Manta - the Bottom Line Subsea Production Control System

Abstract

This paper presents a lateral approach to subsea production control, the intelligent umbilical or MANTA concept. The concept eliminates the need for a discrete subsea control package and a topside hydraulic power unit by placing both in the subsea end termination of the control umbilical. The bottom line is that this approach provides superior system reliability and can be shown to have major economic advantages.

The object of the exercise is to provide a system which will control the production of hydrocarbons from a remote location on the sea bed cheaply, effectively and reliably.

The MANTA concept is based on a novel combination of proven technology. This effectively provides for a high reliability system combined with significant reduction in the cost of ownership. At the same time, the concept is, by its very nature, able to take full advantage of all the very best aspects of up to the minute technology.

The MANTA will be found particulary attractive for applications in marginal remote field developments.