Investigation on diffusion characteristic of leaked oil in the thermal insulation layer of submarine pipe-in-pipe

Abstract

ABSTRACT Submarine pipe-in-pipe with thermal insulation layer plays a crucial role in the offshore oil and gas transportation system. This paper presents pollutants distribution in thermal insulation layer of damaged submarine pipe-in-pipe by computational fluid dynamics method. The numerical model has been validated through comparing with other simulation data. In order to considerably mitigate the leakage damage, the influence factors analysis is performed. Finally it is identified that macropores thermal insulation material and larger leakage hole with higher leakage velocity can significantly make the damage more serious. In addition, it is under consideration to install monitoring system on the bottom of the jacket pipe for easier and faster detection of the leaked pollutants, which helps to offer a valuable guidance for formulation of emergency response and protect seawater from direct contamination.