Deep-water riser fatigue monitoring systems based on acoustic telemetry

Marine risers play a key role in the deep and ultra-deep water oil and gas production. The vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of marine risers constitutes an important problem in deep water oil exploration and production. VIV will result in high rates of structural failure of marine riser due to fatigue damage accumulation and diminishes the riser fatigue life. In-service monitoring or full scale testing is essential to improve our understanding of VIV response and enhance our ability to predict fatigue damage. One marine riser fatigue acoustic telemetry scheme is proposed and an engineering prototype machine has been developed to monitor deep and ultra-deep water risers’ fatigue and failure that can diminish the riser fatigue life and lead to economic losses and eco-catastrophe. Many breakthroughs and innovation have been achieved in the process of developing an engineering prototype machine. Sea trials were done on the 6th generation deep-water drilling platform HYSY-981 in the South China Sea. The inclination monitoring results show that the marine riser fatigue acoustic telemetry scheme is feasible and reliable and the engineering prototype machine meets the design criterion and can match the requirements of deep and ultra-deep water riser fatigue monitoring. The rich experience and field data gained in the sea trial which provide much technical support for optimization in the engineering prototype machine in the future.     

Parametric Stability Analysis of Marine Risers with Multiphase Internal Flows Considering Hydrate Phase Transitions

This study investigates the effects of multiphase internal flows that consider hydrate phase transitions on the parametric stability of marine risers.A numerical model of the multiphase internal flow that considers a hydrate phase transition is established.The model first solves the flow parameters and subsequently obtains the natural frequencies of risers with different gas intake ratios.The stability charts of marine risers with different gas intake ratios are plotted by applying Floquet theory,and the effects of the gas intake ratio on the instability and vibration response of the risers are identified.The natural frequency increases with an increase in the gas intake ratio;thus,instability zones move to higher frequency ranges in the stability charts.As the increasing gas intake ratio reduces the damping effect of the Coriolis force,the critical amplitude of the heave in the unstable region decreases,especially when hydrodynamic damping is not considered.As a result,higher-order unstable regions are excited.When in an unstable region,the vibration response curve of a riser with a high gas intake ratio excited by parametric resonance diverges quickly due to parametric resonance.     

Investigation of a new vortex-induced vibration suppression device in laboratory experiments

In order to mitigate vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of marine risers, especially to eliminate the phenomenon of frequency ’lock-in’, a new suppression device of crescent-shaped flow spoiler was designed with seven different layout schemes. VIV model tests with six flow levels were conducted in a large wind-wave-current flume. In all cases, vibration responses in both in-line and cross-flow cases were measured. With the installation of suppression devices vibration frequency evolution of a riser was analyzed by Morlet wavelet transform. The principle of VIV suppression was interpreted through vibration characteristics. Fatigue life of the riser was calculated by the Palmgren-Miner rule. Compared with a bare riser, vibration of an outfitted riser with suppression devices disturbed the steady flow, the vibration amplitudes in the two flow directions were reduced, and the riser fatigue life was improved.     

Fatigue life assessment of top tensioned risers under vortex-induced vibrations

The fatigue life of top tensioned risers under vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) with consideration of the effect of internal flowing fluid on the riser is analyzed in the time domain. The long-term stress histories of the riser under VIVs are calculated and the mean stresses, the number of stress cycles and amplitudes are determined by the rainflow counting method. The Palmgren-Miner rule for cumulative damage theory with a specified S-N curve is used to estimate the fatigue life of the riser. The corresponding numerical programs numerical simulation of vortex-induced vibrations (NSVIV) which can be used to calculate the VIV response and fatigue life of the riser are compiled. Finally the influences of the riser’s parameters such as flexural rigidity, top tension and internal flow velocity on the fatigue life of the riser are analyzed in detail and some conclusions are drawn.     

Vortex-induced vibration of two parallel risers: Experimental test and numerical simulation

The vortex-induced vibration of two identical rigidly mounted risers in a parallel arrangement was studied using Ansys-CFX and model tests.The vortex shedding and force were recorded to determine the effect of spacing on the two-degree-of-freedom oscillation of the risers.CFX was used to study the single riser and two parallel risers in 2–8D spacing considering the coupling effect.Because of the limited width of water channel,only three different riser spacings,2D,3D,and 4D,were tested to validate the characteristics of the two parallel risers by comparing to the numerical simulation.The results indicate that the lift force changes significantly with the increase in spacing,and in the case of 3D spacing,the lift force of the two parallel risers reaches the maximum.The vortex shedding of the risers in 3D spacing shows that a variable velocity field with the same frequency as the vortex shedding is generated in the overlapped area,thus equalizing the period of drag force to that of lift force.It can be concluded that the interaction between the two parallel risers is significant when the risers are brought to a small distance between them because the trajectory of riser changes from oval to curve 8 as the spacing is increased.The phase difference of lift force between the two risers is also different as the spacing changes.     

Modal strain energy based structural damage localization for offshore platform using simulated and measured data

Modal strain energy based methods for damage detection have received much attention. However, most of published articles use numerical methods and some studies conduct modal tests with simple 1D or 2D structures to verify the damage detection algorithms. Only a few studies utilize modal testing data from 3D frame structures. Few studies conduct performance comparisons between two different modal strain energy based methods. The objective of this paper is to investigate and compare the effectiveness of a traditional modal strain energy method （Stubbs index） and a recently developed modal strain energy decomposition （MSED） method for damage localization, for such a purpose both simulated and measured data from an offshore platform model being used. Particularly, the mode shapes used in the damage localization are identified and synthesized from only two measurements of one damage scenario because of the limited number of sensors. The two methods were first briefly reviewed. Next, using a 3D offshore platform model, the damage detection algorithms were implemented with different levels of damage severities for both single damage and multiple damage cases. Finally, a physical model of an offshore steel platform was constructed for modal testing and for validat-ing the applicability. Results indicate that the MSED method outperforms the Stubbs index method for structural damage detection.     

An investigation on low frequency fatigue damage of mooring lines applied in a semi-submersible platform

Assessing the fatigue life of mooring systems is important for deep water structures. In this paper, a comprehensive fatigue analysis is conducted on the mooring lines applied in a semi-submersible platform with special focus on the low frequency (LF) fatigue damage. Several influential factors, including water depth, wave spectral parameters, and riser system, are considered. Numerical simulation of a semi-submersible platform with the mooring/riser system is executed under different conditions, and the fatigue damage of mooring lines is assessed by using the time domain analysis method as a benchmark. The effects of these factors on the mooring line tension and the fatigue damage are investigated and discussed in detail. Research results indicate that the LF fatigue damage only accounts for a very small portion of the total damage, although the LF components dominate the global motion response and the mooring line tension of the semi-submersible platform. However, it is demonstrated that the LF fatigue damage is clearly affected by the influential factors. The increase in water depth and spectral peak periods, and the existence of risers can weaken the contribution of the LF components to the mooring line fatigue damage, while the fatigue damage due to the LF components increases with the increase of significant wave height.     

An Improved Damage Identification Method Based on Mode Information

This paper presents a new algorithm to predict locations and severities of damage in structures by changing modal parameters. An existing algorithm of damage detection is reviewed and the new algorithm is formulated to improve the accuracy of damage locating and severity estimation by eliminating the ＂erratic assumptions and limits in the existing algorithm. The damage prediction accuracy is numerically assessed for each algorithm when applied to a two-dimensional frame structure for which pre-damage and post-damage modal parameters are available for only a few modes of vibration. The analysis results illustrate the improved accuracy of the new algorithm when compared to the existing algorithm.     

Vector form Intrinsic Finite Element Method for the Two-Dimensional Analysis of Marine Risers with Large Deformations

Robust numerical models that describe the complex behaviors of risers are needed because these constitute dynamically sensitive systems. This paper presents a simple and efficient algorithm for the nonlinear static and dynamic analyses of marine risers. The proposed approach uses the vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method, which is based on vector mechanics theory and numerical calculation. In this method, the risers are described by a set of particles directly governed by Newton’s second law and are connected by weightless elements that can only resist internal forces. The method does not require the integration of the stiffness matrix, nor does it need iterations to solve the governing equations. Due to these advantages, the method can easily increase or decrease the element and change the boundary conditions, thus representing an innovative concept of solving nonlinear behaviors, such as large deformation and large displacement. To prove the feasibility of the VFIFE method in the analysis of the risers, rigid and flexible risers belonging to two different categories of marine risers, which usually have differences in modeling and solving methods, are employed in the present study. In the analysis, the plane beam element is adopted in the simulation of interaction forces between the particles and the axial force, shear force, and bending moment are also considered. The results are compared with the conventional finite element method (FEM) and those reported in the related literature. The findings revealed that both the rigid and flexible risers could be modeled in a similar unified analysis model and that the VFIFE method is feasible for solving problems related to the complex behaviors of marine risers.     

Synergetic Analysis and Possible Control of Vortex-Induced Vibrations in a Fluid-Conveying Steel Catenary Riser

This work aimed to demonstrate possibilities for both active and passive control of the vortex-induced vibration and fatigue life of steel catenary risers via an analysis of the self-organization and evolution of the structural vibration based on synergetic theory. An analysis of the complex interrelated and synergistic relationship between the order parameter and the fast variable was performed, and the master equation of the nodal displacements was established as the order parameter for the evolution of the riser’s structural vibration. Passive control methods include modifying the structure’s elastic modulus, the internal fluid velocity, the top tension and the structural damping ratio, while an active control involves adjusting the external flow rate. Optimized parameters were obtained by analyzing the non-steady state solution of the master equation. The results show that the fatigue life greatly increases as the riser’s elastic modulus decreases. In contrast, the fatigue life decreases with an increase of the internal fluid velocity. With an increase of the top tension, the vibration amplitudes and the number of modes may decrease, resulting in fewer bending stress cycles and a longer fatigue life. Furthermore, the structural damping ratio should be as large as possible. Finally, an active and passive control of the riser structure’s response to vortex-induced vibration and its fatigue life can be achieved by carefully modifying the parameters mentioned above. The results may provide a theoretical framework for engineering practice concerning the design and control of steel catenary riser structures which are affected by vortex-induced vibration.     

Suppression of Vortex-Induced Vibration by Fairings on Marine Risers

Vortex-induced vibration is quite common during the operation of offshore risers or umbilical cables,commonly leading to serious damage to risers and reduced service life.Vortex-induced vibration of the offshore risers could be effectively suppressed by fairing devices.In this paper,a newly developed vortex-induced vibration fairing and large eddy simulation model of the FLUENT software were used for numerical analysis,experimental research and stimulating vortex-induced vibration at 0.1–2 ms^-1.The data of the numerical model with fairing was compared and analyzed to study the vortex shedding frequency at different Reynolds numbers and changes in drag and lift coefficients.The displacement state of 12 in risers with and without fairing was experimentally tested using a five degree-of-freedom balance.The vortex-induced vibration effect of the fairing was tested at different velocities.The result shows the drag reduction effect of the fairing is more obvious when the flow velocity is 0.4–1.2 ms^-1 and the maximum drag reduction reaches 55.6%when the flow velocity is 0.6 ms^-1.Additionally,the drag reduction effect was obvious when the flow velocity was greater than 1.3 ms^-1 and less than 0.3.The result indicates that the developed 12 in fairing,with good potential in engineering applications,has good vortex-induced vibration-suppression effects.     

Dynamic responses of top tensioned riser under combined excitation of internal solitary wave, surface wave and vessel motion

An investigation on the dynamic response of a top tensioned riser (TTR) under combined excitation of internal solitary wave, surface wave and vessel motion is presented in this paper. The riser is idealized as a tensioned slender beam with dynamic boundary conditions. The KdV-mKdV equation is chosen to simulate the internal solitary wave, and the vessel motion is analysed by using the method proposed by Sexton. Using finite element method, the governing equation is solved in time domain with Newmark-β method. The computation programs for solving the differential equations in time domain are compiled and numerical results are obtained, including dimensionless displacement and stress. The action of internal solitary wave on the riser is like a slow powerful impact, and is much larger than those of surface wave and vessel motion. When the riser is under combined excitation, it vibrates at frequencies of both surface wave and vessel motion, and the vibration is dominated by internal solitary wave. As the internal solitary wave crest passes by the centre of the riser, the maximum displacement and stress along the riser occur. Compared to the lower part, the displacement and stress of the riser in the upper part are much larger.     

Parametric Instability Analysis of Deepwater Top-Tensioned Risers Considering Variable Tension Along the Length

Parametric instability of a riser is caused by fluctuation of its tension in time due to the heave motion of floating platform. Many studies have tackled the problem of parametric instability of a riser with constant tension. However, tension in the riser actually varies linearly from the top to the bottom due to the effect of gravity. This paper presents the parametric instability analysis of deepwater top-tensioned risers(TTR) considering the linearly varying tension along the length. Firstly, the governing equation of transverse motion of TTR under parametric excitation is established. This equation is reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations by using the Galerkin method. Then the parametric instability of TTR for three calculation models are investigated by applying the Floquet theory. The results show that the natural frequencies of TTR with variable tension are evidently reduced, the parametric instability zones are significantly increased and the maximum allowable amplitude of platform heave is much smaller under the same damping; The nodes and antinodes of mode shape are no longer uniformly distributed along the axial direction and the amplitude also changes with depth, which leads to coupling between the modes. The combination resonance phenomenon occurs as a result of mode coupling, which causes more serious damage.     

环境温度影响下基于振动模态柔度曲率的结构损伤监测方法

提出一种基于振动模态柔度曲率指数和突变指数的损伤识别方法,利用温度在结构内部连续平缓的分布特性,通过对柔度曲率进行二阶差分求导消除环境温度变化对损伤识别结果的影响,并基于协整理论给出所提方法的物理解释。最后,结合一个简支梁算例验证所提方法的有效性,利用连续监测数据对上述指标多次统计平均处理来提高抗噪性。     

Combined action of uniform flow and oscillating flow around marine riser at low Keulegan-Carpenter number

With the increase of petroleum and gas production in deep ocean, marine risers of circular cylinder shape are widely used in the offshore oil and gas platform. In order to research the hydrodynamic performance of marine risers, the dynamic mesh technique and User-Defined Function （UDF） are used to simulate the circular cylinder motion. The motion of a transversely oscillat-ing circular cylinder in combination of uniform flow and oscillating flow is simulated. The uniform flow and oscillating flow both are in x direction. SIMPLE algorithm is used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations. The User-Defined Function is used to control the cylinder transverse vibration and the inlet flow. The lift and drag coefficient changing with time and the map of vorticity isolines at different phase angle are obtained. Force time histories are shown for uniform flow at Reynolds number （Re） of 200 and for the com-bination of uniform and oscillating flows. With the increase of amplitude of oscillating flow in combined flow, the change of lift am-plitude is not sensitive to the the change of cylinder oscillating frequency. Lift amplitude increases with the increase of oscillating flow amplitude in the combined flow, but there is no definite periodicity of the lift coefficient. The drag and inertia force coefficients change when the maximum velocity of the oscillating flow increases in the combined flow. The vortex shedding near the circular cylinder shows different characteristics.     

基于PCA及提升小波组合算法提取建筑物结构振动信号

针对监测结果受测量噪声和多路径等GPS误差影响的问题,提出基于PCA及提升小波的组合算法来提取建筑物结构振动信号。利用PCA空间滤波分离区域站点相关的共模误差,然后利用提升小波变换对振动信号进行降噪,用于提取结构振动信号。以香港某高楼在台风荷载作用下的观测数据为例进行实验,结果表明,此算法有效提高了变形监测的精度。     

基于ARMA模型的地磁偏角缺数处理方法

针对地震仪器记录的地磁数据存在单点缺失和连续多点缺失而不利于地震数据处理和地震预报的问题,同时为了快速处理非震异常值,本文提出将时间序列自回归移动平均（ARMA）预测模型用于地磁数据插值处理,并与均值插值、线性插值进行对比分析。结果表明,均值插值、线性插值和 ARMA 模型单点缺失的平均标准误差分别为 0.110 2、0.006 9 和 0.000 1,连续多点缺失的平均标准误差分别为 0.258 23、0.194 2 和 0.004 86,说明 ARMA 模型在单点缺失和连续多点缺失时均具有较低标准误差,且能很好地保持实际观测序列的曲线形态,插值效果较好,有望成为地磁数据序列处理的一种新方法。     

一种引入Hurst指数的MEMS陀螺仪去噪模型

针对MEMS陀螺仪随机漂移产生的误差,提出一种引入Hurst指数的自适应噪声完备集成经验模态分解(CEEMDAN)与自适应卡尔曼滤波(AKF)相结合的去噪模型。首先,通过CEEMDAN对陀螺仪原始信号进行分解,得到一系列频率由高到低的本征模态函数(IMF)和一个残差余量;然后,提出Hurst指数模态筛选机制,将IMF分量划分为噪声IMF、混合IMF和信息IMF;最后,使用自适应卡尔曼滤波器对混合模态分量进行滤波并重构信号。结果表明,CEEMDAN较EMD和EEMD具有更高的分解精度;使用AKF处理混合模态,通过Hurst指数筛选机制重构信号的信噪比相较于排列熵和相关系数法分别提升约12%、36%;使用Hurst指数筛选机制,AKF处理混合模态后重构信号的RMSE较小波阈值滤波降低约23%。     

Research on strategy marine noise map based on i4ocean platform: Constructing flow and key approach

Noise level in a marine environment has raised extensive concern in the scientific community. The research is carried out on i4Ocean platform following the process of ocean noise model integrating, noise data extracting, processing, visualizing, and interpreting, ocean noise map constructing and publishing. For the convenience of numerical computation, based on the characteristics of ocean noise field, a hybrid model related to spatial locations is suggested in the propagation model. The normal mode method K/I model is used for far field and ray method CANARY model is used for near field. Visualizing marine ambient noise data is critical to understanding and predicting marine noise for relevant decision making. Marine noise map can be constructed on virtual ocean scene. The systematic marine noise visualization framework includes preprocessing, coordinate transformation interpolation, and rendering. The simulation of ocean noise depends on realistic surface. Then the dynamic water simulation gird was improved with GPU fusion to achieve seamless combination with the visualization result of ocean noise. At the same time, the profile and spherical visualization include space, and time dimensionality were also provided for the vertical field characteristics of ocean ambient noise. Finally, marine noise map can be published with grid pre-processing and multistage cache technology to better serve the public.     

卫星天线相位中心改正模型对参考框架转换中尺度参数的影响分析

计算了7个IGS分析中心第二次重新处理单天解与IGS14之间的尺度参数,并采用极大似然方法对其进行分析,比较两种GNSS卫星天线相位中心改正模型对尺度参数序列噪声模型、平均偏移量、速度及季节性信号的影响。结果表明,所有尺度参数的随机特性均可由白噪声加幂律噪声较好地描述,不同分析中心的尺度参数速度值在-0.22～-0.15 mm/a之间变化,尺度参数的周年信号显著,半周年信号相对较弱;卫星天线相位中心改正模型的变化对尺度参数的平均偏移量影响显著,对其随机特性、速度及季节性信号影响较小。