Arctic ice presents unusual problems for pipelines
Submarine pipelines in Arctic and deepwater conditions present difficult engineering problems. Much has been done to resolve the problems, and the way towards Arctic development is open, but much remains to be done. Difficult pipeline design problems occur in areas that appear relatively straightforward. In the southern basin of the North Sea, for instance, the water is quite shallow, but storms and tidal currents create moving sand, waves, intense sediment transport, and scour around pipelines and structures. Exploration drilling has already reached 2000 meters water depth, and production has reached 300 meters and pipelines will soon follow. A parallel requirement is for pipeline transportation across deep straits and channels. Some of the problems faced by the engineer in designing Arctic pipelines are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Andrew Palmer and Associates Ltd., London, England
- OSTI ID:
- 6318096
- Journal Information:
- Offshore; (United States), Journal Name: Offshore; (United States)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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