Flexible Pipeline: The Enabler for Brownfield's EOR Project

Abstract

Flexible pipeline is a technically and economically viable solution for brownfield's EOR project, and with reference to one of PETRONAS Carigali's recent EOR projects, is the enabler for this EOR development. This paper provides a review of available pipeline solutions to fulfill EOR project's gas and water injection requirements which are vital to the success of the EOR technology implementation. A comprehensive technical assessment addressing the risk, advantages, limitations and also a brief overview on cost benefits have been performed on selected unconventional pipeline technologies, in comparison to rigid pipeline, using one of PETRONAS Carigali's recent EOR projects as the field case study. The EOR project case study key design drivers and constraints, mainly the ultra-shallow water depths ranging between 8m to 50m LAT, congested seabed with existing infrastructures, large areas of coral outcrops at multiple locations and the relatively high design pressures and design temperatures present great challenges in choosing the optimum pipeline solution. Feasibility of available unconventional pipeline technologies are evaluated against the project design drivers and the most viable solution is compared to the conventional rigid pipeline solution. Considerations are also given to design complexity, installation requirements, operation and integrity management. Complete selection criteria and matrixes are provided and supported with market information.