Finite element modeling of porous polymer pipeline coating using X-ray micro computed tomography

Ole Vestrum,Magnus Langseth,Tore Børvik

doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.04.028

Ole Vestrum, Magnus Langseth + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.04.028

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Abstract

Offshore pipelines are designed to sustain impact from fish trawl equipment and anchors, but due to component complexity, insulating coating solutions are often neglected in mechanical capacity estimates. In this work, efforts are made to predict the mechanical behavior of a typical polymeric insulating coating solution using the finite element method. To do so, the multi-scale morphology of porous polymer coating specimens was mapped using X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (XRMCT) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). XRMCT-based finite element models were then derived, analyzed and evaluated against compression tests and the DSC results. The modeling approach produced good correspondence with experimental tests.

Highlights

Rigid steel pipelines are used to transport bore fluids extracted from subsea oil and gas reservoirs along the seabed
According to the prevailing standard for pipeline design [4], the beneficial mechanical effects of coating systems may be included in the design evaluation of subsea pipelines if their respective effectiveness are documented
This work aims to establish a numerical modeling methodology using finite element method (FEM), which may be used in the assessment of the mechanical behavior of porous polymeric pipeline coatings

Summary

Introduction

Rigid steel pipelines are used to transport bore fluids extracted from subsea oil and gas reservoirs along the seabed. During this extraction process, it is beneficial to conserve a high fluid temperature to prevent the formation of hydrocarbon precipitates and loss of pressure. The primary purpose of the insulating coatings is to prevent the loss of heat, but such solutions are experienced to absorb a significant amount of energy during impact events [2]. The complex nature of many insulating coatings inhibits their impact mitigating effect to be estimated using numerical approaches like the finite element method (FEM)

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