Subsea Sampling Richard Barr Thursday 8 February richard... · Complexity versus reliability: subsea systems “Possible causes for decreased reliability include the systems are getting

Capability Presentation

Subsea SamplingRichard Barr

Thursday 8 February

Setting the scene

“The cynics say that we are a cyclical industry that never learns its lessons. Well this time we have an opportunity to do things differently – especially if we remind ourselves that we have been part of the problem and therefore we all need – including the cynics – to be part of the solution too.”

Deirdre Michie, CEO, Oil and Gas UK

Setting the scene

• Pivotal time in energy sector• Oil price down• Production down• Maximising economic recovery (MER)• CAPEX and OPEX spend reduced• Inefficiencies, over engineered, not fit-for-purpose

Complexity versus reliability: subsea systems

“Possible causes for decreased reliability include the systems are getting so complex with so many components, it is not theoretically possible to build each component to the quality required to have a high total system reliability.

In addition, oil companies and retirements have robbed the equipment suppliers of the experienced personnel required to build high reliability equipment.”

Preston Mason in collaboration with Bill Loth

Source: Penn Energy, Evolution of Subsea Well Technology, Mason, P. (Subsea Consultant, Granherne/KBR)http://images.pennnet.com/articles/os/cap/cap_z0607off-hist7.gif

Subsea Sampling

Sampling

You cannot manage what you cannot monitor

• Sampling could be described as the introduction of a controlled leak

• MER can be assisted through monitoring and managing the process, with an aim to ensuring…

– chemical treatments are optimised– unrestricted flow of fluids throughout– oil, gas and water streams meet specifications– integrity of the wells, pipeline and process

facilities…Through representative sampling.

Sampling - is prevention better than cure?

The sampling stage is critical in understanding exactly what is being produced

• Is prevention better than cure?– or don’t you cross that bridge until you come to it

• Spend a little, save a lot• The person who stops sampling to save costs, is like the person who stops the

clock to save time

Importance of subsea sampling

Provides solutions that support…• Integrity• Umbilical controls• Decommissioning• Chemical injection • Flow assurance issues• Metering and allocation• Production and operating efficiency

…maximising economic recovery

Subsea sampling benefits

Operational• Undiluted• No deferment• Chemical free• Near to source• Improved modelling• Upstream of deposit• No back-out calculations

Cleanliness• Reduced risk of release• More representative sample• Provides reassurance of system condition• At source result

Subsea sampling system considerations

The following parameters should be considered against actual requirements

• System deployment • System connection • System disconnection• Sample collection cylinders • Slops handling • Isothermal sampling

• Isobaric sampling• System control• System sensors• Phase biased sampling• Phase enrichment • Hydrate remediation

Proserv subsea sampling systems

• Our experience covers both ROVs and diver operated

• Collection from trees or manifolds• Samples return to surface for transport to

lab, or tested at site• Bespoke engineering to meet client

functional requirements and technical specifications including

– Closed system– Variable volume – Corrosive environment– Chemical back-flushing – Temperature maintenance

Proserv subsea sampling cylinder

• Manufactured in Aberdeen• Two litre sample volume • Valves qualified to API 6A-PR2• Removable nitrogen buffer chamber • Designed in accordance with PED

2014/68/EU• Materials compliant to ANSI / NACE MRO175

/ ISO 15156• Design pressure and temperature, 1,379 bar

and -29oC to 177oC• Qualified for use up to depths of up to 3,000

metres during sampling phase, in accordance with API 17D

Case Study

The challenge

Operator issue – 75% loss in production due to wax

Options• Review existing samples• Well intervention • Sample subsea

Several thousand barrels per day lost production from well

Design requirements• Closed loop• 2 x 2 litre slops cylinders• 6 x 2 litre sample cylinders• Water depth of ~100 metres• Pressure rating of 1,000 psi

minimum• Compact design to interface with

christmas tree• Isothermal sampling - circulation of

hot water within skid

The solution

Customer required urgent project delivery

• Operator’s challenge – obtain sample upstream of restriction

• Project delivery team established - including design engineers, project managers, buyers and technicians

• Cross site collaboration between Greenbank sampling product centre and our subsea services Birchmoss facility in short time frame

Customer benefits

Complete life-cycle in-house engineering package

• Design

• Manufacture

• Product testing

• Project manage

Proserv delivered an ingeniously simple, fit-for-purpose engineered solution.

Customer benefits

Cost effective sample upstream of pipeline restriction

• Representative fluid chemistry

• Optimise future chemical supply

• Improved understanding of flow-assurance

Removed potential of working the wrong solution, saves money.

Improved safety, reduced risks utilising subsea qualified sample cylinder.

Living our core values

Serious about service Round the clock support, commitment, and on the job expertise.

Entrepreneurial spirit Through creative thinking, and utilising experiences, a bespoke product was designed.

Right thing, right wayProvided a product fit-for-purpose, not over engineered, designed with ingenious simplicity in mind.

Help, share and communicateFrequent communication both internally, and with customer, resulted in an open relationship being established, and help ensure all parties were working effectively as one.

Forward as a team Working as one, united numerous personnel across different business functions.

To Summarise

Target audience for subsea sampling

Further questions

Richard Barr CChem, CSci, CMgr, Business Development Manager – Production Chemistry

T: +44 (0) 1224 737000D: +44 (0) 1224 737075

Proserv, 4 Greenbank Place, East Tullos, Aberdeen, AB12 3BT

[email protected] www.proserv.com