FMC Technologies awarded DNV GL to perform independent third party verification of a high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) subsea completion, production and work-over system.
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Subsea illustration. From DNV GL. |
FMC is running this project as a joint industry program (JIP) with Anadarko, BP, ConocoPhillips, and Shell, to aim at product standardization and cost-efficiency.
Producing oil and gas from deepwater reservoirs with pressures of up to 20,000 psi and temperatures of 350°F at the mudline has for years been the objective of task force groups of the best and brightest engineers within many of the oil majors’ organizations. The establishment of the JIP led by FMC shows an industry that is now pragmatically collaborating as a response to increasing costs and a falling oil price.
“HPHT equipment design should be treated carefully as the associated risks are not a simple extrapolation from the current 15k psi, 250ºF operating conditions. The design and subsequent independent verification for equipment that can withstand these hostile environments is complex and demanding. Rigorous risk management is an integral part of such technological developments,” Martha Viteri, who leads DNV GL’s subsea and well systems unit in North America said.
DNV GL is involved in several HPHT projects in the US, supporting safe operations and ensuring compliance with BSEE HPHT regulations.
“We see an increasing demand for our HPHT competence, and a determination within the industry to work more together to safely push technological boundaries,” Viteri said.
DNV GL is involved in a number of JIPs to drive subsea standardization through the supply chain, not only in terms of components and equipment but also processes. Just this year, the company has published three recommended practices to streamline subsea documentation, to reduce the lead-times for subsea forging and to manage wellhead fatigue analysis.
DNV GL will be presenting technical papers at OTC in Houston on Dynamic Risers for Floating Production Systems and a Case Study of Asset Integrity and Risk Assessment for Subsea Facilities and Equipment Life Extension.
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