Keynote speech: Long-distance multiphase tie-backs - what do we need to proceed?

At Multiphase 98, the feasibility of very long-distance multiphase tie-backs was discussed. Steady-state modelling work had shown that, with appropriate fluid properties and system geometries, such tie-backs were theoretically possible. However, concern was expressed over whether such conclusions could be believed. A series of reviews, both in-house and more generally across certain sectors of the oil industry, has subsequently been completed. The aims have been to establish what significant issues need to be addressed and how they could be resolved in order to increase confidence in such predictions and hence to justify future field development decisions based on such results. This paper presents the outcomes and conclusions from these reviews.