Subsea Smart Crossing: An Innovative Solution to Simplify Field Architecture and Enable Cost Effective Installations of Subsea Pipelines for Long-Tie Backs, Scarp and Canyon Crossings, and Ultra-Deepwater Applications

Abstract

Subsea pipelines play a significant role in E&P systems and are often called the lifelines of offshore oil and gas fields. These pipeline systems now cover greater areas and therefore traverse greater distances, go to deeper regions, and use larger-diameter pipelines. These developments present several challenges, including: ■ geohazards due to scarp or canyon crossings ■ multidiameter requirements ■ reduced-diameter risers to interface with large bore pipelines ■ ultra-deepwaters where top tensions become installation limitations ■ piggability of varying pipeline diameters, branching, and materials Most current approaches for these new frontiers rely on stretching the current design and installation practices that involve pushing materials and equipment to their limits, which increases risks and leads to very expensive solutions (high capex and high opex) for developing, installing, maintaining, and operating subsea pipeline systems. A subsea pipeline smart crossing system was developed to be a cost-effective solution that enables interconnectivity of different types and sizes of pipes to address the previously mentioned challenges and simplify subsea field architecture. This paper presents the challenges and constraints for two different field architectures, outlines the subsea pipeline smart crossing solution, and presents its associated technical and commercial benefits that allow operators to optimize their spend on development, installation, and operation of subsea pipeline systems.