On May 2nd, it was reported by the media that the key equipment of the "Deep Sea No.1" gas field Phase II project - the world's first kilometer-level deepwater pigging manifold system was completed in Tianjin, setting multiple world records for design water depth and pigging distance.
This deepwater pigging manifold system, as one of the core equipment for deepwater oil and gas field development, integrates the functions of an "hub" and a "blood vessel dredger" for marine oil and gas. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to carry out deepwater pipeline cleaning operations remotely, providing strong assurance for the safe passage of underwater oil and gas pipelines.
The manifold system is embedded with 6 pigging spheres, each weighing up to 360 tons, designed to operate at a water depth of 1000 meters, making them the largest in their class of equipment worldwide.
The subsea control module, hydraulic remote control valve, temperature and pressure sensors, and other key control and monitoring devices installed on the subsea manifold of the Deepsea No.1 project enable the seamless execution of pig launching and pipeline cleaning operations on the seabed in response to remote commands.
As the "artery" of offshore oil and gas fields, subsea pipelines ensure the smooth transportation of oil and gas while facing potential issues such as blockages and corrosion.
In particular, in ultra-deepwater gas fields like the Deepsea No.1 Phase II project, where the subsea pipelines operate in low-temperature, high-pressure environments for extended periods, the deposition of hydrates and wax is more likely, significantly impacting pipeline efficiency and operational safety.
To address this, the Deepsea No.1 Phase II project places special emphasis on pipeline cleaning. Regular "pigging" operations are conducted to remove deposits and liquids accumulated during pipeline operation, while also inspecting the internal condition of the pipelines.
The completion of the world's first kilometer-scale deepwater pig launching manifold undoubtedly provides robust technical support for this endeavor.
Since its commissioning in June 2021, the Deepsea No.1 ultra-deepwater gas field has demonstrated its immense potential and value. With proven natural gas reserves exceeding one hundred billion cubic meters, it represents China's most challenging offshore ultra-deepwater gas field in terms of water depth and exploration difficulty.
The commissioning of the Phase II project will further increase the annual production of the Deepsea No.1 gas field by 50%, solidifying its position as a crucial gas source for ensuring China's national energy security.
