* This picture is not related to actual platform which FluidCom installed.
In oil and gas offshore, UWHP would be an idealistic asset to optimize Chemical Injection Systems to increase production efficiency, reduction of CAPEX, OPEX and HSE.
To make this possible, the reliability of machinery as well as the Chemical Injection Systems are an important essential component. This is especially true for very remote platforms.
One of the main focuses for the unmanned platform is how often they can reduce the time to visit it for maintenance.
To that point, we can announce that the FluidCom Chemical Injection Solution is a maintenance free device, therefore; there is no need to visit on a fixed interval. Another important aspect is that with a conventional IRCD system the operator would need to keep and maintain the full injection system on the mother platform and provide a multiline umbilical over to the unmanned platform, this would incur at an extreme high cost equipment.
- Provide a maintenance free chemical injection system
- Achieve Full remote-control capabilities
- be able to install directly on UWHP
- remove the need for high value multi line umbilical
- provide a single chemical injection line, with chemical distribution controlled by FluidCom on board UWHP
FluidCom has currently been installed on 10 injection points on UWHP on Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The pump system still is located on-board the Main manned offshore platform, with the chemical injection distribution system being installed directly on UWHP. This provide substantial cost savings by supplying chemicals through single distribution line, rather than several km of high alloy umbilical. The FluidCom Chemical Injection Solution provides full remote-control capabilities and a maintenance free device.
Having the Chemical Flow Controller installed closer to the injection point, rather than injecting through a several km long umbilical you will achieve a much more accurate injection rate. It’s also important to remember that the ability to install the Chemical Injection System directly on UWHP will provide additional space for other important equipment on Main Platform.
In this Article, we have demonstrated in detail why FluidCom can provide the following advantages:
- Essentially Maintenance Free
- Reliability
- Minimal Design
1. Essentially Maintenance Free
Essential for an unmanned platform, with FluidCom there is no required maintenance work or manual adjustment of flowrate because of ...
Minimal mechanical moving parts
The design and working principal of FluidCom is very simple, and incorporates minimal mechanical moving parts. There are no concerns of abrasion and aging of mechanical moving parts causing problems.,br>
Self-Cleaning Function
The ability to open and close the valve by thermal Expansion or Contraction can provide self-cleaning capabilities. If the flowrate decreases due to particles plugging the valve, Fluidcom will increase the heating in turn causing the valve to open up fully to assist in the flush of particles out of the system and then allowing the valve to go back to set point automatically once the condition has cleared.
We have conducted a 3 month test in a laboratory to confirm this self-cleaning function works.
* Test Data for Self-Cleaning function.
2. Reliability
The Fluidcom Chemical Injection Solution combines all components necessary to make it a stand-alone system this includes: Valve, Flowmeter, an Actuator and Control Software functions. This all in one full-automatic flow controller can achieve long term chemical injection stability and reliability. Inside the FluidCom there is a mechanical moving valve, this is opened and closed by thermal Expansion or Contraction, this is controlled by a thermal heater and temperature sensors (T1/T2).
In addition. The thermal function can also provide a stable injection rate regardless of ambient temperature and chemical viscosity changes which are a major concern for conventional technology.
* FluidCom "How it works."
* For more information you can view our Introduction VIDEO.
Introducing Chemical Injection Metering Valve, FluidCom ( 4:18 )
To prove the technology as well as the product we conducted field tests on a Norwegian Offshore Platform in 2015. Here are the results:
Test Condition:
Chemical Tested: Scale Inhibitor
Temperature variations: ± 10 °C
Pressure variations: upstream 210 bar, downstream -0.6 to 180 bar (U-tube effect)
Test duration: 5 months (No maintenance and adjustment)
Acceptance Criteria: ± 5 % system stability to flow set point.
Test results:
Refer to the chart below, you can see that the FluidCom achieved ± 5 % stability in flowrate. In addition you can see that the FluidCom also achieved approximately 1 % stability in flowrate in comparison to a referenced flowmeter even with ambient temperature fluctuations.
* Test Data for long term stability
3. Minimal Design
FluidCom is all-in-one device and has the combined functionality of the following equipment: a flowmeter, a controller, an actuator and a valve.
Therefore, the cabinet required to have the FludiCom units installed can reduced the size and weight. It is also important to know that by using the FluidCom solution will allow the reduction of the typical installation footprint and material cost that typical IRCD' s. It can also reduce wiring for the other equipment.
* Material Savings and Decreasing the Footprint.
Comparison
For a typical project we estimate the following sizes and weights for the pump skid package and distribution cabinet. (Estimated 16 injection points)
* Conventional Technology: Dist. Panel (lxwxh) 4.000 × 800 × 2.000 3 - 4.000 kg
* FluidCom Technology: Dist. Panel (lxwxh) 1.500 × 600 × 2.000 1 - 1.500 kg
* Decrease Wiring, Save money.
* For a typical fully automatic single point injection point using a stroke-length controlled pump and a flowmeter, you need two power supplies and to I/O + a control software in the asset control system.
* When using FluidCom a fixed stroke pump can be used as the flow to the injection point is controlled by FluidCom. Hence no instrumentation on the pump is needed.
Industries
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Chemical
Chemical plants rely on continuous and batch production processes, each posing different requirements for a control system. A continuous process calls for a robust and stable control system that will not fail and cause the shutdown of a production line, whereas the emphasis with a batch process is on having a control system that allows great flexibility in making adjustments to formulas, procedures, and the like. Both kinds of systems need to be managed in available quality history of product, and to be able to execute non-routine operations. With its extensive product portfolio, experienced systems engineers, and global sales and service network, Yokogawa has a solution for every plant process.
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LNG Supply Chain
YOKOGAWA has been engaging in LNG automation by supplying the latest sensors, analyzers, control and information systems for more than 50 years since LNG was first imported to Japan. YOKOGAWA is one of the biggest automation suppliers to the worldwide LNG supply chain, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification.
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Oil & Gas
Yokogawa has a wealth of experience in every part of the oil and gas business, from offshore and onshore facilities to pipelines, terminals, and deepwater operations. We provide solutions that enhance safety, ensure accurate and reliable operation, and increase plant efficiency.
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Oil & Gas Downstream
The oil & gas downstream industry has been facing an increasing number of challenges in recent years. These include the changing characteristics of the feedstock to be processed, aging of process facilities and equipment, rising cost of energy, lack of skilled plant operators who can run a refinery safely and efficiently, and the ever-changing requirements from both the market and the customer.
Over the years, Yokogawa has partnered with many downstream companies to provide industrial solutions focused on solving these challenges and problems. Yokogawa's VigilantPlant solutions have helped plant owners to achieve maximum profitability and sustainable safety within their plants.
Related Products & Solutions
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FluidCom™ Chemical Injection Flow Controller
Flow assurance in the oil and gas industry is all about the effective chemical injection process.
FluidCom ensures optimal performance with its autonomous valve control.
An OPEX saving device, it maintains accurate and stable flow rates while ensuring HSE.