EXPLORATION • DRILLING • FIELD SERVICES
ultra-deep subsea conditions. For example, it is possible for a section of pipeline and insulation to be put under simulated conditions, and OHTC testing capabilities allow companies to validate previous heat transfer models, giving them great insights into the thermal properties of their products. Tis has allowed them to build to scale and move forward with developing the technology for field deployment.
FUTURE PROOFING AS WE MOVE TOWARDS GREATER DEPTHS From an environmental and production standpoint, testing is crucial to ensure that components can withstand the intense pressures of subsea environments. With production companies seeking to exploit resources in deeper waters, equipment needs to be tested under current conditions and also with the foresight that it is likely to be deployed at far deeper depths in the future. Onshore downhole test facilities have the ability to replicate these conditions in a controlled and realistic manner, allowing manufacturers to see how their equipment stands up during product development. Furthermore, equipment manufacturers can vastly reduce the cost of research and development by ensuring that they navigate the TRL treadmill through regular testing. Particularly in the oil and gas field, the ability to work with independent fluid engineering experts and downhole testing facilities, which provide full visibility into testing and results, will deliver firms the accurate intelligence they need to progress their products into the final stages of testing. Tere is certainly a case for more
robust and accurate testing of equipment destined for the most extreme subsea environments. If production firms plan to go deeper than they have before, they need the highest levels of equipment and product innovation to deal with the ever- increasing pressure and temperature issues on the seabed. l
Dr Carl Wordsworth is senior consultant at BHR Group.
www.bhrgroup.com
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www.engineerlive.com
BHR’s test rig replicates real-life conditions to enable manufacturers to accurately test their latest designs
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