SATELLITE USED IN OFFSHORE MONITORING SYSTEM

A solar powered flow computer on a platform in the Gulf of Mexico monitors gas production and sends the data to a personal computer (PC) in New Orleans via a geosynchronous satellite located some 22,000 miles over the equator. Daniel Flow Products Inc. and Chevron Production Inc. are testing the satellite communication system, designated "DAN * STAR," on Chevron's Main Pass 41 platform some 100 miles south of New Orleans. The platform produces 50 MMcfd gas to the Chandeleur Pipeline.

May 4, 1992

2 min read

Daniel Flow Products Inc. and Chevron Production Inc. are testing the satellite communication system, designated "DAN * STAR," on Chevron's Main Pass 41 platform some 100 miles south of New Orleans. The platform produces 50 MMcfd gas to the Chandeleur Pipeline.

The system is being tested to determine its feasibility for future operational use (see accompanying picture). Conventional communications in the Gulf of Mexico are often handled via microwave transmissions.

However heavy rainfall, particularly during hurricanes or associated squalls, can interfere with microwave transmissions, according to a Daniel specialist.

Production often continues during hurricanes even though the personnel have evacuated the facility. Some systems are therefore automatically programmed to shut down if no signals are received from shore during a predetermined period. If weather interrupts the signals, then unnecessary shutdowns can occur. This is unlikely to happen with the Ku-band satellite communication.

The system at Main Pass, which was exhibited at the Energy Telecommunications & Electrical Association conference in Dallas early last month, has been in successful operation since January this year. Data from daily field operation reports with visual weather conditions, plus information from two outside weather-reporting companies are being gathered. This will be compared to production data from an electronic flow meter (EFM) system to assure that data are transmitted accurately and reliably.

THE SYSTEM

The communications system uses a Qualcomm Inc. transceiver with an automatic satellite tracking antenna and communications interface unit that connects with the Daniel solar flow monitor. The transceiver, according to Qualcomm, has been installed on over 20,000 highway trucks to enable constant communications with base. The tracking antenna function is of course not needed for the platform operation.

The data are transmitted via satellite to the Qualcomm network management computer in San Diego. The Chevron PC containing IDACS/2000 software then obtains the data from the NMC. Key Chevron personnel are able to communicate with the platform through their laptop PCs. The system will soon be compatible with Chevron's network host computer using a scada software system.

The accompanying schematic shows how the entire systems works.