Classification society DNV GL has developed a new unmanned floating LNG concept. Called »Solitude«, the concept demonstrates how technological advan[ds_preview]ces – most of the technology already within reach – can be combined into a solution that, according to DNV GL, offers some 20% reduction in annual OPEX, only adding a few percent increase in CAPEX and at the same time increase the overall safety.
DNV GL identified a need for more remote projects to be able to overcome even more challenging cost barriers, whilst still meeting increasingly stringent safety and environmental standards. »By changing the focus from maximum efficiency to maximum reliability, and selecting robust processing options with built-in redundancy, we were able to develop a solution that ensures production levels and boosts the economic viability of FLNG projects«, says Elisabeth Tørstad, DNV GL CEO Oil & Gas.
It is planned that »Solitude« makes use of advanced but mainly available technology to provide its power. Power that would otherwise be generated by high-maintenance gas turbines can as an example be generated by fuel cells. Equipment throughout the FLNG would be modularised and monitored from shore with much of the routine maintenance and fault correction carried out by self-programming autonomous inspection and maintenance units (robots). The topside has a system of rails that run along each process train, providing these robots with access to all the equipment. Wireless sensor networks »act as eyes, ears and noses«, feeding information to a condition monitoring system that overseas fault detection, proactive maintenance and repair planning.
