FMC has chosen DNV GL to perform independent third party verification of a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) subsea completion, production and workover system. FMC is running this project as a joint industry programme (JIP) with Anadarko, BP, Conoco Phillips, and Shell, to aim at product standardisation and cost-efficiency.
Breaking the barrier
Producing oil and gas from deepwater reservoirs with pressures of up to 20,000psi and temperatures of 350°F at the mudline has for years been the objective of task force groups of the best and brightest engineers within many of the oil majors’ organisations. The establishment of the joint industry programme led by FMC shows an industry that is now pragmatically collaborating as a response to increasing costs and a falling oil price.
"HPHT equipment design should be treated carefully as the associated risks are not a simple extrapolation from the current 15kpsi, 250ºF operating conditions," commented Martha Viteri, who leads DNV GL’s subsea and well systems unit in North America.
"The design and subsequent independent verification for equipment that can withstand these hostile environments is complex and demanding. Rigorous risk management is an integral part of such technological developments."
DNV GL is involved in several HPHT projects in the US, supporting safe operations and ensuring compliance with BSEE HPHT regulations.
"We see an increasing demand for our HPHT competence, and a determination within the industry to work more together to safely push technological boundaries," Viteri concluded.
DNV GL is involved in a number of joint industry projects to drive subsea standardization through the supply chain, not only in terms of components and equipment but also processes. Just this year, DNV GL has published three recommended practices to streamline subsea documentation, to reduce the lead times for subsea forging and to manage wellhead fatigue analysis.
DNV GL will be presenting technical papers at OTC in Houston on dynamic risers for floating production systems and a case study of asset integrity and risk assessment for subsea facilities and equipment life extension.
For more information, please contact DNV GL.