Subsea processing offers great potential for the oil and gas sector, but is also a relatively young field of technology, causing costly and inefficient tailor-made solutions. The DNV GL-led joint industry project (JIP) on standardising subsea processing aims to reduce cost in a lifetime perspective. Initially focusing on subsea pumping, the partners in Phase 1 have now concluded the functional description of subsea pumping, while Phase 2 will deliver standardised guidelines. With all the four leading system suppliers on board, new operators are still welcome to join the project.

According to DNV GL’s seventh annual benchmark study, Short-term agility, long-term resilience, subsea technology is the highest-ranked area globally for conducting R&D among emerging technologies in 2017. In addition, standardisation efforts are on the rise to remove complexities, with two-thirds of respondents saying their organisation will seek greater standardisation of tools and processes in 2017.

Although subsea processing is a target area for innovation, operational experience has also grown in recent years, with significant developments made by, among others, Total, Petrobras, Shell and Statoil. However, the lack of standardisation which is driving costs up is still seen to make subsea processing less competitive than alternative solutions.

Kristin Nergaard Berg, JIP project manager, DNV GL – Oil & Gas, says, “Subsea standardisation offers tremendous benefits. It allows flexibility for tailor-made facilities at a system level through standard functional descriptions and specifications, while also increasing predictability in the value chain. This will not only lower transaction costs and accelerate implementation for all parties, but also allow freedom to innovate and employ new technology.”

The kick-off for Phase 2 of the Subsea Processing JIP was recently held at DNV GL’s headquarters at Høvik, Norway. The JIP includes system suppliers Aker Solutions, GE Oil & Gas, OneSubsea and TechnipFMC and operators Shell, Statoil and Woodside. Phase 2 is expected to lead to a guideline and eventually a recommended practice for subsea pumping systems.

Building on the concluded functional description from Phase 1, the JIP will continue by developing system level requirements and design classes, as well as harmonised work processes and design standards.

Phase 2 activities are related to:

• Standards, functional requirements and specifications
• System design
• Pump modules and pressure-containing equipment
• Control system and instrumentation
• Power system
• Materials and welding
• Qualification work processes and test requirements

Hans Christian Nilsen, Head of Boosting Technology, Aker Solutions, says, “The subsea industry is looking towards standardisation for ensuring cost-efficient and reliable technology. Aker Solutions welcomes a harmonised approach with the vendors and oil companies, which will enable the future large-scale use of subsea boosting.”

Morgan Harland, General Manager, Subsea & Pipelines, Woodside, says, “Through innovation and collaboration, Woodside aims to deliver outstanding performance of our subsea and pipeline systems throughout the entire lifecycle. The standardisation of subsea processing JIP and its initial focus on subsea pumping hits the mark with standardised guidelines being developed for subsea processing modules and interfaces that are efficient, reliable and readily installed and serviced. We use subsea boosting in our subsea production systems and know that these are important lifecycle cost drivers.”

Kjell Eriksson, Regional Manager Norway, DNV GL – Oil & Gas, says, “Like more conventional solutions, subsea processing must prove to be cost efficient to be considered attractive. At the same time, subsea processing will be an enabler for increased oil recovery. Through collaboration with the big players in the subsea industry, this JIP drives subsea processing towards being a competitive and viable solution for a wide range of future oil and gas fields.”

Tags: Aker Solutions, DNV GL, GE Oil & Gas, OneSubsea, Shell, Statoil, TechnipFMC, Woodside