Standardization Of Subsea Production Systems: Practical Experience From Draugen, Statfjord Satellite, And Heidrun Projects
Authors: Halvorsen Tore , Araujo Luis 
Published: October 2008

For many years, suppliers and operators have debated the issue of standardization in subsea production systems and questioned the need for the wide design variation seen. The standardization efforts has always been defeated by governmental and environmental requirements for different producing areas, by advancing technology and by customer/supplier preferences.

The obvious advantages of standardization, as for instance, the use of proven technology, reduced engineering, reduced development risk, planning and project management hours and reduced project lead time has been the subject for discussion over a long period of time, however it has never been attempted in real life projects.

The contemporary development of three major subsea fields in the North Sea under EPC contracts, has given the opportunity to standardize equipment between the different concepts and configurations.

The fields are:Draugen Subsea FacilitiesStatjord Satellite Project (SSP)Heidrun Subsea Water Injection System

This paper summarizes the practical experience gained during this work, including the effect of standardization, and the related challenges seen during execution of the project.

INTRODUCTION

The award of the EPC contracts to Kongsberg Offshore a.s (KOS) and FMC, UK offered the opportunity to standardize between the following field configuration:5 slot template for water injection4 slot template for production and water Injection.Single satellites

The staggered timing of the contracts as shown below, made it possible to gain experience from one project and implement the experience into the next project.

Standardization can in general be achieved on various level:internationalWithin OperatorsWithin Suppliers

The opportunity of standardization from a Supplier is all based on the contract form, i.e. the Total System Supply concept - the EPC concept. Regardless of required subsea architecture and field layout, a degree of standardization can be achieved between any concept, provided the contract form allows it and the Supplier has sufficient strength to realize it.

The following success factors for standardization can be related to the contract:Suppliers are given the opportunity to review, comment and familiarize with the specifications during pre engineering stage prior to invitation to bid. This stage is the only stage when open discussions between Suppliers and Operators can take place.The specifications are functional and not formulated as detail design requirements. Only interfaces to other contracts should be governed by specify design requirements. Detail design requirements in general are cost-driving.Operator supplied equipment should be minimized. These are is general not optimized for the field development and new equipment have to be designed for integration of these items.

Another set of success factors can be linked to the EPC supplier:Control over technology used. This implies design authority and the ability to understand operational limitations of components and the ability to adjust these.