ERDC/CRREL TR-08-14 ERDC/CRREL TR-08-14 Assessment of Superstructure Ice Protection as Applied to Offshore Oil Operations Safety Problems, Hazards, Needs, and Potential Transfer Technologies Charles C. Ryerson September 2008 Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. COVER: Superstructure ice on Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, Bering Sea, 1990. ERDC/CRREL TR-08-14 September 2008 Assessment of Superstructure Ice Protection as Applied to Offshore Oil Operations Safety Problems, Hazards, Needs, and Potential Transfer Technologies Charles C. Ryerson Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory US Army Engineer Research and Development Center 72 Lyme Road Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-1290 Report 1 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Prepared for US Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Herndon, VA 20170 ERDC/CRREL TR-08-14 ii Abstract: Superstructure sea spray icing and atmospheric icing from snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, rime, sleet, and frost reduce the safety of offshore platform and supply boat operations. Though icing reduces safety and reduces operational efficiency, it has not caused the loss of off- shore platforms. Supply boats are at greater risk of loss from icing than are platforms. Platforms operating in cold regions are protected primarily by designs that reduce ice accretion, coupled with the selective use of heat. A variety of deicing and anti-icing technologies have been tested on offshore platforms and boats, but with little overall success. New technologies and modern versions of old technologies, now used successfully in aviation, the electric power industry, and on transportation systems in general, may be transferable to the offshore environment. Fifteen classes of deicing and anti-icing technologies are identified, explained, and reviewed, as are nu- merous ice detection technologies for controlling deicing and anti-icing systems. These technologies are the population from which new marine ice protection systems may be selected. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. US Minerals Management Service (MMS) staff has reviewed this report for technical adequacy according to contractual specifications. The opinions, conclusions, and recommendations contained in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect views and policies of the US MMS. The mention of any trade name or commercial product in this report does not constitute an endorsement for use by the US MMS. Finally, this report does not contain any commer- cially sensitive, classified, or proprietary data release restrictions and may be freely copied and widely distributed. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR. ERDC/CRREL TR-08-14 iii Contents Figures ...................................................................................................................................................vii Preface....................................................................................................................................................ix 1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Critical Superstructure Icing Needs.............................................................................................3 Types of Icing ............................................................................................................................ 3 3 Icing of Rigs ..................................................................................................................................11 Snow .......................................................................................................................................12 Location ......................................................................................................................................12 Magnitude ..................................................................................................................................13 Safety..........................................................................................................................................13 Glaze Ice .................................................................................................................................15 Location ......................................................................................................................................15 Magnitude ..................................................................................................................................15 Safety..........................................................................................................................................15 Rime Ice..................................................................................................................................16 Location ......................................................................................................................................16 Magnitude ..................................................................................................................................16 Safety..........................................................................................................................................16 Frost ........................................................................................................................................16 Location ......................................................................................................................................16 Magnitude ..................................................................................................................................17 Safety..........................................................................................................................................17 Sleet........................................................................................................................................ 17 Location ......................................................................................................................................17 Magnitude ..................................................................................................................................17 Safety..........................................................................................................................................17 Sea Spray Icing.......................................................................................................................18 Location ......................................................................................................................................18 Magnitude ..................................................................................................................................18 Safety..........................................................................................................................................19 Rig Structures.........................................................................................................................20 Rig Design...................................................................................................................................20 Open Derricks.............................................................................................................................22 Antennas ....................................................................................................................................22 Flare Booms ...............................................................................................................................22 Air Intakes...................................................................................................................................22 Decks, Stairs, and Catwalks ......................................................................................................23 Moon Pool...................................................................................................................................24 Cellardeck...................................................................................................................................24 ERDC/CRREL TR-08-14 iv Legs and Bracing .......................................................................................................................25 4 Accident Reports..........................................................................................................................26 5 Current and Previous Rig Deicing and Anti-Icing Technologies .............................................28 Design.....................................................................................................................................28 Thermal Methods ................................................................................................................... 31 Coatings and Chemicals