The Five Steps of Sand Management for Subsea (B-FSM-175)
Applying the Five Steps of Sand Management to Subsea is the same methodology used as for surface facilities.
Separation: required
- Separation will take place either in the separating vessel with jetting or with subsea wellhead desander
Collection: required
- Collection will take place in the separator vessel bottom section or dedicated subsea wellhead desander accumulator
Cleaning: not required
- Cleaning will not be required. If subsea solids discharge is ever allowed, then yes cleaning could be used – but that disposal step is doubtful
Dewater: probably not required
- Dewatering always depends on the final solids disposal route – for injection or pipe transport no, but for containerization with retrieval then yes it will be required
Transport: required
- Sand will need to be disposed of from process once separated
References:
- Rawlins, C.H. and Ditria, J.C., 2019. “The Subsea Sand Management Challenge – What to do with the Sand?”. Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, TX, 6-9 May, OTC-29278-MS. https://doi.org/10.4043/29278-MS
- Rawlins, C.H. 2019. “Enhanced Production Through Surface Facilities Sand Management.” SPE Distinguished Lecturer presentation. Link here
- eprocess-training.com
Next week I will start discussion on the three categories for design approaches.
