Energy | ConocoPhillips

Platform obsolescence management: ConocoPhillips

Strategic ICSS upgrade solutions for offshore platforms: Maintaining production and safety integrity amidst system obsolescence

As part of ConocoPhillips’ J-Area, consisting of the Judy, Joanne, Jade, and Jasmine production fields, the Judy Platform faced challenges due to obsolete control systems. Located 240km northeast of Aberdeen, the platform’s aging ICSS controllers posed a risk to production and safety.

Init stepped in with a strategic approach that minimised costs and downtime, enabling continued safe operations for the next 10 years.

Aspiration

Ensuring safe production amidst aging control systems

ConocoPhillips needed a solution to address the obsolescence of its ICSS controllers on the Judy Platform. The primary challenge was maintaining production and safety integrity while minimising costs and avoiding long shutdowns.

 

They were looking for an innovative solution that would provide an effective upgrade strategy without disrupting ongoing operations.

Solution

Feasibility study and strategic system upgrade

Init conducted an in-depth feasibility study and proposed a cost-effective alternative to the ongoing “rip-and-replace” approach. This strategy allowed ConocoPhillips to harvest spare parts, conduct strategic upgrades, and prepare for future reactive upgrades. Key responsibilities and deliveries included:

 

  • Feasibility study: Provided a thorough ICSS upgrade feasibility report to assess alternatives.
  • Recovery from obsolescence plan: Developed a comprehensive strategy to manage and recover from obsolete controllers.
  • Technical compliance and management: Ensured technical compliance with the scope of work and managed technical interfaces.
  • Onshore and offshore support: Supervised onshore acceptance testing and offshore installation, including strategic upgrades of two SG9000 systems to SG400.
  • Reactive upgrade packs: Delivered two SG400 systems for future reactive upgrades, along with verification of C&E diagrammes and trip schedules.

“I would like to convey our thanks for the dedication, hard work and long hours spent to ensure we successfully complete the upgrade of Judy’s ABB nodes. Having you as part of our COP team made our success possible. It’s been a great privilege working with you both as individuals and Init as a Company.”

 

JOMP/Instrument & Automation Engineer

Result

Safe, cost-effective production for the next 10 years

Init’s approach enabled ConocoPhillips to maintain production and safety integrity on the Judy Platform while reducing costs and avoiding extensive shutdowns.

 

The project successfully extended the operational life of the platform’s ICSS controllers for the next 10 years, ensuring compliance, safety, and continued efficiency for the J-Area production fields.

Reach out

for more information

Ola Guldbrandsen

Client Liason, Sales Manager

+47 99 27 22 21

[email protected]

Eldor - Part of Init, Stavanger, Norway

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