COMPOSITES
installation friendliness and corrosion protection could all be addressed by a single material." In the new desgin, in order to evaluate wax deposition from the crude, the temperature of the fluids are evaluated as they pass through the system, from the platform to the shuttle tanker. "Based on the critical parameter list and functional requirements established for the storage and export system, the storage unit size was reduced from 25 000m3 to 10 000m3. Reducing the unit size, enabled a cluster unit configuration, connecting multiple units together in a frame and providing an even more flexible system." "NOV has recently finished the parameter assessment of the system, including small-scale testing of the membrane behaviour and overpressure protection system in
realistic conditions. The small-scale testing was conducted together with Equinor. This included verifying filling and offloading cycles of a storage unit and a cluster unit, by confirming consistency in operation. "NOV is now evaluating these small-scale parameter assessment testing results and together with previous results obtained, is planning a large-scale verification demonstration." NOV (along with GustoMSC) also has experience with subsea storage tanks such as the YME and the Siri subsea storage tank. The next and final step of the technology qualification programme includes a large scale verification, as well as some parallel activities. The large-scale verification is planned to start Q3 2019, and be completed Q3 2020.
The storage tanks can be grouped in multiples of 5 in a rack. All images: NOV
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"The protection structure fabrication has analogues with the fabrication of large floating fish farming tanks," said Lund. "Fabrication of large composites has progressed drastically over the last couple of years. The large scale verification model will be built in composite, to represent the field version, qualifying the protection structure design and material." said Lund. "For the different technology elements, we are currently screening multiple suppliers. Different protection structure design solutions are also being evaluated. One such design is a single skin wall structure with a thickness of typically 200 mm. "The overall goal with this technology qualification program is to unlock a safe, profitable, economical and flexible product for the market, designed and built to suit field requirements."