Gene Kliewer , Houston
VetcoGray introduces production control system
Aimed at fasttrack, shallow-water subsea projects, VetcoGray’s PCS 1000 production control system consists of both topside and subsea hardware. Key components of the PCS 1000 include:
- An electro-hydraulic subsea control module for subsea valves and sensors. The module is designed for a diver-assisted subsea installation, but a design option for ROV-operated interfaces is available
- A 19-in. (48-cm), rack-mounted master control station (MCS) can handle as many as six subsea wells. The MCS provides the operator interface as well as control logic, interlocks, and event logging. The standard system is non-redundant, but a redundant PC configuration is an option.
The PCS 1000 is suitable to 300 m (984 ft) water depth.
Aker Kværner has new subsea tree
Aker Kværner has introduced its RapidSolution preconfigured subsea tree system designed to reduce the lead time required to production.
RapidSolution is a complete subsea tree system based on Aker Kværner Subsea’s standard configurable tree (SCT). The system is aimed at smaller subsea developments and tiebacks near existing offshore installations. The solution consists of standard stock components from the SCT, iCon subsea control module, and SB 18 3/4-in. wellhead system.
It will be ready for delivery in 3Q 2008.
“We are reducing lead times as well as project risks and costs by utilizing field-proven configured components for this system,” John Macleod, vice president - trees, Aker Kværner Subsea, said at the introduction. “Our objective is a six-month delivery.”
Statoil buys subsea equipment from Aker, FMC, Vetco
Statoil expects to contract with Aker Kværner Subsea and FMC Technologies for subsea equipment and services that could reach a total of $2.6-$4.4 billion over five years. Statoil says the contracts cover equipment for existing facilities, supply of new subsea field installations, and operations maintenance.
An agreement has also been signed with Vetco Gray Scandinavia for supply of additional equipment.
“The suppliers find it attractive working with Statoil because the company is leading in employing new technology,” says Atle Rettedal, Statoil acting senior vice president for facilities technology in technology and projects. “An example of this is the Tordis improved oil recovery (IOR) development project, where Statoil is utilizing subsea separation. Another is subsea boosting (SeaBooster) support at Tyrihans, also an IOR project. These deals are based on the best experience in these areas.”
Expro hits milestone
This year will see the deployment of the 1,000th Expro Landing String Assembly (ELSA) subsea safety system. Expro recently completed an ultra deepwater application of ELSA and its Express control system in 7,861 ft (2,396 m) water depth using a 10,000-ft (3,048-m) reel pack offshore Egypt. Expro says its team in Brazil holds the world record for subsea safety system performance at a depth of 8,993 ft (2,741 m).
Expro also has designed the industry’s first 15,000 psi (103.4 MPa), 250° F (121° C) rated, large-bore, electro-hydraulic system to clean wells developed with horizontal subsea trees. The system allows large-bore subsea completion and interventions to be conducted in water depths to 10,000 ft (3,048 ft). The system has been developed and deployed, meeting the emerging demands of the deepwater high-pressure subsea Gulf of Mexico market, the company says.
FMC, Grenland make subsea systems pact
Grenland Group ASA and FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS have signed a memorandum of understanding to partner on the delivery of subsea production systems for the Norwegian continental shelf as well as global markets. The agreement was scheduled to be completed in the second half of September and to be valid for five years.
Intec to verify Bass Lite risers
Mariner Energy has contracted Intec Engineering to act as its verification agent for the Bass Lite steel catenary riser on theDevils Tower spar in Mississippi Canyon block 733 in the GoM.
Intec’s scope of work includes:
- Evaluating the proposed SCR analysis and fracture mechanics to ensure compliance with federal regulations, codes, and standards
- Verifying the SCR design and its components
- Verifying that fabrication complies with all specifications
- Verifying the installation of two pipe strings onto one reel.The Bass Lite SCR will be a reeled pipeline of 8 in. (20 cm) outer diameter 7,500 ft (2,286 m) long. The reeled pipe is scheduled for deployment from theDeep Blue pipelay vessel. Deployment will involve recovering the existing pipeline, welding the SCR to the pipeline, laying the SCR, attaching the flex joint, and handover to a receptacle at 533 ft (162.5 m) water depth at Devils Tower.
