Production control system for subsea projects

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Sep 7, 2007

VetcoGray has introduced a production control system product, the PCS1000, which offers an economical package, based on proven technology for fast-track, shallow water subsea projects

The PCS1000 is a complete control system comprising both topside and subsea-located hardware, combined with the necessary software.

The product features the VetcoGray field-proven deepwater ModPod technology repackaged in a standardised, cost-effective format.

An advanced and versatile control system, ModPod has been installed for deepwater projects worldwide including the Burullus Gas 'Simian-Sienna-Sapphire' project and the Esso Exploration Angola 'Mondo' and 'Saxi-Batique' projects.

"The PCS1000 benefits from a market leading pedigree of controls equipment for deepwater installation and we believe it will fulfill an industry need," said Dave Tucker, Chief Operating Officer of VetcoGray: "It has been designed with standardisation as a prime objective, resulting in very short delivery times to meet the needs of shallow water, cost-sensitive, fast-track projects".

Key components of the PCS1000 include:.

* An electro-hydraulic subsea control module (SCM) responsible for the control and monitoring of subsea valves and sensors.

The PCS1000 control module displayed at Offshore Europe 2007, is designed for a diver-assisted subsea installation.

A design option for ROV-operated interfaces is also available.

* A 19-inch, rack-mounted master control station (MCS) that provides control for as many as six subsea wells.

The MCS provides the operator interface as well as control logic, interlocks and event logging.

The standard system is non-redundant, with a redundant PC configuration as an option.

The PCS1000 is suitable for any subsea field development up to 300 meters in water depth.

To be manufactured at the VetcoGray facilities in Nailsea, United Kingdom, the new product is currently available for commercial operation and can be viewed at Offshore Europe at stand 707 in the Blue Zone.