A comprehensive guide to riser types

The vast expanse of the ocean floor holds abundant resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. Extracting these valuable commodities requires a complex process of underwater development, followed by long-distance transportation to the mainland. Throughout offshore operations, various surface facilities are essential, and one crucial component is the riser tube—a vertical conduit that serves as a lifeline for transporting substances between the ocean floor and the surface.

Riser tubes

Riser tubes, akin to vertical elevators in the ocean, play a pivotal role in diverse operations, including drilling, production, and offshore transfer. They function as continuous conduits, delivering liquids, gases, and even solid materials from the seabed to surface platforms or vessels for processing and further transportation.

To cater to different facility types, riser systems can be classified into several categories within the regulatory framework:

Platform-Mounted Risers:

These risers are commonly used in shallow waters and are fixed to the pile legs of platform structures.

Primarily used as ancillary components connected to the seabed pipeline system.

Certification complies with CCS Subsea Pipeline System Specification (2021).

Deepwater Risers on Floating Facilities:

Deployed in deeper waters, including column-stabilized platforms, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, and Tension Leg Platforms (TLP).

Dynamic response is significant due to their considerable length and suspended nature.

Types include Steel Catenary Risers (SCR), Top-Tensioned Risers (TTR), Flexible Risers (FR), and Hybrid Risers (HR).

Certification follows CCS Offshore Riser System Inspection Guidelines (2020).

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Risers and Hoses on Single-Point Mooring (SPM) Systems:

Varied types corresponding to different SPM designs, utilizing either risers or hoses for vertical transport.

Certification aligns with CCS Offshore Single-Point Mooring System Specification (2021).

Drilling Risers on Mobile Drilling Platforms:

Also known as “drilling riser” or “riser for subsea drilling,” integral to offshore drilling operations.

Compliant with CCS Offshore Drilling Unit Inspection Guidelines (2017).

Mining Risers on Deep-Sea Mining Facilities:

Pertaining to the emerging field of deep-sea mining, transporting minerals from the ocean floor to mining vessels.

Adheres to CCS Deep-Sea Mining Facility Guidelines (2022).

Understanding the diverse categories of riser tubes is crucial for navigating the complexities of offshore operations. Each type serves a specific purpose, contributing to the seamless extraction and transportation of valuable resources from the depths of the ocean to the surface. Whether in shallow or deep waters, riser systems are integral components, facilitating the sustainable development of underwater resources.