Z-SSp

Application

Design, cost estimating and scheduling of subsea development projects.

Introduction

Z-SSp (Zentech's SIMULUS Subsea program) carries out the design, scheduling and cost estimating for subsea development projects. It enables a comprehensive and rapid screening of a wide range of options, including field layout scenarios.

Z-SSp also provides an ideal training environment for subsea engineers and planners - with its recommendation of appropriate input values at each stage.

Backed by an extensive technical database, Z-SSp guides the user through the development life-cycle - from feasibility studies, through design, installation, start-up to on-going inspection, maintenance and repair. The database is updated to reflect new technology and methods, in particular in deep-water environments.

The program performs feasibility and compatibility checks of the technical development options under simulation.

The evaluation of each development includes:

• reservoir data
• downhole interpretation
• drilling
• well completions
• manifolds
• control system and pipeline design
• riser base.

The user enters project requirement information by data group, e.g. reservoirs, structures, etc.. The consistency of the project model is validated at each stage, utilising an extensive system library of rules, multiple pre-coded schemes, equipment catalogues, etc..

After the input phase, Z-SSp automatically generates and analyses the network plan for the project. Detailed costs of equipment and resources for the project are provided.

A powerful report facility provides users with full access to all Z-SSp information. Standard reports cover all aspects of the project.

Special features

Z-SSp includes the following features:

• designed to build a ‘real world’ model of a subsea project & to optimise design, cost & schedule
• provides a conceptual analysis of a subsea system
• performs flexibility & compatibility checks
• provides a comprehensive database with up-to-date rules and schemes
• allows full control over the database to enable user customisation & expansion
• generates Critical Path Analysis activities, durations & resources automatically
• performs network analysis, including weather windows and provides interfaces to external planning software
• may be used as an effective engineering training tool.

On project initiation, Z-SSp creates a uniquely identified database in which all resulting project information is stored.

A consistent project model is built up as the user is guided through each technology area, group by group, activity by activity.

Throughout this input phase, Z-SSp applies immediate validation checks and provides calculated values for input defaults. It also performs flow calculations and tubing / flowline sizing to ensure technical feasibility.

Built-in schemes, component lists, etc. may be inspected by the user and updated as necessary with preferred schemes and lists.

The flexibility of Z-SSp’s structure provides the user with the facility to develop different scenarios for a particular project and compare the cost / time results of various options.

For example, the scenario of two small oil fields with semi-sub floating production vessel (as illustrated) may be simulated and analysed using multi-well templates or a combination of templates and cluster satellite wells.

Schematics

One oil field with a mono hull FPSO located away from a subsea template / manifold integrated system (over one or more reservoirs)

Two small oil fields with semi-sub floating production vessel located between two manifold / well cluster systems