Active heated pipe technologies are enabling solutions for field developments allowing cost effective management of flow assurance to overcome specific challenges like longer distance tie-backs and greater water depths. This paper introduces wax and hydrate issues and conventional approaches to manage them. It highlights the need for other approaches, such as active heating technologies, to reach longer tie-back distances and greater water depths. It reviews Direct Electrical Heating (DEH), Electrically Heat-Traced Flowline (EHTF), and active heated flowline bundles comprising Hot Water Circulation (HWC) and EHTF in bundle. A general presentation of these systems is given, including design, fabrication and installation methods, as well as the maturity of the technology. Typical field architecture is proposed to illustrate the benefits of each active heating technology in terms of field development optimisation. This paper provides global information and an understanding of different available solutions for active heating pipeline systems, with technical and economic perspectives, and concludes with elements for selection of optimised field architecture. Wet DEH is a field proven technology with large track record that has already been installed on a 43km pipeline in 1070m water depth. It fits production fields not requiring high thermal insulation performances and thus allowing wet insulated pipe (U-Value =2W/m2.K). The system presents high electrical power requirement (50-150W/m). Therefore, infrastructure capacities in terms of footprint and power supply available have to be checked against specific project power requirements. EHTF fits production fields requiring high thermal insulation performance provided by Pipe-in-pipe (down to U-Value < 0.5W/m2.K). Thanks to its high efficiency, the system has low power requirement (typically below 50W/m). Therefore, it can also be an alternative to DEH when topsides capacities cannot meet footprint and power supply requirements. Pipeline heat tracing is a known technology for onshore plants and by extension applicable for subsea applications. The implementation of EHTF is completing qualification of this technology for deepwater applications. HWC within bundle is a field proven technology. It fits production fields requiring high thermal insulation performance provided by bundle arrangement (down to U-Value < 0.5W/m2.K). The technology requires power and equipment to heat water thus impacting topsides space. These requirements vary considering project specific needs and selection of direct or indirect heating. For example, re-use of the produced water as an indirect heating medium can highly limit required power generation.
In the current offshore industry context, ways for significant cost optimizations must be explored and developed to make offshore projects viable. The cost share of the SURF (Subsea Umbilicals Risers and Flowlines) system is increasing, with developments in deeper waters and with more spread reservoirs. The SURF system also presents a wide range of possible options to be considered, thus with many opportunities for overall cost reductions.This paper presents examples of solutions to reduce costs: early engagement of SURF contractor for the field concept selection, global understanding and optimization of the field architecture, closely linked to installation vessels and methods selection, introduction of new technology, and consideration of interfaces between SURF, SPS (Subsea Production System) and Floater packages to reach a global optimum. The efficient development of these emerging solutions is supported by strong experience in full Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) execution of SURF contracts.• Possibility to integrate new technologies developed by SURF contractor into the field development plan, unlocking technical challenges or generating significant cost savings. • Robust cost estimates, execution schedule and risk evaluation, based on extensive EPCI project execution track-record.
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