The paper outlines the novel design features of the high voltage (11 kV)power and control/signal composite umbilical linking the BP BRUCE DrillingPlatform and the semi-submersible Utility Support Vessel (USV). The catenaryumbilical supplies the Drilling Platform's electrical power requirements andprovides the essential signal/control instrument link between the platform andthe control centre on the USV.
The composite power/signal umbilical is equipped with sub-sea ratedelectrical connectors and quick disconnect couplings at the USV interface. Thequick disconnect facility is the first of its kind to be employed for powerumbilical disconnection in a North Sea project.
The catenary umbilical and its components have been designed for the100-year extreme wave, current and associated USV motions. The design of theumbilical, associated electrical connectors and deployment/recovery systemprovide for easy relocation and adaptation to other platforms when BRUCE fieldrequirements for platform drilling have been completed.
The Bruce Field, discovered in 1974, is the largest gas field underdevelopment in the UK North Sea, containing estimated reserves of 2.6 TCF ofsales gas and 220 MMB of condensate and oil. Located in the northern North Sea400 km north east of Aberdeen, the Bruce Field occupies an area of 75 squarekilometres spanning licence blocks 9/8a, 9/9a and 9/9b. Co-venturers in theProject are BP Exploration (Operator), Elf, Hamilton, Total and Ultramar.
With an estimated development cost of £1.5 billion, the Bruce Development isthe largest current oil and gas project in the UK. First sales gas is scheduledfor delivery in October 1993. Peak production will be reached in 1994 withsales to British Gas of some 480 million cubic feet per day and sales to CorbyPower Project of some 50 million cubic feet per day. Liquids production willpeak at 80,000 b/d. The ultimate field life is projected to be approximately 25years. Once on stream the Bruce Field will provide nearly 10% of the UK's gasrequirements in the 1990's.
