Multi-million-dollar contract for automation services and technologies will help BP Azerbaijan recover additional oil
AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 13, 2012) – The Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) operated by BP has awarded Emerson Process Management a multi-million-dollar contract to automate a new offshore platform in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea. The Chirag Oil Project, to be completed in 2013 and operated by BP Azerbaijan, will enable additional oil to be recovered from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field.
In addition to providing measurement instruments and asset management and automation systems to help BP operate the platform safely and efficiently, as Main Automation Contractor Emerson will deliver project-management services to ensure the equipment is properly installed and integrated to meet technical, budget, and schedule requirements.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with BP Azerbaijan on this important project,” said Steve Sonnenberg, president, Emerson Process Management. “We look forward to applying our automation technology, our experience managing offshore projects, and our local support capabilities to help make the Chirag Oil Project a success.”
As part of the integrated front-end engineering and design (FEED) team, Emerson worked closely with BP for 18 months to define a digital automation solution to meet the project needs. Emerson will now be responsible for all automation engineering, acceptance testing, commissioning and configuration, and startup and will also provide ongoing support of the automation system.
Emerson’s PlantWeb™ digital plant architecture -- including FOUNDATION fieldbus communications, digital automation systems, asset management software, and intelligent field devices -- will provide process control and access to management information. Its network of intelligent transmitters and valve positioners will also deliver continuous process and equipment health information to identify potential problems before they affect operations. These predictive capabilities will help to deliver high platform uptime.
The architecture’s DeltaV™ digital automation system for process control and its DeltaV SIS™ process safety system for process shutdown and fire-and-gas monitoring will enable secure control of oil production on the platform. AMS Suite predictive maintenance software will provide online access to instrument and valve diagnostics and automatic documentation of field device maintenance information – all contributing to ongoing efficiency of platform operations and maintenance activities. AMS Suite will also be used to streamline device configuration and commissioning.
Support for the Chirag Oil Project will be provided by the recently established Emerson Process Management Azerbaijan, based in Baku. Emerson has been represented in Azerbaijan since 1997. The new office will increase the range of project management and support services to customers in the region.
Development of the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field is managed by the Azerbaijan International Operating Company, a BP-operated consortium of nine companies.
