Sophisticated acoustic technology has been developed by Aberdeen company Nautronix for use in Arctic and other challenging conditions where a rig uses a surface blow-out preventer (BOP) and pre-positioned emergency well capping system.
The NASeBOP acoustic control system has been designed for use as the primary means of control and monitoring on the capping system.
It is capable of performing open/close, connect/disconnect functions and not just close functions typical of standard acoustic back-up systems on BOPs.
At the heart of the system is Nautronix’ ADS (acoustic digital spread spectrum) signalling technology. The company says this can enable highly-reliable communications link from a surface vessel to a subsea isolation device, typically a full BOP stack, or a simple isolation device such as which would be used during surface BOP drilling, perhaps by a jack-up rig.
Given that this is the post-Macondo era where many operators are taking additional precautions to avoid problems during drilling operations, Nautronix is able to cover this eventuality through the provision of full redundancy cover offering control from a mobile drilling unit, or its safety cover vessel.
Taking the precautionary principle further, Nautronix CEO, Mark Patterson, told Energy that a full NASeBOP master station and direct deployment system (DDS) can be installed aboard a rig’s support vessel to provide full control and monitoring of the subsea components, should that prove necessary.
This would comprise two subsea control units connected to split head transducers. Each SCU would be capable of controlling and monitoring up to sixteen functions.
There can even be provision for additional remote transducers that can be linked to the SCU’s via subsea cabling. These are designed to be ROV (remotely operated vehicle) wet mate-able and can be placed at a pre-determined distance from the actual drilling location.
Patterson added: “Nautronix has secured over £12million of business for this product line over the last two years and has won contacts with all the major BOP hardware suppliers such as NOV Cameron and GE.
“We have also increased our work force this year by 35 people to deal with the demand and business continues to expand. Moreover, we also continue to re-invest over £ 1.5million annually in research & development.