Objective
The purpose of the project was to investigate and demonstrate the viability of a remote-multiphase pumping station based on a high stability taut-moored buoyant structure. The station is intended to control and monitor a remote seabed wellhead or wellhead complex and to pump multiphase fluids from the wellheads to a production facility possibly 30 kilometers away.
The project aims were to prepare sufficient engineering detail to identify major problem areas or areas of new technology, to address such problems and either provide a solution or a path to a solution and to provide a realistic estimate of cast. A further requirement was to identify areas of further work.
The concept represented an innovative approach to this topical problem providing a benign and accessible environment for the operation of the new generation of multiphase pumps and providing a realistic vehicle for this type of development.
The main conclusions of the study are that the concept is very feasible and can be constructed for a cost of approximately UKL 7 million. Deployment costs would be approximately UKL 1 million and annual maintenance costs would be of the order of UKL 8800,000 including unschedules visits.
Conventional construction technology could be used throughout and good access provided to ensure a high level of maintenance access for the multiphase pumps which represent the only relatively unproven equipment item.
It was concluded that a high level of reliability could be achieved with an operational availability of 95. 7%. This equates to a total downtime for the system of approximately 15. 5 days per annum. Reliability overall could be improved byt it was not considered necessary given these relatively high figures.
The study has demonstrated the availability of a new tool for the enhancement of throughput to existing production facilities or the viable exploitation of existing but hithertodifficult fields.
The project comprised the engineering design of a remote multiphase pumping station based on a taut-moored high stability buoyant structure housing pumps, metering, power systems, supervisory control and monitoring equipment, house-keeping systems and all other equipment necessary to pump a multiphase fluid from a seabed wellhead complex (single or multiple) to a production platform remote from the wellhead complex itself.
The structure is normally unmanned and designed for total remote control.
The riser assembly (part rigid part flexible, is designed for reliability and longevity and provides for conducting fluids to and from the buoyant structure and for the support of monitoring and control umbilicals.
The gravity base is site-dependent but in the exhibited design has been based on a self-floating gravity structure which assumes a reasonably firm seabed. No attemps has been made to accommodate all soil conditions as it is felt that this is a matter of specific design tailoredto a particular site, using proven techniques.
The project was implemented in three distinct phases as follows : Phase 1 : This comprised a definition of all systems and layouts following comprehensive discussions with major oil companies and potential equipment suppliers. Throughout these discussions the design was substantially redefined to refloect latest research or client requirements. An outline design was implemented to form the basis of the more detailed Phase 2 design.
Phase 2 : This comprised the detailed design of all major structural elements, systems and system components. This involved visits to vendors and to various constructions with similar applications to assess state-of-the-art development and experience . A detailed study of the reliability of the entire system was also carried out to establish the overall operability and limits of downtime likely to apply.
Phase 3 : This comprised the completion of the detailed report.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
WC1N 2NS London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.