DISPS Template Component Development

ABSTRACT The paper outlines the component development programme carried out as part of BP Exploration's DISPS Project. It describes the components identified as being critical to achieving the performance levels for a diverless subsea production system. The scope of testing for new and existing components is discussed and the results of the testing programmes are summarised. It concludes that the testing programme has been essential in proving the various components and the principles and techniques of the template system. INTRODUCTION BP Exploration have been carrying out a deepwater subsea facilities development programme, namely the DISPS Project, since 1985. The main objective being to identify and develop diverless principles, techniques and equipment for water depths between 350-750 metres. As part of the development work various components and systems were identified as being critical to prove the feasibility of the diverless template system. Where possible existing proven components were utilised but various components were identified as requiring development. The development requirements were for new components needed to satisfy the system approach and modified existing components that required further work to improve their reliability. DISPS TEMPLATE CONCEPTS The DISPS template design consists of modular packages configured in an 8-slot template as shown in Figure 1, and discussed in more detail in Reference 1. The design is based on interconnecting retrievable modules by using vertical or horizontal connectors as shown in Figure 2. Maintenance has been based on achieving high availability by increasing the reliability of components and minimising the effect of component failure on production downtime. In order to achieve maximum reliability, emphasis has been given to simplicity of component design, use of field proven equipment and minimising the number of subsea connections. The impact of component failure has been minimised by providing over ride mechanisms and by configuring modules in such a manner that components with potentially the lowest Mean Time to Failure are readily retrievable with minimum disturbance to other components or other producing wells. COMPONENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Development Philosophy The development programme for new components was carried out principally in the following stages:-Preliminary designDetail designFactory acceptance testingIntegration and system testing The components classified under this category were:-Horizontal process connectorHorizontal controls connectorSoft landing equipmentElectro-hydraulic umbilical connectorROV tooling The development programme for existing components was carried out in the following stages:-A review study to establish critical sub elements of the component requiring development testing.Manufacture and testing of the sub elements.Manufacture and testing of the complete assembly.