Operators seek deepwater solution

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Offshore; (United States)

OSTI ID:5704927

LeBlanc, L

Discoveries in deepwater Gulf of Mexico tracts off southeastern Louisiana are accumulating rapidly, and operators are facing difficult choices in the selection of production systems. Operating companies will have a choice of at least four production systems beyond conventional platform depths, but it is doubtful any one system will dominate. Exxon's guyed tower and Shell's three-section conventional platform are the only existing deepwater structures in that area. There is little argument that a conventional piled steel platform is the likely choice for water depths under 1300 ft, or that a floating system with subsea completions and manifolded production will dominate in deepwater applications beyond 3000 ft. It is this transition depth, between 1300 ft and 3000 ft, that concerns offshore managers. Floating production, with limitations in the number of wells handled, workover operations and maintenance of the subsea trees, riser and mooring system, is not the total answer at this time. The advantages and disadvantages of the four production systems are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 5704927
• Journal Information: Offshore; (United States), Journal Name: Offshore; (United States) Vol. 44:12; ISSN OFSHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
COST
ENERGY SOURCES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM
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SEAS
SURFACE WATERS