Preliminary optimal configuration on free standing hybrid riser

Abstract

Free standing hybrid riser (FSHR) is comprised of vertical steel risers and flexible jumpers (FJ). They are jointly connected to a submerged buoyancy can (BC). There are several factors that have influence on the behavior of FSHR such as the span distance between an offshore platform and a foundation, BC up-lift force, BC submerged location and FJ length. An optimization method through a parametric study is presented. Firstly, descriptions for the overall arrangement and characteristics of FSHR are introduced. Secondly, a flowchart for optimization of FSHR is suggested. Following that, it is described how to select reasonable ranges for a parametric study and determine each of optimal configuration options. Lastly, numerical analysis based on above procedures is conducted through a case study. In conclusion, the relation among those parameters is analyzed and non-dimensional parametric ranges on optimal arrangements are suggested. Additionally, strength analysis is performed with optimal configurational cases.