Design Stages

Offshore Pipeline Designs are usually carried out in 3 stages:

1. Conceptual Design
2. Preliminary Engineering (FEED)
3. Detail Design

Conceptual Design

• To perform technical feasibility studies and constraints on system design and construction.
• To identify potential difficulties.
• Basic cost estimation.

Preliminary Engineering

• To determine linepipe sizing, material and grade.
• Prepare authority approval
• Perform MTO to order pipeline

Detail Engineering

• A complete linepipe design. (material, grade, size, hydrodynamic stability, free span, CP, thermal expansion, Riser VIV and Riser Stress)
• Route Selection or Optimization.
• Preparation of Specifications.
  
• Compilation and finalize of MTO report for procurement of materials.

References:

1. Buyon Guo, Shanyong Song, Jacob Chacko, Ali Ghalambor (2005) Offshore Pipelines, Standards and Technical Publications, South Australia.
2. Yong Bai (2001) Pipelines and Risers, Elsevier Ocean Engineering Book Series, Volume 3, 498 pp.