The equipment is about 30 tons heavier than conventional ones and was produced at the Manufacturing Hub Rio for phase 2 of Shell's Appomattox project. Another six similar units will be delivered by January 2022 as part of the local scope.
The Appomattox tree was produced with a new concept. The equipment has different dimensions and design adjusted to the characteristics of the field, providing the tree with more strength to withstand high pressures and temperatures. It will be exposed to a pressure of 15,000 psi and the maximum working temperature will be 400°F (200C°).
Adjustments were made at the Manufacturing Hub Rio in order to meet the project, with the creation of a third production line focused on larger and heavier equipment. The tools used were transferred from Houston to Brazil.
Due to the complexity of the equipment, the manufacturing flow was modified, with new assembly line, tests and load cells. "We had several changes in the assembly steps to guarantee the production flow and we are analyzing other changes, to reduce the production time of the next trees", explained Fabrício Silva, Industrial Assembly and Test Engineer.
“Producing such a peculiar equipment in Brazil, which will operate in conditions different from those we are used to, was a great challenge," commented Thainara Antunes, Well Control Engineer. “However, we were able to overcome the difficulties and manufacture the largest subsea tree in our history.”
Raison Santos, Well Control Engineer, said, "Our factory team carried out detailed studies, such as analyzing the soil of our factory, to ensure that the weight of the equipment was supported, for example. This project allowed us to think differently. We are ready for the next projects!"
Martha Faro, SPS Project Manager, added, "Delivering the first Appomattox tree is an accomplishment to all of us. We worked hard for it to be produced according to requirements and, above all, keeping our employees free from accidents. Congratulations to everyone!”
"These projects reinforce our position as a global hub for the supply of subsea trees. We invest in improvements and adjustments to fully meet these demands,” concluded Wagner Dutra, Tree Portfolio manager.
Source: TechnipFMC
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