Why develop subsea gas compression technologies?
The introduction of subsea gas compression technology has been one of the biggest offshore stories of 2012 so far, representing a technological leap forward by the upstream industry that could hold huge potential for further improving field recovery rates. Reported E&P Magazine.
The queue of gas compression projects being formed by Statoil as it seeks to meet the Norwegian government’s demands to further enhance production and recovery rates from the country’s continental shelf is growing all the time.
The company is the first to admit that seabed compression represents a major technological leap into the future for the E&P industry. But it is a milestone that has long been a target for the operator as it stretches the limits in its efforts to improve already impressive recovery rates from its gas fields.
The reasons for developing subsea gas compression technologies are as follows, according to the company:
- Gas fields require boosting of the reservoir flow as reservoir pressure depletes;
- Subsea gas compression replaces the need for an offshore platform or onshore compression facility;
- It offers a cost-effective development solution (capex);
- It reduces operational costs (opex);
- It is advantageous to place the compressor close to the well;
- Production is increased and accelerated;
- CO emissions are reduced through lower energy consumption;
- There are no emissions or disposals to sea; and
- The process is safer due to unmanned operation.
Full article can be seen here
In what ways will subsea gas compression impact on the future of the North Sea?
