the results have been encouraging) but the structure will 

 remain in place for 4 to 5 years to test its durability 

 (Burwell, 1976). 



Currently, two basic types of subsea production systems 

 are being developed. Lockheed is developing a "dry" system 

 consisting of a wellhead cellar (into which production from 

 the well enters the system), a manifold center (which 

 gathers, measures, and controls production ( States-Item , 

 September 2, 1976: 2), and a service capsule (a manned atmos- 

 pheric habitat operating from a support boat for installation 

 and periodic maintenance) (Carmichael, 1975: 53). This system 

 is currently being tested by Shell in the Gulf of Mexico in 

 240 ft. of water. It is designed for use in up to 3,000 ft. 

 of water, but Shell's project manager says it will take 

 at least 5 years before it can be applied in deep water 

 ( States-Item , September 2, 1976: 1). 



The other system is Exxon's SPS , a "wet" system. This 

 system uses clustered wells located on a bottom founded tem- 

 plate containing preinstalled production manifolds and oil- 

 gas separation equipment. It is installed from the surface 

 and maintained remotely using a maintenance manipulator. It 

 is believed that subsea production systems could be ready for 

 widespread use by the end of 1976 or first part of 1977 



(Exxon, no date, b). 



Another major technological advance necessary for deep- 

 water development is pipeline laying in deep waters. Currently, 



84 



