Optimize and Validate the Wind Induced Deflection of Process Column in Offshore Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

Process Columns are widely used in oil and gas industries (offshore platforms, onshore facilities). The design of process columns is a critical design as it comprises a series of stresses. Proper understanding of stresses developed in the tall column is required for effective design otherwise it will lead to an overdesign. Hence increasing its weight and adding cost to the project. Along with different types of pressure stresses which are mentioned in ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineer), the different stresses also play important role in determining the thickness of tall columns. Tall columns are susceptible to wind loads which lead to the deflection of columns, which in turns causes instability. This may cause severe oscillations, excessive deflection, structural damage and even failure. Therefore tall process columns must be checked for combination of stresses. This paper provides design optimization approach for self-supported Process column. Software PV Elite is used to design and analysis the real industry problem of Tall process column. It was found that combination of stresses, effect of wind loads, VIV (Vortex induced vibration) are troublesome therefore explained explicitly.