“Being able to connect a spur to a producing pipeline yields significant cost savings,” says Bjørn Kåre Viken, vice president for marine technology and operations in StatoilHydro.
“Remotely operated hot tapping utilises much of the same technology as the manual procedure using divers,” Viken explains.
“However, the technology has been further developed and tailored to the pressure and other conditions encountered at these depths.”
The two hot taps were monitored and controlled from the surface, assisted by 100 sensors, 23 cameras and 18 subsea computers deployed on the seabed to transmit data via heavy duty cables.
“We’re a world leader in this technology, which will also be important for future projects,” Viken explains. “Substantial cost savings can be achieved when developing mature areas.
“That’s because the method allows existing pipelines to be used, so marginal fields can be tied back to older infrastructure with good capacity.
“Using remotely operated hot tapping is also safer than deploying divers, and means the technique can be employed in deeper waters.”
Preparatory work for the operations paid great attention to risk analysis and understanding. The technology has also been carefully tested.
“This is an example of the way we can develop new solutions by challenging existing technology,” says Viken, who is very pleased with the work done. It demonstrates StatoilHydro’s leading-edge expertise and ability to execute major projects.
Hot tapping operations involve doing repairs, replacements or tie-ins on pipelines which remain pressurized. That makes it possible to avoid expensive shutdowns and simplifies the tie-in of new pipeline systems to existing infrastructure.
Partners in Ormen Lange are StatoilHydro 28.9169%, Royal Dutch Shell plc 17.0375%, Petoro AS 36.4750%, DONG Energy A/S 0.3420% and Exxon Mobil Corporation 7.2286%.
