| dc.description.abstract | Increased oil and gas production over the past decades have claimed most of the easily
accessible offshore reservoirs. Developing new reservoirs in remote environments and
at large water depths are challenging for topside production facilities. This empathizes
the need for innovative subsea production and processing solutions.
Aging reservoirs require methods to maintain the desired pressure during operation,
often by re-injecting produced water back into the reservoir. As oil and gas
fields become depleted, more water is required in order to extend the flow from the
reservoir. The increasing rate of produced water, combined with large costs associated
with treating water, provides an economic incentive to create innovative solutions.
The SUBPRO (Subsea Production and Processing) Center of Innovation-Driven
Research (SFI) cooperation have expressed interest in compact separator technology.
The small size and reduced weight of a compact separator is favorable for installation
at remote locations or at large water depths, compared to larger traditional separators.
The disadvantage of compact separators is the decreased performance during flow
irregularities when producing from a reservoir.
To improve compact separation technology, SUBPRO has funded 3,000,000 NOK
for the development of a compact separation laboratory (CSL) at the Norwegian
University of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
Development of the CSL is divided into three phases: Phase 1 consist of
three hydrocyclones in series, Phase 2 introduces a compact flotation unit (CFU) and
a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) and Phase 3 concerns the pump and reservoir
system for the lab. Experiments and research carried out on the different separator
technologies will facilitate the development of advanced novel control algorithms. This
enables autonomous solutions, required to realize the subsea factory concept, where
all production and processing equipment are placed on the seabed.
This thesis describes the design and engineering of Phase 2. A literature study on
CFU and GLCC has been conducted to acquire necessary knowledge for design and
functional engineering. The result of the study and recommendations from industry
specialists, are the development of a complete design of the given separator vessels.
A large number of manufacturers and suppliers have been consulted in order to
engineer the process layout and select relevant process and instrumentation equipment.
Arrangements for the construction of the three vessels have been established
with contractors, selected based on their experience with manufacturing similar units.
As the project is limited by the available funds, a detailed budget has been created
to manage the project economy. The budget including all three phases of the CSL
and the status of the economy have been discussed.
The finalized design presented in this thesis has been engineered in order to initiate
the construction of Phase 2. All equipment are listed with model specifications.
Respective suppliers and contractors are standing by, awaiting the initiation of the
construction phase. All necessary documentation is provided to the supervisor, who
is responsible for future planning and decisions regarding the CSL project.
This thesis will determine if the design of Phase 2 fulfills the requirements with
regards to quality, functionality and economy. If the design is found sufficient, the
construction phase can be initiated. | |
