Subsea BPR: Protecting Pipelines and Harvesting Fields

Revolutionary Design for Pipeline Protection

The Subsea Back Pressure Regulator (BPR) by SkoFlo Industries is a groundbreaking design that aims to protect oil and gas pipelines and extend the lifespan of fields in an environmentally safe manner. This innovative device addresses the issue of corrosion in pipelines that transport production fluids from subsea wells to the surface. By injecting corrosion inhibitors, the Subsea BPR ensures the longevity of these pipelines, even in water depths ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 feet.

One of the key strengths of the Subsea BPR is its versatility. It can be used in both new and old oil and gas fields. In old fields, it is employed in wells with reduced pressures, while in new fields, it remains dormant until a well loses pressure. The device does not require power, communication, or interface with a field control system. Instead, it activates when necessary, making it highly reliable and efficient. Additionally, the Subsea BPR is designed to be highly debris tolerant, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in challenging conditions.

The Subsea BPR operates through two pressure stages. The first stage features a hermetically sealed gas charged reference pressure activator, which moves when the injection pressure reaches a factory-set point. This activation occurs without the need for power, as the device balances pressure areas to act on throttling mechanisms. The second stage, a pressure balanced piston, effectively manages debris and eliminates internal cavitation issues, ensuring the device's longevity and reliability.

With a length of 1,087 millimeters and a diameter of 250 millimeters, the Subsea BPR can be deployed up to 10,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. It boasts a pressure rating of 10,000 Pounds Per Square Inch, making it suitable for even the most demanding subsea environments. Constructed from exotic stainless steel alloys, the device is designed to resist high pressures and maintain its integrity over its 25-year design life. The Subsea BPR also features an inlet sensor accuracy rating of plus or minus .05 percent, a chemical flow range of .79 to 189 liters per hour, and an operating temperature range of 4 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.

The Subsea BPR is deployed using a Remote Operating Vehicle, which carries it below the ocean's surface. Once installed above chemical injection flow pipelines on the sea floor, the device remains dormant until the pressure on the inlet falls below a predetermined gas pressure. At this point, the gas charge pressure activates the first throttling stage, dissipating pressure drops through multiple stages downstream in the valve trim. This unique activation mechanism allows the device to continually pass dirty fluid without fouling.

The Subsea BPR project began in September 2013 in Woodinville, WA, USA. After successful deployment and qualification in the Gulf of Mexico in December 2014, the product is now being introduced to the market. The design process involved extensive research and development, including the creation of several prototypes that were tested in the undersea environment. The final product underwent full qualification testing at the customer's site, ensuring its reliability and performance.

The Subsea BPR has garnered recognition for its exceptional design and technical prowess. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2016 in the Product Engineering and Technical Design category. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the device's outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. The Subsea BPR not only excels in its technical characteristics but also evokes positive feelings of amazement and wonder.