|
| |
|
What
is an FPSO |
|
|
|
Simple description of a Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) facility.
|
An
FPSO is a floating offshore unit that has the capability of receiving
and processing crude oil and gas from sub sea wells, or an adjacent
well head platform. The FPSO then stores the processed oil in her tanks until
the stabilized oil is offloaded to a shuttle oil tanker which is periodically
moored in tandem to the FPSO.
|
Oil produced from sub sea wells or offshore production platforms can be transported to the mainland either by pipeline or by the shuttle tanker. When a shuttle tanker solution is chosen, it is necessary to accumulate the produced oil in the FPSO storage tanks until sufficient oil is produced to fill the shuttle tanker. This ensures that the shuttle tanker is not required to be
continuous
on location. The FPSO is usually a de-commissioned oil tanker which has been stripped down and equipped with facilities to process and stabilize the crude oil. Oil is processed and accumulated in the FPSO until there is sufficient to fill a shuttle tanker, at which point the transport tanker connects to the stern or bow of the FPSO and offloads the oil. This cycle continues throughout the life of the FPSO.
FPSO's are particularly effective in remote or deepwater locations where seabed pipelines are not cost effective.
|
The above image shows the process of transfering crude oil from a platform to a FSO and storing the processed oil in her tanks |
|
The above image shows the offloading process from a FPSO on the right to a shuttle tanker
|
|
|
