Total has started gas and condensate production from the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) West Franklin Phase 2 project in the Central Graben area of the UK North Sea.
The project, tapping 85 MMboe, will supply 40,000 boe/d to the Elgin/Franklin hub (pictured) via three new production wells and two new platforms - the West Franklin wellhead platform and the Elgin B platform, which will also be used to drill new wells on Elgin.
West Franklin was discovered by Total in 2003, about 240km east of Aberdeen, and Phase 1 production started in 2007 with two wells drilled from the Franklin platform.
The field is now part of the Elgin/Franklin hub, which was the subject of a well control incident in 2012. Franklin was discovered in 1986 and Elgin in 1991. It took 15 years and £20 million of research investment, before both could be produced, due to the high pressures and temperature involves, Total has said. The firm encountered pressures up to 15,500psi and temperatures up to 350°F.
West Franklin Phase 2 is part of the development’s life extension, from 22 years, as initially anticipated, to 32 years.
HPHT is a large proportion of Total E&P UK’s operated reserves, totaling 54%. Some 48% of the UK’s yet to find reserves are in the central North Sea, of which 25% is thought to be HPHT, says Philippe Guys, managing director, Total E&P UK, has said.
“With the start-up of the West Franklin Phase 2 project, Total consolidates the production capacity of its operated Elgin/Franklin hub. The hub holds significant reserves as well as promising exploration opportunities”, outlined Michael Borrell, Total’s Senior Vice President Exploration & Production, Europe and Central Asia.
Total operates Elgin/Franklin, including West Franklin, with a 46.2% interest alongside co-venturers Eni (21.9%), BG (14.1%), E.ON (5.2%), ExxonMobil (4.3%), Chevron (3.9%), Summit (2.2%) and Dyas (2.2%).
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