Further Design of Subsea Pipelines

About the Course

The Further Design of Subsea Pipelines course is a comprehensive four-day programme designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced subsea pipeline design concepts. This course covers critical topics such as pipe-soil interaction, hydrostatic collapse, corrosion mechanisms, lateral and upheaval buckling, strain-based design, fatigue, and High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS). The curriculum is structured to provide a thorough exploration of these advanced topics, incorporating real-world case studies and practical examples to ensure participants gain hands-on experience and applicable knowledge.

The programme begins with an in-depth look at pipe-soil interaction, where participants will learn about different soil types, pipeline embedment, and methods to resist upheaval. Detailed sessions on hydrostatic collapse will explain the necessity and application of buckle arrestors, supported by practical examples to illustrate the concepts effectively.

Corrosion mechanisms and mitigation strategies form a significant part of the course. Delegates will explore various corrosion control methods, calculate corrosion rates, and review case studies that highlight the practical application of these strategies. This module ensures that participants can design pipelines that are robust and durable against environmental degradation.

The course also delves into the complex phenomena of lateral and upheaval buckling. Participants will learn about virtual anchor spacing, design processes, and how to mitigate these issues through out-of-straightness surveys and practical interventions. A practical example will help solidify understanding of upheaval buckling analysis and mitigation techniques.

Strain-based design principles are thoroughly covered, addressing low, moderate, and high strain requirements in different loading scenarios. The course includes sessions on fatigue, explaining the principles, loadings, and design considerations, supported by worked examples and case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to ensure pipeline integrity under cyclic loading conditions.

Participants will also explore pipeline expansion, walking modes, and anchoring strategies. This module covers the effects of pressure and temperature changes on pipeline behaviour, and how to implement effective prevention and mitigation measures. A detailed case study will illustrate the practical applications of these concepts.

The final part of the course focuses on HIPPS and pipeline protection strategies. Delegates will learn about the configuration, components, and design applications of HIPPS, as well as how to conduct risk and safety analyses. The course will cover various protection methods, including coatings, rock dump, trenching, and protection structures, providing a comprehensive overview of how to safeguard pipelines from potential hazards.

Throughout the course, the practical application of theoretical knowledge is emphasised through interactive exercises and collaborative group sessions. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also fosters a network of professionals who can share experiences and solutions to common challenges in subsea pipeline design.

By the end of the course, delegates will have a deep understanding of advanced subsea pipeline design concepts, equipped with the skills to address complex challenges and ensure the integrity and reliability of subsea infrastructure.

Who's it for

The Further Design of Subsea Pipelines course is tailored for experienced professionals involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of subsea pipeline systems. This includes:

• Project engineers managing advanced subsea pipeline projects.

• Design engineers responsible for creating and validating complex pipeline designs.

• Installation engineers overseeing the installation and commissioning of advanced subsea pipelines.

• Maintenance personnel tasked with the upkeep and operational integrity of sophisticated pipeline systems.

• Subsea integrity engineers focused on maintaining and enhancing the integrity of subsea pipelines.

• Technical team leaders and managers leading teams in advanced subsea pipeline operations and project management.

This course is designed to enhance the professional development of individuals dedicated to mastering advanced concepts in subsea pipeline design.

Learning Objectives

• Summarise the design approaches for high-pressure, high-temperature, and high-corrosion environments.

• Design pipelines for collapse and buckle propagation resistance.

• Calculate corrosion rates and understand the associated mechanisms and methods.

• Evaluate different levels of strain and their design requirements.

• Investigate the causes of fatigue and calculate acceptability.

• Assess and mitigate pipeline walking.

• Predict potential hazards and recommend effective pipeline protection methods.

Course Content

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• A thorough understanding of advanced pipe-soil interaction and pipeline embedment techniques.

• Mastered the application of buckle arrestors to prevent hydrostatic collapse.

• Gained practical knowledge in corrosion control and mitigation strategies.

• Developed skills in lateral and upheaval buckling analysis and mitigation.

• Enhanced their ability to perform strain-based design and fatigue analysis.

• Learned effective strategies for pipeline expansion, walking, and anchoring.

• Acquired expertise in configuring HIPPS and conducting pipeline protection and safety analyses.

Mike Hawkins

BTech,CEng, FIMechE

LEAD TUTOR