Approach Redefines Ideal Project Scope and Facilities Size for Field Development

This paper investigates how decisions made through reservoir evaluation and drilling-and-completion planning affect the design of subsea production systems and, in turn, the design of production hosts.

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Correlation between production throughput (bopd) and field life (years).

This paper investigates how decisions made through reservoir evaluation and drilling-and-completion planning affect the design of subsea production systems and, in turn, the design of production hosts. Practical alternatives are explored by challenging the current approach to project framing and definition. Rethinking the requirements of deepwater-field development will help define the proper size of the subsea and surface facilities, the optimal design life, and the possible need for staged developments.

Introduction

During the past 2 years, the offshore industry has looked with increasing interest, and undeniable concern, to practical and effective ways to reduce the capital expenditure (Capex) of deepwater projects.

Looking at the three main components of a deepwater-field production infrastructure—host, subsea production system including export, and subsea wells—the host offers the greatest opportunity for Capex reduction. Cost reduction is achievable by optimizing the subsea production system and by adopting new technologies and practices for the construction of subsea wells, but a more relevant cost reduction is possible in principle by properly sizing the host.

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