Modular Subsea Template for Flexible CO2 Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea CO2 injection systems lack flexibility and are costly due to inflexible design, making it difficult to relocate injection points in response to unexpected pressure build-ups or other issues, as seen at the Snøhvit site, where a new well had to be established.
Innovation Solution
A modular subsea template with a base structure, utility modules, and a pipe interface that allows for the injection of CO2 into subterranean voids, featuring a power interface for low-power direct current supply, hydraulic and anti-freeze units, and remote control capabilities, enabling flexible and cost-efficient seabed installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 is transported via long pipelines from onshore facilities to subsea injection points, then the injection system can operate continuously, but the system becomes highly inflexible and costly to relocate when pressure build-up or other issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is divided into modular components: subsea injection modules, umbilical connections, and onshore facilities. This segmentation allows the subsea injection point to be relocated independently without affecting the entire system, enabling flexibility while maintaining continuous operation through modular reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed injection point to a dynamic, relocatable subsea module that can be moved along the pipeline route. The modular subsea injection unit can be repositioned to different locations on the seabed, allowing the system to adapt to changing pressure conditions and operational requirements while maintaining continuous CO2 injection.
2Ease of operation
If all utilities and control systems are located onshore remote from the injection site, then safety and convenience are improved, but the system requires extensive pipelines and high voltage power cables increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges onshore control capabilities with subsea execution by integrating control modules directly on the subsea injection unit. This allows utilities and control systems to be co-located at the injection site, reducing the need for extensive external pipelines and power cables while maintaining remote operability through the merged control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A modular subsea control unit acts as an intermediary between onshore operators and subsea injection equipment. This intermediary module enables remote control and monitoring while reducing the complexity of direct connections by providing local intelligence and automated control functions at the subsea level.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed injection point is established on the seabed, then the injection system can be simplified initially, but relocation becomes extremely costly and complex when site conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into standardized modular units that can be easily deployed and repositioned. Each module is designed for simple installation at any location, and the modular architecture enables straightforward relocation by disconnecting and reconnecting standardized interfaces, maintaining both initial simplicity and future flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows changes in operational parameters such as injection location, pressure, and flow rate without requiring fundamental system redesign. The modular subsea unit can be repositioned to different seabed locations and reconfigured for varying operational conditions, enabling parameter changes while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea template is aimed at injecting fluid, e.g. carbon dioxide, for long term storage in a subterranean void. The subsea template has a base structure with a set of module receiving sections, each of which is configured to receive a respective utility module. A pipe interface receives at least one conduit transporting the fluid, for example from a vessel. The pipe interface forwards the fluid for injection into the subterranean void through a drill hole under the base structure via a valve tree installed in one of the module receiving sections. The other utility modules are configured to support the injection of the fluid into the subterranean void.