Serial data from sensors on Shell gas platforms

Shell gas platforms use the MTL8000 system to allow serialised data transmission from the hazardous areas, collected from multiple sensor inputs

The MTL8000 system, designed to address process application needs in general purpose and hazardous areas, has been installed in five Shell U.K Exploration and Production gas platforms, the first of which was the new, totally unmanned Shell Skiff gas platform, located 72 kms off the Norfolk coast in the UK.

The system meets the Shell Expro requirements of reducing cabling running costs and serialising data in the field without the need for big "Exd" boxes, by offering hazardous area mounting, integrated Intrinsically Safe interface and full HART capability.

Designed by MTL, a world leader in the development and supply of Intrinsic Safety, Open Process Control components and Surge Protection products, the MTL8000 Process IOTM is a field mounting I/O system which replaces field cabling, termination, interfacing and associated cabinets, and is connected to a host controller via an industry standard fieldbus.

The remote nodes can then be connected together to build a fast, powerful and open I/O system.

The MTL8000 connects as few as 8, or as many as 256 I/O points to each node.

In the case of the Shell Skiff platform the MTL8000 node comprises 16 analogue input channels with HART.

Using the HART capability of the system, multiple variables are retrieved from the smart instruments, permitting a reduction in required field instrumentation and therefore weight.

It also gives a high degree of visibility back at the control system.

The Skiff platform was the first Shell Expro implementation of the MTL 8000.

This has been followed by installation on Brigantine BG and Brigantine BR, and the retrofit of 2 other platforms.

"The MTL8000 really does meet our processing needs.

It enables us to serialise data in the field, close to the wellhead," said Graham Lloyd, Senior Instrument Engineer at Shell UK.

"All our applications of MTL8000 focus around well metering using Rosemount 3095 Multivariable transmitters.

The 3095/8000 combination increases the flexibility of data handoff and enables us to view data outside of our SCADA system.

We are in the process of fitting a further 5 platforms with the MTL8000 system, and using it on our new platform Carrack QA".

The MTL8000 Process IOTM is designed for remote mounting in harsh and hazardous areas and this suits off-shore oil and gas applications.

It is also designed for other harsh and hazardous markets such as chemical and petrochemical processing, energy and water processing plants.

Mark Jacobs, Regional Sales Director, I/O and Control Products at MTL added: "We are delighted that the MTL8000 has been so successfully used by Shell Expro on their gas platforms.

Field mounting can save overall project costs by cutting cable and conduit installation costs, reducing design costs and removing the need for I/O cabinets in a control room".

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