University of Houston – Spring 2013

SUBS 6310 - Flow Assurance

Homework #1
Due: Thursday, February 14, 2013, 5.30pm

1. How do you perform a systematic flow assurance analysis for a typical subsea field development?
Explain in detail.

2. Explain in detail the thermal modeling tasks or calculations in flow assurance.

3. Explain in detail about the different design parameters to be considered during the development of a
subsea field layout.

4. Describe the pros and cons of single flow line for a subsea tie-back system.

5. Describe the pros and cons of dual flow lines for a subsea tie-back system.

6. Explain the difference between FPSOs and Fixed Jacket Platform for host processing facilities.

7. Explain the Joule-Thompson effect when restarting well production from cold conditions. Describe the
key technical issues with this phenomenon and suggest possible techniques to mitigate.

8. Describe common design methods to manage hydrate formation in subsea systems.

9. Explain different technical challenges considered in a typical subsea field development.

10. Define the following terms

a. Critical point
b. Bubble point
c. Dew point
d. Cricondentherm
e. Cricondenbar

11. Describe general outline of a flow line design using PIPESIM software.

12. Describe and draw phase diagrams for the following fluids.
a. Black oil,
b. Volatile oil,
c. Retrograde gas,
d. Wet gas,
e. Dry gas