Engineering Offshore Structures Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the typical working life of an offshore structure?

  • 25 years (correct)
  • 15 years
  • 50 years
  • 35 years

    • Which factors must an offshore platform withstand?

  • Both wind and wave action, along with drilling work loads (correct)
  • Wind and wave action only
  • Drilling work loads only
  • Corrosion effects only

    • What must be prioritized to minimize maintenance efforts on an offshore structure?

  • Underwater maintenance considerations (correct)
  • Regular material replacements
  • Frequent inspections
  • Use of expensive materials

    • How does the weight of the deck modules affect offshore structure design?

    <p>It influences cost and seabed design of foundations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical environmental consideration for offshore structures in open sea conditions?

    <p>Effects of corrosion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect primarily dictates the dimensions of an offshore structure?

    <p>Work functions and topside weight minimization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a Construction Activity Monitoring System in offshore structure projects?

    <p>To ensure complete material certification and compliance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which certification is NOT typically included in a Construction Activity Monitoring System?

    <p>Decorative certification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical lengths of the pipe sections supplied in the spooling yard?

    <p>12m (40ft) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum diameter of the pipeline that can be laid according to the text?

    <p>600mm (24 inch) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is primarily used to prevent damage when spooling the pipe onto the reel?

    <p>Maintaining even tightness of the wraps (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant factor that led to the increase in tanker sizes in the 1950s?

    <p>Suez Crisis detours (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mooring system is noted as being the most widely used due to its operational cost?

    <p>Single point mooring (SPM) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the steel during the reeling and unreeling process of the pipe?

    <p>It causes yielding of the steel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did public opinion generally oppose large tankers coming close to inhabited areas?

    <p>Risk of oil spills (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is carried out to the welds before the stalks are stowed?

    <p>X-raying or automated ultrasonic testing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key design consideration in structural systems?

    <p>Resistance against relevant mechanical, physical, and chemical deterioration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which limit state is associated with the possibility of failure due to cyclic loading?

    <p>Fatigue Limit States (FLS) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Ultimate Limit States (ULS)' refer to?

    <p>Critical failure situations related to overloading (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a Fatigue Limit State (FLS)?

    <p>Loss of static equilibrium of the structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for fabrication and construction according to design considerations?

    <p>Compliance with relevant, recognized techniques and practices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which limit state pertains to structural damage caused by accidental loads?

    <p>Accidental Limit States (ALS) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes Serviceability Limit States (SLS)?

    <p>Criteria applicable to normal use or durability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a potential effect of Accidental Limit States (ALS)?

    <p>Loss of station keeping in marine structures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a benefit of horizontal drilling in offshore engineering?

    <p>It exposes more formations to production. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does extended reach drilling improve offshore operations?

    <p>It allows for greater reservoir area to be drained from one platform. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of slim-line well design?

    <p>To provide a more cost-effective casing design. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage does rig automation provide in offshore drilling?

    <p>It reduces the need for labor-intensive tasks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of horizontal drilling?

    <p>It increases the number of necessary wells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of automation on the rig?

    <p>Cost-effectiveness and improved safety. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might the future of offshore engineering see more development of existing techniques?

    <p>To reduce costs and improve marginal reserve recovery. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary focus of offshore engineering advancements mentioned in the content?

    <p>Exploiting currently marginal reserves. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of using temporary topsides on production platforms?

    <p>They reduce production costs and platform weight. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which design allows for the removal of the drilling derrick after the drilling phase?

    <p>Norske Shell’s Draugen and Troll platforms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do mobile drilling units play in platform design?

    <p>They drill production wells where platforms aren't justified. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major factor contributing to the high capital costs of platforms?

    <p>The comprehensive topside structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option is NOT a proposed method to reduce topside costs?

    <p>Increasing spare equipment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of structure is highlighted as a viable alternative to conventional platforms for certain water depths?

    <p>Concrete gravity structures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of modern fixed platforms compared to those built in the 1970s?

    <p>They are lighter, slimmer, and simpler. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of tender assisted operations in drilling?

    <p>To provide drilling support equipment from a stable location. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum diameter of the pipe that can be laid from a reel barge?

    <p>600mm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following techniques is used for horizontal drilling?

    <p>Directionally drilled assemblies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the consequences of the Suez Crisis in the 1950s regarding oil tankers?

    <p>It forced tankers to take longer routes around Africa. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a benefit of using single point mooring (SPM) systems?

    <p>Low operational cost (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of drilling approach is characterized by the use of longer drill strings?

    <p>Extended reach drilling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a main feature of temporary (lightweight) topsides on drilling platforms?

    <p>Removable derrick (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method provides drilling support equipment anchored alongside a vessel?

    <p>Tender assisted operations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT associated with the philosophy of building larger oil tankers?

    <p>Increased port capacity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Engineering Offshore Structures

    • Offshore platform designs initially evolved from land-based structures, adapting knowledge from civil and naval engineering.
    • The 1950s saw advancements in offshore structure technology, particularly in materials.
    • Government legislation in offshore oil-producing countries significantly influences platform design.
    • Economic factors, including hydrocarbon reserves and capital costs, heavily influence platform designs.
    • Environmental concerns and personnel safety are key aspects of design consideration.

    Safe to Operate

    • Engineers aim to design structures that are elegant, conservative with materials, fit for their purpose, safe for operation within a given time frame, and within budget.

    Government Legislation

    • Government rules help ensure structural safety and suitability for intended use.

    Design Specifications

    • Design specifications for offshore platforms consider various factors, including load-bearing and costs.
    • Needed materials should be readily available in the required form and meet design specifications.

    Working Life

    • A typical operating life for a platform is about 25 years.

    Loading

    • Platforms must withstand loads from drilling/operations, wind, and waves.
    • Safety of personnel, and the environment are key factors.

    Environment

    • Open-sea conditions generate harsh environments necessitating corrosion considerations for structures like the jacket.

    Maintenance

    • Minimizing underwater maintenance through cost-effective methodologies is important.

    Weight

    • Deck module weights must be sufficiently considered in designing the jacket to avoid stressing foundations.

    Dimensions

    • Platform dimensions are determined by operational needs, with focus on keeping topside weight minimal.

    Construction Activity Monitoring System

    • This system includes detailed documentation (as-built drawings), material certifications, and NDT/inspection certifications (including personnel qualifications).

    Guidance on Design and Construction

    • Design and structural engineers consult appropriate authorities or government bodies for project standards.
    • The Piper Alpha disaster led to significant UK regulatory changes, including Safety Case requirements.

    Duty Holder

    • The operator/owner, known as 'Duty Holder', is obligated to prepare Safety Cases for installations in UK offshore waters.
    • The Safety Case demonstrates control over major accident risks, following relevant statutory provisions and auditing/reporting.
    • Safety Case needs revisions and review every 5 years.

    Guidance on UK Regulations

    • Offshore Installatiions (Safety Case) Regulations, implementing safety requirements.
    • Offshore Installations (Design & Construction) specifying requirements to maintain the integrity of platforms via regular assessments.
    • Offshore Installations (Fire, Explosion & Emergency Response) emphasizing safety measures against fires and explosions for personnel.
    • Pipelines Safety Regulations address the integrity and safety of pipelines.
    • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations require safe operations and maintenance of work equipment.

    ISO Standards for Offshore Structures

    • ISO standards (e.g., ISO 19900 series) cover design, construction, and safety of various offshore structures.

    General Design Considerations

    • Structures are designed for loads during temporary, operating, and damaged conditions for safe personnel/environment.
    • Design principles aim to minimize deterioration and allow for potential fabrication/construction issues, maintenance, and repairs.
    • Limit states in offshore design include ultimate (load capacity), fatigue (cyclic loading), accidental (unexpected events), and serviceability (regular use).

    Pipelines

    • Offshore pipelines transport oil/gas from platforms to onshore facilities and are coated for corrosion prevention with reinforced concrete.Methods, such as lay barges or reel barges, are used for pipeline laying.
    • Welding and preparation procedures are relevant on-site or near the production facility.

    Offshore Oil Terminals

    • Large tankers are more economically practical to use due to lower operational costs.
    • This consideration impacts the terminal construction and design to accommodate this infrastructure.
    • Drilling advancements increase efficiency and affect costs.
    • Horizontal drilling, extended reach drilling, and slim-line well designs are examples of technologies that improve efficiency.
    • Rig automation and lightweight platform designs are trends for cost reduction and safety improvement.
    • Tender assisted operations and mobile drilling units are emerging technologies to minimize project cost and complexity.
    • Design techniques focus on lighter, smaller, and standardized platform designs, especially topsides.

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    Engineering Offshore Structures PDF

    Description

    Explore the evolution and design considerations of offshore structures in this quiz. Learn about the influence of government legislation, economic factors, and environmental concerns on engineering practices for safety and efficiency. Test your knowledge on materials, design specifications, and operational safety standards.

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