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Dropped Object Effect in Offshore Subsea Structures and Pipeline Approach

Technical Report · December 2016

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19964.33920

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 Dropped Object Effect in Offshore Subsea Structures and Pipeline Approach
Prakash Thapa, Faisal Khan
Centre for Risk, Integrity and Safety Engineering (C-RISE)
Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science
Memorial University, St John’s, NL, A1B 3X5, Canada

ABSTRACT
In this study the most important is dropped objective occurs whether in imitation of figuring out
regarding the resulting in accordance with dropped result to damage of equipment. In this study I
discuss redact the typically concerning the imperative selections of critical discussion the short
time frame. The approach to regarding of the extra challenge in imitation of operating of
pressured after accomplish decisions between limited information and those examine the
penalties on miscarriage result.
In this study I attempt to imitation to provide an explanation to carriers over the clear discussions
about the dropped object analysis strategies and to makes use of the check imitation of subsea
damage pipelines or structures. In this facts is furnished over insights received during dropped
objects study including the empiric efforts involving 1 MJ drops (24,000 lbs dropped from about
30 feet), as well as the finite element dynamics simulations covered interaction into a dropped
object on subsea pipeline between the dropped among the subsea soil.
In this paper I present the value of the pipeline operator work to preforms the better function
themselves to use the damage methodology to authorised the persevered out of danger process of
subsea pipeline structures dropped object and lifting activities.
INTRODUCTION
The system related along this evaluation pains normally entails half shape about records
collection (sometimes including surveying of the pipeline), assessing the injury according to
erection a brief assessment and issuing a final judgment based on the pipeline system. The
concerning to purpose of this paper to provide the conformity with grant of reader with insights
and suggestion over whether in conformity with edit an assessment based regarding sound of the
engineering principles.

The operators consider damage severity with confidence belief of order in imitation of repair the
pipeline among the replace certain sections and to work it authentic condition to prevailing level
regarding the pipe damage occurred.
An objective to providing the insights goodness to the industry between to assessing the subsea
pipeline damage at equal importance data analytical and experimental methods it will also
execute conformity with determine the pipeline damage. In the particular in this study report we
discussions to conformity with how evaluating, modeling the impact energy base on the imitation
of affect energy perform in conformity with discover essential parameters because of evaluating
damage.

We discus about how many in conformity with perfect issue modeling to use to account
influence impact energy based on the deformed formal over the pipeline.

1
The dynamic modeling methods evaluating high speed impact problems that consist of the
subsea soil in the finite element model. The finally we discuss of the relation with the every
factors over the introduced records in accordance with execute an assessment method up to
expectation will increase the potent damage and future safe condition in the pipeline system.
BACKGROUND
To verify about the subsea damage related along anchor impingement or direct consultation with
the pipeline, dent to conformity with the measurement can keep taken to verify the general and
residual stress state. It is critically important to initial evaluation efforts of the potential of the
potential modes stay considered. The larger thin-walled pipes are deformed can be susceptible in
imitation of cave to subjected after external strain loading. I discuss the 6 step of technique to
listed used to be conformity with ascertain the contrast system. The evaluation of the process
dropped object problem should conduct the failure of the subsea pipeline.
1) Identify critical parameters related together with brawny defeat modes (e.g. gravities,
strain, displacement, etc.).
2) Collect information required in accordance with determine essential parameters (e.g.
ROV videos, surveys, etc.).
3) Perform calculations to quantify the magnitude about the crucial parameters.
4) Determine the time limits over indispensable parameters based totally over industry-
accepted standards.
5) Compare deliberated values after allowable limits.
6) Determine route onward (i.e. proceed operation, re-rate, repair, or replace).
Identify Critical Parameters
As per the design process it is most general sense fundamental to studying pipeline damage
failure to address potential failure modes. The working driver disillusionment in subsea pipelines
over the top strain and evacuating and twist.
In this identifying to essential parameters usually requires the bent have been incorporated of the
design work or contributed somehow to before uncertainty in the measurements.
Recognize Critical Parameters
As per the design strategy it is most in a general sense fundamental to studying pipeline damage
to address potential failure modes. The operating driver failure in subsea pipelines over the top
strain and evacuating and twist.
For this identifying to critical parameters usually requires who have been incorporated into
design work or contributed somehow to before failure analysis.
Data Collection
The critical parameters have been decision it will be accumulate the data that will permit the
parameters to be measured. Instances of activities associated with data aggregation join ROV
recordings the study the data review pipeline migration. Exactly the data are accumulated, for
instance, survey data the basic toward assess level of unsteadiness in the estimations.
The critically important is especially of decisions concerning departure of damage range of the
pipeline. To before gathering the data it won't possible to settle on correct decisions of the level
of pipeline damage.

2
Perform Calculations
The fundamental of critical parameters have been recognized and it will accumulate for the
permits and assessments to calculation are required. The quality calculations are direct related to
exactness of the data collection. In these points of view I consider contemplate data are used to
figure of the overall calculation of evacuated pipeline. For this analysis I give the strain in
perspective of rhythmic movement (insinuate Fig. 1) to thought the standard deviation in the
estimations to consider this analysis.
The Fig. 2 the standard deviation we find out and to consider the three kind of possible strain
levels (we can got the mean regard despite notwithstanding and less for the standard deviation
values). The three radii of shape are figured and three bending strain value can be determine in
this analysis. The figure 3 will gives the outcomes of the prior of study.
The best permitted to contorting strains using the procedures for demonstrated as a piece of API
RP 1111 as components of pipe gravity. The presented data exhibited that there are two of the
three strain values outperform the best permitted plane strains.
Choose Limits
To deciding breaking points in view of industry models of fundamentally essential to assessment
procedure of the dropped object. For the example of the cases references join API RP 1111 and
ASME B31.8 [2]. As per discussed in above the set up cut off focuses fuse these state of bowing
strain and point of confinement. The Figure 4 plots showed that the curving strains are limit of
associated with drop bending moment. The outcomes of the plot are restricted part demonstrate
that joined of the effects of internal weight in center strain and bending modeling.
The safety part of constrained the curving strains to ensure that collapse of pipe does not occur.
In this result to present that the projects incorporate into a pipeline that had been removed from
the initially trenched position by the anchor impact.
Balance Calculations with Limits
When the figuring complete to perceive and chose beyond many would consider possible,
accompanying cognizant walk is to making an examination between two value. Those
incorporated into the evaluation technique are perfect to arrange to settle on a decision based
sound technical basis. Processed value is outperforming beyond we would be consider possible
of the overseer must settle on a decision as discussed with the accompanying portion to
illuminate in this study.
Option Route Ahead
The consequence of the relationship attempts of overseers are required to settle on a decision and
the consistent responses to join repairing the pipeline, replacing the pipeline, permitting passing
operation pending further repairs/substitutions, or continuing with operation with any future
remediation works activities. The evaluation of pipeline damage commonly incorporates two
times of work: preliminary assessment and assessment of the long-time services.
The subsea pipeline is a preliminary assessment might be join that the pipe line weight does not
drop the underneath a certain value, ensure that collapse pipeline does not take a place in this
study. The other hand, whole deal evaluation will generally investigating of age of the pipeline,
working history, prepares for future organization, and peril examination appraisal including
choosing the aftereffects of disillusionment.

3
Assessment Methods
In this analysis I apply the numerical system to perform the subsea pipeline damage dropped
object analysis. The level of analysis is related to the quantity (possibly quality) of information
that can be gathered. The information ranges are ordered review data with real estimations
information as perceived to consolidate the unstuck of gathered position of principal pipeline.
The damage relatively commendable damage resistances, operation of the pipeline can continue,
if the real damage has been allowed to the pipeline, the line will require to changes in working
conditions, repair or replacement of the system. Figure 5 give a five stapes of the process to
purposes of intrigue minimum considerations to require the damaged the pipeline dropped
analysis. The important incorporates identifying critical parameters in the subsea pipelines, one
of the prominent critical parameters in the gravity bases on the dropped load.
The external pressure generated made by the hydrostatic weight in the seawater to fold the pipe
when it has either low internal weight levels or is at risk to bending troubles. The obvious
parameters fuse recurring pattern and contorting strain. Second segment incorporates performing
to quantify the measure of the critical parameters to figuring the typically and illustrative analytic
solutions (i.e. closed shape) or through numerical strategies for instance finite element analysis.
To calculation determining the magnitude critical parameter assessment for the subsea dropped
object process. The third key evaluation process handle incorporates choosing sensible purposes
of imprisonment for the critical parameters. These are regularly chosen using either association
policy, stander such as ASME B31.8 for gas transmission pipelines or recommended such as API
RP 1111 the design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Offshore Hydrocarbon
Pipelines (Limit State Design).
Closed Solutions
The Initial analysis efforts regularly incorporate to calculations the light of legitimate or close
shape courses. The instances of processing contorting strain from rhythmic movement showed in
the Figure. 1 (The data are required to complete this sort of activity). The pipelines damage
through impact with subsea anchors evaluating the strain in the deflected pipeline.
In this process system to incorporate the evacuated in the geometry pipeline data point to
calculate curvature to the curvature bending strain is calculated. The equation to determine are
relates to scratch significance and drive is displayed by Palmer et al [3]. This condition to choose
how much drive is presented into a pipeline to make predefined check significance.
3 𝑝2
𝑈𝑑 = 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 1
32𝜋 𝑌 2 𝑡 3

Where:
Ud Dent depth (inches)
P Force of indentation (lbs)
Y Yield strength (psi)
t Pipe wall thickness (inches)

4
The figure 6 to gives us information to produce a heap of diversion bend marking of a 12.75-inch
x 0.406-inch Grade X65 pipe. In this figure Calculate residual dent depth the 100 kip indentation
load is within 5 percent of the real measured exploratory value. In this condition we can estimate
the vitality level of the connected with a given indentation event. The other strategy is essential
to talking about the dropped object to calculating the kinetic energy base on the dropped object
mass and velocity at impact. As will be talked about the numerical techniques are more qualified
for tackling this type of the problem.
Numerical Methods
The subsea pipelines and flow line manifold, trees, jumpers are assess to premise measurements
to assess harm considers vitality strategies. There is a few alternatives indicate diagnostically
assessing auxiliary harm created by dropped objects utilizing numerical methods.
The principal bend to include and mix redirection of the drop object. The information will be
produced to utilizing a limited component investigation to consider a semi static stacking process
and the second and more advanced strategy, ascertains consumed vitality utilizing an element
limited component display in view of an express numerical incorporation plot.
Semi static Evaluation
The Figure 6 plot demonstrated that the load-deflection data a 12.75-inch x 1.375-inch, Grade
X65 pipe in view of results from a FEA model. That figure shown us Palmer equation already
explain in the in Equation 1 that shows great relationship with the correlation with the analysis
results.
This model was resolved the energy imparted to a subsea flowline from a dropped Object area. If
the load is a diversion bend displayed in Fig. 6 is coordinated, the resulting energy level is 675
kJ. If a dropped protest having a dynamic vitality of 675 kJ impacts this respective flow line, a
residual dent depth on the order of 5 inches is likely.
We are not considered in quasi-static analysis are two imperative factor.
• Flow line and pipelines regularly lay on top of covered in the dirt and there are affected
the general reaction incorporates the firmness (i.e. vitality limit) of the dirt.
• The time dependant reaction of the framework. This incorporates too reaction of the dirt
effect produces a pinnacle load that surpasses the esteem saw in the semi static
investigation.
The quasi-static simulation is an extremely helpful determining the energy capacity of the
particular structure; I introduced the following area of the express combination plot allows a
significantly more thorough assessment strategy to survey the consolidated element reaction of
the dropped question in the soil and pipelines.
Dynamic Simulation
The study to consider that the time-dependant reaction of a framework require a more
noteworthy level of ability than required the semi static assessment. The appraisal requires
assessment of the whole affected framework including a reaction of supporting soil and explicit
technique is required.
The parallel similarity is viewed as the dropping object into a waterway and the contact with the
water high rate of the speed in the anticipated zone is at first halted by the sudden contact with

5
the surface of the water. The object are brought down gradually into the water the
imperviousness gravity is the buoyancy force which was significantly resisting impact force. The
soil shears a quality increment by 50% to chance the strain rate is 10, 0000 circumstances the
semi static load rate.
I talk about to exhibit the unequivocal limited component displaying strategies but instead show
how this approach can be utilized to assess the impacts of dropped object on subsea pipelines.
Figure 7 demonstrates the general schematic for the FEA display including the impactor (e.g.
dropped question), pipeline, and the soil. The computational proficiency a symmetry plane is
summoned. The vitality affect levels of 10 kJ, 100 kJ, and 1 MJ (1000 kJ) were assessed in this
review. In this review the 10 kJ esteem was produced of the pipeline distance across and the
inside weight level was 1,755 psi will be considered (weight level comparing to 72% of the
Specified Minimum Yield Strength, SMYS) in this review. The Figure 8 incorporates the
accompanying plots:
• Force as an element of function time
• Force as an element of removal time
• Velocity and uprooting as elements of time
There are a few perceptions in survey these plots the first is the greatness of effect drive that is
granted to the pipeline. A compel surpassing 350,000 lbs was figured. Another perception is the
generally brief length of effect where the pinnacle load was figured to be on the request of 0.005
seconds. Dropped effect is joined by a fast deceleration as saw with the speed as a component of
time plot appeared in the Figure 9 give von misses form plots to spreading over from 0.001 to
0.05 seconds.
The huge perceptions is looking into of numerical strategy methods examination can be utilized
to survey an extensive variety of factors including sway vitality, geometry of the affected
structure, geometry of the dropped question supporting conditions, for example, soil, and an
assortment of different parameters.
The parametric of these examining sway mechanics can better comprehend the impacts of
various factors, better situated to comprehend what damage may be conferred to their particular
structure. The financial point of view, numerical modeling is fundamentally significantly the less
expensive, time concentrated than exploratory strategies and particularly those including testing
as talked about in the accompanying.
Exploratory TECHNIQUES
The analytical methods have been talked about and introduced in connection to considering
dropped objects. The testing to include semi static loads commonly allows estimations of load
versus avoidance and when full-scale drop tests are performed with vitality levels of adequate
size (e.g. 1 MJ), the greatness affect constrain surpasses of the limit of the customary load cells.
The better comprehend general reaction connected with effect, thinks about commonly include
blend of full-scale ponders.
Full-scale Testing
The investigative endeavors concentrated on testing connected with extensive scale drop tests,
after to exploring conceivable choices; the most extreme conceivable test condition included
dropping 24,000 lbs from 30 ft. This compares to 720,000 ft-lbs (976 kJ), or roughly 1 MJ.

6
According to answer that the moderately significant energy level is too correspondingly of a
dynamic kinetic energy of 1 MJ and expecting that calculate the object weighing is 18,500 lbs
the impact of the structure traveling speed is 50 feet each second. As the purpose of counts we
found the few of potential dropped objects. Figure 12 12 shown us the example of the calculation
sheet with the dropped objects will be considered.
• CAT: 14,000 lbs with a max speed of 32 feet for every second (302 kJ)
• Basket: 25,000 lbs with a max speed of 31 feet for every second (506 kJ)
• Tree: 101,500 lbs with a max speed of 22 feet for each second (1035 kJ)
The dropped tree has a process energy of the effect is around 1 MJ. This esteem incorporates the
submerged weight of the tree, and in addition the drag connected with the insignificantly
anticipated surface range. The Figure 13 demonstrated to us the arrangement of testing the
dropping scope of weights from a tallness of 30 feet. In this review the energy levels range 51 kJ
to 976 kJ. The intent is to decide the level of damage is 12-inch ostensible distance across subsea
stream line (1.375-inch divider thickness). The Figure 13 included a 300 kJ drop, insignificant
impact was delivered to the outside surface of the stream line.
The 1 MJ drop did not incur damage the pipeline that would have made it inoperable and this
testing was performed inner weight pipe which was clearly not illustrative of genuine in service
conditions. The subsea soil has essentially more prominent consistence than coastal soil and
more prominent rate of the energy amid the soil damaged. The effect of drop tests rate is 2,000
casings for each second. The figure had demonstrated to us the effect of the pipe avoidance
flexibly into the soil to a profundity of 12 inches.
• The external insulation provided additional energy absorption and protection for the
pipeline
• Visual inspection will not reveal the full extent of damage to pipe, especially when
insulation material is present
CONCLUSIONS
This analysis exhibited bits of knowledge on the best way to damage imparted to subsea
structures including pipelines, amid dropped object impacts. To making an appraisal the harm
happened is essential for the better way to deal with assess the potential damage. In this outcome
the Finite element methods with flexible plastic material properties are in a perfect world suited
for this sort of assignment. The basic area for every structure can be recognized and analysis to
decide of the heap diversion reaction at that specific area.
The endeavors their place; the testing requires learned of staff, particularly in the range of rapid
information. In the case study testing is done, the program ought to be all around planned and try
to catch data that can supplement investigation endeavors. The testing ought to be utilized to
affirm investigation comes about and not only supplant examination endeavors.
The distinctions to amongst testing and analysis to exist the analyst must be make conformity to
analytical model to address any distinctions. The supporting conditions ought to be considered,
particularly the time-dependant reaction of the dirt. The more prominent levels of profound water
action proceed of the potential for dropped object impacts increase the area. The perform and
evaluations deliver to the energy capability of subsea structures effect rates so that choices on the
outcome of impact can be made in view of noise specialized benefits. It is imagined that projects
of this sort will draw vigorously on the points of interest and philosophy introduced in this paper.

7
Figure 1 – Calculating curvature and bending strain from three points in space

How does standard deviation Influence the Utilizing three focuses, a sweep of ebb and flow, R, can be figured
ebb and flow of a pipeline? along the length of a pipeline. The picture beneath demonstrates a
RED CIRCLES showing how the range of shape can change along
the length of the pipeline.

Nominal coordinate position

Minimum R coordinate position

Maximum R coordinate position

Sample pipeline position based on survey data

Figure 2 – Demonstrating the effects of standard deviation in measurement on curvature

Nominal position of survey data: e = 0.480 percent
Minimum radius of curvature and maximum strain: e = 1.521 percent
Maximum radius of curvature and minimum strain: e = 0.101 percent
The above data demonstrate the potential for changing the calculated bending strain based on
changes in survey data relative to the standard deviation. If one is to consider allowable strain of
0.45 percent, two of the calculated values exceed this limit. Ovality limits the amount of bending
strain that can be induced in a pipeline due to the potential for collapse due to external pressure.

8
Pipe shown with and without joviality
Figure 3 – Evaluating the effects of standard deviation on allowable bending strain
Representative Curve showing Moment versus Strain

Figure 4 – Moment-strain connection for pipe subjected to inside weight, pressure, and bowing
burdens
The 5 Step of pipe damage Assessment Process
1) Identify basic parameters (e.g. haziness, strain, relocation, and so on.)
2) Perform estimations to evaluate the size of the basic parameters
3) Determine passable breaking points on basic parameters in light of industry-
acknowledged benchmarks

9
 4) Compare computed qualities as far as possible
5) Based on consequences of Step #4, decide way ahead (i.e. proceed with operation, re-
rate, repair, or supplant)
Figure 5 - Five stage prepare for a harmed pipeline evaluation
Stack as a Function of Displacement for a 12.75-inch x 1.375-inch, Grade X60 pipe

Figure 6 – Load-redirection twist for semi static FEA model

Figure 7 – Diagram demonstrating parts in the ABAQUS Explicit FEA display

10
11
Figure 8 – Explicit investigation comes about considering power, time, removal, and speed
for 100 kJ

Contours in GRAY exceed 52

ksi

Figure 9 – von Misses stretch form plots for unequivocal assestment at 100 kJ energy level

Figure 11 – Acceleration levels measured during dropped object (150 lbs dropped from 5
feet)

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2. TREE DROPPED OBJECT:

Figure 12 - Calculation of terminal velocity for dropped tree

13
 REFERENCES
1. Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Offshore Hydrocarbon Pipelines
(Limit State Design) API Recommended Practice 1111, Third Edition, American
Petroleum Institute, Washington, D. C., July 1999.
2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping
Systems, ASME B31.8, New York, New York, 2003 edition.
3. Palmer, A. C., and King, R. A., Subsea Pipeline Engineering, PennWell Corporation,
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.

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