Arctic

The objective of this research project is to develop methods for quantifying the occurrence and severity of sea spray icing on oil exploration and drill rigs in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. The goal is to provide algorithms for processing weather data to determine sea spray icing severity on offshore structures.

The project deliverables are:

Task 1. Summary of spray icing data sets

Task 2. Interim report on calculations using Cook Inlet weather data

Task 3. Interim report on spray icing events

A number of cold region offshore developments have been carried out or are planned worldwide, including Sakhalin Island (Russia), Kashagan (Caspian), Shtokman (Barents Sea) as well as in the Beaufort Sea (Northstar, PanArctic Drake). An understanding of these analogue projects, as well as those already operational or planned for the United States (e.g., Northstar and Oooguruk), will provide insight and guidance into potential exploration and development technologies that might be applied to cold regions of the Outer Continental Shelf.

The objective of this study was to provide design options for Pipelines with regard to Arctic hazards such as strudel scour, upheaval buckling, and ice gouging in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Design options included evaluation of PL configuration, material selection, design parameters, operating conditions, application of strain-based and limit state design methods. Design issues included construction, operations, integrity management, maintenance and intervention.

This research studied hydrogen damage susceptibility (e.g., cracking and pitting) of steel pipe due to the effect on magnetism in combination with cathodic protection. This recent phase (Phase III) of research built on findings made during Phase I that ended in December 2005 (TAP Study 487) and Phase II that ended in February 2007 (TAP Study 522).

The primary objective of this research project is to identify and measure significant noise sources, paths and radiators generated from shallow water drilling and production operations on a gravel island in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea and to determine and recommend the most effective treatment for each source type. Knowing the equipment currently being used on a gravel island that is conducting drilling and production operations, what could be done to decrease the radiated noise entering the environment?

The objective of this continued research is to further validate that an IICP insulation system incorporating a low thermal conductivity, high strength wire screen mesh between a pipe and an interior liner can be an effective passive thermal insulation solution for deepwater flow lines and risers. Phase II will confirm the low thermal conductance values measured with coupons in Phase I are also attainable for pipes and demonstrate IICP performance under steady and transient flow conditions. Results will be used to interest industry and contractors in this technology.

This project assessed current state-of-the-practice for the construction and maintenance of ice islands and evaluated ice island technology to identify areas where further research and development would decrease the effort required to construct and maintain ice islands.

To help sponsor the OMME conference in Cancun, Mexico in June 2003.

The Banff 2003 Pipeline Workshop focused on Management of Pipeline Integrity. Workshops and forums provided a free exchange of information and ideas to promote the management of integrity, safety and risk of the pipeline infrastructure. The Banff/03 Workshop was held in Banff, Canada and is the sixth in a series of workshops that Natural Resources Canada has organized to address new pipeline technologies.

Subsea pipelines are increasingly being required to operate at higher temperatures and pressures. The natural tendency of a pipeline is to relieve the resulting high axial stress in the pipe-wall by buckling. Such uncontrolled buckling can have serious consequences for the integrity of a pipeline. Consequently, to date, the industry has sought to restrain pipelines by trenching and burying, or relieving the stress with in-line expansion spools.