METHODS OF MINIMIZING THE RISKS OF CAVITATION IN UNDERWATER PIPELINES

Abstract

In the article, the classification of various loads that affect underwater pipelines during construction and operation is given. Offshore pipelines are subject to bending moment, hydrostatic pressure, tension, waves, and currents. In addition, the issues of determining the load that the pipeline can withstand or, conversely, the thickness of the pipe wall corresponding to the given load were also considered. At great depths, where the external pressure (hydrostatic pressure) is greater than what can be released, the pipeline is crushed, and the accident propagates along the length at a high speed. Therefore, it is recommended to protect pipelines in deepwater basins from possible crushing. Also, an overview of cavitation is given, and the conditions and consequences of its occurrence, currently known as a hydraulic phenomenon, are listed. It is noted that despite the negative effect of the cavitation factor, it is possible to use it for useful purposes. It is also shown that such effects can be applied in perspectival technologies by preserving them in new nanoobjects at meso and microscales.

Keywords

• pipelines
• hydrostatic
• limit state
• static effect
• cavitation zone
• rheological characteristics.