Focused on creating and developing new technologies to reduce costs and increase productivity, Shell has entered into an agreement with the University of São Paulo (USP) and SBM Offshore on a deep water cooling system for floating platforms of the FPSO type, with a planned investment of up to US $ 2 million. The water, obtained in lower temperatures, will generate improvements in the efficiency of the systems of generation of energy, gas compression, among other utilities, generating expressive environmental benefits, as well as optimization of operational costs.
“In today’s world, innovation and sustainable development are fundamental pillars of any company’s strategy. Through this project, we will have the unique opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills of Brazilian engineers in studies to optimize and eliminate bottlenecks in FPSO process plants and utilities, “said José Ferrari, Shell Technology Manager.
The design consists of a tube of great diameter and length between 600m and 1000m, made of special material. Currently, the capture of cooling water takes place through flexible hoses whose length turns around 80m, obtaining water at temperatures close to 25oC. The expectation is that with the new system, it is possible to reduce this temperature by up to 15 degrees.
“It is an honor for SBM Offshore to support technological development in Brazil through this project, which has a very significant impact on the exploration and production of oil, particularly in view of the complexity and challenges of Brazilian pre-salt fields. SBM also sees the agreement as a great opportunity to reinforce its commitment of the last 20 years of investing in Brazil, “says Guilherme Pinto, Manager of Engineering & Technology at SBM Offshore Brazil.
The partners expect the project to be completed in 15 months, until it reaches a high level of technological maturity. Obtaining positive results in this first phase, implementation in FPSOs, after conducting full scale field tests, will be in a period of three years.
“The realization of this relevant project is a shining example of the development of technology from knowledge coined in the university to meet the demands for innovation in the industry,” says Kazuo Nishimoto, a professor at the Polytechnic School of USP.
The new technology will be financed with resources from the Research & Development clause of the concession agreements of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), and also has the support of the USP Oceanographic Institute, the Center for Characterization and Development of Materials of the Federal University of São Carlos and Argonautica Technological Base Engineering and Research.
Brazil Energy Insight 
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