Tracerco marks continued success with latest Ormen Lange award

Leading process measurement specialist Tracerco, part of the Johnson Matthey Group, has been awarded a contract in excess of £1 million by StatoilHydro and Aker Solutions to deliver subsea measurement solutions for level measurement and control to the Ormen Lange field, phase II development.

The innovative step out technology, which is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2009, is further example of Tracerco’s important scientific contribution to the new frontier of subsea processing.

As part of a pilot project for a full-scale subsea compression station, the level system’s two main responsibilities will be monitoring the liquid level between the gas and liquid interface and providing shutdown signals. If high or low levels are detected, the system sends emergency shutdown signals to the compressor unit, therefore eliminating the potential for damage and downtime.

Tracerco’s redundant and fault tolerant level measurement system will bring a number of significant benefits to the project. Real-time and extremely reliable data will be provided, while the technology can also respond to undesirable process conditions such as slugging. With built-in diagnostics, the system’s performance can be monitored through remotely integrated communications up to 120km from shore making operations more efficient and easier to manage. It is also a viable and cost-effective investment as the robust design means that it will continue to perform over the life of the project.

The company has previously supplied 12 level systems and four TRACERCO Profiler™ units for topside projects on Ormen Lange and the latest development could lead to an order for further units.

Tracerco’s general manager for Scandinavia, Magne Husebo, said: “The contract award is particularly pleasing as it shows our previous work on other aspects of the Ormen Lange field have not gone unnoticed. I am confident the pilot project will be a success and enhance our position in the industry as the leading technology provider for subsea measurement systems.

“Our technical expertise and innovation has shown that we can provide an industry leading solution for the purpose of this contract. Adapting the technology for subsea use will be challenging but the experience and knowledge of our staff will ensure we can make it work.”