FRANCE: Flexible connections for FPSO and loading buoy export lines
April 2001 Vol. 222 No. 4 Feature Article FRANCE: Flexible connections for FPSO and loading buoy export lines In a project that began in early 2000, Techlam of the
FRANCE:Flexible connections for FPSO and loading buoy export linesIn a project that began in early 2000, Techlam of the SNECMA Group, France, is about to complete delivery of the final items related to the supply of FPSO and loading buoy export line connections for Girassol field, offshore Angola. Installation work is being performed by the AMG Consortium (Stolt Offshore and Bouygues Offshore) for operator TotalFinaElf. Designed, engineered and manufactured by Techlam, the connections faced several technical challenges, including:
The FPSO receptacles and buoy-side structures have been delivered to the Korea FPSO yard and to Lobito Angola Sonamet facilities, respectively, for welding integration. An FPSO side fit-up test currently is being successfully implemented in Korea with a mock-up of the male connector / flex joint assembly in order to simulate an installation operation and to test the pre-tensioning device. The delivery of the six rubber steel flexible elements and assembly of the four flex joints / male connectors is scheduled for May 2001. Installation in Girassol field is planned for the third quarter of 2001.
This flexible connection system is suitable for any type of oil and gas flow-line, including:
Within the scope of the production-sharing agreement covering Block 17, SONANGOL (Sociedade National de Combustiveis de Angola) is the concessionaire, and TotalFinaElf-E&P Angola is the operator for the following partners: TotalFinaElf-E&P Angola (40%); Esso Exploration Angola (Block 17) Ltd. (20%); BP Exploration Angola Ltd. (16.67%); Den Norsk Stats Oljeselskap a.s. (13.33%); and Norsk Hydro ASA (10%). |