Repairing damaged platforms
- Dubai Petroleum Co., Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
- Conoco Oil Co., Houston, TX (United States)
- Aker Omega, Inc., Houston, TX (United States). Dept. of Structural Engineering
This paper introduces a unique method for strengthening of platforms and replacing damaged members. Extending the life of existing infrastructure is approved means of decreasing cash expenditures for new platforms and facilities. Platforms can be affected by corrosion, overloading and fatigue. The renovation and repair of existing offshore installations is an important part of offshore engineering. The basis behind this paper is an April, 1993 incident in the Arabian Gulf. A vessel broke loose from its moorings in a severe storm and collided with a wellhead platform. The collision severely damaged the platform buckling seven major support members and cracking joints throughout the structure. In view of the significant damage, there was an urgent need to repair the structure to avoid any further damage from potentially sever winter storm conditions. Various means of repair and their associated costs were evaluated: traditional dry hyperbaric welding, adjacent platforms, grouted clamped connections, and mechanical pipe connectors. The repair was completed using an innovative combination of clamps and wet welding to attach external braces to the structure.
- OSTI ID:
- 100711
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950116--; ISBN 0-7918-1291-X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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