This paper identifies and compares four subsea-development concepts for typical Brazilian presalt deepwater applications on the basis of generic system functional requirements; the strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis method (SWOT); and comparative cost/benefit analysis. The paper provides a fast-track approach to perform screening assessment of multiple subsea concepts.

Introduction

Subsea development concepts for presalt regions such as those offshore Brazil have followed a replication methodology primarily based on a satellite configuration with flexible risers and flowlines. While this concept has several strengths, the associated scope of the operation incurs considerable cost. This concept, in addition to three others, is outlined in this paper. The concepts discussed include the following:

• Satellite configuration with flexible risers and flowlines
• Daisy-chain configuration with rigid risers and flowlines
• Cluster configuration with manifolds, rigid risers, flowlines, and flexible jumpers
• Hybrid solutions with rigid risers and flexible flowlines (with and without manifolds)

The objective of this paper is not to select the best option; rather, it is to discuss these options on the basis of application, objectives, premises, and field characteristics. Common characteristics of the Brazilian presalt fields are provided in the complete paper, and its Fig. 13 summarizes the SWOT analysis for all four concepts.