Abstract
In September 2008, Total E&P Netherlands BV and its partners started up production from K5F field with the first all electric subsea production system. The field is located in the Dutch sector of the North Sea, and is tied back to a platform (K6-P/C) located18 km away. The K5F development consists of a manifold designed for 3 wells and a potential step out. Initial installation includes 2 subsea X-Trees with associated controls.
The all electric system uses the concept of end to end redundancy, consistently from surface to the subsea actuators, with the objective to maximize operational availability. The system uses high voltage DC electrical supplies, to minimize power losses and umbilical cross section. The system does not rely on batteries or accumulators and hence allows unlimited actuator operations. The true environmental friendly design fully complies with the Zero discharge concept.
The joint paper will describe the experience gained during development, qualification and commissioning, as well as the system operational performance during the first period of production. Operational results will be evaluated against key initial objectives:
Simplification of subsea control system
Improved monitoring of system status and condition
The paper will also discuss the following inherent advantages of the all electric technology applied to subsea production systems:
Increase in potential field offset distance
Reduction of umbilical size, complexity and cost
Consideration will be given to the benefits of this technology when applied to HIPPS systems and deepwater subsea processing applications for which fast acting subsea process control valves may be required:
Significantly reduced valve actuation time
Increase in reliability and availability
Enhanced monitoring allowing superior process control