Pipe-in-Pipe Thermal Management System With Adjustable U-Value During Field Life

This paper details a new flowline thermal performance control system in which the overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of a pipe-in-pipe system can be varied. Large scale physical testing was carried out as part of the technology qualification to verify the system and design models developed. The solution is ideally suited for the increasing numbers of High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) field developments being made; where the fluid temperature, pressure and flowrates will change significantly over the field life. It allows a new approach to flowline thermal design and operation to be taken for various types of field development. A qualification program has been performed with independent verification body assessment of the work and results and confirms the predicted performance. This paper describes the qualification method to DNVGL-RP-A203 and associated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment of the components. The physical design of the system is presented along with examples of how benefits can be realised through its use.