SCSSV system design considerations for Hardy Oil`s deepwater projects

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:434018

McInturff, T L; Huber, D S; Bagley, D P

One of the most challenging design efforts associated with deepwater subsea completions is the surface-controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) system. The potential for hydrates to form in the wellbore of deepwater wells forces the SCSSV to be set at increasingly greater depths as the depth of water increases. For conventional wellbore-pressure-sensitive SCSSVs, increased setting depths normally yield higher operating pressures. Additionally, dynamic effects inherent in the control system tend to drive operating pressure higher still. These higher operating pressures adversely affect practically the entire system, and must be recognized and accommodated early in the design process to avoid critical limitations in the subsystems which support the SCSSVs (i.e., control system, umbilical, and tree and wellhead system). Likewise, reliability and operability of the SCSSV system must be addressed early in the design phase. The design parameters affecting the SCSSV system for Mustique and Shasta are typical of those encountered in deepwater subsea completions. This paper reviews how these challenges were addressed by the design team for the Mustique and Shasta projects.

• OSTI ID: 434018
• Report Number(s): CONF-960525--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
42 ENGINEERING
DEPTH
DESIGN
ENGINEERING DRAWINGS
GAS HYDRATES
GULF OF MEXICO
NATURAL GAS WELLS
RELIEF VALVES
RESERVOIR PRESSURE