International oilfield service company Expro International Group PLC is introducing a new landing string control system designed to enhance the latest generation of landing string technology for completion and intervention operations. The system, known as Express7, has been designed for use in deep or ultra deepwater.
Express7 uses the simplex or direct electro hydraulic (EH) control method, but also deploys the features and benefits of multiplex for data acquisition. A key advantage of this system is simplicity because there is no requirement for complex subsea electronics or power supply. Other advantages include reliability and reduced downtime, lower deployment and production costs, the retention of hydraulic back-up via pilot lines, independent data acquisition and project interchangeability, as there is no need for bespoke control software.
Express7 also allows for the downhole storage of the control fluid required to operate subsea valves. By storing the fluid as close to the valves as possible, in contrast to the traditional method of storage at surface and pumping fluid downhole via an umbilical, this advancement ensures Express7 meets industry protocol standards and will achieve system shut-in or well closure and disconnect within 15 seconds. Express7 is designed to operate in water depths of up to 10,000ft with a maximum external pressure of 5,000psi, a maximum working pressure of 10,000 psi and a maximum working temperature of 300°F.
