Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- Cabinda Gulf Oil Co. of Angola has awarded VetcoGray a $27 million contract to retrofit the existing subsea trees in the Lobito Tomboco oil field off the coast of Angola. After VetcoGray's upgrade completion in 2009, production from the field is expected to increase by 7,000 to 10,000 b/d.
In addition to increased production, another key benefit of the retrofit project will be the capability to use smaller work vessels instead of drilling platforms to perform scale-squeeze operations, according to VetcoGray.
Once the equipment upgrade is completed, the operator will be able to conduct scale-squeeze operations that will inhibit scale formation on the initial equipment and piping systems. A key to this operation is the application of large volumes of chemical in a short period of time, which cannot be achieved through a typical chemical dosing line.
Under the contract with Cabinda, VetcoGray has responsibility for the total subsea system. New equipment to be supplied for the retrofit will include scale-squeeze inserts for short- and long-term operations, a fluid cap, a choke insert with full functionality with an additional port for chemical injection, and a chemical line with landing skid.
The use of the VetcoGray choke interface, a port in the subsea tree, allows choke inserts to be removed and replaced as required during the life of the field.
VetcoGray's service team in Angola will support the retrofit operation.
12/19/2008
