Power Delivery Solution for Insulation Resistance Challenges

September 26, 2024

In a recent international project, Aberdeenshire-based J+S Subsea enlisted Verlume and Viper Innovations to work collaboratively on a project to produce three subsea battery-powered control systems for a Canadian oil and gas operator client. Bringing their areas of subsea expertise together, the partnered companies were able to provide an innovative solution to the client’s urgent needs.

The Scope

An offshore oil and gas operator faced asignificant challenge: the scheduled disconnection of its Floating Production, Storage & Offloading (FPSO) vessel for routine maintenance. This disconnection threatened the insulation resistance (IR) of the umbilical cable, which was being maintained using Viper Innovations’ V-LIFE technology, using power from the FPSO. IR is defined as the ability of the insulation material to prevent leakage currents flowing between live conductors or from the conductors to ground.

The potential degradation of these umbilicals posed a risk to the operability of the field and could have led to substantial financial losses, with the field being shut in or subject to the significant cost of stationing a vessel on site with a generator and downline providing power.

The Solution

J+S Subsea, Verlume and Viper Innovations adopted a collaborative approach to tackle this pressing issue. The goal was to provide a swift, reliable, and cost-effective temporary power delivery solution to maintain the IR of the subsea electrical cables during the FPSO’s disconnection.

J+S Subsea developed three subsea battery-powered control systems, designed to uphold the integrity of the subsea electrical cables in the absence of topside electrical power. Each control system consisted of a Verlume-supplied Charge, a rechargeable battery system, and a J+S Subsea control unit housing Viper’s V-SLIM (Subsea Line Integrity Monitor). The units were connected via Electrical Flying Leads (EFL) and housed in a steel frame constructed according to DNV regulations.

The systems were designed to be deployed for 90 days, then recharged either on the deck of a Construction Support Vessel or onshore. Within this project, two control systems were deployed simultaneously, with a third system kept in reserve for rotation and recharging.

Viper Innovations’ V-SLIM technology, encased within a compact canister alongside Verlume’s Charge battery system, measured the total system IR and maintained the V-LIFE infrastructure’s rejuvenation capabilities. This ensured continuous IR maintenance while the FPSO was off location.

The Results

The combined effort resulted in a reliable, quickly deployable solution that ensured the continuous operation of the IR maintenance infrastructure for the client. The partnership between Verlume, J+S Subsea, and Viper Innovations highlights the importance of integrated solutions in addressing complex power delivery challenges in offshore oil and gas operations. By combining cutting-edge technology and effective project communications, the collaboration not only provided a solution for an immediate operational risk but also paved the way for future innovations in subsea infrastructure.

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Solution

Three 55kWh systems for 90 days up-time
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Challenge

Maintain IR infrastructure whilst FPSO off location.
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Phil Reid

Managing Director

Phil has worked in the energy industry for over 25 years. He started his career with Kvaerner FSSL progressing through a variety of roles in subsea engineering, from manufacturing to leading some of their most complex projects all over the world. He worked with the original J+S for a period before moving on to Genesis Oil and Gas as a Subsea Controls Engineering consultant; during that period, he was seconded to Centrica Energy (now Spirit Energy) which led to a permanent role as Lead Subsea Controls & Umbilical Engineer for Developments, Capital Projects and Operated Assets. For almost a decade Phil successfully delivered Capital Projects from concept right through to project close out whilst also looking after the running of their subsea assets.

As part of J&S Subsea limited, Phil oversees the day-to-day operations and will grow the business both in the UK and globally. 

James Morris

Engineering Director

James’s career started when he joined the Royal Navy from school as an Artificer Apprentice. After a 5-year Marine Engineering Apprenticeship he served in surface ships HMS Glamorgan, HMS Edinburgh, and HMS Glasgow and at Rosyth as part of an engineering support team. 

Moving into the Energy Industry in 1992, over the next 26 years he gained a wealth of experience within large and small companies on operation, design and project management of subsea control systems and equipment. This period started with several years as a Project Engineer for a family run hydraulic services company Grampian Hydraulics followed by 5 years as a Support Engineer at Kvaerner Oilfield Products.  James joined RRC Controls Services ltd in 2001 before finally moving to J+S Ltd in 2010. At J+S his dedication and technical capabilities were rewarded with several promotions until becoming a member of the management buyout team. 

He has designed an extensive array of subsea equipment from basic cable penetrators to complete subsea control modules. 

James thrives on providing solutions for client’s problems. 

As Engineering Director, James will ensure that the company provides clients with timely, cost effective and technically sound solutions and services. 

Matthew Blair

Executive Chairman

Matt Blair is Executive Chairman of J+S Subsea which was formed in October 2020 through a management buyout of the Subsea Engineering Division of Systems Engineering and Assessment Ltd.

With J+S Subsea and SEA for over 14 years, Matt has a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise.

Previously an Electronics Engineer with Ferranti Computer Systems Ltd specializing in sonar and submarine command systems, Matt moved into hydrographic survey working with Subsea7, Tritech, and CDL before joining J+S Subsea.

He was Vice Chair of the Decom Leadership Group of Decommission and in that role, he facilitated industry and academic studies on potential for reuse and repurposing of decommissioned equipment. He is still actively involved with the reuse agenda through Decommission and OEUK.

Although not part of day-to-day operations, Matt stays close to company strategic matters and is seeking further opportunities to update and transfer Energy technologies and products into the Marine Renewables markets and help to develop the broader circular economy.

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