Objective
After a feasibility study has shown the advantages of the SOLS -concept in a second phase the main component - the re-entry unit ( REU) with its water jet thruster control - was fabricated as prototype and successfully tested in shallow water.
During the phase III the system is to be completed with loading hose and whinch and to be tested in deep water to prove operability under realistic conditions.
The evaluation of deep water trials has been completed with good results :
The shallow water trials of phase II have shown the manoevrability of the re-entry unit. Simulations and pre-tests show that the system will be operable under the seastate conditions designed to
. A pressure test with the re-entry unit was successfully carried out in Dec. 1986.
In March 1987 extended testing in shallow and deep water in Norway confirmed the functioning of the system under operating conditions . Seastate was successfully tested with simulations.
SOLS is to be operated from a dynamically positioned tanker, which carries a hose storage winch on deck over a moonpool. The re-entry unit is lowered through the moonpool hanging on the hose to the Pipeline And Manifold (PLEM) on the seabed. The position of the REU can be controlled by waterjets and a hydroacoustic measuring system. After having reached the final position inside the cone of the PLEM the valves are to be switched into loading position so the oil can be pumped from the production platform through REU and hose into the tanker.
The phases of the project are:
- preparation of re-entry unit and pressure test
- safety analysis
- design and manufacture of PLEM adapter
- design and manufacture of winch
- factory tests and fabrication of hose
- simulations and preparation of tests programs
- deep water trials (120 m)
- evaluation of tests and dismounting of equipement
- documentation and project management
After a milestone at this point it is provided to install the systemfor sea trials and repeat the test program under different seastate conditions.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
22763 Hamburg
Germany