Structures

This study was to develop a description of the evolution and distribution of the surface wind field, wave, salinity, sea surface temperature and current field in the northern GOM during the approach and passage of Hurricane Lili in 2002. The hindcast utilized all available public domain meteorological and oceanographic measured data, and Oceanweather's most accurate cyclone wind and wave hindcast methods. Hindcast results are validated against available measured data and an assessment of the accuracy of the hindcast provided with the results.

This project updates the API-RP-2A section using Hurricane Lili data to validate and calibrate Hurricane Andrew's JIP results. Hurricane Lili did much damage to platforms, including the complete loss of some of the units. The general project objectives were to:

The objectives of this study were to develop an engineering methodology for topsides structures, plant and piping integrity management and to integrate the survey/inspection process with existing defect assessment procedures. The work included the collation of pertinent codes, guidance documents, databases and literature worldwide and a number of interviews with the Gulf of Mexico offshore industry. This permitted the identification of regulation and code requirements and industry practice.

This is a joint industry project (JIP) on FPSO roll actions/re-actions. This project provides a theoretical approach for the reduction of roll motions of FPSO's. The following tasks have been identified. Monitoring in-situ-roll behaviors of existing FPSO's in relation to the environmental conditions; Physical and numerical modeling; Investigation into design and devices to minimize roll.

The Qualifying New Technology Workshop was held in October 2002 and focused on 1) Discuss requirements and processes to qualify new technologies, 2) Develop a methodology and process that could lead to a mutually acceptable plan to MMS and Oil Industry stakeholders.

The project was to complete a technical assessment of present and future AUV/ROV capabilities relevant to subsea deepwater oil and gas developments. ROVs and AUVs offer considerable promise for subsea development systems in deep and ultra-deep water. The ROV and AUV technology is rapidly evolving in a highly competitive marketplace. The ROV/AUV technology must interface with subsea well and production equipment, which is also rapidly evolving, in order to result in effective subsea development systems.

The project had developed criteria for the level of inspection needed for composite structures used offshore and to develop an understanding of the availability of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) tools that could be economically applied to assess the integrity performance and safety of critical primary structures. A one-day symposium was held on November 21, 2002 in Houston.

Greenwater damage to floating structures results from high pressures and loads that occur when wave crests inundate the structure far above the waterline in areas not designed to withstand such pressures. Greenwater damage is the result of unique combinations of vessel motions and incident wave conditions; roll, pitch and yaw of a turret-moored FPSO in hurricane seas.

Procured membership in the International Marine Contractors Association and specially for the Marine Division.

This project will design, fabricate and test new shaped or fracture charges to more efficiently sever platform structural members.