Compact and Light Weight Equipment for Floating Production Systems

Abstract

Floating production systems present special considerations considering both mechanical aspects and well as process aspects for the crude oil dehydration train. The effects of sea heave produces fluid dynamic forces inside the treaters and also mechanical forces on the supports of the process equipment, which require special attention for the design of the treater internals, supports and instrumentation. In addition to the amplitude of the roll and pitch of the facility hull, the frequency of these movements has an equally important role. Through the use of advanced fluid dynamic designs and advanced electrostatic technologies, the dehydration and desalting equipment on a floating production system can be made more compact, thus reducing the required footprint on the process deck as well as the weight load on the floater. This paper describes special design considerations for dehydration and desalting equipment for floating production and how these process vessels can be drastically reduced in size and weight while still maintaining the required process performance. We will also discuss special considerations for instrumentation, slosh suppression and operating procedures, in addition to the potential for additional production from upgrading existing treaters. The paper also includes case stories with examples of compact equipment installed on FPSOs, SPARs, TLPs as well as semi submersibles. Company affiliation: Cameron Process and Compression Systems Presenter: Erik Sellman, Sr. Product Manager (erik.sellman@c-a-m.com)