This article focuses on measures for preventing damages to oil drilling setups post hurricanes or typhoons. According to engineers, today, it is a complex network of fixed and floating production platforms, mobile drilling units, undersea wells, and oil and gas pipelines. No single solution will ensure the safety of the entire system. The exploration wells under the drilling rigs are also vulnerable. Mobile drilling units, such as jackups and semisubmersibles, which drill test wells and then move to another location, proved especially vulnerable during Katrina and Rita. When the American Petroleum Institute rolled out its first post-Katrina recommendations in April, it took an initial step on a road that will eventually demand changes in everything from air gaps, tie-downs, and deck design to moorings, tethers, clamps, and piping supports. New standards are expected to improve the odds for newer platforms and rigs if they continue to face larger and larger hurricanes.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
June 2006
Select Article
Storm Warning
Katrina and Rita Pummeled the Gulf of Mexico's Oil and Gas Producers. What can they do to Keep it From Happening Again?
Associate Editor
Mechanical Engineering. Jun 2006, 128(06): 24-29 (3 pages)
Published Online: June 1, 2006
Citation
Brown, A. S. (June 1, 2006). "Storm Warning." ASME. Mechanical Engineering. June 2006; 128(06): 24–29. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2006-JUN-1
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Fortifying the Pipeline
Mechanical Engineering (July 2024)
Gold Medal Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (July 2024)
Generation on the Rise
Mechanical Engineering (July 2024)
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical Engineering (July 2024)
Related Articles
Kicking the OPEC Habit
Mechanical Engineering (May,2000)
Profiles of Two JOMAE Associate Editors (A Continuing Series)
J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng (October,2021)
Developing Innovative Deep Water Pipeline Construction Techniques with Physical Models
J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng (February,2007)
Storm Quick-Disconnect Mooring System
J. Energy Resour. Technol (December,1985)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Optimum Drilling Practices
Oilwell Drilling Engineering
Summary of Water Hammer-Induced Pipe Failures
Fluid Mechanics, Water Hammer, Dynamic Stresses, and Piping Design
Better Risk Management for Underground Pipelines and Tunnels Using Sound Geotechnical Interpretation
Geological Engineering: Proceedings of the 1 st International Conference (ICGE 2007)