The Benefits of Cold-Work in Middle Eastern Brownfield Projects and High Pressure Subsea Piping Operations

Abstract

Abstract Two of the biggest drivers in Middle East oil & gas operations today are the continued development and upgrade of existing facilities (Brownfield Projects) and the challenges involved in developing high pressure, high temperature (HP/HT) fields. These developments come with very different piping and pipeline challenges. In the case of Brownfield projects, it is the ageing piping installations with increased corrosion and leaks, and the need to carry out piping modifications while continuing production. And in the case of HP/HT developments, the challenges include the need to develop robust and effective instrumentation, reliable connections, reduce subsea intervention costs, and operate around existing infrastructure. This paper will look at how cold-work piping connection solutions can accommodate the challenges involved in Brownfield projects and HP/HT applications, as well as alleviating concerns over traditional methods, such as welding. Such concerns include time, cost, resources, and safety implications. Referring to the experience gained from installing over 3,000 cold-work connections worldwide, this paper will examine how cold-work solutions generate a simple mechanical connection; the technology of using hydraulic pipes to flange expansion in developing leak-free connections; the importance of no gasket, seals or moving parts in the connection; and the flexibility needed to handle a range of piping diameters. The paper will provide an example of a recent topside cold-work installation offshore Abu Dhabi - on a field in production for more than 40 years, where the cold-work piping technology was found to significantly reduce the traditional work scope. It will also provide an overview of the choices in taking the technology subsea and applications for critical, high pressure applications through recent testing with Petrobras in Brazil The paper will provide an important technical contribution to Middle Eastern operators in the form of i) a low impact and flexible piping solution that reduces production shut-down time; ii) increased safety; and iii) introduce significant financial savings.