Dropped Object Impact Analysis Considering Frequency and Consequence for LNG-FPSO Topside Module

Abstract

Recently, quantitative risk assessment (QRA) has been widely used as a decision-making tool in the offshore industry. This study focused on analyzing dropped objects in the design of a modern offshore platform. A modified QRA procedure was developed for assessing production module protection against accidental external loads. Frequency and consequence analyses were performed using the developed QRA procedure. An exceedance curve was plotted, and a high-risk management item was derived through this process. In particular, simulations and experiments were used to verify the difference between the potential and impact energies according to drop orientation. When the object dropped in a specific orientation, the impact energy was confirmed to be up to 4.7 times greater than the potential energy. To reflect the QRA results in structural design, the proposed procedure should be used to calculate the maximum impact energy. The proposed procedure provides a step-by-step guide to assess the damage capacity of a production area as well as the damage frequency and consequences.

Keywords

• quantitative risk assessment
• dropped objects
• frequency analysis
• consequence analysis
• impact analysis
• offshore topsides