SUBSEA CONTROLS.
Reliable and flexible systems that never become obsolete
Independent and reliable systems for critical infrastructure At Proserv, we are controls technology experts with a long-standing reputation - it is the core of our business. We put controls at the centre of clients’ systems, improving the performance and extending the operational life of essential infrastructure. Whether on greenfield or brownfield assets, our technologies, from their high bandwidth offering enhanced functionality to their unique coexistence capabilities with any legacy OEM system, deliver market-leading reliability and quality. For over 30 years Proserv has worked in close partnership with subsea operators to provide and support control systems that add real value to the life of field. Our reputation for best in class delivery is built on our track record.
332 Over 330 control systems installed - of which 91% still remain subsea 100% of all operators interviewed who have worked with Proserv, 100% have recommended us* 120+ More than 120 subsea controls projects completed for operators and service companies
Proserv Subsea Controls
Subsea Controls Products
Subsea Control Module Delivering reliable subsea control
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Subsea HIPPS Controls Dedicated control systems for high integrity pressure protection
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Open Communications Hub Robust communications for subsea monitoring
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Proserv A2G SEM Subsea electronics module
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Augmented Control Technology (ACT) Augmented Control Technology (ACT) Enhance production the simple way Our innovative augmented controls technology offers a cost-effective and simple solution to enhance your existing systems without the need for full replacement. helping reduce costs, improve reliability and accelerate production. Learn more about ACT
Proserv ACT is a simple and cost-effective way to maintain production, without full system replacement. Through our approach we help clients reduce costs, improve reliability, maximize field life and fast track production. Augmented controls technology is an approach we adopt that involves allowing additional control technologies to be deployed to augment an existing control system and open up a range of opportunities that were previously not available for the client. When faced with a challenge around equipment reliability, obsolescence or a subsea field upgrade, Operators are typically presented with a solution by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to replace their systems, which is a very expensive exercise and it can also affect production. Proserv is currently challenging the market to think differently here. There’s a common misconception when looking to optimise subsea production. New systems will not integrate with existing ones, so whenever there’s a problem, entire systems should be replaced with new ones, meaning massive cost, significant downtime and a loss in production. ACT is a much simpler, and cost-effective way to maintain production, without full system replacement. Often there is insufficient support for ageing systems from the OEM. The parts are obsolete. The technology is no longer available. However, a co-exist solution is available from Proserv. Through retrofit technology, ACT allows for a well life upgrade by replacing obsolete electronics, maximising your existing assets with obsolescence and engineering support, improving connectivity and performance while we are about it. To create additional wells by extending fields requires new technology to co-exist with existing technology both subsea and topside. ACT enables the seamless integration of both systems, without affecting existing subsea control systems. It also alleviates the need for new umbilicals, minimising downtime. To monitor ageing assets within an upgraded brownfield, additional instrumentation is often required. But it may not be supported by your existing control system. Through ACT, powerful co-exist communications options eliminate the need for new umbilical infrastructures, providing the required information to maximise your production.
Our pledges
Five pledges underpin our subsea controls for both greenfield and brownfield developments. RELIABILITY Proserv will provide a best in industry warranty for all the subsea control equipment supplied. NEVER OBSOLETE Proserv will issue certificates guaranteeing that the subsea control system will never become obsolete. DELIVERY Proserv will stand by its commitment to the most competitive delivery. FLEXIBILITY Proserv will collaborate with its partners, not dictate solutions, to extend the life of subsea fields in the most economical way possible; guaranteeing continued support for your installed system for its entire life. TRACK RECORD Proserv has delivered over 300 control systems to 40 operators for 84 subsea fields over 30 years.
Our Installations
Case Studies
Brownfield Upgrade: Valve control module Our client was looking for a solution that would provide a contingency against the potential impact of an umbilical losing both power and signal.
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Greenfield Solution: Subsea production controls The client required a subsea production control system for their project in the Gulf of Mexico, located in water depths between 3,300 and 3,700 feet.
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Browfield Upgrade Co-exist Solution Using our retrofit expertise and capabilities, Proserv provided a fully redundant co-exist solution which secured not only the production capability but also provided the opportunity to plug in for future field extension opportunities.
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SCM Retrofit due to OEM Obsolescence Our client had a requirement to refurbish older Aker 4G subsea control modules (SCM) that have obsolescence and fault issues, particularly with the internal subsea electronics module (SEM).
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Poor reliability Obsolescence SCM Retrofit Proserv utilised their Augmented Controls Technology (ACT) solution to retrofit a Proserv A2G SEM after the OEM experienced repeated failures.
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BROWNFIELD UPGRADE: VALVE CONTROL MODULE Project background Our client was looking for a solution that would provide a contingency against the potential impact of an umbilical losing both power and signal. The client was concerned that its existing solution would not be adequate in scenarios where umbilical failure would affect the ability to continue production remotely. Proserv was engaged to manufacture an ROV operated backup VCM that would directly interface with existing infrastructure. Proserv’s backup control module would allow for mechanical control of the Christmas tree, without any need for power or signal. This mitigated the impact of an umbilical failure and providing insurance against loss of production. Chosen for our responsiveness Proserv was primarily chosen for this project due to lead time capability. This is because we were able to deliver inside a tight schedule of 12 months. The OEM could not provide an answer within the window the client required. They were also unenthusiastic in its support for a solution. Proserv had the expertise to design a solution that could interface with equipment already installed subsea, working in tandem, or ‘co-existing’, with those assets in situ. Our proposal offered a real alternative to the suggestion from the OEM. Reverse engineering the solution Creating the VCM involved the design, manufacture and qualification of a new hydraulic coupler that could interact with the existing OEM’s hydraulic couplers already subsea. Developing this solution required our engineers to problem solve a number of issues. This included having to reverse engineer several key components needed to make the VCM work. This entailed the use of 3D scanning, which is a new technology for Proserv. This is a fantastic development for us, as our experience of using this will improve our augmented controls technology, or ACT, capabilities for the future. Supporting the future There are several thousand OEM hydraulic couplers in existence, owned by operators all over the world. Now Proserv has proven we have the capability to produce an alternative to the legacy product. With this expertise, Proserv can now assist those operators with both mechanical and electrical support, which opens up numerous potential future opportunities. Our modules provide the requisite monitoring, control and shutdown functions for subsea production wells, HIPPS skids, injection wells, manifolds, pipeline end manifolds (PLEMs), and work-over controls. To date, Proserv has manufactured and supplied over 300 subsea control modules to clients globally.
GREENFIELD SOLUTION: SUBSEA PRODUCTION CONTROLS Background The client required a subsea production control system for their project in the Gulf of Mexico, located in water depths between 3,300 and 3,700 feet. Subsea control and monitoring was required to be capable of controlling 19 subsea wells and manifolds across two independent umbilicals. Latest industry specification subsea instrumentation was used with high functionality control for production, water injection trees and down hole multi-zone smart sliding sleeves. Scope Work for the project was carried out at various Proserv subsea service centres and technology hubs around the world. The design and manufacture of the subsea electronics modules (SEMs) and subsea control modules (SCMs) were carried out by Proserv’s team of subsea experts in Great Yarmouth, UK, with Proserv’s Trondheim facility in Norway providing technical support. Final testing, servicing and the integration of equipment was carried out at Proserv’s controls facility in Houston, USA. Solution Proserv provided their latest A2G technology with SIIS L2 Canbus instrumentation, dual IWIS DHPT interface, dual SEM, and 26 hydraulic function SCMs. Each SCM provided 5,000 and 15,000psi supplies for field valve control for diverless recovery, if necessary, in deep water. The Proserv ingenious design required no running tool and included full alignment, shock absorption, soft landing and secondary breakout on the SCM itself. Benefits The Proserv A2G dual subsea electronics provides unrivalled data speed and flexibility. The full provision of the control system and in-house software offers a superior level of support and service not normally provided by a sub-contractor. The ability of the system to be run without a dedicated running tool reduces CAPEX commitment and enables the flexibility of SCM support without the burden of tooling readiness or operation personnel.
SUBSEA BROWNFIELD UPGRADE CO-EXIST SOLUTION Background The client required an extension of their existing subsea control system situated in a subsea tieback field in the UKCS (135 miles from the coast). Owing to obsolescence and limit of operational spares a threat to existing system maintenance and availability existed. Additionally future client opportunities for system extensions could not be realised due to the technology limitations of the current system. Solution Using our retrofit expertise and capabilities, Proserv provided a fully redundant co-exist solution which secured not only the production capability but also provided the opportunity to plug in for future field extension opportunities. To ensure minimal impact to the current operations Proserv worked closely with the client to implement a system that utilised existing power and assured the current communication network was maintained. To ensure fully compliant integration with the existing XT assemblies, Proserv’s subsea control modules and mounting interfaces were implemented. This approach provided future spares/maintenance capabilities for management and replacement of obsolete equipment during the remaining field life. Scope The scope included test and evaluation of the existing system including evaluation of umbilical characterisation. Integration into the system required the provision of Proserv’s Open Communications Hub (OCH), which provided power and communication distribution to the two Subsea Control Modules (SCM), also provided by Proserv. The OCH was equipped with a power/communication extension to support a production system on a future 12km step-out. The existing topology utilised separate communications and power which required the installation of the Proserv Topside Power and Communication Unit (TPCU) to integrate the Proserv communications onto the existing umbilical. Conclusion Proserv successfully supplied a OCH providing the client with an extension of their existing subsea control system. Benefits Cost-effective solution using standard Proserv technology assuring reliable and field proven products. Integration into the existing subsea system has minimal interface connections, reducing risk and impact on day to day operations. Proserv products have extensive inbuilt configuration and diagnostic capabilities, providing enhanced performance compared to the clients existing system. Future extension capability is now in-built to enable the client to realise commercial and operational opportunities. Risk of obsolescence during extended life of field has been mitigated. System supports future integration of additional instrumentation that may benefit production optimisation or asset surveillance.
SCM RETROFIT DUE TO OEM OBSOLESCENCE Background Our client had a requirement to refurbish older Aker 4G subsea control modules (SCM) that have obsolescence and fault issues, particularly with the internal subsea electronics module (SEM). The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) was unable to support the system or deliver spare parts to support. Solution Proserv completed a full overhaul of the SCM and its components utlising our latest A2G SEM technology which is currently installed and coexisting with the OEM system until the client upgrades the balance of SCMs. Scope of work Refurbish the used Aker 4G SCM module by installing a Proserv A2G SEM with redundant power and communications. Reuse all hydraulic parts and sensors, replace only if necessary and refurbish all existing equipment. Interfacing to topside Siemens DCS by legacy MODBUS map. Benefits Cost effective, since most SCM parts are durable and will now be reused. Short lead time, Proserv delivered the SCM in 6 weeks. High bandwidth and open topside interface. Redundant power supply and communication. Flexible system and market-leading SEM reliability.
POOR RELIABILITY OBSOLESCENCE SCM RETROFIT Background A remote unmanned platform in the North Sea supports two subsea production wells linked to a Host platform. The subsea control system is over 20 years old, is unsupported by the OEM and has suffered from repeated failures, unscheduled shutdowns, and limited remote support leading to a significant loss of production. Solution Proserv provided a retrofit solution using the existing Subsea Control Module (SCM) hydraulic and mechanical hardware but replacing the Subsea Electronic Module (SEM) for a more reliable and fully supported unit. This provided a replacement solution with the incumbent Subsea Control Modules (SCMs) and thus an upgrade path to improve availability and support and system capability. Scope A study was undertaken to consider the implications of SEM replacement within each SCM, including the use of existing inductive couplers which are inherent in the system. Each SCM was disassembled, pre tested, retrofitted and FAT tested with new Proserv electronics. The surface control system was also replaced with a new MCS to replace the OEM system and provide communications to the retrofit SCMs. Benefits Significantly less expensive than a replacement Significantly greater technical performance and reliability Enables production from an otherwise non-productive field Higher reliability and availability Optimised uptime State of the art electronics and connectivity Remote connectivity
THE TEAM
Daniel Fearnley Vice President, Sales & Strategic Accounts
Luke Wassell Director, Sales & Strategic Accounts
Simon Andrew Director of Sales - UK, Europe & West Africa
Petter Eriksen Sales Director - Norway