Detailed Description :

Background

The Kinsale head gas field started production in 1978. The field is produced through two platforms, Alpha and Bravo, with Bravo production routed through the Alpha platform, co-mingled with the Alpha production and exported via a 24 inch pipeline to the onshore distribution system.

Due to declining reservoir pressures in the Kinsale Head field, modifications were required to the compression facilities in order to maintain production. The field comprises two near identical platforms with separation, dehydration and compression facilities and a subsea tie back from Ballycotton.

There were three main elements to this project :

ALPHA Platform

The first was the reconfiguration of the Alpha platform compression facilities to upgrade the existing arrangement of 2 off 100% single stage units to 2 off 50% two stage units. The new two casing compressors on a single shaft are driven by the existing turbine drivers. The new compressor arrangement became operational in 2000. Additional suction scrubbers and fin fan coolers were also designed and procured.

The existing SCADA system was updated to become year 2000 compliant and to accept changes to the Bravo platform control.

BRAVO Platform - reconfiguration to a normally UNMANNED installation.

The second element was the reconfiguration of the BRAVO platform to a normally UNMANNED installation controlled from Alpha. The processing facilities on the platform were also made redundant by the reconfiguration work to Alpha, and from 2000 the Bravo platform and subsea satellite free flow to Alpha for compression and dehydration.

To enable these changes, the following modifications were made to the Bravo platform :

• Isolation of all process equipment, except flowlines, production manifold and export pipeline
• Isolation of the existing living quarters and installation of an emergency shelter
• Provision of new SCADA, ESD and F&G systems
• Provision of new power generation facilities

In addition the modifications described above a second subsea well, SW Kinsale, was tied-back to the Bravo platform in 1999.

BRAVO Platform - reconfiguration to a normally UNMANNED installation.

Topside modifications to the BRAVO platform enabling subsea tie-back of SW Kinsale, included –

• Re-routing of piping from riser valve to old Ballycotton separators.
• Re-routing of piping from Ballycotton riser to platform production manifold.
• Installation and tie-in of new riser and riser valve.
• Modifications to topsides separators and metering systems.
• Modifications to platform and subsea MCS control systems.

INCH Terminal

Concurrent with the works to allow Bravo to be controlled from Alpha were modifications made to the onshore terminal at Inch to allow the terminal to be controlled from Alpha outside of normal office hours.

To enable these changes, the following modifications were made to Inch terminal :

• New SCADA system for remote control from Alpha
• CCTV for monitoring the security fence and access provisions
• Leak detection system for the process pipe work