EPS Conceptual Design for GoM Deepwater Fields

To avoid making billion dollar mistakes, operators with discoveries in deepwater (∼3,000m) Gulf of Mexico (GoM) need dependable well performance, reservoir response and fluid data to guide full-field development decisions. Recognizing this need, the DeepStar consortium developed a conceptual design for an Early Production System (EPS) that will serve as a mobile well test system that is safe, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The EPS is a dynamically positioned (DP) Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel with a bundled top tensioned riser having quick emergency disconnect capability. Both oil and gas are processed onboard and exported by shuttle tankers to local markets. Oil is stored and offloaded using standard FPSO techniques, while the gas is exported as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This paper summarizes the technologies, regulatory acceptance, and business model that will make the DeepStar EPS a reality. Paper published with permission.

The Applicability of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XII, Transport Tanks, for Use in U.S. Federal Maritime Regulations

Developed at the request of the US Department of Transportation, Section XII-Transport Tanks, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code addresses rules for the construction and continued service of pressure vessels for the transportation of dangerous goods by road, air, rail, or water. The standard is intended to replace most of the vessel design rules and be referenced in the federal hazardous material regulations, Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). While the majority of the current rules focus on over-the-road transport, there are rules for portable tanks which can be used in marine applications for the transport of liquefied gases, and for ton tanks used for rail and barge shipping of chlorine and other compressed gases. Rules for non-cryogenic portable tanks are currently provided in Section VIII, Division 2, but will be moved into Section XII. These portable tank requirements should also replace the existing references to the outmoded 1989 edition of ASME Section VIII, Division 1 cited in Title 46 of the CFR. Paper published with permission.

Discussion Paper on the Use of FPC’s C240 Integrated Compressed Natural Gas (ICNG) Storage Units and TransCanada’s CNG Storage System for the Storage of Natural Gas As a Fuel for Marine Applications

This discussion paper is based on a preliminary design and is not to be construed or interpreted as being a suitable basis for adoption as a final design for natural gas storage facilities or marine vessels. The gas storage concepts were developed as a basis for project budgeting, further design studies such as HAZID/HAZOP/FEMA, and for review/comment by Classification Societies and Regulatory Authorities as a precedent to further design development. The contents, comments and opinions contained herein are proprietary to Floating Pipeline Company Incorporated and TransCanada. Paper published with permission.

Use of Fuel Cells and ASME Piping Codes for Powering Marine Equipment

This paper discusses the potential to use fuel cell technology for marine applications. The topics discussed include a definition of a fuel cell, the types of fuel cells and their applications, fuels currently used by various fuel cell designs, the status of supporting product safety standards, the existing model and design codes for the storage and piping of various fuels, the existing model and design codes for the dispensing of various fuels, and potential near term applications for powering marine vessels and other equipment. Paper published with permission.

Emerging Technologies for Treating Contaminants in Marine Wastewater

Contaminants in marine wastewater facing current or near-future regulations can be broadly categorized to free oil & suspended solids, emulsified oil and dissolved solids, and biological organisms. The first category of contaminants has been treated by commercially available OWS systems. The second class of contaminants, emulsified oils and dissolved solids, has been effectively treated by UF membrane filtration and to a less extent by biological oxidation and surface modified filters. A survey of recent advances in physical and chemical demulsification technologies to enhance emulsified oil removal with reduced loads on membrane was conducted. The study also identified new applications for treatments of biological organisms in ballast water. Paper published with permission.

Application of Certification/Safety Experience Gained in Fuel Cell Public Transportation With Buses Towards Marine Applications of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells with hydrogen fuel have now been demonstrated in public transportation for over 15 years worldwide. During this time Ballard-powered fuel cell buses have clocked more than 300,000 hours while accumulating over 5 million kilometers. These public transport buses have been certified and homologated in the USA, Europe, Australia and China. While certification agencies such as TUV, CHP, NHTSA, and other local governing bodies have been involved with the approval process for ensuring safety of personnel and equipment, the components themselves have met stringent requirements of NFPA, NGV, SAE, ASME, ANSI and other governing organizations. This paper highlights the various standards and safety concepts used in the approval process of public transportation using fuel cell buses. Since marine ferries involve movement of personnel, it is recommended that many of the requirements used for public buses can be easily adapted for marine applications of fuel cells. Paper published with permission.

Ballast Water Management Technologies: A Review and Consideration of Future Developments

Current Status of Technology • 10 systems have received Type Approval certificates • 14 have received IMO final approval • a further 3 are expecting final approval at MEPC 60 • 8 others have basic approval • A further 7 may receive basic approval at MEPC 60 It is important to note that, not all systems are required to follow the IMO basic and final approval path to Type Approval as outlined in Procedure G9. If the system does not utilize an active substance as a biocide, a separate procedure for testing and verification according to Procedure G8 is undertaken. That said, it is expected that several systems are in the process of obtaining Type Approval in this manner as well, adding to those mentioned above. Paper published with permission.

Development of ASME Section X Code for High Pressure Vessels

ASME has a project to meet industry needs for pressure vessel Code updates to address storage of high pressure hydrogen. This has resulted in updates to existing B&PV Code, new Code Cases, and new Code requirements. One of the tasks was to develop requirements for high pressure composite reinforced vessels with non-load sharing liners. Originally developed as a Code Case, the requirements have been approved as mandatory Appendix 8 of ASME Section X of the B&PV Code, to be published in July 2010. The allowed pressures of this new Code are from 0.7 MPa (3,000 psi) to 103.4 MPa (15,000 psi). Qualification testing addresses expected operating conditions. Inspection requirements are being developed in cooperation with NBIC. Pressure vessels are being developed that meet the new ASME requirements. Efforts will be made to include additional gases, including compressed natural gas, and additional operational requirements in future revisions. Paper published with permission.

Hybrid-Powered Marine Vessels

In discussing the use of Natural Gas as a fuel for Marine use, there are two aspects that require examination, firstly, the gas handling, process and on land/vessel storage considerations, and secondly, the pressure vessels that will store the fuel. Paper published with permission.