PSL 4S Ultra-Deepwater High-Temperature High-Pressure Subsea Wellhead System Successfully Applied for First Time
The PSL 4S class ultra-deepwater high-temperature high-pressure subsea wellhead system, jointly developed by CNOOC Deepwater Development Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Far East Oil Drilling Engineering Ltd., and Sun Yat-sen University, has recently completed its first application in the South China Sea and achieved complete success.
Milestone Achievement
This marks that China now has the capability to independently develop and manufacture oil and gas wellhead equipment for 3000-meter water depths, filling the domestic gap in this field.
Project Background
This subsea wellhead system is a scientific research project achievement funded by the Guangdong Province Marine Economic Development Special Fund. It was researched, developed and produced by the Guangdong Province Marine Oil & Gas Drilling Equipment Engineering Technology Research Center located at Far East Huizhou Base.
The successful application of the system represents a concrete action in implementing the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping: "Building a maritime power is a major strategic task for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. We must promote high-level self-reliance in marine science and technology, strengthen original and leading scientific and technological research, firmly grasp equipment manufacturing in our own hands, strive to use our own equipment to develop oil and gas resources, improve energy self-sufficiency, and ensure national energy security."
Technical Specifications
This wellhead system was designed and produced in accordance with API 17D specification level PSL 4S, which is currently the highest specification level for wellhead equipment in the international oil and gas industry.
Core Parameters:
Additional Features:
- High-pressure wellhead can hang 3 layers of casing, with capability to add one more layer through 16" auxiliary suspension
- 16" auxiliary suspension rated working pressure: 6,000 psi
- 16" auxiliary suspension can support casing weight of 600 klbs (can be increased as required)
Certifications
This system has obtained dual certifications from Bureau Veritas (BV) and China Classification Society (CCS). Compared with mainstream international ultra-deepwater wellhead systems, it achieves full alignment in maximum application water depth, pressure rating, and bending moment capability.
Industry Significance
Ultra-deepwater subsea wellhead systems are key equipment for deepwater oil and gas exploration and development. Previously, only a few international companies globally had the capability to research, develop and manufacture such systems. For a long time, China relied on imports for subsea wellhead equipment needed for deepwater oil and gas development.
The successful application of this wellhead device has verified the field applicability and functional reliability of domestically produced subsea wellhead systems and related supporting tools.
Industry Impact
The successful implementation of this project can drive the development of the domestic deep-sea engineering equipment industry chain, forming a complete system from design, processing, testing to inspection.
Future Prospects
Currently, this system has met the conditions for industrialization and promotion. It will play an important role in subsequent deepwater oil and gas exploration and development projects, contributing to building China as a maritime power and ensuring national energy security.