Offshore Pipeline Integrity Assessment

Advanced Pipeline Integrity Assessment for Offshore Oil and Gas

Our experts were engaged by a leading international oil and gas company to address critical challenges in the design and analysis of offshore pipelines for a high-stakes project. The project involved extreme environmental conditions, including strong seabed currents and substantial mechanical stresses on pipeline systems. Ensuring the pipeline's structural integrity and compliance with industry standards (DNV, API, and ASME) was crucial to avoid potential operational failures.

Our Solution:

1. Comprehensive Pipeline Design:

   • Our experts performed detailed calculations to determine the optimal pipe wall thickness, corrosion allowances, and material selection to withstand the operational pressures and stresses.

   • Elastic and plastic bending analyses were conducted to ensure the pipeline's resilience during installation and operation.
     
     

2. Finite Element Analysis (FEA):

   • Advanced FEA tools (e.g., Abaqus and OrcaFlex) were utilized to simulate complex scenarios, including seabed interactions, span analysis, and buckling risks due to environmental factors like waves and currents.

   • Impact simulations evaluated potential hazards, such as dropped objects or fishing gear interactions, ensuring the pipeline's safety and durability.
     
     

3. Testing and Qualification:

   • A rigorous qualification pipeline testing program was implemented to validate integrity during installation and in-service operations.

   • Hydrostatic pressure testing was conducted to confirm the pipeline's strength and detect any weaknesses.
     
     

4. Standards Compliance and Documentation:

   • Our experts ensured compliance with international codes (DNV, API, and ASME) by preparing detailed specifications, data sheets, and technical reports.

   • Material purchase requisitions and fittings specifications were meticulously developed to meet project needs.
     
     

5. Project Management and Collaboration:

   • Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline processes and align on technical goals.

   • Regular meetings and presentations were held with project stakeholders to address challenges proactively and ensure timely delivery.

Key Outcomes:

1. Enhanced Pipeline Integrity:

   • The pipeline was designed and tested to meet and exceed safety and performance requirements, ensuring reliable operation under harsh offshore conditions.
     
     

2. Optimized Material Usage:

   • Accurate material specifications and design optimizations resulted in significant cost savings for the client.
     
     

3. Regulatory Compliance Achieved:

   • The project adhered to all relevant international standards, ensuring smooth regulatory approval and operational readiness.
     
     

4. Improved Collaboration:

   • Effective communication and teamwork enabled seamless execution, fostering a strong partnership with the client.