Subsea Production Control Fluid System Course Preview

Subsea Control Systems are used to remotely control the flow of oil or gas from producing wells using subsea hydraulic control fluids (SCFs). These fluids are the ‘blood’ of the system so it is essential that the hydraulic fluid doesn’t damage the subsea equipment in any way and careful consideration is given to which fluid is chosen. It is extremely expensive to repair subsea equipment, so extensive testing should be carried out with all materials (metals/elastomers & coatings) that could come in contact with the fluid, to check that they are compatible.

Different Types Subsea control fluids can be divided into two main categories: Water Based (most common) and Oil based. Both have advantages and disadvantages; the main advantage of Oil Based fluids is the superior lubrication properties, oil is naturally a good lubricant, whereas water is not. Traditionally oil based fluids were not environmentally acceptable, however new fluids coming onto the market, for example ‘CLEO’ is both oil based and environmentally acceptable.

Water based fluids are generally cheaper and are much more widely used. There are two main components that make up the ‘base’ for all water based SCFs, these are Di‐mineralised water and mono ethylene glycol (MEG). The ratio of water/MEG will change depending on the climate, with more MEG used in colder climates and in gas wells for hydrate control. Then, an additive package is added which includes boundary lubricants, extreme pressure additives, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, surfactants, dyes, stability additives etc. This package will be very variable between the different brands of SCFs.

For full videos you can visit this link :

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16wJX3K13ro1I5BTOGADNzw-csWW--l5D/view?usp=sharing

https://bit.ly/3ut7XWx

and you will be directed to a google drive link where you can download all files of this course

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ax6t57aOQEcuTFdsd8XuV-18WcdhIqy_/view?usp=drive_link