

In addition to the conservatism inherited in the product design methodology and API safety factor 10 for fatigue estimation, the input data may also contain some additional conservatism compared to actual operational conditions as these were estimated/projected from limited timespan of observations or predicted purely from numerical modelling. Metocean data, riser properties, vessel or platform RAO data are typical inputs for the fatigue analysis. To estimate the fatigue damage, global and local analyses are performed inhouse with inputs from operators. Other parameters like riser real time extreme response or statistical results can also be checked in the software.

Depending on the clients’ needs, multiple fatigue hot spots like top end fitting, bend stiffener region or touch down point can be monitored at the same time. The software can be customized towards different platforms and pipe systems, as well as input data types. The software utilizes an OrcaFlex API and a local analysis algorithm in the background.

The tool is based on current product design tools which are calibrated and independently validated with over 30 years installed operational experience. Baker Hughes has developed a software tool to calculate the real time fatigue damage of flexible tensile wires. Fatigue life of flexible risers is a critical design factor in offshore riser system design.
