Analysis of the impact of correct cementing strategies on the service life of subsea wellheads
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52171/herald.452Keywords:
subsea wellhead, cementing, fatigue damage, blow-out preventer (BOP), drilling riser, structural integrityAbstract
The article analyzes the main causes of fatigue damage in subsea wellhead equipment systems during offshore drilling operations. The effects of lateral loads generated by the drilling riser, ocean waves, and vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) on the reliability of the wellhead system are investigated. It is shown that the increased size and weight of new-generation blowout preventer (BOP) assemblies significantly increase fatigue loading. The structural characteristics of rigid and non-rigid wellhead locking mechanisms are compared, and the influence of conductor and surface casing cementing strategies on fatigue life is evaluated. To reduce fatigue-related risks, optimization of cement level, application of rigid locking mechanisms, improvement of welded joint quality, and implementation of progressive fatigue analysis are proposed. The obtained results demonstrate that proper cement placement together with the use of rigid locking mechanisms significantly improves the fatigue resistance of the high-pressure wellhead housing and conductor components, thereby enhancing the safety, reliability, and service life of subsea wellhead equipment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 U.V. Abdurahimov, G.A. Rzayev
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