Subsea Processing
Field Experience and Emerging Technology

 

2 February 2005 London Evening Meeting

Chairman David Appleford, Managing Director, Alpha Thames Ltd

Sponsored by Alpha Thames Ltd

 

Overview

Subsea Processing of produced well fluids has been pioneered by Norsk Hydro with the installation of a seabed gravity separation/re-injection on their Troll Pilot facility. First installed in August 2000 and operational from August 2001, the system has gained unique operational experience, provided significant field benefits and overcome technical challenges, paving the way for a more universal introduction of this game-changing subsea technology. 

 

Presentation

Operations Experience of Troll Pilot and
Emerging Technology for Subsea Processing Facilities in Deep Water

Rune Sletten, Vetco Gray, Norway

This presentation gives an overview of the Troll Pilot installation and its operations history since first oil. The operations and economic benefits for the overall performance of the Troll subsea field are summarised. Some of the technical challenges faced are described and the lessons learned from three plus years of in-service operation.

There are new challenges for deep water subsea processing which have been addressed by new technical developments, now at the flow-loop trial stage. These emerging technology solutions have applications in deep water where significant cost benefits are available through higher recovery factors and disposal of produced water. 

[Rune Sletten is from Vetco Gray's Norwegian Subsea Systems Division—the centre of excellence for subsea separation and processing.]