Optimization of Pipeline Routes

In offshore field development, pipeline route planning is an important task. The object is to locate feasible routes having minimal costs. This paper presents the development of a software tool for pipe line route optimization. The pipeline routing problem is formulated as an optimization problem. An object function is derived describing the cost of pipe laying. The object function includes terms for material cost and cost associated with intervention work In addition, the object function includes terms defining a feasible route. The optimization algorithm Simulated Annealing is used to solve the problem. As demonstrated by simulation examples, this algorithm is found to be a robust optimization algorithm suited for this problem.