What is a Subsea Test Tree, and Why is it Important?
A subsea test tree is a vertical tree used to test for potential risks and damage to subsea pipelines and installations in the ocean. If you’re involved with an oil and gas industry project, a subsea test tree can save you money and increase the safety of the project. There are several things to know about a subsea test tree.
Vertical Test Tree
Subsea test trees are a crucial component of offshore installations. They provide a safe, simple way to disconnect a well from the production flowline in an emergency. These units are also designed to operate at extreme pressures and are thus critical to reliable production.
In addition to providing extra features like valve position feedback and chemical injection locations, the subsea test tree may regulate the flow of fluids. Additionally, they provide down-hole pressure transducers that can be used to prevent production problems.
In addition, they can help detect corrosion and erosion. The technology is being used to develop a new subsea tree that can be entirely electric.
While vertical and horizontal subsea test trees can offer many advantages, they can also present some operational challenges. Fortunately, operators are moving towards standardization. Developing a standardized approach for each part will help streamline future engineering designs.
Standardization can help engineers learn from different projects and reduce lead times. In addition, it can also allow for cost savings for the end user.
Impact of Sea Conditions on Trees
The subsea test tree is a structure used in the offshore oil industry. It is an integral part of the subsea production system. It is composed of various valves and fittings. The subsea test tree is subject to sea conditions during installation and operation.
A series of simulations were conducted to estimate the effects of sea conditions on the subsea test tree. The development of wave height, velocity, period, and current was analyzed for each scenario. This resulted in a 3D model of the subsea test tree and the installation vessel.
The wave height was taken as 1.5 m. It was determined that the absolute lowering speeds were 0.2 m/s and 0.3 m/s. However, the maximum force of the cable was 1500 kN.
The lateral X offset was analyzed for periods of 5 s. This was calculated using the simulation results of Figure 8 and Figure 10. When the tree was installed at a lowering speed of 1.50 m/s, the offset was more than 1.5 m.
On the other hand, when the subsea tree was lowered to a depth of 10 m, the balance was less than 1.50 m.
For example, When finishing, testing, or carrying out live well intervention activities, the flowhead supports the test string and offers a method of surface well management.
Cost-savings Without Compromising Functionality and Safety
Subsea Christmas trees play a vital role in offshore oil and gas production systems. They serve as a connection between wells and infrastructure. However, they also have extensive safety regulations and must be designed and manufactured to meet specific engineering specifications.
The subsea tree is an assembly of valves that control produced oil and choke formation fluids. It contains fittings and metallic seals that help prevent pressure from escaping.
Typically, the weight of a subsea tree is around 20 to 50 tonnes. A typical tree is 12 feet long. Trees are generally installed through a moon pool or with a drill pipe. Some are installed using a jack-up or a semisubmersible.
A deck or a cable crane/winch is used to install the subsea tree. This allows the tree to be lowered into the wellhead.
Standardization of equipment, control systems, and inspection of facilities has begun to spread throughout the subsea sector.
