Auger Tlp Design, Fabrication, And Installation Overview
Authors: Enze C.R. , Brasted L.K. , Arnold Pete , Smith J.S. , Breaux J.N. , Luyties W.H. 
Published: October 2008

The Auger Project, in a record breaking 2860 ft of water, represents a $1.28 investment and includes Shell's first Tension Leg Platform (TLP). It is only the fourth TLP built and installed worldwide. Auger is a 73,000 st displacement structure supporting full drilling and producing facilities. Design of the platform was premised on the concept of utilizing existing technology available to Shell, keeping underwater components as simple as possible, and applying innovations only as needed and then only when supported by substantial engineering and testing efforts. A comprehensive contracting strategy was utilized for the fabrication and installation of the individual components to minimize potential schedule problems associated with such a large and complex project. The experience gained on the design, fabrication, and management of this project are currently being applied in Shell's next deepwater project.

Introduction

This paper is the first of twelve papers presented at a special session for the Auger Project at the 1994 Offshore Technology Conference. It is a high level overview of the project that ties the individual papers in the conference together. For detailed information, the reader is directed toward the other eleven papers presented at the conference and referenced herein.

General Information

The Auger Prospect encompasses four OCS leases in the Garden Banks Area, located about 214 miles southwest of New Orleans in 2860 ft of water. The discovery well was drilled on Block 426 in 1987 using the Zane Barnes semi-submersible drilling rig. One other well and three sidetracks were drilled on the four blocks. The results from this drilling program coupled with 3D seismic information were used to make a decision on development in December, 1989. Based upon Shell Offshore Inc.'s current assessment, total gross ultimate recovery is estimated at about 220 million barrels of oil equivalent, with a two to one oil/gas ratio.

The TLP has the capability to support 32 wells, although only 14 wells are anticipated to be drilled at this time. Topsides facilities are sized for production rates of 46,000 BPD oil, 125 MMSCFD gas, and 25,000 BPD produced water. Waterflood injection is sized for 65,000 BPD.

The total development cost for Auger, including TLP fabrication, installation, facilities, pipelines, development drilling, and well completion, is $1.28. Major construction contracts for the TLP were awarded in August, 1990, with installation completed in February, 1994, and first production scheduled for April, 1994.

Auger Configuration

The Auger TLP superstructure consists of the mated hull and deck, supporting the topsides drilling and production modules. The TLP is held on location by a combination of an 8line lateral mooring system (LMS) and 12 tendons latched into foundation templates. Oil and gas is exported via separate pipelines connected to the hull by means of steel catenary risers. Figure 1 is a schematic view of the Auger TLP, and Figure 2 shows an isometric of the superstructure.