The petroleum industry is currently moving to meet the ever-rising demand for oil and gas production. As onshore fields become depleted and decline in production, exploration and production companies have started venturing further offshore. To support this activity, there is need for new subsea production technologies to develop deepwater and ultra deepwater fields.Woodside Hydrocarbon Research Facility (WHRF) at Curtin University of Technology is working on natural gas dehydration processing using gas hydrate technology. Through the studies, a novel gas dehydration process has been developed and now proposed for subsea application. Natural gas dehydration processes generate both a treated dry gas stream and a waste stream of condensate consisting of both hydrocarbons and water. This condensate can be reinjected to the reservoir formation but this is not always economic or practical. Availability of an alternative means of treatment and disposal of the condensate would be advantageous. This study aims to investigate and to provide a basis for the design of such an alternative scheme by constructing a floating separator for the treatment and disposal of waste condensate from subsea dehydration stage.A model was developed to simulate the process of evaporation of condensate from the proposed floating separator. The calculations were performed taken into account zero wind speed and an ambient temperature around 34 C. The simulation results showed that condensate skimming time was found to be 15 days for flowrate (Qin) of 100 bbd associated with specific separator diameter and total height dimensions. By considering the ratio of diameter to total height of 2.5, the floating separator was designed to enhance the evaporation rate and to get overall structure stability due to the mechanical restrictions that might be encountered in the sea.

Gas hydrates in near-mudline subsea sediments present significant challenges in the production of underlying hydrocarbons, impacting wellbore integrity and placement of subsea equipment. As the fluids of an underlying reservoir flow to the mudline, heat carried by the fluids warms nearwell sediments and dissociates hydrates, which releases gas that can displace and fracture near well soil. This gas release may be calculated with numerical simulations that model heat and mass transfer in hydrate-bearing sediments. The nature and distribution of hydrates within the sediments, the melting behavior of the hydrates, the thermal and mechanical properties of these shallow sediments, and the amount of hydrates contained in the sediments are required for the model simulations. Such information can be costly to acquire and characterize with certainty for an offshore development. In this information environment, it is critical to understand what information, processes, and calculations are required in order to ensure safe, robust systems, that are not overly conservative, to produce the hydrocarbon reservoirs far below the hydrates.

Motivada pelos inúmeros desafios relacionados à exploração de petróleo na região do pré-sal, onde o ambiente agressivo aliado com a grande profundidade são fatores sempre presentes, a busca por materiais alternativos para aplicações em válvulas ganhou destaque. As válvulas subsea, essenciais para projetos de exploração nestas áreas são consideradas um desafio ainda maior. Dessa maneira, estudos e ensaios de desempenho em revestimentos anticorrosivos orgânicos nesse ambiente tornam-se necessários. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a resistência à corrosão e ao desgaste do revestimento anticorrosivo orgânico ECTFE (Halar®) para a aplicação em válvulas industriais do tipo esfera para operações subsea, através da realização de ensaios em corpos de prova e em protótipos, perante as condições simuladas do ambiente agressivo na qual deverão operar em conformidade com o programa de qualificação do revestimento D-SMA/ING/SPF/TCNA-14-00047. Para a realização dos ensaios, foram projetados sistemas de tubulações fechadas (loopings), nos quais os protótipos foram instalados. Os parâmetros de testes estabelecidos, assim como os dados monitorados pelos sensores instalados, foram coletados durante todo o período de teste. Os ensaios definidos para a avaliação do revestimento orgânico em protótipos foram: ciclos de pressão, circulação sob vazão, circulação com água arenosa e ensaios de corrosão com e sem defeito imposto no revestimento. Complementarmente, corpos de prova em escala reduzida foram submetidos a ensaio de adesão e de fadiga. Os resultados obtidos foram conclusivos e o revestimento mostrou-se resistente às condições impostas aos protótipos, uma vez que não foram detectadas descontinuidades consideradas relevantes segundo os critérios de aceitação pré-estabelecidos em procedimento. / The search for alternative materials for applications in valves has been highlighted motivated by the numerous challenges related to oil and gas in the pre-salt region, where the aggressive environment combined with great depth are always present factors. The subsea valves, essential for exploration projects in these areas, are considered an even bigger challenge, thus, studies and performance tests on organic anti-corrosion coatings in this environment become necessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate resistance to corrosion and wear of organic anti-corrosion coating ECTFE (Halar®) for application of industrial ball valves for subsea operations, by conducting tests on specimens and prototypes, under simulated harsh environment conditions in which they should operate in accordance with the coating qualification program D-SMA / ING / SPF / TCNA-14-00047. Closed pipes systems are designed (loops) for the carrying out of the tests, in which the prototypes were installed. The set of test parameters as well as the monitored data by installed sensors were collected during the entire test period. The defined tests for the evaluation of the organic coating in prototypes were: pressure cycles, flow rate circulation, circulation in soapy water and corrosion tests with and without defects imposed in the coating. In addition, reduced specimens were submitted to adhesion and fatigue tests. The results were conclusive and the coating was resistant to the imposed conditions on prototypes, since relevant discontinuities were not detected according to pre-established acceptance criteria for the procedure.

[pt] No processo de transporte e produção de petróleo e seus derivados em linhas submarinas, o controle da transferência de calor entre o produto quente e o mar frio, é fundamental para a garantia do escoamento. Se a temperatura do produto cair abaixo de determinados valores críticos, problemas como formação de hidratos ou deposição de parafina nas paredes da tubulação podem ocorrer, levando ao bloqueio da linha e interrupção de produção, demandando altos custos. A perda de calor para o ambiente é minimizada, através de isolantes térmicos projetados para operações em regime permanente. Nestes casos, devido às altas velocidades do escoamento axial, o qual é tipicamente turbulento, o processo de transferência de calor dominante é o de convecção forçada. Porém, durante uma operação de manutenção de algum equipamento, a produção pode ser interrompida e o fluido ficando parado no interior da linha, tende a resfriar-se podendo atingir uma temperatura crítica. Durante este resfriamento, na ausência de bombeio, o processo de convecção natural passa a dominar. O presente trabalho analisa o processo de transferência de calor após a parada de bombeio, considerando os efeitos da convecção natural no resfriamento do produto, assim como a influência da capacidade térmica da parede do duto e das camadas de revestimento no transiente térmico. Inicialmente, considera-se que o escoamento axial é rapidamente levado ao repouso e utiliza-se um modelo bidimensional da seção transversal do duto, utilizando três produtos típicos: um óleo leve, um óleo pesado, e um gás. Os campos de velocidade e temperatura são obtidos numericamente utilizando o software FLUENT, considerando a hipótese de Boussinesq para avaliar a convecção natural. A taxa de resfriamento obtida é comparada com a previsão de um modelo unidimensional na direção axial, que utiliza correlações empíricas para avaliar a transferência de calor entre o fluido a parede da tubulação, em função do regime de escoamento. Boa concordância entre as simulações para a seção central da linha é obtida. No entanto, como as variações axiais para o caso do gás são maiores, para este produto, um modelo tridimensional também foi analisado, onde se considerou os efeitos combinados da convecção forçada e natural. Adicionalmente, a hipótese de Boussinesq foi eliminada, e a equação de gás ideal foi considerada. / [en] Heat transfer control is crucial for flow assurance in transport as well as production operations of oil and its derivatives in subsea lines. If the product temperature falls below certain critical values, problems such as hydrate formation or wax deposition in the pipelines walls can occur, inducing line blockage and interruption of production, demanding high costs. The heat loss to the environment is minimized by employing thermal insulation, which are designed for stead state operations. For these cases, due to high axial velocities, the flow is typically turbulent, and the dominant heat transfer mechanism is due to convection forced. However, during maintenance operation of some equipment, the production can be interrupted and the stagnant fluid in the interior of the line tends to cool down and it can reach a critical temperature. During this cooling, in the absence of pumps, the process of natural convection begins to dominate. The present work analyzes the heat transfer process after flow shutdown, considering the effect of the natural convection, as well as the influence in the thermal transient of the thermal capacity of the duct wall and insulation layers. Initially, it is considered that the axial flow is set to rest very quickly and a two-dimensional model of the transversal section of the duct is employed, using three typical products: light oil, heavy oil and pressurized gas. The velocity and temperature filed are obtained using the numerical software FLUENT, considering the hypothesis of Boussinesq to evaluate the natural convection. The cooling rate is compared with the forecast of a unidimensional model in the axial direction based on empirical correlations, function of the flow regime, to evaluate the heat transfer between the fluid and the duct wall. Good agreement is obtained between the solutions of the 2-D model and the pipeline central cross section of the 1-D model. However, as the axial variations for the gas case are significant, for this product, a three-dimensional model also was analyzed, where it was considered the effects of the forced and natural convection. Additionally, the hypothesis of Boussinesq was eliminated, and the ideal gas equation was considered.

Motivada pelos inúmeros desafios relacionados à exploração de petróleo na região do pré-sal, onde o ambiente agressivo aliado com a grande profundidade são fatores sempre presentes, a busca por materiais alternativos para aplicações em válvulas ganhou destaque. As válvulas subsea, essenciais para projetos de exploração nestas áreas são consideradas um desafio ainda maior. Dessa maneira, estudos e ensaios de desempenho em revestimentos anticorrosivos orgânicos nesse ambiente tornam-se necessários. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a resistência à corrosão e ao desgaste do revestimento anticorrosivo orgânico ECTFE (Halar®) para a aplicação em válvulas industriais do tipo esfera para operações subsea, através da realização de ensaios em corpos de prova e em protótipos, perante as condições simuladas do ambiente agressivo na qual deverão operar em conformidade com o programa de qualificação do revestimento D-SMA/ING/SPF/TCNA-14-00047. Para a realização dos ensaios, foram projetados sistemas de tubulações fechadas (loopings), nos quais os protótipos foram instalados. Os parâmetros de testes estabelecidos, assim como os dados monitorados pelos sensores instalados, foram coletados durante todo o período de teste. Os ensaios definidos para a avaliação do revestimento orgânico em protótipos foram: ciclos de pressão, circulação sob vazão, circulação com água arenosa e ensaios de corrosão com e sem defeito imposto no revestimento. Complementarmente, corpos de prova em escala reduzida foram submetidos a ensaio de adesão e de fadiga. Os resultados obtidos foram conclusivos e o revestimento mostrou-se resistente às condições impostas aos protótipos, uma vez que não foram detectadas descontinuidades consideradas relevantes segundo os critérios de aceitação pré-estabelecidos em procedimento. / The search for alternative materials for applications in valves has been highlighted motivated by the numerous challenges related to oil and gas in the pre-salt region, where the aggressive environment combined with great depth are always present factors. The subsea valves, essential for exploration projects in these areas, are considered an even bigger challenge, thus, studies and performance tests on organic anti-corrosion coatings in this environment become necessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate resistance to corrosion and wear of organic anti-corrosion coating ECTFE (Halar®) for application of industrial ball valves for subsea operations, by conducting tests on specimens and prototypes, under simulated harsh environment conditions in which they should operate in accordance with the coating qualification program D-SMA / ING / SPF / TCNA-14-00047. Closed pipes systems are designed (loops) for the carrying out of the tests, in which the prototypes were installed. The set of test parameters as well as the monitored data by installed sensors were collected during the entire test period. The defined tests for the evaluation of the organic coating in prototypes were: pressure cycles, flow rate circulation, circulation in soapy water and corrosion tests with and without defects imposed in the coating. In addition, reduced specimens were submitted to adhesion and fatigue tests. The results were conclusive and the coating was resistant to the imposed conditions on prototypes, since relevant discontinuities were not detected according to pre-established acceptance criteria for the procedure.

Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de uma técnica de controle cooperativo aplicado para embarcações dotadas de sistema de posicionamento dinâmico (sistema DP). Um caso ilustrativo é estudado: o lançamento de um equipamento submarino utilizando duas embarcações DP. Neste exemplo, o sistema cooperativo controla a distância relativa das duas embarcações DP. As vantagens deste método se da no aumento da janela operacional, na tensão no cabo de lançamento que pode ser reduzida pela metade, entre outras. Um mapeamento dinâmico foi obtido utilizando um simulador 2D simplificado previamente validado por comparação com testes experimentais e o simulador no domínio do tempo TPN Tanque de Provas Numérico. Nestes mapas, duas regiões foram definidas, de ocorrência e não ocorrência de afrouxamento nos cabos em função da distancia entre as embarcações, profundidade do equipamento submarino e período da onda. Este mapa definiu as posições desejadas das embarcações para cada profundidade do equipamento. Foi proposto um controle da posição relativa das embarcações tentando manter os movimentos do ponto de conexão em oposição de fase. Isto evita a ocorrência de afrouxamentos no cabo de lançamento. Para isso, um algoritmo baseado em estimação de fase (Transformada de Hilbert) associado a um controlador PD foi implementado. Os resultados mostraram que o controle para ondas regulares é efetivo. Adicionalmente, o controle de pagamento de linha recebe as medidas do movimento vertical do ponto de conexão, e compensa esse movimento, mantendo constante seu comprimento. O controle foi implementado considerando erros de 10% e atrasos de até 1,5s nas medidas. Os resultados confirmaram que o controle pode eliminar os picos de tensão e a ocorrência de afrouxamento no cabo de lançamento. A conclusão deste trabalho sugere que a estratégia apropriada do controle, considerando ondas regulares, é combinar o controle de posição e o controle de pagamento de linha. O controle de posição, acoplado ao mapeamento dinâmico, define um caminho ótimo a ser seguido durante o içamento do equipamento, tentando manter as embarcações próximas da região de não ocorrência de afrouxamentos. / This work presents the development of cooperative control technique applied to vessels equipped with dynamic positioning (DP) system. An illustrative case study is suggested: the launching of subsea equipment using two DP vessels. In this example, the cooperative system controls the relative distance between the DP vessels. One of the advantages of this method is the increase of operations safety and operational window, since, among other factors, the tension in the launching cable is reduced by half. Initially, it was proposed the control of vessels relative positions, trying to keep the connection point movements in counter-phase. This avoids the slackening of the launching cable. For this, an algorithm based on phase estimator (Hilbert transform) associated with a PD control was implemented. The results showed that for regular waves this strategy was effective. A dynamic mapping was then obtained using simplified 2D simulator, previously validated by comparison with experimental tests. In these maps, two regions are defined - occurrence or non-occurrence of cable slackening - as a function of the distance of the vessels and the depth of the subsea equipment. This map defines the proper set-point for the DP systems for each depth of the subsea equipment. This map is used to define the best relative position for the vessels. In addition, the hoisting control receives the measurements of the vertical motion of the connection point, and compensates its motion, trying to maintain a constant lowering velocity. This control was implemented considering errors of 10% and delay of 0.5s in the measurements. The results confirmed that the control is able to eliminate the tension peaks and the occurrence of slackening in the launching cable. The conclusion is that the appropriate control strategy, considering regular waves, is to combine the control of both position of the vessels and hoisting of the cable. Therefore the position control, coupled with dynamic mapping, defines the \"optimal path\" to be followed during the line hoisting, trying to keep the vessels as close as possible to the \"no slackening\" region.

The acquisition of representative subsea fluid sampling from offshore field development asset is crucial for the correct evaluation of oil reserves and for the design of subsea production facilities. Due to rising operational expenditures, operators and manufacturers have been working hard to provide systems to enable cost effective subsea fluid sampling solutions. To achieve this, any system has to collect sufficient sample volumes to ensure statistically valid characterisation of the sampled fluids. In executing the research project, various subsea sampling methods used in the offshore industry were examined and ranked using multi criteria decision making; a solution using a remote operated vehicle was selected as the preferred method, to compliment the subsea multiphase flowmeter capability, used to provide well diagnostics to measure individual phases – oil, gas, and water. A mechanistic (compositional fluid tracking) model is employed, using the fluid properties that are equivalent to the production flow stream being measured, to predict reliable reservoir fluid characteristics on the subsea production system. This is applicable even under conditions where significant variations in the reservoir fluid composition occur in transient production operations. The model also adds value in the decision to employ subsea processing in managing water breakthrough as the field matures. This can be achieved through efficient processing of the fluid with separation and boosting delivered to the topside facilities or for water re-injection to the reservoir. The combination of multiphase flowmeter, remote operated vehicle deployed fluid sampling and the mechanistic model provides a balanced approach to reservoir performance monitoring. Therefore, regular and systematic field tailored application of subsea fluid sampling should provide detailed understanding on formation fluid, a basis for accurate prediction of reservoir fluid characteristic, to maximize well production in offshore field development.

Orientador: Celso Kazuyuki Morooka / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica e Instituto de Geociências / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T23:45:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pereira_LeandroAugustoGrandin_M.pdf: 2825767 bytes, checksum: 5cbfd5a04926d5bf83c780db67ca3a60 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O desenvolvimento de campos marítimos de petróleo e gás natural tem se deslocado para águas cada vez mais profundas, ambientes cada vez mais hostis e áreas cada vez mais remotas. A utilização de soluções convencionais para desenvolver tais campos, especialmente o uso exclusivo de processamento primário em superfície e equipamentos elevação artificial instalados dentro de poços pode não justificar os investimentos. O processamento submarino tem aumentado a atratividade ou até viabilizando a produção de campos marítimos. Visto o aumento em sua utilização, os autores propuseram uma metodologia para selecionar conceitos de plantas submarinas para campos de petróleo e gás natural, utilizando informações disponíveis na literatura e suporte de especialistas em tecnologia submarina e modelagem de produção integrada. Uma menor contrapressão no poço produtor é uma potencial consequência do uso de processamento submarino, podendo tornar o perfil de produção mais atrativo. Como consequência, uma abordagem integrada considerando os estudos necessários para avaliar o escoamento dos fluidos de suas fontes iniciais até os destinos finais é necessária para se propor uma metodologia de seleção. Como alternativa à falta de estudos integrados comparando diferentes soluções de desenvolvimento em campos marítimos, informações de quatro desenvolvimentos comerciais que empregaram processamento submarino foram utilizadas para buscar a validação da metodologia. Os resultados destes estudos de caso sugerem que a metodologia é válida, entretanto não é claro que tais desenvolvimentos de produção utilizariam todas as fases propostas / Abstract: The development of offshore oil and natural gas fields has been moving to deeper waters, harsher environments and more remote areas. The use of conventional solutions to develop such fields, especially sole use of surface processing or downhole artificial lift methods, may not justify the investments. Subsea processing has been increasing the attractiveness or even enabling offshore field developments. Given the increase in its use, the authors proposed a methodology to select concepts of subsea processing plants for oil and natural gas fields, using information available in the literature as well as support from specialists in subsea technology and integrated production modelling. Higher drawdown in producer wells is a potential consequence of the use of subsea processing, therefore it may positively impact the production profile. As a consequence, an integrated approach comprising all the studies necessary to assess the flow between the initial sources and the final destinations is necessary to propose a selection methodology. As an alternative to overcome the lack of integrated studies comparing different development solutions in offshore fields, information from four commercial developments that employed subsea processing was used to seek methodology validation. The results of these four case studies suggest that the methodology is valid, although it is not clear if such production developments would utilize all phases proposed / Mestrado / Explotação / Mestra em Ciências e Engenharia de Petróleo

In a world of uncertainty and change, leaders should base their decisions on best available scientific evidence. However, history has shown that science is often inadequately incorporated into the decision-making process. This dissertation investigates three environmental issues to identify the challenges of considering Earth system dynamics in policymaking and management. I also propose solutions for improving the two-way exchange of knowledge and values between researchers and policymakers. In chapter one, I investigate subsea permafrost carbon sensitivity to climate change using an expert assessment. The analysis revealed that subsea permafrost contains significant carbon stocks and is already contributing to climate change through the release of CO2 and CH4. However, the lack of field data and high uncertainty regarding carbon stocks and emissions make it challenging to accurately predict the impact of subsea permafrost on future climate. Despite these challenges, experts agreed that ignoring this system in climate change policies increases the risk of underestimating ecosystem feedbacks and overshooting climate targets. In chapter two, I conduct a comprehensive global study on the changing wildfire regimes from the Holocene (11,700 years BP) to projections for the year 2300, utilizing expert assessment to analyze the complex interactions among climate, vegetation shifts, and human activity. Experts believe that the rate of fire regime alteration has increased ten-fold in the last 250 years, primarily due to land use and anthropogenic climate change. The study predicts intensified fire regimes with increased fire activity and reduced ecosystem services in most biomes under higher emissions. We offer management recommendations to preserve ecosystem services. However, the experts describe how predicting the interaction between fire regime drivers remains a significant knowledge gap and vulnerability. In the final chapter, I focus on the intentions and performance of water megaprojects as solutions to water-related problems. I investigate a range of water megaprojects as case studies tracing the origins, justifications, and impacts of megaprojects from around the globe. Despite abundant evidence that these projects usually do not achieve their stated purpose, unstated ideological and economic justifications lead to continued support for water megaprojects. These justifications include prioritizing short-term goals over long-term sustainable development objectives, the significant influence of powerful interest groups, inadequate understanding of the natural water system, favoring personal values over scientific evidence, and biased risk analysis resulting in low success rates. While my dissertation highlights significant challenges in science policy integration, it suggests that substantial progress is possible through sensible changes in incentives and operations, reducing policy risks, and enhancing the relevance of natural sciences research.

[pt] Bloqueio total de linhas submarinas de produção de petróleo devido ao depósito de parafina é um problema relevante para a indústria. Esse problema tem levado a perdas significativas associadas à diminuição de produção e à substituição de linhas obstruídas. O presente trabalho é um estudo sobre a viabilidade técnica de um procedimento para remoção de bloqueios ocasionados por depósitos de parafina. Nesse procedimento, a seção da linha de petróleo obstruída com parafina é aquecida por indução utilizando-se uma bobina externa posicionada sobre a linha no fundo do mar. O objetivo do trabalho é estimar o nível de potência elétrica necessária para amolecer a obstrução de parafina dentro da linha. Com esta finalidade, foi empregado um modelo numérico para simular o processo de condução de calor transiente para prever a distribuição de temperatura na parede da linha e na parafina sólida. Essa informação foi usada para estimar as dimensões básicas da seção da bobina de aquecimento e isolamento térmico empregado para minimizar as perdas de calor para o ambiente gelado da água do mar. Um estudo experimental de laboratório com uma seção de um duto submarino bloqueado com parafina foi conduzido para verificar as previsões do modelo numérico e para testar o desempenho da bobina de indução de aquecimento. Os resultados mostraram que as soluções numéricas obtidas apresentaram boa concordância com o experimento. Ainda, foi observado que os níveis de temperatura necessários para produzir o amolecimento da parafina na região bloqueada somente serão obtidos se toda a extensão da região bloqueada for aquecida pela ferramenta de indução. / [en] Total blockage of subsea petroleum production lines due to wax deposition is a relevant problem for the industry. This problem has led to significant capital losses associated with the loss of production and the substitution of plugged lines. The present work is a study of the feasibility of a remediation procedure aimed at helping the removal of wax plugs. In this procedure, the section of the oil line plugged with wax is inductively heated by means of an external coil positioned over the line at sea bed.The objective of the work is to estimate the level of electrical power required to soften the wax plug inside the line. To this end, a transient heat conduction model was employed to predict the temperature distribution in the line wall and solid wax. This information was employed to estimate the basic dimensions of the heating coil section and thermal insulation employed to minimize the heating losses to the cold sea water environment. A laboratory experimental study with a subsea pipeline section plugged with wax was conducted to verify the numerical model predictions and to test the performance of the inductive heating coil.The results showed that the numeric solutions obtained presented good agreement with the experiments. It was also observed that the necessary temperature levels to produce the paraffin softening in the blocked region will only be attained if the whole extension of the blocked region is heated by the induction tool.