Objective
The aim of the Poseidon project is to develop new techniques allowing a reduction of the costs associated with offshore hydrocarbon production. Poseidon (phase I) project focussed on the design studies of the main subcomponents of the "all subsea" scheme. Poseidon (phase II) project is basically dedicated to the trials of the most critical amongst those subcomponents, namely the multiphasic pumping system and the subsea drive system.
ITEM 1 : MULTIPHASE PUMPING SYSTEM
ONGOING
Simulation of the pumping system behaviour (completed) : this activity allows to define and size up the prototype pumping system architecture.
Prototype pumping system : the fabrication has been completed; the test loop is upgraded for maximum flowrate of 25 000 bbl/d and 90 bar maximum pressure. The first phase of bench tests is completed ( hydraulic characterization). Second phase (endurance) is ongoing and planned to be completed in January 90.
Hydraulic testing of the industrial prototype has shown an excellent behaviour from pure liquid to pure gas at the pump inlet, and the ability to handle severe slugging conditions. Endurance testing on the bench followed by long term field testing are the next essential steps to be completed before envisaging a first industrial application, onshore of offshore.
ITEM 2 : SUBSEA STATION AND WELLHEAD
COMPLETED
The subsea testing of the drive assembly has been shortened by an insulation failure of the stator windings of the motor.
Expert appraisals are completed. New studies have been launched, the aim being to have a complete system ready by the end of 1989
. First applications are contemplated in the North Sea.
The shore trials of the full scale motor have been successfully completed. The drive system totalled in excess of 3000 subsea running hours without major problem, early in December, when a short circuit occured in the stator windings. However all other electric, mechanical and electronic components behaved perfectly during this test as attested by the expert appraisals.
Some improvement studies based on the results from subsea testing and appraisals have been launched.
Basic engineering of the remote system of a future subsea station using Data transmission by optic fibre is completed. Theoretical studies have been performed, concerning the electrical behaviour of the long distance power supply system. Both steady state and transient states (start up, short circuits. . . ) have been studied. This activity will be completed when the electronic variable frequency converter power supply case is covered.
The present Poseidon Phase II project comprises :
1) Development of a reduced scale, complete and marinized multiphase pumping system, derived from the results obtained during the Poseidon Phase I project.
This development is divided into four subsequent phases:
- evaluation of the results acquired from the Poseidon Phase I project,
- basic engineering and definition of the architecture of the system,
- detailed engineering of the reduced scale prototype,
- fabrication and bench tests of the prototype.
2) Long term subsea trials of the full scale drive assembly developed within Poseidon Phase I project.
The main activities are:
- fabrication of the test platform,
- integration of the drive assembly into the test platform,
- shore tests,
- deep water tests
- test analysis and equipment appraisal.
3) Theoretical study of the electrical network supplying power to a future subsea station through the means of long distance subsea cables.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
92500 Rueil Malmaison
France