Title: Steel waste streams associated with decommissioning offshore structures in the Gulf of Mexico

Authors: Mark J. Kaiser

Addresses: Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University, Energy Coast and Environment Building, Nicholson Extension Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA

Abstract: The weight of an offshore structure is an important factor in design and is closely linked to its fabrication, installation, and removal cost. Weight comparisons between structures are difficult to make, however, because many interdependent and unobservable factors influence its determination. In this paper, we develop first-order approximating weight algorithms for offshore structures in the Gulf of Mexico to estimate the amount of steel associated with decommissioning operations. First-order weight algorithms are developed for shallow and deep water structures based on structure and site characteristics. The quantity of steel decommissioned in the Gulf of Mexico in 2003 destined for scrap, reefing and storage along the US Gulf Coast illustrates application of the algorithms. [Received: April 18, 2009; Accepted: January 7, 2010].

Keywords: decommissioning; field development; offshore structures; weight algorithms; Gulf of Mexico; steel waste; waste streams; structure weight; steel scrap; reefing; waste storage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2010.033560

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2010 Vol.3 No.2, pp.113 - 143

Published online: 04 Jun 2010 *

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