Subsea Processing

10 June 2009 Aberdeen Evening Meeting

Chairman Martin Harley, Pipeline Engineer, Talisman Energy UK Ltd
Sponsored by J P Kenny

Report by Martin Harley

Flyer

Overview

Some may profess subsea processing has been available for well over a decade ahead of the market drivers, however, now the market is here – are we ready to face it!

Presentations

What Are the Drivers, Challenges and Technology Systems Readily Available

Tony JA Laing, General Manager, Framo UK

This presentation explored what subsea engineering is, as well as the drivers and challenges. It also reviewed how technology systems have developed suitable for process fluids in a subsea application. Founded in 1982, Framo Engineering's, indigenous business is subsea processing with 25 systems delivered globally and over 900 000 operating hours; some may suggest this is in its infancy, and to some, subsea processing is a mature business.

What's Going on Down There? The Challenges of Subsea Separation

Graham Barker, Tracerco

For many years, accurate level measurement and phase dispersion within multiphase vessels has been a challenge for many oil and gas companies. Viscous crude, inadequate separation and solid deposits all lead to possible errors in level measurement. This discussion talked about the limitation of certain technologies and the reluctance of the oil majors to deploy them subsea. It also discussed technology, which for the first time is able to overcome the process challenges and explain how these instruments form an integral part of the subsea separation process, allowing enhanced oil recovery.

Subsea Processing and Boosting

Tom-Erik Dahl, Aker Solutions

The presentation looked at the reasons for subsea processing and boosting and an overview of methods and products available today. Then it looked at the main technologies used and under development for subsea water injection and treatment that enable a lot more oil in place to be recovered than would otherwise be possible. Examples of subsea projects were given for multiphase pumps and water injection. Subsea separation and gas compression were also discussed based on the Ormen Lange Subsea Compression Pilot.