43 / 2021-10-08 17:59:40

A Retrofit Seabed Tree Protection Frame on Very Soft Soil

Subsea tree, Protection frame, dropped object, Fishing Snage Load, Asset Integrity, Soft soil

The basic functions of a subsea oil & gas production tree located on the seabed are well pressure containment, flow rate control and chemical injection. Accident loads such as impact force from a dropped object or lateral snag load from a fishing net represent a hazard to the tree resulting in potential loss of asset integrity, environment pollution and operator’s reputation. 



In regions where there is a high level of fishing activities, a protection frame is often deployed to protect the critical components of the seabed tree to ensure its safe and continued operation.



In the present study, a protection frame is to be retrofitted to protect the tree after it is installed and in operation. The frame is to be installed over the tree to sit on a seabed of very soft clay. 



The soft soil condition presents significant design and installation challenges. Foundation options considered are mudmat and suction piles. The evaluation made to select Mudmat as the base case is given,



Finite-element modelling, and analysis software are used to determine the dynamic characteristics and displacement responses of the frame structure and foundation interacting with the soil.



In-place and installation analyses are carried out to design and assess the protection frame to ensure that the structural members have the robustness and capability to withstand the anticipated loads under operating, storm, and accidental loading conditions. 



Installation considerations given to the design of the protection frame to ensure that it can be installed safely and efficiently are described.