Abstract
The ongoing need for improving both the techniques and economcis relating to the development of small offshore fields continues to be a leading priority of the offshore oil industry everywhere. As the cost of energy increases, so increases the desirability to place these marginal fields on stream.
This paper presents the Sea Plex, a conceptual design that offers the offshore industry a new and innovative drilling/production/storage system complex that can be retrieved once the reservoir is depleted… and then, can be towed to another site for reuse after meeting any inspection and recertification requirements. It combines the proven technologies of the concrete storage caisson with that of the jackup to form a stable offshore structure. Also, it is capable of safely storing several days' production, thereby offering continuous on-station operation.
Initial results of development studies indicate this concept to be feasible for worldwide applications in water depths ranging from 30 to 150 m (98 – 492 ft) and for severe sea states and environments such as those found in the North Sea. Design evaluations are continuing.
