Analysis of Alternatives for the Selection of Offshore Production Platforms. Application in the Colombian Caribbean [Análisis de alternativas para la selección de plataformas de producción offshore. Aplicación en el Caribe Colombiano]

Abstract

The development of this article consists of the application of an analysis sequence which consists of four criteria that can be considered when developing an offshore oil field. First, a detailed study is made of the different types of platforms that can be used for the hydrocarbon production in deep and ultra-deep waters. Then, the selection criteria for each type of platform are developed depending on factors such as the characteristics of the reservoir, the technical requirements, and the meta-oceanic conditions of the site. Subsequently, it seeks to identify the basic facilities that the offshore facilities must-have, and a series of scenarios are proposed for the production of the fields taking as a reference the experiences of the Liwan field -1 located in deep waters of the South China Sea. The application of a scenario for the development of the Orca field is suggested, considering the needs of infrastructure, production systems, and facilities. In addition, the variables influenced by the meta-oceanic conditions of the area are analyzed. Thus, it analyzes all the variables that can drive the selection of a production platform in the northernmost seas of the country, specifically in the waters of the Colombian Caribbean Sea. © 2021 Universidad Industrial de Santander. All Rights Reserved.