Modeling Operational Parameters to Support Evaluation of Subsea-to-Shore Production System Implementation

Resumo

The subsea-to-shore system represents an alternative approach to traditional offshore oil production, emphasizing environmental improvements by reducing carbon emissions through alternative energy sources like hydroelectric power. This system incorporates an onshore processing unit, eliminating the need for a Stationary Production Unit (SPU), thereby reducing costs, offshore personnel exposure, and its associated occupational risks. Additionally, terrestrial processing units offer greater flexibility for expansion and installation of new modules compared to SPUs, which are constrained by limited space. This paper aims to establish critical parameter limits essential for implementing the subsea-to-shore system based on a representative production field. Key parameters include distance to the coastline and various export pipeline diameters suitable for specific water depths, ensuring optimal operational performance. These studies utilized multiphase flow simulation software, leveraging data approximations from Norway's Ormen Lange Field, one of the largest gas fields, as a foundational basis. Results derived from the applied model and variables provide preliminary insights into the feasibility of implementing such systems, prompting further discussion within the scientific community regarding advancements in oil and gas production systems.