The loss of metal in a pipeline due to corrosion usually results in localized pits with various depths and irregular shapes on its external and internal surfaces. The effect of corrosion defects on the collapse pressure of offshore pipelines was studied through the combination of small-scale experiments with nonlinear numerical analyses based on the finite element method. After calibrated based on the experimental results, the model was used to determine the collapse pressure as a function of material and geometric parameters of different pipes and defects. An extensive parametric study using 2-D and 3-D numerical models was carried out encompassing different defect geometries and their interaction with pipe ovalization.
Design requirements for pipelines regarding both ultimate strength and flow assurance in ultra deepwater scenarios motivated the development of a new sandwich pipe which is able to combine high structural and thermal insulation properties. In this concept, the annulus is filled with low cost materials with adequate thermal insulation properties and good mechanical resistance. The aim of this research work is to perform small-scale laboratorial tests and to develop a finite element model to evaluate the structural performance of such sandwich pipes with two different options of core material. After calibrated in view of the experimental results, a three-dimensional finite element model incorporating nonlinear geometric and material behavior is employed to perform strength analyses of sandwich pipes under combined external pressure and longitudinal bending. Ultimate strength envelopes for sandwich pipes are compared with those generated for single-wall steel pipes with equivalent collapse pressures. The study shows that sandwich pipe systems with either cement or polypropylene cores are feasible options for ultra deepwater applications.
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