To develop systems for the economic exploitation of hydrocarbons from water depths in the range 200 m to 500 m.
The project culminated in a reference design for 100,000 bpd production in a water depth of 250 m and technical viability of the system was established up to 410 m. The reference design, based upon telescopic construction and deployment, was quality assured by lloyds register, and received marine approval from london offshore consultants. Particular novel features which were extensively researched included a flexible joint based upon an array of synthetic tendons, and the effective completion of structural joints offshore. The complete system was validated in large scale model trials.
The project studies the design, construction, installation and operation of a prestressed concrete articulating buoyant column, called arcolprod, as a drilling,production and storage structure in waters beyond the limits of the continental shelf.
Effort is concentrated on its application to northern north sea conditions and the ability to construct in identified uk sites.