The Heidrun Field: Oil offtake system
Offtake of oil from the Heidrun field is achieved through a Direct Shuttle Loading (DSL) system. This approach eliminates the need for an intermediate storage facility, allowing continuous production and transfer of oil directly from the Heidrun TLP to shuttle tankers. Purpose-built or appropriately converted tankers with an integral bow turret locate and connect to a Submerged Turret Loading (STL) buoy which functions both as a tanker mooring point and a termination for the flexible offloading line. The system is designed to permit the tankers to remain connected during loading and to disengage from the STL buoy on completion of loading in all weather conditions up to and including the 100 year storm. This paper describes implementation of the Heidrun DSL system from conception to first oil. It gives the background for choosing the DSL system and information on the data generated to support the selection process. Design, fabrication and installation of various components are explained to give an insight into the challenges that had to be overcome for realization of this first-of-its-kind system in a record time of about one year. Installation of the complete DSL system in the summer of 1994, approximately one year ahead of the original plans, enabled full scale in situ testing of the system with a purpose-modified shuttle tanker. The two-month test program provided the equivalent of one year of operational experience with the system before first oil. The paper addresses data obtained during the full scale testing, and comparison with analytical results. The operation of the Heidrun DSL system is also described. These data together with the experience gained during realization of this bold concept will give key information on how such a concept can be effectively applied to any major or marginal field development scenario either as an offtake system or in conjunction with an FPSO/FSO.
- OSTI ID:
- 433957
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960525-; TRN: IM9709%%391
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 28. offshore technology conference, Houston, TX (United States), 6-9 May 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of 28. annual offshore technology conference: Proceedings. Volume 2: Platform and marine system design; PB: 947 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
The Heidrun Field -- Development overview
Deep water installation -- Heavy mooring and riser systems