Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) intervention technology allows early production from subsea wells

Abstract

Subsea fields, particularly in deepwater, continue to challenge the economics of development for operators. Production of subsea wells by tying into existing facilities and rig-less intervention solutions undertaken during the initial phases of the project are being used to drive better economic outcomes. A recent deepwater development in the Asia Pacific region used locally developed technology to bring subsea wells into production using an ROV with a custom pumping package to open the formation isolation valve (FIV). This operation on the first two wells was done in 2012 from a vessel and the remaining wells were brought online using the same technology during 2013. As the operator wanted to tie-in production from existing subsea wells to an FPSO in an adjacent field while the development specific facility was still being constructed, an ROV-based remote intervention skid was developed to open the FIV and also leave a negative pressure above the surface-controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV). The skid was interfaced with a multi-quick-connect plate to provide bi-directional pumping capability to cycle the ratcheting mechanism of the FIV. This methodology allowed the operation to be completed much faster and at a lower cost compared with the use of a rig and is highly beneficial in locations where subsea wells have been drilled and need to be fast tracked for production. The project was a significant success for the operator and has proven to be a breakthrough in remote intervention technology and custom tooling capabilities in the Asia Pacific region.