Stability Analysis of a MPSO (Mono-Column Floater, Production, Storage and Offloading Unit): MonoBR

Abstract

The MonoBR is a MPSO — mono-column floater, production, storage and offloading unit — a unique platform designed to handle steel catenary risers (SCR) in a depth of 1800 m in Gulf of Mexico oil fields whose target scenario is the ultra-deep water of the Walker Ridge. In this project, special concern was given to sea keeping behavior, constructability and security. Stability Analyses were carried out to ensure the system security and reliability. This paper describes the development carried out by The University of Sa˜o Paulo and PETROBRAS team, in order to analyze the main stability parameters of this new conceptual design for oil production and storage, the MonoBR. The main topics referred on the text are the damaged and intact stability analyses, the tank arrangement, wind influence, rules discussions, the AVCG (Allowable Vertical Center of Gravity) and damage compensation through ballast rearrangement.