DeepGelIn situ insulation of deep water
subsea structures
Paddy CollinsYthan Environmental Services
Subtech 05 December 2005
Challenge
� Connectors cannot be insulated until after connection has been made
� Failure to do so causes hydrates� Need to install insulation to connectors
subsea via ROV� Issues with �Dog Houses�
DeepGel
� Depth Independent insulation performance capable of achieving long cool down times.
� Does not need rated containment.
� Can be tailored to give different thermal properties
� Simple to apply, two component system
� Cost effective � Environmentally acceptable
and safe to use
DeepGel Performance and Applications
> 20 yearsDesign life at 75 C
0.00085 /KThermal Expansion
24 hoursCool Down
790 kg/m3Density
2310 J/kg.KSpecific heat Capacity
0.13 W/m.KConductivity
Performance Applications
�Risers�Bundles �Pipe in Pipe�Can handle complexity�Can handle changes in design�Enabling technology
Application via ROV
� Allows installation or retrofit of insulation subsea� Insulation of subsea components � connectors etc.� Link up with ROV company offers complete service� First Installation Jan 2006
First Application
� Deepwater (800m) offshore Africa
� Gel to insulate connectors on trees risers and in line connectors
� DeepGel injected into dog house subsea via ROV
� Test gel with ROV tool package Jan �05
� Dog house cool down tests Feb �05
� Subsea gel injection test May �05
� Order Gel Aug �05� Install Jan �06
Application Qualification
Factory Test
Cooldown Tests
� Gel formed in bulk
� Rate of Cooldownthree times slower with gel
� Able to insulate complex elements
�Subsea Gel Injection test�
Future
� Simple flexible versatile insulation technology
� Wide range of applications
� Safe, easy to use, environmentally responsible
� Can apply insulation �in situ� with ROV system
� Potential for simpler easier to make �dog houses�� Interest from other operators for similar
applications