The Bittern production flowline system transports the production fluids from subsea wells to the Triton separation systems. The production flowlines require integrity inspection to validate corrosion modelling to ensure the future operation of the pipelines. However, there is currently no launcher or receiver available to facilitate the safe loading and unloading of pigs on Triton.

Dana requested that Katoni undertake a SELECT phase study for the topsides interface project with the key objective to evaluate options for the installation of a pig launcher and pig receiver for the Bittern production flowlines. The two options were:

1.     Install new Pig launcher and pig receiver.

2.     Re-site and repurpose existing pig launcher and pig receiver.

The SELECT phase study also defined the requirements for a complimentary valve interlocking system, concluded SELECT level 3D modelling, validated deck and support capacity and included a project process operability review.

The study appraised each option on technical factors, operational factors, and construction effort. The SELECT phase concluded that new pig launchers and receivers addressed known operational factors, layout concerns and greatly reduced the offshore construction effort when compared to re-siting and repurposing existing units. New pig launcher and receiver also provided the means for operational improvement to the interlock system leading to enhanced safety.

Katoni are presently concluding a DEFINE phase study to validate the project boundaries and provide Dana with a fixed price engineering solution for the EXECUTE phase of the project.

Our knowledge of the asset, and expertise in pigging solutions added value to the project in the development of the SELECT and DEFINE project phases.