Emergency backup Blowout Preventer (BOP) control using acoustic communications means you can still operate the hydraulic rams in your stack to shut-down your well and disconnect your riser, keeping you in control. If a BOP failure occurs and a capping stack is deployed, our certified capping stack acoustic monitoring systems are the wireless link you need to understand flow characteristics.
At a glance
An essential backup for your BOP
Technology proven in a well control incident
Fully API compliant
Supports 12 pilot valves with 12 read-backs and 4 analogue sensors
Multiple layers of subsea equipment redundancy
Suitable for
Stay in control of your subsea wells
Want to find out more?
System uses highly secure acoustic signals
Deep Acoustic Remote Transducer (DART)
Dual DART ensure reliable subsea-surface comms
BOP-interfaced Subsea Electronics Module
Why Acoustic BOP Controller is perfect for your operations
Control
It can be activated from the rig or using a portable command system deployed from a lifeboat, support vessel or ROV.
Redundant
It's available in either single or dual redundant configurations to avoid a single point failure.
Secure
It allows a well to be remotely shut-in utilising high security, through water wireless acoustic communications link.
Overview
In the event that conventional MUX control of a BOP (Blow-Out Preventer) is lost during a subsea emergency, our Acoustic BOP Controller is an off-the-shelf system that allows a well to be remotely shut-in by means of a high security, through-water wireless acoustic communications link.
During an emergency, system components installed on the BOP are remotely activated from a control room on the rig or using a portable command system deployed from a lifeboat, support vessel or ROV.
The system consists of a rack mounted or portable BOP Command Unit, intelligent Deep Acoustic Remote Transceiver (DARTs) programmed to receive, decode and validate acoustic commands, and a Subsea Electronics Module (SEM) that provides the interface to solenoids and read-back sensors. The BOP Command Unit generates acoustic commands in response to operator intervention and transmits them via a simple over-the-side or hull-mounted transducer to the DARTs.
The DARTs are usually located on folding arms which extend outwards when the BOP is lowered from the vessel. This ensures a clear line-of-site for communications with the surface. Each system has a unique address and its 2 DARTs are programmed to respond only to commands which are specifically addressed to them.
Once decoded and validated, the acoustic commands from the surface are forwarded to the SEM, which in-turn activates solenoid valves which operate the hydraulic rams and close the stack down. Up to 12 function outputs operate the solenoid valves which control the hydraulic operation of BOP Rams.
An emergency disconnect sequence can be initiated by the operator pressing the 2 actuate buttons, which initiates a pre-defined sequence of valve operations tailored to a specific BOPs requirements.
Why invest
Acoustics
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Trusted 6G acoustic communication link - field-proven in a well control emergency
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Dual acoustic transceivers mounted on BOP ensure reliable Communications with the surface
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Activate from your rig or portable command system from a lifeboat, support vessel or ROV
Design
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Subsea units depth rated to 4,000 m
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Works with any BOP set up - Flexible subsea interface to your electro-hydraulic package
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All housings are constructed from super duplex steel
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Fully API compliant
Support
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Fully managed by our Projects Group from design concept through to installation
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Systems are manufactured and tested before delivery at our world-class in-house facilities
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Highly experienced field personnel ensure even the most complex systems are commissioned safely
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24-hour support, whenever and wherever you are in the world
Set Up
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Dual redundant Subsea Electronics Module (SEM)
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Two (expandable to four) Deep-rated Acoustic Remote Transceivers (DARTs)
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Surface (bridge) or portable control unit
Resources
| Depth rating | 4,000 m / 12,000 ft |
|---|---|
| Battery life (SEM and DARTs | 12 months (Minimum quiescent consumption) |
| Frequency band | Sonardyne Wideband MF (18–36kHz) or LMF(14-19 kHz) |
| Acoustic communications | Robust 2 way communications |
| Each installation has unique system address | |
| Multiple redundant architecture; up to 4 DARTs and 2 surface transceivers per system, operating in a multiple redundant configuration | |
| Down communication link | All command data contains redundant security information |
| Down commands are received by all DARTs in the system | |
| Ondividual DARTs can be addressed for diagnostics | |
| Subsequent ‘status request’ commands are used to confirm actuation of the commanded functions | |
| Up communication link | Acknowledgement of all commands |
| Status replies of all pressure switches and 4-20mA sensors | |
| Battery consumption (SEM + all DARTs | |
| Comms check each DART to SEM | |
| Low current test of each solenoid |
