Flow-Induced Vibration Analysis of a Water Injection System at Elevated Flow Rates of an FPSO

Abstract

The water injection system of an FPSO active in the Gulf of Guinea is to increase injection capacity to levels that are threatening from a flow-induced vibration perspective, such that hydrocarbon recovery can be accelerated. A three-tier method based on the internal guidelines of the system operator has been employed to assess the level of FIV threat expected from the increase in flow rate. A high-level screening analysis is followed by a more detailed approach, modified in this case by introducing knowledge obtained from field data gathered during a comprehensive measurement campaign aboard the FPSO. In particular, the data has been used to calibrate the finite element model of the mechanical layout of the pipework and associated supporting by making use of an optimization technique. The PSD of the flow excitation has been calibrated to match the measured response of the system, with descriptions of the turbulent excitation introduced in elbows by means of PSD functions available in the open literature. The PSDs, once calibrated, are further scaled to the future flow-rates so that they can be used as input to the mechanical response analysis. Though the high-level screening analysis delivers the conclusion that flow rates should be limited, the detailed analysis proves that the expected vibrations will be acceptable.