This study examines how subsea processing (SSP) can develop into an important enabling technology for future ultradeepwater-field developments and long-distance tiebacks. The authors identify the gaps that need to be closed and describe the decision-making process during the field-development life cycle by considering the technical and economic constraints of various SSP technologies.
Introduction
A generalized definition of SSP is any active treatment of the produced fluids at or below the seabed to improve recovery factor of reservoirs. SSP technologies include multiphase pumping, subsea separation, gas compression, and raw-seawater injection.
Subsea separation coupled with liquid boosting is effective in enabling production at very low flowing tubinghead pressures, even in deep water. This method also is well-suited for use where heavy, viscous oil or low reservoir pressure is the rule.
