FATHOM Certified Chemical Program Resulted in Problem-Free Startup
Case History
FATHOM Certified Chemical Program Resulted in Problem-Free Startup Baker Hughes minimized risks with comprehensive plan
Benefits Easy No
and problem free startup
flow issues or lost production
Reduced risks of chemical incompatibility Comprehensive
planning process
Background and challenges New
floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO)
Offshore Seabed
New Zealand
temperature of 46°F (8°C)
Waxy
crude oil with pour point at 68.9°F (21°C), melting point at 140°F (60°C)
Potential
for plugged well, flowlines, or flexible riser
Required
chemical compatibility with umbilical materials
Elimination
of chemical program issues
Baker Hughes solution and results FATHOM
certified pour point depressant (PPD)
Extensive
testing of crude oil samples
Customization
of PPD to ensure chemical compatibility
Totally
managed chemical supply
Onsite
personnel to monitor and solve startup problems
No
lost production resulting from plugged lines
A customer was starting up a new FPSO vessel offshore of New Zealand. The crude oil from this field was waxy (~12%), with a pour point of approximately 68.9°F (21°C) and a melting point of approximately 140°F (60°C ). The customer wanted to avoid plugging any of the subsea wells, flowlines, or the flexible riser, a particular risk during startups and shutdowns with a seabed temperature of 46°F (8°C).
life. Options, such as heated lines, were not cost effective given that the water cut was expected to increase and remove the need for PPD in the medium term.
Because of Baker Hughes unrivalled experience in treating waxy New Zealand crudes, the customer asked us for help. Face-to-face discussions with the customer ensured that we completely understood the specific requirements of the application and the customer’s priorities.
Further testing identified a risk of incompatibility between the chemical and the umbilical material. Baker Hughes quickly developed a similar, compatible product to replace an incompatible solvent. This new product had the same positive effect on pour point depression.
After examining both chemical and engineering solutions, Baker Hughes recommended using a FATHOM™ certified pour point depressant during the early field
To meet the customer’s requirement for a totally managed chemical supply contract, Baker Hughes managed the complete chemical selection, testing, supply chain,
The most suitable FATHOM certified PPD chemicals were tested against a crude sample to ensure they exhibited the desired pour point depression. The preferred PPD reduced the pour point by as much as 43°F (6°C) with a realistic field dose.
manufacture, containerization, and delivery process. The PPD, demulsifier, and water clarifier were supplied before startup. Stocks were also built up at the Baker Hughes Auckland manufacturing plant to ensure continuous supply. Two Baker Hughes commissioning engineers were onsite to handle all production chemical issues during startup. They also assisted the FPSO operators with
laboratory setup, operator training, oil-inwater analyzer calibration, crude survey sampling, and testing. No flow assurance issues occurred during startup or beyond. In addition after an initial period of a few hours at higher dose rates, the PPD application was significantly reduced. The customer considered the Baker Hughes chemical treatment a success.
If a single well had been plugged, the resulting lost or deferred production could have cost the customer approximately NZ$700,000 per day. Baker Hughes minimized this risk by offering a complete solution that made the startup easy and problem-free for the customer and FPSO operator. This case history is presented for illustration purposes only as the results may vary between applications.
www.bakerhughes.com FATHOM is a trademark of Baker Hughes Incorporated. Disclaimer of Liability: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is believed to be accurate as of the date hereof; however, Baker Hughes Incorporated and its affiliates do not make any warranties or representations of any kind regarding the information and disclaim all express and implied warranties or representations to the fullest extent permissible by law, including those of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or use, title, non-infringement, accuracy, correctness or completeness of the information provided herein. All information is furnished “as is” and without any license to distribute. The user agrees to assume all liabilities related to the use of or reliance on such information. BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS NEGLIGENCE. © 2013 Baker Hughes Incorporated. All rights reserved. 31053. BPCH7299. 08/2013
FATHOM Certified Chemical Program Resulted in Problem-Free Startup Baker Hughes minimized risks with comprehensive plan
Benefits Easy No
and problem free startup
flow issues or lost production
Reduced risks of chemical incompatibility Comprehensive
planning process
Background and challenges New
floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO)
Offshore Seabed
New Zealand
temperature of 46°F (8°C)
Waxy
crude oil with pour point at 68.9°F (21°C), melting point at 140°F (60°C)
Potential
for plugged well, flowlines, or flexible riser
Required
chemical compatibility with umbilical materials
Elimination
of chemical program issues
Baker Hughes solution and results FATHOM
certified pour point depressant (PPD)
Extensive
testing of crude oil samples
Customization
of PPD to ensure chemical compatibility
Totally
managed chemical supply
Onsite
personnel to monitor and solve startup problems
No
lost production resulting from plugged lines
A customer was starting up a new FPSO vessel offshore of New Zealand. The crude oil from this field was waxy (~12%), with a pour point of approximately 68.9°F (21°C) and a melting point of approximately 140°F (60°C ). The customer wanted to avoid plugging any of the subsea wells, flowlines, or the flexible riser, a particular risk during startups and shutdowns with a seabed temperature of 46°F (8°C).
life. Options, such as heated lines, were not cost effective given that the water cut was expected to increase and remove the need for PPD in the medium term.
Because of Baker Hughes unrivalled experience in treating waxy New Zealand crudes, the customer asked us for help. Face-to-face discussions with the customer ensured that we completely understood the specific requirements of the application and the customer’s priorities.
Further testing identified a risk of incompatibility between the chemical and the umbilical material. Baker Hughes quickly developed a similar, compatible product to replace an incompatible solvent. This new product had the same positive effect on pour point depression.
After examining both chemical and engineering solutions, Baker Hughes recommended using a FATHOM™ certified pour point depressant during the early field
To meet the customer’s requirement for a totally managed chemical supply contract, Baker Hughes managed the complete chemical selection, testing, supply chain,
The most suitable FATHOM certified PPD chemicals were tested against a crude sample to ensure they exhibited the desired pour point depression. The preferred PPD reduced the pour point by as much as 43°F (6°C) with a realistic field dose.
manufacture, containerization, and delivery process. The PPD, demulsifier, and water clarifier were supplied before startup. Stocks were also built up at the Baker Hughes Auckland manufacturing plant to ensure continuous supply. Two Baker Hughes commissioning engineers were onsite to handle all production chemical issues during startup. They also assisted the FPSO operators with
laboratory setup, operator training, oil-inwater analyzer calibration, crude survey sampling, and testing. No flow assurance issues occurred during startup or beyond. In addition after an initial period of a few hours at higher dose rates, the PPD application was significantly reduced. The customer considered the Baker Hughes chemical treatment a success.
If a single well had been plugged, the resulting lost or deferred production could have cost the customer approximately NZ$700,000 per day. Baker Hughes minimized this risk by offering a complete solution that made the startup easy and problem-free for the customer and FPSO operator. This case history is presented for illustration purposes only as the results may vary between applications.
www.bakerhughes.com FATHOM is a trademark of Baker Hughes Incorporated. Disclaimer of Liability: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is believed to be accurate as of the date hereof; however, Baker Hughes Incorporated and its affiliates do not make any warranties or representations of any kind regarding the information and disclaim all express and implied warranties or representations to the fullest extent permissible by law, including those of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or use, title, non-infringement, accuracy, correctness or completeness of the information provided herein. All information is furnished “as is” and without any license to distribute. The user agrees to assume all liabilities related to the use of or reliance on such information. BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS NEGLIGENCE. © 2013 Baker Hughes Incorporated. All rights reserved. 31053. BPCH7299. 08/2013
