Dynamic simulation and coupling analysis of side installation of steel catenary risers

Abstract

The steel catenary riser (SCR) is one of the main riser forms for deepwater oil and gas development. In the process of SCR installation, the large deformation of the SCR leads to excessive SCR stress and bending moment, resulting in buckling deformation or even fracture of the installation cable. Considering the Lingshui 17-2 SCR side installation project and by adopting the time domain kinematics theory and finite element method, this study establishes a ship SCR installation cable dynamic model. First, the static tension and bending moment of the SCR and installation cable in five installation stages are analyzed. Second, considering the coupling effect of the ship, SCR, and installation cable undersea conditions, this study calculates the ship motion and the forces and bending moments of the SCR. Results show that the SCR tension and bending moment in the installation are greatly affected by ship movement. The coupling dynamic model proposed in this study can provide some references for SCR installation design and construction risk analysis.