Subsea Technology

Realization of Reliable Subsea Production

VISION
Increase the value of oil and gas by enabling new technology for seabed and downhole processing specifically for long step-outs and larger water depths.

We will contribute to the OG21strategy by addressing critical technology barriers associated with long-term subsea applications including:

• Power electronics
• Electrical insulation
• Processing

CHALLENGES
Production systems operating subsea is challenged by:

• Harsh environment such as high pressure and temperature
• Sand production
• Lower accessibility
• Long-distance power supply

NEEDS

• Reliable production systems including:
  - Power supply (cables, converters etc.)
  - Process equipment
• Reduced risk during qualification of new technology
• Verified operation envelopes for process equipment
• Reduced separator sizes
• Qualified wet gas compressors

Power Electronics for Extreme Seabed And Downhole Ambient Conditions
Demonstrate the operability of critical power electronic components in high-pressure and high temperature environments.

• Realization of a demo converter (100W-1kW range) module for proving reliable operation up to an ambient temperature of 150oC
• Realization of a demo converter module (10–100kW range) for proving reliable operation up to 150 bars.
• Obtain design support for seabed and downhole power electronic converters.

Electrical Insulation Materials for Reliable Subsea Applications
Goal: Establish methods to characterize electromechanical properties of materials subjected to harsh subsea and downhole conditions.

• Evaluate and identify the most relevant materials for subsea application
• Establish chemical and physical properties of selected materials
• Survey the most relevant applications, assess equipment needs and establish test methods to study ageing and design parameters of the materials
• Identify material properties at extreme stresses (i.e. pressure and temperature)
• Identify methods to prolong the lifetime of the materials and components (i.e. nano- and/or barrier technology)
• Establish tooling methods to manufacture relevant test objects

Realization of Reliable Subsea Processing
Realize the potential of computational fluid dynamics to improve the understanding of subsea production processes and improve equipment operability and reliability

• Identify issues where fluid flow computations may be used to secure flow assurance and improve the equipment operability.
• Adapt in-house numerical framework to address identified flow situations.
• Develop purpose-made simulators for extensive flow studies.