OCTOPUS

Objective

The subsea connection of flowlines and Umbilicals can be broken down in two principle tasks:
- The pull-in task during which the flexible flowline/umbilical termination is pulled from its abandonment location to the subsea structure about 50 m away
- The activation and test of the process connection.
Existing systems to perform those tasks are based on heavy subsea tools and associated handling equipment. In addition, the operation of such systems requires many surface to subsea links (Guidelines, tool lift lines, tool control umbilical).
The aim of the project is to realise a full scale demonstration of the performance of an ROV deployed and ROV controlled system adapted and optimised for the connection of Flexible flowlines and Umbilicals.
The connection system based on an ROV deployed work package can be deployed from any surface vessel with ROV deployment capabilities thus reducing considerably the cost of the surface support.
Offshore Demonstration has been completed at the UNDERWATER CENTRE at Fort William - Scotland
Test completed succesfully in Loch Lihnne. Main functions were tested to their full capacities and punch list was prepared to highlight the parts / or systems requiring modifications; In general terms the test has proven the suitability and reliability of the system.
The project covers the engineering of offshore operations, the onshore preparation of the system and the offshore demonstration. The connection system includes the following components:
- Flexible flowlines (up to 19) and Umbilicals equipped with special terminations
- Special interface on subsea structures (templates. subsea manifolds, Xtree bases) to allow proper guidance and access to ROV tooling.
- Process connectors bases on Grayloc type with modifled activation mechanism
- ROV and associated workpackage.
The offshore demonstration will bring special emphasis on:
- The reliability of the system and associated procedures
- The suitability of the system for maintenance (seal replacement)
- The capacity of the system to overcome critical component failures.

Programme(s)

ENG-THERMIE 1 - Programme (EEC) for the promotion of energy technology in Europe (THERMIE), 1990-1994

Topic(s)

5.8 - PIPELINES

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinator

COFLEXIP SA

EU contribution

No data

Address

B.P. 07 RUE JEAN HURE
76580 Le Trait
France

Total cost