Tension Leg Platforms (TLPs) have been widely used in oil and gas development. But no TLP has been installed in South China Sea yet, the environmental condition in South China Sea is not exactly the same as compared to other sea area, even though it's similar to Gulf of Mexico. The feasibility of TLP application in the development of oil and gas field in the South China Sea needs to be demonstrated because of the soliton condition in South China Sea, which is different from other areas such as Gulf of Mexico. Top-Tensioned riser systems is a critical part of TLP system, so the feasibility of TTRs in South China Sea needs to be established.
According to the previous experiences in South China Sea, Soliton is treated as a kind of current impacted on offshore structures, which should be combined with the storm associated current in some load cases.
This paper presents the TTR concept selection, wall thickness selection, strength and fatigue analysis (including VIV fatigue and wave induced fatigue), and Interference analysis.
The present study shows that a single casing riser system can be designed with adequate strength, sufficient fatigue life, seabed and reasonable wellbay layout that prevent clashing It is concluded that TTR system in South China Sea is feasible, which may not only benefit future study and design of TTRs, but also help accelerate the use of TLPs in South China Sea.
