Floating protection system for FPSO. (4th April 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neto, José A. Nolau; Estefen, Segen F.
• Is Part Of: International journal of computer applications technology. Volume 43:Number 3(2012)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 206
• Publication Date: 2012-04-04
• Subjects: collision -- FPSO vessels -- supply vessels -- floating protection systems -- offshore operations -- safety -- structural behaviour -- impact load -- numerical modelling -- accidents; Technology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 620.00285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-8091

Abstract

Several Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels have been converted from large oil tanker ships with single skin side hulls. Safety measures have been evaluated to avoid excessive risks due to collision with supply vessels. Possible environment damage due to oil spill could be prevented by the installation of physical barriers close to the storage compartments in order to avoid accidental contact between FPSO and supply vessel. A floating protection system for the collision of supply vessel on FPSO hull during offshore operations is proposed in this paper. It comprises a cylindrical floating body attached through pinned braces to the transverse bulkheads of the FPSO. The concept is analysed in relation to the structural behaviour under impact load, using experimental and numerical models. In addition, the absorbed impact energy of the system is investigated through its motion into water.