Structural Integrity in the Offshore Oil, Gas and Renewables Instalations

Abstract

The project aims to train human resources to meet the demand for professionals specialized in structural integrity in the oil, gas, biofuels, and renewable energy industries. Structural integrity is a multidisciplinary activity that encompasses various sectors, including exploration, development, production, transportation, refining, natural gas processing, renewable energy installations, subsea systems, new materials, nanotechnology, and the assessment of the integrity of production, transportation, storage, and generation systems.This program was developed in partnership between the Escola Politécnica (EP) and COPPE of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), reflecting the multidisciplinary nature required for the field of structural integrity. At the undergraduate level, EP offers courses in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (DMM), Civil Engineering (DEC-Structures), Naval and Ocean Engineering (DNO), and Petroleum Engineering (DPE), focusing on Scientific Initiation and Final Course Monograph (Thesis). At the graduate level, COPPE offers programs in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (PEMM), Ocean Engineering (PENO - structures area), and Civil Engineering (PEC - structures area) for Master's and Doctoral degrees.The faculty, composed of professors who work both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, facilitates an integration between the levels of education, promoting a continuous and collaborative learning environment. This integration strengthens research in structural integrity, covering everything from microstructural analysis to the macro behavior of structures and components.Students are encouraged to take courses outside their home departments to ensure a multidisciplinary education. For example, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering students take courses in Naval, Civil, and/or Petroleum Engineering, while students in these fields study the micro and nano aspects of materials. Project co-supervision by professors from different areas enriches the students' education, providing advanced knowledge in structural calculation, computational analysis, metallurgy, materials, corrosion, and coatings.Currently, 25 faculty advisors work in structural integrity at COPPE and EP, addressing key areas of concentration essential for the oil, gas, biofuels, and renewable energy industries, such as:- Non-destructive testing- Welding- Corrosion- Mechanical properties of materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites)- Mechanical behavior of materials- Material degradation (e.g., hydrogen attack, H2S, CO2)- Protective coatings- Damaged structures- Pipelines, rigid and flexible risers- Numerical and experimental stress and strain analysis- Dynamics/vibrations- Fatigue and fracture mechanics- Analysis of offshore and onshore structures- Materials processingUndergraduate students must complete all mandatory courses in their curricula and specific courses required for the emphasis on structural integrity. Petroleum Engineering courses introduce undergraduate students to the oil, gas, biofuels, and renewable energy sectors and provide leveling courses for graduate students.The program aims to address crucial areas for the industry, such as analyzing current materials and developing new materials, ensuring that the trained professionals are prepared to face the technological and safety challenges of the industry. (AU)