Malikai TLP Wind Tunnel Testing

Requirements

We were approached by Technip MHB Hull Engineering (TMH) in 2012/13 during the design phase to provide wind tunnel testing to support the structural design of the TLP and the offshore DTU operations.  Technip required:

1. Marine boundary layer simulation force measurements on the above waterline portion of the TLP in a simulated open ocean environment compliant with the NPD guideline (i.e. Froya profile) and ABS standards.
2. Current flow simulation force measurements on the below waterline portion of the TLP with the wind tunnel set up for uniform flow.

A programme of wind tunnel testing was conducted on the Malikai Tension Leg Platform (TLP) using a 1:200 scale model of the platform within BMT’s boundary layer wind tunnel facilities.  We conducted the studies for the engineering contractor Technip MMHE JV whilst closely working with the drilling contractor Taurus Drilling during the second set of wind tunnel tests including the Drilling Tender Platform (DTP).

The programme included above and below waterline tests with the main objective of the tests being to measure mean wind and current forces and moments for the platforms detailed inplace structural design and wet towing.  For the wet tow case an additional condition with the TLP heeled about the critical axis was conducted to simulate the damage condition.  In addition to the above, wind speeds were measured at the top of the flare tower to provide wind speed ratio at the top of the flare tower with and without the presence of the model below.  A second set of wind tunnel testing was also conducted with multiple vessels with a gangway connecting the two structures.

Solutions

• Marine boundary layer simulation study
• Current flow simulation study
• Tendon Tension Monitoring System (TTMS)
• Marine Information System / Marine Advisory System (MISMAS)
• Ongoing data management, servicing and maintenance

Benefits

• We have worked on more than 80 projects for offshore fixed and floating structures including platforms, FPSOs, FLNG, FSRUs, TLPs, Spars, Semi-subs, Drill Ships, Jack-up Rigs, Flotels, Pipe Lay Vessels, Tankers, Container ships and Yachts for better understanding both structural design and offshore marine operations.