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Engineered solutions to overcome crane system obsolescence

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Oilfield Technology,


As oil and gas reserves begin to deplete globally, investment in Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) has increased as operators look for a resilient and lower cost option in remote deep and ultra-deep waters.1

Engineered solutions to overcome crane system obsolescence

However, FPSOs are very complex assets, acting as a hydrocarbon processing facility condensed to the size of an oil tanker, so overhauling ageing or faulty systems can be very complicated.

Cranes and other mechanical lifting systems are an integral part of day-to-day operations on offshore assets, lifting essential cargo like food and water to large scale equipment for production operations. Without their ability to operate safely, many offshore activities would simply be unable to take place.

As sustainability continues to dominate agendas, the lifespan of offshore platforms and vessels is often now extended beyond original expectations. Component and systems obsolescence are therefore becoming increasingly problematic as original equipment manufacturers (OEM) cannot always provide ongoing support and maintenance.

Sparrows Group, a global provider of specialist equipment and integrated engineering services, has developed solutions which make it possible to extend the life of vital lifting assets without the need for complete replacement.

Beyond operating system obsolescence

Following advice from the OEM regarding the crane’s operating system obsolescence and subsequent struggles to support the system, the company was recently tasked with providing replacement control systems for two Liebherr BOS 40 3600 DEX cranes, located on an FPSO in North America, a harsh weather environment featuring sea ice and icebergs.

The aim of the project was to extend the life of the FPSO vessel by more than a decade allowing the facility to continue capturing oil.

To ensure the project was completed successfully, electrical and hydraulic reviews of the existing control system functionality were carried out. The objective was to retain existing functionality and, where possible, to improve safety through the enhancement of emergency stop functionality, use of plant fail-safe systems and dedicated personnel lift curve.

The project was concluded in one year from the start of the offshore survey campaign to the factory acceptance test of the system, which was carried out in Aberdeen (UK) at the start of this year.

Engineering solutions for extended functionality

A number of challenges were overcome during the project, including reverse engineering the computer-based control system to ensure existing functionality was retained and developing solutions for optimal user experience. Furthermore, the control system safety was improved and optimised.

To understand the functionality of the crane, we had to reverse-engineer the computer-based control system, review the electrical and hydraulic drawings and manuals, and conduct interviews with the crane operators. This work allowed us to gain an understanding of the existing control system and its main functions.

The appraisal team reviewed the functional design specifications and developed an appropriate decision matrix to ensure the new control system would retain the existing functionality, improving safety features where necessary.

Following this, Sparrows’ engineers carried out machine safety risk assessments in accordance with the Machinery Directive harmonised standards EN ISO 12100, EN ISO 13849 Parts 1 and 2, and EN IEC 62061. Subsequently, a gap analysis was undertaken to determine the next steps necessary for the requirements to be met. Based on their findings, the crane’s safety functions were improved to ensure compliance with the most recent guidelines.

The new control system was also redesigned to improve the interface with the crane, providing the crane operator with an increased amount of operational information and a user-friendly interface to access calibrations and limits/alarm setups. New control consoles, drawings and manuals were provided.

By upgrading the control systems, the issue of obsolescence of parts can be removed. It makes the whole system more reliable and increases crane uptime. It also removes the need to rely on the OEMs to aid in any troubleshooting for the system in the event of an issue.

The next steps for the project are to ship the systems to North America where one of our specialists will conduct training with the FPSO’s crane operators and technicians. The vessel will then be transported to a dry dock in Spain where the control system upgrade project is scheduled for installation over a two-month period.

Reliable and cost-effective lifting solutions

The increase in global E&P activity means FPSOs are continuing to play an important role in the production cycle, with the economic and efficiency benefits offered by these complex vessels of particular interest to operators.

They do, however, bring their own challenges as the design intricacy and small workspaces can complicate routine maintenance procedures. As such, the supply chain must develop new, cost effective processes to ensure that FPSOs can continue to produce hydrocarbons safely and efficiently.

Reference

  1. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/fpso-market-100429

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/offshore-and-subsea/04012021/engineered-solutions-to-overcome-crane-system-obsolescence/

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