The design of a deep water catenary riser

The overall aim of this study is to propose and develop a cost effective production design concept suitable for oil reservoirs situated in deep (1500 m) water which can be quickly and safely installed in areas with limited weather windows. The proposed design is based upon a steel catenary riser which will connect an FPSO directly into either a wellhead or seabed pipeline system thereby eliminating both the connection complexes and high cost associated with a central manifold. The catenary geometry will ensure that the structure is inherently compliant whilst a carrier pipe arrangement will provide structural protection and buoyancy to a flowline bundle contained within. The interface between the riser and the surface production vessel is a critical part of any riser system and so for the purposes of this study two design arrangements are considered. The first is based upon a direct connection between an FPSO turret and riser whereas the second is a hybrid design in which the riser is supported by a sub-surface buoy which is hydraulically connected to an FPSO using flexible flowlines. This hybrid connection has the advantage of decoupling FPSO and riser motions. Design development is carried out by examining a range of critical areas.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

PhD

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Glasgow

Year dc:date.issued

1997

Author dc:creator

• Dingwall, James R.

• TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering

Language dc:language

en