Conf_Preview_subbed.qxp 26/3/09 04:24 Page 12
OTC Preview
mixers such as globe valves have been used for cycles. The subC-strip uses a sensor strip intelligent interactive battery-charging regime
mixing of crude with injected fresh water. This attached to flowline joints in the buckle region with the application of a high-frequency
mixing method often results in the that follows the shape of the pipe as it bends. pulse into the battery. The high-frequency
consumption of large quantities of wash water The strip contains a series of embedded optical pulsing action provides an ‘electro-mechanical
and chemicals with relatively low mixing strain sensors that measure the curvature profile scrubbing’ activity on the surface of the
efficiency. The static mixer pressure drop along the buckle. The Tahiti subC-strip is battery plates. This action removes and
represents a considerable pressure drop and designed to fasten on top of the insulated inhibits the growth of sulphation crystals on
risk for poor crude–fresh water separation in flowline. The subC-collar is a clamp design that
the downstream separator. fastens around the pipe; the embedded optical
sensors are orientated in the axial and hoop
directions to measure axial strain and internal
pressure fluctuations in the flowline. The subC-
collar is attached to the flowline and over-
moulded using standard field joint coating
procedures. Data are transferred to the surface
via a field umbilical using a low-power optical
modem communication system to the topside
data acquisition system. It is captured on the
Tahiti Spar, where realtime measured and the surface of the battery plate and puts it
derived values are presented in tabular and back into electrolyte solution. This technology
Reelwell AS – Reelwell graphical form. In addition to the first has been proved to extend battery life by up
Drilling Method (RDM) deployment above, both elements of the to five-fold. Fleet and equipment sustainability
Reelwell introduces a new drilling method that measurement system can be retrofitted by ROV is maximised and downtime due to battery-
challenges the limitations of conventional to existing subsea structures. related failure can be virtually eliminated
drilling. The method secures accurate pressure through use of this product.
management and improved well control
through closed-loop fluid circulation, making it Technip France – Amplitude-LNG
especially attractive for managed pressure Loading System (ALLS)
drilling (MPD). The system configuration LNG transfer in dynamic offshore conditions
additionally represents substantial potential for has required the development and
pushing present limitations in extended-reach qualification of a new technology related
drilling (ERD) through hydraulic weight on bit directly to heavy-duty cryogenic flexible pipe
(WOB). With all circulation being confined in the systems. The flexible pipe, designed by Technip
dual drillstring, the new method may push France as the key component of the
existing deepwater limits through riser-less Amplitude-LNG Loading System (ALLS), opens
drilling. The method is based on a concentric up new methods for the transfer of LNG in
dual-drillstring closed-circulation system. For offshore and near-shore marine conditions.
increased safety, a dual float valve and a piston ALLS operability was demonstrated and
secure full-time pressure control during drilling qualified in February 2008, at which time it
and pipe connections. The piston prevents the was made fully available to the industry. The
annular fluid from being lost. The piston also cryogenic flexible pipe is based on an internal
provides the down-hole hydraulic WOB for stainless steel flexible bellows that ensures
increased reach when drilling horizontal leak-proofness and compatibility with LNG. An
sections. Drill cuttings are removed from the Specialized Products – Pulse insulation layer ensures the external face of the
wellbore just behind the drill bit and routed Technology – Battery Maintenance, flexible bellows has no ice build-up during LNG
back to the surface via the inner string, securing Conditioning and Charging transfer. An intermediate layer prevents ingress
clean hole conditions. Considering that 80% of fleet and equipment of humidity and provides a double annulus for
battery failure is caused by battery plate instrumentation and leak detection purposes,
Schlumberger Subsea Surveillance – sulphation and related failure modes, the while an external leakproof layer renders
subC-strip and subC-collar newest development in pulse technology is the assembly water-tight. The cryogenic
Chevron determined that the only practical way this solution to battery-related fleet flexible pipe was manufactured by Technip’s
to record buckling on their Tahiti development sustainability. This technology, when manufacturing division, FlexiFrance, and the
was to adopt the subC-strip and subC-collar implemented through the new SP-25 solar system’s operability was qualified by DNV. The
integrity monitoring systems. These 600-foot product, is the newest patent-pending lead ALLS also includes an automatic connection
sensors continuously monitor the entire buckle acid battery-charging, conditioning and system, designed and manufactured by KSB &
shape, pipe axial and hoop strain and maintenance product available on the market Eurodim. The complete system was qualified
temperature, providing a complete picture of today. Through two independent power through a comprehensive test programme
buckle response to operational production circuits, the SP-25 combines a highly featuring dynamic testing and operated by
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EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION – VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1
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