes a methodology for computing the fatigue damage in SCRs (Steel Catenary Risers) due to wave-frequency and VIM (Vortex Induced Motion) load effects based on a combination damage formula presented in DnV-OS-F204 [1]. The wave-frequency and VIM fatigue damages are calculated separately (by a time-domain rainflow approach) and the combined damage is evaluated by means of the DnV formula. This methodology reduces considerably the number of global riser analyses and consequently the computational burden associated to the fatigue analyses of SCRs connected to monocolumn-type platforms.Copyright

A Theoretical Approach to Predict the Fatigue Life of Flexible Pipes

This paper focuses on a theoretical approach to access the fatigue life of flexible pipes. This methodology employs functions that convert forces and moments obtained in time-domain global analyses into stresses in their tensile armors. The stresses are then processed by well-known cycle counting methods, and S-N curves are used to evaluate the fatigue damage at several points in the pipe’s cross-section. Finally, Palmgren-Miner linear damage hypothesis is assumed in order to calculate the accumulated fatigue damage. A study on the fatigue life of a flexible pipe employing this methodology is presented. The main points addressed in the study are the influence of friction between layers, the effect of the annulus conditions, the importance of evaluating the fatigue life in various points of the pipe’s cross-section, and the effect of mean stresses. The results obtained suggest that the friction between layers and the annulus conditions strongly influences the fatigue life of flexible pipes. Moreover, mean stress effects are also significant, and at least half of the wires in each analyzed section of the pipe must be considered in a typical fatigue analysis.

On the extreme response of heave-excited flexible risers

The focus of this paper is on the development of a high effective practical approach to assess the short-term extreme response statistics of flexible risers excited by the first-order heave motion of a floating unit. The extreme response statistics is obtained by fitting a probability distribution directly to a sample of extreme response values. Each sample is obtained through the analysis of a short-time window of a heave motion realization that encompasses the instant when the extreme response takes place. The location of this window is determined with the help of a time-dependent nonlinear transfer function relating the response to the excitation. The analyses of three different flexible risers configurations illustrate the accuracy and the robustness of this approach to calculate the extreme response statistics.

A Frequency Domain Approach for Random Fatigue Analysis of Steel Catenary Risers at Brazil’s Deep Waters

The steel catenary riser was adopted by Petrobras as a cost-effective alternative for oil and gas export and for water injection lines on deepwater fields, where large diameter flexible risers present technical and economic limitations. The installation of the P-18 SCR was a pioneer project of a free-hanging steel catenary riser linked to a semi-submersible [1] and demonstrated the technical feasibility of the concept. Fatigue damage verification is an important issue in SCR design, demanding a high number of loading cases to be analyzed. The random time domain nonlinear analysis is considered an attractive and reliable tool for fatigue analysis as nonlinearities are properly modeled and the random behaviour of environmental loadings is considered. As time domain analysis is high computer time consuming, the frequency domain analysis has been considered as an alternative tool for the initial phases of riser design to be used mainly for fatigue damage verification. This paper presents a methodology developed to perform a linearized frequency domain analysis aiming at fatigue damage verification. Two drilling risers were analyzed with the frequency domain procedure developed. The model of a steel lazy-wave riser was analyzed both in frequency and time domain in order to compare fatigue damage results. The analyses were performed using the Petrobras’s in-house computer codes ANFLEX, ALFREQ and POSFAL developed and implemented as part of projects from CENPES/PETROBRAS with “COPPE/UFRJ -The Engineering Post-Graduating Coordination of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro”.© 2004 ASME

Lazy-Wave Steel Rigid Risers for Turret-Moored FPSO

The free-hanging SCR (Steel Catenary Riser) was adopted by Petrobras as a cost-effective alternative for oil and gas export lines on deepwater fields, where large diameter flexible risers present technical and economic limitations. It is considered an available technology for semi-submersible application. There was interest in applying SCR’s attached to FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading) units due to the trend of using these units for exploration and production in Brazilian deep waters. This alternative has to be carefully studied due to the high offsets and heave motions imposed by the vessel on the top of the riser. This work presents the approach and methodology adopted in Petrobras to study the structural integrity and feasibility of a lazy-wave SCR attached to a bow turret-moored FPSO at a water depth of 1290 m. The analysis was performed using the Petrobras’s in-house computer codes ANFLEX and POSFAL developed and implemented as part of projects from CENPES with “COPPE/UFRJ - The Engineering Post-Graduating Coordination of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro”. For VIV (Vortex Induced Vibration) fatigue damage calculation SHEAR7 was used.Copyright

RANDOM FATIGUE ANALYSIS OF A STEELCATENARY RISER IN FREQUENCY AND TIMEDOMAIN

Abstract The structural fatigue verification of a steel catenary riser model is performed by means of two random procedures of analysis. One of them is a nonlinear time-domain approach, based on simulation technique. The other one is a linearized frequency-domain approach, that considers that the structure presents a nonlinear static response and the dynamic response is almost linear around the static deformed configuration. Fatigue damage is calculated based on S-N curves and the Palmgren-Miners rule. PETROBRAS in-house software were used for the analyses. Results are compared and commented.

Parametric Study on the Axial Vibrations of Riser Suspended and Moored by Chains (RSAA) Configurations

Recently, in order to minimize the influence of the vertical motions in the risers and consequently allow the utilization of FPSOs in deep waters, a new riser configuration called RSAA (riser suspended and moored by chains - in Portuguese), composed of a rigid vertical riser, flexible structures and mooring line segments (top and bottom) was proposed. This configuration presents solutions to the most critical points in a riser design: the top tensions are dissociated from the bending moments at the top region, and the curvatures at the TDP are reduced by utilization of floaters. Feasibility analyses have shown that the vertical riser is the most critical part of the proposed system due to the FPSO high level of vertical motions. These motions are transmitted by the top chains, leading to high levels of axial stress variation due to dynamic tension. Faced with this, a parametric study is vital in order to understand the system’s behavior as well as to establish the main parameters which influence its structural behavior. Analytical methods may require some slight simplifications of the problem to be applicable, but they generally lead to compact formulas that do explain which parameters influence the results and why and how it does so. This work proposes an analytical model to determine axial stress and tension variations at the vertical riser, considering some simplifying hypotheses, like the flexible structures and mooring line segments at the bottom will be replaced by a mass and a spring. Neglecting some nonlinearities but considering the coupling between axial and transversal vibrations, a random dynamic analysis in the frequency domain can be performed to evaluate the maximum stresses and tensions levels with considerably lower computational costs.Copyright

Time Domain Methodology for Vortex-Induced Motion Analysis in Monocolumn Platform

The offshore oil exploration in Brazil has been, traditionally, made by semi-submersible and moored ship-based units. The need for more restricted wave-induced motions has demanded new conceptions of floating structures, in which the mono-column concept distinguishes itself. Due to its cylindrical shape hull, this floating unit could present a significant low frequency vibratory movement caused by the vortex shedding phenomenon. This kind of phenomenon on huge structures like platforms is usually known as VIM (Vortex Induced Motions). The main objective of this work is to evaluate a time domain methodology applied in VIM problems. This methodology uses a Van der Pol equation to represent the vortex shedding phenomenon. The force calculation schemes presented in this work are applied in physical examples and its results will be compared to model test data. The analyses were performed in a non linear dynamic analysis program, using a six degree of freedom model, developed for this study.Copyright

Steel Lazy Wave Riser Design: API-RP-2RD and DNV-OS-F201 Criteria

Several feasibility studies on the use of large diameters steel catenary’s risers for higher water depths have been made by PETROBRAS. It should be mentioned that the structural design criteria, traditionally employed for such risers under extreme and operational conditions, were based on the API-RP-2RD. This design criterion makes use of single safety factor on von Mises stress. Recently, a new design standard DnV-OS-F201 for metallic risers has been proposed. This standard, based on limit state design principles, are presented on the LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design) format, allowing different riser design alternatives to take into account the environmental conditions. This paper presents the main feasibility study outlines of an 18” Steel Lazy Wave Riser (SLWR), attached to the border of a spread-moored FPSO at 1800 water depth, for an extreme design condition, considering both the API and DnV criteria. All numerical analysis were accomplished by the PETROBRAS’s in-house computer code ANFLEX.Copyright