Succes Story: SBM FPSO Whiptail - Sampling Systems

Completion of Mechatest’s 5th FPSO Manual Sampling Project as Preferred Supplier for SBM Offshore. 

This success story outlines the technical challenges, design approach, scope of supply, and value delivered to the project in terms of reliability, safety, and compliance with SBM offshore standards.

BACKGROUND

An FPSO acts as a processing plant, storage facility, and offloading point for hydrocarbons extracted from subsea reservoirs. Essentially, it allows for the extraction, processing, and temporary storage of oil and gas at sea, eliminating the need for fixed platforms or onshore facilities, especially in remote or deep-water locations. The Whiptail FPSO included 108 sampling points for process analysis and verification.

PROJECT CHALLENGE 

Sampling in offshore conditions requires reliable, corrosion-resistant and operator-safe solutions, especially for volatile hydrocarbons and extreme high-pressure gas systems.  We provided SBM customized manual sampling system solutions optimized for the demanding offshore FPSO environment. Each unit was engineered to maximize reliability, corrosion resistance, close loop sampling (emission free), minimize maintenance, and ensure compliance with SBM standards.

OUR SOLUTION 

Manual sampling systems are essential for quality assurance of process fluids across a wide range of applications on the FPSO.

We deliver specialized sampling solutions, custom-engineered for critical process areas on different topside modules, including Oil & Gas Compression, Oil Treatment, Flare & VRU, Water & Chemical Injection, and Hull. Our unique designs ensure safe, accurate, and representative samples tailored to each specific process. Our expertise in sample lag time calculations, from the take-off point to the sampling system, ensures representative and reliable sample results, enabling operators to make informed process decisions with confidence.

DELIVERY & SERVICES 

• 108 pcs. Manual Sampling Systems
• Wetted parts in SS316, 6MO, and Super Duplex Stainless Steel
• 18 pcs. Unique sampling models, tailored for process-specific applications
• Completion, August 2025
• Application-based design consultation
• 3D AutoCAD engineering
• Procurement, planning & document control
• Production and FAT execution
• Seaworthy packing & offshore delivery logistics 

 WHY CHOOSE US

• Undeniable Track Record: We've successfully delivered on last five previous SBM projects. This isn't luck; it's a consistent history of meeting and exceeding expectations.
• Sampling systems are more than just valves on a panel, delivering truly representative samples is our core responsibility.
• Proven Reliability:  Long track record with SBM and FPSO sampling projects globally, fully conform offshore O&G  requirements.
• Superior Sampling Expertise: Decades of experience, precision-built for process control & assurance, we guarantee representative sample taking from tap to lab and reliable laboratory results.
• Total Cost of Ownership Advantage: Long service life, minimal downtime, optimized operability.