Failure analysis during the operation of offshore oil and gas structures

Abstract

Failures caused by offshore oil and gas structures operations are investigated. This work is based on the description and analysis of real case studies of accidents on offshore stationary and floating platforms; it combines foundational knowledge and current research on the latest developments in the field. It was shown that strength characteristics of offshore reinforced concrete and steel elements change during operation and cause the accumulation of defects and damages. It was established that corrosive wear, corrosion-mechanical processes, and crack-like defects are the decisive causes of element failure. It was shown that up to 60–75% of all damages to and failures of offshore engineering facilities' steel structures occur due to the corrosion-mechanical influence of an aggressive environment and force loads. This means that issues of corrosion-mechanical failure of such structures have become an industrial-scale problem. It thus allows us to draw the following conclusions: improvement of steel offshore drilling platforms (ODPs) maintenance system involves the development of new models and methods of managing the operational reliability of these structures, aimed at making decisions that take into account the crack resistance and fatigue-corrosion strength of steel ODPs in contact with the corrosive-active environment. Only on the basis of such scientifically and economically grounded models can rational strategies be shaped for carrying out revisions of the ODPs technical condition, ensuring the necessary level of their reliability during the operation period. This investigation can be very helpful to improve the design and construction of more reliable and durable offshore stationary and floating platforms.