Eventos Anais de eventos
COBEM 2019
25th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering
CONCEPT SELECTION METHODOLOGY FOR SUBSEA PROCESSING PROJECTS
Submission Author:
Vitor Souza , RJ , Brazil
Co-Authors:
Vitor Souza, Suzana Borschiver, Papa Ndiaye
Presenter: Vitor Souza
doi://10.26678/ABCM.COBEM2019.COB2019-2395
Abstract
Various prospects are assessed when developing an offshore production system. This is done to select the best configuration to maximize oil recovery at lowest possible cost. Various Business Cases arise with different technologies, arrangements, systems, etc. and it is the Oil Company duty to select the most appropriate one. Investments in Oil&Gas are always huge, therefore is imperative to evaluate and select the best concept, which usually tends to prevent the adoption of new (and therefore risky) technologies. One area that is known for its novelties is the Subsea Processing domain, which in short, could be explained as the deployment of topside process operations (i.e. separation, pumping and boosting) to the seabed. Projects that considers Subsea Processing solutions should have a clear and documented process to demonstrated why a specific concept is selected, in order to minimize risks and facilitate Operator’s investment approval. This paper proposes a new methodology for concept selection, that is able to provide a structured process to evaluate various technologies and concepts, to select the most appropriate solution for each application. Research is based on a real Case Study that was performed for two major oil companies. A conceptual study was conducted to select the best subsea system, with the requirement to incorporate a specific patented technology for oil and water separation. To progress with the concept selection, a methodology that also incorporates the basis of the Pugh Matrix was proposed. A structured process for assessment and selection was achieved. Good discussions were held to strengthen the path for the chosen concept, and disregard other technologies/systems, that initially seemed to be better. The methodology was well received by all participating parties, which approved the process. They were used to like “brainstorming meetings” which lacks a structured way to evaluate all technologies and configurations. The process also allowed an in depth review and discussion of subsea processing technologies among all participants, which also promoted knowledge sharing and integration. Although improvements to the tool were identified, participants feedback was that they were willing to apply the methodology internally.
Keywords
Concept Selection, Concept Methodology, Subsea Processing, Pugh Matrix
