www.oilgastechnology.com
18
'26
Written on Modified on
SLB OneSubsea Wins Equinor Contract To Upgrade Gullfaks Compression System
The agreement involves delivering next-generation compressor modules to enhance flow capacity and maximize oil recovery while reducing carbon emissions at the Norwegian North Sea field.
www.slb.com
The cooperation between SLB OneSubsea and Equinor focuses on the technical modernization of the subsea multiphase compression system in the Norwegian North Sea. By replacing existing infrastructure with advanced compression technology, the partners aim to increase differential pressure and flow capacity to maintain production levels in a mature field environment.
Technical Scope and Partner Responsibilities
SLB OneSubsea, a joint venture between SLB, Aker Solutions, and Subsea7, is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of two new compressor modules. These units are designed to replace the original modules installed in 2015.
The technical solution utilizes next-generation multiphase compression technology. Unlike conventional systems that require the separation of gas and liquids before compression, this system handles the entire well stream directly. This capability reduces the complexity of subsea infrastructure and lowers the total energy requirement for boosting hydrocarbons to the host platform.
Operational Challenges and Field Integration
The Gullfaks field, located in block 34/10, faces declining natural reservoir pressure, a common challenge in industrial-scale offshore production. To counter this, the upgraded modules are engineered to provide higher pressure ratios, effectively offloading backpressure from the reservoir.
The implementation involves integrating the new modules into the existing subsea station. This modular approach allows for the reuse of existing umbilical, power, and control infrastructure, minimizing the need for extensive offshore construction. The upgrade is part of a broader digital infrastructure strategy to enhance subsea processing capabilities, which typically offer higher energy efficiency and lower carbon intensity compared to traditional topside compression alternatives.
Applications in Industrial Automation
The deployment serves as a primary use case for subsea gas compression in harsh environments. By placing the compression units closer to the wellheads, the system overcomes the frictional pressure losses associated with long-distance tie-backs.
Key technical benefits include:
- Enhanced Recovery: The increased suction capacity allows for lower abandonment pressure in the reservoir.
- Process Stability: The multiphase design handles fluctuating liquid slugs without requiring upstream separation vessels.
- Operational Longevity: The upgrade extends the economic life of the Gullfaks asset by accessing volumes that would otherwise remain unrecoverable.
Expected Impact on Recovery and Efficiency
The project is expected to deliver a measurable increase in total field recovery. While specific volume increments are dependent on reservoir performance, the transition to next-generation modules provides the operational logic required for Equinor’s long-term recovery strategy. By optimizing flow rates and pressure management through subsea processing, the partners aim to achieve a higher recovery factor while maintaining a lower environmental footprint per barrel produced.
www.slb.com
The project is expected to deliver a measurable increase in total field recovery. While specific volume increments are dependent on reservoir performance, the transition to next-generation modules provides the operational logic required for Equinor’s long-term recovery strategy. By optimizing flow rates and pressure management through subsea processing, the partners aim to achieve a higher recovery factor while maintaining a lower environmental footprint per barrel produced.
www.slb.com
