When decommissioning subsea wells and infrastructure, hydrocarbons and equipment must be removed to leave the area in a safe and environmentally sustainable condition.
Decommissioning now covers a wide spectrum of disciplines. It is principally focused on the Plug and Abandonment (P&A) of wells, pipeline decommissioning and various subsea cutting and removal services.
Secc supports the decommissioning activities of operators and service companies globally. We provide specialised fluid transfer connectors and couplings and a range of services in support of these products. These products and services, whilst improving operational efficiency, are supplied in accordance with the highest safety standards and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Secc’s Hot Make Hot Break and Mid Line Weak Link Emergency Quick Disconnects (EQD) operate in the presence of all fluid and chemical types used in subsea operations, this includes abrasive substances and solids bearing fluids such as drill cuttings and cement.
All Secc’s Couplings are designed to be situated either at the end of or between two flexible hoses and be able to breakaway in an emergency, such as a vessel drifting off station. They are full-bore, pressure-balanced connections. Under an axial pull or force, they will disconnect passively when a customer specified break load is reached and automatically dry-seal both bores to prevent any fluid loss.
Secc’s unique patented- balanced design removes separation forces allowing the passive Mid Line Weak Link Coupling to be set at relatively low break loads: protecting the most sensitive and critical subsea infrastructure and flow lines.
Decommissioning often requires a multitude of operations and equipment. Much of the tooling required to physically cut and dismantle the architecture relies on hydraulic interfaces and connections. Systems such as subsea Chopsaw’s and Diamond wire saws make multiple cuts in various locations. This demands a high frequency of hydraulic connections and disconnections in the marine environment to be made.
Secc’s ECOFLOW Hot Stabs utilise traditional and patented valve technology, resulting in zero spill during connection and disconnection of the hydraulic interfaces. ECOFLOW Hot Stabs can be used in static and non-static, flowing applications making them versatile in both clamping and pumping operations.
Secc offers a wide range of Hot Stabs and Receptacles. As well as our more standard products we also offer engineered solutions to access existing subsea systems. Allowing decommissioning teams to flush and remove hydrocarbons from old subsea assets. Secc’s bespoke service utilises 20 years of engineering design, patents and expertise. Allowing operators to access redundant systems via flanges, ports, valve bodies and other basic access ports.
1. End of Field Life: When an oil or gas field is no longer economically viable or has depleted its reserves, the associated subsea infrastructure needs to be safely decommissioned.
2. Environmental Protection: Abandoned subsea infrastructure can pose significant environmental risks, including potential leaks of hydrocarbons or other hazardous materials, which can harm marine ecosystems. Decommissioning helps mitigate these risks by ensuring proper removal or securing of the equipment.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory bodies have stringent regulations and guidelines for the decommissioning of subsea infrastructure to ensure safety, environmental protection, and adherence to international standards.
4. Safety Concerns: Ageing infrastructure can become structurally unsound, posing risks to human safety and the marine environment. Decommissioning reduces the risk of accidents or failures.
5. Economic Considerations: While decommissioning is costly, maintaining and monitoring non-productive infrastructure can also be expensive. Decommissioning can be a more cost-effective long-term solution.
6. Restoration of Seafloor: Decommissioning allows for the restoration of the seafloor to its natural state, which can be beneficial for marine habitats and biodiversity.
7. Reuse and Recycling: Some subsea infrastructure components can be recycled or repurposed, reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices.
The decommissioning process typically involves several stages, including planning, regulatory approval, cessation of production, removal of equipment, site remediation, and ongoing monitoring. Each project is unique and requires careful consideration of environmental, technical, and economic factors to ensure a safe and effective decommissioning process. Secc continues to work with UK and global partners in making Decommissioning as efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.
