The main objective of this project is to conduct research on the thermal effects on wells and the risk of these as related to well integrity (specifically on well barriers) and potential solutions to these risks. The contractor will evaluate the effects of thermal shock on OCS well integrity and identify ways to mitigate those effects.
The research focused on how differences in seabed conditions can affect scour in the undeveloped offshore environment and how the introduction of structures and cable-installation disturbance can further modify (increase) the scour susceptibility of the seafloor.
This was accomplished via four phases:
The objective of this project is to develop a geographical information system (GIS) for met-ocean data which allows the user to interactively query and update data.
A 2-year project is anticipated. Current funding is for first year only, and the accomplishment of the following tasks:
The primary objectives of this project are to (1) consider the full suite of environmental data (meteorological and oceanographic) and structural performance data that could be collected during exploration and production operations off the coast of Alaska, and review each type of measurement in terms of its potential value to the design of future offshore infrastructure; and (2) assess alternatives and develop a recommendation for how MMS should go about collecting, archiving and processing this data.
The project will be accomplished via the following tasks:
The objective of this project was to produce a technical report to determine the effects and limitations of downhole commingling in regard to the ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons. The study shall addressed crossflow of reservoir fluids, the impact of reservoir drive mechanisms, and reliability of zone isolation methods.
The objective of this study was to provide design options for Pipelines with regard to Arctic hazards such as strudel scour, upheaval buckling, and ice gouging in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Design options included evaluation of PL configuration, material selection, design parameters, operating conditions, application of strain-based and limit state design methods. Design issues included construction, operations, integrity management, maintenance and intervention.
The technical effort will focus on discovering and validating by proof-of-concept testing a reliable cost-effective method or methods and equipment to significantly reduce lateral noise in the marine environment from seismic activities and operations. This research project was conducted in two parts.
Part 1 of this project contained six tasks:
During Hurricane Ivan in 2004, a number of Gulf of Mexico (GOM) pipelines and platforms were believed to have been impacted by mudslides in the region of Ivan's path. This project, proposed under two phases, will provide hazard information for the design and placement of new pipelines and structures by determining the applicability of developing regionally consistent hazard maps that delineate relative susceptibility of GOM offshore regions to future submarine mudslides, including identification of past and future probable locations of underwater slope failures.
During 2004 and 2005, Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Rita damaged and destroyed hundreds of Gulf of Mexico (GOM) offshore pipelines and platforms, many from mudslides both in line with and adjacent to the hurricanes' path. This two-phase project examined the mudflow/mudslide areas in the high risk mudslide regions of the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Mississippi Delta in order to better understand these events.
Project to provide facilitation for the break-out sessions of the Offshore Hurricane Readiness & Recovery Conference and prepare a report capturing the findings, issues, and opportunities to improve that are identified by the conference.
