SPE 123790 - Planning and Procedures for the Initial Startup of Subsea Production Systems
2009 Abstract, H.J. Duhon, J.L. Garduno, and N.A. Robinson, GATE, LLC
Initial startup of a subsea development is one of the most challenging periods in the operational life of the facility. Many issues complicate this period. These include:
People issues: a great many people from many teams are required to execute a startup; roles and responsibilities may be unclear and will change over the course of the startup; persons on board (POB) issues limit the number of people who can participate; personnel involved may not be fully trained in the operation of the facility.
This will be the first time much or all of the equipment is used in live hydrocarbon service. Design flaws, commissioning omissions and infant mortalities will rear their heads.
Preserving completion integrity requires low rates and slow bean-ups during initial startup because of high formation skin. Chokes designed for high rates and low pressure drops may not be capable of controlling the well at low rates. Also, topsides systems designed for peak rates may not function well at low flowrates.
Low flowrates and low initial temperatures result in hydrate risk which may challenge the flow assurance strategy.
Completion and stimulation fluids returned during the initial well cleanup are corrosive and are difficult to treat. Specialized water treatment equipment is typically installed temporarily on topsides to treat these fluids.
Source: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 4-7 October 2009, New Orleans, Louisiana
Copyright 2009. Society of Petroleum Engineers
