RTD TOPICS/ OBJECTIVES	                                                                                           Category



1.	To  predict behaviour of and to control multiphase fluid transport in long                     TE + E
         distance pipelines:
        -	counteract natural separation of gas from liquids in pipelines;
        -	improve understanding of multiphase fluid flow under the non-steady 
         state conditions of the  operating environment.

2.	To improve sub-sea separation technology to minimise/improve the handling of            TE + E
         multiphase fluids.

3.	To  predict / control produced fluids behaviour upon comingling.                                TE

4.	To improve pipeline and related technology, including:                                               TE + E
      	-	more efficient deployment; 
      	-	improved condition monitoring and leak detection, e.g. by exploiting 
                "smart materials" technology;
      	-	improved insulation;
      	-	more efficient, diverless inspection, maintenance and repair technology 
                for deepwater service;
       	-	development of improved intelligent pigging technology and multi-
                diameter pigging capability.

5.	To improve metering and pumping technology;                                                           TE + E

      	-	multiphase metering for reservoir management and fiscal purposes;
       	-	increased efficiency of pumping technology - including	multiphase
                boosting technology to extend sub-sea step-outs from host platforms 
                (especially by reducing power demands); pumps for viscous oil/water 
                mixes; and development of improved sensors for measuring pump 
                operating conditions. The latter will give improved understanding of 
                oil/water mixing phenomena within different ranges of free gas content 	
                under field operating conditions.

	(Multiphase flow lines currently restricted to 20 km distance in either deep 
        or shallow water. Power requirements of pumps to boost flow is a major limitation.
        If no change in economics of long distance pipelines then RTD investments in 
        pumping technology and in sub-sea separators are not likely to be fully 
        recouped. West 	of Shetland pipeline transport up to distances of 150 km may be 	
        necessary, therefore present preference for offshore production, storage and 
        offloading production systems.)

	(Asset focus of the above topics:  field  development and production especially where 
        the development option for a remote field is long distance transportation 
        by pipeline.) 	


TE- technology enhancement.  CR- cost reduction.  E- enabling.