To comply with new regulatory requirements, Petrobras (Petroleo Brasileiro SA) modernized the process control on its Merluza offshore platform in the Santos basin, off Brasil. The fixed platform, installed in 425 ft of water in 1991, produces natural gas with condensate from six wells. The production capacity is 68 MMcfd of gas with 3300 b/d condensate. A 200-km pipeline to the Presidente Benardes refinery transports the production onshore. To meet the new standards for efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. Petrobras replaced the outdated pneumatic devices, controlled with interlocking PLCs (programmable logic controllers) activated through field panels. This outdated system required many operators on site, resulting in high production costs. The new, updated process automation system reduced operational downtime, increased the reliability, improved maintenance performance, and increased the reliability of critical production equipment. The fieldbus technology reduced the cost of comissioning and start-up on the project because cable installation did not impair on-going unit operations during most of the offshore hook-up stage. It also enhanced process performance through increased system availability, greater platform stability, and improved data consistency. Most important was that the new control architecture enabled compliance with ANP (Agencia Nacional de Petroleo) standards while offering expanded functionality. The fieldbus technology also has gained acceptance at other Petrobras production units, both onshore and offshore.


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    Title :

    Fieldbus technology modernizes gas platform off Brazil


    Additional title:

    Mit Feldbus-Technologie wurde eine Erdgas-Plattform vor der brasilianischen Küste modernisiert



    Published in:

    Oil and Gas Journal ; 102 , 33 ; 39-45


    Publication date :

    2004


    Size :

    5 Seiten, 7 Bilder



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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