Applying Subsea Fluid-Processing Technologies for Deepwater Operations

Abstract

sand and entrained solids are removed. This is followed by the separation of the gas and liquid components in the hydrocarbon stream at the existing temperature and pressure. The gas stream is then compressed, and the liquid stream is pumped to a processing facility onshore. If it is necessary, the liquid stream can be further separated into oil and water, and the gas can be reinjected into the reservoir or wellstream to recover more liquid oil. Chemical conditioning and active heating may be applied subsea before the processed fluids are pumped to the receiving facility (Abili et al. 2012). In this paper, we discuss the components of a subsea processing system with emphasis on pumps and separation equipment. Additionally, we will investigate offshore assets that currently apply subsea processing technologies to extract hydrocarbons to identify challenges facing the industry and opportunities for the future development of subsea fluid-conditioning technologies.