Norwegian oil operator Gassco and the technical service provider Statoil have awarded $15m contract to ABB to provide upgraded version of the control system software for the Kårstø gas-processing complex located in Tysvær, Norway.
Under the contract, ABB will upgrade the human-machine interface (HMI) including operator stations, system software and servers with the sixth version of 800xA distributed control system (DCS) in a bid to increase safety and operational efficiency of the gas plant.
The automation system is designed to enable integration of processes, electrical, safety, and telecommunications in one system to improve productivity. The system is monitored and controlled from an "Extended Operator Workplace".
The upgraded DCS is expected to manage the production of 90 million cubic meters of gas per day at the processing plant.
ABB will also provide two test systems and three process simulators.
ABB plans to carry out installation work in mid-2016 during the maintenance period of the plant which is scheduled every sixth year.
The facility, which receives gas and condensates from 28 fields in the North Sea, is said to be the third largest natural gas liquids producer in the world.
The safety and automation systems at Kårstø were initially installed by ABB in 1985.
The contract is a part of wider framework agreement signed by ABB to provide control systems for onshore and offshore plants to Statoil.