RLCT
A long journey comes to an end
– The RLCT is field-proven
After years of dedicated development, testing, and collaboration with TechnipFMC, the Riserless Coiled Tubing (RLCT) technology has successfully completed its first-ever operation in a live subsea well. This marks a significant breakthrough in the subsea oil and gas industry, and we are proud to announce that RLCT is now fully field-proven.
After years of dedicated development, testing, and collaboration with TechnipFMC, the Riserless Coiled Tubing (RLCT) technology has successfully completed its first-ever operation in a live subsea well. This marks a significant breakthrough in the subsea oil and gas industry, and we are proud to announce that RLCT is now fully field-proven.
The successful execution of this operation took place in the North Sea, where the combined efforts of multiple companies, including Envirex, brought a suspended well back into production. This milestone is the product of extensive research, engineering, and innovation.
No rig, no riser, no tensioned frame
The RLCT technology allows for coiled tubing operations in subsea wells without the need for traditional infrastructure, such as a rig, riser, or tensioned frame. Instead, the operations are conducted from a Riserless Light Well Intervention (RLWI) vessel, making them simpler, faster, and more efficient. This streamlined approach reduces the number of personnel required and the volume of equipment, leading to significant cost savings and operational flexibility.
Envirex’ role in the RLCT development
Envirex Group played a critical role in the RLCT development, entrusted with designing a state-of-the-art control system that transformed a standard Subsea Injector and Stripper into a fully automatic RLCT system. This innovation has significantly enhanced operational efficiency by eliminating the need for complex rig setups and additional equipment.
Envirex’ hydraulic expertise, combined with intricate electronics and advanced software development led by Ixys, has resulted in a system where the mechanical injector is now fully automated. The partnership between Envirex and Ixys brought together complementary skills that were essential to the project’s success.
Ixys: Delivering both the electronic and software frameworks
VJU is a real-time HMI platform customizable to meet a wide range of software needs, with Ixys responsible for creating the most extensive interface ever within VJU 3, integral to the RLCT’s operation.
A dedicated team at Ixys fine-tuned the software to ensure flawless performance of the RLCT system, while also developing specialized features tailored to this customer. Their work on this project has led to a variety of new features in VJU, which will be applicable to future projects.
Testing
Testing the RLCT system was a major focus of the development process. Before proceeding to full-scale wet tests, Envirex, Ixys and TechnipFMC invested weeks and months in rigorous land-based testing and adjustments. This initial phase helped to identify key mechanical and control issues, which were addressed before proceeding to subsea trials.
Once the land-based tests were complete, the team conducted a wet test, which revealed further challenges that were quickly corrected. After another round of refinement, the RLCT was ready for its ultimate test – a live operation in the North Sea.
TechnipFMC’s expertise, collaborative spirit, and commitment ensured that we could navigate the challenges of this complex project together. Their hands-on approach during critical phases of the RLCT testing and execution contributed to the success of this project.
The future of subsea well intervention
With the RLCT now proven in the field, this technology is ready to revolutionize subsea well operations. The combination of efficiency, and reduced operational costs makes RLCT a valuable asset for the oil and gas industry, offering a faster, safer, and more sustainable way to bring suspended wells back into production.
