Petroleum/Offshore

Increased demand for electric power is experienced on the Norwegian continental shelf over the latest years. Installation of large electrical pumps in order to increase production is one of the major reasons. Higher efficiency can also be obtained by increased theoretical knowledge about the crude oil flow and the interaction between oil and water particles. Environmental aspects have also resulted in new system solutions (for instance long subsea power cables).

Electric power supplied to deep sea installations depends on an extremely high service reliability. A poor installation work can result in water ingress into interfaces where reduced electrical insulation resistance can lead to total breakdown of the electrical system. In some electrical insulation materials the properties (i.e. electrical insulation performance) can change if water diffuses into the polymeric material. The knowledge about these characteristics, combined with the possibilities SINTEF Energy Research has in order to detect such changes by non-destructive test methods, have resulted in several interesting projects both in our laboratories and in the field.

The introduction of higher and higher service voltages focuses the efforts needed in order to obtain acceptable expected service life. The knowledge about ageing mechanisms initiated by high service voltage combined with the presence of water is one part of the main competence of the material research at SINTEF Energy Research. Methods in order to detect possible ageing mechanisms in polymer insulation materials are developed by the institute.

Synergy by the fact that SINTEF Energy Research now consists of experts both from dynamic flow technology and electric power technology has opened new interesting possibilities. One example is shown in Figure 2. By combining the technologies mentioned above, SINTEF Energy Research can help our clients to increase the efficiency of the oil transport.

Electrocoalescence shall be used in order to optimize the separation of water from the crude oil. The use of high voltage technology in order to prevent “plugs” in oil pipelines if the crude oil transport stops, has become an important area for SINTEF Energy Research. Statoil, Nexans Norway and SINTEF Energy Research have cooperated in several projects where this technology is installed in subsea installations in the North Sea.