Response analysis of tension-based tension leg platform under irregular waves

Tension Leg Platform(TLP) is a hybrid structure used as oil drilling and production facility within water depths of 1200 m. The extension of this TLP concept to deeper waters is a challenge and warrants for some innovative design concepts. In this paper, a relatively new concept of TLP which is christened as Tension-Based Tension Leg Platform(TBTLP) and patented by Srinivasan(1998) has been chosen for study. Response analysis of TLP with one tension base under irregular waves for three different sea states has been performed using hydrodynamic tool ANSYS? AQWA?. Results are reported in terms of RAOs, response spectrums for surge, heave and pitch degrees of freedom from which spectral statistics have been obtained. The statistics of TBTLP have been compared with TLPs(without tension base) for two different water depths to highlight the features of the new concept. The effect of viscous damping and loading effects on the RAOs are also investigated.     

Hydrodynamic Response of A Fully Coupled TLP Hull-TTR System with Detailed Modeling of A Hydraulic Pneumatic Tensioner and Riser Joints

China Ocean Engineering - Tension Leg Platform (TLP) in deepwater oil and gas field development usually consists of a hull, tendons, and top tension risers (TTRs). To maintain its top tension, each...     

考虑几何非线性的张力腿平台随机响应等效线性化分析

考虑深海柔性张力腿平台的几何非线性特征,建立柔性平台结构非线性随机振动响应分析方法.该方法结合模态分析,把系统隐式的非线性项转化为由模态坐标高次组合表示的显式非线性项,在此基础上引入虚拟激励法,建立结构在随机波浪荷载作用下的等效线性化系统,从而确定结构各非线性随机响应.通过对某一mini-TLP的分析结果和试验实测值的比较,表明该方法具有较好的计算精度和较快的计算速度,能够满足大型结构的非线性随机响应分析要求.通过对不同波高的计算,结果表明张力腿平台在较大波高作用下几何非线性影响显著,忽略这部分的影响,计算结果将会产生很大的误差.     

Application of Tension Leg Platform Combined with Other Systems in the Development of China Deepwater Oil Fields

1 .IntroductionAfter enteringthe twenty-first century,offshore oil field development in China is rapidly expand-inginto deepwater (Zeng,2005 ;Liu and Pan,2002) .The conventional fixed platformmodels cannotsatisfythe requirement of newfield development .Floatingsystems ,suchastensionleg platform(TLP)or Spar ,will be neededfor oil field development .FPSOhas been usedfor offshore oil field development in China since 1980’s (Xu and Li ,2002 ;Chen and Qian,1999 ; Chen,2003) .Since early 19…     

Nonlinear Random Motion Analysis of A Tension Leg Platform Considering the Set-down Motion of A Floating Body

The dynamic analysis of a Tension Leg Platform (TLP) in random wave is investigated by considering the set-down of a floating body. The nonlinear restoring stiffness is derived with the set-down motion of a floating body and the coupled motion of the tension leg and platform and the differential equations of the motion are established. The study focuses on the influence of the set-down motion on the nonlinear response of the platform. By considering different significant wave heights and currents, motion responses of the platform are calculated and compared. The analysis shows that the set-down motion significantly increases the heave motion with low frequency and the equilibrium position of the heave motion with the set-down motion is much lower than that without set-down motion. The results in this paper indicate that the set-down motion has a major impact on the safety of the platform inproduction operation, and it is also a threat to the strength of tension legs and risers.     

Triangular Configuration Tension Leg Platform behaviour under random sea wave loads

This study investigates the dynamic response of a Triangular Configuration Tension Leg Platform (TLP) under random sea wave loads. The random wave has been generated synthetically using the Monte-Carlo simulation with the Peirson–Moskowitz (P–M) spectrum. Diffraction effects and second-order wave forces have not been considered. The evaluation of hydrodynamic forces is carried out using the modified Morison equation with water particle kinematics evaluated using Airy's linear wave theory. Wave forces are taken to be acting in the surge degree-of-freedom. The effect of coupling of various structural degrees-of-freedom (surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch and yaw) on the dynamic response of the TLP under random wave loads is studied. Parametric studies for random waves with different H_s and T_z under the presence of current have also been carried out. For the orientation of the TLP, surge, heave and pitch degrees-of-freedom responses are influenced significantly. The surge power spectral density function (PSDF) indicates that the mean square response is affected by the amplification at the natural frequency of the surge degree-of-freedom and also at the peak frequency of the wave loading. The PSDF of the heave response shows higher peak values near the surge frequency and near the peak frequency of the wave loading. Surge response, therefore, influences heave response to the maximum. Variable submergence seems to be a major source of nonlinearity and significantly enhances the responses in surge, heave and pitch degrees-of-freedom. In the presence of current, the response behaviour of the TLP is altered significantly introducing a non-zero mean response in all degrees-of-freedom.     

Dynamic analysis of tension leg platform for offshore wind turbine support as fluid-structure interaction

Tension leg platform (TLP) for offshore wind turbine support is a new type structure in wind energy utilization.The strong-interaction method is used in analyzing the coupled model,and the dynamic characteristics of the TLP for offshore wind turbine support are recognized.As shown by the calculated results:for the lower modes,the shapes are water’s vibration,and the vibration of water induces the structure’s swing;the mode shapes of the structure are complex,and can largely change among different members;the mode shapes of the platform are related to the tower’s.The frequencies of the structure do not change much after adjusting the length of the tension cables and the depth of the platform;the TLP has good adaptability for the water depths and the environment loads.The change of the size and parameters of TLP can improve the dynamic characteristics,which can reduce the vibration of the TLP caused by the loads.Through the vibration analysis,the natural vibration frequencies of TLP can be distinguished from the frequencies of condition loads,and thus the resonance vibration can be avoided,therefore the offshore wind turbine can work normally in the complex conditions.     

Hill Instability Analysis of TLP Tether Subjected to Combined Platform Surge and Heave Motions

This paper presents the Hill instability analysis of Tension keg Platform （TLP） tether in deep sea. The 2-D nonlinear beanl model, which is undergoing coupled axial and transverse vibrations, is applied. The governing equations are reduced to nonlinear Hill equation by use of the Galerkin＇ s method and the modes superposition principle. The Hill instability charted up to large parameters is obtained. An important parameter M is defined and can be expressed as the functions of tether length, the platform surge and heave motion amplitudes. Some example studies are performed for various envirotnnental conditions. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear coupling between the axial and transverse vibrations has a significant effect on the response of structure. It needs to be considered for the accurate dynamic analysis of long TI2 tether subjected to the combined platfolna surge and heave motions.     

中等水深轻型张力腿井口平台运动研究

本文提出了一种中等水深轻型张力腿井口平台的型式。研究了该种型式平台的六个自由度的运动响应以及所受到的波浪力、二阶漂移力、系索回复力和系索张力等特性。分析了平台运动响应与水深以及系索预张力大小的关系。文中得出的结论可供张力腿初步设计时参考。     

张力腿平台筋腱支撑浮筒结构设计研究

在张力腿平台筋腱与海底桩基连接后,需要筋腱支撑浮筒为筋腱提供足够的浮力,保证筋腱在平台运抵工作海域之前不会发生倾覆。针对南海油田自主研发的张力腿平台筋腱实际尺寸及设计要求,设计了适用于1 061 mm(40英寸)筋腱、500米水深的张力腿平台筋腱支撑浮筒,并对筋腱支撑浮筒主要受力进行了分析计算,根据所计算的载荷情况对关键部件进行了有限元仿真分析,验证了结构强度的可靠性,并得到了结构的应力集中点与最大变形点,为筋腱支撑浮筒的结构设计提供了参考。     

Prediction of hydrodynamic loading on a mini TLP with free surface effects

This paper describes the extension of a fluid-flow simulations method to capture the free surface evolution around a full-scale Tension Leg Platform (TLP). The focus is on the prediction of the resulting hydrodynamic loading on the various elements of the TLP in turbulent flow conditions and, in particular, on quantifying the effects of the free surface distortion on this loading. The basic method uses finite-volume techniques to discretize the differential equations governing conservation of mass and momentum in three dimensions. The time-averaged forms of the equations are used, and the effects of turbulence are accounted for by using a two-equation, eddy-viscosity closure. The method is extended here via the incorporation of surface-tracking algorithm on a moving grid to predict the free-surface shape. The algorithm was checked against experimental measurements from two benchmark flows: the flow over a submerged semi-circular cylinder and the flow around a floating parabolic hull. Predictions of forces on a model TLP were then obtained both with and without allowing for the deformation of the free surface. The results suggest that the free surface effects on the hydrodynamic loads are small for the values of Froude number typically encountered in offshore engineering practice.     

浮体二阶运动下钢悬链式立管触地区动态响应分析

浮体运动是引起钢悬链式立管(steel catenary riser,简称SCR)动态响应和疲劳损伤的关键因素,目前研究SCR问题时,为简化计算往往仅考虑平台一阶运动,忽略二阶运动影响。而实际上不同浮体结构的二阶运动响应特征明显,拟以SCR服役张力腿平台(tension leg platform,简称TLP)为例,探讨浮体二阶运动对SCR触地区动态响应的影响。建立考虑海床刚度退化的管土作用模型以改进现有的CABLE3D RSI程序,通过编写程序接口,将有限元分析得到的平台实际运动响应导入,研究平台不同运动作用下SCR触地区的位移、动力响应及疲劳分布情况。根据波流作用方向将TLP二阶慢漂运动分为近端和远端漂移两种工况,发现二阶运动下立管与海床的作用范围会增大,且触地区不仅发生高频小幅振荡运动,同时伴随低频大幅运动响应;平台远端漂移时,管内张力敏感程度高,而近端漂移时触地区的弯矩显著增大,都会不同程度提高触地区的疲劳损伤率。研究可为服役不同浮体的SCR响应预测与疲劳分析提供参考和借鉴。     

Estimating the hydrodynamic forces on a mini TLP with computational fluid dynamics and design-code techniques

This paper reports on the prediction of the hydrodynamic forces on a full-scale mini Tension Leg Platform (TLP) of the type typically deployed for deep-sea operation. Two alternative prediction techniques were used: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), which is based on the solution of the fundamental equations that govern turbulent fluid flow; and ‘engineering’ calculations based on force coefficients derived from a design code that is in routine use in the Offshore Industry. The results from these two techniques were compared with each other and with experimental data obtained from wind-tunnel and towing-tank tests on a 1–70 scale model. It was found that the two techniques, while yielding very similar predictions for the front TLP members, give substantially different predictions for the aft members — a result that is consistent with the presence of significant interference effects that are captured only by the CFD. The design code yielded the highest value for the global drag coefficient, followed very closely by the towing-tank result. The wind-tunnel tests produced the lowest value for this parameter. The CFD predictions, which were the first to be obtained in this study, fall in the mid-range of the experimental values. These and other results are discussed in the context of the use of CFD in practical design applications.     

Response behaviour of triangular tension leg platforms under impact loading

Excellent station keeping characteristics and relative insensitivity with increasing water depth make triangular tension leg platforms (TLPs) a proven concept in deep water oil exploration. TLPs are often subjected to less probable forces which arise due to collision of ships, icebergs or any other huge sea creature. Dynamic analysis of two triangular TLP models at water depths 1200 and 527.8 m is performed under regular waves along with impulse load acting at an angle of 45 degrees at the TLP column. Hydrodynamic forces on these TLPs are evaluated using modified Morison equation, based on water particle kinematics arrived at using Stokes’ fifth order wave theory. Based on numerical studies conducted, it is seen that impulse loading acting on corner column of TLP significantly affect its response while that acting on pontoons dose not affect TLPs behaviour.     

Numerical and Experimental Study on Hydrodynamic Performance of A Novel Semi-Submersible Concept

The Multiple Column Platform (MCP) semi-submersible is a newly proposed concept, which differs from the conventional semi-submersibles, featuring centre column and middle pontoon. It is paramount to ensure its structural reliability and safe operation at sea, and a rigorous investigation is conducted to examine the hydrodynamic and structural performance for the novel structure concept. In this paper, the numerical and experimental studies on the hydrodynamic performance of MCP are performed. Numerical simulations are conducted in both the frequency and time domains based on 3D potential theory. The numerical models are validated by experimental measurements obtained from extensive sets of model tests under both regular wave and irregular wave conditions. Moreover, a comparative study on MCP and two conventional semi-submersibles are carried out using numerical simulation. Specifically, the hydrodynamic characteristics, including hydrodynamic coefficients, natural periods and motion response amplitude operators (RAOs), mooring line tension are fully examined. The present study proves the feasibility of the novel MCP and demonstrates the potential possibility of optimization in the future study.     

Coupled Dynamic Response Analysis of A Multi-Column Tension-Leg-Type Floating Wind Turbine

This paper presents a coupled dynamic response analysis of a multi-column tension-leg-type floating wind turbine (WindStar TLP system) under normal operation and parked conditions. Wind-only load cases, wave-only load cases and combined wind and wave load cases were analyzed separately for the WindStar TLP system to identify the dominant excitation loads. Comparisons between an NREL offshore 5-MW baseline wind turbine installed on land and the WindStar TLP system were performed. Statistics of selected response variables in specified design load cases (DLCs) were obtained and analyzed. It is found that the proposed WindStar TLP system has small dynamic responses to environmental loads and it thus has almost the same mean generator power output under operating conditions as the land-based system. The tension mooring system has a sufficient safety factor, and the minimum tendon tension is always positive in all selected DLCs. The ratio of ultimate load of the tower base fore-aft bending moment for the WindStar TLP system versus the land-based system can be as high as 1.9 in all of the DLCs considered. These results will help elucidate the dynamic characteristics of the proposed WindStar TLP system, identify the difference in load effect between it and land-based systems, and thus make relevant modifications to the initial design for the WindStar TLP system.     

张力腿平台水下丛式井口圆形布局方法研究

张力腿平台(TLP)水下丛式井口布局设计关系到立管服役期间的安全性,是含有丛式井口平台设计过程中考虑的主要因素。根据TLP立管安装、钻井以及防碰等要求,考虑尾流效应对丛式立管的影响,研究水下丛式井口布局设计准则,对丛式井口—立管系统进行碰撞分析以确定水下井口间距阈值,提出水下丛式井口圆形布局方法和相应的布局设计流程。通过算例对计算方法进行了具体运用。研究表明:与目前采用的"等边三角形网格"方法相比,水下丛式井口圆形布局方法可允许水下整体基盘安装位置误差达到水下井口间距阈值的20%,立管的最大倾角可达到0.5°,安装作业窗口增加1倍以上。本方法对水下整体基盘安装位置误差的容错能力强,能有效扩大丛式立管钻井和安装作业窗口,提高丛式立管作业安全性,研究结果可为TLP丛式井口的设计提供参考。     

Comparison of wave load effects on a TLP wind turbine by using computational fluid dynamics and potential flow theory approaches

Tension Leg Platform (TLP) is one of the concepts which shows promising results during initial studies to carry floating wind turbines. One of the concerns regarding tension leg platform wind turbines (TLPWTs) is the high natural frequencies of the structure that may be excited by nonlinear waves loads. Since Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models are capable of capturing nonlinear wave loads, they can lead to better insight about this concern. In the current study, a CFD model based on immersed boundary method, in combination with a two-body structural model of TLPWT is developed to study wave induced responses of TLPWT in deep water. The results are compared with the results of a potential flow theory-finite element software, SIMO-RIFLEX (SR). First, the CFD based model is described and the potential flow theory based model is briefly introduced. Then, a grid sensitivity study is performed and free decay tests are simulated to determine the natural frequencies of different motion modes of the TLPWT. The responses of the TLPWT to regular waves are studied, and the effects of wave height are investigated. For the studied wave heights which vary from small to medium amplitude (wave height over wavelength less than 0.071), the results predicted by the CFD based model are generally in good agreement with the potential flow theory based model. The only considerable difference is the TLPWT mean surge motion which is predicted higher by the CFD model, possibly because of considering the nonlinear effects of the waves loads and applying these loads at the TLPWT instantaneous position in the CFD model. This difference does not considerably affect the important TLPWT design driving parameters such as tendons forces and tower base moment, since it only affects the mean dynamic position of TLPWT. In the current study, the incoming wave frequency is set such that third-harmonic wave frequency coincides with the first tower bending mode frequency. However, for the studied wave conditions a significant excitation of tower natural frequency is not observed. The high stiffness of tendons which results in linear pitch motion of TLPWT hull (less than 0.02 degrees) and tower (less than 0.25 degrees) can explain the limited excitement of the tower first bending mode. The good agreement between CFD and potential flow theory based results for small and medium amplitude waves gives confidence to the proposed CFD based model to be further used for hydrodynamic analysis of floating wind turbines in extreme ocean conditions.     

Stress and deformation of offshore piles under structural and wave loading

Various offshore structures, especially large structures such as Tension Leg Platforms (TLP), are usually supported by concrete piles as the foundation elements. The stress distribution within such a large structure is a dominant factor in the design procedure of an offshore pile. To provide a more accurate and effective design for offshore foundation systems under axial and lateral wave loads, a finite element model is employed herein to determine the stresses and displacements in a concrete pile under similar loading conditions. A parametric study is also performed to examine the effects of the stress distribution due to the changing loading conditions.