PRCI OBS (V4) - Features and Upgrades Overview 

  • Author: PRCI
    Kourosh Abdolmaleki
    Ben Motevalli
    INTECSEA, Worley Group
  • Level: Advanced
  • Study time:  0.5 hours
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The PRCI On-Bottom Stability software is undergoing substantial technical upgrades. As part of the upgrade, a number of research projects have been executed over the recent years.

This paper provides an overview of the latest research with focus on hydrodynamic forces on small diameter pipes as well as efficiency of trenches in shallow water depths.

Small diameter pipes subject to wave and current actions represent large Keulegan Carpenter (KC) numbers with KV>>100. These KC ranges were not included in the DHI model tests that were used to develop the OBS software. Therefore, analysis of cases with KC>100, could produce unreliable results as the data exceed the range of model test data.

This paper presents the research that aimed at extending the database to much higher KC numbers using rigorous CFD simulations followed by implementation of the force models in the software.
Another topic of research was to assess the efficiency of the wide trenches in shallow waters and shore approaches. The data of reduction factors for the trenches are limited to “V” shape trenches where pipeline is only partially buried. However, in shore approach areas, the trenches are always wider that the pipe diameter and often much deeper than the pipe diameter.

Although these trenches can be backfilled later, it is crucial to know the protection level that they provide during the installation as well as the period before operation or permanent backfilling. This paper presents the findings of CFD simulation for such trenches.

PRCI-Pipeline Research Council International

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