Neptune Energy begins installing world’s longest heated production pipeline
Neptune Energy has announced installation is underway of the world’s longest heated subsea production pipeline in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.
Once completed, the 36 km electrically trace-heated (ETH) pipe-in-pipe solution will transport oil from the Neptune Energy-operated Fenja field to the Njord A platform, operated by Equinor.
The first phase of the installation saw a nine km section safely installed and successfully tested.
Neptune Energy’s Director of Projects and Engineering in Norway, Erik Oppedal, said:
‘The installation and testing of the ETH pipe is a great technical achievement, as well as a milestone in the development of the Fenja field.
‘ Norway is an important part of our geographically-diverse portfolio and this is an excellent example of Neptune Energy’s commitment to investing in the region and adopting advanced technologies to overcome challenges.
‘The heated pipe-in-pipe solution permits us to tie the field back to existing infrastructure, keeping costs low.’
The length of the ETH pipeline is a significant technological achievement and was developed and qualified through a collaborative approach with TechnipFMC. Due to the high wax content of the Fenja field’s oil, the contents of the pipeline must be warmed up to a temperature above 28-degree Celsius before starting the flow after a shut down.
During normal production, the temperature in the pipeline is well above this temperature.
Ståle Ryggvik, TechnipFMC’s Project Director, added: ‘TechnipFMC is delighted that the extensive qualification programme for the ETH Pipe-in-Pipe for Fenja has been successfully completed, and that the first section of the pipe has been installed on the seabed.
‘This technology step change has been made possible by the extraordinary effort of TechnipFMC and excellent cooperation with Neptune Energy. It will unlock possibilities to develop future projects with difficult reservoir properties. We are looking forward to continuing the project and completing the installation in 2021.’
The offshore installation was carried out by TechnipFMC’s vessel, Deep Energy, approximately 120 km north of Kristiansund, Norway, at a water depth of about 320 metres.
Partners: Neptune Energy (Operator, 30%), Vår Energi, (45%), Suncor Energy (17.5%), DNO (7.5%).
Fenja development facts:
The Fenja field consists of two discoveries, Pil and Bue, where Pil is currently being developed. The drilling of Bue appraisal is planned for third quarter 2020.
The field discovery is estimated to contain 97 mmboe 2P reserves, with first oil projected in the first quarter of 2022. Developed with two subsea templates, Fenja will have six wells.
Three of these will be oil producers, two water injectors and one gas injector.
The gas injector will be converted to a gas producer towards the end of field life.
Click here for video: Fenja ETH pipe-in-pipe installation
Source: Energy-pedia