Page 42: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Mar/Apr 2021)

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TECH FILE SUBSEA SIM AND TESTING

Simulation & Testing to Mitigate

Challenges in Subsea Oil & Gas

By Bipin Kashid, Simulation Engineer & Mitch Eichler, Applications Engineer,

Parker Hannifn Hydraulic Valve Division uring the exploration phase of the offshore drill- Because most valves operate based on simple on-off control, if ing cycle, pressure spikes of formation fuids in high-pressure fuid is rapidly expelled into the system it can cre- the well, known as “kicks” must be managed to ate a high-shock and vibration operating environment that leads

D prevent blowouts. Well control equipment, in- to valve wear in critical well management systems like the BOP.

cluding choke and kill systems and blowout preventers act as There are several challenges and mitigating factors that the defense system for drilling contractors to prevent disaster. should be addressed when designing systems for subsea appli-

A blowout preventer, or BOP, is a vent-to-sea control system cations. In order to ensure solutions and component selection which expels fuid directly into the ocean. This BOP control will lead to reliable operation, simulation and testing technol- fuid is often a 98/2-95/5 water and glycol mixture, effectively ogy should be incorporated into the design process.

behaving as pure water does.

These systems are tested regularly to ensure quick and reliable Challenges & Mitigating Factors operation. Valves are critical components to the hydraulic sys- Low-viscosity fuids used in subsea hydraulic systems pro- tems which often incorporate multiple different types of valves, vide minimal lubrication which can be aggressive on the in- including shuttle valves, pilot valves, pressure regulators, pres- ternal components. This means that valves must be designed sure relief valves, pressure intensifers and fow control valves. to stand up against rubbing wear. When designing a subsea

Source: Parker Hannifan 42 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM