Evolutionary developments advancing the floating production, storage, and offloading concept
Tanker-based floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) systems have been in operation since Aug. 1977, when a single-well FPSO facility was put into production by Shell Espana in the Mediterranean. The overall operational experience with this system at this field is reviewed, with special attention to the wireline workover facilities, which have proved very satisfactory. A subsequent evolutionary step, a FPSO system accommodating multiple wells, necessitated development of a multibore fluid swivel. A design program for this swivel was initiated in 1978; a prototype was built and full-scale testing finalized in 1980. A summary of the test results is presented. Simultaneously with the multibore swivel development, detailed engineering for an eight-well FPSO unit was begun. This system includes gas-lift and water injection capabilities. Provisions for through-flowline (TFL) well workover can be incorporated. The detailed design is reviewed, as well as the latest development whereby the FPSO concept has been adapted to the North Sea environment.
- Research Organization:
- Shell Intl. Petroleum Maatschappij B.V.
- OSTI ID:
- 5817513
- Journal Information:
- J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 35:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
OIL WELLS
GAS LIFTS
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
PRODUCTION
REPAIR
WATERFLOODING
DESIGN
NORTH SEA
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PETROLEUM
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT UNITS
STORAGE FACILITIES
TANKER SHIPS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
WELL SPACING
WELL STIMULATION
ARTIFICIAL LIFTS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
SEAS
SHIPS
STIMULATION
SURFACE WATERS
TESTING
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production