Dry Tree Solutions for Ultra-Deepwater in Offshore Brazil

Abstract

With Pre-salt area being a massive new offshore oil frontier, there is a high demand for deepwater floaters for both drilling and production. There are some unique challenges related to the ultra-deepwater (water depth beyond 1500m) and the Brazilian environment for the pre-salt area. Various floater concepts have been evaluated with specific focus for Offshore Brazil applications.This paper provides an overview of the current technology related to dry tree solutions as well as discussion of the pros and cons of various concepts. The paper also discusses some new concepts emerging in the industry attractive for Offshore Brazil.A dry tree solution has the advantage of direct access into reservoirs from the floaters. This allows the operators to drill, complete and workover the well directly from the same hosting unit. The result could be increased reserves and productions in Offshore Brazil as well as significant cost reduction. Proper validation of the concepts and technology qualification of all the systems/components associated with novel technology, establish the basis for a safe and successful project implementation while reducing potential risk to personnel, environment and property.DNV has established processes to systematically evaluate new concepts and new technologies, e.g. Approval in Principle (AiP) and Technology Qualification (TQ). A brief introduction to these processes is included in the paper and how they support the development of these new concepts.