Next Generation FPSO: Combining Production and Gas Utilization

摘要

Current Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO)rnconcepts, with few exceptions, focus primarily on oilrnproduction. Associated gas utilization and/or conversion arernnot prime concerns at present. The current method ofrnassociated gas disposal is re-injection, flaring is normally onlyrnpermitted in an emergency situation and for a short duration. Itrnis expected that for many future oil production projects morernemphasis may be placed on the regulatory process which mayrnforce operators through legislation or tax regime to look forrnalternatives to gas re-injection.rnThis paper evaluates the following gas utilization options onrna combined oil/gas production FPSO:rn? Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)rn? Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)rn? Gas to Liquids (GTL)rn? Gas to Wire (GTW)rnIn addition to technical aspects, this paper also looks atrnproject execution issues for this new generation FPSO.rnIncreased complexity and size of the project as well as newrnrequired skills will impact and tax the current projectrnmanagement, engineering, procurement and fabricationrnmethods and project execution approach. The increasedrntopsides weight and complexity will stretch the modulernconstruction and installation capabilities of most presentrnday offshore fabrication yards as well. The size and scope ofrnthese larger FPSOs may result in the need to fabricate topsidernmodules in more than one location to optimize availability ofrnconstruction equipment and/or skilled labor.rnThe paper is based on Fluor’s past and current projectrnexecution experience on similar projects. Typical projectrnexecution strategies which could be applicable to thernchallenge of managing these ever-larger and technicallyrncomplex projects are discussed.