How Can I Address Fluid System Challenges on FPSO Vessels?
FPSO vessels create unique challenges for fluid systems during construction and maintenance. Hear from Deb Carpenter, global lead for oil, gas, and chemicals, as she explains common challenges and ways to address them.
Video Transcript
BETH NIESER:
Hello and welcome to Ask Swagelok. I'm Beth Nieser, and I'm here today with Deb Carpenter, who leads our oil and gas business. Today we're going to be talking about some common fluid system challenges in FPSO vessels. So, Deb, can you start off by talking about some of the challenges that our customers face in the FPSO space?
DEB CARPENTER:
Absolutely. Our FPSO customers that are constructing vessels are looking for reliable and safe vessels, and Swagelok plays a role in their fluid systems. When you build a vessel, there's some uniqueness compared to other parts of the oil and gas industry. This relates to the types of fluid systems being used, the different metals and alloys required, and compliance and safety considerations. Reliability is critical, and we support that through our products, including NACE offerings for exotic alloys and high-pressure products. Additionally, our channel expertise provides service and support offshore where questions may be hard to answer. Most importantly, we understand the systems that our customers are using fluid system components on, which allows us to help design, troubleshoot, and provide operational best practices to ensure uptime and keep operators safe offshore.
BETH NIESER:
You talked about the importance of understanding our customers’ fluid systems. Can you talk a little bit about how Swagelok does that?
DEB CARPENTER:
Absolutely. In the upstream oil and gas industry, there are many risks, and our customers’ goal is to mitigate them. We see risks primarily in construction and vessel turnaround. Key risks include system contamination, often caused by improper welding procedures, which can degrade fluid system components, and improper installation of fittings or valves, which can jeopardize the entire system. Offshore, these risks are amplified due to remoteness, making uptime and system reliability critical. We partner with customers to identify gaps in their fluid systems, focusing on reliability and safety. By diagnosing high-risk areas and providing practical solutions, we help improve uptime and drive reliability at the field level. From a safety perspective, we provide training and installation oversight to ensure systems are managed safely, yielding benefits beyond just individual valves or fittings.
BETH NIESER:
It sounds like good habits really start in the shipyard and become increasingly important during commissioning. Swagelok can partner alongside customers throughout this process.
DEB CARPENTER:
Absolutely.
BETH NIESER:
Great. Well, thanks, Deb, for all that information and thank you for joining us.
