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DEMO2000-Prosj.ret tekn.utv. petro.virk

Product Validation of the NOV Subsea Storage System

Alternative title: Produktvalidering av NOVs undervanns lagringssystem

Awarded: NOK 16.0 mill.

Project Number:

327959

Application Type:

Project Period:

2021 - 2024

Partner countries:

Subsea storage at ambient pressure will unlock new opportunities for all energy companies as the subsea storage system of ammonia, chemicals or oil can be placed at any water depth and is adjustable in capacity. Moving the storage from surface to seabed will significantly reduce environmental impacts compared to standard topside solutions. NOV has worked for the past several years on the development of subsea storage technology to now enter the final demonstration to verify the product. The development of oil/condensate storage technology allows for adaption to use a membrane-based subsea storage solution that’s modified to store chemicals as well as clean energy in the form of liquid ammonia. The seabed is the perfect location for storage of ammonia, not only due to safety considerations, but also as the combination of pressure and temperature offers storage without costs associated with cooling or pressure containment structures. Previous engineering and testing have shown a need for large subsea storage units ranging in size from 10 to 10,000 m³, and these units will provide a unique flexibility for field development. A versatile rubber membrane, a key technology element, enables the option for storage of large volumes of oil/condensate, ammonia, methanol (MEOH), or other relevant chemicals that are used in petroleum production. The completed qualification program aims to reach a system Technology Readiness Level of 4: Validation of Product, according to classification work from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and API17N. After completed the subsea storage system qualification program the product will be ready for field applications. NOV will in this phase of the project perform: 1) A large-scale test (2 off 200 m³) with condensate as the test fluid chosen to best represent ammonia, oil and buoyant chemicals 2) Small scale test (3 m³) to close identified technology gaps (non-buoyant liquid such as MEG) 3) Membrane combability testing

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The NOV subsea energy and liquid storage technology represents a new and unique solution to the energy and bunkering markets with a key focus on large storage units, safe solutions, simplifications and cost reduction. Subsea storage at ambient pressure unlocks new opportunities for all offshore related industries from energy production to shipping. The subsea storage system of ammonia, chemicals, and oil can be placed at any water depth and adjusted in capacity depending on development needs. The technology enables a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and supports the transition to a low-carbon society. By storing energy subsea, a small platform of 40 MW power will reduce annual emissions by 100,000 tons of CO2. Comparing the NOV storage system’s CO2 emissions to a FSO over a 10-year period shows a saving of 140,000 Te of CO2. Ammonia used to produce renewable electricity for offshore platforms has a huge potential. In the future, up to 30% of the shipping fleet is expected to use ammonia, and subsea bunkering is growing as an option. Subsea oil storage is a key element in developing new fields with low- or unmanned platform. Subsea chemical storage with large storage units is an integral part of the all-electric philosophy with the main goal of avoiding umbilicals. The project is the execution of an extensive Technology Qualification Program with a large-scale demonstration at Equinor’s K-lab facility as a last step. The project will focus on testing new technology elements, i.e. the storage including internals (2x200m³ SSUs), material compatibility testing, and reuse of small-scale test equipment to close technology gaps for non-buoyant liquids. The objective of the testing is to verify the system design, thus ensuring reliable functionality of a storage system. Although the storage technology has matured over several years, this demonstration will cover a significant amount of any remaining uncertainty associated with fabrication, assembly, and operation.

Funding scheme:

DEMO2000-Prosj.ret tekn.utv. petro.virk