Residual Curvature Methodology (RCM) Application for Lateral Buckling Control on the Ultra-Deepwater Project Mero 3 in Brazil

Abstract Mero 3 is an ultra-deepwater development offshore Brazil, which comprises 12 rigid flowlines and risers installed in two phases. The Residual Curvature Method (RCM) was selected to control lateral buckling for these flowlines. Since its first implementation in 2012, the RCM has been applied worldwide for a range of pipeline systems and water depths. Recently, the RCM has been implemented in deep and ultra-deep waters. Lateral buckling control with the RCM is robust, reliable and cost-effective. Nevertheless, there are design and installation aspects which must be accounted. This paper focuses on the aspects which are important for RCM applications in ultra-deepwater and post-lay operations which might occasionally be deemed necessary. The objectives of the design and installation are to manage uncertainty and to ensure that the RC sections are installed as intended and are effective even for as-landed configurations in which the RC’s crown faces for different orientations. Methods, processes and technologies have been developed for shallow and deepwater depth pipeline systems to achieve the above objectives. This paper presents how they have been propagated into the Mero 3 design and RC sections installation in ultra-deep waters, to ensure the delivery of a robust and reliable lateral buckling control scheme. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of the RCM in ultra-deep waters and presents initial findings from the ongoing Mero 3 installation campaign.