Use of Analysis Methods to Achieve Improved Thermal Performance of Subsea Equipment

The trend during the last years within subsea field development is deeper water depths, often in combination with shallow reservoirs. The cold environment makes demand of passive thermal insulation and increased reliability of the thermal performance. These capabilities means longer shutdown times without introducing hydrate inhibitors, more reliable operational procedures and lower risk for hydrate plugs.

The subsea equipment consists of complex geometries with several critical cold spots, e.g. connectors, valves, chokes and sensors. It is essential to understand the thermal performance of these components during a shutdown situation.