Dynamic simulation of installation of the subsea cluster manifold by drilling pipe in deep water based on OrcaFlex

Abstract

The external environment in deep water is quite complicated, during the installation process of subsea cluster manifolds by the drill pipe, the safety and precise localization need to be addressed desperately. In this paper, based on small deformation theory, basic theoretical model on the drill pipe installation of subsea manifolds is proposed and OrcaFlex software is used to make a simulation on setting up the corresponding numerical model in which the installation process is divided into three main phases. Its main purpose is to make a simulation research in guiding for engineers before the practical installation. The displacement and stress state of drill pipe are simulated and their curves in the different phases are obtained. In the different phases of lowering subsea cluster manifold, three factors: current velocity, wave height and manifold weight have an evident impact on tension, bent moment, Mises stress of drill pipe and displacement of subsea manifold, which are quite useful for actual installation in deep water.