Deepwater field developments face cost, technology challenges
- Mobil Research and Development Corp., Dallas, TX (United States)
Oil companies today are achieving success in 3,000 foot waters, with 6,000 to 8,000 foot developments just around the corner. Finding technologies that minimize capital costs will be key to the viability of these future operations. This paper describes some potential development scenarios in deep waters which include various types of risers, various types of platforms, and various types of subsea completion techniques and production tie-backs. The greatest challenge in deepwater, large production developments is the riser system. In addition to the major hardware concerns, deepwater field development will also have to address reservoir fluid problems, such as slug flow, paraffin build-up, and hydrate formation. Finally, for excess gas that cannot be flared, injected, or used as a fuel, a method must be developed to handle the gas in a cost-effective manner. This paper summarizes and discusses these technologies.
- OSTI ID:
- 49322
- Journal Information:
- Petroleum Engineer International, Vol. 67, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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