Ultra Deepwater Marine Riser Analysis

Challenge

Riser operations offshore Indonesia are challenged by strong and complex current profiles. Layers of localised density variations were found across the water column which were mostly associated with river runoff from onshore. Variations in density resulted in the presence of both internal and soliton waves, contributing to challenging environmental loading conditions. The strong currents resulted in large deflection of the heavy wall marine riser, inducing high flex joint angles.

Deflection and flex joint angles of deepwater marine risers can be reduced by increasing top tension to impart a ‘straightening’ effect on the riser. Whilst top tension is limited by the tensile capacity of the tensioning system, a second limitation on top tension is required to ensure that excessive riser recoil does not occur.

Riser recoil can occur during an emergency disconnect of the LMRP from the BOP. If excessive tension is pulled, the sudden imbalance in tension results in travel of the riser at a velocity which may result in large impact forces due to the telescopic joint or tensioners running out of travel.

SOLUTION

Optimisation of the riser top tension was key to maximising operability. An upper limit of top tension was developed by AS Mosley using riser recoil analysis. A riser recoil analysis requires a detailed understanding of the tensioners, recoil-control valves, control system and plumbing, for which AS Mosley has good experience with.

An upper limit of 180 Te (397 kips) was determined through the analysis which prevented excessive recoil of the riser system. Furthermore, a lower limit of tension of 50 Te (110 kips) was specified to ensure the LMRP was lifted clear of the BOP stack after disconnect.

With the limits of the tensioner system established, AS Mosley could then develop tension offset envelopes (TOE) which established the vessel offset limits for Normal Drilling, Non-Drilling and Accidental DP Drift off conditions.

The timings of the emergency disconnect system (EDS) were used to establish the maximum distance the vessel could travel in the accidental event of a dynamic positioning system blackout. This distance was then used to define Normal Drilling and Non-Drilling limits which ensured that a DP drift off scenario could be sustained without overloading the marine riser, wellhead and conductor system.

Results

AS Mosley’s experience with optimising riser operations in regions of strong currents was a key factor in the handling of this project. Top tension sensitivity was performed within the recoil limits to minimise riser deflection and flex joint angles, increasing the operating window of the ultra deepwater vessel. Clear guidance was provided to the operator through the tension offset envelopes, providing direct input to the Well Specific Operating Guidelines (WSOG) for application during offshore operations.

The initial wells have been successfully drilled and AS Mosley continues to build upon its extensive deepwater global riser analysis experience.