Project Description
PROJECT DETIALS
Deepwater platforms are used in a variety of applications including offshore oil production, installation of wind turbines and most recently as autonomous spaceport drone ships. SIT works with customers to develop and deliver ballast systems that are critical to stabilizing platforms when tethered to the ocean floor, as well as, ensuring dynamic platforms adjust to sea conditions and changing deck loads.
The ballast systems provided by SIT are comprehensive solutions which include automated valves, measurement devices and control, alarm & monitoring hardware positioned throughout the vessel:
- Flow Meters: measure flow rate within ballast system to monitor movement of water between ballast tanks.
- Tank Level Gauging: pressure transducers to measure the amount of water within an individual ballast tank.
- Automated Valves: allow water in and out of the ballast tanks. New systems include integral local power units (LPU), an electro-hydraulic technology that simplifies control, reduces weight and space requirements, enhances reliability, and eliminates the need to install expensive hydraulic tubing runs throughout the vessel.
- Local Control (HMI): I/O cabinets containing local controls for each quadrant of the vessel.
- Master Workstation: all controls and alarms are networked through Emerson’s Aperio software. Aperio is a ballast specific architecture that integrates seamlessly with the platform vessel management system. From the master workstation located in the vessel control room, all ballast measurement devices (flow meters, pressure transducers, ballast pumps) are monitored and valve assemblies controlled to adjust ballast loads as required.
SIT works with customers to secure all components and technology required to deliver a ballast system. As the North American marine partner for Emerson, SIT has direct access to Emerson Valves, Damcos valve actuators, pressure transducers, flow meters and the Aperio ballast control software. All systems include comprehensive safety controls as required by relevant certifying authorities (ABS, USCG, DNV). With the new electro-hydraulic valve control technology, the ballast systems are built to state-of-the-art standards. SIT’s true value results from their ability to be that sole source partner capable of managing all aspects of the project. SIT’s integration capability ultimately results in a significant capital expenditure savings for the client.
