07121-1401

Primary Performer
Lincoln Composites, Lincoln, NE 68524

Additional Participants:
Stress Engineering Services, Houston, TX 77041

Abstract
This proposal to develop a Composite Riser for Ultra-Deepwater High-Pressure Wells Program together with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America and Lincoln Composites, Inc. a member of the Hexagon Composites Group, will develop and build a cost-effective composite riser solution suitable for use in ultra-deepwater high-pressure wells where supporting the weight of an all-steel riser solution becomes problematic. Led by Project Director Donald Baldwin, whose experience in this field spans more than 22 years, Lincoln Composites will incorporate Lincoln Composites’ patented structural composite/steel trap lock interface in a hybrid composite riser capable of more than a 50% weight reduction compared to all steel risers. The weight reduction possibilities of a hybrid composite/steel riser system would enable access ultra-deepwater high-pressure reservoirs that would otherwise prove cost ineffective or technically not possible by conventional all-steel means.

The objectives of Phase 1 of this project include complete Basis of Design study and analysis to determine appropriate criteria for design and analysis as well as fabrication and proof of concept testing of full-diameter, length-scaled riser joints. The primary objective during this stage of the program is to create a riser system that satisfies regulatory concerns, industry performance standards and sufficient margins of safety to eliminate apprehension at the operator level. It is the intent of this proposal to provide a deepwater solution and enable access to oil reserves previously unreachable, yet with current top-side tension capabilities. The result of Phase 1 of RPSEA DW1401 will be a solution that is ready for trial/use in the field with proven top-side TLP and SPAR technology under similar load conditions at water depths far exceeding current capabilities. Upon the conclusion of Phase 1 of this RPSEA proposal, Lincoln Composites would complete the design for a full scale trial specimen to be fabricated and deployed for use in field trial efforts.

Lincoln Composites will utilize previous experience in the hybrid riser field, state of the art finite element modeling software for hybrid composite structures as well as collaboration with industry experts in large scale design and testing methods. Stress Engineering Services will provide testing and consulting services as part of this proposal. Their contribution adds a tremendous amount of experience and understanding of field use requirements un-rivaled in the industry.

Principal Investigator: Donald Baldwin