Subsea Oil-Gas Field Technologies Selection via Flow Assurance Evaluation: £123

The book is structured to provide a critical evaluation and selection of new technologies that are being considered for application in offshore oil and gas fields with respect to Flow Assurance when transporting reservoir production fluids between the reservoir and the host processing facility. Flow Assurance is defined, reservoir production fluids discussed and economics considered. The issues that are confronted in the design and operational development of technologies are evaluated in detail as well as methods presented to assist in identifying the appropriate technologies for the field.  This is undertaken in consideration to the following aspects:

• The reservoir characteristics and behaviour during the life of field.

• The reservoir fluid characteristics (GOR, Water cut).

• The Flow Assurance issues confronted.

• The Flow Assurance Mitigation methods employed by the technology.

• The ideal location of technologies.

• The value added benefits of the technology.

 

The current technologies employed subsea are reviewed and enabling and emerging technologies identified and evaluated along with the flow assurance risks associated with these technologies and potential mitigation options considered. The identified mitigation options provide new opportunities for innovative technologies that can provide the following:

• Reduction of cost in comparison to the existing technology in use.

• Reduced energy / power requirements.

• Improved Robustness.

• Improved Reliability.

• No or minimal moving components.

• Easily retrievable components.

  

Practical case studies are provided to illustrate the process of technology evaluation through the use of an integrated model starting from the reservoir, production wells, subsea infrastructure, riser and the host processing facility. These case studies provide solution methods as guidance for practicing engineers, project managers and investment institutions or individuals that are involved directly or indirectly in the exploitation of oil and gas fields either onshore or offshore.  The mathematical complexities of fluid flow and their solutions are presented. Also presented is the methodology in the evaluation process in order to minimise or even almost totally eliminate risk and hence improve safety in the utilisation of new technologies in subsea operations.

 

It is hoped that the readers of this book enjoy the scientific and engineering methodologies presented in the required philosophies for the safe and economic exploitation of oil and gas fields and the associated environmental pollution reductions. Further that, young engineers can take some of the ideas presented and develop new innovations to take the energy sector well into the 21st century.