scope:

1 Scope

This recommended practice provides guidelines for the design, installation, operation, repair, and abandonment of subsea production systems. The elements of subsea production systems included (see Figure 1) are wellheads (both subsea and mudline casing suspension systems) and trees; pipelines and end connections; controls, control lines, and control fluids; templates and manifolds; and production risers (both rigid and flexible). Other sections of the recommended practice cover operations, quality assurance, materials, and corrosion. Specialized equipment such as split trees and trees and manifolds in atmospheric chambers are not specifically discussed because of their limited use. However, the information presented is applicable to those types of equipment. This document includes information on a wide range of equipment and operations to emphasize interrelationships and the need to consider subsea production installations as systems.

In planning a subsea production system, a systems approach should be used that considers installation, operation, maintenance, repair, and abandonment requirements. The system may range in complexity from a single satellite well with a flowline, to a fixed platform, to several wells on a template producing, to a floating facility. Produced and injected fluid characteristics, rates, and pressures; number of wells; environmental conditions; and the ultimate field development scheme must be determined before a detailed design can be undertaken.

The development and application of subsea production technology is accelerating at a rapid pace. In those areas where the committee felt that adequate information was available, specific recommendations are given. In other areas, general statements are used to indicate that consideration should be given to particular points. In many cases (particularly with control systems), there are a number of viable options, and operator preference governs the final selection of equipment or an operation. Those involved with subsea production systems are encouraged to utilize all of the new advances available and to suggest revisions or additions to this recommended practice. It is intended that the general statements contained herein will be eventually replaced by firm recommendations.