DMS being deployed (photo: Ashtead Technology)

Ashtead Technology has successfully completed a subsea integrity management project to support BP’s Quad 204 redevelopment of the Schiehallion and Loyal fields, West of Shetland.

Ashtead, an independent provider of subsea technology and equipment, deployed its new Deflection Monitoring System (DMS), to capture critical data required to safely deploy and install two subsea manifolds at water depths of 400 metres. The technology was launched to the market earlier this year.

The system monitors deflection, heading, pitch, roll, depth and other parameters of subsea structures in real time. This allows informed decisions to be made during critical operations, ensuring specified tolerances and safety requirements are taken into account.

The DMS was optimised to the exact pressures and water depths required for the scope of work at Ashtead’s UKAS accredited calibration laboratory before it was launched from a vessel and lowered 400 m onto the seafloor.

The project was completed on time and allowed the subsea manifolds to be installed within 24 hours of the DMS being deployed. The entire project was controlled remotely via radio frequency and acoustic data links, removing the need for direct ROV or diver support intervention in order to gather attitude measurements.

Ashtead utilised a range of communication and positioning tools to enhance the accuracy of data collected and to ensure maximum performance of the subsea structure once in place.

This new approach to the installation and integrity management of subsea systems was developed by Ashtead Technology as part of its range of value-added services to significantly reduce risk and cost in subsea operations.

Allan Pirie, chief executive of Ashtead Technology says, “Whilst subsea structures look robust and are designed to last decades, they can be easily damaged during installation and incorrect orientation can lead to stress on flowlines and jumpers. In today’s increasingly harsh exploratory environments, data is key – it allows us to ensure subsea structures are installed to meet the differing complexities of developments around the world, offering long-term reliability and safety.”

“Our Deflection Monitoring System was designed to provide a versatile platform for improved cost and safety performance, whilst reducing technological and operational risk and capturing key information that can extend the life of subsea assets. Quad 204 represents one of the most significant projects ongoing in the region and we are honoured to have been able to support BP with an integrity management solution for such an important field development,” adds Pirie.

Quad 204 is a major UKCS redevelopment incorporating a new FPSO and upgrade of the subsea infrastructure. It will enable the potential recovery of an additional 400 million barrels of resource from the existing Schiehallion and Loyal fields and extend production through to 2035.

Tags: Ashtead Technology, BP