Selecting the right subsea tree system can be critical for the proper execution of an operator's field. Incorrectly specifying the tree system potentially can result in millions of dollars of additional CAPEX early in the field life or extended OPEX costs later in the field life. This decision now has become easier thanks to a group of experienced Cameron engineers who created a tree selector tool - allowing those responsible for the hardware specification to review a full set of performance requirements early in the system development.

The primary function of Cameron's Subsea Tree Selector Tool™ is to help ensure that a full set of questions, risks and performance characteristics are reviewed prior to the selection of a tree system. The tool is based on a six sigma methodology meant to further the commitment of Cameron to the three C's: cost reduction, cycle time improvement and customer satisfaction. It helps a customer select the right product in order to receive the system that best suits their development.

"This selector tool identifies approximately 50 independent function and performance requirements for a subsea tree and ranks the interrelationships of the requirements to the various subsea tree systems, such as conventional, vertical monobore and horizontal systems," said Chris Kocurek, subsea tree product manager. "A user then is able to adjust the importance of the functional and performance requirements, dynamically adjusting the final selection of the advised tree system."

Several hundred man hours went into the development of this tool. The dedicated team drew upon development, engineering, operations, manufacturing and service personnel to find a solution to make these complex decisions easier for the customer.

The tool is a user-defined ranking system that is adjusted by customer need. It can be based on multiple inputs, and customers are able to add or remove choices throughout the process as specialized project risks and features are identified. The importance ranking also can be based on technical and financial inputs such as CAPEX and OPEX.

"In a system where new tree-based technology is being implemented, the customer could place a higher focus on retrieval of a tree over the completion," Kocurek said. "If new novel technology is being implemented in the downhole completions regimen, we would place a higher factor on retrieval of the completion versus the tree."

It also allows for the population of risk matrix and mitigation strategies to eliminate risk earlier in the project. The tool, divided into four subcategories, including Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE), installation, performance features and technical factors, allows for the complex decision to be made by less-experienced personnel, removing some of the burden of selection from subject matter experts. It also allows the group selecting the tree to utilize all of the factors involved in the tree selection rather than only a select few of experiences.

"This capability provides continuing justification for tree selection in both the technical and financial realms," he added.

Cameron's Early Engineering Engagement (EEE) teams of industry experts help customers select a tree system early in the development so that front-end engineering and design (FEED) time and costs are reduced.

Currently, the decision tool is being implemented during the customer's project gate review processes, highlighting the financial and technical factors. Customers will be able to meet with Cameron personnel during this process. This collaboration will help Cameron and its customers align to meet the needs for a project, which already has proven beneficial with multiple customers involved in EEE activities.

The Tree Selector Tool gives the customer better insight into their investment over the life of a specific field while taking into account technical, CAPEX and OPEX drivers. This helps to strengthen Cameron's commitment to its customers in order to drive cost reduction, cycle time improvement and customer satisfaction.

For the short version of the tree selector tool, click here. For the full version, please email subseatree@c-a-m.com.



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