Experimental investigation of accidental drops of drill pipes and containers during offshore operations

Abstract

The dynamic motion of falling pipes in water is treated theoretically using slender body theory at present time. This thesis focuses on the experimental investigation of accidentally falling drill pipes and to some extent containers in order to see the distribution on the sea bed and observe the trajectory for different drop angles. The model test results are presented using tables and sea bed distribution contours. Although full scale results are included to have an insight, the discussion converges to the model scale mainly. A comparison between a simplified method and model scale results is outlined. Illustrative parametric study has been carried out to identify the significant parameters which affect the motion dynamics of the pipe under water. A case study has been conducted to show the difference of the test result with the present DNV methodology. Finally, based on the key findings of the experment conclusion has been drown and practical recommendation for further work is presented.