Parameters Study of Deep Water Subsea Pipeline Selection

Recent developments in offshore pipeline projects in Malaysia waters are showing general trend towards deeper water, such as KIKEH in 2200 meter water depth. As the exploration is getting into deeper water or crossing a deep water section, different design issues may become governing compared to shallow water. Conceptual Design for Deep Water Pipeline discusses number of issues that need to be taken onto account in the design of pipelines in deep water. Aspect related to high external pressure, limitation for installation and geo-hazards are addressed. In order to give an early insight for designer to measure the reliability for a deep water project to current technology capabilities, a simulation program required to achieve the objective. This paper discusses several factors for selection of subsea pipelines such as wall thickness, buckling arrestors design, installation configuration and free spanning.