This paper identifies and compares four subsea-development concepts for typical Brazilian presalt deepwater applications on the basis of generic system functional requirements; the strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis method (SWOT); and comparative cost/benefit analysis. The paper provides a fast-track approach to perform screening assessment of multiple subsea concepts.
Introduction
Subsea development concepts for presalt regions such as those offshore Brazil have followed a replication methodology primarily based on a satellite configuration with flexible risers and flowlines. While this concept has several strengths, the associated scope of the operation incurs considerable cost. This concept, in addition to three others, is outlined in this paper.
