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12 Baseline Issue 3

Technology
Acoustic Subsea Control Systems

Cuttingthetiesof

A Wideband BOP System; Dunking transceiver with cable drum, portable control unit, Subsea Electronics Module and either side, two DARTs

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umbilical control
Well known for providing pinpoint accuracy in positioning systems, Sonardynes Wideband acoustic technology is now being used as the foundation for a range of high integrity wireless control systems utilised in critical subsea applications.The same signalling and receiver processing techniques that offer outstanding positioning performance by allowing precise time-of-arrival measurement, also enable highly reliable acoustic transfer of data through water and Sonardyne has incorporated these techniques into its latest generation of wireless wellhead control systems. Baseline speaks to Ted Kenny, Business Manager, Subsea Control Systems.

ONARDYNE BEGAN DELIVERING

acoustic BOP (Blow-Out Preventor) control systems more than 10 years ago. This emergency back-up system allows a subsea well to be shut in and the riser disconnected if control via the riser umbilical is lost. With systems installed in Brazil, West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico, an excellent track record for reliable operation has been established. Building on this reputation, Sonardyne has now incorporated its Wideband acoustic technology into the latest generation of acoustic BOP controllers with the first batch of new systems being delivered to Noble Drilling for

installation on the new-build rigs David Beard, Danny Adkins and Jim Day. A typical installation consists of a surface control system, which may be portable or permanently installed on the vessel, and subsea components fitted to the BOP stack. The permanently installed surface system can operate either via a dedicated hullmounted transceiver or a Sonardyne Wideband USBL positioning system, if one is fitted. The portable surface system is a self-contained, battery powered control unit that is used with a lightweight acoustic transceiver and a strainrelieved deployment cable. It can be operated from a small workboat or even from a life raft. Acoustic commands and their replies use Forward Error Correction techniques combined with Sonardynes proprietary Wideband >>

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Baseline Issue 3

Technology
Acoustic Subsea Control Systems

acoustic telemetry protocol to ensure the highest integrity through-water data transfer. Subsea hardware The subsea components mounted on the BOP stack consist of a Subsea Electronics Module (SEM) and two acoustic transceivers, referred to as DARTs (Deep-rated Acoustic Remote Transceivers). The DARTs are located on opposite sides of the riser to ensure that the structure cannot mask the acoustic signals from the surface system. The SEM contains dual redundant electronics and battery packs for driving the pilot valve solenoids within the BOP and reading back pressure switches to indicate correct actuation of the valves. The SEM can drive up to 12 pilot valve solenoids and read 12 status switches and four 4-20 mA pressure sensors. The dual redundant SEM can operate with up to four DART transceivers to provide multiple acoustic communication paths and ensure reliable communication even under the most

Sonardyne began delivering acoustic BOP control systems over 10 years ago.This emergency back-up system allows a subsea well to be shut in and the riser disconnected if control via the riser umbilical is lost.

The inherent robustness of the Wideband signals achieves an acoustic link with reliability that is comparable to that of a cabled link and may be considered as a direct alternative to an umbilical cable.
demanding conditions. This level of acoustic and functional redundancy, combined with the inherent robustness of the Wideband signals achieves an acoustic link with reliability that is comparable to that of a cabled link and may be considered as a direct alternative to an umbilical cable. This means that the use of acoustics is no longer restricted to that of a back-up system and it is equally suitable for use in applications where it provides a primary control function, for example, as seabed shut-off device, used in conjunction with a Surface BOP system (see opposite). BL

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Helix Q4000 Acoustic Control System

The latest delivery of Sonardynes Wideband Subsea Acoustic Control System is to the Helix Q4000 vessel, operated by Well Ops (A Helix company). This will be the first such system to gain regulatory approval for use in the Gulf of Mexico and marks a milestone in the acceptance of wireless acoustic control in mission-critical applications.The acoustic system includes extensive self-diagnostics and a regular, automated health check to ensure constant availability. The Q4000 is a multi-purpose semisubmersible vessel currently undergoing a drilling upgrade to include the installation of a Surface BOP drilling system. Surface BOP drilling differs from conventional subsea drilling in that the BOP is located at the top of the riser (typically in the moonpool) rather than at the seabed.This requires the use of a high pressure riser, of smaller size than the conventional 21 inch marine riser. The use of a smaller riser means less riser and mud weight, so reduced riser tension and buoyancy requirement.This significantly extends the operating depth capability of the rig, compared to conventional drilling, and is increasingly used to allow the depth rating of 3rd or 4th generation rigs to be increased, so that they can be used in place of more expensive 5th generation rigs in locations with suitable metocean conditions. With the BOP at the surface, it is necessary for environmental protection, to have some form of shut-off device at the seabed to allow the well bore to be isolated and the riser to be disconnected under emergency conditions. This seabed disconnect device typically comprises two shear/blind rams and two latches, to unlatch the riser or the complete package. Pre-charged accumulators provide hydraulic power and control is via a single lightweight umbilical and an acoustic control system. While connected, the cable provides the primary control, with the acoustics as back-up, but if a disconnection is carried out, the acoustics must provide primary control and monitoring, until re-connection takes place. This places greater demands on the integrity of the acoustic control system than would be the case for a conventional back-up system.