A major oil discovery in the Baleine deepwater region led to the development of a new offshore field. To make the project more efficient and cost-effective, the client chose to upgrade and reuse an existing floating production vessel. As part of these upgrades, a Sulphate Removal Unit (SRU) was added to treat seawater before it’s used in the production process. To manage this new equipment effectively, a reliable control system was needed — one that could provide real-time monitoring, automation, and seamless communication with the rest of the vessel’s operations. This system was essential for ensuring smooth and safe performance in a challenging offshore environment.
The Client:
A leading supplier of offshore platform processing equipment and services in the international energy industry specialising in water treatment and chemical injection systems.
The Solution
The project involved the design, build, testing, and delivery of a new control system for a Sulphate Removal Unit (SRU) on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The system included one main control panel and three smaller remote panels.
Key elements of the project included:
• Full design, supply, assembly, and testing of the main control panel, featuring durable enclosures, reliable power supplies, and safe connections for field equipment.
• Design and build of remote panels suitable for use in offshore hazardous zones, with built-in safety and power back-up features.
• Setup and testing of all system software to ensure smooth operation and easy monitoring from a central point.
The team faced several challenges throughout the project, many of which were tied to the complexity of working in offshore environments.
• Global Supply Delays
Long lead times on materials and components created scheduling pressures, but the team worked proactively to deliver the project ahead of the original timeline.
• Safety Standards for Offshore Use
The remote panels needed to meet strict safety certifications for use in hazardous areas offshore. This required rigorous testing and careful attention to detail during design and assembly.
• System Compatibility
Ensuring the new system worked smoothly with the platform’s existing controls and equipment meant detailed planning and thorough testing throughout the project.
• Cyber Security
Building in strong protection against potential cyber threats was a critical part of the design process, ensuring the system was secure and robust from day one.
• Challenging Conditions
The offshore setting meant equipment had to be designed to withstand tough environmental conditions like salt spray, heat, and regular washdowns.
The Benefits.
3 weeks accelerated project delivery
Innovative PCS design using the latest Siemens PCS & I/O hardware & software solutions.
hazardous area certification