Thunder Horse
Protecting Thunder Horse from the elements, and beyond
Subsea Project Preservation Programme - Thunder Horse
Thunder Horse is a huge, world-class field located 150 miles southeast of New Orleans, in a challenging deepwater environment. Designed to process a quarter of a million barrels of oil per day it is technologically complex, supported by a network of no fewer than 25 subsea wells.
Thunder Horse is a huge, world-class field located 150 miles southeast of New Orleans, in a challenging deepwater environment. Designed to process a quarter of a million barrels of oil per day it is technologically complex, supported by a network of no fewer than 25 subsea wells.
When we had a failure in one of the subsea manifolds, we discovered that due to a process called hydrogen embrittlement, the equipment couldn’t perform at the required temperatures or pressures. We had to act to preserve our equipment and ensure that the platform would be up-and-running as quickly as possible.
The most significant aspect of the program was replenishing the chemical inhibition package in the flowlines and risers equipment that, when installed, was treated with a degradable chemical cocktail. The retreating process meant we could provide the necessary corrosion protection throughout the lengthy project delay.
After outlining the methodology and equipment that would be needed, we progressed the project through the detailed planning and review stages commonly used across BP. Then, after a three-month development period, members of the team mobilized offshore to coordinate the execution of the plans.
Assurance has been the main outcome. We know for sure that the subsea equipment is preserved and will be available to go online when production starts. A bonus was the data collected from the water in the risers and flowlines. This information will help us understand the historic conditions experienced by the subsea system - extremely useful when planning for long-term integrity management.
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