South 5 South 6 Riser Cleaning Project
In the exploration of offshore oil, the drilling riser is an important and weak link in the entire drilling system, which is an important factor affecting the safety of offshore drilling. Due to the large amount of sea mud remaining on the inner wall of the riser after each drilling operation, which contains a large amount of salt and microorganisms, long-term residue can cause serious corrosion to the pipe wall, thereby affecting rigidity and structural damage, leading to safety accidents such as explosions and collapses.
In offshore oil exploration, the riser pipe is a crucial and vulnerable component of the drilling system, significantly impacting offshore drilling safety. After each drilling operation, the riser pipe's inner wall accumulates a large amount of mud containing high salt content and microorganisms. Prolonged residue accumulation leads to severe corrosion on the pipe wall, compromising its rigidity and structural integrity, which can result in safety hazards such as bursting and collapsing.
Traditional methods involve low-pressure water manual flushing, which cannot effectively clean the mud or provide adequate lubrication protection. Since 2019, our company has undertaken the internal cleaning and anti-corrosion protection of the N5 platform riser pipes by using high-pressure water jet technology.
The high-pressure water jet technology utilized in this project involves the use of specialized cleaning nozzles and pumps to generate water jets with pressures ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 psi. These high-pressure water jets effectively remove the mud and other deposits from the inner walls of the riser pipes, restoring them to a clean and corrosion-free condition.
The cleaning process is performed remotely using robotic systems, which are deployed from the platform to access the riser pipes. The robotic systems are equipped with high-pressure water jetting equipment and maneuvered through the pipes to ensure thorough cleaning of the entire internal surface.
The benefits of using high-pressure water jet technology for riser cleaning and corrosion protection are as follows:
1. Enhanced cleaning effectiveness: The high-pressure water jets have a strong cutting and flushing action, effectively removing even stubborn deposits such as hardened mud and scale from the pipe walls. This ensures a clean surface for subsequent corrosion protection measures.
2. Reduced operational risks: By employing robotic systems for the cleaning process, risks of human entry into confined spaces or hazardous areas is minimized. This significantly reduces the risks associated with manual cleaning operations, ensuring the safety of personnel.
3. Improved corrosion protection: The removal of mud and other deposits from inner walls of inner pipes prevents the accumulation of corrosive substances and microorganisms. This helps to maintain the integrity of the pipes and extends their lifespans.
4. Cost and time efficiency: High-pressure water jet technology offers faster cleaning rates compared to traditional methods. The automated robotic systems can work continuously, reducing downtime and operational costs associated with manual cleaning processes.
5. Environmental friendliness: The high-pressure water jetting process does not involve the use of chemicals or abrasive materials, making it an environmentally friendly option for riser cleaning. It minimizes the generation of waste and eliminates the need for disposal of hazardous substances.
Overall, the application of high-pressure water jet technology for riser cleaning and corrosion protection in offshore platforms offers numerous advantages in terms of effectiveness, safety, efficiency, and environmental impact. By adopting this advanced method, offshore oil companies can ensure the integrity and longevity of their riser systems, contributing to enhanced operational safety and cost-effectiveness.
