An offshore development project required a solution to redeploy an FPSO, necessitating robust drop-protection structures for critical topside equipment. Traditional methods fell short, but Apollo's advanced use of ANSYS simulation and transient structural analysis ensured not only compliance with stringent industry standards but also cost-effective design refinements.
The problem
A front-end engineering design (FEED) was needed for the topsides and marine modifications to redeploy an FPSO over a new development.
As part of the topside upgrade, new drop-protection structures were required to be installed above sensitive equipment, designed to withstand significant weight drops to comply with industry standards.
The background
Conventional dropped object checks are challenging to complete with hand calculations due to the complexity of beams, plates, forces, and stresses involved. While acceptable in basic cases, these methods can miss crucial real-world effects.
The process
Apollo utilised ANSYS, an industry-leading analysis and simulation tool. The model was created in SpaceClaim, with load weights and locations determined based on industry standards and worst-case scenarios. This data was then used in ANSYS Mechanical for a Transient Structural analysis, allowing the object to ‘fall’ on top of the designed drop-protection structure.
The details
A transient, rather than static, analysis was used to accurately capture the structural reaction to the dropped object.
The solution
The results confirmed the protection structure’s suitability for use. By employing FEA software, all effects were incorporated into the system, allowing for further refinement of the protection structure, potentially reducing the number of members and/or sizing, resulting in lower overall costs.
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