Invensys presents best practices for remote operations
Posted 08 February 2006
Experts describe technology and trends for SCADA system integrity,
security and span of control for remote operations of offshore production
facilities
Invensys Process Systems executives presented current trends and technologies
in selecting and installing offshore SCADA hardware and related critical
technologies at a Zeus Development workshop on Hurricane Evacuation and Remote
Operations (HERO). Invensys’ presentation, which took place on January 27th, was
part of a series of executive-led discussions on improving availability and
utilization of remotely controlled production assets during hurricane related
evacuations where ensuring safety of personnel comes at the cost of lost
production.
The Invensys presentation examined the best practices available today with SCADA
systems, wireless communications, critical controls and condition monitoring
required for safe and successful offshore productions facilities. Invensys
executives Mike Chmilewski, Vice President of SCADA and Pipeline Business, and
Stan DeVries, Director of Upstream Solutions, described the levels of system
integrity, security and adaptive span of control that are essential for reliable
and cost-effective remote operations, not only during temporary evacuations, but
under normal operating conditions as well. Best practices discussed included
innovative changes to teamwork.
Invensys currently has transcontinental and multi-operations SCADA installations
on five continents, including the largest share of offshore platforms in the
Gulf of Mexico. The company’s expertise includes complete automation and
lifecycle services of both offshore Normally Unattended Installations (NUI) and
Normally Attended Installations (NAI).
The SCADA presentation was part of a two-day workshop offered by Zeus
Development Corporation focusing on trends in offshore monitoring and control
and hurricane evacuation and remote operation. The workshop was hosted by Zeus
Development’s Upstream CIO newsletter and moderated by Editor, Jeanne Perdue.
Founded in 1991, Houston-based Zeus Development Corporation (www.zeusdevelopment.com
) is a research consultancy and central information clearinghouse for
business-related research, news and information concerning natural gas
development and information technology for the E&P industry.