VIDEO INTRODUCTION: The World of Automation Projects

Offshore applications are space limited and frequently located in harsh environments.  The ability for these systems to remain robust and provide safe and reliable operation is critical.  Process control is similar to plant applications but also provide other systems needed for marine, fire and gas monitoring.  Onshore to offshore communication is needed for remote monitoring.  Hull and Topsides projects are managed in different countries with the hull frequently constructed and tested overseas,  shipped for integration and eventually towed to the final location.    The projects are time critical given shipyards hard fast schedules and require global integration of engineering services and equipment.  Project planning is critical to integrate the systems and services in a timely way.

Process plants include chemical, petrochemical and refining industries.  The integration and complexity  provide opportunities for advanced software applications, improved efficiencies and operating efficiencies.  The trend over the last 50 years has been to integrate operations in one location outside of the plant with the plant monitored and controlled from one central control room.  Given that most of the plants in Europe and US were built before 1960, many of the projects are now automation upgrades that require transfer of systems online and utilization of limited space.     These projects require a clear understanding of the existing plant in order to upgrade and integrate new systems.  New grass roots project require that automation projects align systems and software with mechanical completion.  The automation work is frequently at the end and if not integrated properly, can have an adverse impact on the overall project despite that automation may represent less than 5% of the overall cost.  Integrating systems,  expertise, software and services is a key success factor.  What's something exciting your business offers? Say it here.

The distribution of energy continues to be an important part of our infrastructure.  SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is characterized by monitoring and controls over large geographical distances meaning that long distance fiber, radio and satellite and data communication becomes an important part of the systems.  These systems go back to pre-computer control when controls over telephone networks were utilized and even when electrical signals over long distances were being developed during the early days of the telegraph.   The ability to quickly and safely monitor systems over remote distances are important to ensure safe and reliable operation.  The ability to protect the communication and computer systems from unauthorized access is also an important aspect.