Multiphase Compressor - Subsea Oil & Gas Processing | OneSubsea

Subsea Multiphase Compression System

World's first and only true subsea multiphase compressor

Energy Consumption Reduction

Uses less energy than topside compression (about 2.9 TW.h or 67% less for a gas subsea tieback of 120 km with 95% uptime across 10 years; savings variable from one application to another)

Emissions Reduction

Decreases CO2e emissions compared with topside compression (about 1.44 million metric tons or 67% less CO2e for a gas subsea tieback of 120 km with 95% uptime across 10 years; savings variable from one application to another)

Size Reduction

Lowers your impact with about half the weight of a conventional subsea compression system

Compression CO2 Intesity chart
Subsea compression uses considerably less energy and decreases CO2 emissions compared with topside compression.
Compression CO2 Intesity chart

Producing more with less

While greater recovery, accelerated production, and fast return on investment have been the primary motivators for use of subsea compression technology, it also offers greater energy efficiency and a reduced CO2 footprint. The energy savings potential increases with tieback distance, water depth, and complex production assurance challenges.

Subsea multiphase compression system estimated to boost averaged natural gas production by up to 30% while halving energy consumption
Streamlined, cost- and energy-efficient subsea system is projected to increase the recovery factor of the mature Ormen Lange Field by 10% and deliver 30–50 billion m3 [1,060–1,765 billion ft3] of additional gas.
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How subsea compression improves recovery while reducing energy consumption and emissions

Adding compression compensates for the losses generated in the production line between the subsea wells and the topside host. Subsea compression’s role in unlocking gas resources and improving the economics of subsea gas development is becoming more critical with the increasing focus on sustainability.

Compared with the option of lowering the near-end pressure using topside technology, compressing gas near the start of a long production flowline (where gas pressure is higher) can be significantly more energy efficient—with correspondingly lower CO2 emissions—over the productive life of the asset.

Production graph comparing Natural, Subsea, and Topside compression
Subsea compression significantly extends plateau production and increases ultimate recovery compared with topside compression and natural production.
Production graph comparing Natural, Subsea, and Topside compression
Reduce Complexity
No requirements for upstream separation facility or antisurge system
Lower Capex and Opex
Simplified infrastructure and decreased running costs
Reduce Environmental Impact
Lower energy consumption and emissions
Accelerate Revenue Generation
Faster installation and higher production rates
Increase Reliability
Compact and robust design based on proven technology
Improve Liquid-Handling Capability
Ability to handle liquid fractions from 0% to 100%
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The subsea multiphase compression system from OneSubsea provides significant size and weight reduction compared with conventional systems, which are simply marinized versions of topside systems.
Decarbonize your operations
Subsea compression systems are part of our Transition Technologies portfolio. Learn about our collaborative approach and full field development solutions that drive high performance while reducing environmental impact throughout the life of your asset.
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10,000 h
Consecutive operation
TRL 7
Demonstrated, proven performance
0%–100%
All liquid fractions
10,000 ft
Max. water depth

How subsea compression works

Subsea multiphase compression systems are the most effective method of enhancing gas production for underwater applications. Essentially, compression is a mechanism for transferring energy to the production stream to overcome losses during extraction and transport.

Our award-winning subsea multiphase compressor is the world’s first and only true subsea wet gas compressor. Incorporating two contrarotating shafts, it is specifically designed for pressure boosting an unprocessed well stream. The unique configuration enables a compact and robust design that is based on OneSubsea’s proven multiphase boosting pumps.

The compressor can operate in any flow regime—with liquid fractions ranging from 0% to 100%—and tolerates sand and solids. Its low speed enables long step-outs without subsea variable speed drives, and the low module weight—approximately 60 metric tons—enables intervention with light vessels.

schematics showing technology used without subsea compression systems schematics showing technology used with subsea compression systems
Unlike conventional subsea compression systems, our technology does not require an upstream separation facility or antisurge system, which greatly simplifies subsea system requirements.
Infographic showing all the components of the subsea compressions system

An integrated approach

Our total system solutions ensure that all risks are identified and mitigated in the early stages of field development planning. These solutions include all the equipment needed to operate the pumps during startup, shutdown, and normal flowing conditions; they are combined with operational support to provide complete system availability.

Subsea Multiphase Compression System
World's first and only true subsea wet gas compressor.