RIO DE JANEIRO�Technological improvements have helped Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) reduce capital and operating expenditures, said Jose Coutinho Barbosa, Petrobras� exploration and production director.
He told the Rio Oil & Gas Conference 2000 that steel catenary risers have been used as an alternative to flexible lines in deep waters. The system has been used since 1998 in the giant Marlim field and more recently in Roncador field, both in Campos basin, offshore Rio de Janeiro state. Campos basin produces about 80% of Brazil�s crude and 45% of its gas.
He said a nitrogen generator system, a thermo-chemical process patented by Petrobras, has been used to remove hydrates and paraffins in submarine lines. More than 220 operations were successfully undertaken using this technology in Campos basin, he said.
Petrobras has used a taut-leg polyester mooring as a substitute for conventional mooring systems in deep waters. The mooring system has several advantages, including a reduction in mooring radius.
He said the technology was used in eight production platforms at Marlim field and Petrobras has used it worldwide in four semisubmersible platforms and one production vessel.
