Scouring around rigs-to-reefs jacket platform with different sitting configurations on seabed

Abstract

The decommissioning of offshore platforms is becoming more popular due to the lack of productive fields and the unpredictability of oil prices. The Rigs-to-Reef (RTR) program, which is part of the oil and gas company’s decommissioning method, involves turning jacket platforms into artificial reefs. This program creates shelter for marine life and subsequently increases marine production. However, the sediment scours around the jacket platform are one of the problems to be concerned about because it will result in RTR program failure. In this study, the seabed profile around the jacket platform was investigated using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). The simulation of the seabed scour and the deposition around, were conducted using different arrangements of jacket platform. The results showed that the flow velocity decreased when the flow was obstructed in front of the jacket platform. A horseshoe vortex occurred, then developed in front of the cylinder. The flow accelerated on the opposite side of the jacket structure, causing significant scour around the structure as well as bed shear stress. Finally, the vertical jacket platforms showed a significantly lower scour and deposition than the horizontal position.