An electric actuated subsea system enables precise valve control providing optimum flow and production. For advanced applications like intervention, workover and processing, electric controls system allows for increased response time and advanced sequence control. It also reduces the possibility of disconnects or shutdowns.
FMC Technologies leads the industry in subsea all electric technology with field proven subsea experience operating multiple chokes and manifolds on installed production wells since 2001. FMC's all electric, low voltage power approach provides performance, reliability, and environmental, safety and economic advantages. Further advantages include:
- CapEx
– Lower hardware/umbilical costs
– Reduced engineering requirements and testing time
- OpEx
– Improved well monitoring and production optimization
– Ability to upgrade existing installations
– Eliminates costs associated with hydraulic fluids
- Environmental
– Eliminates environmental impact of hydraulic fluids
FMC’s electric subsea technology utilizes existing low-power umbilical and connector technology, which provides a safer operating environment and prevents corrosion from stray high voltage currents.
Low voltage system
- Reduced topside power generation and transformer equipment
- Utilizes existing low-power umbilicals and connectors
- Provides a safer operating environment
- Reduces risk of electrical shorts
- Prevents corrosion and other impact of stray high voltage DC
- Requires power only as needed for valve operation
Components adaptable to upgrade existing systems benefits
- Upgrade and expand existing infrastructure with remotely operated valve actuators
- Override control on (horizontal) tree and manifold valves to compensate for hydraulic failures
Rechargeable batteries subsea for actuator power
- No high power/ high voltage cable from surface needed
- Standard subsea cables and connectors – same high quality and reliability as demonstrated for EH systems
ROV retrievable actuators – standard ROV torque tool rotary interface to valves
- Installation and repair possible without loss of production
- Modular standard building blocks
FMC's electric technology is well suited for a large number of subsea applications including:
- Long distance tiebacks
- Production and water injection wells
- Chokes
- Manifold valves
- Valve actuator retrofits
- Process control valves for subsea separation
- Anti-surge valves for subsea gas compression
Electrical Choke Actuators
Electric actuator technology simplifies subsea distribution systems and eliminates consumption and contamination of hydraulic fluids. Running the actuators from a specially designed electrical SCM with rechargeable batteries requires no special power umbilical or high-power connectors.
Electric Manifold Valves
Electric manifold valve control is especially attractive in systems where control modules can be eliminated from the manifold. The technology offers precise position control and can be applied subsea without a hydraulic umibilical, providing huge cost savings potential.
Electric Subsea Control Module (eSCM)
Electric systems help achieve existing and anticipated environmental requirements and improve the reliability of subsea systems by eliminating hydraulic fault-sources and seawater contamination of hydraulic fluid that causes internal corrosion.
Manifolds and Sleds
- Retrievable actuators,
- Lower weight and size reductions,
- Simpler local fabrication with manual valves
Choke Control
- Electric Fast Acting Chokes
- Retrofit or upgrade Manual chokes in existing fields
Process Systems
Injection and Production Trees
- No HPU
- Reduce umbilical size
FMC’s demonstrated and qualified technology offers a solid platform for further development and is suitable for a range of other applications, including:
- Ultra long distance tiebacks
- Water injection wells
- Manifold valves
- Retrofit hydraulic actuators
- Retrofit manual valves and chokes to add remote actuation
- Process control valves for subsea separation
- Anti-surge valves for subsea gas compression
FMC Technologies' subsea electric technology powered by rechargeable batteries has been field proven. FMC will continue to work with its customers to meet their needs and will go on conducting field installations to ensure FMC's products and systems are dependable, reliable and safe.