TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
AbstractNoise and vibration in flexible riser production systems exporting dry gas can cause failure of small bore connections due to fatigue-induced vibration. The fundamental cause is vortex shedding within the corrugated, flexible riser. Small scale testing and Finite Element modeling have been used to demonstrate the extent of the problem and the conditions under which it might occur. These model results agreed with measurements which were made on the Schiehallion FPSO operating West of Shetland. A means has been developed and proved experimentally to test full scale equipment at operational dynamic and static pressures with a gas flow of natural gas. This methodology was used to test a replica of the Flow Termination Assembly currently deployed sub-sea on Schiehallion. The work showed that a fatigue failure was indeed possible, but the necessarily unfavourable condition had not occurred to date. We were able to show under what conditions it might occur and to explain why it had not occurred to date. Finally a means to mitigate the potential problem was developed, proved and deployed. The work allowed the continued operation of the export line without risk of fatigue failure and for the production flow rate to be safely, further increased.