In 2004, Chevron Nigeria Limited expressed a need for a fast-track, fit-for-purpose early production system (EPS) for its Dibi concession in Nigeria. Operation of the existing flowstation was suspended in 2003; a replacement EPS would have to be barge mounted and capable of operating in the Swamp of the Niger Delta.
Expro’s solution
Expro recommended converting the ‘Swamp Queen’ drilling barge which had been previously supplied and operated by Expro as an early production facility for Shell, in Nigeria, into the Dibi EPS.
The EPS process package would consist of new build and refurbished equipment capable of handling:
Oil Flowrate: 50,000 bopd.
Produced Water Flowrate: 10,000 bwpd,
Gas Flowrate: 55 MMscfd,
Water Injection: 100,000 bpd.
Results
The EPS is a complete self-contained unit with 36-man accommodation module and helideck. Processed crude is exported via pipelines to the Escravos terminal, and gas utilised as fuel for turbine generators on the barge.
Conversion of the Swamp Queen into the Dibi EPS commenced in late 2005, in Warri, Nigeria, with the majority of the work performed by local contractors. First oil was achieved in mid-2007 and water injection started in early 2008.
Pipework refurbishment at the Dibi site, conversion of the Swamp Queen and subsequent transportation and commissioning of the EPS, were completed without any lost time or recordable injuries.
Technologies used
The project was executed on a staged basis, starting with a front end engineering and design (FEED) study to develop the EPS requirements. This resulted in a contract award for supply of the EPS which included; refurbishment and construction of piping facilities at the Dibi site, structural conversion of the barge into a production facility, design, procurement and fabrication of equipment modules and their installation on the barge, transportation of the EPS to the field, commissioning at site, and operation and maintenance of the EPS for two years.
Delivering a flowstation in the Niger Delta
Customers problem
In 2004, Chevron Nigeria Limited expressed a need for a fast-track, fit-for-purpose early production system (EPS) for its Dibi concession in Nigeria. Operation of the existing flowstation was suspended in 2003; a replacement EPS would have to be barge mounted and capable of operating in the Swamp of the Niger Delta.
Expro’s solution
Expro recommended converting the ‘Swamp Queen’ drilling barge which had been previously supplied and operated by Expro as an early production facility for Shell, in Nigeria, into the Dibi EPS.
The EPS process package would consist of new build and refurbished equipment capable of handling:
Results
The EPS is a complete self-contained unit with 36-man accommodation module and helideck. Processed crude is exported via pipelines to the Escravos terminal, and gas utilised as fuel for turbine generators on the barge.
Conversion of the Swamp Queen into the Dibi EPS commenced in late 2005, in Warri, Nigeria, with the majority of the work performed by local contractors. First oil was achieved in mid-2007 and water injection started in early 2008.
Pipework refurbishment at the Dibi site, conversion of the Swamp Queen and subsequent transportation and commissioning of the EPS, were completed without any lost time or recordable injuries.
Technologies used
The project was executed on a staged basis, starting with a front end engineering and design (FEED) study to develop the EPS requirements. This resulted in a contract award for supply of the EPS which included; refurbishment and construction of piping facilities at the Dibi site, structural conversion of the barge into a production facility, design, procurement and fabrication of equipment modules and their installation on the barge, transportation of the EPS to the field, commissioning at site, and operation and maintenance of the EPS for two years.