Experimental Assessment of the Offshore Launching Operation of a Jack-Up Unit

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio A. Rodríguez ◽  
Paulo T. T. Esperança ◽  
Mário Moura ◽  
Jacques Raigorodsky
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Experimental Assessment ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Experimental Campaign ◽  
Preliminary Model ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Jack Up

Recently, an experimental campaign was carried out to assess the feasibility of the launching operation of two jack-up units using a barge as the launching platform. This experimental study was divided in four stages. In stages 1 to 3, a series of preliminary model tests were performed in order to provide scientific understanding of the mechanics of the operation, and investigate systematically the influence of launching parameters. The experimental approach developed for testing this operation and the results of the preliminary launching tests have been discussed in detail in a previous paper [1]. Based on the analyses of the experimental results of stages 1 to 3 and, the results of numerical simulation tools, in stage 4, a final launching condition was designed and a new set of model tests were specified to check the safety of the operation. This paper presents the results and analyses of the experimental tests in stage 4. The conditions tested in this stage covered the expected real launching condition and possible deviations in some launch parameters. The tests results include the 6-DOF motions and trajectories of the launched jack-up and the launch barge, and the reaction forces on the barge rocker arms. Later on, the success of the launching operations of P-59 and P-60 jack-up units confirmed the experimental investigation results and the feasibility of this novel launching procedure. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the experimental approach efficiently served as a tool for the assessment of high risk operations.

Assessment of a Jack-Up Offshore Launching Through Model Tests and Field Measurements

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio A. Rodríguez ◽  
Paulo T. T. Esperança ◽  
Mário Moura ◽  
Jacques Raigorodsky
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Efficient Tool ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Preliminary Model ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Jack Up

Recently, an experimental campaign was carried out to assess the feasibility of the launching operation of two jack-up units using a barge as the launching platform. This experimental study was divided in four stages. In stages 1 to 3, a series of preliminary model tests were performed in order to provide scientific understanding of the mechanics of the operation and investigate systematically the influence of launching parameters. The experimental approach developed for testing this operation and the results of the preliminary launching tests have already been discussed in detail. Based on the analyses of the experimental results of stages 1 to 3 and the results of numerical simulation tools in stage 4, a final launching condition was designed and a new set of model tests was specified to check the safety of the operation. This paper presents the results and analyses of the experimental tests of stage 4. The conditions tested in this stage covered the expected real launching condition and possible deviations in some launch parameters. The tests results include the 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) motions and trajectories of the launched jack-up and the launch barge, and the reaction forces on the barge rocker arms. Later on, the success of the launching operations of P-59 and P-60 jack-up units confirmed the experimental investigation results and the feasibility of this novel launching procedure. During the launching of unit P-60, field measurements were performed that confirmed that model tests as an efficient tool for the assessment of high risk operations.

An Experimental Approach for the Offshore Launching of Jack-Ups

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio A. Rodríguez ◽  
Mário Moura ◽  
Paulo T. T. Esperança ◽  
Jacques Raigorodsky
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Building Site ◽  
Test Setup ◽  
Dry Dock ◽  
Jack Up

Recently, as part of the building contract for the new Brazilian jack-up drilling platforms, an operational challenge was raised: to launch these units from the building site, where neither dry dock nor launching ground ways exist. Economically, the best alternative was to launch these jack-ups using the available barges used commonly for jacket launch. Due to the marked differences between a jacket and a jack-up, the implementation of this novel launch operation required a careful feasibility study. Model tests were required to measure the motions of the barge and the jack-up and to evaluate the loads on the barge rocker arms. The present paper discusses the experimental approach, test setup, calibration procedures, and some results from the hydrodynamics perspective.

Offshore Launching of Jack-Up Units: An Experimental Approach

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio A. Rodríguez ◽  
Paulo T. T. Esperança ◽  
Mário Moura ◽  
Jacques Raigorodsky
Keyword(s):  
Friction Coefficient ◽  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Offshore Structures ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Operation Model ◽  
Oil Platforms ◽  
Jack Up ◽  
Structural Point

Ships and most offshore structures are commonly launched into water from dry docks. But, sometimes due to practical and economical restrictions, launching of some offshore structures takes place at floating launching platforms, usually barges. The latter type of launching is quite “usual” for jacket rigs. To assess the success of the launch operation usually numerical simulations are enough and model tests are usually not required. However, more recently, as part of the construction project of the new Brazilian jack-up oil platforms, an innovative launching operation was required: launching a jack-up using a jacket launching barge. The marked differences between the two types of structures involve hydrodynamic and structural complexities. From the hydrodynamical point of view, due to its greater volume compared to jackets, the jack-up may be subjected to greater loads as enters in water during launching, and then suffers great motions that may affect the barge motions and these, affect back, the jack-up motions. From the structural point of view, the heavier jack-up structure may cause greater stresses on the barge deck and rocker arms that should be properly addressed in order to determine the necessity for reinforcements in the jack-up and/or the barge. To assess the feasibility of this innovative launching operation, model tests were required to measure the motions of the barge and the jack-up and to evaluate the loads on the rocker arms. The present paper describes the experimental approach developed for simulating this unique launching operation. The calibration procedures are outlined and the main results of the systematic set of tests carried out are presented. Furthermore, the influence of some launching parameters such as friction coefficient, position of the center of gravity of the jack-up and initial launching angle are discussed.

Experimental Study of a Tanker Ship Squat in Shallow Water

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadreza Fathi Kazerooni ◽  
Mohammad Saeed Seif
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Ship Hull ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Shallow Waters ◽  
Towing Tank ◽  
Ship Model

One of the phenomena restricting the tanker navigation in shallow waters is reduction of under keel clearance in the terms of sinkage and dynamic trim that is called squatting. According to the complexity of flow around ship hull, one of the best methods to predict the ship squat is experimental approach based on model tests in the towing tank. In this study model tests for tanker ship model had been held in the towing tank and squat of the model are measured and analyzed. Based on experimental results suitable formulae for prediction of these types of ship squat in fairways are obtained.

Experimental Assessment of the Performance of CECO Wave Energy Converter in Irregular Waves

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio A. Rodríguez ◽  
F. Taveira-Pinto ◽  
P. Rosa-Santos
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Transfer Functions ◽  
Nonlinear Effects ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Irregular Waves ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Experimental Assessment ◽  
Simplified Approach ◽  
Wave Basin

A new concept of wave energy device (CECO) has been proposed and developed at the Hydraulics, Water Resources and Environment Division of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). In a first stage, the proof of concept was performed through physical model tests at the wave basin (Rosa-Santos et al., 2015). These experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the concept to harness wave energy and provided a preliminary assessment of its performance. Later, an extensive experimental campaign was conducted with an enhanced 1:20 scale model of CECO under regular and irregular long and short-crested waves (Marinheiro et al., 2015). An electric PTO system with adjustable damping levels was also installed on CECO as a mechanism of quantification of the WEC power. The results of regular waves tests have been used to validate a numerical model to gain insight into different potential configurations of CECO and its performance (López et al., 2017a,b). This paper presents the results and analyses of the model tests in irregular waves. A simplified approach based on spectral analyses of the WEC motions is presented as a means of experimental assessment of the damping level of the PTO mechanism and its effect on the WEC power absorption. Transfer functions are also computed to identify nonlinear effects associated to higher waves and to characterize the range of periods where wave absorption is maximized. Furthermore, based on the comparison of the present experimental results with those corresponding to a linear numerical potential model, some discussions are addressed regarding viscous and other nonlinear effects on CECO performance.

scholarly journals Virtual Testing of Counterbalance Forklift Trucks: Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Numerical Multibody Model

Machines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Alberto Martini ◽  
Giovanni Paolo Bonelli ◽  
Alessandro Rivola
Keyword(s):  
Model Updating ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Rigid Bodies ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
Operating Cycle ◽  
Virtual Testing ◽  
Multibody Model ◽  
Testing Tools ◽  
Forklift Truck ◽  
Preliminary Model

This study investigates the dynamic behavior of a recently developed counterbalance forklift truck. The final objective is creating virtual testing tools based on numerical multibody models to evaluate the dynamic stresses experienced by the forklift family of interest during a reference operating cycle, defined by the manufacturer’s testing protocols. This work aims at defining sufficiently accurate and easy-to-implement modelling approaches and validation procedures. It focuses on a specific test, namely the passage of a speed-bump-like obstacle at high velocity, which represents one of the most severe conditions within the reference cycle. Indeed, unlike most of the other wheeled vehicles, forklifts typically do not have advanced suspension systems and their dynamic response is significantly affected by ground irregularities. To this end, a preliminary model of the complete forklift, featuring rigid bodies and a simplified tire–ground contact model, is implemented with a commercial software. Experimental tests are conducted on the forklift to measure the vehicle vibrations when running on the obstacle, for model validation purposes. After model updating, the results provided by the numerical simulations match the experimental data satisfactorily. Hence, the modelling and validation strategies are proven viable and effective.

Development of a New Physical Model for Experimental Assessment of Expandable Casing Technology Effect on Wellbore Cement Integrity

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darko Kupresan ◽  
James Heathman ◽  
Tao Tao ◽  
Mileva Radonjic
Keyword(s):  
Physical Model ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Experimental Assessment ◽  
Cement Integrity

The focus of this novel research was to develop a physical model and apply an experimental approach to explore the effect of casing expansion technology on wellbore cement integrity.

Validation of a Software Tool (DROPSIM) to Predict the ‘Drop and Getaway’ Behaviour of a Lifeboat

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elia Palermo ◽  
Roberto Tonelli ◽  
Frans Quadvlieg ◽  
Jule Scharnke ◽  
Ingo Drummen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Software Tool ◽  
Free Fall ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Normal Means ◽  
Strip Theory ◽  
Calm Water ◽  
Validation Procedure ◽  
Prototype Software ◽  
Free Falling

The purpose of a free fall lifeboat is to evacuate people from platforms in case of emergency, and when other, normal means of evacuation, are not possible. For instance, when the weather is too rough, and evacuation cannot be performed by helicopters, the lifeboats are the last way of escape. It is thus essential to be able to properly assess the operability of a lifeboat and the safety of its occupants upon evacuation. Over the past four years, methods to quantify the operability limits of a lifeboat were analysed in a research project carried out for Statoil. As part of this project, a prototype software (denominated DROPSIM) was developed to predict the ‘drop and sailaway behaviour’ of a lifeboat. DROPSIM is a simplified method based on strip theory, with the objective to obtain predictions that are consistent with the relevant statistical behaviour of the lifeboat, and for the same target level of probability. Particularly because DROPSIM is a simplified tool, it is vital to verify that the software is adequate for simulating thousands of random lifeboat drops, yielding robust statistical predictions with sufficient accuracy. In order to show the performance of the simulation tool, an extensive validation procedure was established, based on a large amount of model test and data from other simulation tools. The following topics were considered in the validation: A. Verification: basic checks, e.g. related to buoyancy without comparison to model tests B. Consistency of simulated and measured response for basic test cases, including free-falling wedge tests and a variety of impact tests with a bullet shaped model C. Prediction of the sailaway behaviour of a lifeboat in comparison to model tests D. Comparison with integrated drop and sailaway model tests in normal and off-design (extreme) conditions in calm water and in waves. In this paper the results of the validation of DROPSIM are presented and discussed. Another dedicated paper gives insight into the mathematical model of DROPSIM ([1]).

Preliminary model tests for the design of a gliding deep water elevator

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Roman ◽  
Todd Gregory ◽  
Eric Martin ◽  
Alex Sanguinetti ◽  
Jenna Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Model Tests ◽  
Preliminary Model
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