| Hibernia is comprised of two separate components: the Gravity Base Structure (GBS) and the Topsides. The GBS houses the ballast control system that maintains platform buoyancy. When moored to the ocean floor, the GBS is almost completely submerged. The icewall of Hibernias GBS is comprised of 16 concrete teeth designed to absorb the impact of icebergs. Each tooth of the 1.4 meter thick icewall is designed to distribute the impact of an
oncoming iceberg evenly throughout the entire structure. The Topsides, which houses the main oil derricks, helicopter pads and other critical operations, remains above the ocean surface.
With an assembled height greater than a 65-story building, the Hibernia Platform is designed to extract up to 150,000 barrels per day from the oilfields located 300 miles off the Newfoundland coast. Hibernia is the only offshore oil facility in North America to use a GBS and the only platform in the
world to feature an iceberg-resistant wall.
Automated systems ensure efficient land-based construction and platform operations
Automated applications using Groupe Schneider Modicon 984 and Compact PLCs with FactoryLink/MonitorPro and Modsoft software site licenses include: - helicopter fueling systems
- ballast control
- gas compressor
- drilling (SCR drives package)
- power generation (main and essential power generators)
- oily water treatment
- concrete batch systems (for land-based rig construction)
Once Hibernia team members selected Groupe Schneider automation products, they notified OEMs from around the world that Groupe Schneider automation products were the automation standard for the Hibernia project. The OEMs then purchased the equipment from their local distributors.
Seamless
systems integration was handled by the experts at SEA Systems Limited in St. Johns, Newfoundland.
Rugged design of Federal Pioneer switchgear and circuit breaker panels are ideally suited to Hibernias demanding offshore environment
Because the Hibernia platform generators are in close proximity to the switchgear, short circuit currents are exceptionally high. This requires manufacturers switchgear to pass rigorous arc-resistance tests witnessed by the customer. Hibernia
selected and installed Schneider Canadas Federal Pioneer 5kV and 15kV arc-resistant metalclad switchgear because the equipment met the required arc-resistance test levels. Federal Pioneer low voltage switchgear using proven ANSI-rated power circuit breakers is the backbone of reliable power distribution on the Hibernia platform.
Because of their rugged, solidly built design and 4X stainless steel enclosures-which effectively withstand harsh environments such as salt corrosion and
constant vibration-Federal Pioneer circuit breaker panels were also installed in the Hibernia platform.
Commissioning and technical support expertise of local field service technicians help ensure efficient platform operation
Schneider Canada Services provided commissioning for the Federal Pioneer distribution equipment in the major modules, which were built in Italy and Korea. They also provided equipment re-commissioning after final assembly of the rig in Bull Arm,
Newfoundland.
Schneider Canada field service technicians, based in Atlantic Canada and fully trained in offshore survival safety techniques, are available on short notice to travel to the Hibernia platform.
Written by Marc Moscetto, Schneider Automation and Louise Jones, Schneider Canada |
