Subsea Processing: A Holistic Approach to Marginal Field Developments

Abstract

DescriptionThe application of Full Subsea Processing (FSP) to develop remotely located marginal fields in Offshore West Africa is an attractive option for breaking the techno-economic barriers which have long hindered the development of these fields. Some of the fields have remained marginal and unproduced over the years, arguably, due to incorrect estimates in recoveries and economics occasioned by erroneous estimates in basic input parameters. Therefore, the right method of application for developing marginal fields must be sought to ensure that both National and International Operating Companies partake in the development of these fields.The present paper explores the use of full subsea processing technology to develop marginal fields economically. ApplicationThe economic development of marginal fields in Offshore West Africa poses huge technology challenges. These challenges are further complicated as the field is located offshore with long step-out distance from existing processing facilities. A good number of such fields exist in Nigeria with no concrete plans in place yet to develop them due to the challenges involved.Subsea processing which has recently gained broader acceptance in the industry offers a viable and attractive method of developing such fields. Results, Observations, ConclusionsExtensive qualification of the different technologies available for carrying out FSP has been conducted and their various readiness levels determined. A systematic analysis of an existing marginal field has also been done to reveal the enormous advantages stemming from the application of FSP. Increased recovery and reduced OPEX have been established as vital incentives for developing marginal fields economically. Various methods of overcoming the long distance associated with remote fields are developed and the best method which incorporates a floating storage unit (FSU) identified. A holistic approach which considers developing a group of fields together rather than a single field at a time is adopted to develop the remote offshore marginal fields in offshore West Africa. 2 OTC 22860

Reassessment of Multiphase Pump on Field-Case Studies for Marginal-Deepwater-Field Devolopments

“…According to Grynning et al (2009), MPPs are known to have a maximum step-out distance of approximately 30 km for longer distances. The procedure of using MPPs and boosting stations, as described by Abili et al (2012), can be applied. Applying this procedure will lead to longer tiebacks and a reduction in cost as a result of fewer production facilities on the seabed.…”

“…The majority of the world's exploration and production companies have a significant number of these fields in their portfolio (Nischal et al 2012). An offshore marginal field is a field that may not produce enough hydrocarbons to make it worth developing at a particular time because of technical, economic, geological, and geographical reasons, but can become economically viable if the previously stated conditions change (Nischal et al 2012;Abili et al 2012). For successful development of marginal fields economically, optimal production of hydrocarbons is the key (Di Silvestro et al 2011).…”

Subsea Processing versus Host Selection: An Imperative Correlation

“…The authors are aware of only a few papers that relate subsea processing to host selection; see for example (Abili, 2012), , or (Lønmo, 2014) or relate subsea processing and subsea infrastructure, see for example (Husy, 2011), (Saint-Marcoux, 2008 and (Easton, 2010). On the contrary, the ways subsea processing may replace a host have been discussed extensively in the past, and are still being discussed today.…”

Reassessment of Subsea processing Technology to Maximize Recovery on Offshore Marginal Field Developments

“…(Nischal et al, 2012;Abili et al, 2012). More offshore oil and gas reserves are being discovered in unconventional and remote locations.…”