Tracerco, which employs over 450 people across 17 countries, has been chosen by TechnipFMC to deliver the Tracerco Profiler™ measurement and control solutions for the multi-phase subsea separation work on Petrobras’ Mero 3 High Pressure Separator (HISEP®) pilot project in the Brazilian pre-salt oil region.
The HISEP project will enable the underwater separation of extracted oil and associated CO2-rich gas. The gas will be reinjected back into the reservoir on the seabed, significantly reducing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions.
Taking elements of its proprietary technology used in many oil and gas separation systems, Tracerco has redesigned its Tracerco Profiler instrument to deliver its critical insights in a unique subsea environment. It measures water/oil/gas phases accurately in real-time and in high resolution, providing visibility to overcome many operating challenges, allowing users to optimize throughput, cut chemical costs, and eliminate maintenance.
With more than 65 years of experience in developing innovative specialist measurement solutions, the company’s award-winning instrument is the only separator liquid level, oil/water interface level, and process control measurement system qualified for subsea use. Tracerco has now installed over 750 units in applications worldwide. Each Profiler is designed and manufactured in accordance with customer needs, the process conditions being measured, and the vessel design criteria.
As part of the Brazilian contract, the company announced that up to 10 jobs would be created in the Tees Valley region to support and deliver the project.
Lee Robins, Business Unit Director for Instrumentation at Tracerco, said: “Having a global presence has ensured that by working with the contractor TechnipFMC via our Bergen and Rio offices, we are able to deliver bespoke subsea technology designed and engineered in the Tees Valley to this major Brazilian oil and gas project.
“This is an exciting time for the company, and we look forward to not only making a difference in the Brazilian energy industry but also locally in the northeast of England.
“This contract shows the value we can bring customers across the world, regardless of the size of their project.
“At Tracerco, we are committed to conducting business in a responsible and sustainable manner. It is great to be involved in such a global revolutionary project that will deliver sustainable benefits that help to build a future that resonates with progress and respect for our planet.”
The HISEP project will be deployed at the Mero field development in the Brazilian pre-salt oil region 180 km (112 miles) off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, where fields typically contain a 50-50 mix of oil and CO2-rich gas.
The Mero unitized field is operated by Petrobras (38.6%), in partnership with Shell Brasil (19.3%), TotalEnergies (19.3%), CNPC (9.65%), CNOOC (9.65%) and Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A (PPSA) (3.5%), as the Brazilian Government’s representative in the non-contracted area.
