3D Engineering: Making sure it all fits in
Imagine trying to complete an offshore operation, and discovering that the system you had planned didn’t fit in the intended location? Avoiding costly missteps and ensuring everything fits in as planned is one of the responsibilities of Nicholas Tremlett, our 3D engineer.
By Olof Nilsson, Marketing Manager
At FourPhase, planning and preparation is crucial to ensure uptime and effective operations. Each operation is based on data gathered from a range of sources. Everything from well characteristics and flowrates to piping, operational temperatures and pressures, crane capacities, physical dimensions of the site and load-bearing structures are considered before we take on an operation. Several engineering disciplines are involved in analyzing the data and selecting the right equipment for the challenge, but it is the 3D Engineer who brings it all together before our eyes.
“I work mainly with the Operations department at FourPhase, and my main responsibility is to make sure we can physically implement the selected solution for the client. To do this, I am closely involved in every operation, building a 3D model of the operations site with available data and considering all aspects of placements, tie-ins, and pipe routing. Understanding the entire process requires knowledge in many fields and broad experience from the industry,” says Nicholas – or Nick, as he is known among colleagues.
By Olof Nilsson, Marketing Manager
At FourPhase, planning and preparation is crucial to ensure uptime and effective operations. Each operation is based on data gathered from a range of sources. Everything from well characteristics and flowrates to piping, operational temperatures and pressures, crane capacities, physical dimensions of the site and load-bearing structures are considered before we take on an operation. Several engineering disciplines are involved in analyzing the data and selecting the right equipment for the challenge, but it is the 3D Engineer who brings it all together before our eyes.
“I work mainly with the Operations department at FourPhase, and my main responsibility is to make sure we can physically implement the selected solution for the client. To do this, I am closely involved in every operation, building a 3D model of the operations site with available data and considering all aspects of placements, tie-ins, and pipe routing. Understanding the entire process requires knowledge in many fields and broad experience from the industry,” says Nicholas – or Nick, as he is known among colleagues.
Maximising customer value
In today’s competitive market, providing cost-efficient services and reducing risk are critical. Comprehensive 3D modeling of operations provides several key advantages:
• Simplified logistics: By modeling the complete operation in 3D we can optimise the amount of equipment and spares sent offshore, improving deck space, and reducing cost.
• Cost efficiency: Comprehensive planning streamlines the process onsite for our operators and significantly reduces the rig-up time
• Increased Safety: Potential risks can be identified during planning, ensuring safer operations
Our customers provide digital 3D models of their assets if available, or 2D technical drawings for older installations. Using advanced 3D modeling applications like Autodesk 3ds Max, Nick creates a digital twin of the real-life conditions that FourPhase engineers and offshore operators will find at the operations site. He then uses this model to integrate FourPhase hardware and auxiliary equipment. “I gather all the information I can find on the site. I look at equipment weight, the load-bearing properties of the structure where the operator wants equipment placed, tie-in points for piping and auxiliary connections. Then I review suggested pipe routing options together with the Operations engineers to find the most optimal solution,” explains Nick. Physical constraints are an everyday challenge for operators fitting new gear at existing sites. FourPhase DualFlow desanders are versatile and powerful units with a small footprint of 2x2 meters, and thus an attractive option for operators with little available space.
“The necessary clearance around the unit, providing space for both piping and personnel, is often the most challenging part of the fit. For some offshore installations, additional pipe supports are needed to counteract vibrations, movement caused by well tree-expansion, or even seismic activity—a unique challenge in itself,” says Nick.
• Simplified logistics: By modeling the complete operation in 3D we can optimise the amount of equipment and spares sent offshore, improving deck space, and reducing cost.
• Cost efficiency: Comprehensive planning streamlines the process onsite for our operators and significantly reduces the rig-up time
• Increased Safety: Potential risks can be identified during planning, ensuring safer operations
Our customers provide digital 3D models of their assets if available, or 2D technical drawings for older installations. Using advanced 3D modeling applications like Autodesk 3ds Max, Nick creates a digital twin of the real-life conditions that FourPhase engineers and offshore operators will find at the operations site. He then uses this model to integrate FourPhase hardware and auxiliary equipment. “I gather all the information I can find on the site. I look at equipment weight, the load-bearing properties of the structure where the operator wants equipment placed, tie-in points for piping and auxiliary connections. Then I review suggested pipe routing options together with the Operations engineers to find the most optimal solution,” explains Nick. Physical constraints are an everyday challenge for operators fitting new gear at existing sites. FourPhase DualFlow desanders are versatile and powerful units with a small footprint of 2x2 meters, and thus an attractive option for operators with little available space.
“The necessary clearance around the unit, providing space for both piping and personnel, is often the most challenging part of the fit. For some offshore installations, additional pipe supports are needed to counteract vibrations, movement caused by well tree-expansion, or even seismic activity—a unique challenge in itself,” says Nick.
The ultimate problem solving
Problem-solving is at the heart of engineering, but Nick’s role requires an interdisciplinary approach to see the bigger picture.
“One memorable project involved collaborating with third parties to design supports for piping affected by well-tree expansion. We also had to accommodate emergency valve regulations," recalls Nick. “After careful planning, our offshore team initially struggled to fit the piping due to a minor misinterpretation of the model. Flipping two pipe bends resolved the issue, showing how tight tolerances can be.”
Nick’s background includes a degree in multimedia design and over 20 years of 3D design experience in the oil and gas industry. He founded his own media company in 2010, worked on subsea, drilling and downstream for various clients with several companies, but joined FourPhase fulltime in 2020.
In addition to working for our Operations department, Nick is also involved in creating visuals and videos for other purposes. He has created FourPhase’s 3D simulator, used for training and demo purposes, and works closely with the Marketing department to create visuals for web, social media and print. He also does Rapid Digital Prototyping for new products in collaboration with the Engineering and Operations departments.
“The best part of my job? Both the variety of work involved, and the extra satisfaction I get when the map aligns perfectly with the terrain. And of course, the people I work with at FourPhase!”
“One memorable project involved collaborating with third parties to design supports for piping affected by well-tree expansion. We also had to accommodate emergency valve regulations," recalls Nick. “After careful planning, our offshore team initially struggled to fit the piping due to a minor misinterpretation of the model. Flipping two pipe bends resolved the issue, showing how tight tolerances can be.”
Nick’s background includes a degree in multimedia design and over 20 years of 3D design experience in the oil and gas industry. He founded his own media company in 2010, worked on subsea, drilling and downstream for various clients with several companies, but joined FourPhase fulltime in 2020.
In addition to working for our Operations department, Nick is also involved in creating visuals and videos for other purposes. He has created FourPhase’s 3D simulator, used for training and demo purposes, and works closely with the Marketing department to create visuals for web, social media and print. He also does Rapid Digital Prototyping for new products in collaboration with the Engineering and Operations departments.
“The best part of my job? Both the variety of work involved, and the extra satisfaction I get when the map aligns perfectly with the terrain. And of course, the people I work with at FourPhase!”