Deepwater Technology: Flow assurance requires specific design

An accurate flow assurance method requires a comprehensive look at the entire field life and changing reservoir forecasts, suggesting that customized solutions are more reliable than a generic approach. This case history addresses thermal issues encountered during the detailed design of a deepwater field offshore West Africa. The technical solutions proposed along with the detail and final design decisions made by the operating company are explored. FIELD LAYOUT AND ISSUES The field is in 1,200 – 1,600 m water depth and is produced through two drill centers (DC). Water is injected at one end of the reservoir and gas is injected at the other, presenting a wide range of fluid properties to consider. Each DC has two daisy-chained manifolds connected to six wells. The production is extracted through two 10-in. flowlines and processed to a host facility midway between the DCs. A 6-in. test line extends from each DC’s manifold to the host.