Judy Maksoud
International Editor
STAVANGER, Norway -- Philippe Lavagna of SBM discussed his company's recent success on the Bonga field offshore Nigeria on Thursday, Oct. 11, at the 19th annual Deep Offshore Technology Conference and Exhibition in Stavanger, Norway.
SBM was contracted to supply trellines (bonded rubber hoses) for Shell's Bonga field. The trellines are bonded hoses made of rubber, steel rings, and reinforced rubber layers that allow the hose to withstand internal pressure, Lavagna explained. The trellines designed by SBM are "optimized for higher tension levels and a longer service life," he said. They are designed for a fatigue life of 20 years.
The installation Lavagna described in his presentation was for a mid-water flowline that was put in place without shutting in the well. Phase I of the installation required the trelline to be attached to theBonga FPSO and the connection of a gimbal table. Phase II, which was a completely separate undertaking, involved the mid-water line installation, Lavagna said.
SBM'sDynamic Installer maneuvered the trelline into position, avoiding mooring lines and steel catenary risers. The newly placed line was filled with water to facilitate installation, Lavagna explained. Once the trelline was in place, it was connected to the system and flooded with oil, which displaced the water into the FPSO and readied the line for production.
This project was a landmark event for the industry because it was the first trelline to be installed during production, Lavagna said, noting that there was no impact on production during the entire installation process.
10/10/2007
