MOBIL DESIGNS SYSTEM FOR DEEPWATER PRODUCTION.

A description is provided of a newly designed deepwater production system developed by Mobil Oil Corp. Components of the subsea system can handle production of 100,000-200,000 b/d. Designs are complete for wellhead pressures of 5,000-10,000 psi. The system was designed for commercial application in about 2,500 ft of water, but it gives Mobil the potential to operate in as much as 6,000 ft of water. Company engineers have finished the overall design and model-tested a critical link in the system - a riser whose most rigid part will remain 200-300 ft below the ocean's surface and will be barely affected by wave action.