Energy, Oil & Gas Magazine EOG 215 July | Page 25

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Automation
A connected vessel combines standardized systems and improved supplier coordination with the power of digital technology . An end-to-end strategy takes an innovative design and implementation approach to building and managing a connected vessel . It also addresses the entire process – from the reservoir through topside production , vessel management , and beyond .
The technology can improve efficiencies at every stage of an FPSO ’ s life , stretching from initial project execution to long-term sustainment . More than that , it creates opportunities to reimagine what FPSO operations can be . It makes it possible to maximize production using digital technologies that create better visibility and flow assurance while remotely coordinating expert support for the vessel ’ s life from a connected , onshore operations center . More importantly , for the future aspirations of oil and gas operators , it is a significant step on the pathway toward more autonomous operations with connected and automated technologies . In our experience , a connected vessel offers potential savings of up to $ 150 million , which far outweighs the cost of the technologies and work processes required to implement a connected vessel strategy .
Standardized systems
Standardization is a crucial facet of success . Too often , automation and electrical systems become the critical path to FPSO project completion because of regular design changes . Poor project execution can also result in costly changes at the shipyard , leading to commissioning and start-up delays . Using standardized systems and better supplier coordination can help address these challenges .
Production modules are traditionally designed and constructed in diverse locations . Each module is often built to its own supplier ’ s design specifications , and there is usually limited interaction between suppliers themselves and between suppliers and the main systems . This approach can lead to installation problems at the shipyard . Design changes can be up to ten times more expensive when they are made at the shipyard instead of during the engineering phase , and this rises to one hundred times more expensive when they are made during commissioning and start-up .
Optimized performance
During the production phase of an FPSO ’ s lifecycle , advanced automation can help operators optimize an FPSO vessel ’ s performance and realize the true potential of its production assets . This is achieved through connected modules that use the latest technologies for asset management , remote support , obsolescence , and spare parts management . This production platform provides secure connectivity and scalability to visualize and optimize production from the reservoir to the production units . Capabilities like reservoir analysis and management can help operators maximize production over the vessel ’ s life .
Using the connected vessel approach , operators can optimize FPSO performance and realize significant savings from the shipyard through full production and retirement . ■
Emmanuel Guilhamon www . rockwellautomation . com
Emmanuel Guilhamon is EMEA Heavy Industry Manager at Rockwell Automation , a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation . Rockwell Automation is dedicated to making its customers more productive and the world more sustainable .
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