North Sea Well Intervention
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Supply of Well Kill Connector to a Norwegian vessel based subsea intervention services company – 2019
| Application | Subsea Well Intervention |
| Product | Well Kill Connector |
| Deployment | On the end of a 2” High-Pressure Hose |
| Maximum Working Pressure | 690 Bar |
| Media | Various, incl. acids, water and hydrocarbons |
Project overview
In 2019, Flint Subsea was approached by a subsea equipment supplier who was building a subsea intervention package for a Norwegian vessel based subsea intervention services company which had won a 5 year intervention contract with Equinor. They wanted to integrate our Mid Line Weak Link EQD into a easy deployable system to facility connection of a 2” high pressure downline into an Emergency Disconnect Package.
Application
The Well Kill Connector was to be integrated into a 2” high-pressure downline for use in subsea well intervention activities. A variety of fluids were to be pumped through the tool including mud, nitrogen, water and hydrocarbons.
Location and Water Depth
The operation took place on a North Sea asset in moderate water depths with variable environmental conditions. The North sea is generally accepted to have challenging, often rough sea conditions due to its shallow depth, strong winds and powerful tidal currents. The conditions in this region can be extremely cold due to operations in the Barent Sea.
Operating Pressure
The connector was designed to operate at a maximum working pressure of 10000PSI (690 Bar) with a test pressure of 15000 PSI (1035 Bar).
Why did the client approach Flint Subsea
Our client engaged Flint Subsea based on the track record of our Mid-Line Weak Link Emergency Quick Disconnect and due to our flexibility to work in accordance with customer specifications to customize our design to meet their requirements.
The Challenge
Flint Subsea had to integrate the field proven Mid Line Weak Link into a new product to meet the client demands of easy subsea connect and disconnect via ROV and provide reliable disconnection at the Mid Line Weak Link at angles up to 16° and to prove the design through rigorous qualification testing.
Objectives
- Provide an easily ROV subsea connect and disconnect device.
- Integration of the field proven Mid Line Weak Link.
- Ensure that client requirements were met.
Our Approach
Our approach to solve this challenge was to integrate field-proven equipment into a custom solution. Where field-proven equipment did not exist, we designed, built and tested. This included the hot stab and receptacle which incorporated dual ports and facilitated direct connection of the hydraulic emergency release function of the Mid Line EQD with the subsea EDP.
Following completion of the design, a full and rigorous test plan was followed. This included full disconnect testing at maximum working pressure and at the full 16° angle disconnect.
The Solution
A fully DNV certified Well Kill Connector, incorporating the Mid Line Weak Link EQD was delivered to our client in the North Sea. The system can be connected and disconnected easily subsea via ROV. Emergency disconnection is achieved at the EQD by pulling or by activating the emergency release from the EDP.
Results and Impact
The connector performed as designed, supporting a safe and controlled well kill operation and reinforcing Flint Subsea’s reputation. The unit has been in service for more than 5 years in the North Sea and undergone it’s first 5 yearly maintenance.
Why choose Flint Subsea
Flint Subsea offers responsiveness, technical capability, and proven field experience to deliver reliable emergency disconnect solutions worldwide.
