Subsea satellite wells

Offshore, subsea satellite development may be a viable alternative to ERD wells. 

Typically, a Subsea Field Development or Subsea Satellite Development would consist of a cluster of special subsea trees positioned on the seabed with produced fluids piped to the host facility. Water injection, as well as lift gas, can be provided from the host facility. Control of subsea facilities is maintained from the host facility via control umbilicals and subsea control modules. 

It should be noted that there are still many deficiencies in the science and technology of corrosion monitoring, mainly in the areas of localised corrosion (pitting) and the inability to monitor at inaccessible sites such as downhole (oil and gas wells) and subsea installations (satellite wells and pipelines). 

Whether on land or offshore, the principle of satellite development is the same. A new field is accessed with wells, and an export link is installed to the existing (host) facility. Development is not always easier on land, as environmental restrictions mean that some onshore fields have to be developed using directional drilling techniques (originally associated with offshore developments). A vertical well can be drilled offshore away from the host facility, and the well completed using a subsea wellhead. 

---