Study on the static mechanics and control method of the tubular system during subsea wellhead construction in deep water. (15th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Minghe; Yang, Jin; Wang, Yuanming; Zhou, Yisu; Yang, Yuxiang; Long, Yang
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 266(2022)Part 4
• Publication Date: 2022-12-15
• Subjects: Deepwater drilling -- Tubular system -- Mechanical behavior -- Control method; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2022.113108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: Subsea wellhead construction in deep water mainly includes surface conductor installation by jetting method, surface casing installation, and marine riser and LMRP-BOPs (Lower marine riser assembly and blowout preventer stacks) installation. The tubular combinations vary in the above three processes, and the lateral displacements near mudline under marine environmental loads are different. The mechanical models and governing equations are established according to the different tubular system properties in different operation stages, and the tubular mechanics in different installation processes were solved by coupling lateral displacement boundary conditions at different pipe string connections. The numerical simulation of ABAQUS software is given to verify the correctness of the theoretical derivation and solution. Besides, the parameters sensitivity analysis is carried out to reveal the influence of current velocity, lateral displacement of the platform, surface casing length, and LMRP-BOPs weight on the mechanical characteristics of the tubular system in different installation stages. Two control methods of platform drift and using the inner thickening drill pipe is proposed to reduce the differences in lateral displacement at different installation stages of the subsea wellhead based on the theoretical analysis. Field case study is carried out to provide guidance for subsea wellhead construction in deep water. Highlights: The mechanical model of the tubular system during the subsea wellhead installation in deep water is established. The numerical simulation conducted in the ABAQUS software is given for model verification. The influence factors on mechanical morphology of tubular system are analyzed. The control method on subsea wellhead construction in deep water is proposed based on the field case analysis.