The Future of Electric Controls: Trees and Subsea Processing Available to Purchase

Since2008 the world's first all electric production controls system is operating inthe Dutch sector of the North Sea. Valuable feedback is constantly beingreceived and lessons learnt are being implemented for future generations of all electric technology. A new generation has been developed for the operation ofSubsea Production Systems, ie. X-Mas Trees and Manifolds in particular. But withSubsea Processing systems becoming more and more accepted by the industry, all electric technology could be a key enabler for further enhancement of SubseaProcessing applications. For instance with the subsea factory emerging on thehorizon, a key requirement for complex systems is that control valves be operated in a continuous operation mode, either manually or in a closed loop(PID). For surface applications this generally poses no problem as varioustechnical means are at the industry's disposal ranging from pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuation control. For subsea this is different, withlonger step-outs and deep water depths having a hydrostatic pressure constraintreaction times). These severe conditions require special equipment capable of handling the increased process control challenges. Controlling valves fasterbecomes increasingly important, and in general demands electric controlcharacteristics. The majority of applications so far have used hydraulic actuators, although there are systems currently in build which will use electricactuation control. This paper will focus on explaining electrical technology, itshistory, and identify its advantages especially when used for long offsets, zero discharge requirements and complicated process controls. The paper willalso provide a vision of the control technology for the future, drawing fromproven Electro-Hydraulic and electric control systems of today and considering current technology developments.