Descomissionamento de dutos flexíveis offshore: organização do processo e planejamento estratégico

Abstract

Oil and gas facilities, including flexible pipelines, essential components used to move fluids in various functions such as production, injection, export, and services, have a given service life. When they reach the end of their useful life, these structures must be decommissioned. This process involves (i) environmental considerations, such as biofouling and naturally occurring radioactive material; (ii) legal considerations, particularly the question of whether to maintain these structures on the seabed; (iii) technical considerations related to the available alternatives for pipeline decommissioning and to the decision-making tools that assist the choosing of the best alternative for each specific case. This dissertation's aimed to describe, discuss, and analyze the management of subsea flexible pipeline decommissioning, considering the alternatives for their preparation. These include Technology 1, in which the pipelines are manually opened by layer using portable disc cutting tools, and Technology 2, based on a mechanized process of complete pipeline crushing. Furthermore, it seeks to map the processes related to each of the alternatives, using tools such as SIPOC and flowcharts, and conducting diagnostics based on a SWOT analysis. The research presented a qualitative analytical approach, based on field observations and interviews with three waste management companies located in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. The results indicated that there are alternatives in Brazil for preparing unusable flexible pipes for recycling. However, technological improvements are still needed to ensure this activity is carried out in a way that minimizes occupational risks for operators and maximizes material utilization.