BRITISH FIELDS 1 -161

PLATFORMS

UK PLATFORMS

AMETHYST

Amethyst A2D clears Erskine Bridge by 3m

UK PLATFORMS

The Amethyst offshore development is made up of

four unmanned platforms, each supported by

traditional steel jacket structures. These installations

are specifically designed for remote operation,

largely because rotating machinery has been

removed. As a result, there is no requirement for

instrument or plant air systems, nor is onboard power

generation necessary since electricity is supplied

from shore.

Operations are controlled from the Easington

terminal, where production management is

straightforward. Output levels can be adjusted by

modifying four control valves—one located on each

platform—eliminating the need to reconfigure

individual wells whenever production targets change.

In contrast, staffed platforms would require

continuous oversight of numerous interconnected

systems.

All platform functions are hydraulically driven through

a standard well control panel. Each installation is

equipped with three advanced Remote Telemetry

Units (RTUs), which maintain operational status

between operator inputs. Field start-up is performed

manually, while shutdown processes are automated.

A major component of the system is its digital line-of-

sight communication network, which includes built-in

redundancy. This represents the first offshore use of

such a system within the UK Continental Shelf, and

the shift from analogue to digital technology is

expected to enhance both reliability and operational

performance.

Rather than relying on traditional SCADA

systems, the control setup uses a

commercially available, ready-made

solution. This has simplified remote

operations while improving monitoring

capabilities and data collection.

Because the platforms are unmanned,

onboard facilities are minimal—for

instance, there is no accommodation.

Maintenance or inspection visits are

expected to occur roughly once per week,

with a full round trip taking about four

hours.

All produced fluids—gas, condensate, and

water—are transported to shore via a 30-

inch pipeline. The line operates in a wet

condition, with hydrate prevention and

corrosion control achieved using methanol

and inhibitors delivered from the terminal

through a parallel pipeline.

Daily pigging is required, and this is

enabled by an automated launcher

installed where the pipeline meets the

platform. The launcher uses a “cup valve”

design, ensuring reliable operation without

complex instrumentation.

At peak winter demand, gas production is

expected to reach 300 million standard

cubic feet per day, with condensate

produced at a ratio of 14 barrels per million

standard cubic feet. The four-platform

layout provides operational flexibility,

allowing different production rates across

the installations as needed.

Once onshore, the fluids are processed and

treated to meet specifications for sale to

British Gas plc and distribution across the

UK network. Existing infrastructure at the

Rough Terminal is utilized, with only

additional systems for corrosion inhibition

and methanol recovery needing to be

installed. Condensate is separated at the

terminal and transported to Immingham for

sale on the open market.

AMETHYST

Writtten in the1990s

UK PLATFORMS

HAMILTON BROTHERS

ARGYLL

HAMILTON BROTHERS

ARGYLL

UK PLATFORMS

TOTAL

ALWYN

UK PLATFORMS

CHEVRON

ALBA

UK PLATFORMS