Session: 12-12-01: Modeling of the Fracture, Failure, and Fatigue in Solids

Paper Number: 145048

145048 - Verifying and Validating Next Generation High-Pressure High-Temperature Fatigue Resistant Offshore Connector 

To satisfy growing world demand, the energy industry constantly seeks efficient and safe methods to produce oil and gas from new reserves. Exploration is being driven towards High-Pressure, High-Temperature HPHT wells which are characterized by hydrocarbons at greater than 15000 PSI (100 MPa) pressure and 350°F (180°C) temperature. These harsh conditions necessitate development of innovative tools to ensure safe and efficient operations.

While the tools and technologies developed for offshore operations vary across original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the industry is converging on standardized the acceptance criteria. Rigorous verification and validation adhering established ASME and API standards are crucial for any new technology before being introduced in the field to ensure safe and efficient operations.

A new family of 20000 PSI (138 MPa) rated tools was developed for servicing deepwater fields in the US Gulf of Mexico. A key component of these modular tools is a novel 20,000 PSI (138 MPa) fatigue resistant threaded connector capable of withstanding environmental loads while deployed underwater. These loads are exacerbated by non-uniform thread geometry making fatigue an important mode of failure that needs to be well understood in addition to tension, bending, pressure, and sealing capabilities.

One such innovation was the 20000 PSI fatigue resistant turnbuckle connector. The connector simplifies tools assembly by functioning like a union – eliminating the need to rotate entire strings. The design underwent comprehensive verification through numerical simulations followed by rigorous testing of prototypes.

Presenting Author: Gaurav Bansal SLB Onesubsea

Presenting Author Biography: Modeling and Simulation manager. In charge of verification and validation of all new tools and technologies developed in landing string product line.

Authors:

Gaurav Bansal SLB Onesubsea
Mahesh Shenoy SLB Onesubsea
Singaravelan Ananthakrishnan SLB
Suresh Marasamy SLB
Hemra Esenyyazov SLB