OTC.10: New VetcoGray deepwater subsea tree launches

Offshore staff

HOUSTON -- GE Oil & Gas chose the 2010 OTC to launch its VetcoGray DHXT deepwater horizontal tree and integral control system. The Series D tree targets water depths to 10,000 ft and pressures to 15,000 psi.

GE and VetcoGray continue to expand the use of the SemStar 5 to power the ModPod subsea control module and to expand on its modular design and proven technology used on the S Series shallow-water SVXT tree.

The DHXT has three primary configurations:
1. SP – Standard production tree
2. EP – Enhanced production with additions such as an extended annulus wing block for added valves and sensors for added annulus pressure monitoring
3. GP – A gas lift production tree with additions such as a gas lift choke, dual-bore flowline connector, and sensors.

The design also considers issues of local content, and many of the parts are bolted rather than welded, for instance. That also contributes to making the parts easy to change via ROV at depth. The unit is 5 m X 5 m in order to fit through typical vessel moonpools, and with the weight reduction and center of balance, it is designed for vessels of opportunity.

05/04/2010