Introduction to Offshore Pipeline Engineering

Introduction:

Subsea pipelines play a crucial role in offshore oil and gas operations, especially in deep water. Ensuring their functionality, durability, and efficiency is essential for operational success. This course provides a comprehensive overview of subsea pipeline projects, covering all phases from initial design to construction and ongoing maintenance.

Focusing primarily on offshore pipelines, this training encompasses the full spectrum of oil and gas pipeline projects. Participants will gain valuable insights into the international subsea pipeline industry, enhancing their knowledge for career advancement and sustainable development.

This course is ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of pipeline systems, both intra- and inter-pipeline, and improve their performance in domestic and international markets.

Objectives:

By the end of this offshore pipeline engineering, design, and installation course, participants will be able to:

• Enhance economic benefits through knowledge of subsea pipeline design, installation, inspection, and repair.
• Understand offshore pipeline maintenance and integrity management processes.
• Grasp the basic principles of offshore pipeline system design.
• Address challenges associated with offshore pipeline installation.
• Evaluate techniques for inspecting and repairing subsea pipelines.
• Understand offshore pipeline integrity management.
• Recognize how subsea pipelines and systems interface with floating structures.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive Learning-Lectures
• Case Studies
• Simulations
• Group Activities
• Panel Discussions
• Application-Based Learning Development

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Offshore Pipeline Route Selection

• Determining the route of offshore oil pipelines
• Hydrodynamics of pipes
• Thermal expansion, axial movement, lateral and upheaval buckling
• Seabed stability
• Anchorage dynamics, vortex-induced vibration (VIV) fatigue
• Corrosion inhibition
• Flow assurance
• Hydrates, wax, and asphaltenes

Unit 2: Underwater Pipeline Construction and Inspection

• Pipeline installation techniques
• Use of spiral welded pipes for shallow subsea applications
• Impact of installation techniques on pipeline integrity
• Inspection, maintenance, and repair of offshore pipelines
• Oil spill response
• Risk, corrosion, and integrity management

Unit 3: Safety of Offshore Pipelines

• Management procedures for flexible pipes
• Leak detection
• Risk assessment of subsea pipelines
• Risk-based inspection (RBI)
• Risk quantification
• Failure risk assessment for oil and gas spills
• Environmental impact

Unit 4: Umbilical, Risers, Flowlines (SURF)

• Offshore umbilical, risers, and flowlines
• Offshore umbilical systems
• Deepwater riser development
• Code design
• Fatigue of risers under waves and VIV
• Flexible risers and flowlines
• Hybrid risers
• Drilling risers

Unit 5: Offshore Facility Interface

• Introduction to FPSO and FLNG facilities
• Interface with FPSO or FLNG facilities
• FPSO and FLNG topside facilities and layout
• FPSO and FLNG operation, inspection, and maintenance
• Regulations and codes
• Environmental influences on FPSO and FLNG operations
• FPSO and FLNG mooring systems, turrets, and swivels
• Oil or gas transfer (offloading) in FPSO and FLNG

Conclusion:

Upon completing the offshore pipeline engineering, design, and installation course, participants will be equipped with essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills for managing pipeline projects in offshore environments. They will be prepared to handle pipeline repair, maintenance, and integrity management using global standards and advanced methods.

Graduates will gain a solid understanding of pipeline construction principles, including pigging pipelines for maintenance and integrity management. This course provides significant value to future offshore pipeline engineers, supporting effective development and maintenance of offshore oil and gas pipelines.