Santa Fe Drilling Company's Semisubmersible Drilling Rigs 135 and 140 are equipped with a computerized data acquisition and control system. This network integrates real-time data with operations, providing control and monitoring of the ballast system, and other vital rig support activities and associated equipment. The computer makes engineering programs available to the operators in an easily comprehended format addressing areas related to safety, stability, environmental and drilling activities.
The system philosophy for the Santa Fe rigs centered around the provision of a computerized data acquisition and control system which would have the ability to store, retrieve and process large quantities of data on board the rig. Such a system through interconnection to a conventional hardwired control panel would create an efficient, safe and practical operating system. With the bal1ast control panel, the operator could adjust, monitor and collect data from the remote sensors and send the appropriate signals to the final controlling elements. This control would ensure the user of complete familiarity and operating knowledge of the layout of valves, pumps, manifolds and other controlling components of the various systems on the rig. This interactive control strategy would provide clear, informative displays for instant recognition of potentially "out of limit" data and would be specifically designed to allow fast comprehension and execution with a minimum of confusion.
The design philosophy of the computerized data acquisition and control system considered the characteristics and limitations normally found in standard conventional ballast control systems. The merger of these two control techniques was intended to provide the operator an effective man-machine interface. The "man-in-the-loop" control was a prime objective of the system initiated through a standard conventional control panel, the focal point for ballast control.
Another important design consideration aspect of the computerized system was its ability to offer the operator real-time information of the ballasting and stability functions of the rig. Conventional control methods of operation often utilized tedious, one-dimensional manual stability calculations based on visual observations. The computerized system would collect data from all locations on the rig, and through various programs provide the operator near instantaneous information for his consideration and use. Additionally, it was highly desired to have a system which would allow the operator to ask "what if" questions, taking the guess work out of a critical situation by providing a quick-response and adjustments enabling timely and expedient decisions to be effected in the face of major pending environmental changes.
Santa Fe Drilling Company's Friede & Goldman Enhanced Pacesetter Class twin-hulled, column stabilized, all weather Semisubmersible Drilling Rig 135 and its sister Rig 140 have been primarily located in the UK sector of the North Sea since delivery from Daewoo Shipyard, Okpo, Korea. Rig 135, commissioned in July 1983 and Rig 140 following in August 1983, have been under contract continuously since their commissioning. Both units are designed to drill 30,000 foot wells while moored in 2,400 feet of water.
