This paper proposes a method of securing well conductors in shallow water open sea without installing a structural jacket. This will allow well completion at surface (above water) for subsequent easy production operation without installing mudline suspension system. Stability of the conductors against environmental loads will be ensured by a few tie members connected to the seabed by small concrete blocks. A method has been developed to simulate interaction of concrete block with soil that can be easily implemented in structural analysis. Numerical studies have been carried out for two wells in 20 m water depth to withstand unidirectional environmental forces due to a maximum of 10.5 m high waves. Subsequent installation of an offshore platform with more wells can be undertaken to facilitate production operation only in case of a successful drilling outcome. If more than two wells are not commercially feasible from the same location due to low reservoir capacity, a cost-effective fit-for-purpose structure is proposed for supporting immediate production operation.

Keywords:
bottom surface, tie brace, installation, production operation, spring stiffness, stiffness, passive resistance, upstream oil & gas, subsea system, resistance
Subjects:
Offshore Facilities and Subsea Systems
This content is only available via PDF.
2020. Offshore Technology Conference
You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.