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INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE 29 



• Fixed drilling and production platforms and facibties needs 



• Subsea completion needs 



• Subsea pipeline needs 



Environmental needs include baseline studies for environmental impact state- 

 ments and quantification of the effects of oil and gas operations on the environ- 

 ment. These tasks require methods and instrumentation to measure several pa- 

 rameters such as the concentration of chemical compounds in the atmosphere, 

 seawater, and seafloor sediment over representative periods of time. The amount 

 of nutrients available and the size of coral, fish, shellfish, and mammal popula- 

 tions in the area and their fluctuations over time must also be documented. The 

 methods and instrumentation used to establish baseUne data are available now. 

 The challenge is to design and install these systems to survive in the ocean over 

 the required periods, providing continuous monitoring and data recording and 

 transmission. 



Drilling from a floating platform requires several unique abilities, including 

 (1) accurate monitoring and forecasting of weather, sea state, and currents; (2) 

 adequate mooring and station-keeping technology (including location and real- 

 time monitoring of the bottom hole and use of global positioning systems and 

 dynamic positioning for the surface platform); and (3) adequate methods to sepa- 

 rate and dispose of wastewater and drilhng fluid at sea. Drilling and production 

 platforms need design criteria based on atmospheric and oceanographic condi- 

 tions, stress and load analysis, soil shear strength, and consolidation of the under- 

 lying seafloor. Platform construction and maintenance presents its own set of 

 challenges: 



• Inspection and crack detection and repair at depths to 2,500 feet (some of 

 which may be accompUshed by remotely operated vehicles [ROVs]) 



• Use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) 



• Underwater explosive cutting and welding technology 



• Use of composite materials in topside structures and drill pipe and risers 

 to reduce weight and increase resistance to abrasion, fire, sunhght, and salt water 



• Use of paint and painting systems, both surface and underwater 



• Use of deepwater pipeline connection systems (e.g., ROV and AUV) for 

 both rigid and flexible pipe 



• Use of space-frame and finite-element design techniques 



Subsea completion of wells presents other unique requirements, including: 



• Control systems 



Long-hfe autonomous power suppUes 

 Quick-acting valve operators and controls 

 Pipehne and valve connection and monitoring 



