Commercial Benefit on Riser Design Using High-Strength Steel

Abstract As new challenges arise in oil and gas exploration due to harsh environments, there is a growing need for new and creative solutions. Better material applied in known solutions are possible alternatives to be studied. From a technical perspective, higher strength steel might enhance the performance resulting in two main outcomes: enabling a solution or meeting the requirements with a reduced wall thickness. Both may be financially a good opportunity. This study focuses on the cost-benefit analysis of using X80 in a Residual Curvature Riser Distributed Ballast (RCR-BD, patent pending [9]) configuration, evaluating the impact of reduced wall thickness on mechanical properties, system dynamics, and installation costs for ultra-deepwater projects in Brazil. The analysis culminates in a business case comparing the comprehensive costs of Steel Lazy-Wave Riser (SLWR) and RCR-BD configurations, considering factors such as pipe procurement, logistics, and installation.