Subsea production systems and the UMC experience

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/12287-PA· OSTI ID:5529926

Brady, M M; Henery, D

The Underwater Manifold Center (UMC) project for the Central Cormorant field is the most advanced system of its kind and is unequalled in size, versatility, and sophistication. It incorporates a long list of pioneering technological features including reconnectable power couplers, satellite and template wells, remote Christmas tree and pipeline connections, long-distance chemical injection and TFL well-servicing capability, insulated pipelines, and a diverless maintenance system that uses a robot-like remote maintenance vehicle. In many respects the UMC is a symbol of recent advances in subsea production systems. Components and concepts developed for it will set a standard for and be applied to other subsea systems, and the UMC's performance, accordingly, will be watched closely by the industry, especially over the next few years. Beyond the technical realm, the UMC development has raised some broader strategic and economic issues of interest to those concerned with the development of subsea production systems in general. This article concentrates on a few of these issues to provide information and guidance based on the UMC project experiences: Why were subsea techniques used to develop the Central Cormorant field. How much did the UMC cost, and how can costs be reduced in the future. What was the single biggest concern of the project. What are the benefits and costs of satellite wells connected to the UMC. In what areas could the next UMC be improved. What key factors contributed to the project's success.

• Research Organization: Central Cormorant Underwater Manifold Center (UMC) project
• OSTI ID: 5529926
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 35:8; ISSN JPTJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
423000* -- Engineering-- Marine Engineering-- (1980-)
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
ECONOMICS
EQUIPMENT
FLUID INJECTION
MAINTENANCE
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
OFFSHORE DRILLING
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
PIPELINES
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
UNDERWATER FACILITIES
UNDERWATER OPERATIONS
WELL SERVICING