This technology provides 22 million extra barrels – NRK

Statoil has started subsea wet gas compression on the Gullfaks field in the North Sea. The unique technology increases production by 22 million barrels of oil equivalent and extend plateau production by about two years from the Gullfaks South Brent reservoir, the company reported.

In mid-September started Statoil Åsgard subsea gas compression.

OVER 1,000 TONS: system on the seabed near Gullfaks consists of a protection structure weighing 420 tons, a compressor station with two compressors of five megawatts each that together weigh 650 tons, and all necessary equipment for power supply and control of the plant on the platform deck.

Photo: Statoil

It is bergen company Framo Engineering who has been responsible for design and construction of the system Gullfaks. The contract had in 2012 a value of around NOK 900 million, and Framo would initially supply in November this year.

– We are very proud to have completed such a demanding pioneering project starting ahead of schedule, says Margareth Øvrum, executive vice president for Technology, Projects and Drilling in Statoil.

Today’s expected recovery for Gullfaks South Brent reservoir 62 percent. The combination of subsea compression and conventional low pressure production in a later phase, will be able to raise it to 74 percent.

HAPPY: Margareth Øvrum, executive vice president for Technology, Projects and Drilling in Statoil.

Photo: Trond Isaksen

– Seabed Based processing and gas compression represents the next generation of oil and gas. With this we have taken a big step forward, says Øvrum.

It is also possible to attach the second subsea wells up from the wet gas compressor via existing pipelines. The station is already prepared for new connections.

– We see great opportunities for NGL compression on the Norwegian shelf. It is an efficient system and a concept that can be used for enhanced recovery of small and medium-sized fields. We are working to identify more candidates who may be suitable, says Kjetil Hove, vice president, Operations West in Statoil.