Research pm the damage tolerance of Synthetic-Fiber Mooring ropes for use on MODU's. Analysis of controlled, damage-tolerance, static tension tests on elements and sub-rope components taken directly from representative polyester mooring rope products. This research laid a foundation into the behavior of ropes with damage including more sophisticated analytical modeling.
The project developed a submarine slope evaluation method for critical loading conditions based on well documented case histories. The focus was on geological, geotechnical, geophysical and the related failure mechanisms. The following tasks had been analyzed:
Task A: Study of Case Histories-Case histories of submarine slides in offshore areas worldwide. Appropriate numerical models had been selected for future analysis.
Task B: Submarine Slide Loading Conditions-Loading conditions and triggering mechanisms that exist at sites had been compiled and analyzed.
Workshop was held in Houston, Texas in June 2000 and discussed FPSO operations and to identify mitigation measures or technology to address these concerns. Workshop was completed.
This project will investigate the reliability of pressure safety lows (PSLs) used in pipeline leak prevention systems. Due to several pipeline ruptures in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and subsequent investigations, a recommendation was made to obtain a better understanding of the reliability of these PSLs.
The main objective of this project was to investigate severe slugging occurrence, prediction and elimination thoroughly for ultra deep-water production systems and develop a novel approach for the elimination.
BP EXPLORATION, Upstream Technology Group has requested that Stress Engineering Services (SES), perform a set of tests and analyses to develop an interim criteria for replacing damaged polyester mooring rope. BP and SES recognize that the Offshore Technology Research Center (OTRC) is developing a more thorough, longer-term project on the same subject, funded in part by the Minerals Management Service (MMS). BP believes it will have Gulf of Mexico applications for polyester rope taut line mooring systems before a criterion is available.
The primary objective of this project was to characterize key types of polyester rope damage that might affect the performance of a deepwater taut line mooring system. Since recent experiences have shown that these polyester mooring lines are susceptible to damage during installation, it is important to identify how this damage is created when installing these polyester mooring lines.
The MMS and the Department of Energy co-sponsored a Workshop on Deepwater Dual-Density Drilling Systems. The sponsors of the 3 differing approaches to dual-density drilling discussed the highlights of their drilling systems. Following the presentations, the workshop participants discussed potential drilling and well-control problems and how the various drilling system may handle these problems.
The JIP examined the recent problems with riser wear in deepwater drilling projects. The JIP identified and analyzed factors effecting riser wear; evaluated several riser wear inspection tools; evaluated wear resistance of risers; developed improved wear resistant riser linings, and developed and tested a drilling riser wear computer.
The JIP also attempted to document riser failures but data on riser failures was very difficult to obtain. However, the JIP did obtain wear data that showed evidence of keyseating in some subsea BOP stacks.
This project is a follow up to the recently completed SINTEF study on deepwater BOP reliability. This study used the information from the same 83 wells but looked at the kicks (48) and examined BOP performance after each kick will use data from the same wells used in that project. The project: Established a quantified overview of the deepwater well kick frequencies; Identified the important parameters contributing to the kick frequency; Assessed the performance of BOP equipment during well control operations; Assessed the effect of well control operations on BOP reliability.
