W4V17 - Offshore p. 1
IFPEN - IFP School 2015 / TOTAL SA 2015 / IFP Training 2015
Introduction
Offshore developments present specificities that we are going to explain during this lesson.
An important point that we may raise is : what are the critical factors to take into account in
order to choose the most adequate field architecture ? What can be the technical options ?
But when the water is too deep, such structures can no longer meet environmental
constraints. A floating unit is more adapted, such as a semi-submersible platform or the
Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO).
As we can see on this picture below, the environmental conditions of work can drastically
differ from one region to another one, and are significant for the final choice of the future
offshore production support.
W4V17 - Offshore p. 3
IFPEN - IFP School 2015 / TOTAL SA 2015 / IFP Training 2015
In the case of deep water, the specific technical challenges and risks are related to flow
assurance issues.
In fact, in these conditions of production, we can face low reservoir pressure and
temperature, and consequently lower well eruptivity.
Moreover, the temperature at the sea bed is low, flowlines are long and risers deep.
Therefore, temperature and pressure conditions are favorable for deposits, and the fluid
encounters hydrodynamic issues, such as high pressure drops or slugging.
W4V17 - Offshore p. 4
IFPEN - IFP School 2015 / TOTAL SA 2015 / IFP Training 2015