On behalf of Wintershall, Statoil has signed a contract with Nexans for the supply of direct electrical heating (DEH) technology. The DEH riser will connect the Kristin and Maria fields in the Norwegian Sea with the Kristin platform, ensuring the constant flow through pipelines.
The delivery, worth approximately €13m, will replace an existing DEH riser cable from the Kristin platform. The new riser cable will connect the Kristin platform with a subsea connection box, and will contain four cores to enable the operation of one DEH line to the Kristin field and one to the Maria field.
DEH is a flow assurance method used on many pipelines. The method is based on controlling the temperature on the pipeline by passing electric current (AC) through the steel wall of the pipeline, thus preventing hydrate and wax formation. At a depth of more than 300m, the water is just above 0°C.
In addition, Nexans has been awarded a subcontract by FMC Technologies for a dynamic control umbilical system for the same project.
Statoil floating platforms such as Kristin feature a riser system containing flexible production lines, water injection lines, gas injection / lift lines, umbilicals controlling the subsea templates and electrical cables for heating the pipelines.
Nexans’ senior vice-president high-voltage and underwater cable group Dirk Steinbrink said: "The award of both of these contracts highlights Nexans’ expertise in subsea cables and direct electrical heating systems."
Executive vice-president hybrid underwater cables Krister Granlie said: "Nexans is pleased to be working with Statoil and Wintershall on this project. We are looking forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Statoil."
Production of the DEH riser will start during autumn 2015, with delivery taking place during second quarter of 2016.
For more information, please contact Nexans.